cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequential procedure for Software Reliability estimation

Abstract We use a sequential method to allocate software test cases among partitions of a software to minimize the expected loss incurred by the Bayes estimator of the overall software reliability. The Bayesian approach allows us to take advantage of the previous information obtained from testing. We will show that the myopic sampling scheme has advantages over the optimal fixed in terms of the expected loss incurred when the overall reliability is estimated by its Bayes estimator. Theoretical results and numerical are provided for the comparison. This myopic scheme shows a great promise in software reliability estimation.
Long-term drying of Mars by sequestration of ocean-scale volumes of water in the crust

Geological evidence shows that ancient Mars had large volumes of liquid water. Models of past hydrogen escape to space, calibrated with observations of the current escape rate, cannot explain the present-day deuterium-to-hydrogen isotope ratio (D/H). We simulated volcanic degassing, atmospheric escape, and crustal hydration on Mars, incorporating observational constraints from spacecraft, rovers, and meteorites. We found that ancient water volumes equivalent to a 100 to 1500 meter global layer are simultaneously compatible with the geological evidence, loss rate estimates, and D/H measurements. In our model, the volume of water participating in the hydrological cycle decreased by 40 to 95% over the Noachian period (~3.7 billion to 4.1 billion years ago), reaching present-day values by ~3.0 billion years ago. Between 30 and 99% of martian water was sequestered through crustal hydration, demonstrating that irreversible chemical weathering can increase the aridity of terrestrial planets.
Identifying the Gaps: Needs Assessment to Guide Development of a Dedicated Toxicology Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents

The American Board of Emergency Medicine identifies medical toxicology as an essential curricular element for emergency medicine (EM) residencies; however, access to medical toxicology education varies widely by institution. We hypothesized that EM residents are uncomfortable with core toxicology content and would be interested in a dedicated toxicology curriculum. An electronic needs assessment survey developed by experts in EM and medical toxicology was sent to residents and program leadership at nine EM programs participating in the Emergency Medicine Education Research Alliance (EMERA), a geographically diverse sampling of academic EM residency programs. We queried the presence of a current toxicology curriculum, interest in a dedicated toxicology curriculum, and comfort with core toxicology concepts for board examinations and in clinical practice. A total of 148 residents and 8 faculty leadership completed the survey. Only 29% of resident respondents felt comfortable with toxicology concepts, and only 66% of respondents reported access to a toxicology curriculum. Of those without a known toxicology curriculum, most were interested in a formal curriculum. Faculty respondents reported 6/8 programs offered a toxicology curriculum. Faculty at the two programs without a formal curriculum expressed interest in a dedicated curriculum. Emergency medicine residents remain uncomfortable with the core toxicology content in clinical practice. The majority of residents without a known toxicology curriculum would be interested in a dedicated toxicology curriculum.
Do Testosterone and Cortisol Jointly Relate to Adolescent Dominance? A Pre-registered Multi-method Interrogation of the Dual-Hormone Hypothesis

The goal of the present study was to extend the findings of the dual-hormone hypothesis (DHH) literature by assessing whether the interaction between testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) is associated with dominance in an adolescent sample via multiple methods of measuring T, C, and dominance, and with pre-registration of hypotheses and analyses. In a sample of 337 adolescents (Mage = 14.98, SD = 1.51; 191 girls) and their caregivers, hormonal assays were obtained from hair and saliva, and dominance behavior was assessed across four operationalizations (behavioral ratings in a leadership task, self- and caregiver reported dominance motivations, and self-reported social potency). T and C main effects were generally null across hormone and dominance operationalizations, except that observer-rated dominance was negatively associated with salivary T, and social potency was positively associated with salivary T and negatively associated with salivary C. Support for the DHH was weak. Point estimates reflected a small negative T × C interaction for behavioral ratings of dominance, consistent with the DHH, whereas interaction effects for report-based dominance measures were close to zero or positive. The results contribute to a growing evidence base suggesting T × C interaction effects are variable across measures and methods used to assess hormones and dominance and highlight the need for comprehensive, multi-method examinations employing best practices in scientific openness and transparency to reduce uncertainty in estimates. Measurement of hormones and dominance outcomes vary across labs and studies, and the largely null results should be considered in that context.
Implementation support for contingency management: preferences of opioid treatment program leaders and staff

Contingency management (CM), a behavioral intervention that provides incentives for achieving treatment goals, is an evidence-based adjunct to medication to treat opioid use disorder. Unfortunately, many front-line treatment providers do not utilize CM, likely due to contextual barriers that limit effective training and ongoing support for evidence-based practices. This study applied user-informed approaches to adapt a multi-level implementation strategy called the Science to Service Laboratory (SSL) to support CM implementation. Leaders and treatment providers working in community-based opioid treatment programs (OTPs; N = 43) completed qualitative interviews inquiring about their preferences for training and support implementation strategies (didactic training, performance feedback, and external facilitation). Our team coded interviews using a reflexive team approach to identify common a priori and emergent themes. Leaders and providers expressed a preference for brief training that included case examples and research data, along with experiential learning strategies. They reported a desire for performance feedback from internal supervisors, patients, and clinical experts. Providers and leaders had mixed feelings about audio-recording sessions but were open to the use of rating sheets to evaluate CM performance. Finally, participants desired both on-call and regularly scheduled external facilitation to support their continued use of CM. This study provides an exemplar of a user-informed approach to adapt the SSL implementation support strategies for CM scale-up in community OTPs. Study findings highlight the need for user-informed approaches to training, performance feedback, and facilitation to support sustained CM use in this setting.
Adaptive introgression and de novo mutations increase access to novel fitness peaks on the fitness landscape during a vertebrate adaptive radiation

Estimating the complex relationship between fitness and genotype or phenotype (i.e. the adaptive landscape) is one of the central goals of evolutionary biology. Empirical fitness landscapes have now been estimated for numerous systems, from phage to proteins to finches. However, the nature of adaptive walks connecting genotypes to organismal fitness, speciation, and novel ecological niches are still poorly understood. One outstanding system for addressing these connections is a recent adaptive radiation of ecologically and morphologically distinct pupfishes (a generalist, molluscivore, and scale-eater) endemic to San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Here, we leveraged whole-genome sequencing of 139 hybrids from two independent field fitness experiments to identify the genomic basis of fitness, visualize the first genotypic fitness networks in a vertebrate system, and infer the contributions of different sources of genetic variation to the accessibility of the fitness landscape. We identified 132 SNPs that were significantly associated with fitness in field enclosures, including six associated genes that were differentially expressed between specialists, and one gene (protein-lysine methyltransferase: METTL21E) misexpressed in hybrids, suggesting a potential intrinsic genetic incompatibility. We then constructed genotypic fitness networks from adaptive alleles and show that only introgressed and de novo variants, not standing genetic variation, increased the accessibility of genotypic fitness paths from generalist to specialists. Our results suggest that adaptive introgression and de novo variants provided key connections in adaptive walks necessary for crossing fitness valleys and triggering the evolution of novelty during adaptive radiation.
Tracing the Movement of Electronic Cigarette Flavor Chemicals and Nicotine from Refill Fluids to Aerosol, Lungs, Exhale, and the Environment.

Abstract Background Given the high concentrations of nicotine and flavor chemicals in EC (electronic cigarette) fluids, it is important to determine how efficiently they transfer to aerosols, how well they are retained by users (exposure), and if they are exhaled into the environment where they settle of surfaces forming ECEAR ( EC e xhaled a erosol r esidue). Objectives To quantify the flavor chemicals and nicotine in refill fluids, inhaled aerosols, and exhaled aerosols. Then deduce their retention and contribution to ECEAR. Methods Flavor chemicals and nicotine were identified and quantified by GC-MS in two refill fluids, smoking machine-generated aerosols, and aerosols exhaled by 10 human participants (average age 21; 7 males). Machine generated aerosols were made with varying puff durations and two wattages (40 and 80). Participants generated exhale ad libitum; their exhale was quantified, and chemical retention and contribution to ECEAR was modeled. Results “Dewberry Cream” had five dominant (≥1 mg/mL) flavor chemicals (maltol, ethyl maltol, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, furaneol), while “Cinnamon Roll” had one (cinnamaldehyde). Nicotine transferred well to aerosols irrespective of topography; however, transfer efficiencies of flavor chemicals depended on the chemical, puff volume, puff duration, pump head, and EC power. Participants could be classified as “mouth inhalers” or “lung inhalers” based on their exhale of flavor chemicals and nicotine and retention. Lung inhalers had high retention and exhaled low concentrations of EC chemicals. Only mouth inhalers exhaled sufficient concentrations of flavor chemicals/nicotine to contribute to chemical deposition on environmental surfaces (ECEAR). Conclusion These data help distinguish two types of EC users, add to our knowledge of chemical exposure during vaping, and provide information useful in regulating EC use.
Chicana voices, las rucas rebeldes: a tribute to D. Letticia Galindo (1952–1998)

This tribute highlights the scholarly work of Chicana sociolinguist D. Letticia Galindo (1952–1998), whose research throughout her academic career focused on challenging biased and restricted interpretations of Chicanas’ linguistic self-expression and innovation. Letticia’s studies of members of subcultures surpass the stereotypic image of Chicanas’ language use, stressing that when women break the bonds of traditional gender roles, a liberated voice emerges: a voice that is no longer silent, passive or unidimensional. Letticia’s innovativeness opened the door for the next generation of scholars to expand research related to the legitimacy of Chicanas’ diverse linguistic repertoires. Este tributo destaca el trabajo academico de la sociolinguista chicana D. Letticia Galindo (1952–1998), cuya investigacion a lo largo de su carrera academica se centro en desafiar las interpretaciones tendenciosas y restringidas de la autoexpresion e innovacion linguistica Chicana. Los estudios de investigacion de Letticia sobre miembros de subculturas superan la imagen estereotipada del uso del lenguaje chicana, enfatizando que cuando las mujeres rompen las ataduras de los roles tradicionales de genero, surge una voz liberada: una voz que ya no es silenciosa, pasiva o unidimensional. La innovacion de Letticia abrio la puerta para que la proxima generacion de academicos expandiera la investigacion relacionada con la legitimidad de los diversos repertorios linguisticos de Chicanas.
Collateral Circulation Augmentation and Neuroprotection as Adjuvant to Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Purpose of the Review Mechanical thrombectomy (MT)–mediated endovascular recanalization has dramatically transformed treatment and outcomes after acute ischemic stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion (LVO). Current guidelines recommend MT up to 24 hours from stroke onset in carefully selected patients based on favorable clinical and imaging parameters. Despite optimal patient selection and low complication rates with current recanalization technology, approximately 1 in 2 patients with LVO stroke do not achieve functional independence at 3 months. This ceiling effect of MT efficacy may be explained by ischemic core expansion into the ischemic penumbra before recanalization and neuronal loss occurring after recanalization. Factors affecting the efficacy of MT, or the degree of irreversible injury, include time from symptom onset to recanalization, collateral circulation status, and differences in neuronal vulnerability. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss potential targets for neuroprotection, present and future potential pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents, and the data available in the literature. Recent Findings In experimental ischemia models, several authors reported that pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents are able to slow the progression of ischemic core expansion. However, in the era of unsuccessful recanalization of the occluded artery, several neuroprotective agents that were promising in the preclinical stage failed phase II/III clinical trials. Summary Providing neuroprotection before and after recanalization of an LVO may play an important role in improving outcomes in the era of MT. Neuroprotection is classically defined as a process that results in the salvage, recovery, or regeneration of neuronal (and other supporting CNS cell) structure or function. The advent of successful recanalization of acute LVO by MT in the majority of patients may spur the growth of effective neuroprotection.
The Sharing Economy: Issues Facing Platforms, Participants, and Regulators

Filing of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University to the Federal Trade Commission for the FTC's June 9, 2015 workshop on "The “Sharing” Economy: Issues Facing Platforms, Participants, and Regulators."The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is dedicated to advancing knowledge about the impact of regulation on society. As part of its mission, the Mercatus Center conducts careful and independent analyses employing contemporary economic scholarship to assess rulemaking proposals from the perspective of the public interest. Thus, this comment before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not represent the views of any particular affected party or special interest group. Rather, it is designed to assist the commission as it weighs the costs and benefits of regulation that affects the sharing economy. Our comments to the commission are derived from recent Mercatus Center working papers on these issues.
Studies on Daylight Availability

To utilize solar energy advantageously for the lighting and heating of buildings, additional data are required on the availability of daylight and solar heat for variously oriented surfaces and for numerous geographical locations. This study presents data on daylight availability at Ann Arbor, Michigan for the period March 1953 to March 1954 and correlates these data with theoretical considerations and climatological data as recorded by the U. S. Weather Bureau.
Induced Changes in Female Germ Cells of Drosophila. II. Oviposition Rate and Egg Mortality in Relation to Intensity and Dosage of X-Rays Applied to Oocytes.

T the time gross chromosomal rearrangement frequency in Drosophila oocytes A was found to increase with X-ray intensity, a significant decrease in the fecundity of the treated females was simultaneously noted (HERSKOWITZ and ABRAHAMSON 1956a). It seemed desirable to study this change in fecundity to learn to what degree it was based on a decrease in the number of eggs laid as opposed to an increase in the number which fail to hatch as larvae. The latter event, called egg mortality, may result from changes in the egg which are nongenetic, a t least so far as the genes of the egg or zygote themselves are concerned, or genetic (dominant lethal mutations). In the experiments reported here oviposition rate and egg mortality were determined following treatment of oocytes with the same dosage of X-rays delivered a t different intensities as well as after different dosages given in the same time interval. The present results with D. melanogaster on egg mortality and those obtained earlier by SONNENBLICK (1940) are discussed in relation to dominant lethal mutations induced in the female germ line. Some of the present work has been summarized elsewhere (ABRAHAMSON and HERSKOWITZ 1955).
A Physical Upper Limit on the H I Column Density of Gas Clouds

An intriguing fact about cosmic gas clouds is that they all appear to have neutral (atomic) hydrogen column densities smaller than 1022 cm-2. Observations of damped Lyα (DLA) absorption systems further indicate that the maximum NH i decreases with increasing metallicity. It is generally assumed that this trend is due to a dust-induced selection bias: DLA systems with high N and high metallicity contain so much dust that the background quasi-stellar object becomes too dim to be included in optically selected surveys. Here it is argued that this explanation may not be viable. Instead, it is proposed that conversion to molecular hydrogen determines the maximum H I column density. Molecular hydrogen forms on the surface of dust grains and is destroyed by photodissociation. Therefore, the molecular fraction correlates with both the dust content and, because of self-shielding, the total hydrogen column density, and anticorrelates with the intensity of the incident UV radiation. It is shown that the first relation can account for the observed anticorrelation between the maximum N and metallicity.
Supervised exercise improves cutaneous reinnervation capacity in metabolic syndrome patients.

Objective Unmyelinated cutaneous axons are vulnerable to physical and metabolic injury, but also capable of rapid regeneration. This balance may help determine risk for peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Capsaicin application for 48 hours induces cutaneous fibers to die back into the dermis. Regrowth can be monitored by serial skin biopsies to determine intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). We used this capsaicin axotomy technique to examine the effects of exercise on cutaneous regenerative capacity in the setting of metabolic syndrome. Methods Baseline ankle IENFD and 30-day cutaneous regeneration after thigh capsaicin axotomy were compared for participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 35) or metabolic syndrome (n = 32) without symptoms or examination evidence of neuropathy. Thirty-six participants (17 with metabolic syndrome) then joined twice weekly observed exercise and lifestyle counseling. Axotomy regeneration was repeated in month 4 during this intervention. Results Baseline distal leg IENFD was significantly reduced for both metabolic syndrome and diabetic groups. With exercise, participants significantly improved exercise capacity and lower extremity power. Following exercise, 30-day reinnervation rate improved (0.051 ± 0.027 fibers/mm/day before vs 0.072 ± 0.030 after exercise, p = 0.002). Those who achieved improvement in more metabolic syndrome features experienced a greater degree of 30-day reinnervation (p < 0.012). Interpretation Metabolic syndrome was associated with reduced baseline IENFD and cutaneous regeneration capacity comparable to that seen in diabetes. Exercise-induced improvement in metabolic syndrome features increased cutaneous regenerative capacity. The results underscore the potential benefit to peripheral nerve function of a behavioral modification approach to metabolic improvement. ANN NEUROL 2015;77:146–153
Sub-Micron Materials Characterization using Near-Field Optics

There is currently a need for the ability to perform high-resolution sub-surface materials characterization and inspection. In the microelectronics industry, with the decrease of line widths and the increase of component densities, sub-surface voids become increasingly detrimental. Any voids along an integrated circuit (IC) line can lead to improper electrical connections between components and cause failure of the device. In the thin film industry, the detection of impurities is also important. Any impurities can detract from the film’s desired optical, electrical, or mechanical properties. To study these effects, we have combined the sub-surface inspection capabilities of ultrasonics with the high resolution surface characterization capabilities of the near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM).
Approximate distributed kalman filtering for cooperative multi-agent localization

We consider the problem of estimating the locations of mobile agents by fusing the measurements of displacements of the agents as well as relative position measurements between pairs of agents. We propose an algorithm that computes an approximation of the centralized optimal (Kalman filter) estimates. The algorithm is distributed in the sense each agent can estimate its own position by communication only with nearby agents. The problem of distributed Kalman filtering for this application is reformulated as a parameter estimation problem. The graph structure underlying the reformulated problem makes it computable in a distributed manner using iterative methods of solving linear equations. With finite memory and limited number of iterations before new measurements are obtained, the algorithm produces an approximation of the Kalman filter estimates. As the memory of each agent and the number of iterations between each time step are increased, the approximation improves. Simulations are presented that show that even with small memory size and few iterations, the estimates are quite close to the centralized optimal. The error covariances of the location estimates produced by the proposed algorithm are significantly lower than what is possible if inter-agent relative position measurements are not available.
Evaluation of an enlarged cardiothymic image in infancy

Abstract The relative contribution of the thymus and of cardiovascular structures to an enlarged or deformed mediastinal image on a roentgenogram of the chest may be difficult to evaluate in infants and children. Five cases are presented which posed problems in diagnosis: in the first, the thymus obscured the presence of dextroversion of the heart; in the second, the thymus widened the mediastinal image and gave the impression of cardiomegaly and hence of heart disease, where none existed; in the third, vascular structures including a persistent left superior vena cava were responsible for the deformed supracardiac image; in the fourth, an enlarged left lobe of the thymus resulted in distortion of the left heart border and the erroneous impression of corrected transposition of the great vessels; and in the fifth, an enlarged cardiothymic image in an infant with congenital heart disease decreased in size by spontaneous shrinkage of the thymus. The administration of adrenal glucocorticoid derivatives is suggested for the induction of temporary involution of the thymus gland in selected cases. This technic is of value when there is need to clarify the composition of an unusual cardiothymic image in order to estimate the size and configuration of the heart and great vessels.
Nuances before Dinner: Exploring the Relationship between Peer Counselors and Delinquent Adolescents

This paper details the peer counselor-client relationship as it occurs--in vivo--from the point of view of a participant observer. The relationship is viewed through two clinical lenses: one developmental, informed by self psychology (H. Kohut) and object relations theory (D. W. Winnicott), and one technical (Bibring's five therapeutic intervention principles). Peer counselors are seen as transitional objects who can both meet and interpret clients needs. Case material is presented. Language: en
Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of benign thyroid nodules: Systematic review

Objective To summarize the literature published to date on the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment, and to attempt an evaluation of factors that may influence treatment outcome. Study Design Systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods Systematic literature search was performed by two separate authors in four commonly used literature databases. Trials included in meta-analysis included only those presenting prospective data. Meta-analysis compared pretreatment values to post-treatment outcomes. Results Of 46 full-text articles identified, nine articles satisfied inclusion criteria. Two of these articles were randomized controlled trials comparing RFA to placebo or to some other treatment. One article was a randomized controlled trial comparing one RFA treatment to two treatments. The remaining six articles were noncontrolled, prospective observational studies. All analyzed outcomes showed statistically significant improvements from baseline to final follow-up, including reduction in nodule size, improvement of symptom and cosmetic scores, and withdrawal from methimazole. Improvement in nodule size remained significant in both “hot” and “cold” nodule subgroups. Twelve adverse events were identified across all studies out of 306 total treatments. Two of these events qualified as significant adverse events. None of these events resulted in hospitalization or death. Conclusions Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic thyroid nodules that are confirmed benign. However, the paucity of level 1 evidence comparing RFA to surgical or to other nonsurgical treatment modalities is concerning. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 124:346–353, 2014
Membrane morphogenesis from cloned fragments of bacteriophage PM2 DNA that contain the sp6.6 gene.

The formation of new membrane vesicles normally occurs during eukaryotic organellogenesis and maturation of bacteriophage PM2. This virus was studied as a simple model for membrane morphogenesis. Previous biochemical and genetic studies suggest that a major structural protein of PM2, sp6.6, is an integral membrane protein involved in viral membrane morphogenesis. To establish the necessity of sp6.6 in membrane formation, restriction fragments of PM2 that contained the sp6.6 coding sequence were cloned into several plasmid vectors for expression in Escherichia coli. A construction in pBR322 containing two HindIII fragments of PM2 DNA caused production of intracellular membrane vesicles of the same size as those produced in the course of natural infection of Alteromonas espejiana. Similar results were obtained with a smaller construct of HindIII fragments in the plasmid vector pPL-lambda. Expression of sp6.6 was detected via incorporation of 35S-labeled methionine after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresi...
Electron scattering and electromagnetic response properties of metal clusters

The response of metal clusters to inelastic electron impact and to external electromagnetic radiation is discussed. The delocalized valence electrons play a decisive role in determining the response properties. First, a description and interpretation of an inelastic electron scattering experiment are given, and a connection to electromagnetic response studies is pointed out. Secondly, a summary of a theoretical analytical description of the response properties of metal clusters is presented. Finally, the effect of non-sphericity on the electronic properties of clusters is analyzed.
Spirituality in Social Work Groups: Practitioners Speak Out

ABSTRACT The attitudes of experienced clinicians regarding the inclusion of spirituality in social group work practice and education are examined. Using a focus group format, practitioners concurred that wholistic treatment of clients must embody spiritual issues and that spiritual content should be covered in group work courses. Clinicians identified additional issues including: (a) need for spiritual assessment; (b) necessity of practitioner self-awareness; (c) usefulness of spiritual beliefs and communities as resources; (d) creation of a safe environment; (e) promotion of spiritual diversity in groups; and (f) collaboration with clergy and spiritual leaders. Implications for practice, research, and education are discussed.
Introductory Note to European Court of Human Rights (Grand Chamber): Varnava and Others v. Turkey

This note introduces a Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights decision which explains the application of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms on disappearances stemming from armed conflict. The Varnava judgment is particularly instructive on the balance of competing tensions; the unique aspects of disappearances; failure to investigate as a continuous violation; and applicant’s obligations under the Convention to exhaust domestic remedies and timely petition the Court.
Personality predictors of mortality in cardiac transplant candidates and recipients

Abstract Objectives: Emotional factors are generally recognized as impacting the care of end-stage heart disease and mortality following cardiac transplants. Equally important, however, are predictors of pretransplant mortality. The current study examined the utility of the Millon Behavioral Health Inventory (MBHI) as a predictor of pre- and posttransplant mortality. Methods: A total of 103 cardiac transplant candidates were assessed with the MBHI as part of a pretransplant evaluation that included baseline demographic variables and cardiac status. Time to transplant and mortality status at 1 and 5 years was also obtained. Results: Cluster analysis of MBHI response scores elicited two clusters characterized by high and low distress. Cluster membership predicted survival status at 1-year and 5-year follow-up, with high distress cluster patients having significantly higher mortality in both the total sample and a subgroup of patients who did receive a heart transplant. Conclusions: These results support the value of the MBHI for assessing personality attributes that may dispose toward unfavorable outcome in heart transplant candidates. Further understanding of psychosocial contributions to illness course and outcome may enable more effective selection of treatment interventions with cardiac patients.
A Study of Natural Convection in Densified Cryogenic Propellants: The Effect of Heat Transfer on Circulation Patterns

A two-dimensional (radial and axial) single domain (liquid) mathematical model is adopted to investigate the development of the circulation patterns inside the liquid propellant due to heat transfer from the walls of the container and the heat and mass transfer to the vapor in the ullage. The physics based mathematical model consists of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy equations for the liquid subjected to appropriate boundary conditions at the liquid-vapor interface and variable heat flux boundary condition at the walls of the container. The density of the liquid is assumed to be temperature dependent only in the buoyancy term of the momentum equation (Boussinesq approximation). The resulting nonlinear governing equations are then solved by an implicit finite difference technique (where the pressure distribution is determined by solving the Poisson’s equation) to predict the transient temperature and velocity fields inside the propellant. The computational domain is stretched in both directions to improve the results near the walls of the container. The model is tested for a benchmark case to verify the accuracy of the numerical scheme. Finally, the model is used to conduct numerical experiments to study the effect of different heat transfer boundary conditions on the circulation patterns and the resulting thermal stratification in the densified propellant.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
2 Engagement of the monocyte antigen CD14 induces a state of IL-2 unresponsiveness in T cells

CD14 is a 52 kD phosphatidylinositol-anchored protein expressed on mature monocytes. We have recently shown that engagement of CD14 by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) induces an increase in LFA-1/ICAM-1-dependent adhesiveness of the monocytes. We studied the role of CD14 in monocyte-T cell interaction by testing the effect of a panel of anti-CD14 mAbs on T cell proliferation. The proliferation of human T cells induced by antigens, mitogens, and anti-CD3 mAbs was inhibited by anti-CD14 mAbs, but not by isotype-matched control mAbs. Inhibition by anti-CD14 mAbs was epitope-dependent, and required physical contact between monocytes and T cells. CD14 engagement did not affect IL-2 receptor expression, nor IL-2 synthesis, but induced a state of unresponsiveness to IL-2. These data indicate that CD14 plays an important role in monocyte-T cell interactions.
Efficient isolation and propagation of human immunodeficiency virus on recombinant colony-stimulating factor 1-treated monocytes

Monocytes were maintained in tissue culture for greater than 3 mo in media supplemented with rCSF-1. These cultures provided susceptible target cells for isolation and propagation of virus from PBMC of HIV-infected patients. HIV isolated into monocytes readily infected other rCSF-1-treated monocytes but only inefficiently infected PHA-stimulated lymphoblasts. Similarly, laboratory HIV strains passaged in T cell lines or virus isolated from patients' leukocytes into PHA-stimulated lymphoblasts inefficiently infected rCSF-1-treated monocytes. Persistent, low-level virion production was detected in macrophage culture fluids by reverse transcriptase activity or HIV antigen capture through 6-7 wk. Marked changes in cell morphology with cell death, syncytia, and giant cell formation were observed in monocyte cultures 2 wk after infection, but at 4-6 wk, all cells appeared morphologically normal. However, the frequency of infected cells in these cultures at 6 wk was 60-90% as quantified by in situ hybridization with HIV RNA probes or by immunofluorescence with AIDS patients' sera. Ultrastructural analysis by EM also showed a high frequency of infected cells; virtually all HIV budded into and accumulated within cytoplasmic vacuoles and virus particles were only infrequently associated with the plasma membrane. Retention of virus within macrophages and the macrophage tropism of HIV variants may explain mechanisms of both virus persistence and dissemination during disease.
Preprotein conformation: the year's major theme in translocation studies

Abstract The notion of a translocation-competent precursor conformation has gained wide-spread support from investigators in the field of protein targeting and translocation. Recent genetic and biochemical studies have identified some of the cytosolic factors whose function is preserving such a conformation.
Images in clinical medicine. Small-bowel prolapse through a persistent omphalomesenteric duct.

This 23-day-old term male infant presented to the emergency room with acute small-bowel evisceration. His parents had noted erythema and umbilical drainage before the evisceration.
Microbial, Compositional, and Other Quality Characteristics of Pecan Kernels Stored at −20°C for Twenty‐five Years

Sensory, microbial, and compositional characteristics of pecans hermetically sealed in cans and stored at −20°C for 25 yr were compared to those of pecans harvested in 1986 and stored at −20°C for 10 mo. Total aerobic and yeast/mold populations were 102−103 CFU/g in stored and 1986 crop nuts. Peroxides were not detected, and no difference in iodine values and free fatty acid contents were observed between 25-yr-old and 1986 crop nuts. Although subjective analyses revealed that texture changed during storage, other sensory quality characteristics (color, flavor, appearance) were not different from pecans harvested in 1986. It is concluded that low temperature (−20°C) storage will maintain quality of pecans packaged in hermetically sealed under ambient air in containers for up to 25 yr.
Effects of propranolol on coronary hemodynamic and metabolic responses to tachycardia stress in patients with and without coronary disease.

To clarify the influence of propranolol—and particularly its heart-rate effects—on myocardial ischemia, coronary hemodynamics and metabolism were studied in 15 patients utilizing a protocol to control heart rate. Ten patients had significant coronary narrowing (CAD) and 5 were normal. Systemic pressure, coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF), left ventricular oxygen utilization (LVVO2), ST Segment depression, and myocardial lactate extraction were measured before and after propranolol (10 mg IV), at rest, and during pacing-induced tachycardia stress. Propranolol-related reduction in CSBF and LVVO2 at rest was reversed when heart rate was controlled in both patient groups. Propranolol failed to alter heart-rate threshold, tension-time index (TTI), CSBF, or LVVO2 at angina in the CAD patients. Likewise, ischemic-type ST depression, decreases in lactate extraction, and coronary resistance were unchanged compared to values observed during tachycardia stress before propranolol. In normal coronary patients, propranolol also produced no significant change in LVVO2 or coronary resistance when its heart rate effects were controlled. These data imply that a major coronary and metabolic influence of propranolol relates to changes occurring secondary to its influence on heart rate. Furthermore, this agent's anti-ischemic effect is not prominent during tachycardia stress suggesting that this stress test may be clinically useful in patients taking propranolol.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Abstract Background Patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity may develop postoperative abdominal pain disorders that require surgical evaluation. Chronic pancreatitis and pain associated with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is an uncommon disorder whose clinical diagnosis is problematic without sphincter of Oddi manometry. To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of SOD in the gastric bypass population, a retrospective review and analysis of gastric bypass patients who had undergone transduodenal sphincteroplasty (TS) for SOD was undertaken. Methods The medical records of patients who had undergone TS after gastric bypass at the Medical University of South Carolina Digestive Disease Center from January 2002 to December 2006 were evaluated for outcomes-based data with the approval of the institutional review board for the evaluation of human subjects. Long-term patient outcomes were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item, version 2, quality-of-life survey. Results A total of 16 women (median age 49 years) were identified who had undergone TS with biliary sphincteroplasty and pancreatic ductal septoplasty for SOD. The indications for surgery included pain (100%), nausea (31%), weight loss (13%), and recurrent pancreatitis (31%). The diagnosis of SOD was supported by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with secretin stimulation. Three postoperative complications (18.8%) developed, but no mortality. The average length of hospital stay was 5 days (range 2–9). Of the 16 patients, 13 (81%) responded to the survey follow-up. The mean length of follow-up was 28 months (range 16–57). Of the 13 patients, 11 (85%) reported pain improvement after surgery. The survey's norm-based scores were similar to those of a representative population. Conclusion SOD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric bypass patients with pancreatobiliary pain after cholecystectomy. When the clinical history is supported by laboratory and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography data, TS can be undertaken with low morbidity and good patient outcomes. SOD is a notable disorder in the gastric bypass population. With appropriate patient selection, TS can be beneficial.
Leiomyosarcoma of the scrotum. A case report with electron microscopy

A case of leiomyosarcoma of the scrotum is presented. The tumor measured 3 X 2.5 X 2 cm and had been present as a slowly enlarging mass in the right scrotum for three months prior to excision. Light microscopy demonstrated the typical interlacing fasicles of neoplastic cells with eccentric cigar-shaped nuclei and electron microscopy confirmed the neoplastic cells to be of smooth muscle origin. A review of the world's literature revealed this to be the fifth reported case of leimyosarcoma confined to the scrotal wall.
The Hg 6(3P)-sensitized photo-oxidation of C2Cl3H

Abstract The Hg 6(3P)-sensitized photolysis of C2Cl3H was studied at 25°C both in the absence and presence of O2. For C2Cl3H alone, the main products are Hg2Cl2 and a solid deposit. Small amounts of an unidentified product with infra-red bands at 720 and 770 cm−1 were also found. In the presence of O2 the major products are CCl2HCCl(O), CO, CCl2O and HCl. These products are produced in a long chain free radical process Quantitative analysis was not done for HCl, but for the other products and for C2Cl3H disappearance, the quantum yields were independent of Ia and [O2], unless [O2]/[C2Cl3H] > 4 in which case the yields dropped as the ratio increased. For [O2]/[C2Cl3H]
Activation of tryptophan hydroxylase from slices of rat brain stem incubated with agents which promote calcium uptake or intraneuronal release.

Abstract Incubation of slices of rat brain stem under conditions that promote calcium accumulation by nerve tissue (Na-free medium, ouabain. A23187) or intraneuronal release of calcium from mitochondrial stores (metabolic inhibitors, cyanide, azide, rotenone, guanidine and dicoumarol) has been found to result in an increase in the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase, prepared from the slice preparations in a low speed supernatant fraction and assayed in the presence of 200 μM L -tryptophan and 50 μM DL -6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin (6-MPH 4 ). The increase in enzyme activity following treatment of the slices with Na + -free medium, ouabain, ionophore A23187, guanidine, cyanide or azide was reflected in altered kinetic properties of the enzyme, namely a decrease in the K m of the enzyme for both substrate and artificial reduced pterin cofactor. In addition, a modest increase in V max was observed, but was not always statistically significant. The alterations in kinetic properties obtained following the different treatments to the slice preparations were similar to those obtained with enzyme prepared from brain stem slices depolarized in a potassium-enriched incubation medium. This depolarization-induced activation of tryptophan hydroxylase is a calcium-dependent phenomenon. In agreement with this, no increase in enzyme activity was observed when calcium ions were omitted from the Na + -free medium and media containing ouabain or A23187. Removal of external calcium did not abolish the increase in enzyme activity obtained with metabolic inhibitors, presumably because these substances release calcium from mitochondria. The data are consistent with the view that a rise in free intraneuronal calcium triggers certain biochemical events which activate tryptophan hydroxylase.
SMART – a program to measure SEM resolution and imaging performance

It is important to be able to measure the parameters, such as spatial resolution, astigmastism, signal-to-noise ratio, and drift and instability, that characterize the performance of a scanning electron microscope. These quantities can be determined most reliably by a Fourier analysis of digital micrographs from the instrument, recorded under conditions of interest. A program designed to implement all of the necessary steps in an automated manner has been developed as a 'macro' for the popular, and freely available, NIH Image and SCION Image programs.
Prognostic and Predictive Markers in Colorectal Cancer

Prognostic and predictive biomarkers have revolutionized medicine by allowing individualized treatment decisions. Most notably in oncology, where treatment can be associated with significant toxicities and often unpredictable outcomes, there is a need to isolate patients that are likely to benefit from an intervention. In colorectal cancer, there are many markers being investigated but only a few that have sufficient evidence to warrant use in clinical practice. This paper will review these prominent biomarkers in both adjuvant and metastatic colorectal cancer and summarize the data regarding their utility. The markers reviewed include microsatellite instability, 18qLOH, gene profile assays such as ColoPrint and Oncotype DX, Kras, Braf, thymidylate synthase, and circulating tumor cells. The paper will also discuss optimal clinical trial design, with a focus on different validation strategies for emerging biomarkers. By highlighting the pertinent literature, the hope is to facilitate a personalized approach to colorectal cancer care.
Resonance Raman spectra of conjugated polyvinylenes in dichroic polarizing sheets (polaroid KN-42)

Abstract Resonance Raman (RR) spectra of the aligned polyvinylene chromophores in KN-42 Polaroid sheets have been laser excited at 4880, 5309, 5682 and 6471 A, and the polarization of the scattered light was determined with the following results: 1) the diagonal scattering tensor elements α zz in the direction of maximum absorption is ≈10 times larger than any other α ij ; 2) the polyvinylenes give rise to a pair of intense Raman bands corresponding to CC and CC stretching, the lineshapes of which depend on the wavelength of excitation. This dependence indicates that the two observed bands consist of at least two components each, and that the components differ in their excitation profiles. The effects are discussed in terms of the distribution in length of the conjugated segments in the sample.
Demo: an open-source development platform for long-range UHF-connected wifi hotspots

We present a real-time software-defined radio (SDR) platform for prototyping and measuring the performance of broadband UHF radio networks operating over long distances with point-to-multipoint (PTMP) non-line-of-sight (NLOS) networks. Enabled by the Wideband UHF Radio Card (WURC), a custom high-power and frequency-flexible radio transceiver daughter-card for FPGA-based digital basebands, the 802.11 DCF-like MAC and PHY implementation is completely open source. We demonstrate a long-range PTMP NLOS network bonding several of the white space television channels available in Maui, Hawaii. Off-the-shelf client devices can use this network via 802.11a/g links implemented with the same SDR framework. The multi-carrier channel estimates and real-time MAC statistics of connected nodes in UHF and 2.4 GHz are recorded and displayed in real-time, demonstrating an unprecedented amount of flexibility in unlicensed frequency bands, enabling real-time TV-band cognitive networks and small-cell research deployments. A demonstration video is available at the following link: http://youtu.be/dTOJHRICklQ
Measurement of Cross Sections for Electron Excitation out of the Metastable Levels of Argon

We have measured electron excitation cross sections out of the ${1s}_{3}$ and ${1s}_{5}$ metastable levels of Ar into eight levels of the ${3p}^{5}4p$ manifold. We use the optical method to determine the cross sections by measuring the radiation of the excited atoms. By optically pumping the ${1s}_{5}$ metastable atoms with a laser, we separate the contributions that each metastable level makes to our observed signal, and thus we can determine the excitation cross sections out of the individual metastable levels. We also interpret the trends in both magnitude and energy dependence observed for the cross sections.