cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modelling of fine-scale turbulence mixing noise

Abstract The present paper is a study of aerodynamic noise spectra from model functions that describe the source. The study is motivated by the need to improve the spectral shape of the MGBK jet noise prediction methodology at high frequency. The predicted spectral shape usually appears less broadband than measurements and faster decaying at high frequency. Theoretical representation of the source is based on Lilley's equation. Numerical simulations of high-speed subsonic jets as well as some recent turbulence measurements reveal a number of interesting statistical properties of turbulence correlation functions that may have a bearing on radiated noise. These studies indicate that an exponential spatial function may be a more appropriate representation of a two-point correlation compared to its Gaussian counterpart. The effect of source non-compactness on spectral shape is discussed. It is shown that source non-compactness could well be the differentiating factor between the Gaussian and exponential model functions. In particular, the fall-off of the noise spectra at high frequency is studied and it is shown that a non-compact source with an exponential model function results in a broader spectrum and better agreement with data. A recent source model proposed by Tam and Auriault that represents the source as a covariance of the convective derivative of fine-scale turbulence kinetic energy is also examined.
Polymersome Encapsulated Hemoglobin: A Novel Type of Oxygen Carrier

Bovine hemoglobin (Hb) was encapsulated inside polymer vesicles (polymersomes) to form polymersome encapsulated Hb (PEH) dispersions. PEH particles are 100% surface PEGylated with longer PEG chains and possess thicker hydrophobic membranes as compared to conventional liposomes. Polymersomes were self-assembled from poly(butadiene)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PBD-PEO) amphiphilic diblock copolymers with PBD-PEO molecular weights of 22−12.6, 5−2.3, 2.5−1.3, and 1.8−0.9 kDa. The first two diblock copolymers possessed linear hydrophobic PBD blocks, while the later possessed branched PBD blocks. PEH dispersions were extruded through 100 and 200 nm pore radii membranes. The size distribution, Hb encapsulation efficiency, P50, cooperativity coefficient, and methemoglobin (metHb) level of PEH dispersions were consistent with values required for efficient oxygen delivery in the systemic circulation. The influence of different molecular weight diblock copolymers on the physical properties of PEH dispersions was analyzed...
The effects of adhesivity on cell migration through biomimetic matrices

We have developed synthetic hydrogel extracellular matrix (ECM) analogs that can be used to study mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as receptor-ligand interactions and proteolysis. The biomimetic hydrogels consist of bioinert polyethylene glycol diacrylate derivatives with proteolytically degradable peptide sequences included in the backbone of the polymer and adhesive peptide sequences grafted to the network. Hydrogels have been developed that degrade as cells secrete proteolytic enzymes. Adhesive peptide sequences grafted to the hydrogel provide ligands that can interact with receptors on the cell surface to mediate adhesion and spreading. In this study, we have characterized the effects of adhesive ligand density on fibroblast migration through collagenase-degradable and plasmin-degradable hydrogels and on smooth muscle cell migration through elastase-degradable hydrogels. In all three cases, we found that cell migration has a biphasic-dependence on adhesion ligand concentration, with optimal migration at intermediate ligand levels. Furthermore, both adhesive and proteolytically degradable sequences were required for cell migration to occur. These synthetic ECM analogs may be useful for three-dimensional mechanistic studies of many aspects of cell migration.
Permanent AV Block or Modification of AV Nodal Function by Selective AV Nodal Artery Ethanol Infusion

WANG, P.J., et al.: Permanent AV Block or Modification of AV Nodal Function by Selective AV Nodal Artery Ethanol Infusion. The acute and chronic effects of selective AV nodal artery ethanol infusion on AV nodal function was studied in 9 closed chest anesthetized dogs. Using standard percutaneous techniques of arterial catheterization, a 2.2 French infusion catheter was positioned in the AV nodal artery. Ten minute infusions into the AV nodal artery of 25%, 50%, or 100% ethanol in normal saline at rates of 0.5 mL/min acutely resulted in complete AV nodal block (AVE) in 5 dogs, 2:1 AV nodal block in 1 dog, and prolongation of AV nodal effective refractory period and/or Wenckebach cycle length in the remaining 3 dogs. One dog died with persistent complete AV block 1 week after the ethanol infusion. When restudied 4 weeks later, 7 of the 8 surviving dogs had persistent modification of AV nodal function, including complete AV block in 5 dogs and lengthening of AV nodal effective refractory period and/or Wenckebach cycle length without AV block in 2 dogs. Pathologic examination of the animals exhibiting chronic modification or ablation of AV nodal function revealed healing infarction of the AV node or its approaches. Distant myocardial necrosis was not observed and left ventricular function was normal. Slow infusion of low concentrations of ethanol into the AV nodal artery results in AV nodal modification or ablation due to localized necrosis in or around the AV node. This technique may have a role in AV nodal modification or ablation, particularly in patients who have failed DC shock or radiofrequency ablation.
Concentration of acrylamide in a polyacrylamide gel affects VP4 gene coding assignment of group A equine rotavirus strains with P[12] specificity

It is universally acknowledged that genome segment 4 of group A rotavirus, the major etiologic agent of severe diarrhea in infants and neonatal farm animals, encodes outer capsid neutralization and protective antigen VP4. To determine which genome segment of three group A equine rotavirus strains (H-2, FI-14 and FI-23) with P[12] specificity encodes the VP4, we analyzed dsRNAs of strains H-2, FI-14 and FI-23 as well as their reassortants by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) at varying concentrations of acrylamide. The relative position of the VP4 gene of the three equine P[12] strains varied (either genome segment 3 or 4) depending upon the concentration of acrylamide. The VP4 gene bearing P[3], P[4], P[6], P[7], P[8] or P[18] specificity did not exhibit this phenomenon when the PAGE running conditions were varied. The concentration of acrylamide in a PAGE gel affected VP4 gene coding assignment of equine rotavirus strains bearing P[12] specificity.
An Improved AODV Routing Protocol Based on the Congestion Control and Routing Repair Mechanism

AODV On-demand routing protocol is widely deployed in Ad Hoc network, but it has some drawbacks. This paper proposes an improved AODV protocol called AODV-I. By adding the congestion processing to the RREQ message and the routing repair mechanism to the RREQ message, the new protocol not only reduces the packet loss rate and the end-to-end latency, but also enhances the utilization rate of the network resources. Finally, we analyze the performance through simulation experiment.
The Utility of Immunohistochemistry in the Differential Diagnosis of Gynecologic Disorders

Context.— Immunohistochemistry has assumed an increasing role in the identification and characterization of gynecologic disorders including lesions with deceptively bland morphology, uncommon and u...
Right from the heart: when should myocardial biopsy be performed for suspected arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia?

A host of uncommon but clinically important myocardial diseases including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) have unique prognoses and treatments and should be strongly suspected in their characteristic clinical scenarios. ARVC/D is an inherited or sporatic form of predominantly right ventricular cardiomyopathy characterized by a progressive loss of myocytes that are replaced by fibrofatty tissue. The typical patient is in their third to fifth decade, and presents with ventricular arrhythmias, palpitations, syncope, or sudden death.1 The ECG may reveal epsilon waves, T-wave inversions, and/or localized QRS complex duration >110 ms in V1–V3. Imaging of the right ventricle by echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may reveal focal or global dilatation or aneurysm formation.2 Because cardiac sarcoidosis or focal non-compaction syndrome, which have distinct aetiologies and treatments, can share AVRC/D's clinical features, and non-invasive testing can be inconclusive, histological confirmation of ARVC/D is sometimes necessary. Basso et al. have presented a case series of 300 simulated biopsies, one each from five sites in 60 hearts obtained at transplantation or autopsy.3 They performed endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) on hearts with diffuse or segmental ARVC/D and compared the histological features of hearts from aged, obese, and normal people, and hearts with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The author's primary finding is that the degree of residual myocardium from the right ventricular outflow tract, free wall, and apex can reliably distinguish focal and diffuse ARVC/D from these other conditions. In contrast, histology from the right ventricular septum, where myocardial tissue is typically sampled, and the left ventricle cannot distinguish ARVC/D from the comparator conditions. This study adds substantially to the knowledge of ARVC/D by informing us where to biopsy for suspected ARVC/D and what the precise histological criteria should be for diagnosis. The Basso study used hearts obtained … *Corresponding author: Tel: +1 507 284 3680, Fax: +1 507 266 0228, Email: cooper.leslie{at}mayo.edu
Acute Rheumatic Fever with Advanced Degree AV Block

Five cases are described of acute rheumatic fever meeting the modified Jones criteria with evidence of second or third degree atrioventricular block (AVB). One patient required a temporary transvenous pacemaker and two patients were treated with corticosteroids. One patient had an associated valvulitis. There was no long-term sequelae due to the AVB in any of the patients. The duration of the advanced degree AVB had a range of about 2 to 12 days. The cause of this advanced degree AVB is uncertain.Advanced degree AVB with acute rheumatic fever appears to be self limited in most instances. Unlike rheumatic valvulitis, it is not associated with significant permanent morbidity.
Inactivation of tensin3 in mice results in growth retardation and postnatal lethality.

Tensin family is a group of focal adhesion proteins that interact with integrins, actin, and phosphotyrosine-containing proteins. To explore the in vivo functions of a new member of the family, tensin3, we have generated mutant mice with a disrupted tensin3 gene. Inactivation of tensin3 resulted in growth retardation and postnatal lethality in one third of the homozygous mutants. Histological analysis of those mutants showed incomplete development of the small intestine, lung, and bone. Villus formation in the small intestine was affected and cells migrated slower in the runt mutants. Their lungs also displayed enlarged air space suggesting defects in alveogenesis. In addition, the resting zone was thicker and fewer proliferating cells were present in the growth plates of tensin3 / tibiae. These observations indicate that tensin3 is essential for normal development and functions of the small intestine, lung, and bone. These phenotypes of the runt tensin3 / mice are similar to some clinical features of Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) which is a genetically inherited defect. About 10% of SRS cases have been linked to abnormality in chromosome 7p11.2–13, where human tensin3 gene is located, suggesting a potential link between tensin3 and SRS.
Innovative Techniques for Decreasing Advanced Vehicle Auxiliary Loads

At the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), one of the goals of the Center for Transportation Technologies and Systems is to develop innovative techniques for reducing automobile fuel usage and tailpipe emissions by decreasing the auxiliary loads on the propulsion system of advanced vehicles. The power required to cool the passenger compartment can significantly reduce the range of an electric vehicle (EV) and the fuel economy of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). We are investigating several ways to decrease auxiliary loads.
Enhanced detection of cell paths in spatiotemporal plots for noninvasive microscopy of the human retina

Spatiotemporal (ST) plots have been used for studying cell motion in the microcirculation. However, ST plots are typically applied to invasive imaging methods. Noninvasive video microscopy of the human retinal capillaries can be performed using an Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope, but direct implementation of ST plots is difficult due to low contrast and high noise. We introduce motion contrast enhancement to enhance detection of cell paths, and enable ST plot analysis. Using features generated by the motion contrast enhancement, a method for automatic extraction of cell paths was developed. Our results show that motion contrast is an important precursor step to ST plot analysis for videos with low signal to noise ratios.
Approaches to Evaluating Climate Change Impacts on Species: A Guide to Initiating the Adaptation Planning Process

Assessing the impact of climate change on species and associated management objectives is a critical initial step for engaging in the adaptation planning process. Multiple approaches are available. While all possess limitations to their application associated with the uncertainties inherent in the data and models that inform their results, conducting and incorporating impact assessments into the adaptation planning process at least provides some basis for making resource management decisions that are becoming inevitable in the face of rapidly changing climate. Here we provide a non-exhaustive review of long-standing (e.g., species distribution models) and newly developed (e.g., vulnerability indices) methods used to anticipate the response to climate change of individual species as a guide for managers grappling with how to begin the climate change adaptation process. We address the limitations (e.g., uncertainties in climate change projections) associated with these methods, and other considerations for matching appropriate assessment approaches with the management questions and goals. Thorough consideration of the objectives, scope, scale, time frame and available resources for a climate impact assessment allows for informed method selection. With many data sets and tools available on-line, the capacity to undertake and/or benefit from existing species impact assessments is accessible to those engaged in resource management. With some understanding of potential impacts, even if limited, adaptation planning begins to move toward the development of management strategies and targeted actions that may help to sustain functioning ecosystems and their associated services into the future.
Mutations in the yeast cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28 reveal a role in the spindle assembly checkpoint

Anaphase onset and mitotic exit are regulated by the spindle assembly or kinetochore checkpoint, which inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), preventing the degradation of anaphase inhibitors and mitotic cyclins. As a result, cells arrest with high cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity due to the accumulation of cyclins. Aside from this, a clear-cut demonstration of a direct role for CDKs in the spindle checkpoint response has been elusive. Cdc28 is the main CDK driving the cell cycle in budding yeast. In this report, mutations in cdc28 are described that confer specific checkpoint defects, supersensitivity towards microtubule poisons and chromosome loss. Two alleles encode single mutations in the N and C terminal regions, respectively (R10G and R288G), and one allele specifies two mutations near the C terminus (F245L, I284T). These cdc28 mutants are unable to arrest or efficiently prevent sister chromatid separation during treatment with nocodazole. Genetic interactions with checkpoint and apc mutants suggest Cdc28 may regulate checkpoint arrest downstream of the MAD2 and BUB2 pathways. These studies identify a C-terminal domain of Cdc28 required for checkpoint arrest upon spindle damage that mediates chromosome stability during vegetative growth, suggesting that it has an essential surveillance function in the unperturbed cell cycle.
I/O cell placement and electrical checking methodology for ASICs with peripheral I/Os

Optimized I/O cell placement techniques take into account electromigration (EM), IR drop, and dI/dt noise issues in the power distribution network. This paper describes fast and easy electrical checking algorithms to be used early in the design process to verify if the I/O placements meet placement guidelines, and explains the details of the I/O cell placement-related roles used by the checking tool. Use of these techniques and methods can ensure high quality ASICs.
A Multiscale Particle Approach for Continuum/Rarefied Flow Simulation

A hybrid particle scheme is presented for the simulation of compressible gas flows involving both continuum regions and rarefied regions with strong translational nonequilibrium. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is applied in rarefied regions, while remaining portions of the flowfield are simulated using a DSMC-based low diffusion particle method for inviscid flow simulation. The hybrid scheme is suitable for either steady-state or unsteady flow problems, and can simulate gas mixtures comprising an arbitrary number of species. Numerical procedures are described for strongly coupled twoway information transfer between continuum and rarefied regions, and additional procedures are outlined for the determination of continuum breakdown. The hybrid scheme is evaluated through a comparison with DSMC simulation results for a Mach 6 flow of N2 over a cylinder, and very good overall agreement is observed.
Understanding and Overcoming Self‐control Depletion

After people exert self-control, self-control performance on subsequent tasks tends to suffer, as if the capacity for self-control was depleted by the prior exertion. The present paper discusses self-control depletion and how people may overcome it. We searched the psychology literature and found nearly 40 empirical articles documenting diverse traits and strategies that counteract depletion, thereby facilitating self-control success. The evidence points to two major strategies for overcoming depletion. The first strategy involves offsetting the high amount of effort required for self-control (e.g., introducing a brief period of rest). The second involves compensating for the low immediate rewards that most self-control tasks offer (e.g., providing an additional incentive for exerting self-control). These strategies can be interpreted neatly within the framework of recent motivational accounts of self-control depletion. This analysis may inform those aiming to improve self-control success or simply to understand and anticipate when and why self-control depletion occurs.
Varying the scale of financial incentives under real and hypothetical conditions

The use of high hypothetical payoffs has been justified by the realism and relevance of large monetary consequences and by the impracticality of making high cash payments. We argue that subjects may not be able to imagine how they would behave in high payoff situations.
Data-Mining Analysis Suggests an Epigenetic Pathogenesis for Type 2 Diabetes

The etiological origin of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has long been controversial. The body of literature related to T2DM is vast and varied in focus, making a broad epidemiological perspective difficult, if not impossible. A data-mining approach was used to analyze all electronically available scientific literature, over 12 million Medline records, for “objects” such as genes, diseases, phenotypes, and chemical compounds linked to other objects within the T2DM literature but were not themselves within the T2DM literature. The goal of this analysis was to conduct a comprehensive survey to identify novel factors implicated in the pathology of T2DM by statistically evaluating mutually shared associations. Surprisingly, epigenetic factors were among the highest statistical scores in this analysis, strongly implicating epigenetic changes within the body as causal factors in the pathogenesis of T2DM. Further analysis implicates adipocytes as the potential tissue of origin, and cytokines or cytokine-like genes as the dysregulated factor(s) responsible for the T2DM phenotype. The analysis provides a wealth of literature supporting this hypothesis, which—if true—represents an important paradigm shift for researchers studying the pathogenesis of T2DM.
Observation of optically stimulated depletion of carbon acceptor bound excitons in GaAs

We observe stimulated emission of acceptor bound excitons into an excited acceptor state. This technique is used to estimate spin coherence parameters for acceptors and may pave a path toward single acceptor isolation.
Sensor technologies and microsensor issues for mechatronics systems

Intelligence and flexibility are essential in a mechatronic product. To achieve the primary function of an integrated system, it is essential that the functional interaction and spatial integration between mechanical, electronic, control, and information technologies be accomplished in a synergistic way. Sensors are as important in the mechatronic system as the senses are to the human being. While the subject of sensors and the need of sensors are certainly important, it is also both pervasive and diffuse. This paper cannot in any sense be exhaustive of such a wide range of discussion, and will only attempt to discuss sensors related to mechatronics. In this paper, the role of sensors in the field of mechatronics has been identified, followed by the characterization of different sensing technologies. The discussion of microsensor technologies, advantage of microsensors, and problems with microsensors together with multisensor fusion applications is presented. An example of a capacitive micro proximity sensor using micromachining technology developed by the Center of Robotics and Intelligent Machines at North Carolina State University is also described.
Influence of Fats and Choline on Liver and Serum Cholesterol in the Chick

Abstract DURING the past decade, there has been a great deal of interest in investigating the effects of different dietary components on serum cholesterol levels in a large number of species. Previous papers have shown that dietary fats and choline are among the various components that affect serum cholesterol levels in the chick. It is well established that dietary fat may either increase or decrease blood cholesterol depending upon the type of fat and the level at which it is fed. When feeding 5 to 10 percent of added animal fat to laying chickens, Weiss and Fisher (1957) observed high plasma cholesterol concentrations, and friable and fatty liver development which suggested that high animal fat diets result in a derangement in lipid metabolism in the chicken. Leveille and Fisher (1958) reported no significant increases in plasma cholesterol when 10 percent tallow was fed to Single Comb White Leghorn hens as compared…
Radiology in Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations: Much Ado About Nothing?

provide input on behalf of its members. As a quick refresher, an ACO is a team of providers that takes on the responsibility of coordinating care for a population and in turn accepts financial risk for providing that care [4]. An ACO participating in the Pioneer ACO Model commits to take on responsibility for all of the care for a population of at least 15,000 Medicare beneficiaries [5]. In exchange, the Pioneer ACO will continue to function in a fee-for-service environment, will share inbothupside and downside risk, and will garner a greater proportion of any shared savings, should these be generated by its efforts, than is the case with subsequent ACO models that involve only upside risk.
Bioresorbable nanofiber‐based systems for wound healing and drug delivery: Optimization of fabrication parameters

Wound healing is a complex process that often requires treatment with antibiotics. This article reports the initial development of a biodegradable polymeric nanofiber-based antibiotic delivery system. The functions of such a system would be (a) to serve as a biodegradable gauze, and (b) to serve as an antibiotic delivery system. The polymer used in this study was poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLAGA), and nanofibers of PLAGA were fabricated with the use of the electrospinning process. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fabrication parameters: orifice diameter (needle gauge), polymer solution concentration, and voltage per unit length, on the morphology and diameter of electrospun nanofibers. The needle gauges studied were 16 (1.19 mm), 18 (0.84 mm), and 20 (0.58 mm), and the range of polymer solution concentration studied was from 0.10 g/mL to 0.30 g/mL. The effect of voltage was determined by varying the voltage per unit electrospinning distance, and the range studied was from 0.375 kV/cm to 1.5 kV/cm. In addition, the mass per unit area of the electrospun nanofibers as a function of time was determined and the feasibility of antibiotic (cefazolin) loading into the nanofibers was also studied. The results indicate that the diameter of nanofibers decreased with an increase in needle gauge (decrease in orifice diameter), and increased with an increase in the concentration of the polymer solution. The voltage study demonstrated that the average diameter of the nanofibers decreased with an increase in voltage. However, the effect of voltage on fiber diameter was less pronounced as compared to polymer solution concentration. The results of the areal density study indicated that the mass per unit area of the electrospun nanofibers increased linearly with time. Feasibility of drug incorporation into the nanofibers was demonstrated with the use of cefazolin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Overall, these studies demonstrated that PLAGA nanofibers can be tailored to desired diameters through modifications in processing parameters, and that antibiotics such as cefazolin can be incorporated into these nanofibers. Therefore, PLAGA nanofibers show potential as antibiotic delivery systems for the treatment of wounds.
Processing and Microstructure Development in Alumina–Silicon Carbide Intragranular Particulate Composites

Al2O3–SiC particulate composites were fabricated by hot-pressing mixtures of 5–30 vol% SiC with either α-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3, or boehmite (γ-AlOOH) to determine whether grain growth or the α-alumina phase transformation could be used to fabricate intragranular particulate composites. Samples starting with α-alumina resulted in primarily intergranular SiC of 0.3 μ and an alumina grain size of 1.5–4.1 μm. Heat treatments resulted in SiC coarsening but no entrapment of SiC by grain boundary breakaway. The α-alumina transformation in the samples starting with γ-alumina resulted in the entrapment of ∼48% of the 5 vol% of SiC added whereas 79% of the SiC was entrapped in the α-alumina grains in samples starting with boehmite. Only SiC particles ≤0.2 SmUm were entrapped in the α-alumina grains during the phase transformation. With increasing SiC content, the relative volume of intragranular SiC decreased, but the amount of intragranular SiC was constant and independent of the amount of SiC added before transformation. The formation of intragranular composites from γ-alumina and boehmite samples was explained with a model that attributes particle entrapment to the vermicular growth of α-alumina into the transition alumina matrix during the α-alumina phase transformation. Seeding the boehmite-based samples did not affect the concentration of entrapped SiC, but did lower the hot-pressing densification temperature by as much as 150°C.
Group support for technical review teams: an exploratory investigation

Group technical reviews play an important role in the software development process and may potentially benefit from group support systems. An experimental study was performed to learn more about the group review task and the productivity of review teams so that the opportunities for group support could be better assessed. An experimental task involving the review of an analysis specification document was performed by 15 teams of college student subjects. Based on the study results, the experimental task was characterized as a complementary task composed of Eureka disjunctive subtasks. Process loss and gain were measured for the review teams. Potential sources for process loss and gain for review teams are discussed, along with the implications for group support. >
Phase noise issues in femtosecond lasers

This paper explores the affect of phase modulation (PM), amplitude modulation (AM), and thermal noise on the rf spectrum, phase jitter, timing jitter, and frequency stability of femtosecond lasers and other precision sources. Using these concepts we can suggest how some noise aspects of femtosecond pulsed lasers should scale.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with schizophrenia and may be associated with higher levels or lower levels of negative symptoms. In the current study, we attempted to clarify the relationship between PTSD and negative symptoms by examining the proportion of patients meeting various negative symptom criteria in a sample of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia alone or schizophrenia and comorbid PTSD. Results indicated that the presence of PTSD in schizophrenia was associated with increased secondary negative symptoms, with the deficit syndrome (DS) and primary negative symptoms associated with lower rates of current and lifetime diagnoses of PTSD. Furthermore, the deficit/nondeficit classification provided greater differentiation of PTSD symptoms than did negative symptoms defined more broadly using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms or primary vs secondary distinctions. These findings suggest that DS patients are at a uniquely low risk for PTSD.
Clinical and biological significance of vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial cancer

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is critical for angiogenesis and tumor progression; however, its role in endometrial cancer is not fully known. Therefore, we examined the clinical and therapeutic significance of VEGF in endometrial carcinoma using patient samples and an endometrioid orthotopic mouse model. Experimental Design: Following Institutional Review Board approval, VEGF expression and microvessel density (MVD) counts were evaluated using immunohistochemistry in 111 invasive endometrioid endometrial cancers by two independent investigators. Results were correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics. For the animal model, Ishikawa or Hec-1A cancer cell lines were injected directly into the uterine horn. Therapy experiments with bevacizumab alone or in combination with docetaxel were done and samples were analyzed for markers of angiogenesis and proliferation. Results: Of 111 endometrial cancers, high expression of VEGF was seen in 56% of tumors. There was a strong correlation between VEGF expression and MVD ( P P = 0.04), grade ( P = 0.003), VEGF levels ( P = 0.03), and MVD ( P = 0.037) were independent predictors of shorter disease-specific survival. In the murine model, whereas docetaxel and bevacizumab alone resulted in 61% to 77% tumor growth inhibition over controls, combination therapy had the greatest efficacy (85-97% inhibition over controls; P P P Conclusions: Increased levels of VEGF and angiogenic markers are associated with poor outcome in endometrioid endometrial cancer patients. Using a novel orthotopic model of endometrioid endometrial cancer, we showed that combination of antivascular therapy with docetaxel is highly efficacious and should be considered for future clinical trials.
Polyomino weak achievement games on 3-dimensional rectangular boards

Polyomino achievement games on 3-dimensional rectangular boards are studied. All except two polyominoes with less than six cells are weak winners. The smallest known paving losers contain six cells. There are finitely many winning polyominoes.
Is current medical education adequately preparing future physicians to manage concussion: an initial evaluation.

AbstractObjectives: In 2010, there were 2.5 million hospitalizations, emergency room visits, or deaths associated with concussions in the United States.[1] Knowledge deficits exist among physicians regarding concussion management, which can lead to severe repercussions, including poor patient outcomes, poor patient satisfaction, and potential medical-legal issues. While concussion is a prevalent condition evaluated in the medical field, medical students continue to have a knowledge deficit regarding concussion diagnosis, prognosis, medical management, and return to play guidelines. Methods: Medical students from a mid-western medical school completed a survey on concussion diagnosis, prognosis, medical management, and return to play guidelines. Results: The response rate was 40%. The data suggests that the vast majority of medical students are able to define concussion; however, most reported never having a lecture dedicated to concussion during medical school and also lacked clinical experience with acut...
The Burden of Proof in Non-Judicial Punishment: Why Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Makes Sense

The Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) fails to specify the required burden of proof for a commanding officer to determine guilt when administering nonjudicial punishment. As a result of the MCM’s silence, the military services have been able to apply different burdens of proof when administering nonjudicial punishment. The lack of a uniform burden of proof throughout the military creates a perception of arbitrary justice, is contrary to the intent of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and presents difficult issues for joint operation commanders. The adoption of a uniform burden of proof would eliminate these problems. A comparison of possible burdens of proof demonstrates that beyond a reasonable doubt offers the greatest individual protections to accused servicemembers while maintaining the efficiency required by the nonjudicial punishment system. This article does this comparison and argues that the services should universally implement beyond a reasonable doubt as the burden of proof when administering nonjudicial punishment.
A Valuable Contribution: Standards and Trends in Religious Education

(1934). A Valuable Contribution: Standards and Trends in Religious Education. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 229-230.
Japanese encephalitis vectors study of Baoshan city

Objective To understand the Japanese encephalitis incidence media distribution and population density of Baoshan city. Methods Mosquitoes were collected by mosquito lure lamp. Results Investigated 2 monitored places which were Longyang district in Lujiang town and Shidian county in Jiucheng town,a total of 6genera 29 species and 65224 mosquitoes being captured,including 58 473 Culex tritaenorhynchus,accounted for 89. 65%; 6 genera 26 species and 13204 mosquitoes being captured in Longyang district in Lujiang town,including 11028 Culex tritaenorhynchus,accounted for 83. 52%; Shidian county urban and rural old caught 5genera 16 species of and 51520 mosquitoes being captured in Shidian county in Jiucheng town including Culex tritaenorhynchus 47445,accounted for 91. 21%. Two county Culex tritaenorhynchus has significant difference comparing( χ2= 670. 29,P 0. 01). Conclusions JE vectors is more in Baoshan city,especially the main media JE Culex tritaenorhynchus population density is high,and separate to the virus,therefore there is a higher risk for the spread of JE.
Analysis on rebuilding effect of Taipingshao collimation dam deformation measuring system

Through analysis of the observing data from the rebuilding system,the rebuilding effect is evaluated,the rebuilding is considered to be successful.
SPARQLing: A Graphical Interface for SPARQL.

SPARQLing presents a graphical SPARQL query builder, which al- lows users of domain ontologies and RDF datasets formulate queries through visual inspection of classes and properties in the ontology or RDF schema. Our approach takes into account the users' preferences in viewing the elements of the interface.
Annual Hospital Volume of High Dose Interleukin-2 and Inpatient Mortality in Melanoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Background Immunotherapy using high dose interleukin-2 (HD IL2) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and melanoma is associated with severe toxicities. The association between annual hospital volume of HD IL2 and inpatient mortality is not well studied. In this study we aim to quantify the impact of annual hospital volume of HD IL2 on inpatient mortality using National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data. Methods We did a cross-sectional study using NIS, one of the largest inpatient datasets in United States, from 2003 to 2011. Patients with melanoma and RCC receiving HD IL2 were identified by ICD9 procedure code 00.15. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Using Joinpoint regression, which detects change in trend of inpatient mortality with change in annual volume, the hospitals were classified in three volume categories (low: 1–40, medium: 41–120, high: >120). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of inpatient mortality controlling for confounders. Results From 2003 to 2011, 29,532 patients with RCC or melanoma who received HD IL2 were identified, and 124 died during the hospitalization (0.4%). The hospitals with low, medium and high annual volume had significant difference in inpatient mortality (0.83%, 0.29% and 0.13% respectively, p = 0.0003). On multivariate analysis, low volume hospitals were associated with significantly higher odds of inpatient mortality (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.6–23.2, p = 0.003) as compared to high volume hospitals. Additionally, the hospitals with annual volume of 1–20 had even higher rates (1.31% vs. 0.13%, p<0.0001) and multivariate odds (OR 8.9, 95% CI 2.4–33.2, p = 0.0006) of inpatient mortality as compared to high volume hospitals. Conclusions Lower annual hospital volume of HD IL2 is associated with worse outcomes. Annual hospital volume of 1–40 and 1–20 treatments per year is associated with 6 and 9 times higher odds of inpatient mortality respectively as compared to high volume hospitals. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for a volume-outcome relationship for RCC and melanoma patients undergoing HD IL2 treatment. They support future volume-outcome analyses in relation to other anti-cancer therapies that require special training and expertise.
Robotic-Assisted Transanal Repair of a Rectovaginal Fistula.

Background Various methods exist for the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas, with the choice of repair largely dependent on the fistula location. Options include local repair with mucosal advancement flaps, the use of agents like fibrin glue, and an abdominal approach with resection and colo-anal reconstruction. Traditionally, local repair with mucosal advancement flaps is reserved for simple, low rectovaginal fistulas, while high rectal fistulas require a transabdominal approach.1,2
Use of resectoscope for colon cancer.

SUMMARY Urologic endoscopic resectoscopes greatly simplify electrofulguration and resection of rectal tumors. The most important advantage is the enhanced visibility that allows determination of the depth of resection and good hemostasis. The indications for this procedure are otherwise-poor surgical candidates, palliation, excision of locally aggressive tumors such as villous adenomas, and bowel diversion prior to definitive therapy. Bleeding, peritoneal perforation requiring colostomy, and postoperative infection have all been reported, but the complication rate appears to be acceptable. Further clinical studies are necessary to determine if, indeed, this can be considered a curative procedure. Finally, because the practicing urologist is intimately aware of the technical aspects of the urologic resectoscope, he will probably be called on to perform, and should be aware of, this procedure.
Extraction of light filth from canned green leafy vegetables: collaborative study

The official first action method, 44.108, for the extraction of light filth from whole or chopped canned greens specifies a water-heptane flotation that results in the flotation of an excessive amount of interfering plant material and in low recoveries. A new method has been developed using a 40% isopropanol-water-mineral oil flotation. The new method yielded a decreased amount of plant material and 84.9% recovery of the aphid spike compared with 42.5% recovery of the spike by the official method. The new method has been adopted as official first action to replace the existing method, except for broccoli.
A Nominal Group Interview Technique to Support Lightweight Process Assessments: Description and Experience Report

This paper describes a group interview technique designed to support lightweight process assessments while promoting at the same time collaboration among assessment participants. The method was successfully used in one consulting assignment were it got previously discording participants, talking to each other and agreeing on the issues. The technique borrows from agile software development the concept of user stories to cast CMMI’s specific practices in concrete terms and the Planning Poker technique, instead of document reviews and audit like interviews, for fact finding and corroboration.
Clark, Septima P.

Born: May 3, 1898, Charleston, SC Education: Avery Institute, graduated 1916; Benedict College, B.A., 1942; Hampton Institute, 1945 Died: December 15, 1987, Charleston, SC A courageous teacher in the Jim Crow era, Clark also taught during the King years. Fired in 1956 because of her NAACP affiliation, she sued the Charleston, South Carolina schools and won compensation (1976). A staff member at Highlander Folk School in Tennessee, she adapted her teaching methods from Charleston and Johns Island to create a curriculum for “citizenship schools.” It stressed basic literacy and life skills and knowledge of voting rights. About 897 Citizenship Schools operated in the South ca. 1957–70. Using them to foster voter registration, the Atlanta-based Voter Education Project (1962) trained 10,000 citizenship tutors by 1966. Schools convened in churches, lodge halls, homes, and fields. Like ex-slaves’ Sabbath Schools, foundational in their freedom struggle, Citizenship Schools paved the way for Freedom Schools, which Ella Baker and student activists used to enlarge “the grassroots base of the southern wide opposition to segregation” and increase black suffrage. Baker and Clark had been sisters in civil rights struggles since the 1940s.
The Discovery of Superoxide Dismutase and Its Role in Redox Biology

The discovery of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme to eliminate oxygen-derived free radicals, raised many questions. Why and how was this radical produced in biological systems? How was it toxic? Were there positive contributions associated with superoxide production? Was it involved in a delicate redox balance? Decades later these questions are still being clarified.
Episodic weakness and Charcot-marie-tooth disease due to a mitochondrial MT-ATP6 mutation.

Introduction: Episodic muscle weakness is the hallmark of a heterogeneous group of disorders known as periodic paralysis. A majority are due to single nucleotide mutations causing membrane depolarization. Methods: We report 2 family members with chronic, slowly progressive, distal axonal neuropathy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) and episodic weakness resembling periodic paralysis. Results: Next generation sequencing (NGS) identified a mitochondrial MT-ATP6 mutation m.9185T>C (p.Leu220Pro) in both patients, consistent with a previous report of an association with this phenotype. The episodic weakness has been responsive to acetazolamide therapy for a few decades. By contrast, the underlying axonal neuropathy is quite progressive despite treatment with acetazolamide. Conclusions: Mitochondrial DNA mutations should be considered in patients with a history of episodic weakness and axonal inherited neuropathy (CMT2). The episodic weakness is responsive to acetazolamide therapy, and electrophysiological testing for periodic paralysis with a long exercise protocol is negative in these cases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Weighting in Subspace-Based System Identification

Abstract Subspace-based methods for system identification are often based on an estimate of the range space of the extended observability matrix. It is thus of great interest to investigate, and also optimize, the accuracy of the estimated subspace. Especially, the influence of certain weighting matrices is an unresolved issue. Here, an asymptotic analysis of the accuracy of the estimated subspace is presented. The main result of the analysis is that statistically sound weighting matrices are found.
Structural and In Vivo Studies on Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase from Pathogenic Fungi Provide Insights into Its Catalytic Mechanism, Biological Necessity, and Potential for Novel Antifungal Drug Design.

ABSTRACT The disaccharide trehalose is critical to the survival of pathogenic fungi in their human host. Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (Tps1) catalyzes the first step of trehalose biosynthesis in fungi. Here, we report the first structures of eukaryotic Tps1s in complex with substrates or substrate analogues. The overall structures of Tps1 from Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus are essentially identical and reveal N- and C-terminal Rossmann fold domains that form the glucose-6-phosphate and UDP-glucose substrate binding sites, respectively. These Tps1 structures with substrates or substrate analogues reveal key residues involved in recognition and catalysis. Disruption of these key residues severely impaired Tps1 enzymatic activity. Subsequent cellular analyses also highlight the enzymatic function of Tps1 in thermotolerance, yeast-hypha transition, and biofilm development. These results suggest that Tps1 enzymatic functionality is essential for the fungal stress response and virulence. Furthermore, structures of Tps1 in complex with the nonhydrolyzable inhibitor, validoxylamine A, visualize the transition state and support an internal return-like catalytic mechanism that is generalizable to other GT-B-fold retaining glycosyltransferases. Collectively, our results depict key Tps1-substrate interactions, unveil the enzymatic mechanism of these fungal proteins, and pave the way for high-throughput inhibitor screening buttressed and guided by the current structures and those of high-affinity ligand-Tps1 complexes. IMPORTANCE Invasive fungal diseases have emerged as major threats, resulting in more than 1.5 million deaths annually worldwide. This epidemic has been further complicated by increasing resistance to all major classes of antifungal drugs in the clinic. Trehalose biosynthesis is essential for the fungal stress response and virulence. Critically, this biosynthetic pathway is absent in mammals, and thus, the two enzymes that carry out trehalose biosynthesis, namely, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (Tps1) and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (Tps2), are prominent targets for antifungal intervention. Here, we report the first eukaryotic Tps1 structures from the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus in complex with substrates, substrate analogues, and inhibitors. These structures reveal key protein-substrate interactions, providing atomic-level scaffolds for structure-guided drug design of novel antifungals that target Tps1.