cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulations of the Nonlinear Dose Dependence for Substrates of Influx and Efflux Transporters in the Human Intestine

The purpose of this study was to develop simulation and modeling methods for the evaluation of pharmacokinetics when intestinal influx and efflux transporters are involved in gastrointestinal absorption. The advanced compartmental absorption and transit (ACAT) model as part of the computer program GastroPlus™ was used to simulate the absorption and pharmacokinetics of valacyclovir, gabapentin, and talinolol. Each of these drugs is a substrate for an influx or efflux transporter and all show nonlinear dose dependence within the normal therapeutic range. These simulations incorporated the experimentally derived gastrointestinal distributions of transporter expression levels for oligopeptide transporters PepT1 and HPT1 (valacyclovir); System L-amino acid transporter LAT2 and organic cation transporter OCTN1 (gabapentin); and organic anion transporter (OATP1A2) and P-glycoprotein (talinolol). By assuming a uniform distribution of oligopeptide transporter and by application of the in vitro Km value for valacyclovir, the simulations accurately reproduced the experimental nonlinear dose dependence. For gabapentin, LAT2 distribution produced simulation results that were much more accurate than OCTN1 distributions. For talinolol, an influx transporter distribution for OATP1A2 and the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein distributed with increasing expression in the distal small intestine produced the best results. The physiological characteristics of the small and large intestines used in the ACAT model were able to accurately account for the positional and temporal changes in concentration and carrier-mediated transport of the three drugs included in this study. The ACAT model reproduced the nonlinear dose dependence for each of these drugs.
Exclusion of candidate genes in two families with autosomal dominant hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta

The amelogenesis imperfectas (AI) are a group of hereditary enamel defects characterized by clinical and genetic diversity. The most common AI types are inherited as autosomal traits. Three mutations of the enamelin (ENAM) gene have been found in cases of autosomal dominant hypoplastic AI. The gene(s) responsible for hypocalcified forms of AI have not been identified, although a number of autosomal genes have been proposed as candidates for AI based on their expression by ameloblasts, including ameloblastin and enamelin (chromosome 4q13.3), tuftelin (chromosome 1q21), enamelysin (chromosome 11q22.3-q23) and kallikrein 4 (chromosome 19q13.3-q13.4). To localize the gene(s) responsible for autosomal dominant hypocalcified AI, we evaluated support for/against linkage of AI to genetic markers spanning five AI candidate genes in two extended families. Our data excluded all proposed candidate gene regions as causal for autosomal dominant hypocalcified AI in these families. These linkage findings provide further evidence for genetic heterogeneity among families with autosomal dominant AI and indicate that, at least, some forms of autosomal dominant hypocalcified AI are not caused by a gene in the five most commonly reported AI candidate genes.
Clock Drift Estimation in Networks with Symmetric Exponential Link Delays

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are rapidly gaining importance for distributed sensing, control and automation tasks. Many of their applications require the individual nodes of the network to have their logical clocks running close to each other for reliable conveyance of information. Although a linear model of first order (i.e., involving the clock offset and skew) is enough in most cases, some applications such as efficient duty cycling and synchronized sampling require long term clock synchronization in the network which eventually increases its whole lifetime by spending lesser energy on communications for resynchronization. In this paper, we have proposed a quadratic model for better modeling the relationship between a node's clock with the reference and derived the Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) for the corresponding clock drift, skew, offset and the fixed link delay assuming an exponential distribution for variable link delays. In addition, the algorithm to find such an estimator is also explained in detail.
The Strength of Weak Ties You Can Trust: The Mediating Role of Trust in Effective Knowledge Transfer

Research has demonstrated that relationships are critical to knowledge creation and transfer, yet findings have been mixed regarding the importance of relational and structural characteristics of social capital for the receipt of tacit and explicit knowledge. We propose and test a model of two-party (dyadic) knowledge exchange, with strong support in each of the three companies surveyed. First, the link between strong ties and receipt of useful knowledge (as reported by the knowledge seeker) was mediated by competence- and benevolence-based trust. Second, once we controlled for these two trustworthiness dimensions, the structural benefit ofweak ties emerged. This finding is consistent with prior research suggesting that weak ties provide access to nonredundant information. Third, competence-based trust was especially important for the receipt of tacit knowledge. We discuss implications for theory and practice.
Cleavage of thymine N3–H bonds by low-energy electrons attached to base π∗ orbitals

Abstract In this work, we extend our earlier studies on single strand break (SSB) formation in DNA to consider the possibility of cleaving a thymine N3–H bond to generate a nitrogen-centered anion and a hydrogen radical which might proceed to induce further bond cleavages. In earlier studies, we considered SSBs induced by low-energy electrons that attach to DNA bases’ π∗ orbitals or to phosphate P O π∗ orbitals to cleave sugar–phosphate C–O bonds or base–sugar N1–C bonds. We also studied the effects of base π-stacking on the rates of such bond cleavages. To date, our results suggest that sugar–phosphate C–O bonds have the lowest barriers to cleavage, that attachment of electrons with energies below 2 eV most likely occurs at the base π∗ orbitals, that electrons with energy above 2 eV can also attach to phosphate P O π∗ orbitals, and that base π stacking has a modest but slowing effect on the rates of SSB formation. However, we had not yet examined the possibility that base N3–H bonds could rupture subsequent to base π∗ orbital capture. In the present work, the latter possibility is considered and it is found that the barrier to cleavage of the N3–H bond in thymine is considerably higher than for cleaving sugar–phosphate C–O bonds, so our prediction that SSB formation is dominated by C–O bond cleavage remains intact.
Seven-site versus three-site method of body composition using BodyMetrix ultrasound compared to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Summary Obesity is a steadily growing epidemic affecting all segments of the population including college-aged students. The weight gain that is evidenced amid the transitional stage of college years increases the risks associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The BodyMetrix® BX-2000 (ULTRA) using a seven-site method has been evaluated against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for estimation of body composition, which has yielded conflicting results. To date, no studies have compared the three-site method Jackson and Pollock three-site method to DXA. Purpose The purpose of the study was twofold (i) to compare agreement between Jackson–Pollock seven site (JP7), Jackson–Pollock three site (JP3) and Pollock three site (P3) to predict body fat (%BF) using ULTRA and (ii) and to compare the three ULTRA methodologies against DXA. Methods Seventy-six healthy college-aged subjects (ages = 22·08 ± 2·50 years) participated in this study. DXA and ULTRA body composition assessments were performed following manufacturer's instructions to estimate %BF. Paired sample t-tests were used to assess agreement between JP7, P3 and JP3. Additionally, a two-tailed sample t-test was performed by sex. ULTRA and DXA results were also performed for agreement and bivariate correlation. Results No significant differences between JP7 and P3, P = 0·38, were observed. In males, no significant differences were observed between JP7 and P3, P = 0·18. Significant differences were observed in all other pairs, P≤0·001 and between ULTRA and DXA. Conclusions The Pollock 3-site method estimates body fat percentage with comparable accuracy to JP7 using ULTRA.
Late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance predicts adverse cardiovascular outcomes in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background— Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiac MR (CMR) is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). However, these findings are limited by single-center studies, small sample sizes, and low event rates. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of LGE by CMR (LGE-CMR) imaging in patients with NICM. Methods and Results— PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched for studies looking at the prognostic value of LGE-CMR in patients with NICM. The primary end points included all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and a composite end point of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or aborted SCD. Pooling of odds ratios was performed using a random-effect model, and annualized event rates were assessed. Data were included from 9 studies with a total of 1488 patients and a mean follow-up of 30 months. Patients had a mean age of 52 years, 67% were men, and the average left ventricular ejection fraction was 37% on CMR. LGE was present in 38% of patients. Patients with LGE had increased overall mortality (odds ratio, 3.27; P <0.00001), heart failure hospitalization (odds ratio, 2.91; P =0.02), and SCD/aborted SCD (odds ratio, 5.32; P <0.00001) compared with those without LGE. The annualized event rates for mortality were 4.7% for LGE+ subjects versus 1.7% for LGE− subjects ( P =0.01), 5.03% versus 1.8% for heart failure hospitalization ( P =0.002), and 6.0% versus 1.2% for SCD/aborted SCD ( P <0.001). Conclusions— LGE in patients with NICM is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and SCD. Detection of LGE by CMR has excellent prognostic characteristics and may help guide risk stratification and management in patients with NICM.
Mistaken Identity: A Reply to Hegre

Hegre (2005) offers an interesting example of cumulative science. By relaxing a restrictive assumption in Gartzke and Li (2003a), Hegre shows formally that the relationship between trade share and trade dependence need not be negative. Still, Hegre's assumptions are also in tension with his basic insight. We apply his logic in a more thorough manner to demonstrate that our original theoretical argument and empirical results are robust to the critique. Hegre (2005) also suggests that the pacifying effect of trade openness is likely an artifact of our failure to control for the size of the national economy. We re-estimate the effect of trade openness while controlling for the economic size of both states in the dyad and show that trade openness continues to reduce the likelihood of military conflict between countries.
Adsorbing Colloid Flotation of Cu(II) with a Chelating Surfactant

Abstract Cu(II) is effectively removed from synthetic mixtures by dodecylamine-N,N-diacetic acid with Fe(OH)3 and a carrier foam. The effects of pH and ionic strength on the separation are ascertained. Cu(II) is effectively floated at much higher ionic strengths with dodecylamine-N,N-diacetic acid than with nonchelating surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
A 2.5 Gpulse/s, 25 pJ/pulse, 0.18μm CMOS Impulse Radio UWB Transmitter Based on Dual-Polarity Distributed Waveform Generator

In this paper, we present a fully-integrated impulse radio UWB transmitter based on a newly-developed ultrafast pulse circuit technique, distributed waveform generator (DWG). A DWG time-interleaves multiple digital pulse generators, and then combines all generated pulses using a wideband on-chip transmis- sion line. A DWG is low power and fully reconfigurable compared to other UWB pulse generation and shaping solutions. It also facilitates the implementation of digital modulation schemes such as on-off keying (OOK) and pulse position modulation (PPM) in the transmitter. A chip prototype with a 10-tap, 10 GS/s dual-polarity DWG was designed and implemented in 0.18µm standard digital CMOS. The transmitter's pulse rate can be varied from 16 MHz to 2.5 GHz with an energy efficiency of 25 pJ/pulse. The transmitted pulses with OOK and PPM modulation are successfully demonstrated using 32 Mb/s PRBS data.
Electrolytically generated oxygen microgradients for cell culture

We present a microdevice capable of electrochemically generating user-defined oxygen gradients for use in cell and tissue culture. Electrolytic dissolved oxygen generation at multiple electrodes evolves 1D and 2D oxygen gradients across several millimeters with microscale precision and has the potential to test the effect of localized oxygen doses on a wide range of tissue and cell samples. The developed microgradients are stable for days, enabling experiments of physiologically relevant duration. We present the basic theory of operation and initial results.
Survey of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) knowledge among medical students

Abstract Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a leading cause of congenital infection worldwide and the most common congenital infection in the United States, affecting 30,000–40,000 US newborns each year and causing permanent disabilities in 8000–10,000. In contrast to how commonly it occurs, physicians and medical students have little knowledge of cCMV. Objectives To test the hypothesis medical students have little awareness about cCMV infection, and to collect data on medical students’ knowledge about cCMV. The long-term goal of this project is to establish medical student awareness of cCMV infection and educate students about available treatments and strategies for prevention in at-risk populations. Study design Medical students at one institution were surveyed by questionnaire to assess their knowledge of cCMV. Responses were described, quantified, and compared between groups. Results 751 surveys were sent and 422 completed responses were received. Respondents were well distributed over all 4 medical school (MS) class years. Only 34% MS1 had heard of cCMV compared to 100% MS2-4 (P Conclusion A baseline lack of knowledge about cCMV was documented in first year medical students. A sharp increase in knowledge of cCMV occurred between MS1 and MS2 years, likely due to preclinical medical student curriculum. However, significant knowledge gaps regarding transmission and treatment were observed in all MS years, representing opportunities for medical education.
Case-Control Study of Aspirin Use and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer.

Background: Pancreas-cancer prognosis is dismal, with 5-year survival less than 5%. Significant relationships between aspirin use and decreased pancreas-cancer incidence and mortality have been shown in four of 13 studies. Methods: To evaluate further a possible association between aspirin use and risk of pancreatic cancer, we used data from a population-based Connecticut study conducted from January 2005 to August 2009, of 362 pancreas-cancer cases frequency matched to 690 randomly sampled controls. Results: Overall, regular use of aspirin was associated with reduced risk of pancreatic cancer [odds ratio (OR), 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39–0.69]. Increments of decreasing risk of pancreatic cancer were observed for each year of low-dose or regular-dose aspirin use (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98 and OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–1.01, respectively) and for increasing years in the past that low-dose or regular-dose aspirin use had started (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92–0.99 and OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–1.00, respectively). Reduced risk of pancreatic cancer was seen in most categories of calendar time period of aspirin use, for both low-dose aspirin and regular-dose aspirin use. Relative to continuing use at the time of interview, termination of aspirin use within 2 years of interview was associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.58–6.65). Conclusions: Our results provide some support that a daily aspirin regimen may reduce risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Impact: Long-term aspirin use has benefits for both cardiovascular disease and cancer, but appreciable bleeding complications that necessitate risk–benefit analysis for individual applications. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1254–63. ©2014 AACR .
Sarcoma management based on a standardized TNM classification

The proper management of soft tissue sarcomas, that offering the highest cure rate while attempting limb sparing should the extremities be involved, requires a standard approach best achieved with the TNM classification. Such staging of the sarcomatous lesion is based primarily on the histologic grade, followed by size and finally histologic classification. The definitive approach is surgical, with muscle group dissection employed at all sites, including the extremities, trunk, and head and neck region. Radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy improves survival in all high-grade lesions at risk for recurrence. Evaluation of the primary and recurrent lesion by computed tomography, magnetic resonance when necessary, and angiography offers the best approach for evaluation of the lesion in treatment planning. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A diamond trap for indirect excitons in coupled quantum wells

We report on trapping and control of indirect excitons in diamond-shaped electrostatic traps. An important advantage of the diamond trap is the realization of a parabolic-like trapping potential for excitons on a large scale by utilizing only a single electrode. We also report on trapping and control of excitons in elevated diamond traps implemented by adding a ‘wire’ electrode around the diamond electrode. The elevated trap provides evaporative cooling to the excitons in the trap beyond the cooling via phonon emission[4]. We present experimental proof of principle for trapping of indirect excitons in normal and elevated diamond trap configurations. For the elevated trap configuration, we observed an effective collection of excitons to the trap center with increasing exciton density.
Postexercise rehydration: effect of Na+ and volume on restoration of fluid spaces and cardiovascular function

Our purpose was to study the interaction between Na+ content and fluid volume on rehydration (RH) and restoration of fluid spaces and cardiovascular (CV) function. Ten men completed four trials in ...
JANUS: A Framework for Scalable and Secure Routing in Hybrid Wireless Networks

Hybrid networks consisting of cellular and Wi-Fi networks were proposed as a high-throughput architecture for cellular services. In such networks, devices equipped with cellular and Wi-Fi network cards access Internet services through the cellular base station. The Wi-Fi interface is used to provide a better service to clients that are far away from the base station, via multihop ad hoc paths. The modified trust model of hybrid networks generates a set of new security challenges as clients rely on intermediate nodes to participate effectively in the resource reservation process and data forwarding. In this paper, we introduce JANUS, a framework for scalable, secure, and efficient routing for hybrid cellular and Wi-Fi networks. JANUS uses a scalable routing algorithm with multiple channel access, for improved network throughput. In addition, it provides protection against selfish nodes through a secure crediting protocol and protection against malicious nodes through secure route establishment and data forwarding mechanisms. We evaluate JANUS experimentally and show that its performance is 85 percent of the optimum algorithm, improving with a factor greater than 50 percent over previous work. We evaluate the security overhead of JANUS against two types of attacks: less aggressive, but sufficient for some applications, selfish attacks and purely malicious attacks.
On the amount of bandwidth allocated to virtual paths in ATM networks

The virtual path (VP) concept in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks is introduced to minimize the network management and control costs. A VP provides a logical connection between two end nodes. VPs have their own allocated bandwidth and each VP is mapped on to a set of physical links connecting the two nodes. Virtual channels (VCs), on the other hand, provide a logical connection between two users. Accordingly, a number of VCs are multiplexed on a VP and a number of VPs are multiplexed on physical links. The effect of multiplexing traffic on the amount of bandwidth allocated to VPs is investigated. >
Seed dispersal characteristics of Brassavola nodosa (Orchidaceae)

We used mathematical models for wind-dispersed seeds and wind-tunnel experiments to predict modal seed dispersal distance of the Neotropical orchid Brassavola nodosa under conditions approximating those found in its natural habitat: mangrove islands in Belize, Central America. Key variables in a simple ballistic model for predicting modal dispersal distance (x m ) of an individual seed include: height of release ( h); free-stream velocity (Uc); and terminal velocity of the seed (Ut): xm 5 hUc/Ut. Modal dispersal distance of dust-like orchid seeds were predicted adequately by this ballistic model at low wind velocities and low release heights, but it underestimated the increasing importance of turbulence at higher wind velocities and greater release heights. We estimated the magnitude and relative importance of one measure of turbulence, vertical mixing velocity (W*), on xm in wind tunnel experiments. Our estimates of W* were within the same order of magnitude as those found for other small dust-like seeds and pollen. In high turbulence conditions, incorporation of vertical mixing velocity effects into the ballistic model of seed dispersal overestimated modal seed dispersal distances.
Simulation of ocean skin temperature modulation by swell waves

The skin temperature of the ocean can be significantly modulated by the presence of swell waves. Experiments show that the magnitude of the modulation can be on the order of the bulk-skin temperature difference and that the phase is determined by the direction of the wind relative to the swell. A new model incorporating small-scale wave breaking, hydrodynamic modulation, and surface renewal theory is developed to simulate the modulation of the skin temperature. Comparisons with observations show that the model can accurately predict the mean skin temperature and both the amplitude and phase of the modulation.
Micromagnetic surface measurements for evaluation of surface modifications due to cyclic stress

The results of inspection fatigue damage by two magnetic nondestructive methods are presented. The magnetic hysteresis method can detect fatigue damage in the later stages of fatigue life. Magnetic Barkhausen signals, being highly sensitive to the surface condition of a material, show continuous change during the whole fatigue process. The Barkhausen effect measurement, aided by signal processing techniques, is therefore capable of monitoring surface modifications due to cyclic stress. >
Exploratory Higher Order Analysis of the Luria Interpretive Model on the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (KABC-II) School-Age Battery

Higher order factor structure of the Luria interpretive scheme on the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (KABC-II) for the 7- to 12-year and the 13- to 18-year age groups in the KABC-II normative sample (N = 2,025) is reported. Using exploratory factor analysis, multiple factor extraction criteria, and hierarchical exploratory factor analysis not included in the KABC-II manual, two-, three-, and four-factor extractions were analyzed to assess the hierarchical factor structure by sequentially partitioning variance appropriately to higher order and lower order dimensions as recommended by Carroll. No evidence for a four-factor solution was found. Results showed that the largest portions of total and common variance were accounted for by the second-order general factor and that interpretation should focus primarily, if not exclusively, at that level of measurement.
Elevated body temperature and increased blood vessel sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Body temperature (BT) was significantly greater in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) than in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats regardless of the time of day, length of rectal probe, sex, age, or commercial vendor. Bath temperature (theta) for excised aortic rings was controlled by a thermoelectric Peltier module with an accuracy of 0.1 degree C. At peak force in individual contractions of norepinephrine (NE) dose-response experiments, theta was changed from 37 to 39 degrees C. Active and resting wall tension (Tw) were increased, and the mean effective dose (ED50) was decreased in the SHR aorta with and without endothelium. For the WKY aorta, active and resting Tw were increased, but ED50 was the same with and without endothelium. These results were supported by experiments where theta was decreased from 39 to 37 degrees C and by experiments on Sprague-Dawley rats. Potassium dose-response experiments with aorta from SHR and WKY rats show an increase in sensitivity at 39 degrees C, but active Tw is the same at 39 and 37 degrees C. When compared at the BT of each rat, the NE ED50 was lower and resting Tw was higher in the SHR aorta than in the WKY aorta, but active Tw was the same.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Four-Wire Bridge Measurements of van der Pauw Stress Sensors on (100) and (111) Silicon

Four-wire resistance characterization of van der Pauw stress sensors is discussed. Under the proper orientations and excitations, the output of the four-contact sensors can be shown to depend upon only the in-plane shear stress or the in-plane normal stress difference on (100) silicon. The other stress terms are cancelled out by the symmetry of the structure, and the measurements are inherently temperature compensated. In bridge-mode, each sensor requires only one measurement and produces an output voltage that is directly proportional to the shear stress or in-plane normal stress difference, and the sensitivity is 3.16 times that of the equivalent resistor sensors, just as in the normal van der Pauw mode. Experimental, theoretical, finite-difference and finite-element and simulation results are presented demonstrating the behavior of the sensor. The two sensors can be merged into one eight-contact device, or n- and p-tye sensors can be overlaid in standard IC processes. Similar results apply to sensors on (111) silicon.© 2013 ASME
Co-silencing of the Mirabilis antiviral protein (MAP) permits virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of other genes in Four O’Clock plants (Mirabilis jalapa)

SummaryVirus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful and rapid technique for the analysis of gene function during plant growth and development. We attempted to use VIGS for the functional analysis of genes associated with floral senescence and abscission in Four O’Clock plants (Mirabilis jalapa). Plants infected with a Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) vector containing a fragment of the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene did not show the expected photo-bleaching phenotype. We hypothesised that the failure of VIGS in this species might be due to the presence of the Mirabilis antiviral protein (MAP) which is known to have potent activity in preventing viral infection. Plants infected with a TRV vector containing fragments of both the PDS and MAP genes showed the typical photo-bleaching phenotype in photosynthetic tissues, and this was accompanied by reductions in the abundance of PDS and MAP transcripts. We also demonstrated reduced transcript abundance (and the expected phenotypes) when VIGS with a TRV-MAP vecto...
Next Generation Infrared Imaging Sensors

We will describe the advances being made in the different modalities of InSb-based infrared sensors for active imaging, such as avalanche detection, polarimetric and multispectral capabilities using manufacturable technologies.
A three-dimensional medical image segmentation app using graphic theory

We present a smartphone App for three-dimensional (3-D) medical image segmentation aimed at providing a portable image computing solution for physicians. Smartphones have become powerful portable devices to not only visualize images but also provide basic annotation tasks for diagnosis and reviewing treatment planning. In this paper, we present a fast region of interest (ROI) segmentation App for medical images. Using CT lung images, we show that such images can be streamed onto the smartphone from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS), and tumor or other ROIs are segmented by simply pinpointing initial points inside and outside an ROI on the image. Image visualization is also provided so that radiological report or surgical (e.g., intervention) planning can be accomplished through the interface. To ensure fast computation with the limited CPU memory, a graph-based segmentation algorithm is tailored to occupy less memory using a streaming-style computation. Once the image is loaded, a graph is computed to reflect the spatial-intensity relationship among the voxels. Then, given initial points inside and outside an ROI, segmentation is performed based on the graph. Quantitative results show that fast and accurate segmentation can be achieved using the proposed method. We expect that such Apps can be utilized for image reading, ROI annotation, or surgical planning review in the areas of radiology, intervention, and oncology.
Protective Effect of Erecting Ground Wire on Distribution Line to Lightning Induced Overvoltage

Lightning induced overvoltage is the main object of lighting protection for 10 kV overhead distribution lines,and the protective effect of erecting ground wire against lightning induced overvoltage is a common focus in actual projects.Firstly,we established a lightning induced overvoltage calculation model of distribution line with ground wire.Then,by numerical simulation,we analyzed the inhibitory effect of erecting ground wire to lighting induced overvoltage,including the influences of ground wire position and grounding resistance of tower.According to the analysis results,it is recommended that the position of ground wire should be above and close to phase conductor while keeping the range of safety distance,and towers may be naturally grounded.Finally,we calculated the lightning induced overvoltage flashover rates of distribution lines with different ground resistances and different insulator flashover voltages.The results show that,the lightning induced overvoltage flashover rate rises with increasing ground resistivity and decreasing insulator flashover voltage,and erecting ground wires can reduce the overvoltage flashover rate by 72.2%~84.1%.It is concluded that erecting ground wire can provide an effective protection against lightning induced overvoltage.
THE PROGRESS OF RESEARCH ON WAVE-MEAN FLOW INTERACTIONS

This paper summarized the latest progress on the interaction between wave and zonal average flow,especially paying much attention to the study of E-P influx and the theory of wave action conservation.This paper also presented the development of the wave action stability in the third section.
Effects of age and castration on activities of calpains and calpastatin in sheep skeletal muscle.

The objectives of this experiment were to assess effects of animal age and castration on activities of calpain I, calpain II, and calpastatin in sheep skeletal muscle. Ten newborn male lambs (2.9 kg), six weaned wethers (23.2 kg), six weaned rams (22.2 kg), six market wethers (55.4 kg), and six market rams (60.2 kg) were slaughtered and samples of biceps femoris were taken for assay of calpain I (micromolar calcium-dependent proteinase), calpain II (millimolar calcium-dependent proteinase), and calpastatin. Preweaning weight gain was similar for rams and wethers; however, postweaning ram growth exceeded (P less than .05) that of wethers. Ram biceps femoris weights at market were greater than those of wethers (P less than .05). Irrespective of age or gender, activity of calpain II was two- to threefold greater than that of calpain I. Muscle calpastatin activity was severa fold higher than calpain I and II activities. Activities of calpains and calpastatin declined (P less than .05) between birth and weaning. A portion of these losses were due to a dilution effect caused by accumulation of muscle proteins. Neonatal attenuation of calpain activities may underlie age-related attenuation of fractional rates of muscle protein degradation. Although ram muscle growth exceeded that of wethers, no differences (P greater than .05) in activities of muscle calpains or calpastatin were detected between these two groups at weaning or at market weight. Hence, castration did not influence lamb muscle growth by altering muscle calpain or calpastatin activities.
The Problem of Speech and Thinking in Piaget’s Theory

The research of Jean Piaget6 represents a new stage in the development of theory concerning the speech and thinking of the child; a new stage in the development of theory concerning the child’s logic and world view. His work is of substantial historical significance. Beginning with a new perspective on the problem, and using the clinical method he developed, Piaget has carried out profoundly insightful investigations of the child’s logic. Piaget himself, in concluding the second of his works, clearly and precisely noted the significance of his approach in the study of this old problem.
An Embodied Agent Helps Anxious Students in Mathematics Learning.

Mathematics anxiety is known to be detrimental to mathematics learning. This study explored if an embodied agent could be used to help alleviate student anxiety in classrooms. To examine this potential, agent-guided algebra lessons were developed, in which an animated agent was equipped with prescriptive instructional guidance and anxiety treating messages. The lessons were deployed in regular mathematics classrooms, one lesson per day over a week, with 138 boys and girls in the 9th grade in the United States. After taking the weeklong agent-based lessons, students decreased in their mathematics anxiety (p = .042) and increased in mathematics learning (p = .001), regardless of the presence or absence of the agents’ anxiety messages. The presence of the agents’ messages only seemed to make a difference for high-anxiety students. This finding suggests that an embodied agent could provide affective support for students with special needs.
TRIB3 Pseudokinase Is Induced Via An EPO/EPOR/STAT5 Pathway, Markedly up-Modulated in Late-Stage Erythroblasts, and Plays An Essential Non-Redundant Role During Stress Erythropoiesis.

Abstract 1985 Poster Board I-1007 TRIB pseudokinases have been implicated as pro-leukemogenic factors, and candidate regulators of insulin-dependent glucose utilization, adipogenesis and obesity. In a hematopoietic context, we have discovered that TRIB3 is a major new EPOR/JAK2/STAT5 response factor which furthermore is selectively elevated (among TRIB-1, -2 and -3) ≥ 10 fold in late-stage murine and human erythroblasts. We therefore have hypothesized that TRIB3 may selectively affect stress erythropoiesis, and have critically addressed this problem by generating novel TRIB3 flox/flox and TRIB3 - null mice. At steady state, hematopoiesis among TRIB3 - null mice is largely unperturbed. When challenged with hemolytic anemia, however, TRIB3 - deficient mice exhibit worsened anemia (increased severity, and recovery time). Analyses of possible stage-specific effects further indicate faltered erythropoiesis at relatively late Kit neg CD71 high Ter119 pos erythroblast stage. Recently, TRIBs have been revealed to act as apparent E3 ubiquitin ligase coupling factors. It is therefore intriguing to speculate that TRIB3 may act selectively during stress erythropoiesis to target and decay a key late-stage negative regulator. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Visual-inertial curve SLAM

We present a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm that uses Bezier curves as static landmark primitives rather than sparse feature points. Our approach allows us to estimate the full 6-DOF pose of a robot while providing a structured map which can be used to assist a robot in motion planning and control. We demonstrate how to reconstruct the 3-D location of curve landmarks from a stereo pair without searching for point-based stereo correspondences and how to compare the 3-D shape of curve landmarks between chronologically sequential stereo frames to solve the data association problem. We present a method to combine curve landmarks for mapping purposes, resulting in a map with a continuous set of curves that contain fewer landmark states than conventional sparse point-based SLAM algorithms. Note, to combine curves, we assume the curved landmarks are fixed to a larger curved object naturally occurring in the scene. While our algorithm is less accurate than point-based SLAM algorithms, we are able to create maps with considerably less landmark states and our algorithm can operate in settings lacking texture.
Abstract 2168: BC-BET: an online bladder cancer biomarker evaluation tool

Cancer is a genetic disease whose biology is driven by mutated and abnormally expressed genes. In the past ∼15 years, the identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers from genomic data has increased our understanding of cancer biology and has led to advances in the personalized treatment of many cancers. Despite these advances, however, there are no clinically approved biomarkers for the treatment of bladder cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in males in the United States and one of the most expensive cancers to treat. Although gene expression profiles of bladder cancer patients are publicly available, their analysis is time-consuming and requires computational resources and bioinformatics expertise often not available to biologists or clinician-researchers. Here we describe BC-BET, an online Bladder Cancer Biomarker Evaluation Tool for evaluating candidate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in bladder cancer. The BC-BET database contains gene expression data collected from 11 publicly available patient cohorts (N = 1041). For a chosen gene, BC-BET evaluates whether the gene is differentially expressed (P This tool is freely available to the cancer research community and will be updated as additional bladder cancer biomarker data becomes available. BC-BET is available from http://bioinformatics.easternct.edu. Citation Format: Garrett Dancik. BC-BET: an online bladder cancer biomarker evaluation tool. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2168. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2168
Distinguished … or dissonant: Gay male midlife identity as emergent in intergenerational communication with younger gay men

This article is based on semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of stories of 40 early midlife gay men concerning their conversations with younger gay men. Utilizing the communication the...
XLIV: An attempted escape from Dublin castle: the trial of William and Walter de Bermingham, 1332

On 11 July 1332 William de Bermingham, brother of the earl of Louth, was hanged at Dublin by order of the justiciar, Anthony de Lucy. This event is recorded by Clyn, by the author of the Annals of Ross and by the Dublin annalist, all of whom praise Bermingham for his military excellence but do not give any explanation for the execution. All the chroniclers mention Bermingham’s arrest earlier in the year, but the connexion between the two events is never stated. In February and March 1332 William had been indicted by juries at Clonmel and Limerick of involvement in two alleged conspiracies, one in 1326 and the other in 1331, both of which had as their supposed object the establishment of the earl of Desmond as king of Ireland. The surviving indictments do not mention William’s son Walter, but he is later described as also having been indicted of felony. Both William and Walter were arrested by the justiciar at Clonmel in February 1332, held locally until Lucy had concluded his business in Munster, and then transferred on 19 April to Dublin castle, where two of the other named conspirators, Desmond himself and Henry de Mandeville, had been imprisoned since the previous year. Yet another conspirator, Walter de Burgh, was in the custody of his cousin, the earl of Ulster, in Northburgh castle.
19: Randomized controlled trial of two voiding trials after midurethral sling with or without colporrhaphy

Introduction and hypothesis To compare the force of the stream (FOS) voiding trial with the standard voiding trial (SVT) after outpatient midurethral sling (MUS) whether or not colporrhaphy was performed.
"Paying the price to get there": Motherhood and the dynamics of pregnancy deliberations among women with disabilities.

Abstract Background Women with disabilities report fewer pregnancies than those without disabilities. Objective To explore the range of factors involved in pregnancy decision-making among women with disabilities, and give insight into the decision making process. Methods Data were obtained from 4 focus groups conducted with 22 women of child-bearing age, who had a chronic physical or mental health condition or disability that influenced their pregnancy decisions. Group transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis to identify the types of factors that influence pregnancy decisions and themes related to pregnancy decision-making. Results Most had a strong desire for motherhood, although there were varied decisions and some ambivalence over whether or not to attempt pregnancy. Decisions were influenced by an interplay of biomedical, social and personal factors that shaped assessments of three key areas of consideration: importance, feasibility, and costs of pregnancy/motherhood. Conclusions It is not just the ‘biomedical facts’ of health conditions that are relevant, but rather the meaning attributed to these facts and how they are weighed in relation to other significant non-medical factors. By moving beyond the medical model of disability to recognize the importance of social and personal factors, and engaging in patient-centered communication, healthcare providers can facilitate pregnancy decision-making that is consistent with the values and preferences of women with disabilities and improve quality of care and support. In order to make motherhood a more viable option for women with disabilities, societal attitudes and a lack of role models for these women also need to be addressed.
Relationships among leadership empowerment, job satisfaction, and employee loyalty in university dining student workers

Student workers are an important component of the workforce in university dining services, but retention of these student employees is challenging. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among the five sub scales of leadership empowerment, job satisfaction, and employee loyalty among student workers in university dining operations. In this study, 240 questionnaires were distributed to student employees of dining services at five universities during summer 2007: a total of 161 students responded (67.1%). Three group interviews were conducted with students to obtain more information about their perceptions of the three constructs. Results suggested that differences in ratings existed based on demographic characteristics (i.e., length of employment, hours worked per week, gender, and position held). Of the five dimensions of leadership empowerment, participating in decision making, confidence in high performance, and autonomy influenced job satisfaction while confidence in high performance influenced employee loyalty. Confidence in high performance and autonomy were significant indicators of employee loyalty to nonsupervisory student workers while goal accomplishment was a significant indicator of employee loyalty to supervisory student workers. Findings suggested that leadership empowerment influences job satisfaction and employee loyalty. In order to increase student worker’s job satisfaction and loyalty, university dining managers might consider ways they can enhance leadership empowerment particularly by demonstrating their confidence in the student’s performance, and allowing them student workers to increase their input in decision making process.
An empirical test of Tobit model robustness in estimating online auction prices over various distributions

Data censoring is a common issue in estimating demand and pricing data. The issue is often handled by Tobit models with normal distribution being assumed for its maximum likelihood function. Realistically, datasets can deviate from normal distributions. In this research, we specifically tested Tobit model robustness under distribution variations in online auction markets. We collected data from online auction markets and tested Tobit model robustness against various distributions. Our conclusion showed that Tobit model turned out to be fairly robust. This research provided empirical evidences for the robustness of Tobit estimations in online auction markets.
Jaqueline Tyrwhitt and the Internationalization of Planning Education

This chapter examines the role of English town planner, educator, and editor, Jaqueline Tyrwhitt, in the internationalization of planning education in the post-World War Two period. It focuses in particular on the role Tyrwhitt played in the establishment of a school of Regional and City Planning within the Institut of Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia, which opened in 1959 as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The idea of a new planning school in Southeast Asia evolved in the context of the reactivation of transnational exchanges of planning ideas and practices that had been interrupted by World War Two and which were supported by the United Nations. Tyrwhitt’s beliefs in Geddes’ bioregionalism and notions of European moderns contributed significantly in shaping the philosophy of the new planning school and curriculum at ITB which embraced comprehensive physical planning. In sum, the study reveals three important mechanisms for the diffusion and cross-fertilization of planning ideas: educational and research institutions, professional associations and journals, and international development agencies.
Understanding the "Teacher Experience" in Primary and Secondary CS Professional Development

The increasing awareness for the need of effective Computer Science Education (CSE) Professional Development (PD) at the K-12 grade levels has been demonstrated by the increase in grant funding for CSE PD programs, public awareness campaigns by industry, and scale-up initiatives in schools. While the increase in funding has led to increasing availability of PD programs, funding alone does not guarantee a successful experience for teachers. This study investigates the affective experiences of a cohort of ten in-service teachers (nine middle school and one high school) as they participate in an intensive, multi-faceted summer CSE PD program at a Midwestern metropolitan university in North America. Teachers' experiences were documented in their written daily journals, which were analyzed qualitatively using thematic and sentiment analysis techniques. We find five cognitive themes that recurred throughout the program along with sentiment values associated with daily activities. Through the examination of these results, recommendations regarding how to best engage teachers by understanding their concerns and affective responses are included to help design more effective CSE PD implementations.