cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Race and Criminal Justice Involvement on Access to Atypical Antipsychotic Medications Among Persons with Schizophrenia

This study examined the impact of race and arrest history on the likelihood of being prescribed, and maintaining an atypical antipsychotic prescription for 90 or more days among patients with schizophrenia in the community. Participants were 224 adults with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders receiving services in public-sector mental health systems in North Carolina. The data used for this report were from a subsample of a larger group of participants being followed in an observational study and consisted of individuals who were prescribed either an atypical or conventional antipsychotic medication for 90 or more days. The purpose of the analyses presented here was to investigate differences in the likelihood of being prescribed an atypical antipsychotic by demographic and other characteristics. Logistic regression analysis indicated that African American patients were significantly less likely to receive atypical antipsychotics than their white counterparts, even when controlling for key clinical and demographic variables. However, white patients with a history of arrest were no more likely than black patients to receive atypical antipsychotics; that is, minority racial status and criminal involvement each functioned to limit patients’ access to the novel medications. Implications for equal access to mental health services, in this case, effective psychopharmacologic treatment, are discussed.
Autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation

Harvesting of autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) has been facilitated by using currently available, efficient apheresis technology at the time of rebound from chemotherapy while patients are receiving recombinant growth factors, i.e., granulocyte (G) or granulocyte-macrophage (GM) colony stimulating factor (CSF). Ideally pheresis should be done before patients have had extensive stem cell toxins, i.e., alkylating agents or nitrosoureas. This strategy has facilitated the use of high dose chemoradiotherapy given as a single regimen or in a divided dose for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies and results in more rapid engraftment than bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Although there are no assays which measure repopulating stem cells, enumeration of CD34+ cells within PBSCs is a direct and rapid assay which provides an index of both early and late long-term reconstitutive capacity, since it correlates with colony-forming unit (CFU)-GMs, as well as pre-progenitor or delta assays and long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC). A threshold of > or = 2 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg recipient body weight has been reported to be required for engraftment, but may vary depending upon the clinical setting. Strategies for mobilization of normal PBSCs also increase tumor cell contamination within PB in the setting of both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, but the significance of these tumor cells in terms of patient outcome is unclear. Recently isolation of CD34+ cells from PBSCs has been done using magnetic beads or immunoabsorption on columns or rigid plates in order to enrich for normal hematopoietic progenitors and potentially decrease tumor cell contamination. As for other cellular blood components, standards have been developed to assure efficient collection and processing, thawing, and reinfusion, and to maintain optimal PBPC viability. Finally, future directions of clinical research include expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells ex vivo; use of umbilical cord or placenta as rich sources of progenitor cells; syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; related and unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; treatment of infections, i.e., Epstein Barr virus, or tumor relapse after allogeneic BMT using donor PBSC infusions; and gene therapy approaches.
Coroners inquests. A source of vital statistics: Westminster 1761-1866

The use of coroners inquests as a source of historical vital statistics data in England is examined. The study is based on a continuous series of 20000 inquests conducted in the City of Westminster between 1761 and 1866. The authors suggest that these data provide the means to evaluate the effects of social and occupational mortality for the period concerned. (ANNOTATION)
Earnings Forecasts of Firms Experiencing Sales Decline: Why So Inaccurate?

Many studies show that earnings forecasts of poor-performance firms contain large errors (Kothari et al. [2005], Brown [2001], Hwang et al. [1996], and Elgers and Lo [1994]). Why are these forecasts so inaccurate? This article demonstrates that inflexible costs, as captured through operating and financial leverage above the industry9s normal range, are associated with large forecast errors during sales decline. The results are useful in helping investment managers better evaluate analyst forecast ability, and help analysts improve their forecasts by better anticipating the impact of inflexible costs on earnings
Domain coupling in asymmetric lipid bilayers

Biological membranes are heterogeneous assemblies of lipids, proteins, and cholesterol that are organized as asymmetric bimolecular leaflets of lipids with embedded proteins. Modulated by the concentration of cholesterol lipids and proteins may segregate into two or more liquid phases with different physical properties that can coexist in the same membrane. In this review, we summarize recent advances on how this situation can be recreated in a supported bilayer format and how this system has been used to demonstrate the induction of ordered lipid domains in lipid compositions that are typical for the inner leaflet by lipid compositions that are typical for the outer leaflet of mammalian plasma membranes. Proteins are shown to differentially target such induced inner leaflet domains.
Enrollment in research under exception from informed consent: the Patients' Experiences in Emergency Research (PEER) study.

Background Resuscitation research requires an exception from informed consent (EFIC). Despite concerns that patients may find EFIC unacceptable, the views and experiences of patients enrolled in an EFIC study are largely unknown.
ASSESSING CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET REFORM: THE IMPACT ON APPROPRIATIONS

The 1974 Congressional Budget Reform was designed, at least in part, to enhance Congressional autonomy in the appropriations process and weaken the incrementalist rituals that have traditionally forestalled “rational” budget choices. This article assesses changes in patterns of spending decisions since 1974, and concludes that the legislation has, to date, had little discernible impact in these areas.
Biotin-streptavidin-labeled oligonucleotides as probes of helicase mechanisms.

Helicases use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to catalyze formation of single-stranded nucleic acids by unwinding double-stranded nucleic acids. The ATP-dependent reaction can be broken down into at least two steps: melting of the duplex and translocation of the enzyme along the nucleic acid lattice. Each step presents difficulties for study because clear end points for the reactions are not always available. For example, translocation involves the movement of the enzyme from one point along the lattice to a new position, with no net change in chemical structure of the nucleic acid. Hence, new assays have been developed in which the nucleic acid is modified to contain a "protein block" that impedes translocation of the enzyme. To prepare such protein blocks, biotin-streptavidin has been used due to the ease with which the biotin can be incorporated into nucleic acids by chemical synthesis. Several applications of oligonucleotides labeled with biotin-streptavidin for the study of helicase mechanisms are described.
DIPYRIDAMOLE CAUSES VASODILATION PRIMARILY VIA A 2 ADENOSINE RECEPTOR INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS. † 210

DIPYRIDAMOLE CAUSES VASODILATION PRIMARILY VIA A 2 ADENOSINE RECEPTOR INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS. † 210
The effect of prism orientation on the indentation testing of human molar enamel

Abstract Recent nanoindentation studies have demonstrated that the hardness and Young's modulus of human molar enamel decreases by more than 50% on moving from the occlusal surface to the dentine–enamel junction on cross-sectional samples. Possible sources of these variations are changes in local chemistry, microstructure, and prism orientation. This study investigates the latter source by performing nanoindentation tests at two different orientations relative to the hydroxyapatite prisms: parallel and perpendicular. A single sample volume was tested in order to maintain a constant chemistry and microstructure. The resulting data show very small differences between the two orientations for both hardness and Young's modulus. The 1.5–3.0% difference is significantly less than the standard deviations found within the data set. Thus, the variations in hardness and Young's modulus on cross-sectional samples of human molar are attributed to changes in local chemistry (varying levels of mineralization, organic matter, and water content) and changes in microstructure (varying volume fractions of inorganic crystals and organic matrix). The impact of prism orientation on mechanical properties measured at this scale by nanoindentation appears to be minimal.
A user-centered approach to evaluating human interaction with web search engines: an exploratory study

A growing body of studies is developing approaches to evaluating human interaction with Web search engines, including the usability and effectiveness of Web search tools. This study explores a user-centered approach to the evaluation of the Web search engine Inquirus - a Web meta-search tool developed by researchers from the NEC Research Institute. The goal of the study reported in this paper was to develop a user-centered approach to the evaluation including: (1) effectiveness: based on the impact of users' interactions on their information problem and information seeking stage, and (2) usability: including screen layout and system capabilities for users. Twenty-two volunteers searched Inquirus on their own personal information topics. Data analyzed included: (1) user pre- and post-search questionnaires and (2) Inquirus search transaction logs. Key findings include: (1) Inquirus was rated highly by users on various usability measures, (2) all users experienced some level of shift/change in their information problem, information seeking, and personal knowledge due to their Inquirus interaction, (3) different users experienced different levels of change/shift, and (4) the search measure precision did not correlate with other user-based measures. Some users experienced major changes/shifts in various user-based variables, such as information problem or information seeking stage with a search of low precision and vice versa. Implications for the development of user-centered approaches to the evaluation of Web and information retrieval (IR) systems and further research are discussed.
APPLICATION OF A GENERATING FUNCTION TO REACTION KINETICS IN MICELLES. KINETICS OF QUENCHING OF LUMINESCENT PROBES IN MICELLES.

Abstract A rigorous treatment of the kinetics of the quenching of luminescent probes in micelles using a generating function is presented.
Thermoregulatory abilities of Alaskan bees: effects of size, phylogeny and ecology

1. The thermoregulatory capabilities of 18 species of Alaskan bees spanning nearly two orders of magnitude of body mass were measured. Thoracic temperature, measured across the temperature range at which each species forages, was regressed against operative (environmental) temperature to determine bees’ abilities to maintain relatively constant thoracic temperatures across a range of operative temperatures (thermoregulatory performance). 2. Previous studies on insect thermoregulation have compared thoracic temperature with ambient air temperature. Operative temperature, which integrates air temperature, solar radiation and effects of wind, was estimated by measuring the temperature of a fresh, dead bee in the field environment. It is suggested that this is a more accurate measure of the thermal environment experienced by the insect and also allows direct comparisons of insects under different microclimate conditions, such as in sun and shade. 3. Simple regression analysis of species and family means, and analysis of phylogenetically based independent contrasts showed thermoregulatory capability, ability to elevate thoracic temperature, and minimum thoracic temperature necessary for initiating flight all increased with body size. 4. Bumble-bees were better thermoregulators than solitary bees primarily as a consequence of their larger body size. However, their thermoregulatory abilities were slightly, but significantly, better than predicted from body size alone, suggesting an added role of pelage and/or physiology. Large solitary bees were better thermoregulators than small solitary bees apparently as a result of body-size differences, with small bees acting as thermal conformers.
On the thickness and the14C age of the mixed layer in deep-sea carbonates

Abstract Published 14 C stratigraphies from three cores, and 14 C dates from four additional cores suggest that the simple mixing model of Berger and Heath (1968) can be used to simulate the effects of benthic mixing in deep-sea carbonates. Mixing depths calculated under the constraints of this model are remarkably constant (81/2 ± 1cm). Discrepancies between calculations and observations exist and may be due mainly to differential mixing (effects of size and shape) in combination with changes in sedimentation rates, and to lumpy mixing (effects of displacement of blebs or “noise”).
Role of Laccaria laccata in protecting primary roots of Douglas-fir from root rot

The influence of Laccaria laccata on Fusarium oxysporum, and its ability to induce resistance to the pathogen in primary roots of Douglas-fir were investigated. Extracellular metabolites of L. laccata inhibited F. oxysporum hyphae, and delayed germination of microconidia and chlamydospores. Laccaria laccata or its cell-free metabolites also induced accumulation of osmiophilic materials in cortical cells of the primary root. The osmiophilic materials were primarily phenolic in nature. One-month-old primary roots, incubated with L. laccata or killed inoculum, were challenged with F. oxysporum. Rate of growth of the pathogen toward the root and intensity of surface colonization were not influenced by L. laccata, thus antibiosis was judged unimportant in root protection. However, cortical infection of the primary root by the pathogen was significantly less in seedlings affected by L. laccata than in controls. The frequency of hyphae was inversely proportional to the concentration of osmiophilic materials. Phenolics induced by L. laccata in the primary root are thus associated with resistance and may be the chemical basis for root protection.
Statistical and evaporation models for the neutron emission energy spectrum in the center-of-mass system from fission fragments

Abstract The neutron emission energy spectra in the CMS (center-of-mass) frame from two compound nuclei produced by fission are studied. The neutron spectra calculated with the Hauser–Feshbach statistical model are compared with the evaporation theory, and the definition of the temperature is revisited. Using the Monte Carlo technique we average the CMS neutron spectra from many fission fragments to construct the representative CMS spectrum from both the light and heavy fragments. The CMS spectra for each fission fragment pair are also converted into the laboratory frame to calculate the total prompt fission neutron spectrum that can be observed experimentally. This is compared to measured laboratory data for thermal neutron induced fission on 235 U. We show that the Hauser–Feshbach calculation gives a different spectrum shape than the Madland–Nix model calculation.
An evaluation of the oscillatory repression model of periodic enzyme synthesis in yeast

Abstract Periodic enzyme synthesis is commonly observed during the cell cycle of many bacteria and different strains of yeast. In bacteria the oscillatory repression or induction model has been proposed to explain periodic enzyme synthesis. Here we examine the relevance of this model to enzyme synthesis in yeasts. In synchronous cultures the induced synthesis of β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase in Saccharomyces lactis was discontinuous (periodic) during the cell cycle. The time during the cell cycle of induced synthesis was similar to the time of enzyme synthesis in cells grown under basal conditions. Periodic enzyme synthesis was also observed during the cell cycle for UDP-galactose-4-epimerase in a wild type strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in a mutant strain constitutive for this enzyme. These results are inconsistent with the oscillatory repression or induction model of enzyme synthesis.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor-function in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy.

The functional activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor-chloride ionophore complex was studied in rats with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) secondary to thioacetamide-induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Muscimol stimulation and benzodiazepine potentiation of GABA receptor-mediated36Cl− uptake into cerebral cortical synaptoneurosomes was compared in HE and control rats. [3H]Flumazenil binding assays were conducted to determine whether the levels of endogenous benzodiazepine-like ligands in extracts of cortex were increased with stages of encephalopathy in this animal model of HE. In both control and HE rats maximal uptake of36Cl− via the GABAA receptor complex occurred at muscimol concentrations of 30μM. Potentiation of muscimol-stimulated36Cl− uptake into synaptoneurosomes by diazepam (5μM) was equivalent in both groups. Aqueous extracts of proteolytically digested homogenates of cerebral cortices prepared from control and HE rats were effective in stimulating36Cl− uptake into synaptoneurosomes. Alkaline organic extracts of proteolytically digested homogenates of cerebral cortices from HE rats were more effective than corresponding extracts from controls at inhibiting the binding of [3H]flumazenil. Inhibition of [3H] fumazenil binding by organic extracts derived from the cerebral cortices of HE rats did not increase with progression of encephalopathy. The results show that muscimol-stimulated36Cl− uptake into synaptoneurosomes and, consequently, GABAA receptor-mediated chloride channel function are not significantly altered in the model of HE studied and are consistent with the hypothesis that HE results in an increased availability of one or more endogenous ligands which can augment GABA receptor-gated chloride conductance.
Effect of microstructure on magnetic properties and anisotropy distributions in Co/Pd thin films and nanostructures

The structure of Co/Pd multilayers has a strong effect on the localized anisotropy distribution within a film and on the resulting switching properties of nanostructures fabricated from identical material. By varying the underlying seed layer in sputtered films, the microstructure can be controlled from being highly (111) textured to having a random grain orientation. We find a strong correlation between the lateral homogeneity of grain orientations and the localized anisotropy distribution in the material. X-ray diffraction and reflectivity indicate that the interface is better defined and more uniform in the textured case, consistent with the presence of a strong interfacelike anisotropy.
Ab Initio Folding of Proteins with All-Atom Discrete Molecular Dynamics

Discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) is a rapid sampling method used in protein folding and aggregation studies. Until now, DMD was used to perform simulations of simplified protein models in conjunction with structure-based force fields. Here, we develop an all-atom protein model and a transferable force field featuring packing, solvation, and environment-dependent hydrogen bond interactions. We performed folding simulations of six small proteins (20-60 residues) with distinct native structures by the replica exchange method. In all cases, native or near-native states were reached in simulations. For three small proteins, multiple folding transitions are observed, and the computationally characterized thermodynamics are in qualitative agreement with experiments. The predictive power of all-atom DMD highlights the importance of environment-dependent hydrogen bond interactions in modeling protein folding. The developed approach can be used for accurate and rapid sampling of conformational spaces of proteins and protein-protein complexes and applied to protein engineering and design of protein-protein interactions.
Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of the breast: a contemporary approach to its clinical and radiologic features and ideal management.

Background Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a benign, proliferative lesion of the breast whose clinical relevance, presentation, and optimal treatment remains described incompletely. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features and appropriate management. Methods Patients diagnosed with PASH were identified from our pathology database between 2000 and 2009. Clinicopathologic data including presentation, diagnosis, imaging, and histology were reviewed. All specimens were confirmed by a single pathologist. Results We identified PASH in 80 patients. Median follow-up was 3.71 years (range, 0.45–9.42). Age ranged from 12 to 65 (median, 45) and 95% were female. Lesions were palpable in 56% and found on imaging in the remainder. Core biopsy was performed in 65 of 80 patients (81%), which confirmed a diagnosis of PASH in 65%. The other 23 of 65 patients (35%) required operative excision for diagnosis. There was a progression rate of 26% in the observation arm versus 13% in the excision arm. A diagnosis of cancer or carcinoma in situ was seen in 30% at or before the diagnosis of PASH. Conclusion PASH may present as a mass, radiologic lesion, or incidentally in pathology specimens. It may be associated with cancerous or precancerous lesions. A diagnosis on core biopsy in the absence of suspicious radiologic features may be managed with follow-up and imaging at a 6-month interval. In this series, 35% of patients with PASH had a negative core biopsy. Growth, suspicious radiologic findings, or inconclusive biopsy warrants surgical excision. Close surveillance is necessary given its recurrence rate of 13–26%.
Smart Sunglasses Based on Electrochromic Polymers

Smart sunglasses based on electrochromic polymers are proposed and developed in this study. This article discusses the design, processing, and the optical and electrical performance of a prototype smart sunglasses based on cathodic electrochromic (EC) polymers, which show several merits compared with traditional materials for sunglasses lens as well as other smart window materials. It is a multilayer design of device. The conjugated polymer, poly[3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro2H-thieno [3,4-b] [1,4]dioxepine] (PProDOT-Me2), is utilized as the electrochromic working layer. The counter layer of the device is vanadium oxide (V2O5) film, which serves as an ion storage layer. There is also a polymer gel electrolyte acting as the ionic transport layer, sandwiched between the working and counter layers. The characteristics of the prototype device are reported, including transmittance (%T), driving power, response time, open circuit memory, and lifetime. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:2224–2228, 2008. a 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
REINVENTING THE AMERICAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: REFORM REDUX OR REAL CHANGE?

Reinventing government in the United States is the most recent of several efforts to reform public organizations and management. A cornerstone of the Clinton Administration's agenda for change, reinvention is proceeding on several levels. One is that of political symbolism and rhetoric: reduce waste, eliminate unnecessary programmes, and improve efficiency. Another level is found in the reinvention laboratories created throughout the federal government. Here the focus is on quality, customer service, streamlining processes and procedures, and eliminating unnecessary rules and regulations. A third level is found in policy and system changes; here the emphasis is on examining broad functions, decentralizing major activities, and providing legislative support for necessary changes. Implementation of reinvention activities has been decentralized and loosely monitored. Many of the initiatives in the reinvention laboratories are difficult to track and analyse; changes at this level do appear, however, to be extensive and diverse. Broader legislative changes have not been so extensive and the Clinton Administration has been slow to introduce key legislative packages. The role of Congress is unclear. Despite uneven progress and failure to ask key policy and implementation questions, reinvention is creating significant change in the federal government. The outcome of those changes and the long-term future of reinvention depend on the continued commitment of the members of the public service, as well as much clearer political support and will.
The neural substrates of sensorimotor gating of the startle reflex: a review of recent findings and their implications:

The startle reflex is a contraction of the skeletal and facial musculature in response to an intense sensory stimulus. While the 'primary' neural control of startle involves brain structures at, or below, the level of the mesencephalon, the startle reflex (SR) exhibits several forms of plasticity that are modulated by the forebrain. Sensorimotor gating of the SR occurs when the reflex is inhibited by a weak 'pre-pulse' that occurs 30-500 ms prior to the startling stimulus. Since 'pre-pulse inhibition' (PPI) of startle may be impaired in certain psychiatric and neurologic disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder and Huntington's disease), there has been considerable interest in determining the neural substrates of this form of startle plasticity. In rats, PPI is modulated by neural elements linking the limbic cortex with the striatum and pallidum. These substrates may include hippocampal glutamate efferents to the ventral striatum and striatal GABAergic efferents to the ventral palli...
Parsing architecture within plan drawings with application to medieval castles and fortresses

Plan drawings are graphical documents critical to the documentation of architectural features at historic sites. These drawings include important geometric information such as the location, shape, and size of architectural features, which, for decaying or collapsed structures, may be the only existing records of the intact structure. This paper discusses an algorithm that estimates the geometry and semantic interpretation of architectural structures from a plan drawing. The estimated values are used to automatically generate a 3D structure using the estimated semantic labels of structural elements in the plan drawing. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by parsing several plan drawings of medieval castles and fortresses and generating 3D reconstructions of these structures and detail typical circumstances that prevent the system from generating a valid reconstruction. Since the 3D model is derived from plan drawings where the architectural contour is well-defined, the approach automatically provides near-pixel level accuracy at all locations which is very difficult and time-consuming to guarantee when manually constructing 3D models from the same drawing. Hence, these automatically-produced models can provide unprecedented accuracy to the in-situ remains not feasible with conventional manual model-building techniques. While this article represents initial work on this topic with limited scope (castles/fortresses), we envision that subsequent enhancements to this method will be a valuable tool for efficiently generating accurate 3D models for many different historic structures.
GPD: A Graph Pattern Diffusion Kernel for Accurate Graph Classification with Applications in Cheminformatics

Graph data mining is an active research area. Graphs are general modeling tools to organize information from heterogeneous sources and have been applied in many scientific, engineering, and business fields. With the fast accumulation of graph data, building highly accurate predictive models for graph data emerges as a new challenge that has not been fully explored in the data mining community. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel technique called graph pattern diffusion (GPD) kernel. Our idea is to leverage existing frequent pattern discovery methods and to explore the application of kernel classifier (e.g., support vector machine) in building highly accurate graph classification. In our method, we first identify all frequent patterns from a graph database. We then map subgraphs to graphs in the graph database and use a process we call "pattern diffusion? to label nodes in the graphs. Finally, we designed a graph alignment algorithm to compute the inner product of two graphs. We have tested our algorithm using a number of chemical structure data. The experimental results demonstrate that our method is significantly better than competing methods such as those kernel functions based on paths, cycles, and subgraphs.
Defending Backwards Causation against the Objection from the Ignorance Condition

Since Michel Dummett published “Can an effect precede its cause?” (1954), in which he argued for the logical consistency of backwards causation, the controversial concept has turned to a subject of all kinds of interpretations and misinterpretations. Some like Ben-yami, Peijnenburg and Gorovitz have wrongly ascribed to Dummett the view that the argument for the consistency of believing in backwards causation applies only in cases where the agent doesn’t know about the occurrence of the past effect. In this paper I defend Dummett’s argument by clearing up the confusion caused by ascribing the ignorance condition to Dummett.
Use of Imaging to Evaluate Course of the Carotid Artery in Surgery for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Objective: This study aimed to describe syndromes where preoperative imaging may be essential in determining the course of the carotid arteries before velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery and therefore affect surgical planning. Methods: Records of children who underwent surgery for VPI between May 1, 2012, and October 30, 2013, at a tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology center were reviewed. Data collected included age at operation, preoperative and postoperative nasometry values, presence of underlying genetic disorders, and imaging findings. Results: Twenty-five patients underwent 33 surgeries for VPI, with 1 posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation, 6 Furlow palatoplasties, 11 sphincter pharyngoplasties, and 15 pharyngeal flaps. Medialized carotid vasculature was identified in 5 of 25 patients (20%). Seven syndromic patients were identified, with 3 patients having 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. All patients (100%) with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome had medialized carotid arteries. Of the 4 additional syndromic children, 2 (50%) had medial internal carotid arteries, with 1 patient diagnosed with neurofibromatosis 1 and another with Prader-Willi syndrome. Both patients underwent Furlow palatoplasty. Conclusion: Whereas 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is recognized as an entity where a medial carotid is often present, other syndromic children may also demonstrate vascular variability. Although a larger study is needed to confirm an increased prevalence in these patients, clinicians may need a higher degree of suspicion while performing the physical examination. If examination findings are suggestive or the disease process may lend itself to this abnormality, vascular imaging can be considered as part of presurgical planning to help guide surgical technique and prevent complications.
Parallel Delaunay refinement with off-centers

Off-centers were recently introduced as an alternative type of Steiner points to circum-centers for computing size-optimal quality guaranteed Delaunay triangulations. In this paper, we study the depth of the off-center insertion hierarchy. We prove that Delaunay refinement with off-centers takes only O(log (L/h)) parallel iterations, where L is the diameter of the domain, and h is the smallest edge in the initial triangulation. This is an improvement over the previously best known algorithm that runs in O(log2(L/h)) iterations.
Non-toxic Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Clay Nanocomposites with Enhanced Barrier Properties

Motivated by the technological need for poly(ethylene terephthalate) materials with improved barrier properties together with the requirement for sustainability this study focuses on an eco-friendly sulfonated polyester as clay compatibilizer to facilitate polymer mixing during melt compounding. We demonstrate that the nanocomposites based on sulfonated polyester are a reliable alternative to their imidazolium counterparts, exhibiting enhanced properties (water vapor and UV transmission), without sacrificing the excellent transparency, clarity and mechanical strength of the matrix.
Modeling and identification of parallel and feedback nonlinear systems

Structural classification and parameter estimation (SCPE) methods have been used for studying single-input single-output (SISO) parallel and feedback nonlinear system models from input-output (I-O) measurements. The uniqueness of the I-O mappings of different models and parameter uniqueness of the I-O mapping of a given structural model are evaluated. The former aids in defining the conditions under which different model structures may be differentiated from one another. The latter defines the conditions under which a given model parameter can be uniquely estimated from I-O measurements. SCPE methods presented in this paper can be further developed to study more complicated multi-input multi-output (MIMO) block-structured models which will provide useful techniques for modeling and identifying highly complex nonlinear systems. >
Sub-Lithographic Atomic-build Nanowire Gate Structure for Improved FET Performance.

Many nanowire or nanotube FET structures have been reported on over the past years, as possible replacements for conventional logic devices, because of their improved frequency performance [1], [2]. These nano-structures are built using various assembly techniques, some even derived from traditional lithographic methods. Many of these techniques involve the use of scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) to measure the electrical performance of the nanowires or nanotubes as logic or analog devices. However, this paper is a proposal on how such STM techniques can be applied to the construction of sub-lithographic gates on otherwise conventional III-V gate structures, in order to reduce the physical gate length to about 1nm. Use of the STM for atomic-level construction was first reported in 1989 at IBM Almaden [3], and this work has continued, delivering advanced molecular cascade logic structures built atom-by-atom [4]. This technology has been demonstrated to be capable of building a nanowire of length about 100nm and width about 1nm [5] ? which is ideally suited to the construction of a high-performance III-V FET gate. Projected FT of such a MHEMT (metamorphic high electron mobility transistor: higher Indium doping is used to improve the electron mobility in the channel) based structure is 0.5THz, and follow-on work would be done in conjunction with NIST to measure the performance of such a nanowire gate structure, as precursor to the construction of such a FET.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Single Fraction of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Compared With Single Fraction of External Beam Radiation Therapy for Palliation of Vertebral Bone Metastases

Purpose Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been proposed for the palliation of painful vertebral bone metastases because higher radiation doses may result in superior and more durable pain control. A phase III clinical trial (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0631) comparing single fraction SBRT with single fraction external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in palliative treatment of painful vertebral bone metastases is now ongoing. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare these strategies. Methods and Materials A Markov model, using a 1-month cycle over a lifetime horizon, was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of SBRT (16 or 18 Gy in 1 fraction) with that of 8 Gy in 1 fraction of EBRT. Transition probabilities, quality of life utilities, and costs associated with SBRT and EBRT were captured in the model. Costs were based on Medicare reimbursement in 2014. Strategies were compared using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). To account for uncertainty, 1-way, 2-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Strategies were evaluated with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. Results Base case pain relief after the treatment was assumed as 20% higher in SBRT. Base case treatment costs for SBRT and EBRT were $9000 and $1087, respectively. In the base case analysis, SBRT resulted in an ICER of $124,552 per QALY gained. In 1-way sensitivity analyses, results were most sensitive to variation of the utility of unrelieved pain; the utility of relieved pain after initial treatment and median survival were also sensitive to variation. If median survival is ≥11 months, SBRT cost Conclusion SBRT for palliation of vertebral bone metastases is not cost-effective compared with EBRT at a $100,000 per QALY gained WTP threshold. However, if median survival is ≥11 months, SBRT costs ≤$100,000 per QALY gained, suggesting that selective SBRT use in patients with longer expected survival may be the most cost-effective approach.
Riding the Spermatogenic Wave: Profiling Gene Expression Within Neonatal Germ and Sertoli Cells During a Synchronized Initial Wave of Spermatogenesis in Mice

Continual sperm production relies on germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis asynchronously. As a result, the testis always contains a mixed population of germ cells at different stages of their differentiation process. The heterogeneous nature of the testis makes profiling gene expression within Sertoli cells or specific populations of germ cells impossible when a wild-type testis is assessed. We recently reported a unique method for synchronizing spermatogenesis without affecting fertility by manipulating RA levels within the neonatal testis. Using this protocol, combined with the RiboTag transgenic mouse line, we have mapped the Sertoli and germ cell translatome during the initial synchronized wave of spermatogenesis. Using microarray analysis, we identified 392 and 194 germ cell and Sertoli cells transcripts, respectively, that dynamically change during spermatogonial differentiation, division, and the onset of meiosis. Functional annotation clustering revealed that transcripts enriched in germ cells were mostly associated with meiosis (21 transcripts), chromatin organization (12 transcripts), and cell cycle (3 transcripts). In addition, glycoproteins (65 transcripts), cell adhesion (15 transcripts), and cell junction (13 transcripts) transcripts were overrepresented in the Sertoli cell-enriched list. These datasets represent the first transcriptional analysis of spermatogonial differentiation, division, and meiotic onset. These data suggest that several of the genes encoding meiotic proteins are expressed and are actively being translated well before germ cells enter meiosis. In addition, this study provides novel candidate genes, Asf1b and Esyt3, that may be involved in the regulation of spermatogonial chromatin reorganization, germ-Sertoli cell interactions, and/or blood-testis barrier formation.
V-COPS: A Vulnerability-Based Cooperative Alert Distribution System

The efficiency of promptly releasing security alerts of established analysis centers has been greatly challenged by the continuous emergence of various large scale network attacks, such as worms. With a limited number of sensors deployed over the Internet and a long attack verification period, when the alert is released by analysis centers, the best time to stop the attack may have passed. On the other hand, (1) most of the past large scale attacks targeted known vulnerabilities, and (2) today numerous Internet systems have integrated detection tools, such as virus detection software and intrusion detection systems (IDS), the power of which could be harnessed to defend against large scale attacks. In this paper, we propose V-COPS - a vulnerability-based cooperative alert distribution system, by leveraging existing independent local attack detection systems. V-COPS is capable of promptly propagating genuine alerts with critical vulnerability information, based on which relevant stakeholders can take preventive actions in time. Extensive analysis and experiments have been performed to study the performance of V-COPS. The preliminary results show V-COPS is effective
Relation between transamination of branched-chain amino acids and urea synthesis : evidence from human pregnancy

Protein and nitrogen (N) accretion by the mother is a major adaptive response to pregnancy in humans and animals to meet the demands of the growing conceptus. Quantitative changes in whole body N m...
Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that fluid dynamics happens to be a field that has strongly benefited from computation, as it is a field in which the physical laws are relatively simple, the mathematics is nonlinear and analytically difficult, and the physical phenomena contained are rich and often dramatic. Such a field is ideal for exploitation by computation. Over the past several decades, while the practice of computation is used in ever-widening areas, there has been an inadequate appreciation of the science and art of computation, at least in the view of the author. Regarding computing as a straightforward routine, some theoreticians still tend to underestimate its intellectual value and challenge, while practitioners often ignore its accuracy and overrate its validity. Rather than giving a catalog of techniques and results, it presents the overall spirit of modern computing and its philosophy. The chapter reviews and summarizes the salient and relevant features of partial differential equations and numerical analysis that are directly applicable to fluid-dynamic computing.
Chronic myeloid leukemia: 2016 update on diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring.

Disease overview: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with an incidence of 1-2 cases per 100,000 adults. It accounts for approximately 15% of newly diagnosed cases of leukemia in adults. Diagnosis: CML is characterized by a balanced genetic translocation, t(9;22)(q34;q11.2), involving a fusion of the Abelson gene (ABL1) from chromosome 9q34 with the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene on chromosome 22q11.2. This rearrangement is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The molecular consequence of this translocation is the generation of a BCR-ABL1 fusion oncogene, which in turn translates into a BCR-ABL oncoprotein. Frontline therapy: Three tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase (CML-CP). Clinical trials with 2nd generation TKIs reported significantly deeper and faster responses; their impact on long-term survival remains to be determined. Salvage therapy: For patients who fail frontline therapy, second-line options include second and third generation TKIs. Although second and third generation TKIs are potent and selective TKIs, they exhibit unique pharmacological profiles and response patterns relative to different patient and disease characteristics, such as patients’ comorbidities, disease stage, and BCR-ABL1 mutational status. Patients who develop the T315I “gatekeeper” mutation display resistance to all currently available TKIs except ponatinib. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for patients with CML-CP who have failed at least two TKIs, and for all patients in advanced phase disease. Am. J. Hematol. 91:253–265, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mathematics Fluency—More than the Weekly Timed Test

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the critical importance of mathematics fluency. We begin by providing an overview of the role of mathematics in today’s society, current shortcomings in the teaching of mathematics, operational definitions of fluency, and the critical role fluency plays in the development of mathematics proficiency. Next, we summarize current interventions designed to promote the development of fluency and assessments designed to measure student acquisition of mathematics fluency. We conclude by noting the potential steps for both researchers and practitioners to take to move the field forward.
Adaptation to prismatic distortion

This is a study of the adaptation of human Ss to long-term exposure to optical distortions produced by wedge prisms. Results indicate that the various prismatic distortions are adapted to at varying rates to varying degrees. Adaptation to the lateral displacement produced by a prism occurs rapidly and completely. Adaptation to certain shape distortions occurs slowly and to a minimal degree.
Accelerated Evaluation of Automated Vehicles Safety in Lane-Change Scenarios Based on Importance Sampling Techniques

Automated vehicles (AVs) must be thoroughly evaluated before their release and deployment. A widely used evaluation approach is the Naturalistic-Field Operational Test (N-FOT), which tests prototype vehicles directly on the public roads. Due to the low exposure to safety-critical scenarios, N-FOTs are time consuming and expensive to conduct. In this paper, we propose an accelerated evaluation approach for AVs. The results can be used to generate motions of the other primary vehicles to accelerate the verification of AVs in simulations and controlled experiments. Frontal collision due to unsafe cut-ins is the target crash type of this paper. Human-controlled vehicles making unsafe lane changes are modeled as the primary disturbance to AVs based on data collected by the University of Michigan Safety Pilot Model Deployment Program. The cut-in scenarios are generated based on skewed statistics of collected human driver behaviors, which generate risky testing scenarios while preserving the statistical information so that the safety benefits of AVs in nonaccelerated cases can be accurately estimated. The cross-entropy method is used to recursively search for the optimal skewing parameters. The frequencies of the occurrences of conflicts, crashes, and injuries are estimated for a modeled AV, and the achieved accelerated rate is around 2000 to 20 000. In other words, in the accelerated simulations, driving for 1000 miles will expose the AV with challenging scenarios that will take about 2 to 20 million miles of real-world driving to encounter. This technique thus has the potential to greatly reduce the development and validation time for AVs.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories Perspective on Code Development and High Performance Computing Resources in Support of the National HED/ICF Effort

Through its Advanced Scientific Computing (ASC) and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) code development efforts, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) provides a world leading numerical simulation capability for the National HED/ICF program in support of the Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP). In addition the ASC effort provides high performance computing platform capabilities upon which these codes are run. LLNL remains committed to, and will work with, the national HED/ICF program community to help insure numerical simulation needs are met and to make those capabilities available, consistent with programmatic priorities and available resources.