cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of T cell receptor-induced proximal signaling and downstream functions in immortalized and primary T cells.

Background Human T cells play an important role in pathogen clearance, but their aberrant activation is also linked to numerous diseases. T cells are activated by the concurrent induction of the T cell receptor (TCR) and one or more costimulatory receptors. The characterization of signaling pathways induced by TCR and/or costimulatory receptor activation is critical, since these pathways are excellent targets for novel therapies for human disease. Although studies using human T cell lines have provided substantial insight into these signaling pathways, no comprehensive, direct comparison of these cell lines to activated peripheral blood T cells (APBTs) has been performed to validate their usefulness as a model of primary T cells. Methodology/Principal Findings We used quantitative biochemical techniques to compare the activation of two widely used human T cell lines, Jurkat E6.1 and HuT78 T cells, to APBTs. We found that HuT78 cells were similar to APBTs in proximal TCR-mediated signaling events. In contrast, Jurkat E6.1 cells had significantly increased site-specific phosphorylation of Pyk2, PLCγ1, Vav1, and Erk1/Erk2 and substantially more Ca2+ flux compared to HuT78 cells and APBTs. In part, these effects appear to be due to an overexpression of Itk in Jurkat E6.1 cells compared to HuT78 cells and APBTs. Both cell lines differ from APBTs in the expression and function of costimulatory receptors and in the range of cytokines and chemokines released upon TCR and costimulatory receptor activation. Conclusions/Significance Both Jurkat E6.1 and HuT78 T cells had distinct similarities and differences compared to APBTs. Both cell lines have advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account when choosing them as a model T cell line.
Frequency-Independent Synaptic Transmission Supports a Linear Vestibular Behavior

The vestibular system is responsible for transforming head motion into precise eye, head, and body movements that rapidly stabilize gaze and posture. How do central excitatory synapses mediate behavioral outputs accurately matched to sensory inputs over a wide dynamic range? Here we demonstrate that vestibular afferent synapses in vitro express frequency-independent transmission that spans their in vivo dynamic range (5-150 spikes/s). As a result, the synaptic charge transfer per unit time is linearly related to vestibular afferent activity in both projection and intrinsic neurons of the vestibular nuclei. Neither postsynaptic glutamate receptor desensitization nor saturation affect the relative amplitude or frequency-independence of steady-state transmission. Finally, we show that vestibular nucleus neurons can transduce synaptic inputs into linear changes in firing rate output without relying on one-to-one calyceal transmission. These data provide a physiological basis for the remarkable linearity of vestibular reflexes.
The Solution Precursor Plasma Spray Process for Making Durable Thermal Barrier Coatings

The Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) process involves the injection of atomized droplets of precursor into the plasma plume, instead of powder that is used in conventional plasma spray. The resultant thermal barrier coating (TBC) microstructure consists of (1) through-coating-thickness cracks, (2) ultra-fine splats, and (3) nanometer and micrometer-sized dispersed pores. These unique SPPS microstructural features provide highly durable TBCs. The SPPS TBCs in 1121°C /1 hour cyclic furnace tests exhibit a significantly improved spallation life compared to APS, DVC, and EB-PVD/Pt-Al TBCs. Extensive process diagnostic and modeling studies have been conducted to provide a foundation for understanding and control of the process. Process/microstructure/property relationships have been defined. Extension of the process for making thick coatings (> 3mm) and low thermal conductivity coatings are described.© 2005 ASME
Assessing K–12 outreach

Outreach efforts within the materials science community include learning goals or outcomes designed with the purpose of increasing awareness or interest in the field, improving the learning or achievement of subject matter, or even supporting a type of literacy or understanding. These outcomes need to be defined and measured. To demonstrate the success of an outreach activity, an appropriate assessment scheme must be implemented to determine how effectively the goals have been met. Assessment of K–12 outreach is presented in this article using the framework of a K–12 engineering design cycle of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve. Links will be drawn from among the “Ask,” “Imagine,” and “Plan” phases to the development of objectives and the establishment of the assessment plan. The “Create” and “Improve” phases will be connected to data collection and analysis techniques. Three forms of evaluation are discussed—formative, summative, and interim—as well as four areas of knowledge—cognitive, affective, behavioral, and metacognitive. Finally, this article lists some common pitfalls to avoid when considering these issues in the planning and reviewing of programs that will make assessment of K–12 outreach efforts a more positive and rewarding endeavor.
Harmony Search Algorithm and its Application to Product Module Identification

Point to product module identification, a new optimization method is proposed in this paper. This approach uses the harmony search (HS) algorithm with the synthesis design structure matrix (DSM). The synthesis DSM thinks a series of property correlations facing the product lifecycle, such as function, geometer, physics, assistant and so on. An optimization function for module identification, based on the axiomatic design theory, is established. This optimization approach, which used HS algorithm, is tested several times and compared with other classical algorithms, such as simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) and genetic algorithm (GA). The result demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed approaches.
Interactive American Sign Language dictionary

An Interactive American Sign Language (ASL) to English dictionary, the first to the best of our knowledge, is presented in this work. By means of a novel gestural interface users input the unknown sign and get the equivalent English word in an interactive way. Instrumentation and methods discussed here can be adapted to other applications whit multidimensional inputs.
The microbial ecology evaluation device mycology spaceflight studies of Apollo 16

Four fungal species were selected as the test systems for the Microbial Ecology Evaluation Device (MEED) of Apollo 16. Fungal cells were exposed to various quantitative and qualitative spaceflight parameters then returned for postflight analyses. Survival rates and phenotype numbers varied according to exposure parameters. Additional studies underway will further identify the spaceflight changes.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PULSATILE AND NONPULSATILE FLOW IN THE DESIGN OF BLOOD PUMPS

The traditional approach of total artificial heart (TAH) and ventricular assist device (VAD) development has been the mimicking of the native heart. Nonpulsatile flow using cardiopulmonary bypass has provided evidence of short-term physiologic tolerances. The design of nonpulsatile TAHs and VADs has eliminated the need for valves, flexing diaphragms, and large ventricular volumes. However, these devices require high efficiency power sources and reliable bearing seals or electromagnetic bearings while simultaneously attempting to avoid thromboemboli. The physiologic response to nonpulsatile flow is complex and variable. When compared to a pulsatile device, a nonpulsatile TAH or VAD needs to produce increased flow and higher mean intravascular pressures to maintain normal organ function. Despite its maintaining normal organ function, nonpulsatile flow does cause alterations in biochemical functions and organ specific blood flow. The combination of bioengineering superiority and the maintenance of physiologic homeostasis has directed future TAH and VAD research towards nonpulsatile systems.
Effect of Superoxide Dismutase on Intracellular Calcium in Stroke

To clarify the relationship between calcium metabolism and free radical damage during the reperfusion period following ischemia, we investigated the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on changes ...
The roles of the polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in normal and malignant tissues.

Abstract Despite the initial aversion to polyamine research which can be attributed to their peculiar nomenclature and to the erroneous idea that polyamines are products of bacterial decay, it appears that these ubiquitous amines play important roles in the physiological regulation of growth. Many of the definitive roles are yet to be elucidated, and these areas offer promise to biochemists. The evolution of the multifaceted ramifications of polyamines is not unlike that for cyclic AMP, which has profound effects at the cellular level. Further, we are at a stage at which basic knowledge of the roles of polyamines is becoming clinically relevant. We should begin to measure polyamines routinely to obtain clinical parameters which might allow for more efficacious treatment of cancer. No longer can the discussion of polyamines in biochemical textbooks be limited to a page and a half or no discussion at all, and no longer can well-informed scientists afford to neglect the importance and the far-reaching applications of polyamine research.
Co-Located Variables Approach Using Implicit Runge-Kutta Methods for Unsteady Incompressible Flow Simulation

A numerical method for transient incompressible viscous flow simulation is presented with a nonstaggered grid (co-located variables) approach. A special class of implicit Runge-Kutta (RK) methods is used for time discretization in conjunction with finite-volume-based semi-implicit pressure linked equations (SIMPLE) algorithm. Owing to the use of implicit RK methods, the proposed method can be used to achieve an arbitrarily high order of accuracy in time-discretization which is otherwise limited to second order in the majority of the currently available simulation techniques. The nonstaggered grid method was tested by solving for velocity field in a lid-driven square cavity. In the test case calculations, the Power Law scheme of Patankar [9] was used in spatial discretization, and time discretization was performed using a second-order implicit Runge-Kutta method. The results from the current method were compared with the results obtained from the staggered grid method of Ijaz and Anand [10-12]. The current...
A NONLINEAR MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF PRESSURE PRESET VENTILATION: DESCRIPTION AND LIMITING VALUES FOR KEY OUTCOME VARIABLES

In recent years, several new forms of pressure preset mechanical ventilation (PPV) have been introduced to clinical practice. Although these modes are widely employed in patient care, clinical decision making remains a largely empirical “trial and error” process. Existing predictive equations for ventilation are questionably accurate, in part because most attempts to model ventilation have assumed constant values for inspiratory and expiratory resistance, even though the pressure-flow relationship is clearly nonlinear in biological systems. In this paper, we present and analyze a nonlinear mathematical model of PPV which accounts for the interactive behavior of inspiratory and expiratory half cycles. It comprises a set of nonlinear differential equations which incorporate a variably nonlinear relationship between the resistive component of the applied pressure and flow rate. This model is compared to our previously described biphasic (linear) exponential model of PPV (J. Appl. Physiol.67 (1989) 1081–0192) which serves to link the clinical “input” variables of pressure level, frequency, inspiratory time fraction, and impedance with the key “outcome” variables of clinical interest: tidal volume, minute ventilation, power, airway pressure, mean alveolar pressure, and expiratory alveolar pressure. Predictive differences arise between linear and nonlinear formulations. Although general closed-form solutions for several of the outcome variables could not be obtained, implicit expressions are derived. Explicit derivations are also presented for selected flow exponents of interest. Furthermore, we found that the limiting values for each outcome variable as a function of cycling frequency could be derived explicitly, once the exponent for flow is uniquely specified.
Nutritional supplements for older adults: review and recommendations-part I.

The use of nutritional supplements (NS) with the intention of improving health and delaying age-related chronic disease is a common practice among older adults; however, randomized controlled trials have yielded mixed results regarding the likelihood that these NS provide true health benefits. We reviewed the findings of these studies regarding the effects of NS of folic acid, vitamin B(12), vitamin B(6), and omega-3 fatty acids on health outcomes in older adults. Our conclusions include the following: Supplements of the B vitamins folate, B(12) and B(6) have been studied with regards to primary and secondary prevention of a number of major age-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, cognitive decline, and cancer. While there are some encouraging findings with regards to stroke, depression, and macular degeneration (although in only one study in the latter case), there is little evidence of benefit of B vitamin NS for delaying CVD or age-related cognitive changes. In the few cancer-related studies, the evidence of benefit is coupled with concerns about enhancing the growth of existing undiagnosed cancers. In contrast, clear health benefits have been shown with modest increases in consumption of fatty fish or fish oil supplements, including a reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition, there is evidence that high dose fish oil supplements may lower serum triglyceride levels.
Pressure tuning of localized and extended vibrational modes in Si:O

Interstitial oxygen in silicon (Si:O) is a model system for the study of vibrational modes in semiconductors. Hydrostatic pressure has been used to probe the vibrational properties of this defect. In this paper, the results of infrared (IR) spectroscopy experiments on Si: 16 O and Si: 18 O are reviewed. As pressure is applied, the oxygen atom buckles outward. This structural change results in a qualitative change in low-frequency vibrational motion in the [111] plane, as the system transforms from a harmonic oscillator to a rotor. A particularly interesting phenomenon occurs when the Si: 18 O local vibrational mode (LVM) approaches the two-phonon continuum. First, the LVM exhibits an avoided crossing with certain combination modes of the defect. Second, when the LVM enters the two-phonon continuum, the linewidth abruptly broadens, due to a decrease in the lifetime.
An Evaluation of the Relationship Between Hispanics and Major League Soccer

This article examines the determinants of attendance in U.S. professional soccer. We concentrate on the relationship between the potential Hispanic fan base and yearly attendance in Major League Soccer. U.S. Hispanics have a long history of supporting professional soccer leagues in their home countries. In addition, the U.S. Hispanic community is the fastest-growing segment of the population. Although Major League Soccer has targeted the emerging U.S. Hispanic market, our results indicate that teams located in areas with relatively more Hispanics have lower attendance. This brings into question the efficacy as well as the direction of league marketing. Not surprisingly, we find that teams with better players and teams located in more populated regions have higher attendance. We also find, however, that local sports competition has a significant impact on attendance. These findings are important for the future viability of Major League Soccer.
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis of chemical reactions in the gold-tin thin-film system

Abstract The gold-tin system is widely studied. Several models for the interdiffusion process, leading to the formation of the gold-tin phases, have been published in the literature. To clarify some of these reaction mechanisms, observations in the thin-film specimens have been made by the use of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) and X-ray microanalysis. Thin-film specimens have been prepared by depositing individual thin films of gold and tin and combining them into a two-film arrangement. In addition, gold has been evaporated directly onto a thin tin film. Reactions at room temperature were not found in the two-film couples, but after heating at 200°C for 10 min, several expected and unexpected reactions were observed. The rate of reaction of the gold-islands-on-tin-films arrangement depended on the freshness of the tin film. The cause of the initial lack of reaction was determined to be due to the presence of an intervening amorphous contamination layer between the gold and tin films, which acts as a diffusion barrier. An AuSn 2 phase, possibly metastable, having a structure different from that of the equilibrium AuSn 2 phase, was studied in detail. Electron diffraction patterns were frequently observed from unknown phases. Possible models for the formation of the new phases are suggested. The contamination layers in the two-film couples effectively control the rate and extent of the gold-tin reactions.
Rapid expansion of cellulose triacetate from ethyl acetate solutions

Rapid-expansion-of-supercritical-solution (RESS) experiments were performed for solutions of cellulose triacetate [CTA; weight-average molecular weight = 145,700, polydisperity = 2.07] in ethyl acetate [EA] over a range of concentrations and conditions of polymer–solvent phase behavior. Solid-solubility experiments were carried out beforehand and identified hot and compressed liquid EA at approximately 175°C as a good solvent for CTA. Cloud-point measurements were then used to locate the region of liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) for this system. The RESS results indicate that the phase state of the pre-expansion mixture determines the product size, and the overall concentration of the pre-expansion mixture determines the product morphology. However, we have also discovered a new constraint: for the production of well-formed fibers and particles, the rapid-expansion path must include penetration into a region of LLE, which must exist over a sufficient pressure range so that a separate, polymer-rich liquid phase has time to develop before the onset of vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE). If rapid expansions are carried out at temperatures near or below the lower critical end point, the expansion path leads directly into a region of VLE, and a disruptive vapor expansion occurs within the continuous liquid phase. In this case, hollow particles, hollow structures, and even foams are produced. By the proper choice of operating conditions, we were able to produce continuous CTA fiber from a 5 wt % solution in EA at 250°C and 69 bar. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 290–299, 2005
Support and Sabotage Principals’ Influence on Middle School Teachers’ Responses to Differentiation

In order to respond to the growing academic diversity in classrooms, teachers must recognize that their students have different needs and commit to differentiating instruction accordingly; however, the relationship between teachers’ willingness and ability to differentiate instruction and principals’ attitudes toward differentiation is unknown. In this qualitative study, the principals and faculty at three schools were interviewed and observed over the course of 3 years. The results suggested that principals played a key role in teachers’ willingness and ability to differentiate instruction. Principals successful in encouraging teachers to differentiate exhibited the critical support, desire for change, belief that change was possible, and long-term vision of implementation that teachers required in order to effectively differentiate in their classrooms.
Human Nature and World Politics: Cognition, Identity, and Influence

Many psychologists deem it self-evident that psychology can make fundamental contributions to our understanding of world politics. Many social scientists, however, argue that policymakers are tightly constrained by macro political and economic forces. This article will advance a systemic approach to world politics that challenges: (a) psychologists by highlighting ways in which macro social structures may transform the character of "basic" intrapsychic processes; (b) antipsychological theorists by showing that even the most sweepingly deterministic macro claims-for example, claims about the power of free trade to promote peace-rest on controversial assumptions about human nature. Systemic approaches to world politics are far more consistent with how seasoned diplomats-from Dag Hammarskjold to Henry Kissinger-have historically approached geopolitical problems than are the traditional but increasingly obsolete micro and macro dualities that have dominated academic analyses. De nombreux psychologues accepten...
Contemporary management of arrhythmias during pregnancy.

Cardiac arrhythmias are among the most common cardiac complications encountered during pregnancy.1 In some, pregnancy may trigger exacerbations of pre-existing arrhythmias, whereas in others arrhythmias may manifest for the first time.2 Fortunately, severe arrhythmias requiring aggressive or invasive therapies are rare. There are unfortunately few randomized studies, little data on the efficacy or safety of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), or even explicit guidelines to support decision making on pregnant women with arrhythmias. Thus, much of the clinical care is guided by knowledge of the physiology of pregnancy and educated risk/benefit decisions made in collaboration with high-risk obstetric colleagues in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, as well as with the patient. The precise mechanism of increased arrhythmia burden during pregnancy is unclear, but it is likely because of a combination of hemodynamic, hormonal, and autonomic changes. Increases in effective circulating blood volume of 30% to 50% are seen beginning at 8 weeks of gestation and peaking at ≈34 weeks. Cardiac output is increased as well, with an average of 6.7 L/min in the first trimester and ≤8.7 L/min in the third trimester. This is the result of a 35% increase in stroke volume and a 15% increase in heart rate. The increase in plasma volume causes stretching of atrial and ventricular myocytes, and this may result in early after depolarizations, shortened refractoriness, slowed conduction, and spatial dispersion through activation of stretch-activated ion channels.3,4 A larger heart can also potentially sustain re-entry more easily because of an increase in path length of potential reentrant circuits. The increase in heart rate during pregnancy, seen predominantly in the third trimester, may also predispose to arrhythmia, as a high resting heart rate has been associated with markers of arrhythmogenesis.5 Hormonal and autonomic changes may also contribute to arrhythmogenesis. Estradiol and progesterone have been …
A c-Myc–SIRT1 feedback loop regulates cell growth and transformation

The protein deacetylase SIRT1 has been implicated in a variety of cellular functions, including development, cellular stress responses, and metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests that similar to its counterpart, Sir2, in yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster, SIRT1 may function to regulate life span in mammals. However, SIRT1's role in cancer is unclear. During our investigation of SIRT1, we found that c-Myc binds to the SIRT1 promoter and induces SIRT1 expression. However, SIRT1 interacts with and deacetylates c-Myc, resulting in decreased c-Myc stability. As a consequence, c-Myc's transformational capability is compromised in the presence of SIRT1. Overall, our experiments identify a c-Myc-SIRT1 feedback loop in the regulation of c-Myc activity and cellular transformation, supporting/suggesting a role of SIRT1 in tumor suppression.
Bullying and Peer Victimization: An Examination of Cognitive and Psychosocial Constructs

Research has demonstrated a link between internalizing factors and bullying perpetration and peer victimization; however, few studies have examined predictors of cognitive and psychosocial factors, such as locus of control and hopelessness. The current study examined cognitive and psychosocial factors in bullying perpetration and peer victimization in a sample of 469 middle school students. A mediator model of hopelessness was also investigated. Students involved in bullying reported a greater external locus of control compared with peers who were not involved in bullying. Bully-victims endorsed the highest externality. Results showed that hopelessness fully mediated the relationship between verbal/relational victimization and external locus of control for the victim group, but not the bully-victim group. Implications for bullying prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.
Vaginismus and infertility

Over a 7-year period, 12 women with vaginismus presented to the author with a primary complaint of infertility. All were treated using vaginal dilators, relaxation techniques and systematic desensitization. Previous reports have indicated a poor prognosis in patients with this sexual dysfunction who are motivated to undergo therapy by a desire to childbearing. The patients in this study, however, had a shorter mean duration of therapy needed to achieve coitus than a group of 12 vaginismus patients who did not desire fertility with whom they were compared. Even after conception, pregnancy and childbirth had been achieved, 10 of the 11 patients who had delivered reported continued normal sexual functioning with no apparent symptom substitution.Uber einen Zeitraum von siebenjahren hinweg stellten sich dem Autor 12 Patientinnen mit Vaginismus vor, die primar¨ Uber Unfruchtbarkeit klagten. Die Behandlung erfolgte in allen Fallen mit Vagodilatatoren, EntspannungsUbungen und systematischer Desensibilisierung. La...
Intrinsic Motivation and Engagement as “Active Ingredients” in Garden-Based Education: Examining Models and Measures Derived From Self-Determination Theory

Building on self-determination theory, this study presents a model of intrinsic motivation and engagement as “active ingredients” in garden-based education. The model was used to create reliable and valid measures of key constructs, and to guide the empirical exploration of motivational processes in garden-based learning. Teacher- and student-reports of garden engagement, administered to 310 middle school students, demonstrated multidimensional structures, good measurement properties, convergent validity, and the expected correlations with self-perceptions in the garden, garden learning, achievement, and engagement in science and school. Exploratory path analyses, calculated using multiple regression, provided initial support for the self-determination model of motivation: students’ perceived autonomy, competence, and intrinsic motivation uniquely predicted their engagement in the garden, which in turn, predicted learning in the gardens and achievement in school.
Involvement of Heme in the Degradation of Iron-regulatory Protein 2

Iron-regulatory proteins (IRPs) recognize and bind to specific RNA structures called iron-responsive elements. Mediation of these binding interactions by iron and iron-containing compounds regulates several post-transcriptional events relevant to iron metabolism. There are two known IRPs, IRP1 and IRP2, both of which can respond to iron fluxes in the cell. There is ample evidence that IRP1 is converted by iron to cytoplasmic aconitase in vivo. It has also been shown that, under certain conditions, a significant fraction of IRP1 is degraded in cells exposed to iron or heme. Studies have shown that the degradation of IRP1 that is induced by iron can be inhibited by either desferrioxamine mesylate (an iron chelator) or succinyl acetone (an inhibitor of heme synthesis), whereas the degradation induced by heme cannot. This suggests that heme rather than iron is responsible for this degradation. Several laboratories have shown that IRP2 is also degraded in cells treated with iron salts. We now show evidence suggesting that this IRP2 degradation may be mediated by heme. Thus, in experiments analogous to those used previously to study IRP1, we find that IRP2 is degraded in rabbit fibroblast cells exposed to heme or iron salts. However, as shown earlier with IRP1, both desferrioxamine mesylate and succinyl acetone will inhibit the degradation of IRP2 induced by iron but not that induced by heme.
The 13th national congress of the Chinese communist party and the agenda of Chinese politics

Abstract The 13th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), held in Beijing 25 October‐1 November 1987, continued the general re‐orientation of Chinese politics evident during the last decade. This paper discusses some of the main preparations for and proceedings of the Congress. It then focuses on two key aspects of the Congress: authoritative expression of the Party's overall orientation or ‘line'; and treatment of ‘reform of the political structure’. These themes are consistent with the reformist programme dominant within the Party and are central to the Chinese political agenda established by the Congress.
Case 3: Bilateral heel pain in a 6-year-old boy.

1. Brian D. Kelly, MD* 2. Kristina M. Wilson, MD* 1. *Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ. A previously healthy, 6-year-old, white boy presents for evaluation of bilateral heel pain. The pain started 4 months ago at the time he began kindergarten. At school he is active in recess and physical education class. Initially, he played through the pain. However, in the past month, he walks on his toes and limps to avoid heel pain. No other joints are involved. Anti-inflammatory medications provide some relief. On review of systems, there are no fevers, weight loss, cough, abdominal pain, dysuria, bruising, or muscle pain. Physical examination reveals a well-developed boy in no acute distress with normal vital signs. His lungs are clear to auscultation, and the cardiac examination findings are normal. His abdomen is soft, nontender, and without masses. There is no evidence of bruising, swelling, or erythema in both lower extremities. On passive range of motion of the ankles, the patient has decreased dorsiflexion bilaterally secondary to pain. His ligamentous examination findings are normal. Tenderness is most pronounced over both calcanei, with the right being tenderer than the left. He has a mild antalgic gait with weight bearing. He prefers to walk on the balls of his feet to avoid putting pressure on his heels. He has normal pulses and perfusion, as well as normal neurologic examination findings in both lower extremities. The results …
Novel Application-Specific Methodology for the Assessment of Microfin Tube Condensation Heat Transfer Correlations

Extensive critical study of five popular microfin tube correlations for condensation heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) was carried out. The principal aim of this investigation was to develop an application-specific quantitative tool to assess the predictive accuracy and applicability of these correlations for halogenated refrigerants as well as CO2. This novel methodology was developed and validated against a dataset of 1163 experimental data points for CO2, R22, R134a, R410A, R407C, R125 and other halogenated refrigerants obtained from a large number of published works which included diverse microfin tube geometries and condensing conditions. The tool will enable the engineer or experimentalist to select the best (i.e., most accurate) condensation HTC correlation for a given microfin tube application, thereby significantly reducing tube testing costs, leading to lower turn-around times and more efficient designs. Based on the analysis carried out using the new methodology, it was found that overall, Cavallini et al. (2009) was the most widely applicable and accurate flow condensation correlation. Yu and Koyama (1998) was found to perform well for CO2, 7 mm and smaller tubes and low helix angles (5° to 10°). Interestingly, Cavallini et al. (2009), Yu and Koyama (1998) and Chamra et al. (2005) were found to predict the HTC satisfactorily for zeotropic refrigerants such as R407C, although their development was based on pure and near-azeotropic refrigerants only. The Han and Lee (2005) correlation was found to be inaccurate over most of the data set and therefore has a very low probability of being recommended for any application.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Ectopic Ureter with Seminal Vesicle Insertion in an Infant with Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Possible Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease

We report on a male newborn with a tracheoesophageal fistula and possible adult polycystic kidney disease as well as a single ectopic ureter with seminal vesicle insertion. There is an association of tracheoesophageal fistula, hindgut and sacral anomalies with ureteral ectopia but adult polycystic kidney disease has not been described. The diagnostic modalities currently available are discussed, as well as the implications of the association with other anomalies.
Estimating the impact of private tutoring on academic performance: primary students in Sri Lanka

ABSTRACTWorldwide private tutoring is documented extensively, but its impact is unclear. I estimate the impact of tutoring on performance to assess the degree to which tutoring is a vehicle of educational stratification in Sri Lanka. I find that on average, five months of tutoring has no impact on Year 5 students’ exam scores. I produce suggestive evidence impacts vary only slightly with advantage; so its impact on stratification is likely minimal. Policy-makers may want to urge parents to reconsider sending their children to tutoring, and further research should identify stratification mechanisms.
Brightness Temperature Validation for RapidScat using Microwave Imager (GMI)

NASA RapidScat is the first satellite scatterometer that flew in non-Sun-synchronous orbit. It’s unique orbit enabled co-located measurements with multiple satellite remote-sensing instruments that mostly fly in Sun-synchronous orbits. RapidScat primary mission was the retrieval of global ocean wind vectors from normalized radar backscatter measurements. Instrument operated onboard the International Space Station between September 2014 and November 2016 covering a latitude range between ±51.6o. This paper describes process that combines RapidScat’s active/passive mode, simultaneously measuring both the radar surface backscatter and microwave emission from the system noise temperature. This work presents the radiometric (passive mode) cross-calibration using the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI), to eliminate brightness temperature measurement biases between a pair of radiometer channels operating at slightly different frequencies and incidence angles. The GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) on the GPM Core is a non-sun-synchronous orbital, dual-polarization, conical-scanning, multi-channel (ranging from 10 to 183 GHz). Since the RapidScat operates at 13.4 GHz and the closest GMI channel is 10.65 GHz, GMI Tb’s were required to be normalized before the calibration. The GMI brightness temperatures were translated using the radiative transfer model (RTM) to yield an equivalent Tb prior to direct comparison with RapidScat. Seasonal biases between two radiometers have been calculated for both polarizations as a function of atmospheric and ocean brightness temperature models. Calculated biases may be used for measurement correction and reprocessing. Trends from observations during a 20-month period have been described, and indicate that RapidScat instrument in both active and passive modes can be used to connect the sun-synchronous sensors that observe the oceans at different local times to remove inter sensor biases. Both L2A and L2B RapidScat data sets were provided by the NASA Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PODAAC) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Repeat-mediated deletions can be induced by a chromosomal break far from a repeat, but multiple pathways suppress such rearrangements

Chromosomal deletion rearrangements mediated by repetitive elements often involve repeats separated by several kilobases and sequences that are divergent. While such rearrangements are likely induced by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), it has been unclear how the proximity of DSBs relative to repeat sequences affects the frequency of such events. We generated a reporter assay in mouse cells for a deletion rearrangement involving repeats separated by 0.4 Mb. We induced this repeat-mediated deletion (RMD) rearrangement with two DSBs: the 5' DSB that is just downstream from the first repeat and the 3' DSB that is varying distances upstream of the second repeat. Strikingly, we found that increasing the 3' DSB/repeat distance from 3.3 kb to 28.4 kb causes only a modest decrease in rearrangement frequency. We also found that RMDs are suppressed by KU70 and RAD51 and promoted by RAD52, CtIP, and BRCA1. In addition, we found that 1%-3% sequence divergence substantially suppresses these rearrangements in a manner dependent on the mismatch repair factor MSH2, which is dominant over the suppressive role of KU70. We suggest that a DSB far from a repeat can stimulate repeat-mediated rearrangements, but multiple pathways suppress these events.
Defining and Capturing the Competitor Relationship across Financial Datasets

The 2018 FEIII Data Challenge aims to enhance a given knowledge graph by validating and enriching the set of competitor edges in the graph using multiple datasets. Upon an investigation of the data, we find that some of the competitor edges given as training data are inconsistent (e.g., conflicting with other relationships such as parent/subsidiary). Rather than using a machine learning approach that would have to address such difficulties and other ambiguities in the training data, we start by formulating two natural, semantic definitions of a competitor relationship. The first is a weak definition that is independent of the training data and identifies pairs of entities as potential competitors whenever in the same industry and geographical location, and provided that there is no negative evidence (such as the two entities being in the same family of companies). The second is a strong definition that intersects the pairs of entities obtained from the weak definition with the competitors given in the training dataset. These two definitions offer a framework implementation which can be extended to further utilize other attributes or additional information when available. One such extension that we can implement right away with the available data is to lift the competitor relationships from subsidiaries to their respective parent companies. We use a highlevel language (HIL) for entity linking to express and implement our two semantic definitions as well as the parent lifting extension. The resulting HIL algorithms are readable and easily extensible or modifiable by a domain expert. We show that our submission achieves 19.6% precision, 40.3% recall and 26.4% F1 score, and we make the case that with the availability of more data and more analytics these results can be further improved.
Isolation of Plasma Membrane Vesicles from Fat Cells of Epididymal Fat Pads of the Rat by Aqueous Two-Phase Partition

The responses of fat cells to insulin involve potentially important membrane alterations. There is now considerable evidence to support the concept that insulin stimulates glucose transport by inducing a rapid and reversible translocation of glucose transporters from an intracellular membrane pool to the plasma membrane [1–4]. However, little is known about the cellular mechanism of insulin and the process or biochemical events whereby glucose transporter levels at the cell surface may be modulated. Initial efforts [5] to better characterise the glucose transport system involved use of a sensitive silver staining method to visualise membrane proteins in two-dimensional gel electrophoretograms in conjunction with computerised scanning and quantification. A 90 kDa protein was lost from the plasma membranes upon incubation of fat cells with insulin and calcium. We are investigating the dynamics and identity of the 90 kDa protein in the fat cell, and especially the mechanism whereby the protein is dissociated from the plasma membrane as well as its fate and function in relation to the oncoming glucose transporter vesicles from the cytoplasm.
Interactions of flicker and motion.

Abstract We present a series of novel observations about interactions between flicker and motion that lead to three distinct perceptual effects. We use the term flicker to describe alternating changes in a stimulus’ luminance or color (i.e. a circle that flickers from black to white and visa-versa). When objects flicker, three distinct phenomena can be observed: (1) Flicker Induced Motion (FLIM) in which a single, stationary object, appears to move when it flickers at certain rates; (2) Flicker Induced Motion Suppression (FLIMS) in which a moving object appears to be stationary when it flickers at certain rates, and (3) Flicker-Induced Induced-Motion (FLIIM) in which moving objects that are flickering induce another flickering stationary object to appear to move. Across four psychophysical experiments, we characterize key stimulus parameters underlying these flicker-motion interactions. Interactions were strongest in the periphery and at flicker frequencies above 10 Hz. Induced motion occurred not just for luminance flicker, but for isoluminant color changes as well. We also found that the more physically moving objects there were, the more motion induction to stationary objects occurred. We present demonstrations that the effects reported here cannot be fully accounted for by eye movements: we show that the perceived motion of multiple stationary objects that are induced to move via flicker can appear to move independently and in random directions, whereas eye movements would have caused all of the objects to appear to move coherently. These effects highlight the fundamental role of spatiotemporal dynamics in the representation of motion and the intimate relationship between flicker and motion.
Uncharacteristic foreign policy behavior: Sharon’s decision to withdraw from Gaza:

When leaders depart from their long-held, publicly known policy positions, one possible explanation is changes in their personality. This paper inquires about one example: Ariel Sharon’s withdrawal...
Scientific Issues Relevant to Improving the Diagnosis, Risk Assessment, and Treatment of Major Depression.

Over the past two decades, research in the biology and treatment of major depression has led to advances in our understanding of the biology of the disorder and to the development of novel treatmen...
Bending, curling, and twisting in polymeric bilayers

Polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer (POE) bilayers of varying length (L) to width (W) ratio are formed through traditional polymer processing. Each layer is completely isotropic but the bilayers have an elastic recovery mismatch such that when stretched, one layer recovers to a different extent than the other. Upon stretching bilayers from low to moderate strains and releasing the bilayer bends (curvature, κ, κ 2π bilayers and rolling into a cylinder for L/W < 2π bilayers. Varying W can change the helical pitch, lp, of twisted bilayers. The twisted bilayer helical rise angle varies between θ = 60 and 90°. Metastability, i.e., bilayers that show a combination of the two behaviors, is observed at long absolute L or short absolute W. The bilayers are modeled using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory to show that the curvature can be predicted using the elastic recovery of the layer that recovers more.
Stereocontrolled Elaboration of Natural (−)-Polycavernoside A, a Powerfully Toxic Metabolite of the Red Alga Polycavernosa tsudai

A stereoselective total synthesis of natural levorotatory polycavernoside A (1) has been achieved. Initial investigations produced the properly activated disaccharide unit 18b via the conjoining of building blocks originating from l-fucose and d-xylose. This objective was followed by preparation of the phenylsulfonyl-substituted tetrahydropyran 23 and aldehyde 30. After proper linking of these key compounds, important information had to be garnered on the sequence of steps that would ultimately result in successful access to 1. Although oxidation to generate α-diketone 35 and unmasking of the C-13 hydroxyl did give rise efficiently to lactol 36, this functionality did not pave the way for ensuring macrolactonization. When this sequence of steps was reversed, it was indeed possible to arrive at the heavily functionalized precursor 44. However, numerous experiments failed to result in the requisite activation of C-16 for attachment of the trienyl side chain. However, if the E-vinyl iodide was elaborated in ...
Deconstructing Individual Differences in Long-Term Personality Disorder and Trait Change:

Converging lines of evidence suggest that personality pathology comprises shared and unique impairments. We leveraged a large clinical sample (N = 505) and a person-centered statistical approach, i...
Magnetic Field Strength Measurements in Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording

A method for measuring the magnetic field strength of the magnetic writer used in heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is presented. The measurement, termed write current assist percentage (WCAP), compares the laser current needed to erase a narrow data track (a micro-track) with the laser current needed when the magnetic writer is assisting with the erasure. The difference is related to the temperature difference in the recording medium. If the temperature dependence of the medium’s magnetic anisotropy is known, the erasure field can be determined. The method is useful for comparing the magnetic response of different write pole geometries, for comparing frequency responses of different designs, and for comparing media.
Treatment outcomes of bladder neck contractures from surgical clip erosion: A matched cohort comparison

Vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUS) from surgical clip erosion after radical prostatectomy (RP) is a rare scenario with potentially significant quality of life implications. The literature is limited to case series, and the impact of clip erosion on VUS prognosis is not known. Years 2001 to 2012 of our institutional RP registry were queried for patients with symptomatic VUS without prior strictures or radiotherapy. Patients with clip-associated VUS (caVUS) were identified and compared to a 1:3 matched cohort (based on age, Gleason score, and year of surgery) of non-caVUS patients using descriptive statistics and time to event analyses. At a median follow-up of 54 months after RP, 243 men with symptomatic VUS were identified of which 21 (8.6%) were caVUS. Robotic RPs had a higher rate of caVUS (0.5%) vs. open RPs (0.06%), P<0.01. Patients with caVUS had longer time to diagnosis after RP compared to a matched cohort of 63 non-caVUS patients (median 9.2 vs. 3.7 months after RP, P<0.01). Although patients with caVUS had a higher VUS recurrence rate after endoscopic treatment compared to patients with non-caVUS, the difference was not statistically significant on log-rank comparison (3-year VUS recurrence rate 56.4% vs. 39.4%, P=0.23). Majority of VUS recurrences were within 18 months of initial treatment. Clip erosion is responsible for 8.6% of VUS after RP, takes longer to present than non-caVUS, and was seen more commonly after a robotic RP. VUS recurrence rates are similar for caVUS and non-caVUS.
Magnetohydrodynamics Simulations of Active Galactic Nucleus Disks and Jets

There is a broad consensus that accretion onto supermassive black holes and consequent jet formation power the observed emission from active galactic nuclei (AGNs). However, there has been less agr...