cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing a universal format for encrypted media

Increasingly, video delivery over the internet is being monetized through advertisement or paid services. Almost all monetized video is delivered encrypted to the clients. Clients are authorized to receive the encryption keys after watching advertisements or based on payments. Although the exact same audio and video compression standards are used, the way media is encrypted is very different in different eco-systems like Adobe Flash, Apple HTTP Live Streaming, MPEG Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP, etc., making them incompatible with each other. In some cases, it is sample (frame) based encryption while it is packet based in others. Even while using sample based encryption, different parts of a sample are selectively encrypted by different schemes. As encryption algorithms typically use different chaining modes (e.g., Cipher Block Chaining) there is some continuity from one encryption block to another. Although there is considerable overlap between encrypted data, the encryption chains are constructed differently across different formats. The goal of this paper is to define a single mezzanine file format to serve as a Universal Encryption Format that a client platform can implement to playback media from different encrypted video delivery systems. We use some basic encryption characteristics to identify and preserve the chains by storing minimal house keeping information about which part of the data is encrypted, where chains are broken, additional initialization vectors, etc. We design and propose an encryption map that is stored typically with the media sample headers. The map securely and efficiently stores information about encryption runs in terms of sizes, IVs, and offsets. We propose additional optimizations in the format to make the encryption maps compact and the decryption, efficient.
Age differences in conservatism

Abstract Nearly 30,000 people from across the United States returned a mailed survey which included a version of the Wilson-Patterson conservatism scale. Principal component factor analysis of the 28 social topics (e.g. abortion, socialism, the draft) revealed an underlying conservatism factor for which a consistent age pattern was noted. Regardless of ascertainment method, gender, initial level of conservatism, education or geographical location, conservatism scores escalate rapidly during the fifth decade of life.
Identifying Leading Joint Strategies in a Bimanual Coordination Task: Does Coordination Stability Depend on Leading Joint Strategy?

ABSTRACT The authors sought to determine if principles of the Leading Joint Hypothesis, when applied to a multijoint, bimanual coordination task, could provide insight into the contribution of intralimb dynamics to interlimb coordination. Participants repetitively traced ellipse templates with an isodirectional motion of the end effectors (both hands moving counterclockwise [CCW]) at two cycling frequencies. Ellipse templates were oriented either tilted right or tilted left, yielding a total of 4 left arm–right arm leading-joint combinations. Analysis of torque sign and impulse data indicated that the 4 ellipse-tracing conditions resulted in 4 distinct left arm–right arm leading-joint combinations: 2 conditions with similar leading joints and 2 conditions with different leading joints. Isodirectional CCW ellipse tracing was more stable when produced with similar leading joints compared with when produced with different leading joints. The authors discuss results within the context of intralimb control con...
Amperometric glucose biosensor based on self-assembling glucose oxidase on carbon nanotubes

A flow injection amperometric glucose biosensor based on electrostatic self-assembling glucose oxidase (GOx) on a carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified glassy carbon transducer is described. GOx is immobilized on the negatively charged CNT surface by alternatively assembling a cationic polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) layer and a GOx layer. The unique sandwich-like layer structure (PDDA/GOx/PDDA/CNT) formed by self-assembling provides a favorable microenvironment to keep the bioactivity of GOx and to prevent enzyme molecule leakage. The direct electrochemistry behavior of GOx and electrocatalysis of H2O2 on the fabricated PDDA/GOx/PDDA/CNT electrode demonstrated that such a biosensor fabrication method preserves the activity of enzyme molecules and the mechanical and electrocatalytic properties of carbon nanotubes, enabling sensitive determination of glucose. Flow injection amperometric detection of glucose is carried out at -100 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) in 0.05 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) with wide linear response range of 15 uM- 6 mM and a detection limit of 7 uM. The PDDA/GOx/PDDA/CNT/GC biosensor showed excellent properties for the sensitive determination of glucose with good reproducibility, remarkable stability, and free of interference from other co-existing electroactive species. The present methods can be applied to assemble other enzyme molecules and biological molecules, such as antibody, antigen, and DNA, to the CNTmore » surface for wide biosensor and bioassay applications.« less
Congestive Renal Failure: The Pathophysiology and Treatment of Renal Venous Hypertension

Longstanding experimental evidence supports the role of renal venous hypertension in causing kidney dysfunction and "congestive renal failure." A focus has been heart failure, in which the cardiorenal syndrome may partly be due to high venous pressure, rather than traditional mechanisms involving low cardiac output. Analogous diseases are intra-abdominal hypertension and renal vein thrombosis. Proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms include reduced transglomerular pressure, elevated renal interstitial pressure, myogenic and neural reflexes, baroreceptor stimulation, activation of sympathetic nervous and renin angiotensin aldosterone systems, and enhanced proinflammatory pathways. Most clinical trials have addressed the underlying condition rather than venous hypertension per se. Interpreting the effects of therapeutic interventions on renal venous congestion are therefore problematic because of such confounders as changes in left ventricular function, cardiac output, and blood pressure. Nevertheless, there is preliminary evidence from small studies of intense medical therapy or extracorporeal ultrafiltration for heart failure that there can be changes to central venous pressure that correlate inversely with renal function, independently from the cardiac index. Larger more rigorous trials are needed to definitively establish under what circumstances conventional pharmacologic or ultrafiltration goals might best be directed toward central venous pressures rather than left ventricular or cardiac output parameters.
An electron microscopic study of the developing caudate nucleus in euthyroid and hypothyroid states

Thyroid hormone exerts a powerful influence on CNS growth and maturation. Hypothyroidism early in life has long been known to cause disturbances in innate behavior, motor performance, severe and frequently irreversible mental retardation. In this deficiency, depressed caudate neurogenesis, cell migration and neuropil development during the rapid period of CNS growth may contribute to the clinical picture of perceptual handicaps often seen in cretins. Light microscopic and Golgi studies of the developing caudate nucleus in thyroid deficiency have been carried out to help attain insights into the mechanisms whereby the extrapyramidal system regulates motor function. The ultrastructural study of caudate nuclear cytogenesis and synaptogenesis in normal and hypothyroid states provides more detailed information for further analysis of the problem. Hypothyroidism was induced from birth by adding propylthiouracil to the food and drinking water of lactating dams. Linear development of the caudate nucleus of both normal and hypothyroid rats at ages 8, 14, 20, 30 and 42 days was studied by electron microscopy. Thyroid glands were examined by light microscopy to assess the normal and deficient states. Immature cells, primitive processes and synapses were the characteristic features of the 8-day-old normal caudate nucleus. Distinctively wide cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, loosely packed Golgi apparatus and chromatin clumps throughout the nuclei of the neurons were significant early morphologic variations. The dramatic cytoarchitectural maturation in the 14- and 20-day normal caudate neuropil points to the rapidity of developmental rate. After the growth spurt of the first three weeks a maturational plateau occurs which is characterized by well-formed neuronal cytoplasmic organelles, myelinated and non-myelinated axons, axon terminals, dendrites and their spines, and synapses. Thyroid deficiency causes a marked maturational delay of approximately 7 days in caudate neuronal proliferation, the elaboration of neuronal networks and the attainment of mature synaptic contents and membranes. This delay is evidenced by comparison of the structural similarities between 8-day-old normal and 14-day-old deficient rats; and additional comparisons between the 14-day-old normal and 20-day-old hypothyroid rats. A rapid “catch up” process in fine structural morphogenesis takes place in the period between days 14 and 30 in the deficient animals. Repression of thyroid function does not entirely prevent development of the caudate nucleus but allows a fairly extensive, though critically incomplete degree of maturation. This imperfection is manifested by a decrease in the number of synaptic contacts that persists even after the rapid “catch up” phenomenon of caudate synaptogenesis.
Technology fluidity and on-demand webcasting adoption

The Internet, a truly ''on-demand'' medium and not bound by geographic location, is a natural sphere for local broadcasters to obtain further branding advantages and additional advertising revenues by providing entertainment, infotainment and shopping services. This scenario could become a reality, provided that the broadband technology allowing for instant and smooth streaming video broadcasting over the Internet is made economically and technically viable for most Internet users. For those individuals who value the ''anytime anywhere'' on-demand viewing experience, watching webcasts with the use of a PC or a mobile hand-held device (e.g., a video I-pod) is a rapidly emerging trend. This study proposes to assess the market potential for webcast program offerings as an ancillary interactive service from a local broadcaster. In particular, it evaluates audience interest in adopting webcasting services as a fluid Internet communication technology and the potential factors determining such audience interest. Findings suggest that the Internet users who are most interested in adopting webcast viewing also have the tendencies to: (1) capitalize on the fluid nature of the Internet, (2) seek to satisfy their affective gratification expectations, (3) substitute radio listening with online-radio access, and (4) stay online for a longer duration of time each visit.
Structural basis of DNA folding and recognition in an AMP-DNA aptamer complex: distinct architectures but common recognition motifs for DNA and RNA aptamers complexed to AMP.

Abstract Background: Structural studies by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of RNA and DNA aptamer complexes identified through in vitro selection and amplification have provided a wealth of information on RNA and DNA tertiary structure and molecular recognition in solution. The RNA and DNA aptamers that target ATP (and AMP)' with micromolar affinity exhibit distinct binding site sequences and secondary structures. We report below on the tertiary structure of the AMP-DNA aptamer complex in solution and compare it with the previously reported tertiary structure of the AMP-RNA aptamer complex in solution. Results: The solution structure of the AMP-DNA aptamer complex shows, surprisingly, that two AMP molecules are intercalated at adjacent sites within a rectangular widened minor groove. Complex formation involves adaptive binding where the asymmetric internal bubble of the free DNA aptamer zippers up through formation of a continuous six-base mismatch segment which includes a pair of adjacent three-base platforms. The AMP molecules pair through their Watson-Crick edges with the minor groove edges of guanine residues. These recognition G·A mismatches are flanked by sheared G·A and reversed Hoogsteen G·G mismatch pairs. Conclusions: The AMP-DNA aptamer and AMP-RNA aptamer complexes have distinct tertiary structures and binding stoichiometries. Nevertheless, both complexes have similar structural features and recognition alignments in their binding pockets. Specifically, AMP targets both DNA and RNA aptamers by intercalating between purine bases and through identical G·A mismatch formation. The recognition G·A mismatch stacks with a reversed Hoogsteen G·G mismatch in one direction and with an adenine base in the other direction in both complexes. It is striking that DNA and RNA aptamers selected independently from libraries of 10 14 molecules in each case utilize identical mismatch alignments for molecular recognition with micromolar affinity within binding-site pockets containing common structural elements.
Platelet activating factor antagonist enhances lung preservation.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent phospholipid mediator of the immune and inflammatory responses, which causes physiologic effects similar to post-transplant pulmonary dysfunction. This study investigates the hypothesis that the use of a specific PAF antagonist (PAFA), BN 52021, in canine lung transplantation improves lung preservation. Twelve pairs of canines underwent left lung allotransplantation after pulmonary artery flushing with modified Euro-Collins (EC) solution (40 ml/kg). The experimental group (N = 6) received EC with BN 52021 (10 mg/kg). BN 52021 was administered to donors prior to harvest and to recipients prior to reperfusion. The preservation interval was 20 hr and the study period was 12 hr post-transplant. Differential pulmonary function and hemodynamics were monitored, comparing the transplanted left lung and the native right lung. Recipients were ventilated on 100% O2. Administration of the platelet activating factor antagonist, BN 52021, was associated with improvement in transplant lung oxygenation, pulmonary vascular resistance, and compliance. At 12 hr, transplant lung pulmonary venous oxygen tension in the treatment group (EC + BN 52021) was 154 ± 21 mm Hg versus 87 ± 10 mm Hg in the control group (EC) (P < 0.05). Pulmonary vascular resistance of the transplant lung at 12 hr was 146 ± 24 Dynes·sec·cm−5 in the EC + BN 52021 group as compared to 320 ± 51 Dynes·sec·cm−5 in the EC group (P < 0.05). Dynamic pulmonary compliance of the transplant lung at 12 hr was 32 ± 2.9 ml/cm H2O in the EC + BN 52021 group versus 13 ± 2.0 ml/cm H2O in the EC group (P < 0.05). Total lung water for the EC group was 88.6 ± 14% versus 67.3 ± 11% for the EC + BN 52021 group (P < 0.05), as determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. From these data, we conclude that the specific PAFA, BN 52021, enhances lung preservation at 20 hr of ischemia in a canine model of left lung allotransplantation.
Japan’s post‐war economic success: Deming, quality, and contextual realities

It is difficult to unravel the thread of W. Edwards Deming’s impact on the post‐war industrial recovery of Japan and its transformation from a manufacturer of shabby copies of Western goods to a pre‐eminent producer of high‐quality goods. His name is woven, however, into the fabric of Japanese industrial history. Deming helped launch a campaign for institutionalizing “quality control” within the Japanese manufacturing sector, which adopted a number of the terms and concepts he advocated. In fact, his pedagogical approach dovetailed perfectly with, and helped to provide a philosophical basis for, the infusion of quality as an intrinsic part of the production process. Most importantly, Deming was conveying these concepts on the eve of the “electronics revolution”, where unparalleled precision, cleanliness, and consistency of product were essential metrics determining success or failure. However, the true extent of Deming’s influence may never be known as it was caught up in the complex dynamics that characterized Japan’s industrial resurgence from the late 1940s through the 1980s.
Short-term decompositional state does not influence use of wood by macroinvertebrates in subtropical, coastal plain streams

Woody debris is an important habitat component, particularly in streams that lack other hard substrates. Research suggests a general relationship between increasing invertebrate density, diversity, and taxa richness with increasing wood decay in lotic systems, with some authors observing invertebrate taxonomic succession as decay proceeds. We designed a field experiment using colonization of known-aged woody debris in two streams to examine patterns in invertebrate colonization, density, diversity, richness, and succession. After aging woody debris 0–6 weeks in laboratory tanks and then placing the debris in the two subtropical, coastal plain streams for five additional weeks, we did not detect any statistical relationship between invertebrate density, diversity, evenness, richness, or life-history pattern with increasing woody debris decay, nor did we detect any relationships between the colonization or abundance of individual taxa and the decompositional state of the wood. In this paper, we propose two non-exclusive explanations for these trends based on opportunistic colonization and evolutionary filtering. Despite the apparent unimportance of decompositional state, woody debris still supported many taxa and remains an important habitat component. Our research further supports the importance of flooding and maintenance of intact riparian and floodplain forests to the woody debris dynamics and macroinvertebrates in coastal plain lotic systems.
Crystalline character in polymers

The original fringed micelle model of a crystalline polymer solid assumed two phases, submicroscopical bundled chain crystals embedded in an amorphous matrix. Every macromolecule passed alternately through crystalline and amorphous regions. This model ideally represented the crystallization with highly stretched rubber, but failed to explain spherulites and lamellar single crystals. The folded chain model of the lamellae grown from dilute solution postulated in a polymer solid the inclusion of all the material in single crystals (one phase model). The amorphous x-ray diffraction pattern and the density defect were due to crystal defects, particularly to the chain folds at the crystal surfaces. Later development has brought both models closer together. In spite of rather regular chain folds with immediate re-entry there are some chains folding back in a switchboard manner. In a sample crystallized from melt there are still more chains incorporated in two different crystals so that the intervening portion is prevented from crystallization. Together with uncrystallizable components, such tied molecules are constituting an amorphous phase of the very same type as assumed by the fringed micelle model. The basic improvement of the new model is just the comprehension of the important role of chain folds in establishing a discontinuity between the crystals and the amorphous material. A particularly important problem in crystalline polymers is the plastic deformation and the resulting high orientation in drawn fibers and films. From the experiments with single crystals, one learned the basic mechanism of deformation, i.e., phase transformation, twinning, chain tilt, and slip which finally leads to complete break up of original crystals into smaller blocks which are incorporated in the pulled out fibrils. The tied molecules in such highly oriented material are markedly strained and aligned which show up in a decrease of entropy and enthalpy as compared with a completely relaxed amorphous phase. The decrease in enthalpy quantitatively explains the conspicuous depression of sorption, dyeability, diffusion, and permeability of drawn fibers and films.
Microwave-assisted polyol synthesis of sub-micrometer Y2O3 and Yb-Y2O3 particles for laser source application

Abstract Sub-micrometer powder (100–150 nm diameter) of Yb-doped yttrium oxide was obtained, for the first time, by microwave-assisted polyol (diethylene glycol, DEG) method. This method is based on fast and homogeneous increase of temperature, due to the microwave heating, and on addition of the hydrolysing agent (water) at high temperature. This promotes a fast nucleation followed by a controlled growth of nuclei. Different procedures were used to process the as-synthesized powders. In some cases washing by ultrapure water was used to dissolve nitrate and DEG by-products, this treatment allowed the use of a lower calcination temperature (150–200 °C less) to obtain the crystalline phase. Analysis of the calcined powder showed different levels of structures: from nanocrystal (10–15 nm), to primary particles (100–150 nm), to micrometer soft aggregates (2–4 μm). The microwave-assisted polyol method resulted an easy way to dope yttria with the desired amount of Yb 3+ . This work was carried out in order to prepare particles to be used as rare-earth doped Y 2 O 3 and YAG polycrystalline transparent ceramic for laser source applications.
The stability of blends of incompatible thermoplastics

Conventional thermodynamic reasoning would predict that it would be very difficult to melt blend incompatible polymers and that if such blends were made they would be highly unstable and would phase separate upon heating. A method has been developed to melt blend incompatible polymers (such as poly(methylmethacrylate) and polyethylene) to form two continuous interpenetrating phases and that upon prolonged heating the stability of the structure is increased rather than decreased.
Desflurane/fentanyl compared with sevoflurane/fentanyl on awakening and quality of recovery in outpatient surgery using a Laryngeal Mask Airway: a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial

Abstract Study Objective To compare time to awakening and upper airway morbidity between desflurane and sevoflurane using a Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and a balanced anesthetic regimen inclusive of opioids. Design Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting Ambulatory surgery unit of a university hospital. Patients 80 subjects receiving general anesthesia for outpatient gynecological surgery using a LMA. Interventions Desflurane/fentanyl or sevoflurane/fentanyl were used for anesthetic maintenance. Measurements Patients were randomly assigned to receive desflurane or sevoflurane. The primary outcome was time to awakening as determined by an observer who was blinded to study group allocation. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of sore throat, cough, and pain perioperatively and at 2 and 24 hours postoperatively. Quality of recovery (QoR; via QoR-40 questionnaire) at 24 hours also was determined. Main Results The median (IQR) time to eye opening following desflurane was 6.8 (5.0 - 9.8) minutes versus 11.8 (8.8 - 14.6) minutes following sevoflurane ( P P = 0.003). Conclusions Desflurane retains faster awakening properties than does sevoflurane when used in combination with fentanyl as part of anesthetic maintenance in outpatient surgery with a LMA. The balanced anesthetic maintenance regimen seems to reduce the potential airway reactivity properties of desflurane.
Use of Multiple Choice Questions as an Assessment Tool in Dynamics

Dynamics is a pivotal class in a student’s life-long learning profile since it builds upon the logical extensions of Statics and Strength of Materials classes, and provides a framework on which Fluid Mechanics concepts may be developed for deformable media. This paper establishes the contextual reference of Dynamics in this framework. An earlier paper by the author discussed details of how the design of proper multiple choice questions is critical for assessment in Statics and Fluid Mechanics. This paper provides a progress report of such evaluations in Dynamics. In addition, this paper explores the pedagogical issues related to building a student’s learning profile. While comparing test results obtained in trailer sections of Dynamics with those obtained in sections taught by faculty teams, some structural differences were discovered. This reporting completes the feedback loop used by faculty in our Engineering Sciences Core Curriculum for improving student performance over time. The process may further be developed by using some similarities and differences in the performance data.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Neohetramine; an experimental and clinical evaluation in allergic states.

Abstract 1.1. Neohetramine, a new antihistaminic drug, has been found to have good antihistaminic and good antianaphylactic (in vivo) properties. 2.2. Toxicity studies were carried out on seventeen patients in whom blood counts, urinalyses, blood pressure readings, electrocardiograms, and some electroencephalograms were done. 3.3. Whealing studies were done which portrayed the inhibiting action of the drug. 4.4. Spirometric studies were carried out on twenty-one patients with bronchial asthma. 5.5. Clinically Neohetramine was found to be of as much value as the other antihistaminic drugs in the treatment of allergic states.
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPION) for the Treatment of Antibiotic‐Resistant Biofilms

Bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains are of deep concern due to an increasing prevalence, and are a major cause of morbidity in the United States of America. In particular, medical device failures, and thus human lives, are greatly impacted by infections, where the treatments required are further complicated by the tendency of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, to produce antibiotic resistant biofilms. In this study, a panel of relevant antibiotics used clinically including penicillin, oxacillin, gentamicin, streptomycin, and vancomycin are tested, and although antibiotics are effective against free-floating planktonic S. aureus, either no change in biofilm function is observed, or, more frequently, biofilm function is enhanced. As an alternative, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are synthesized through a two-step process with dimercaptosuccinic acid as a chelator, followed by the conjugation of metals including iron, zinc, and silver; thus, the antibacterial properties of the metals are coupled to the superparamagnetic properties of SPION. SPION might be the ideal antibacterial treatment, with a superior ability to decrease multiple bacterial functions, target infections in a magnetic field, and had activity better than antibiotics or metal salts alone, as is required for the treatment of medical device infections for which no treatment exists today.
Felbamate overdose complicated by massive crystalluria and acute renal failure.

Case Report: We report a 20-year-old woman who developed altered mental status, massive crystalluria, and acute renal failure following an intentional overdose of felbamate and sodium valproate. Pe...
Cooperative interaction of trp melastatin channel transient receptor potential (TRPM2) with its splice variant TRPM2 short variant is essential for endothelial cell apoptosis.

Rationale: Oxidants generated by activated endothelial cells are known to induce apoptosis, a pathogenic feature of vascular injury and inflammation from multiple pathogeneses. The melastatin-family transient receptor potential 2 (TRPM2) channel is an oxidant-sensitive Ca 2+ permeable channel implicated in mediating apoptosis; however, the mechanisms of gating of the supranormal Ca 2+ influx required for initiating of apoptosis are not understood. Objective: Here, we addressed the role of TRPM2 and its interaction with the short splice variant TRPM2 short variant (TRPM2-S) in mediating the Ca 2+ entry burst required for induction of endothelial cell apoptosis. Methods and Results: We observed that TRPM2-S was basally associated with TRPM2 in the endothelial plasmalemma, and this interaction functioned to suppress TRPM2-dependent Ca 2+ gating constitutively. Reactive oxygen species production in endothelial cells or directly applying reactive oxygen species induced protein kinase C-α activation and phosphorylation of TRPM2 at Ser 39. This in turn stimulated a large entry of Ca 2+ and activated the apoptosis pathway. A similar TRPM2-dependent endothelial apoptosis mechanism was seen in intact vessels. The protein kinase C-α–activated phosphoswitch opened the TRPM2 channel to allow large Ca 2+ influx by releasing TRPM2-S inhibition of TRPM2, which in turn activated caspase-3 and cleaved the caspase substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Conclusions: Here, we describe a fundamental mechanism by which activation of the trp superfamily TRPM2 channel induces apoptosis of endothelial cells. The signaling mechanism involves reactive oxygen species–induced protein kinase C-α activation resulting in phosphorylation of TRPM2-S that allows enhanced TRPM2-mediated gating of Ca 2+ and activation of the apoptosis program. Strategies aimed at preventing the uncoupling of TRPM2-S from TRPM2 and subsequent Ca 2+ gating during oxidative stress may mitigate endothelial apoptosis and its consequences in mediating vascular injury and inflammation.
Anatomic evaluation of the vertical face-lift in cadavers.

ImportanceThis study investigates how different orientations of tension vectors affect the amount of soft-tissue lift in specific cervicofacial regions. ObjectivesTo compare differences in cosmetic...
switchBox: an R package for k–Top Scoring Pairs classifier development

Summary: k–Top Scoring Pairs (kTSP) is a classification method for prediction from high-throughput data based on a set of the paired measurements. Each of the two possible orderings of a pair of measurements (e.g. a reversal in the expression of two genes) is associated with one of two classes. The kTSP prediction rule is the aggregation of voting among such individual two-feature decision rules based on order switching. kTSP, like its predecessor, Top Scoring Pair (TSP), is a parameter-free classifier relying only on ranking of a small subset of features, rendering it robust to noise and potentially easy to interpret in biological terms. In contrast to TSP, kTSP has comparable accuracy to standard genomics classification techniques, including Support Vector Machines and Prediction Analysis for Microarrays. Here, we describe ‘switchBox’, an R package for kTSP-based prediction. Availability: The ‘switchBox’ package is freely available from Bioconductor: http://www.bioconductor.org. Contact: ude.uhj@namhab Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Equable climates during the early Eocene: Significance of regional paleogeography for North American climate

The character of continental-interior paleoclimate at mid-latitudes, especially the aspect of temperature, has been a major source of debate in modeling and paleontologic communities over the past few years. A recent climate modeling study provides new insight into the issue of climatic conditions of early Eocene North America. Model cases with six times the present level of CO 2 , or with doubled present CO 2 and a large lake in western North America, produced results most similar to proxy paleoclimate interpretations. It is significant that the North American continental-interior climate responded as strongly to the existence of the lake as to the atmospheric CO 2 level. The large lake deflects the winter-freeze line poleward of the region containing most paleoclimate data site locations, producing above-freezing winter temperatures and providing a possible solution to the minimum-temperature difference that exists between models and data. The effect of the lake upon regional climate is significant and proves to be critical to reproducing the early Eocene climate of North America.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Mucoid Isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain C7447m from a Patient with Cystic Fibrosis

ABSTRACT Alginate overproduction by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or mucoidy, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Here we report the draft genome sequence of a clinical isolate of mucoid P. aeruginosa strain C7447m from a CF patient with chronic lung infection.
The Trial of John W. Hinckley, Jr.

The verdict of not guilty for reason of insanity in the 1982 trial of John Hinckley, Jr. for his attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan stunned and outraged many Americans. An ABC News poll taken the day after the verdict showed 83% of those polled thought justice was not done in the Hinckley case. Some people - without much evidence - attributed the verdict to an anti-Reagan bias on the part the Washington, D. C. jury of eleven blacks and one white. Many more people, however, blamed a legal system that they claimed made it too easy for juries to return not guilty verdicts in insanity cases - despite the fact that such pleas were made in only 2% of felony cases and failed over 75% of the time. Public pressure resulting from the Hinckley verdict spurred Congress and most states into enacting major reforms of laws governing the use of the insanity defense. The Hinckley trial highlights the difficulty of a system that forces jurors to label a defendant either sane or insane when the defendant may in fact be close to the middle on a spectrum ranging from Star Trek's Mr. Spock to the person who strangles his wife thinking that he's squeezing a grapefruit. Any objective evaluation of John Hinckley's mental condition shows him to be a troubled young man - not, as one prosecution witness described him, a normal, All-American boy. But how troubled? The prosecution contended that Hinckley suffered only from personality disorders of the type affecting five to ten percent of the population, whereas the defense saw the same evidence as demonstrating Hinckley's serious mental illness. The Hinckley trial, perhaps better than any other famous trial, reveals the difficulty of ascertaining what exactly is going on in the head of another human being - and then in using that imperfect knowledge to answer a legal question that reduces complex and changing mental states to two oversimplified categories.
Retrograde suction decompression of giant paraclinoidal aneurysms. Technical note

Giant paraclinoidal carotid artery aneurysms frequently require temporary interruption of local circulation to facilitate safe occlusion. Due to brisk retrograde flow through the ophthalmic artery and cavernous branches, simple trapping of the aneurysm by cervical internal carotid artery clamping and intracranial distal clipping may not adequately soften the lesion. The authors describe a retrograde suction method of aspiration of this collateral supply which they have used in over 40 cases. After temporary trapping, a No. 18 angiocatheter is inserted into the cervical internal carotid artery. This catheter is then connected to a wall suction point allowing rapid aneurysm deflation. This technique, accomplished by the surgical assistant, permits the surgeon the freedom to use both hands in dealing quickly with the aneurysm.
Improving the performance of automatic sequential test generation by targeting hard-to-test faults

Automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) for sequential circuits usually involves search for a sequence of vectors to detect single stuck-at faults. The sequential search space is exponential in the memory elements and primary inputs. Existing sequential test generators are known to spend substantial amounts of run-time in searching for test sequences to detect hard-to-test faults. In this paper, we present a pre-process stage that precedes sequential test generation for each hard-to-test fault and prunes the sequential search space, which in turn reduces the test generation time for these faults. In this stage, the effects of different conditions imposed on the circuit for test generation are propagated as far as possible. This process requires only a single pass through the iterative array model of the given circuit. Using the pre-process stage along with a Boolean satisfiability (SAT) based sequential test generator, we show that the proposed approach is on an average 11.3/spl times/ (maximum 25.2/spl times/) faster than an efficient gate-level sequential test generator for hard-to-test faults in ISCAS'89 benchmark circuits. The proposed pre-process stage is also applicable to sequential test generation at the register-transfer level (RTL) and improves the overall performance of an efficient sequential test generator at the RTL by 3.5/spl times/ on average and a maximum of 4.6/spl times/ for all faults.
Fully integrated PCR-capillary electrophoresis microsystem for DNA analysis

A fully integrated genomic analysis microsystem including microfabricated heaters, temperature sensors, and PCR chambers directly connected to capillary electrophoretic separation channels has been constructed. Valves and hydrophobic vents provide controlled and sensorless sample positioning and immobilization into 200 nL PCR chambers. The use of microfabricated heating and temperature sensing elements improves the heating and cooling rates for the PCR reaction to 20 °C s−1. The amplified PCR product, labeled on-column with an intercalating fluorescent dye, is injected into the gel-filled capillary for electrophoretic analysis. Successful sex determination using a multiplex PCR reaction from human genomic DNA is demonstrated in less than 15 min. This device is an important step toward a microfabricated genomic microprocessor for use in forensics and point-of-care molecular medical diagnostics.
Human dimensions of climate change and fisheries in a coupled system: the Atlantic surfclam case

Research on changes in a coupled marine system of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, focusing on Atlantic surfclams and the associated fishery and management system, is reviewed for how the human dimensions of this coupled socio-ecological system are addressed by the researchers. Our foci are on economic modelling of spatial choices, using dynamic optimization with adjustments that reflect better the natural and socio-economic realities of the fishery and on ethnographic observations of decision processes, particularly those of the regional fishery management council, with particular emphasis on cognitive frames and management communities. These are designed to be integrated with and to complement biophysical modelling of the complex coupled socio-ecological system.
How group A Streptococcus circumvents host phagocyte defenses

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterium associated with a variety of mucosal and invasive human infections. GAS systemic disease reflects the diverse abilities of this pathogen to avoid eradication by phagocytic defenses of the innate immune system. Here we review how GAS can avoid phagocyte engagement, inhibit complement and antibody functions required for opsonization, impair phagocytotic uptake mechanisms, promote phagocyte lysis or apoptosis, and resist specific effectors of phagocyte killing such as antimicrobial peptides and reactive oxygen species. Understanding the molecular basis of GAS phagocyte resistance may reveal novel therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of invasive human infections.
Current Perspectives in Assessment of Fetal Pulmonary Surfactant Status with Ammiotic Fluid

(1989). Current Perspectives in Assessment of Fetal Pulmonary Surfactant Status with Ammiotic Fluid. Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 341-389.
Regulatory Roles of Leptin at the Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal Axis Before and after Sexual Maturation in Cattle

Studies assessed, either directly or indirectly, the role of GnRH in leptin-mediated stimulation of LH release in cattle before and after sexual maturation. In experiment 1, the objectives were to determine whether leptin could acutely accelerate the frequency of LH pulses, and putatively GnRH pulses, in prepubertal heifers at different stages of development. In experiment 2, we determined directly whether acute, leptin-mediated increases in LH secretion in the fasted, mature female are accompanied by an increase in GnRH secretion. Ten-month-old prepubertal heifers (experiment 1) fed normal- (n = 5) and restricted-growth (n = 5) diets received three injections of saline or recombinant ovine leptin (oleptin; 0.2 μg/kg body weight, i.v.) at hourly intervals during 5-h experiments conducted every 5 wk until all normal-growth heifers were pubertal. Leptin increased mean concentrations of circulating LH regardless of diet, but pulse characteristics were not altered at any age. In experiment 2, ovariectomized, estradiol-implanted cows (n = 5) were fasted twice for 72 h and treated with either saline or oleptin i.v. (as in experiment 1) on Day 3 of each fast. Leptin increased plasma concentrations of LH and third ventricle cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of GnRH, and increased the amplitude of LH and the size of GnRH pulses, respectively, on Day 3 of fasting compared to saline. Overall, results indicate that leptin is unable to accelerate the pulse generator in heifers at any developmental stage. However, leptin-mediated augmentation of LH concentrations and pulse amplitude in the nutritionally stressed, mature female are associated with modifications in GnRH secretory dynamics.
Growth factor receptor expression varies among high-grade gliomas and normal brain: Epidermal growth factor receptor has excellent properties for interstitial fusion protein therapy

Convection-enhanced delivery of fusion proteins is a novel therapeutic approach for patients with relapsed or refractory high-grade gliomas. Multiple different fusion proteins have been produced that target different receptors on brain tumor cells. The sensitivity of different gliomas to fusion proteins has been shown to depend in part on the expression of the target receptor. We undertook a comparative study of the presence of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), interleukin-13 receptor (IL13R), interleukin-4 receptor (IL4R), and transferrin receptor (TfR) determined by immunofluorescence microscopy among fresh frozen tumor samples from 38 patients with high-grade gliomas (glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma). The frequency of high receptor expression was 32 of 38 (84%) for EGFR, 30 of 38 (79%) for IL13R, 25 of 38 (66%) for TfR, and 17 of 38 (45%) for IL4R. Reactivity of normal brain endothelium was observed for TfR, and reactivity of normal brain astrocytes was observed for IL4R. Because of cross-reactivity of interleukin-13 with the IL4R-IL13Ralpha1 receptor, we infer reactivity of interleukin-13 with normal astrocytes. In contrast, EGFR was not observed in normal brain. A number of patients (10 of 38 patients) showed unequal expression of EGFR and IL13R. Thus, some patients may benefit more from interstitial therapy with an EGFR-directed fusion protein than from therapy with an IL13R-directed fusion protein and vice versa. The safety profile may be improved with an agent directed to EGFR versus agents directed to TfR, IL4R, or IL13R. Design of clinical trials of fusion proteins in patients with brain tumors may be enhanced by inclusion of relevant receptor density measurements.
Experiential Teaching on Steroids: Unexpected Pedagogical Discoveries

This article describes a summer law school program in Turkey and Greece in the summer of 2012 that, because of then-recent geopolitical developments, became an ideal example of experiential learning.
Medical therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary Arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance due to severe remodeling of the small pulmonary arteries. In PAH, the endothelial cells fail to maintain their homeostatic balance, with the consequent impaired production of vasodilators and over-expression of vasoconstrictors and proliferators. Current treatment of PAH is based on the discovery of three main pathways of endothelial dysfunction (prostacyclin, nitric oxide and endothelin-1), and includes drugs such as prostacyclin analogs, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). Recently approved drugs that act through these classic pathways include riociguat (cyclic GMP stimulator) and macitentan (a tissue specific dual ERA). However, several new drugs and new pathways are under study. New targeted therapies include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Rho kinase inhibitors and serotonin receptor blockers. There are now ten drugs approved for the treatment of PAH that, alone or in combination, have changed the natural history of this disease. The new drugs will allow us to further modified the patients' life expectancy and move towards a cure.
Bid Week Shirts: Alpha Sigma Eta

Darcy Elliot has been asked by the rush chair of her sorority to secure T-shirts with a very limited budget. In an effort to control cost, Elliot designed an alternative. Prior to contacting the usual supplier (Tees R Us), which was located out of town, and in an effort to avoid any issues about expediting, Elliot approached a local vender. The local vender offered a quote that was over-budget but guaranteed meeting the deadline. With this information, Elliot contacted Tees R Us and communicated the specifications. The vender's sales rep, Taylor Taggart, promised to call back shortly with a price.
Pathologic findings from the national surgical adjuvant breast project. (Protocol no. 4). III. The significance of extranodal extension of axillary metastases.

One hundred fifty-eight patients with axillary nodal metastases recovered from radical mastectomy specimens for operable, invasive breast cancer were divided into those in whom such metastases were confined within the node and those in whom one or more nodes manifested extranodal extension. The relationships of these patterns to 33 pathologic and seven clinical features of these cases were investigated by contingency table analysis. Statistically significant associations (p < .05) between extranodal extension of such metastases and short-term treatment failure, as well as the presence of four or more involved nodes, infiltrating ductal NOS histologic tumor type, stellate tumor border, and nipple involvement, were found. When the metastases were confined to the node there was a significantly greater likelihood that the cancers were either medullary or tubular histologic types. Associations with severe cell reaction and a nuclear grade of 1 were also found, but appeared to reflect the high frequency of medullary carcinomas in this group. The results suggest that evaluation of extranodal extension of axillary nodal metastases in patients with breast cancer may represent an important prognostic discriminant.