cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Salvage of a below-the-knee amputation level following a type-IIIB open tibial fracture. A case report.

Open tibial fractures present with a wide spectrum of soft-tissue injuries and associated bone loss. Reconstruction of a functional limb is often a complex process that may require soft-tissue reconstruction techniques, including free tissue transfer and its associated risks, to manage the soft-tissue injury. In addition, bone loss, if appreciable, may require massive bone-grafting, bone transport, or free vascularized bone transfer to obtain a durable union. In these cases, successful limb salvage is never guaranteed and an extended period of time may be required to achieve a functional extremity1. Amputation, in these cases, may result in an equally successful functional outcome2. When possible, a below-the-knee amputation is the preferred amputation level because it has recognized functional benefits and is associated with decreased energy requirements for the amputee during activity3. Durable soft-tissue coverage and maintenance of appropriate length of the residual limb are paramount in maintaining an optimal outcome4. Unfortunately, the often high-energy mechanism of injury results in an extensive zone of injury. In some instances, the attainment of adequate bone and soft-tissue coverage may require the use of the same techniques that are utilized for limb salvage, which may result in suboptimal coverage and length to afford functional use of a prosthesis. Faced with these reconstruction dilemmas, amputation at a higher level is often the surgical choice. We report the case of a patient with an open Gustilo-Anderson type-IIIB tibial fracture with extensive soft-tissue loss and an associated bone loss of approximately 17 cm. The patient, not desiring limb salvage with free tissue transfer or bone transport and not wishing to undergo an above-the-knee amputation, elected to undergo a below-the-knee amputation with complex local and osseous soft-tissue reconstruction. An optimal-length residual limb with durable soft-tissue coverage was obtained through the creation of …
Nonmonotonic logic and temporal projection

Abstract Nonmonotonic formal systems have been proposed as an extension to classical first-order logic that will capture the process of human “default reasoning” or “plausible inference” through their inference mechanisms, just as modus ponens provides a model for deductive reasoning. But although the technical properties of these logics have been studied in detail and many examples of human default reasoning have been identified, for the most part these logics have not actually been applied to practical problems to see whether they produce the expected results. We provide axioms for a simple problem in temporal reasoning which has long been identified as a case of default reasoning, thus presumably amenable to representation in nonmonotonic logic. Upon examining the resulting nonmonotonic theories, however, we find that the inferences permitted by the logics are not those we had intended when we wrote the axioms, and in fact are much weaker. This problem is shown to be independent of the logic used; nor does it depend on any particular temporal representation. Upon analyzing the failure we find that the nonmonotonic logics we considered are inherently incapable of representing this kind of default reasoning. The first part of the paper is an expanded version of one that appeared in the 1986 AAAI proceedings. The second part reports on several responses to our result that have appeared since the original paper was published.
Interaction of Gd(III) MRI contrast agents with membranes: a review of recent EPR studies

Rational development of new selective paramagnetic contrast agents (PCAs) requires a detailed understanding of their interactions with biological macromolecules. This report shows how some of these interactions can be studied with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) through examples of Gd3+ complexes interactions with model phospholipid membranes. It is shown that the spin label EPR method can be used to detect: (i) presence and possible location of lipophilic contrast agents in the model membranes, (ii) changes and distortions in membrane organization upon interaction with the PCAs, and (iii) changes in the local polarity of the bilayer and its phase behavior due to addition of Gd3+ complexes. This work demonstrates that interaction of Gd3+ complexes with phospholipid bilayers can be observed directly from changes in their continuous wave (CW) EPR spectra obtained at frequencies higher than X-band (9.5 GHz), where signals arising from aqueous and lipid-bound Gd3+ complexes become resolved. Analysis of frequency dependence of the effectiveg-factors of the EPR signal provides estimates of zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameter for these complexes at physiological conditions and information on how this parameter is affected by interaction with lipids. Multifrequency EPR experiments at high magnetic fields are also useful in providing data on the frequency dispersion of electronic relaxation caused mainly by a modulation of the electron-electron dipolar interaction (ZFS) of these high spin ions.
Generalized Frenkel-Kontorova models

Abstract We have studied two generalized Frenkel-Kontorova (FK) models. In one of them the interatomic potential is changed from simple harmonic to Toda; in the other the external potential is changed from sinusoidal to nonanalytic. Their critical behaviors are found to be markedly different. In the Toda case, the local critical exponents are the same as those in the standard FK model. However, the global singularity spectrum and the generalized dimension depend on the anharmonicity parameter. In the nonanalytic FK model, the critical exponents are found to vary with the degree of inflection z for 2≤z 3, a sequence of pinning and depinning transitions, reflecting the recurrence of Kolmogorov-Arnol'd-Moser tori, has also been observed.
Environmental Influences on Alcohol Consumption Practices of Alcoholic Beverage Servers

Public drinking establishments have long been associated with heavy drinking among both their patrons and servers. Whether these environments represent locations where heavy drinking is learned (learning hypothesis) or simply places where already-heavy drinkers gather in a supportive environment (selection hypothesis) remains an important question. A sample of licensed alcoholic beverage servers in the state of Indiana, USA, was surveyed to better understand the drinking behaviors of servers within the alcohol service industry. Responses (N = 938) to a mailed questionnaire were analyzed to assess the relative influence of environmental and demographic factors on the drinking behavior of servers. Stepwise regression revealed "drinking on the job" as the most influential environmental factor on heavy drinking behaviors, followed by age and gender as influential demographic factors. Support was found for the selection hypothesis, but not for the learning hypothesis. Policy implications are discussed. factors on the drinking behavior of servers. Stepwise regression revealed "drinking on the job" as the most influential environmental factor on heavy drinking behaviors, followed by age and gender as influential demographic factors. Support was found for the selection hypothesis, but not for the learning hypothesis. Policy implications are discussed.
Learning the Trade A Social Apprenticeship Model for Gaining Writing Expertise

Taking a social constructionist point of view and drawing on the work in cognitive psychology on situated cognition and expert performances, this study reports on a segment of an ethnography of writing in a workplace setting that reveals the interconnections of discourse community goals, writers' roles, and the socialization process for writers new to a given discourse community. Specifically, the data reveal 15 different writing roles assumed by members of the discourse community that depict a continuum from novice to expert writing behaviors. Writing roles were defined in relation to both the importance to community goals of the text to be written and to the amount of context-specific writing knowledge required to accomplish the task. The study applies the notion of legitimate peripheral participation in a discourse community and creates a framework for conceptualizing a social apprenticeship in writing either in school or nonschool settings.
Vibrational spectra of 2-fluoropropene

Abstract Infrared spectra for 2-fluoropropene in the vapor state and in solution and the Raman spectrum of the solid were obtained. Normal coordinate calculations were made with a valence force field transferred from 2-chloropropene that included ten interaction constants. Only three interaction constants that involved the fluorine atom were needed, and a good fit between observed and calculated frequencies was obtained by adjusting only three interaction constants along with all but one diagonal force constants. The CC and CF stretching vibrations seem to be highly mixed, but there is not much mixing of other normal modes.
Experimental error of the Burnett experiment

Abstract Analysis of the errors of pressure measurement in a Burnett experiment shows them to be primarily multiplicative over most of the pressure range. In such a case the geometric mean is the best mean to average repeated measurements. A linear model of error to provide a basis for practical calculations is introduced by determining the arithmetic mean of the logarithms of the pressures. Analysis of the Burnett experiment turns on ratios of pressures, and systematic multiplicative errors cancel in these ratios. A method is developed to weight the low-pressure observations in the range where the errors are primarily additive. The weighting of the data and the errors of the virial coefficients determined in the analysis are illustrated with data for helium at 25°C.
The interactions of99mTc phosphorus radiopharmaceuticals and human serum proteins

Dialysis and precipitation methods have been used to study the binding affinity of selected technetium-99m phosphorus radiopharmaceuticals to human serum proteins. The binding affinities of three different99mTc bone imaging agents were found to be inversely related to their respective clearance rates from blood in vivo. The binding order showed99mTcPPi>99mTcHEDP>99mTcMDP. The99mTc phosphorus radiopharmaceuticals were bound primarily to alpha globulins. The results suggest that the binding of99mTc phosphorus radiopharmaceuticals to human serum proteins in blood is largely determined by their affinities to the alpha globulins.
Numerical Simulations of Stratified Rotating Flow over Finite Amplitude Topography

Abstract A primitive equation numerical ocean model is used to investigate the response of an basic flow, initially horizontally and vertically uniform, to the presence of an isolated seamount at the center of a 4000-m-deep periodic channel. The model is configured with 5-km horizontal resolution and 15 constant-density layer in the vertical. The Coriolis parameter, fluid stratification, coefficient of lateral friction, and length scale or the topography are held constant while the men downstream flow speed and height of the obstacle vary up to an extreme case of a 20 cm s−1 current impinging on a 3500 seamount. The results include the familiar anticyclonic vortex straddling the topograhy while a cyconic vortex propagates downgstream. Both advective and vorticity interaction effects are noted in the experiment with the extent of perturbations to the density field being influenced by variations in the mean flow speed and obstacle height. Possible modifications to the model are discussed in relation to obse...
Evaluation of Current State of Flexible Overlay Design for Rigid and Composite Pavements in the United States

Current composite pavement practices and key hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlay design features, mainly to mitigate reflective cracking in the HMA overlay, used by state highway agencies in the United States are summarized. This information was obtained from a comprehensive survey conducted from January to May 2006 under a research effort for the New Jersey Department of Transportation to help minimize or retard the onset of reflective cracking in HMA overlays on portland cement concrete (PCC)/composite pavements. Information is provided on reflective cracking mitigation methods (successes and failures), current in-place composite/PCC pavement designs, treatments to prepare PCC pavement before HMA overlay and typical time until reflective cracking appears in the HMA overlay. Parameters that state agencies use to characterize pavement site conditions, including nondestructive testing, traffic conditions, and laboratory testing are also given. Further analysis is conducted by comparing the low temperature climatic conditions of the state to the low temperature performance grade of the asphalt binder commonly used in the HMA overlay. This examination and summary of survey findings on current pavement design practices and design features on the use of flexible overlays for rigid pavements in the United States will be of interest to state agencies, practitioners, and pavement researchers.
Probing heavy-hole and light-hole excitonic beats in a GaAs quantum well with phase-locked Raman pulse pairs

Transient pump-probe studies using phase-locked Raman pulse pairs as the pump reveal a new interpretation for the heavy-hole and light-hole excitonic beats in transient differential transmission of a GaAs quantum well.
DSM-5: An Overview of Changes and Controversies

The DSM-5 offers many changes in the criteria and categories used in clinical diagnosis. The provocative and sometimes controversial nature of the changes has enlivened debate in the mental health field about how we should best understand our clients. I selectively survey what is new in DSM-5, why changes were made, and what about them is so controversial. First, I summarize the main metastructural and organizational changes, including elimination of the multiaxial system and changed chapter groupings. Second, I survey the most important new categories of disorder and the most important changes to the diagnostic criteria for existing categories of disorder. I focus on particularly controversial changes, such as those to substance use and addictive disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Pros and cons are provided for changes in criteria as well as for the addition of new disorder categories, such as hoarding disorder and binge eating disorder. Finally, I offer a more in-depth review and analysis of the changes to the depressive disorders chapter, which was subject to some of the most intense controversies and had some of the most extensive changes.
In-situ low temperature growth and orientation control in MOCVD PZT/RuO2 thin film heterostructures on SiO2/Si substrates

Abstract Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3/RuO2 (PZT/RuO2) thin film heterostructures with controlled PZT and RuO2 orientation were successfully grown in-situ on SiO2/(001)Si substrates at 525°C, using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). XRD analysis revealed that the textured orientation of the PZT films is strongly dependent on the orientation of RuO2 bottom electrode layers. PZT layers grown on (101)-textured RuO2 exhibit a predominant (001) orientation, while those grown on (110)-textured RuO2 present a mixed (001)-(111)-(110) polycrystalline structure. Highly (110)-oriented RuO2 layers were grown using relatively high deposition temperatures and low rates (∼350°C and 3 nm/min, respectively). The RuO2 layers exhibited resistivities of 34-40 μΩ-cm, average grain size of 65±15 nm, and surface roughness of 3-10 nm (rms), while the PZ...
Treatment of chronic urticaria with a proteinase (kallikrein) inhibitor.

SUMMARY Results are reported of Trasylol treatment of fifty-two patients with various forms of urticaria. 100,000 anti-kallikrein units were given intravenously every other day, with 15–20 injections per course. An excellent therapeutic effect was obtained in 44% (twenty-three patients), and another 37% (nineteen patients) were greatly improved. Additional evidence of the objective therapeutic benefit was obtained in a double-blind study (twenty patients).
Social Anxiety Disorder and Global/Local Performance on a Visuospatial Processing Task:

Few research studies have examined differences in processing “big-picture,” global stimuli versus detailed, local stimuli in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Similarly, little is kno...
Bubbles in a back eddy: A commentary on “The origin, diagnostic attributes and practical application of coevolutionary theory”

Winder, McIntosh, and Jeffrey (2005) thread acritique of bDevelopment BetrayedQ through an unu-sual reading of the history of evolutionary thought.Some of their commentary is interesting; frequently itis colorfully portrayed. For example, Winder et al.write that bIn emphasising the pervasiveness of co-evolution in socio-natural dynamics, Norgaard isdecanting the old wine of complex system theoryinto co-evolutionary skins. But there is even olderwine in those skins; the Darwin–Huxley synthesis,and we are reluctant to see it poured into the sandto accommodate the later vintage.Q These are grandwords a little harshly delivered from the perspectiveof a historian of science.Let me ascend to their rhetorical heights and reflecton the history of evolutionary thought from on high aswell. Winder et al. focus on a supposed bDarwin–HuxleyQsynthesis,aparticularjoiningofthought.Loo-kingatthehistoryofbiology,Iseealargebraidedriver,like the big rivers I have known carving broad valleysas they come out of the mountains of Alaska. Streamsofthoughtintheriverjoin,theirwatersforevermixing,yet the river keeps dividing while new rivers join in aswell. I see the currents of evolutionary thinking todayswelling with turbulence as they mix with new knowl-edgeindevelopmentalbiology.Andfromthisperspec-tive, the critique of Winder et al. on bDevelopmentBetrayedQ looks like bubbles in a back eddy.Winder et al. note bNorgaard has found in biologya set of ideas that are dgood to think withT and usedthem to communicate important ideas about connect-edness and complexity.Q I like this constructive char-acterization of my work. It conveys the pragmatism ofmy effort quite well. And how can I argue againstpraise like bthe pioneering work of Richard Norgaard(1984, 1994)...undoubtedly represents an importantformative contribution to both the current state and thefuture trajectory of co-evolutionary theory as appliedto socio-natural scienceQ?The problem is that Winder et al. rally little evi-dence to support the argument that bDevelopmentBetrayedQ represents a significant joining of currentsitself. Does it really demarcate an important conflu-ence in the river of thought, a joining of significantstreams that now have a momentum of their own.Might the work of C.J. Lumsden and E.O. Wilson(1981), Peter Corning (1983),orWilliam Durham(1991), for example, better demarcate the joining ofcurrents? Indeed, looking more closely, I see that theproblem is that we are multiple communities of scho-
Electrical detection of liquid lithium leaks from pipe joints

A test stand for flowing liquid lithium is under construction at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. As liquid lithium reacts with atmospheric gases and water, an electrical interlock system for detecting leaks and safely shutting down the apparatus has been constructed. A defense in depth strategy is taken to minimize the risk and impact of potential leaks. Each demountable joint is diagnosed with a cylindrical copper shell electrically isolated from the loop. By monitoring the electrical resistance between the pipe and the copper shell, a leak of (conductive) liquid lithium can be detected. Any resistance of less than 2 kΩ trips a relay, shutting off power to the heaters and pump. The system has been successfully tested with liquid gallium as a surrogate liquid metal. The circuit features an extensible number of channels to allow for future expansion of the loop. To ease diagnosis of faults, the status of each channel is shown with an analog front panel LED, and monitored and logged digitally by LabVIEW.
Structural basis for DNA bridging by barrier-to-autointegration factor

The ability of barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) to bind and bridge DNA in a sequence-independent manner is crucial for its role in retroviral integration and a variety of cellular processes. To better understand this behavior, we solved the crystal structure of BAF bound to DNA. The structure reveals that BAF bridges DNA using two pairs of helix-hairpin-helix motifs located on opposite surfaces of the BAF dimer without changing its conformation.
Clinical validation of 4DCT-ventilation with pulmonary function test data

Purpose A new form of functional imaging has been proposed in the form of 4DCT-ventilation. Because 4DCTs are acquired as part of routine care for lung cancer patients, calculating ventilation maps from 4DCTs provides spatial lung function information without added dosimetric or monetary cost to the patient. Before 4DCT-ventilation is implemented it needs to be clinically validated. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) provide a clinically established way of evaluating lung function. The purpose of our work was to perform a clinical validation by comparing 4DCT-ventilation metrics with PFT data.
Terrace-edge separation distribution

Abstract Calculations are presented of the separation distribution for adjacent terrace edges on a vicinal surface. It is demonstrated that at high temperature the distribution is peaked at zero separation, and as the temperature is lowered the most probable separation between edges shifts toward the mean value. We also calculate the correlation function for two different edges separated by r intermediate terraces. Reference is made with computer simulation and with STM data from Si(001).
Graded dielectric lens to match 100 ps pulses into biological targets

Results from analytical calculations, numerical simulations and experiments for a radially inhomogeneous hemispherical dielectric lens are compared in this paper. Such a lens is used at the second focal point of a prolate-spheroidal impulse radiating antenna to match 100 ps pulses in to biological targets.
The Changing Impact of Marriage, Motherhood and Work on Women's Poverty

SUMMARY This study evaluates historical changes in the relative importance of key factors influencing white, African American, and Hispanic women's poverty. Empirical results, based on reduced form logistic regressions, indicate that work has become, relative to marriage, a potentially better way to decrease women's poverty. The greater relative importance of work when compared to marriage is strongest for blacks and weakest for whites, although for all three groups of women this pattern holds. This trend is consistent with the move from women's main economic support being generated through marriage to instead being generated through work. At the same time, children continue to increase women's chances of being in poverty, though their impact has changed differently among the three groups. The findings suggest that resources directed towards alleviating poverty should ideally be allocated towards efforts to create good job opportunities combined with support to reduce the costs associated with balancing m...
Stable Isotope Paleoaltimetry in Orogenic Belts : The Silicate Record in Surface and Crustal Geological Archives

In this chapter, we discuss the use of variations in the oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions of hydrous silicates to paleoaltimetry studies. Currently, there are numerous isotopic (lacustrine, palustrine, and pedogenic carbonates, hydrous silicates, fluid inclusions) and paleofloral (leaf physiognomy, stomata density) proxies that provide information on climatic and topographic histories of mountain belts. Compared to lacustrine and paleosoil carbonates that frequently provide detailed and temporally extensive paleoaltimetric records, the use of hydrous silicates (such as smectite, kaolinite, chert, as well as metamorphic minerals that grow in the presence of meteoric waters) in paleoclimate and paleoaltimetry studies has important additional advantages. First, hydrous silicates provide both a hydrogen and oxygen isotope record. These two isotope systems can be used to evaluate climate change, but are also useful in understanding evaporative effects on meteoric waters prior to mineral formation. Since evaporation can cause isotopic changes that otherwise would correspond to changes on the order of kilometers of surface uplift, it is critical in any isotopic paleoaltimetry study within continental interiors to examine both the hydrogen and oxygen isotope record. Second, hydrogen isotope ratios of micas in deep-seated extensional shear zones often reflect the composition of meteoric waters that infiltrated these rocks during the late stages of orogenesis. As such, it is possible to use the combined oxygen, hydrogen and geochronological record of synkinematic micas in extensional shear zones as a paleoaltimeter. This information when combined with high-precision geochronology and paleoaltimetry studies of intermontane basins formed above these shear zones allows for the development of an integrated structural, sedimentologic, and surface elevation history of an evolving orogen.
Effects of intermediate host genetic background on parasite transmission dynamics: A case study using Schistosoma mansoni

For parasites that require multiple hosts to complete their development, genetic interplay with one host may impact parasite transmission and establishment in subsequent hosts. In this study, we used microsatellite loci to address whether the genetic background of snail intermediate hosts influences life-history traits and transmission patterns of dioecious trematode parasites in their definitive hosts. We performed experimental Schistosoma mansoni infections utilizing two allopatric populations of Biomphalaria glabrata snails and assessed intensities and sex ratios of adult parasites in mouse definitive hosts. Our results suggest that the genetic background of hosts at one point in a parasite’s life cycle can influence the intensities and sex ratios of worms in subsequent hosts.
Crossroads and crises, or much ado about nothing? A comment on mommaas and coalter

(1997). Crossroads and crises, or much ado about nothing? A comment on mommaas and coalter. Leisure Sciences: Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 285-289.
Musical Behavior in Early Childhood

SUMMARY The acquisition of musical behavior depends upon many aspects of personality, including an innate sensory-motor ability, an early interest in tunes and rhythms, and the willingness to practise regularly and to accept a life that is different perhaps from that of other children, with interests which may be considered ‘special’ or even ‘odd’. Cultural pressures are of great importance, and the pleasure of listening and responding to music can be enhanced through education. Musical behavior that carries over into later childhood seems to be a function of intense emotional involvement of the individual personality with music, its auditory enjoyment, or its motor performance, or both. Maldevelopments of musical behavior are seen occasionally, as, for example, in childhood autism and the idiot savant syndrome. RESUME L'acquisition d'un comportement musical depend de nombreux aspects de la personnalite incluant une aptitude sensori-motrice innee, un interet precoce pour les sons et les rythmes, la volonte de pratiquer regulierement et d'accepter une vie qui est quelque peu differente de celle des autres enfants avec des interets consideres comme ‘speciaux’ ou meme ‘etranges’. Les pressions culturelles sont de grande importance. Le plaisir d'ecouter et de vibrer a la musique peut etre renforce par l'education. Le comportement musical qui persiste durant la fin de l'enfance semble relever d'une implication emotive intense de la personnalite individuelle dans la musique qu'il s'agisse de la joie d'entendre, de la performance motrice ou des deux. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Ausbildung eines musikalischen Verhaltens grundet sich auf verschiedene Aspekte der Personlichkeitsstruktur, d.h. eine angeborene sensorisch-motorische Fahigkeit, ein fruhes Interesse an Tonen und Rhythmen, die Bereitschaft zu regelmasigem Uben und ein Leben zu akzeptieren, das sich vielleicht von dem anderer Kinder unterscheidet, mit Interessen, die von manchen als ‘besonders’ von anderen als ‘langweilig’ bezeichnet werden mogen. Kulturelle Verpflichtungen sind sehr wichtig; die Freude am Zuhoren und das Ansprechen auf die Musik konnen durch die Erziehung gefordert werden. Ein musikalisches Interesse, das sich bis in die spate Kindheit erhalt, beruht offensichtlich auf einer intensiven emotionalen Beschaftigung der einzelnen Person mit Musik, die Freude am Zuhoren oder der eigene Vortrag oder beides.
Relationship between levels of giftedness and psychosocial adjustment

This study compares two groups of gifted students, highly (N=74) and moderately (N=163) gifted, on a number of scales including self‐concept, emotional autonomy, and anxiety. Although a measure of academic ability was used to create distinctive ability groups, the results did not support the hypotheses that highly gifted students would be more likely to display lower self‐concepts and more adjustment problems than the moderately gifted group. These findings are examined in light of past research on differences in highly and moderately gifted students.
Targeting neuropilin-1 to inhibit VEGF signaling in cancer: Comparison of therapeutic approaches.

Angiogenesis (neovascularization) plays a crucial role in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and wound healing. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical regulator of angiogenesis. Multiple VEGF receptors are expressed on endothelial cells, including signaling receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) and the nonsignaling co-receptor Neuropilin-1. Neuropilin-1 binds only the isoform of VEGF responsible for pathological angiogenesis (VEGF165), and is thus a potential target for inhibiting VEGF signaling. Using the first molecularly detailed computational model of VEGF and its receptors, we have shown previously that the VEGFR–Neuropilin interactions explain the observed differential effects of VEGF isoforms on VEGF signaling in vitro, and demonstrated potent VEGF inhibition by an antibody to Neuropilin-1 that does not block ligand binding but blocks subsequent receptor coupling. In the present study, we extend that computational model to simulation of in vivo VEGF transport and binding, and predict the in vivo efficacy of several Neuropilin-targeted therapies in inhibiting VEGF signaling: (a) blocking Neuropilin-1 expression; (b) blocking VEGF binding to Neuropilin-1; (c) blocking Neuropilin–VEGFR coupling. The model predicts that blockade of Neuropilin–VEGFR coupling is significantly more effective than other approaches in decreasing VEGF–VEGFR2 signaling. In addition, tumor types with different receptor expression levels respond differently to each of these treatments. In designing human therapeutics, the mechanism of attacking the target plays a significant role in the outcome: of the strategies tested here, drugs with similar properties to the Neuropilin-1 antibody are predicted to be most effective. The tumor type and the microenvironment of the target tissue are also significant in determining therapeutic efficacy of each of the treatments studied.
A Sleeping Beauty mutagenesis screen reveals a tumor suppressor role for Ncoa2/Src-2 in liver cancer

The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon mutagenesis system is a powerful tool that facilitates the discovery of mutations that accelerate tumorigenesis. In this study, we sought to identify mutations that cooperate with MYC, one of the most commonly dysregulated genes in human malignancy. We performed a forward genetic screen with a mouse model of MYC-induced liver cancer using SB-mediated mutagenesis. We sequenced insertions in 63 liver tumor nodules and identified at least 16 genes/loci that contribute to accelerated tumor development. RNAi-mediated knockdown in a liver progenitor cell line further validate three of these genes, Ncoa2/Src-2, Zfx, and Dtnb, as tumor suppressors in liver cancer. Moreover, deletion of Ncoa2/Src-2 in mice predisposes to diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumorigenesis. These findings reveal genes and pathways that functionally restrain MYC-mediated liver tumorigenesis and therefore may provide targets for cancer therapy.
Using a Bayesian Latent Class Model to Evaluate the Utility of Investigating Persons with Negative Polymerase Chain Reaction Results for Pertussis

Pertussis remains difficult to control. Imperfect sensitivity of diagnostic tests and lack of specific guidance regarding interpretation of negative test results among patients with compatible symptoms may contribute to its spread. In this study, we examined whether additional pertussis cases could be identified if persons with negative pertussis test results were routinely investigated. We conducted interviews among 250 subjects aged ≤18 years with pertussis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results reported from 2 reference laboratories in Wisconsin during July-September 2010 to determine whether their illnesses met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's clinical case definition (CCD) for pertussis. PCR validity measures were calculated using the CCD as the standard for pertussis disease. Two Bayesian latent class models were used to adjust the validity measures for pertussis detectable by 1) culture alone and 2) culture and/or more sensitive measures such as serology. Among 190 PCR-negative subjects, 54 (28%) had illnesses meeting the CCD. In adjusted analyses, PCR sensitivity and the negative predictive value were 1) 94% and 99% and 2) 43% and 87% in the 2 types of models, respectively. The models suggested that public health follow-up of reported pertussis patients with PCR-negative results leads to the detection of more true pertussis cases than follow-up of PCR-positive persons alone. The results also suggest a need for a more specific pertussis CCD.
Evaluation of effective transverse mechanical properties of transversely isotropic viscoelastic composite materials

A new computational approach for calculation of the effective transverse mechanical properties of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites with linear viscoelastic matrix and elastic fibers is presented. The approach requires the knowledge of stresses outside a cluster representing the structure of composite in question. The effective properties are found from the assumption that the viscoelastic stresses at the distances far away from the cluster are the same as those from a single equivalent inhomogeneity. The approach directly takes into account the interactions between the inhomogeneities. The comparison of the results with several benchmark solutions reveals the advantages of the developed approach.
Costs of Chronic Diseases at the State Level: The Chronic Disease Cost Calculator.

Introduction Many studies have estimated national chronic disease costs, but state-level estimates are limited. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the Chronic Disease Cost Calculator (CDCC), which estimates state-level costs for arthritis, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, other heart diseases, depression, and diabetes. Methods Using publicly available and restricted secondary data from multiple national data sets from 2004 through 2008, disease-attributable annual per-person medical and absenteeism costs were estimated. Total state medical and absenteeism costs were derived by multiplying per person costs from regressions by the number of people in the state treated for each disease. Medical costs were estimated for all payers and separately for Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurers. Projected medical costs for all payers (2010 through 2020) were calculated using medical costs and projected state population counts. Results Median state-specific medical costs ranged from $410 million (asthma) to $1.8 billion (diabetes); median absenteeism costs ranged from $5 million (congestive heart failure) to $217 million (arthritis). Conclusion CDCC provides methodologically rigorous chronic disease cost estimates. These estimates highlight possible areas of cost savings achievable through targeted prevention efforts or research into new interventions and treatments.
Material deformation and fatigue behavior characterization for elastomeric component life predictions

Failure analysis and prediction of fatigue life of elastomers are important issues due to wide usage of elastomeric components in many applications. Material deformation and fatigue characterization including both crack nucleation and crack growth are typically required for such analysis and predictions. This article discusses relevant material deformation properties obtained from experiments conducted under stress states of simple tension and planar tension. Cyclic transient behavior including Mullin's effect is also discussed. Then, fatigue crack initiation approach and experimental procedure and obtained data are discussed including modeling of the R ratio effect. Finally, based on the fracture mechanics approach, fatigue crack growth test procedure and properties are presented, including a model for R-ratio effect. It is also shown that using the crack growth approach as a total fatigue life predictor gives reasonable results, as compared with the crack nucleation approach. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Amplitude preserving prestack imaging of irregularly sampled 3-D data

We introduce a computationally efficient and robust method to regularize acquisition geometries of 3-D prestack seismic data before prestack migration. The proposed method is based on a formulation of the geometry regularization problem as a regularized leastsquares problem. The model space of this least-squares problem is composed of uniformly sampled common offset-azimuth cubes. The regularization term fills the acquisition gaps by minimizing inconsistencies between cubes with similar offset and azimuth. To preserve the resolution of dipping events in the final image, the regularization term includes a transformation by Azimuth Moveout (AMO) of the common offset-azimuth cubes. The method is computationally efficient because we applied the AMO operator in the Fourierdomain, and we precondition the least-squares problem. Therefore, no iterative solution is needed and excellent results are obtained by applying the adjoint operator followed by a diagonal weighting in the model domain. We tested the method on a 3-D land data set from South America. Subtle reflectivity features are better preserved after migration when the proposed method is employed as compared to more standard geometry regularization methods. Furthermore, a dipping event at the reservoir depth (more than 3 km) is better imaged using the AMO regularization as compared to a regularization operator that simply smoothes the data over offsets.
Modeling cognitive interactions during group brainstorming

Despite laboratory evidence that group brainstormers produce fewer ideas than individual brainstormers, brainstorming groups remain popular in business and industry. Here the authors present a model of the cognitive factors involved in group idea generation. Simulations suggest that group interaction should be beneficial when one group member primes another into thinking of ideas they would not have considered alone, at least not in the context of the task at hand. Many concepts relevant to group cognition can be defined within the model framework (stochastic transition matrices) including fluency, flexibility, category accessibility, convergent/divergent thinking, attention to partners, and the relationship between the knowledge structures of the brainstorming participants. Attention plays a crucial role in the model, linking together individuals in a brainstorming group. Simulations also suggest that convergent group behavior may be the result ofcognitivefactors in addition to the socialfactors outlined...
Characterization of a Group of Anaerobically Induced, fnr-Dependent Genes of Salmonella typhimurium

We have previously reported the isolation of a group of anaerobically regulated, fnr-dependent lac fusions in Salmonella typhimurium and have grouped these oxd genes into classes based on map position. In order to identify these genes, we have replaced the original Mud-lac fusion in a member of each oxd class with the much smaller Mud-cam element, cloned the fusion, and determined DNA sequence sufficient to define the oxd gene. Several of the fusions correspond to previously known genes from S. typhimurium or Escherichia coli: oxd-4 = cbiA and oxd-11 = cbiK, oxd-5 = hybB, oxd-7 = dcuB, oxd-8 = moaB, oxd-12 = dmsA, and oxd-14 = napB (aeg-46.5). Two other fusions correspond to previously unknown loci: oxd-2 encodes an acetate/propionate kinase, and oxd-6 encodes a putative ABC transporter present in S. typhimurium but not in E. coli.
Interactive generator: a self-powered haptic feedback device

We present Interactive Generator (InGen), a self-powered wireless rotary input device capable of generating haptic or force feedback without the need for any external power source. Our approach uses a modified servomotor to perform three functions: (1) generating power for wireless communication and embedded electronics, (2) sensing the direction and speed of rotation, and (3) providing force feedback during rotation. While InGen is rotating, the device is capable of providing the sensation of detents or bumps, changes in stiffness, and abrupt stops using only power that is harvested during interaction. We describe the device in detail, demonstrate an initial 'TV remote control' application, and end with a discussion of our experiences developing the prototype and application. To the best of our knowledge, InGen is the first self-powered device, which also provides haptic feedback during operation. More broadly, this work demonstrates a new class of input sys-tems that uses human-generated power to provide feedback to the user and wirelessly communicate sensed information.
Stratigraphy of the Hawai‘i Scientific Drilling Project core (HSDP2): Anatomy of a Hawaiian shield volcano

The Hawai'i Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP2) successfully drilled ∼3.1 km into the island of Hawai'i. Drilling started on Mauna Loa volcano, drilling 247 m of subaerial lavas before encountering 832 m of subaerial Mauna Kea lavas, followed by 2019 m of submarine Mauna Kea volcanic and sedimentary units. The 2.85 km stratigraphic record of Mauna Kea volcano spans back to ∼650 ka. Mauna Kea subaerial lavas have high average olivine contents (13 vol.%) and low average vesicle abundances (10 vol.%). Most subaerial Mauna Kea flows are ‘a‘ā (∼63%), whereas the Mauna Loa section contains nearly equal amounts of pāhoehoe and ‘a‘ā (like its current surface). The submarine Mauna Kea section contains an upper, ∼900 m thick, hyaloclastite-rich section and a lower, ∼1100 m thick, pillow-lava-dominated section. These results support a model that Hawaiian volcanoes are built on a pedestal of pillow lavas capped by rapidly quenched, fragmented lava debris. The HSDP2 section is compared here to a 1.7 km deep hole (SOH1) on Kilauea's lower east rift zone. Differences in the sections reflect the proximity to source vents and the lower magma supply to Kilauea's rift zone. Both drill core sections are cut by intrusions, but the higher abundance of intrusions in SOH1 reflects its location within a rift zone, causing more extensive alteration in the SOH1 core. The HSDP2 site recovered a relatively unaltered core well suited for geochemical analyses of the single deepest and most complete borehole ever drilled through a Hawaiian or any other oceanic island volcano.
Assay of free tryptophan in urine by high-voltage electrophoresis.

Abstract A method for the assay of free tryptophan in urine by means of high-voltage paper electrophoresis gives reproducible results comparable to the microbiological test, the only procedure so far found applicable to urine. It was found that a number of substances related to tryptophan may seriously interfere with the microbiological assay. In the technique proposed, the interference of indolic compounds and of urea is obviated, as they are sufficiently separated by the strong electric field and give different colors in the chromatic reaction with PDAB. Tryptophan gives a distinct easily separable spot that can be quantitated by densitometry. Comparison of this method with the microbiological assay of urines from phenylketonurics showed that some nontryptophan materials that appeared on microbiological assay like tryptophan were excreted up to seven times as much as tryptophan. It is likely that one of these is indolelactic acid, but this cannot account for the bulk of the excreted “tryptophan” in phenylketonuria.
Decomposition of halogenated hydrocarbons using intense, penetrating bremsstrahlung

Abstract Radiolytic decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbons and other toxic compounds has been experimentally measured using ionizing radiation produced by electron accelerator and nuclear isotope sources. Decomposition products have been identified. A portable, commercially available electron accelerator was set up at a Superfund site where vapor extraction wells were removing trichloroethylene (TCE) from a spill into the unsaturated soil. The extraction vapor was passed through the accelerator beam to decompose the TCE. On site radiolytic decomposition of TCE vapor using an accelerator is shown to be significantly less expensive than filtration of TCE vapor using activated charcoal.
Vitreous hemorrhage in children.

Purpose To describe the presentations, etiologies, and visual outcomes of spontaneous and traumatic vitreous hemorrhage in children. Design Retrospective case series of patients seen over 8 consecutive years. Participants One hundred sixty-eight patients (186 eyes), younger than 18 years, with vitreous hemorrhage not secondary to active retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods Charts were reviewed and data were compiled with special attention to demographic information, diagnosis, examination findings, visual acuity (VA) on presentation and last follow-up, treatment type, and length of follow-up. Main Outcome Measures Etiologies, presenting symptoms, initial and final VAs, and management modalities. Results Among 168 patients (186 eyes), the most common presenting symptom was decreased VA in older patients and strabismus and nystagmus in younger patients. Seventy-three percent of cases occurred secondary to manifest and occult trauma, with blunt (29.6%) and penetrating (24.7%) trauma being most common. Twenty-seven percent of hemorrhages occurred spontaneously, with regressed ROP being most common. Of the cases, 90.5% were unilateral and 9.5% were bilateral. Shaken baby syndrome accounted for 50% of bilateral cases. The most common management modalities were observation (50.0%) and incisional surgery (45.7%), but frequency of management modality varied by etiology. Visual outcomes, which were limited by variable follow-up and nonstandardized acquisition, were poorest with penetrating trauma and best with regressed ROP. There was no statistical difference in severe vision loss between children older than 8 years and younger than 8. Conclusions Pediatric vitreous hemorrhage may have multiple etiologies, but manifest and occult trauma are most common. Regressed ROP is a common cause of spontaneous vitreous hemorrhage. A substantial proportion of patients with vitreous hemorrhage had severe vision loss, but outcomes were highly dependent on underlying etiology.