cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fine-scale substrate use by a small sit-and-wait predator

Substrate choice is one of the most important decisions that sit-and-wait predators must make. Not only may it dictate the prey available but also the cover for the predator which may conceal it from prey or its own predators. However, while on a particular substrate the behavior and use of that substrate may vary widely. When naive, newly emerged crab spiderlings Misumena vatia (Thomisidae) occupied flowering goldenrod Solidago canadensis, their behavior differed markedly on inflorescences with relatively sparse and densely packed flower heads as well as on experimentally thinned and unthinned inflorescences. Initially, the spiderlings most often hunted at the thinned sites and hid among the dense flower heads at the unthinned sites, a difference that disappeared in all broods tested after 2--3 h, possibly because of the growing hunger of the initially concealed individuals. Prey capture (dance flies) in the thinned sites initially significantly exceeded that in unthinned sites but subsequently did not differ. However, spiderlings encountered their principal predator, the jumping spider Pelegrina insignis, significantly more often on unthinned than thinned inflorescences. Even though usage patterns initially differed strikingly, spiderlings did not differ in their rates of quitting the two types of sites. These results suggest a trade-off between foraging and predator avoidance that changes in response to increasing hunger over time. Copyright 2006.
Separating Parts from 2D Shapes using Relatability

It's often important to analyze shapes as made up of parts. But there are two ways to think of how parts fit together. We can characterize the remainder of a shape after apart is removed; here we want to cut the shape so what remains has the simplest possible structure. Alternatively, we can cut out the part so that the part itself takes on a simple shape. These cuts do not directly give rise to a segmentation of the shape; a point inside the shape may associate with the part, the remainder, neither, or both. We present a new model for reconstructing these cuts based on the differential geometry of smoothed local symmetries. The model takes into account relatability (which characterizes clean cuts) to determine part boundaries. Our approach complements and unifies existing work on part- based segmentation of shape, and can be used to construct interesting simplifications of shapes.
Fluorescence spectroscopy of endomyocardial tissue post-human heart transplantation: does it correlate with histopathology?

Abstract Background A significant correlation between autofluorescence spectroscopy and heart allograft rejection has been described in the rat heterotropic allograft model. However, the use of this technique in human heart transplants has not been validate. Methods We obtained fluorescence and reflectance spectra on 37 human endomyocardial biopsy specimens and correlated the spectra with International Society Heart and Lung Transplantation grade for histologic rejection. Results Using different excitation wavelengths (ultraviolet, λ = 337 nm; blue, λ = 440 nm, and green, λ = 486 nm), we found no significant difference in the fluorescence spectra among the different grades of rejection. Conclusions Fluorescence spectroscopy is not a sensitive method for detecting rejection in human heart transplant recipients.
Estimating Shannon and Constrained Capacities of Bernoulli-Gaussian Impulsive Noise Channels in Rayleigh Fading

This paper presents a novel approach to tightly estimate the ergodic Shannon and constrained capacities of an additive Bernoulli-Gaussian (BG) impulsive noise channel in Rayleigh fading environments where channel gains are known at the receiver, but not at the transmitter. We first show that the differential entropy of the BG impulsive noise can be established in closed-form using Gaussian hypergeometric function $_{2}F_{1}(1,1;\cdot;\cdot)$ . The Shannon capacity is then calculated via upper and lower bounds. Specifically, we derive in closed-form two upper bounds on the Shannon capacity using the assumption of a Gaussian output and using full knowledge of noise state, respectively. Under the assumption of a Gaussian input, we propose a novel approach to calculate a lower bound by examining the instantaneous output entropy in two regions of channel gains. In the high-gain region, the lower bound is evaluated via the upper bound obtained under the Gaussian output assumption. In the other region, we apply the piecewise-linear curve fitting (PWLCF) method to estimate the lower bound. It is then demonstrated that the lower bound can be calculated with a predetermined accuracy. By establishing the difference between the lower bound and the two upper bounds, we show that the lower bound can be used to effectively estimate the Shannon capacity. Finally, we detail a PWLCF-based method to estimate the constrained capacity for a finite-alphabet constellation. To this end, we first propose a numerical technique to calculate the instantaneous entropy of the output using 2-dimensional (2-D) Gauss-Hermite quadrature formulas. The average output entropy is then obtained using the PWLCF method. Combined with the closed-form expression of the entropy of the BG impulsive noise, the constrained capacity can be effectively estimated.
Generation of keratinocytes from normal and recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa-induced pluripotent stem cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have an unlimited proliferative capacity and extensive differentiation capability. They are an alternative source for regenerative therapies with a potential role in the treatment of several human diseases. The clinical use of ESCs, however, has significant ethical and biological obstacles related to their derivation from embryos and potential for immunological rejection, respectively. These disadvantages can be circumvented by the alternative use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are generated from an individual's (autologous) somatic cells by exogenous expression of defined transcription factors and have biological characteristics similar to ESCs. In recent years, patient-specific iPSCs have been generated to study disease mechanisms and develop iPSC-based therapies. The development of iPSC-based therapies for skin diseases requires successful differentiation of iPSCs into cellular components of the skin, including epidermal keratinocytes. Here, we succeeded in generating iPSCs not only from normal human fibroblasts but also from fibroblasts isolated from the skin of two patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Moreover, we differentiated both of these iPSCs into keratinocytes with high efficiency, and generated 3D skin equivalents using iPSC-derived keratinocytes, suggesting that they were fully functional. Our studies indicate that autologous iPSCs have the potential to provide a source of cells for regenerative therapies for specific skin diseases.
The American College of Radiology mammography lexicon: an initial attempt to standardize terminology.

demicandnonacademic radiologists.Thesuggested terminology represents acombination offindings assessment aswellasstandardized language. Theorigins fortheterminology evolved fromastudythatusedxerography todefineafeatures checklist thatwasrelatedtotheprobability ofmalignancy [1].Byuseofthischecklist,containing manyofthetermsincluded intheBI-RADS lexi-con,thegeneralist’s performance wasbrought tothelevelofthespecialist withregard tointerpretation. Thisstudywaslaterrepeated withafilm-screen technique, andthefeatureschecklist wasmodified further [2].Thelatterstudydemon-stratedagaininsensitivity onspecificity of5%oventhevalueof85%attained intheformerstudy[1].Whenasubsetofdif-ficultcaseswasexamined, theenhancement insensitivity orspecificity was15%.Thus,theterminology anddefinitionswithintheBI-RADS lexicon servebothtoaidinseparatingbenignfrommalignant mammographic findings aswellastoestablish astandardized language foruseinmammographicinterpretation.
Secondary structure and limited three-dimensional structure of bovine amelogenin.

Secondary structural features of bovine amelogenin, a hydrophobic protein of developing enamel implicated in ename mineralization, are derived using 2D NMR spectroscopy in solution and molecular mechanics-dynamics studies. A β-turn: β-sheet model with some “unordered” segments was previously proposed from circular dichroism, Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy augmented by Chou-Fasman predictive algorithm. The proposed structure contains a repetitive β-turn segment, “β-spiral” between Gln112 and Leu138 residues containing a (Pro, Leu, Gln) ricn segment. The β-spiral structure offers a probable site for interaction of Ca++ ions. Assignment of proton resonances using 2D COSY spectroscopy is presently in progress. Preliminary 2D NOESY spectra have revealed the presence of Tyr residues (TRAP segment) on the surface of amelogenin molecule and clusters of cross peaks reminiscent of β-turns and sheets which are consistent with the primary structure and proposed secondary structures of amelogenin. T...
Estimation of local spatial scale

The concept of local scale asserts that for a given class of psychophysical measurements, performance at any two visual field locations is equated by magnifying the targets by the local scale associated with each location. Local scale has been hypothesized to be equal to cortical magnification or alternatively to the linear density of receptors or ganglion cells. Here, we show that it is possible to estimate local scale without prior knowledge about the scale or its physiological basis.
Binding specificity of a human leucocyte carbohydrate-binding protein.

The binding site specificity of a carbohydrate-binding protein (CBP) synthesized in vitro by normal human peripheral leucocytes was analyzed by affinity chromatography on asialofetuin-Sepharose. Radiolabelled cell extracts were applied to affinity columns. After washing with buffer, the columns were eluted with varying concentrations of different saccharides. The results show that lactose and thiodigalactoside were two of the best inhibitors of CBP binding to asialofetuin. The weakest inhibitors were methyl-β-D-galactoside and raffinose. Binding of galactose to the CBP was enhanced by the presence of p-NOZ-phenyl aglycones. Saccharides unrelated to the D-galactosyl residue failed to inhibit the CBP. Heat-inactivated plasma appeared to have little, if any, binding inhibitors. Binding of CBP to asialofetuin appeared to be inhibited by amine-containing compounds.
A multi‐level block iterative method for mixed finite strip/finite element analysis

A block iterative procedure is described for use with a mixed finite strip/finite element method for solving prismatic structures containing non-prisomatic elements. A multi-level method incorporating the iteration is also discussed. The convergencies of the iterations and multi-level solutions are considered with reference to a representative example.
Biological function and mode of action of nuclear xenobiotic receptors

Two related nuclear receptors, the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), act as xenobiotic sensors that protect the body from a multitude of foreign chemicals (xenobiotics) and play a central role in the metabolism and clearance of steroids and toxic endogenous lipids (endobiotics). A structurally diverse array of chemicals including pharmaceutical drugs, steroids, herbal extracts, and pesticides activate PXR or CAR. This activation results in induction of overlapping, but yet distinct drug clearance path- ways consisting of cytochrome P450 enzymes, conjugating enzymes, drug transporters, and other related proteins. Similar pathways are also utilized to protect the body from toxic com- pounds of endogenous origin. Thus, the xenobiotic regulatory circuit contributes both to drug-drug and food-drug interactions as well as endocrine disruption. Consistent with the notion that xenobiotic receptors regulate drug clearance, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in either the receptors themselves or receptor-binding sites in the regulatory region of genes encoding metabolic enzymes appear to contribute to the polymorphic expression of components of drug clearance pathways. Together, the xenobiotic receptors PXR and CAR confer metabolic immunity via the ability to control an integrated array of target genes.
Methods for developing useful estimates of the costs associated with birth defects

BACKGROUND: Cost estimates for birth defects are useful to policy makers in deciding the best use of resources to prevent these conditions. Much of the effort in this area has focused on spina bifida, in part because cost savings can be estimated from folic acid–preventable cases. However, comprehensive cost-of-illness estimates for this condition may be too outdated, too general, or not applicable to individual states’ environments. METHODS: Using the live birth prevalence for spina bifida in Texas, we applied recent spina bifida cost estimates to approximate total lifetime medical and other costs for an average live birth cohort of spina bifida cases in Texas. In addition, we queried various government programs that provide services for persons with spina bifida to provide program-specific annual costs for this condition. RESULTS: Applying a recently published average lifetime medical cost of $635,000 per case of spina bifida to the average annual birth cohort of 120 Texas cases, an estimated $76 million in direct and indirect medical and other costs will be incurred in Texas over the life span of that cohort. Examples of estimated medical costs for one year are $5 million for infants using actual employer-paid insurance claims data and $6 million combined for children in two public sector programs. DISCUSSION: Stakeholders and state policy makers may look to state birth defects registries for useful cost data. Although comprehensive state-specific figures are not available, applying prevalence data to existing estimates and obtaining actual claims and program expenditures may help close this information gap. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 85:920–924, 2009. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Landmark-Based Information Storage and Retrieval in Sensor Networks

For a wide variety of sensor network environments, location information is unavailable or expensive to obtain. We propose a location-free, lightweight, distributed, and data-centric storage/retrieval scheme for information producers and information consumers in sensor networks. Our scheme is built upon the Gradient Landmark-Based Distributed Routing protocol (GLIDER) [8], a two-level routing scheme where sensor nodes are partitioned into tiles by their graph distances to a small set of local landmarks so that localized and efficient routing can be achieved inside and across tiles. Our information storage and retrieval scheme uses two ideas on top of the GLIDER hierarchy — a distributed hash table on the combinatorial tile adjacency graph and a double-ruling scheme within each tile. Queries follow a path that will provably reach the data replicated by the producer(s). We show that this scheme compares favorably with previously proposed schemes, such as Geographic Hash Tables (GHT), providing comparable data storage performance and better locality-aware data retrieval performance. More importantly, this scheme uses no geographic information, makes few assumptions on the network model, and achieves better load balancing and structured data processing and aggregation even for sensor fields with complex geometric shapes and non-trivial topology.
Treatment of Painful Skin Ulcers with Topical Opioids

Recent research suggests that opioid receptors on peripheral nerve terminals may play an important role in the modulation of pain. Clinical applications of this knowledge have been rather slow to evolve. We describe a consecutive series of nine patients with painful skin ulcers due to a variety of medical conditions. All patients were treated with a topical morphine-infused gel dressing. Seven of the nine patients experienced substantial and another experienced a lesser (but still significant) degree of analgesia. The ninth reported no relief, but his wound was not an open ulcer. Discussion centers on the practical application of this development in the large number of patients with painful skin lesions.
Improvement of kinematically redundant manipulator design and placement using torque-weighted isotropy measures

As manufacturing companies endeavor to design more versatile, energy-efficient, and productive assembly lines, the design and employment of kinematically redundant robotic manipulators has become an increasingly important research focus. Redundant manipulators can perform more complex and a greater variety of tasks than their non-redundant counterparts, but this increased utility demands that manipulators be carefully designed to achieve the kinematic fitness level required to perform their numerous intended tasks. The optimization of redundant manipulators to maximize design fitness measures such as motion isotropy has been studied at great length, but much of the previous work focuses solely on kinematic considerations such as end-effector velocity and precision, which are adequate measures for light-duty, low-energy tasks. Optimizing manipulators for heavy-duty tasks, however, demands the incorporation of dynamics into these isotropy measures to ensure that large manipulator payloads and accelerations can be handled without damaging actuators or consuming exorbitant amounts of energy. In this paper we investigate the incorporation of dynamic torque limitations into the calculation of kinematic isotropy. We will use a torque-weighted isotropy measure as a fitness metric for redundant manipulators performing tasks that require high torque and energy consumption. We will employ this metric as a multiobjective cost function for both morphological design and manipulator placement optimization problems. The effectiveness of the torque-weighted isotropy in design optimization is demonstrated by decreasing total energy consumption and maintaining adequate global isotropy for heavy-duty manufacturing tasks.
Empirical Search Models

This chapter discusses various methods that have been used to estimate structural models of job search. The focus is mainly on using available data to estimate the parameters of the wage offer distribution, the reservation wage or reservation wage function, the cost of search, the offer arrival rate, and the discount rate. We describe models, estimation procedures, and issues associated with identification. We say relatively little about results. Section 2 presents the classical search model and how to estimate its parameters. Section 3 deals separately with survival analysis because survival models have been used so extensively to look at unemployment spell data. Section 4 discusses empirical equilibrium search models. We present several models, discuss how to estimate their structural parameters, and raise special problems associated with such models.
An Analysis of Factors Related to Prosecutor Sentencing Preferences

Three types of variables have been identified as related to prosecutor decision making in the screening and settlement stages of criminal case-processing—legal, extralegal, and resource variables. The current analysis examines the degree to which these classes of variables affect prosecutor sentence preferences. Ordinary least squares regression is used to relate factors that prosecutors regard as germane to forming sentence preferences to a measure of sentence restrictiveness. Analyses reveal a diminished reliance on legal and extralegal variables in the determination of preferred sentences. In their stead, the available correctional placement options within a prosecutor's jurisdiction as well as the personal values of prosecutors appear to determine the level of sentence restrictiveness that prosecutors desire.
The tetraspanin CD63 enhances the internalization of the H,K-ATPase β-subunit

The tetraspanin CD63 resides in late endosomes, lysosomes, secretory vesicles, and at the plasma membrane, and it moves among these compartments. We find that CD63 is present also in tubulovesicular elements, the intracellular compartments that contain the H,K-ATPase in unstimulated gastric parietal cells. The H,K-ATPase β-subunit and CD63 colocalize in parietal cells and form a complex that can be coprecipitated. The β-subunit and CD63 also interact when they are coexpressed in COS-7 cells. Furthermore, expression with CD63 induces the redistribution of the β-subunit from the cell surface to CD63+ intracellular compartments. Immunofluorescence and biochemical experiments reveal that this redistribution occurs by enhanced endocytosis of H,K-ATPase β-subunit complexed with CD63. Coexpression of the β-subunit with mutant CD63 polypeptides demonstrates that the enhanced internalization of the β-subunit depends on the capacity of CD63 to interact with adaptor protein complexes 2 and 3. These data indicate that CD63 serves as an adaptor protein that links its interaction partners to the endocytic machinery of the cell and suggest a previously uncharacterized protein-trafficking role for the tetraspanins.
Use of Dielectric Coatings in Absolute Wavelength Measurements with a Fabry–Perot Interferometer

Contrary to a common misconception, it is possible to carry out absolute wavelength measurements with a Fabry–Perot interferometer having dielectric coatings even with no preliminary knowledge of the dispersion of phase change upon reflection. The method involves only a trivial change from that described by Meissner in his classic article on interference spectroscopy. The origin of interferometric wavelength corrections for phase change effects is discussed to emphasize that it is not dispersion of phase change but rather dispersion of optical path which necessitates such corrections.
Progression of subcellular changes during chemical hypoxia to cultured rat hepatocytes: A laser scanning confocal microscopic study

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the subcellular organelles of cultured hepatocytes by laser scanning confocal microscopy during chemical hypoxia with cyanide and iodoacetate, inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, respectively. Parameter-specific fluorophores used were calcein for cell topography and membrane permeability, rhodaminedextran for lysosomes, rhodamine 123 and tetramethylrhodamine methylester (TMRM) for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΓΨ) and propidium iodide for loss of cell viability. During the first 30 to 40 minutes of chemical hypoxia to cultured hepatocytes, numerous surface blebs formed and cell volume increased, but ΓΨ decreased relatively little. Subsequently, the nonspecific permeability of mitochondrial membranes increased, and mitochondria depolarized. These events were followed a few minutes later by disintegration of individual lysosomes. After a few more minutes, viability was lost as indicated by bleb rupture, gross plasma membrane permeability to calcein, and nuclear labeling with propidium iodide. Thus, the following sequence of intracellular events occurred during chemical hypoxia: adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, bleb formation with cellular swelling, onset of a mitochondrial permeability transition, disintegration of lysosomes, plasma membrane failure from bleb rupture, and cell death. Any explanation of the pathophysiology of hypoxic injury must take into account this unique sequence of events.
fMRI evaluation of cochlear implant candidacy in diffuse cortical cytomegalovirus disease

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the most frequent nongenetic cause of pediatric hearing loss in the United States, affecting approximately 8,000 children each year. Due in part to variable cytomegalic involvement of the auditory cortex, cochlear implantation outcomes have varied widely. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has the potential to assist in determining candidacy for cochlear implantation through the detection of intact auditory pathways including the cortex. We report a case of a 21-month-old girl with cytomegalovirus-related deafness and diffuse white matter involvement in which fMRI was a determining factor for cochlear implantation and side selection.
Determinants of Postinfarction Ventricular Tachycardia

Background— Structural factors contributing to the development of postinfarction ventricular tachycardia (VT) are unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze infarct architecture and electrogram characteristics in patients with and without inducible VT and to identify correlates of postinfarction VT. Methods and Results— Twenty-four postinfarction patients (median age, 64 [53, 70] years) were referred for radiofrequency catheter ablation of VT (n=12) or frequent symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) (n=12). Delayed-enhanced (DE) MRI was obtained before ablation. Electroanatomical mapping was performed and scar area and electrogram characteristics of the scar tissue compared in patients with and without inducible VT. The median ejection fraction in patients with and without inducible VT was 27% (22%, 43%) and 43% (40%, 47%), respectively ( P =0.085). Subendocardial infarct area determined by DE-MRI was larger in patients with inducible VT (43 [38, 62] cm2) than in those with noninducible VT (8 [4, 11] cm2; P =0.002), and unipolar and bipolar voltages on electroanatomical maps were significantly lower in patients with inducible VT (both P 14% identified 11 of 12 patients with inducible VT (area under the curve, 0.94; P =0.007). On electroanatomical mapping, distinct sites with isolated potentials (IPs) were more prevalent in patients with inducible VT than in those without (13.2% versus 1.1% of points within scar; P <0.001). The number of inducible VTs correlated with the number of distinct sites with IPs ( R =0.87; P <0.0001). Conclusions— Scar tissue in postinfarction patients with inducible VT shows quantitative and qualitative differences from scars in patients without inducible VT. Scar size and IPs are correlated with VT inducibility.
Interface pressure mapping pilot study to select surfaces that effectively redistribute pediatric occipital pressure

Abstract Aim The aim of this pilot study was to better inform clinical decisions to prevent pediatric occipital pressure ulcers with quantitative data to choose an appropriate reactive support surface. Materials A commercially available capacitive pressure mapping system (XSENSOR, X3 Medical Seat System, Calgary, Canada) was used to evaluate a standard pediatric mattress and four commercially available pressure-redistributing support surfaces. Methods The pressure mapping system was validated for use in the pediatric population through studies on sensitivity, accuracy, creep, and repeatability. Then, a pilot pressure mapping study on healthy children under 6 years old (n = 22) was performed to determine interface pressure and pressure distribution between the occipital region of the skull and each surface: standard mattress, gel, foam, air and fluidized. Results The sensor was adequate to measure pressure generated by pediatric occipital loading, with 0.5–9% error in accuracy in the 25–95 mmHg range. The air surface had the lowest mean interface pressure (p Conclusion The air surface was the most effective pressure-redistributing material for pediatric occipital pressure as it had the lowest interface pressure and a homogeneous pressure distribution. This implies effective envelopment of the bony prominence of the occiput and increasing contact area to decrease peak pressure points.
Contextualizing History in Hungarian Films of the New Millennium

Hungarian films produced after the year 2000 build on the historical reality of the fall of communism and anticipate, or come to terms with, entry into the European Union. This article will explore six films that deal with history through multiple perspectives to dramatize the dynamic between historical events and human responses to them. These films reference history, or efface it, as a way of problematizing the relationship between human behavior and history. Colossal Sensation [ Vilagszam – Dodo es Naftalin] (2005 ) and Children of Glory [ Szabadsag, szerelem ] (2006), for example, examine Hungarians’ moments of defiance during the 1956 uprising but shape historical events to fit human constructs. Contemporary history provides satire of rising capitalism in The District! [ Nyocker! ] (2005) whose plot weaves historical figures into a modern rendition of Romeo and Juliette. Miracle in Krakow [ Csoda Krakkoban ] (2004) also presents a book as its central metaphor, and, like The District!, the book allows some of history’s uglier moments to be erased. Bela Tarr’s Werkmeister Harmonies [ Werkmeister harmoniak ] (2000) and Nimrod Antal’s Control [ Kontroll ] (2003), films without overt historical markers, provide allegorical visions of societal unrest that can be read as allusions to millennial concerns.
A phase I trial of bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor agonist, in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia

7061 Background: In vitro, bexarotene inhibits the proliferation of non-M3 AML cell lines and induces differentiation of leukemic blasts. This phase I study was designed to evaluate the safety of e...
Marine Towed Streamer Data Reconstruction Based on Compressive Sensing

In 2011, ConocoPhillips conducted a 3D towed streamer survey in Barents Sea, with optimized shot locations and cable configurations (NUOS design). The purpose of this unconventional survey was to test the ability of compressive sensing to increase the effective spatial bandwidth of the seismic data. In this paper, we describe an alternating direction method (ADM) combined with a nonmonotone line search technique for seismic data reconstruction. It solves a general analysis-based optimization model derived from compressive sensing. This method is highly robust due to the nature of ADM, and able to quickly approach the global minimum for large-scale problems due to the nonmonotone line search. We applied this method to two acquired data sets in the same area—one with a NUOS design and one with a conventionally towed streamer. The final imaging results show the significant improvement of resolution for both data sets obtained from applying the technology, and inspire future marine survey design and processing.
Investigating Communication and Situation Awareness in Air Combat

In an exploratory study, we examined whether communication could distinguish between high- or low-situation awareness (SA) F-15 lead pilots. With aid from an assigned wingman and an air weapons controller, the lead pilots flew 36 simulated combat engagements. Two measures of SA were utilized. First, ratings of SA were obtained from the operational squadrons. Second, subject matter experts based SA ratings of 40 lead pilots on (a) 28 critical behaviors identified in a task analysis, and (b) behaviors such as communication. Subsequent rankings from both SA measures revealed that, during the simulated engagements, high-situation awareness pilots directed team members more frequently and requested more information. Despite the varied complex simulated engagements, communication patterns were stable; lead pilots' communications were similar for identical engagements that were flown both early and late in the study. Larger studies using a correlational approach with communication categorization are suggested.
Morbidity and mortality in sarcoidosis.

Purpose of Review Chronic sarcoidosis is a complex disease with numerous comorbid conditions and can be fatal in some cases. Recognizing causes of morbidity and mortality is important to effectively select treatments, manage symptoms, and improve outcomes. The purpose of this review is to examine emerging knowledge on morbidity and mortality in sarcoidosis.
Biodegradation of Atrazine in Soil by Transgenic Tobacco Plants Expressing Bacterial Atrazine Chlorohydrolase Gene

Atrazine, the most widely used herbicide in the world, is one of the persistent toxic substances (PTS). Atrazine chlorohydrolase, encoded by atrazine chlorohydrolase gene, can catalyze the conversion of toxic atrazine to nontoxic hydroxyatrazine. In our previous study, the bacterial atrazine chlorohydrolase gene (AD1-atzA) was cloned from Arthrobacter sp. strain AD1 and inserted into the expression vector p1301-atzA. In order to explore the effect of transgenic tobacco plants expressing AD1-atzA gene on biodegradation of atrazine, in this study, the AD1-atzA gene was introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation and total of 102 plants were obtained. PCR analysis confirmed that the AD1-atzA gene was integrated into the genome of 74% of T0 plants. T1 transgenic plants were used for atrazine resistance experiment. The results showed that some of transgenic lines grew well on soil irrigated with 20 mg·L-1 atrazine even treated for 45 days while the nontransgenic tobacco plants died completely under the same condition after 7 days. The survivable T1 transgenic tobacco plants were used for further analysis. RT-PCR analysis indicated that AD1-atzA gene was expressed normally in transgenic plants and hydroxyatrazine was discovered in transgenic plants leaves by HPLC-MS method. However, neither RT-PCR band nor hydroxyatrazine was detected in wild-type tobacco leaves. These results proved that it was feasible to apply transgenic plants harbored AD1-atzA gene to phytoremediation of atrazine-contaminated soils.
Analysis of epidemiological findings of tumor among workers engaged in radiation work before 1980 in Zhangjiagang City

[Objective]To analyze the epidemiological findings of tumor among workers engaged in radiation work before 1980 in Zhangjiagang City,and provide evidence for prevention and treatment of radiation sickness.[Methods]Case-control study was adopted to explore the association between ray exposure and tumor morbidity and mortality among radiation workers in Zhangjiagang City via questionnaire survey.[Results] The tumor morbidity and mortality was not significantly different between radiation group and control group(P 0.05).In general,due to exposure to radiation factors,the risk of tumor morbidity and mortality was significantly increased.Stratified according to gender,the risk of male tumor morbidity and mortality was increased.Stratified by age,the risk of tumor morbidity and mortality was relatively high among workers ≤ 69 years in control group,while in radiation group the risk of tumor mortality and morbidity was relatively high in workers ≤ 69 years and workers 69 years,respectively.[Conclusion]Due to exposure to radiation factors,the risk of tumor morbidity and mortality is higher in radiation group than in control group.
Failed bladder exstrophy repair. Evaluation and management.

SUMMARY Early successful closure, careful management of the incontinent interval, and a good technical bladder neck reconstruction can result in a patient with normal control and upper tracts. However, failure at any step of a staged functional reconstruction does not doom the child to failure in the eventual achievement of the above goals. Nonetheless, taking care of the exstrophy failure is still a formidable task for the reconstructive surgeon. Currently, surgical techniques exist that can salvage the vast majority of these children. Careful evaluation of the failure, waiting an appropriate interval before further reconstructive surgery is attempted, and dedication to the patient most often can produce a successful result.
It all started with Harry.

Reprinted with permission from the Metropolitan Medical Society of Greater Kansas City Bulletin. Editor’s Note Many authorities believe the oft quoted figure of 50 million uninsured in the United States is wildly exaggerated and supporting figures intentionally manipulated. For a discussion read: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/real-number-uninsured_525775.html?page=1 Accessed April 26, 2011
Stability of networked systems with switching topologies

The evolution of many networked systems, such as air transportation, can be modeled using a combination of the network topology and the resultant dynamics. In particular, time-varying networks can be represented by switching between candidate topologies. This paper models such systems as discrete-time, positive Markov Jump Linear Systems. Time-varying, periodic Markovian transition matrices and continuous state resets during discrete-mode transitions are also incorporated. Two notions of stability are considered: Mean Stability and Almost-Sure Stability, and appropriate conditions are derived for both of them. The analysis techniques are demonstrated using models determined from operational air traffic delay data. The results show that air traffic delay networks satisfy the proposed conditions for both mean stability and almost-sure stability, implying that delays tend to decay over time, even though several of the component discrete modes are unstable. Different nodes (airports) are also evaluated in terms of the persistence of delays and their susceptibility to network effects.
Impact of Influenza A Virus Infection on the Proteomes of Human Bronchoepithelial Cells from Different Donors

Susceptibility to influenza A virus is determined by a balance of viral and host factors. The genetic background of the host contributes to the severity of disease, but the influenza-related proteomes of cells from different individuals have not been compared. We used high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify proteins in normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells isolated from three different donors. Infection of each NHBE cell culture with influenza A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) resulted in expression of viral proteins and a variety of host proteins, including interferons, interferon-stimulated genes, and secreted chemokines/cytokines. The expression level of viral proteins corresponded to the level of host proteins that support influenza infection (i.e., pro-viral proteins); however, production of infectious virus was inversely related to the levels of antiviral proteins, suggesting that a balance of pro-viral proteins and the antiviral response controls virus replication. In summary, our results ...
An Examination of Dependent Personality Disorder in the Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders

Although the diagnosis of dependent personality disorder (DPD) has demonstrated construct validity and clinical utility, little is known about how best to model DPD in the DSM-5’s new, alternative model for diagnosing personality disorders. The current research aimed to represent DPD using the 25 pathological personality traits of the alternative model. Self-report measures of the 25 pathological personality traits, DPD, avoidant personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and maladaptive interpersonal dependency were administered to an undergraduate sample (N = 194). Results indicated that— as consistent with extant theory— anxiousness, submissiveness, and separation insecurity were the three traits most strongly related to DPD symptoms. As a group, anxiousness, submissiveness, and separation insecurity were more strongly related to DPD symptoms (r = 0.55) than were the remaining 22 personality traits (r = 0.34). This group of three traits was strongly associated, however, with avoidant personality disorder symptoms (r = 0.55), suggesting that additional scrutiny of DPD and avoidant personality disorder in the alternative model may be needed. Limitations and directions for future research are presented.
U.S. Gulf of Mexico deepwater pipeline construction – A review of lessons learned

Abstract The purpose of every offshore oil and gas pipeline is to transport fluid through a conduit from one point to another, but differences in field location, water depth, development strategy, time of sanction, seafloor topography, ownership and other factors means that installed mileage is expected to have complex site, time and location dependencies. The purpose of this review is to describe and illustrate the main factors that impact pipeline construction in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Understanding the nature of these dependencies and the manner in which factors interact and impact pipeline construction is the principal goal of this review. System attributes and their impact on activity drivers are described using a series of mini case studies. Lessons learned are synthesized and summarized.
Mapping Consequential Geographies in the Carceral State: Education Journey Mapping as a Qualitative Method With Girls of Color With Dis/abilities:

This article provides an innovative critical qualitative method framed in Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit) that mapped the experiences of those at the margins through a sociospatial dialec...
Selective Activation of Striatal NGF-TrkA/p75NTR/MAPK Intracellular Signaling in Rats That Show Suppression of Methamphetamine Intake 30 Days following Drug Abstinence.

Background The continuing epidemic of methamphetamine addiction has prompted research aimed at understanding striatal dysfunctions potentially associated with long-term methamphetamine use. Methods Here, we investigated transcriptional and translational alterations in the expression of neurotrophic factors in the rat striatum at 30 days following methamphetamine self-administration and footshock punishment. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer methamphetamine (0.1 mg/kg/injection, i.v.) or saline during twenty-two 9-hour sessions. Subsequently, rats were subjected to incremental footshocks for 13 additional methamphetamine self-administration sessions. This paradigm led to the identification of rats with shock-resistant and shock-sensitive phenotypes. Thirty days following the last footshock session, the dorsal striatum was dissected and processed for gene expression and protein analyses. Results PCR arrays revealed significant differences in neurotrophins and their receptors between the 2 phenotypes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor protein levels were increased in the dorsal striatum of both shock-resistant and shock-sensitive rats. However, neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1 phosphorylation and nerve growth factor receptor protein expression were increased only in the shock-sensitive phenotype. Moreover, shock-sensitive rats showed increased abundance of several phosphorylated proteins known to participate in Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade including cRaf, ERK1/2, MSK1, and CREB. Conclusions These findings support the notion that animals with distinct phenotypes for methamphetamine intake in the presence of adverse consequences also display differential changes in an intracellular signaling cascade activated by nerve growth factor-TrkA/p75NTR interactions. Thus, the development of pharmacological agents that can activate nerve growth factor-dependent pathways may be a promising therapeutic approach to combat methamphetamine addiction.
Nina Balcan: A New Model of Complexity

This chapter describes a breakthrough idea and result by Balcan with Avrim Blum and Anupam Gupta. Where a worst-case model is “too cold” and a random-case model is “too hot”, they formulate a natural in-between situation that arises importantly in practice. Not only do they prove new performance guarantees, they establish new ways of designing algorithms to work under their conditions.
Consortium, University, and Program Impact on Regional Economy and Community

Community engagement in higher education has become increasingly widespread. As a consequence, universities find themselves learning how to integrate community engagement on their own, from each other, and, hopefully, from their community partners. This article discusses three distinct cases–a consortium, university, and program–and their impacts on a regional economy and community. In addition to illustrating intentional macro to micro community engagement practices, the article notes key findings from regional institutional collaborations. Further, the article recommends benchmarks for evaluating the quality and effective practice of community engagement.
Frankenstein and the Question of Children’s Rights After Human Germline Genetic Modification

Prominent critics and skeptics of genetic engineering have treated the ethical issue of human germline genetic modification (HGGM) as if it were still science fiction, like the artificially made Creature imagined in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein. After surveying the history of making genetically modified (GM) children through three-person IVF since the late 1990s, I sketch a framework for a normative political theory of the rights of the GM children made from heritable biotechnological interventions in the human genome. In light of the history and trajectory of HGGM, the preeminent hard question is no longer “Should science genetically engineer children?” An equally difficult question is “What are the rights of the GM child?” The source of all speculative fiction, Frankenstein presciently addresses the latter question by having the Creature articulate a child’s fundamental and universal rights to both parental love and nondiscrimination, regardless of reproductive circumstances or genetic features.
The Lost Founding Father: John Quincy Adams and the Transformation of American Politics. By William J. Cooper. (New York, NY: Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2017. Pp. xv, 526. $35.00.)

Specialists know the author of this book for his brilliant work on antebellum Southern politics and the life and times of Jefferson Davis. Now he has turned his attention northward, offering a perc...
HANDS-ON DEFIBRILLATION WITH SAFETY DRAPES: AN ANALYSIS OF CURRENT LEAK TO RESCUERS

Interruptions in compressions reduce the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and are inevitable during hands-off or “all-clear” periods for shocks. Clinical exam gloves were found to facilitate safe contact with patients during shock delivery but the safety of this practice has been
Electronic properties of dilute-As InGaNAs alloys: A first-principles study

The dilute-As InyGa1 − yN1 − xAsx alloys are explored by performing first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, where the In-content is varied from 0% up to 18.75% and the As-content is varied from 0% up to 3.13%. The obtained band structures indicate a direct bandgap semiconductor, whose electronic properties are modified significantly by the addition of As-atoms into the InGaN-based system. The lattice parameters (a and c) are analyzed, and the bowing parameters of the dilute-As InGaNAs are analyzed and discussed. The electronic properties indicate the dilute-As InyGa1 − yN1 − xAsx alloys as a potential new material alternative for achieving longer wavelength emission, while utilizing a low In-content (<20%).
A Psychological Perspective and Global Education

The knowledge generated by the science of how people learn and develop can inform the design of global education curricula and instruction. A synthesis of the evidence on twenty-first-century skills prepared by an expert group convened by the National Research Council in the United States grouped those skills, building on Bloom’s taxonomy, in three broad domains of competence: cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal.