cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sutureless otoplasty by scoring of the cartilage : A study in 34 patients

The aim of correction of prominent ears is to improve cosmesis, preferably without complications. We used cartilage scoring with a surgical blade while controlling the degree of helical fold created with fine diathermy at the edge of fold. Thirty-four consecutive patients had bilateral correction, with a mean follow-up of 6 months. Their mean age was 8 years 3 months (range 6-18 years), and there were 16 boys and 18 girls. Twenty-six required general anaesthesia and eight had a local anaesthetic. Postoperative complications included one bleed that was controlled by a change of dressing, and an infection in one ear (treated with antibiotics). There were no haematomas, wound breakdowns, or protrusion of sutures (no sutures were used generally except for deep conchal bowl where conchomastoid sutures were used). We think that the low complication rate is the result of maximising the advantages and minimising the disadvantages of the different techniques. We recommend this technique for the routine correction of prominent ears as a result of a poorly formed antihelical fold or deep conchal bowl.
Comparison shopping agents and online price dispersion: a search cost based explanation

Search costs and consumer heterogeneity are two important explanations for the price dispersion in the brick and mortar (B&M) markets. Comparison shopping agents (CSAs) provide a single click decision support for consumers' purchasing related decision problems and reduce their search costs by providing detail price dispersion related information. Contemporary researchers in IS observe that even with such negligible search costs, price dispersion still continues in the online markets. Consumer heterogeneity and retailer heterogeneity have been agreed upon as two primary explanations for online price dispersions. In this paper, popular CSAs are analyzed to check if they provide complete and accurate price dispersion information. It is shown that because of the selection bias and temporal delay in updating information, contemporary CSAs may not present complete and accurate price dispersion information. In order to reach to an optimal purchasing decision, consumers may have to rely on a sequential search across multiple CSAs or browse through various retailers. This research adds a search cost dimension to explain the continuance of price dispersion in the online markets.
Note on Larmor's theorem as applied to the rotating superconductor

Abstract Larmor's theorem may be used to show an equivalence between a stationary superconductor and a rotating system in which the field is everywhere ω/γ greater. The equivalence applies to the fundamental form of the Hamiltonian and the factor γ is − e /2 m 0 c where all parameters refer to the free electron.
Primary to secondary sphere coordination of 15-crown-5 to lanthanide(III) chlorides: structural analysis of [MCl3(15-crown-5)] (M=La, Ce) and [Er(OH2)8]Cl3·15-crown-5

Complexes of LaCl3·7H2O and CeCl3·7H2O directly coordinated to 15-crown-5 were prepared by placing the reactants in 3∶1 CH3CN∶CH3OH on opposite sides of a fine porosity glass frit in a U-shaped cell and passing a 10 μA current through the cell. The crystal structures of the two anhydrous 8-coordinate complexes, [MCl3(15-crown-5)] (M=La, Ce) have been determined. Each contains the lanthanide in a bicapped trigonal prismatic geometry. The two complexes are isostructural crystallizing in the monoclinic space groupP21/c with (at 20°C) for M=La:a=8.217(8),b=14.298(2),c=14.341(9) A, β=104.79(8)°, andD calc=1.90 g cm−3 forZ=4; for M=Ce:a=8.208(9),b=14.263(6),c=14.270(8) A, β=104.74(7)°, andD calc=1.92 g cm−3 forZ=4. Direct reaction of ErCl3·6H2O with 15-crown-5 in 3∶1 CH3CN∶CH3OH resulted in the crystallization of the second sphere hydrogen bonded complex [Er(OH2)8]Cl3·15-crown-5. This complex is monoclinic,P21/n with (at 18°C)a=9.193(3),b=17.235(9),c=15.216(5) A, β=92.48(3)°, andD calc=1.76 g cm−3 forZ=4. The Er3+ ion is dodecahedral.
The Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS): Alcohol consumption and sociodemographic predictors across Hispanic national groups

Objective: To examine differences in alcohol consumption among Hispanic national groups in the United States [Puerto Ricans, Mexican, Cuban, and Dominican South Central (D/SC) Americans] and identify sociodemographic predictors of drinking and binge drinking (four drinks for women and five for men in a 2-hr period). Method: The study used a household probability sample of adult Hispanics in five metropolitan areas in the United States. Comprehensive data on alcohol consumption were collected. Analyses included bivariate and multivariate regression techniques. Results: Puerto Rican and Mexican American men reported higher drinking rates, weekly consumption, and binge drinking than D/SC and Cuban Americans. Women drank significantly less than men. Mexican American women reported the highest abstention rate (61%); Puerto Rican women drank more per week and binged more frequently compared with their counterparts in other groups. Puerto Rican origin, initiating drinking during high school years (<18), and male gender (US- or foreign-born) were significant predictors of weekly alcohol consumption. Being younger, being single, Puerto Rican or D/SC American origin, initiating drinking at <18 years, being a US- or foreign-born male and being a US-born female were significant predictors of binge drinking. Conclusions: There are considerable differences in drinking behavior across Hispanic national groups as well as between men and women. Results underscore the need to recognize heterogeneity in drinking practices while designing effective prevention interventions in the community.
DNA origami and biotechnology applications: a perspective

The use of DNA as a material has opened up new possibilities in the field of nanobiotechnology. Specifically, DNA origami – a technique in which one long single-stranded DNA scaffold is folded into nanoscale shapes and structures using hundreds of short 'staple' oligonucleotides – has contributed to new innovations within this field. Nanostructures created using DNA origami have found use in applications such as biosensing, triggered drug delivery, enzyme cascades and biomolecular analysis platforms. The unmatched features of DNA nanostructures such as cell permeability, biocompatibility, and spatial positioning have contributed to DNA origami playing an important role in the development of materials for biotechnology applications. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
An HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor, Cerivastatin, Suppresses Growth of Macrophages Expressing Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Factor In Vivo and In Vitro

Background—Unstable atherosclerotic plaques that cause acute coronary events usually contain abundant macrophages expressing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue factor (TF), molecules that probably contribute to plaque rupture and subsequent thrombus formation. Lipid lowering with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors reduces acute coronary events. Methods and Results—To test whether lipid lowering with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor retards macrophage accumulation in rabbit atheroma, we administered cerivastatin to immature Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits (cerivastatin group, n=10, cerivastatin 0.6 mg · kg−1 · d−1; control group, n=9, saline 0.6 mL · kg−1 · d−1) for 32 weeks and measured macrophage accumulation and expression of MMPs and TF. Serum cholesterol levels after 32 weeks were 809±40 mg/dL (control group) and 481±24 mg/dL (treated group). Cerivastatin diminished accumulation of macrophages in aortic atheroma. Macrophage expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TF also decreased with ceriv...
Impact of forestry practices at a landscape scale on the dynamics of amphibian populations

Forest loss is a primary cause of worldwide amphibian decline. Timber harvesting in the United States has caused dramatic changes in quality and extent of forest ecosystems, and intensive forest management still occurs. Although numerous studies have documented substantial reductions in amphibian densities related to timber harvest, subsequent extinctions are rare. To better understand the population dynamics that have allowed so many amphibian species to persist in the face of widespread forest disturbance, we developed spatially explicit metapopulation models for four forest-dependent amphibian species (Lithobates sylvaticus, Ambystoma opacum, A. talpoideum, and A. maculatum) that incorporated demographic and habitat selection data derived from experiments conducted as part of the Land Use Effects on Amphibian Populations Project (LEAP). We projected local and landscape-scale population persistence under 108 different forestry practice scenarios, varying treatment (partial cut, clear-cut with coarse woody debris [CWD] removed, and clearcut with CWD retained), cut patch size (1, 10, or 50 ha), total area cut (10, 20, or 30%), and initial amphibian population size (5, 50, or 500 adult females per local breeding population). Under these scenarios, landscape-scale extinction was highly unlikely, occurring in < 1% of model runs and for only 2 of the 4 species, because landscape-scale populations were able to persist via dispersal even despite frequent local extinctions. Yet for all species, population sizes were reduced to -50% in all clear-cut scenarios, regardless of the size of harvested patches. These findings suggest that debate over timber harvesting on pool-breeding amphibian populations in the United States should focus not on questions of landscape-scale extinction but on the ecological consequences of dramatic reductions in amphibian biomass, including changes in trophic interactions, nutrient cycling, and energy transfer. Additionally, we conclude that amphibian declines and extinctions are far more likely to occur as a result of permanent habitat loss resulting from development than from the temporary degradation of habitat caused by current forestry practices.
IT-06PERSONALIZED IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF GLIOBLASTOMA.

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy harnesses the immune system to specifically attack malignant cells thereby offering a targeted treatment option without systemic toxicity for patients with GBM. However, immunotherapy remains limited by the relative dearth of antigen specific tumor targets. Since GBMs have been shown to express cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens, we can use these viral epitopes as a novel, effective, and specific targets in conjunction with other tumor associated antigens (TAAs) for effective glioma therapy. We hypothesize that elucidating a more full antigenic profile of CMV and other TAAs for use in a multi-component immunotherapeutic approach will provide robust immunologic responses against GBM. METHODS: We designed a multiplex RT-qPCR SYBR array (Bio-Rad) containing 27 CMV genes that were shown to be associated with immune reactivity. Agilent 4x44k custom gene expression arrays were designed and developed to screen GBM patient tumor samples for the presence of human TAA genes. RT-qPCR products were verified via Sanger sequencing and select TAA microarray genes were validated via RT-qPCR. Targets identified within GBM specimens were evaluated for immunogenicity in vitro using RNA-pulsed dendritic cells. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: As expected, there was significant heterogeneity in the expression of CMV and TAA antigens within primary GBM tumors. The capacity to effectively target GBM tumors using autologous T cells stimulated by antigen pulsed DCs was demonstrated in vitro. In summary, given differences in antigenic profiles of GBM patients, a personalized targeted approach will allow us to select the appropriate RNA transcripts for use in a multi-component dendritic cell based therapy. The enrichment for personalized tumor antigens using transcript specific autologous RNA amplification may further refine immunologic targeting and we have demonstrated the feasibility and immunologic potency of this novel therapeutic approach.
CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN SURGICAL CORRECTION OF PEDIATRIC URETEROPELVIC JUNCTION OBSTRUCTION: DATA FROM THE NATIONWIDE INPATIENT SAMPLE

ABSTRACTPurpose: The presentation and diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction have changed in the last 20 years. We describe trends in pediatric surgical correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction between 1988 and 2000.Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample contains data on approximately 5 million to 7 million hospital inpatient stays per year, approximating a 20% sample of United States hospitals. We used International Classification of Disease-9 codes to identify pediatric pyeloplasty cases, and analyzed the data for practice patterns.Results: A total of 5,858 pediatric patients (mean age 62.8 months) underwent pyeloplasty. Males comprised 70.7% of the sample, and tended to undergo surgery at a younger age (60.1 vs 69.4 months, p <0.0001). The proportion of procedures done during the first 6 months of life decreased from 34.2% (1988 to 1991) to 25.2% (1997 to 2000, p <0.0001). Nonwhites underwent surgery in the first 6 months more often than whites (38.9% vs 25.0%, p <0.000...
The Pharmacological Treatment of Ambulatory Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Because of the widespread prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the important role of drug therapy in its management, there is significant opportunity for the pharmacist to interact with COPD patients. Whether educating patients or other health care providers about COPD, a knowledge of the treatment options and their correct application in these patients is essential for pharmacists today. This article reviews the pharmacological management of ambulatory COPD patients, including the roles of β-agonists, anticholinergics, theophylline, steroids, oxygen, and other treatment modalities. Copyright © 1992 by W.B. Saunders Company
Role of artificial neural networks and wavelets in online reliability monitoring of physical systems

In some cases, degradation signals exhibited by a physical component contain valuable information regarding the state or well-being of the component. We introduce several methods that facilitate estimation of individual component reliability utilizing online degradation signals. Even though degradation signals can be modeled using different tools, the paper discusses the relevance of neural networks for modeling the same. In the case when the waveform or signature characteristics of the signal are more important than the amplitude characteristics, the paper recommends a wavelet transform prior to degradation signal modeling. The proposed techniques have been applied to monitor drill bits used in a machining center. The degradation signals, force and torque, were collected as the drill bits were destructively tested.
The Role of Allergy in Otitis Media with Effusion

The role of allergy in chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) is controversial. New evidence from cellular biology and immunology explain the basics of allergic reactions and allow more accurate diagnosis of allergies and inflammatory disease throughout the unified airway. This article examines the epidemiologic, methodological, and immunologic studies of allergic causes of OME, including (1) evidence for and against OME as an allergic disease, (2) allergy as a cause for eustachian tube obstruction, (3) examination of the most sensitive diagnostic tests for allergy, and (4) the effect of treatment of underlying allergies in improving and resolving middle ear disease.
Surround Antagonism in Macaque Cone Photoreceptors

Center-surround antagonism is a hallmark feature of the receptive fields of sensory neurons. In retinas of lower vertebrates, surround antagonism derives in part from inhibition of cone photoreceptors by horizontal cells. Using whole-cell patch recording methods, we found that light-evoked responses of cones in macaque monkey were antagonized when surrounding cones were illuminated. The spatial and spectral properties of this antagonism indicate that it results from inhibition by horizontal cells. It has been suggested that horizontal cell inhibition is mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA. The inhibition observed here, however, was inconsistent with a GABA-gated chloride conductance mechanism. Instead, surround illumination evoked an increase in calcium conductance and calcium-activated chloride conductance in cones. We expect that these conductances modulate neurotransmitter release at the cone synapse and increase visual sensitivity to spatial contrast.
Noise identification with the k-means algorithm

The presence of noise in a measurement dataset can have a negative effect on the classification model built. More specifically, the noisy instances in the dataset can adversely affect the learnt hypothesis. Removal of noisy instances will improve the learnt hypothesis; thus, improving the classification accuracy of the model. A clustering-based noise detection approach using the k-means algorithm is presented. We present a new metric for measuring the potentiality (noise factor) of an instance being noisy. Based on the computed noise factor values of the instances, the clustering-based algorithm is then used to identify and eliminate p% of the instances in the dataset. These p% of instances are considered the most likely to be noisy among the instances in the dataset - the p% value is varied from 1% to 40%. The noise detection approach is investigated with respect to two case studies of software measurement data obtained from NASA software projects. The two datasets are characterized by the same thirteen software metrics and a class label that classifies the program modules as fault-prone and not fault-prone. It is shown that as more noisy instances are removed, classification accuracy of the C4>5 learner improves. This indicates that the removed instances are most likely noisy instances that attributed to poor classification accuracy.
Gap junctions in Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti

SUMMARY We present electrical, physiological and molecular evidence for substantial electrical coupling of epithelial cells in Malpighian tubules via gap junctions. Current was injected into one principal cell of the isolated Malpighian tubule and membrane voltage deflections were measured in that cell and in two neighboring principal cells. By short-circuiting the transepithelial voltage with the diuretic peptide leucokinin-VIII we largely eliminated electrical coupling of principal cells through the tubule lumen, thereby allowing coupling through gap junctions to be analyzed. The analysis of an equivalent electrical circuit of the tubule yielded an average gap-junction resistance ( R gj ) of 431 kΩ between two cells. This resistance would stem from 6190 open gap-junctional channels, assuming the high single gap-junction conductance of 375 pS found in vertebrate tissues. The addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 (2 μmol l –1 ) to the peritubular Ringer bath containing 1.7 mmol l –1 Ca 2+ did not affect the gap-junction resistance, but metabolic inhibition of the tubule with dinitrophenol (0.5 mmol l –1 ) increased the gap-junction resistance 66-fold, suggesting the regulation of gap junctions by ATP. Lucifer Yellow injected into a principal cell did not appear in neighboring principal cells. Thus, gap junctions allow the passage of current but not Lucifer Yellow. Using RT-PCR we found evidence for the expression of innexins 1, 2, 3 and 7 (named after their homologues in Drosophila ) in Malpighian tubules. The physiological demonstration of gap junctions and the molecular evidence for innexin in Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti call for the double cable model of the tubule, which will improve the measurement and the interpretation of electrophysiological data collected from Malpighian tubules.
Carbon–Oxygen Bond Activation in Esters by Platinum(0): Cleavage of the Less Reactive Bond

Reaction of Pt(dippe)(NBE)2 (NBE = norbornene) with a variety of esters leads to a product in which the less reactive C–O bond is cleaved to give Pt(dippe)(O2CR)(R′). A further disproportionation reaction occurs to eliminate R′2 and produce Pt(dippe)(O2CR)2. Details of the mechanisms of these reactions are explored.
Fine structural observations of the absorption of lipid particles in the small intestine of the rat.

Globules or particles of material, 50 A to 1000 A in diameter, stained with Pb++ to become dense, occurred between, on, or within the microvilli of the absorptive cells of the proximal jejunum of rats which had been fasted for 48 hours and fed corn oil one hour before sacrifice. This material was demonstrable in tissues fixed in glutaraldehyde, osmium tetroxide, or both fixatives providing Pb++ staining occurred. No or very little stainable material was present in fasted rats. These findings were correlated with in vitro studies on negatively stained or Pb++ stained solutions of micelles. The absorption of particulate lipid by the microvilli of the epithelial cells of the small intestine is discussed.
The creation of a comprehensive metocean data set for offshore wind turbine simulations

A database of meteorological and ocean conditions is presented for use in offshore wind energy research and design. The original data are from 23 ocean sites around the USA and were obtained from the National Data Buoy Center run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The data are presented in a processed form that includes the variables of interest for offshore wind energy design: wind speed, significant wave height, wave peak-spectral period, wind direction and wave direction. For each site, a binning process is conducted to create conditional probability functions for each of these variables. The sites are then grouped according to geographic location and combined to create three representative sites, including a West Coast site, an East Coast site and a Gulf of Mexico site. Both the processed data and the probability distribution parameters for the individual and representative sites are being hosted on a publicly available domain by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, with the intent of providing a standard basis of comparison for meteorological and ocean conditions for offshore wind energy research worldwide.
New measurements of magnetic field decay in 1 meter SSC-type dipoles

Previous studies of magnetic field decay in model SSC (Superconducting Super Collider) dipoles due to changes in magnetization currents caused by flux creep have used the assumed SSC injection energy of 1 TeV, or an 0.33-T central dipole field, and an excitation to the storage field of 6.6 T. More recently, it has been decided to inject at 2 TeV, or 0.66 T and so more recent tests have been carried out at the new injection field, or at both the new and old fields. Additionally, the effects of temperature changes and excitation cycles on the field decay have been studied. The roughly log linear decay of magnetization current multipole fields has been demonstrated in several new dipoles. A suggested mechanism of thermally induced activation in the additional 0.5-K range has been effectively countered by temperature measurements that show temperature fluctuation ten to thirty times lower, over a 90-min time period.
RAxML and FastTree: Comparing Two Methods for Large-Scale Maximum Likelihood Phylogeny Estimation

Statistical methods for phylogeny estimation, especially maximum likelihood (ML), offer high accuracy with excellent theoretical properties. However, RAxML, the current leading method for large-scale ML estimation, can require weeks or longer when used on datasets with thousands of molecular sequences. Faster methods for ML estimation, among them FastTree, have also been developed, but their relative performance to RAxML is not yet fully understood. In this study, we explore the performance with respect to ML score, running time, and topological accuracy, of FastTree and RAxML on thousands of alignments (based on both simulated and biological nucleotide datasets) with up to 27,634 sequences. We find that when RAxML and FastTree are constrained to the same running time, FastTree produces topologically much more accurate trees in almost all cases. We also find that when RAxML is allowed to run to completion, it provides an advantage over FastTree in terms of the ML score, but does not produce substantially more accurate tree topologies. Interestingly, the relative accuracy of trees computed using FastTree and RAxML depends in part on the accuracy of the sequence alignment and dataset size, so that FastTree can be more accurate than RAxML on large datasets with relatively inaccurate alignments. Finally, the running times of RAxML and FastTree are dramatically different, so that when run to completion, RAxML can take several orders of magnitude longer than FastTree to complete. Thus, our study shows that very large phylogenies can be estimated very quickly using FastTree, with little (and in some cases no) degradation in tree accuracy, as compared to RAxML.
Polyphenol associated-DNA adducts in lung and blood mononuclear cells from lung cancer patients *

The formation of smoking induced-DNA adducts is a critical factor in the induction of human lung cancer. As derivates of benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important compounds of tobacco smoke, in DNA isolated from human lung and blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) from 38 lung cancer patients, we used the 32 P-postlabeling assay to detect polyphenol associated DNA adducts. Two DNA adducts were detected in blood MNCs and lung tissue that co-chromatographed with DNA modifications from HL60 cells treated with combinations of benzene metabolites (e.g., hydroquinone and benzenetriol). These adducts were designated polyphenol-associated DNA adducts. Relative adduct levels for polyphenolic adducts were five-fold higher than aromatic adducts in both lung and MNCs. A significant correlation was observed between levels of polyphenol adducts and total duration of cigarette smoking in lung (rZ0.34; P!0.04) and MNCs (rZ0.7; P!0.04), but no correlation between levels of polyphenol adducts and pack-years consumption of cigarettes nor time since quitting smoking in former smokers. Long term former smokers and the one non-smoker in the study had detectable levels of polyphenol adducts. Surprisingly, the levels of polyphenol adducts in MNCs were highly correlated with aromatic adduct levels (rZ0.84; P!0.001). Individual aromatic adducts in MNCs also correlated with polyphenol adducts. Total polyphenol adduct levels had a correlation with aromatic DNA adduct levels in lung tissue (rZ0.46; P!0.01). To our knowledge these
Boophilus Annulatus: Effect of Host Nutrition on Development of Female Ticks

In each of 5 tests, groups of yearling Holstein steers fed a diet containing low protein and fat consistently yielded larger numbers of engorged female Boophilus annulatus (Say) than steers on a high protein and fat diet. Larger numbers of ticks were collected from steers that were losing weight than from steers that were gaining weight. The effects of both tick infestation and nutritional status influenced the hematocrit and serum cholesterol values of the steers. The nature of the resistance to ticks in cattle fed the high protein and fat diet proved to be primarily physiological rather than behavioral when steers were prevented from self-grooming.
Mapping of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC3, CDC25, and CDC42 genes to chromosome XII by chromosome blotting and tetrad analysis

CDC3, CDC25 and CDC42 were localized to chromosome XII by hybridizing the cloned genes to Southern blots of chromosomes separated by orthogonal-field-alternation gel electrophoresis. Meiotic tetrad analyses further localized these genes to the region distal to the RDN1 locus on the right arm of the chromosome. The STE11 gene, which had previously been mapped to chromosome XII (Chaleff and Tatchell, 1985), was found to be tightly linked to ILV5. The data suggest a map order of CEN12-RDN1-CDC42-(CDC25-CDC3)-(ILV5- STE11)-URA4. Certain oddities of the data set raise the possibility that there may be constraints on the patterns of recombination in this region of chromosome XII.
Adaptive compliant motion control of manipulators: theory and experiments

This paper presents a new adaptive compliant motion control scheme for position-controlled manipulators. The strategy does not require knowledge of the manipulator dynamic model, the position controller parameters, or the environment, and is extremely simple computationally. The control scheme is shown to be globally asymptotically stable if the "inner-loop" position controller has a PD-plus-gravity compensation structure and globally stable even if gravity effects are not compensated. Computer simulation results are given for a Robotics Research Corporation (RRC) Model K-1207 redundant arm and demonstrate that accurate and robust force control is achievable with the proposed controller. Experimental results are presented for the RRC K-1207 robot and confirm that the control scheme provides a simple and effective means of obtaining high performance force control. >
Use of Nasometry as a Diagnostic Tool for Identifying Patients with Velopharyngeal Impairment

A series of 117 patients were studied in an attempt to determine the extent to which acoustic assessments of speech made with a Kay Elemetrics Nasometer corresponded with aerodynamic estimates of velopharyngeal area and clinical judgments of hypernasality. Nasometer data were obtained while patients read or repeated a standardized passage with no nasal consonants. Pressure-flow data were obtained from 96 of these patients during repeated productions of the word "papa." Listener judgments were made in a clinical setting by the senior author using a 6-point equal-appearing interval scale. Nasometer and pressure-flow results were not known to the senior author when making listener assessments. With a cutoff nasalance score of 32, the sensitivity of Nasometer ratings in correctly identifying the presence or absence of velopharyngeal areas in excess of 0.10 cm2 was 0.78 and 0.79, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of nasometry in correctly identifying subjects with more than mild hypernasality in their speech was 0.89 while the specificity was 0.95. The results suggest that the Nasometer is an appropriate instrument that can be of value in assessing patients suspected of having velopharyngeal impairment.
Estimates of Hospital Based Emergency Department Visits due to Dental Implant Failures in the United States

Abstract Objective Objective of the current study is to provide nationally representative estimates of hospital based emergency department (ED) visits attributed to dental implant failures in the United States. Methods The Nationwide Emergency Department sample for the years 2008–2010 was used. All ED visits with a diagnosis of “dental implant failures” were selected for analysis. Patient demographics were examined. Outcomes of interest included disposition status following the ED visit and ED charges. Results During the study period, a total of 1200 ED visits were due to dental implant failures. Most ED visits with dental implant failures occurred among those aged Conclusions Highest proportions of these ED visits were comprised of those aged
Disilane Adsorption on Ge(111): A Multiple Internal Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy Study

The adsorption and decomposition of disilane on the Ge(111) surface has been investigated using multiple internal reflection infrared spectroscopy (MIRIRS). At temperatures ≤ 110 K, Si2H6 weakly bonds to the Ge surface in a molecular fashion. Upon mild heating to temperatures between 110–150 K, both desorption and dissociation occur. Dissociative adsorption also occurs upon exposure at temperatures > 110 K. Molecular adsorption is no longer observed for exposure at temperatures above 150 K. Detection of the low frequency deformation modes provides direct evidence for dissociation of the Si-Si bond between 120–150 K. The primary species present at 150 K is silyl, SiH3. Si-H bond scission takes place from 150–500 K, resulting in GeH formation. Production of SiH2 and SiH is spectroscopically identified in this temperature range.
Biocompatible, Detachable, and Free-Standing Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films

Self-assembled polyelectrolyte multilayers have gained tremendous popularity over the past decade and have been incorporated in diverse applications. However, the fabrication of detachable and free...
Searching for Common Generalizations: The Case of Hyperbolic Functions

(1995). Searching for Common Generalizations: The Case of Hyperbolic Functions. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 102, No. 7, pp. 609-619.
Custom Umbrellas (Poro) fromPandanus in Solomon Islands

The leaves ofPandanus dubius andP. solomonensis serve as a primary protective cover from the tropical sun and torrential rain in the Solomon Islands. A study of the process of manufacture and the present use was undertaken in 2 distinct geographical and linguistic areas of Guadalcanal to determine what features have enabled this traditional craft to survive relatively unaffected by over 100 yr of European contact. The traditional method of preparation and manufacture is described for the ethnobotanical record.
SELECTION FOR NATIVE CHARACTERS IN HYBRIDS BETWEEN TWO LOCALLY ADAPTED PLANT SUBSPECIES.

Gene exchange between locally adapted plant populations can have significant evolutionary consequences, including changes in genetic diversity, introduction of adaptive or maladaptive traits, disruptive of coadaptive gene complexes, and the creation of new ecotypes or even species. The potential for introgression between divergent populations will depend on the strength of selection against nonnative characters. Morphologically variable F2 hybrids of two Gilia capitata subspecies were used to evaluate the strength of phenotypic selection and the response to selection in the home habitats of each subspecies. At both sites, traits diagnostic of the subspecies were subject to significant phenotypic selection, probably mediated by direct selection on unmeasured correlated characters. Phenotypic selection favored native morphologies in all but a single case; leaf shape of one subspecies was favored in both habitats. The strength of selection varied between sites, with one site selecting more strongly against nonnative characters. Offspring of the F2 hybrids showed a significant evolutionary response to selection when grown in a common environment. Evolution was in the direction of similarity with the subspecies native to the site where selection was imposed. This result reveals that native character states are adaptive and suggests that selection will maintain native morphologies even after a substantial influx of genes from an ecologically and morphologically distinct, and locally adapted subspecies.
Comparative Study of the Effect of Different Coal Fly Ashes on the Performance of Oxygen Carriers for Chemical Looping Combustion

The application of chemical looping combustion (CLC) to solid fuels for the purpose of electric power generation from coal is the focus of research at the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER),...
Tricarboxylic acid-cycle metabolism in brain. Effect of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate on the labelling of glutamate aspartate, glutamine and γ-amino butyrate

1. The effect of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate on the compartmentation of the glutamate–glutamine system was studied in brain slices with l-[U-14C]glutamate, l-[U-14C]aspartate, [1-14C]acetate and γ-amino[1-14C]butyrate as precursors and in homogenates of brain tissue with [1-14C]acetate. The effect of fluoroacetate was also studied in vivo in mouse brain with [1-14C]acetate as precursor. 2. Fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate inhibit the labelling of glutamine from all precursors but affect the labelling of glutamate to a much lesser extent. This effect is not due to inhibition of glutamine synthetase. It is interpreted as being due to selective inhibition of the metabolism of a small pool of glutamate that preferentially labels glutamine.
Performance of pattern diversity in reconfigurable antenna arrays

In this paper, we investigate the benefits offered by radiation pattern diversity in reconfigurable antenna arrays and place these benefits in context with spatial diversity provided by conventional antenna arrays. These antennas provide pattern diversity that can improve capacity and offers a unique opportunity for antenna system miniaturization for portable wireless devices. We use a common modeling framework to study the impact of spatial and pattern correlation on the performance of the multi-antenna array systems. We consider a geometry-based MIMO channel cluster model to investigate the effects of the channel spatial characteristics and antenna array geometry/radiation patterns on the spatial correlation and system performance. Our findings demonstrate relative diversity performance improvement of at least 3 dB from using pattern diversity over space diversity.
Considerations on the research and development of new drug innovation from traditional Chinese medicine

The authors expounded their considerations on the issue "research and development of new drug innovation from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)".These considerations are based on the perspective of new drugs evaluation,registration management,and the status of development and registration applications of new drugs from TCM in recent years.The specific forms of new drugs development innovation and the existing problems were also analyzed.
Spatiotemporal Control of T Cell Stimulation using Janus Particles

T cell stimulation is crucial step for immune response. It is also an essential process in adoptive immunotherapy, which utilizes patient's own immune cells to fight against cancer. Understanding T cell activation is important for both fundamental and biomedical purposes, but there are limited methods that enable spatiotemporal control. In this presentation, I will show our progress on using distinctive multi-functionalities of Janus particles to achieve the spatiotemporal control of the activation of T cells. Janus particles, named after the Roman god who has two faces, have separated multiple functionalities in one particle. This anisotropy can mimic the ligand presentation of the immunological synapse when Antigen presenting cells activates a T cell. Our group's recent work have shown the control over ligand presentation and its effect on activation of T cells[1]. I will demonstrate in the presentation that exploiting material and surface anisotropy of Janus particles can better modulate activation of T cells. The spatiotemporal control of T cell activation not only provides a useful tool for the fundamental understanding of cell signaling, but also enable remote control of T cell functions for potential applications in adoptive T cell therapy.[1] B. Chen, et al., Acs Appl Mater Inter 2014, 6, 18435-18439.
Plasma photonic crystals with tunable bandgap and configurable transmission modes

A fully tunable plasma photonic crystal is used to control the propagation of free space electromagnetic waves in the S to X band of the microwave spectrum. A structured array of discharge plasma tubes are arranged in a square crystal lattice with the individual plasma dielectric constant tuned through variation in the plasma density. We show through simulations and experiments that transverse electric (TE) mode bandgaps exist, arising from both positive and negative dielectric constant regimes of the plasma. We experimentally demonstrate that the bandgap frequencies can be shifted through changing the dielectric constant by varying discharge current density, allowing for an actively tunable device with a controllable bandgap. Additional transmission modes, including waveguiding and bending modes, are simulated and experimentally demonstrated by changing the structure of the plasma discharges within the crystal lattice structure.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Hypogammaglobulinemia in Pediatric Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) Patients

Abstract 4492 Objectives: Impairment of antibody immunity correlates with an increased risk of infections after SCT primarily due to encapsulated bacteria. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia are more prone to recurrent infections that can potentially be fatal. The incidence of this complication is not well known in children following allogeneic SCT. We sought to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of this complication in pediatric recipients of allogeneic SCT. Methods: All patients receiving allogeneic SCT at Vanderbilt Children9s Hospital between 1999 and 2011 were included in this analysis. Excluded were patients with primary immune deficiency. IgG levels were measured every 2 weeks following SCT for the first 100 days and then monthly thereafter. Hypogammaglobulinemia was defined as IgG Results: A total of 177 patients with a median age of 9 years were included in this analysis. 137 (77%) had malignant diseases and 108 (61%) received cells from an unrelated source. Bone marrow was the stem cell source in 120 (68%) while 30 (17%) received PBSC and 27 (15%) received cord blood. 137 of 177 (77.4%) patients developed hypogammaglobulinemia at a median of 69 days (range 5–339) after transplant. In multivariable analysis patients who developed hypogammaglobulinemia were significantly younger HR=1.05 (95% CI, 1.02–1.1, p=0.002), have malignant disease: HR=2.73: (95% CI:1.6–4.7,p 1 year post transplant and are off immune suppression have normal IgG levels and are not requiring replacement therapy. Conclusions: Hypogammaglobulinemia is a common complication in pediatric patients following allogeneic SCT. Younger patients, those with malignant diseases and recipients of unrelated donor SCT are at higher risk. Acute and chronic GVHD increased the risk of developing hypogammaglobulinemia. Close monitoring of IgG level should be considered in those at highest risk. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Surface towed electromagnetic system for mapping of subsea Arctic permafrost

Abstract Sea level has risen globally since the late Pleistocene, resulting in permafrost-bearing coastal zones in the Arctic being submerged and subjected to temperature induced degradation. Knowing the extent of permafrost and how it changes over time is important for climate change predictions and for planning engineering activities in the Arctic environment. We developed a controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) method to obtain information on the depth, thickness, and lateral extent of marine permafrost. To operate in shallow water we used a surface towed electric dipole–dipole CSEM system suitable for deployment from small boats. This system was used to map permafrost on the Arctic shelf offshore Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Our results show significant lateral variability in the presence of permafrost, with the thickest layers associated with a large river outflow where freshwater influx seems to have a preserving effect on relict subsea permafrost.
Targeting Menin-MLL Interaction to Inhibit MLL Fusion Oncoproteins in Leukemia

Abstract 2497 Chromosomal translocations that affect the MLL ( Mixed Lineage Leukemia ) proto-oncogene occur in aggressive acute leukemias, both in children and adults. Fusion of MLL to one of more than 50 partner genes results in generation of the MLL fusion oncoprotein, which upregulates expression of HOX genes required for normal hematopoiesis, and ultimately leads to the development of acute leukemia. Patients harboring translocations of MLL gene suffer from very aggressive leukemias and respond poorly to available therapies, emphasizing the urgent need for novel therapeutic treatments. All oncogenic MLL fusion proteins have a preserved N-terminal fragment of MLL that interacts with menin, a tumor suppressor protein encoded by MEN1 ( Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 1 ) gene. Importantly, the menin-MLL fusion protein interaction is critical to the leukemogenic activity of MLL fusion proteins and misregulation of HOXA9 genes, and therefore it represents a valuable molecular target for therapeutic intervention. Selective targeting of the protein-protein interaction between menin and MLL fusion proteins with small molecules could block the oncogenic activity of MLL fusion proteins and inhibit development of acute leukemia. To identify small molecule inhibitors of the menin-MLL interaction we have performed a High Throughput Screen of 350,000 compounds using a collection of biochemical assays and biophysical methods. This resulted in several classes of compounds that specifically bind to menin and inhibit the menin-MLL interaction both in vitro and in human cells. We then applied medicinal chemistry approaches to develop analogues of selected lead candidates, resulting in very potent compounds that inhibit the menin-MLL interaction with nanomolar affinities. To evaluate potency, specificity and mechanism of action of these compounds we used a broad collection of cellular assays. These compounds selectively inhibit proliferation of the MLL leukemia cells, strongly induce apoptosis and differentiation of these cells. Importantly, these compounds substantially downregulate expression of HOXA9 and MEIS1 genes that are downstream targets of MLL fusion proteins required for their leukemogenicity, and they also deplete the menin-MLL fusion protein complex from the target genes. Furthermore, the compounds that we developed specifically inhibit the MLL fusion protein mediated oncogenic transformation. All these effects closely recapitulate the effects observed upon acute loss of menin or disruption of the menin-MLL fusion protein interaction using genetic manipulations, demonstrating highly specific mode of action for these compounds. Our current efforts are focused to assess the effect of these compounds in in vivo models of MLL leukemia and evaluate their utility as future drug candidates for acute leukemias. This may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of very aggressive leukemias with MLL translocations. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
RIB 508: Christian not Pagan

There appear to be Christian elements depicted on the inscription in the form, from left to right, of an eight-pointed star enclosed by concentric circles, which I have interpreted as a double monogrammatic cross (sometimes called a cross-patt?e),1 that is, two crosses within the one circle (as indicated by the shading in the circles in the iconography of RIB 508 above); a tree (the tree of life?); two more double monogrammatic crosses, of which the third is larger in size; and a second tree. The tree symbol has been interpreted in Christian art and is particularly apparent on the Hinton St. Mary mosaic as the tree of life.2 Various forms of