cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Univariate and bivariate likelihood-based meta-analysis methods performed comparably when marginal sensitivity and specificity were the targets of inference.

Abstract Objectives To compare statistical methods for meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity of medical tests (e.g., diagnostic or screening tests). Study Design and Setting We constructed a database of PubMed-indexed meta-analyses of test performance from which 2 × 2 tables for each included study could be extracted. We reanalyzed the data using univariate and bivariate random effects models fit with inverse variance and maximum likelihood methods. Analyses were performed using both normal and binomial likelihoods to describe within-study variability. The bivariate model using the binomial likelihood was also fit using a fully Bayesian approach. Results We use two worked examples—thoracic computerized tomography to detect aortic injury and rapid prescreening of Papanicolaou smears to detect cytological abnormalities—to highlight that different meta-analysis approaches can produce different results. We also present results from reanalysis of 308 meta-analyses of sensitivity and specificity. Models using the normal approximation produced sensitivity and specificity estimates closer to 50% and smaller standard errors compared to models using the binomial likelihood; absolute differences of 5% or greater were observed in 12% and 5% of meta-analyses for sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Results from univariate and bivariate random effects models were similar, regardless of estimation method. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods produced almost identical summary estimates under the bivariate model; however, Bayesian analyses indicated greater uncertainty around those estimates. Bivariate models produced imprecise estimates of the between-study correlation of sensitivity and specificity. Differences between methods were larger with increasing proportion of studies that were small or required a continuity correction. Conclusion The binomial likelihood should be used to model within-study variability. Univariate and bivariate models give similar estimates of the marginal distributions for sensitivity and specificity. Bayesian methods fully quantify uncertainty and their ability to incorporate external evidence may be useful for imprecisely estimated parameters.
Evaluation of Roundabout-Related Single-Vehicle Crashes

Roundabouts reduce fatal and injury crashes at intersections when converted from other intersection control types. In Wisconsin, roundabouts have been linked to a 38% decrease in fatal and injury crashes. Part of this reduction can be attributed to crash types that result in the mitigation of more serious injuries. However, the reduction comes at a cost because other crash types, such as single-vehicle collisions, may increase. Six years of crash data on 53 roundabouts in Wisconsin were examined for crash causes and geometric characteristics that affected single-vehicle crashes. Weather and impaired driving, particularly by younger drivers, were primary causes for more than half of all single-vehicle crashes at the study roundabouts. Younger drivers (18 to 24 years of age) were involved in a significantly higher proportion of single-vehicle crashes than the total proportion of licensed drivers in that age group. Younger drivers were involved in approximately one-third of all crashes that involved impaired...
Platelet–Microcapsule Hybrids Leverage Contractile Force for Targeted Delivery of Hemostatic Agents

We report a cell-mediated, targeted drug delivery system utilizing polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules that hybridize with the patient’s own platelets upon intravenous administration. The hybridized platelets function as the sensor and actuator for targeted drug delivery and controlled release in our system. These capsules are biochemically and mechanically tuned to enable platelet adhesion and capsule rupture upon platelet activation and contraction, enabling the targeted and controlled “burst” release of an encapsulated biotherapeutic. As platelets are the “first responders” in the blood clot formation process, this platelet-hybridized system is ideal for the targeted delivery of clot-augmenting biotherapeutics wherein immediate therapeutic efficacy is required. As proof-of-concept, we tailored this system to deliver the pro-clotting biotherapeutic factor VIII for hemophilia A patients that have developed inhibitory antifactor VIII antibodies. The polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules physically shield th...
The Value of the Math Circle for Gifted Middle School Students

Math Circles are designed to allow students to explore mathematics using a problem-solving/inquiry approach. Many of the students attending our Math Circle are mathematically talented and curious. ...
Cholera control and anti-Haitian stigma in the Dominican Republic: from migration policy to lived experience

As cholera spread from Haiti to the Dominican Republic, Haitian migrants, a largely undocumented and stigmatized population in Dominican society, became a focus of public health concern. Concurrent to the epidemic, the Dominican legislature enacted new documentation requirements. This paper presents findings from an ethnographic study of anti-Haitian stigma in the Dominican Republic from June to August 2012. Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with Haitian and Dominican community members. Five in-depth interviews were held with key informants in the migration policy sector. Theoretical frameworks of stigma's moral experience guided the analysis of how cholera was perceived, ways in which blame was assigned and felt and the relationship between documentation and healthcare access. In FGDs, both Haitians and Dominicans expressed fear of cholera and underscored the importance of public health messages to prevent the epidemic's spread. However, health messages also figured into experiences of stigma and rationales for blame. For Dominicans, failure to follow public health advice justified the blame of Haitians and seemed to confirm anti-Haitian sentiments. Haitians communicated a sense of powerlessness to follow public health messages given structural constraints like lack of safe water and sanitation, difficulty accessing healthcare and lack of documentation. In effect, by making documentation more difficult to obtain, the migration policy undermined cholera programs and contributed to ongoing processes of moral disqualification. Efforts to eliminate cholera from the island should consider how policy and stigma can undermine public health campaigns and further jeopardize the everyday 'being-in-the-world' of vulnerable groups.
More Talk, Less Need for Monitoring: Communication and Deterrence in a Public Good Game

This paper investigates the impact of communication in a public good game with a central authority. The central authority includes a fixed cost that increases with the level of monitoring which in turn determines the level of deterrence. The level of monitoring is both exogenously and endogenously determined. Across three treatments subjects either have no opportunity to communicate, communicate only when the level of monitoring is exogenously imposed, or communicate only when the level of monitoring is endogenously selected. Results suggest that, in both treatments, average earnings are significantly higher with the opportunity to communicate. Most significantly, with the opportunity to communicate prior to endogenous selection, groups practically eliminate monitoring (imposing a low cost, non-deterrent, central authority), while maintaining a high level of contributions. Communication appears to make groups less dependent on institutional deterrence and allows them to reduce the costs of central authority.
Evaluation of digital cryotherapy using a commercially available sleeve style ice boot in healthy horses and horses receiving i.v. endotoxin.

BACKGROUND Continuous digital cryotherapy experimentally prevents development and reduces severity of sepsis-associated laminitis. A sleeve style ice boot where ice is in direct contact with the skin, and water drains from the boot is being used clinically for distal limb cryotherapy. The degree of cooling achieved by this boot is unknown. OBJECTIVES Evaluate skin and lamellar cooling after application of the ice sleeve in healthy horses, and the same horses during an endotoxaemia model. STUDY DESIGN Prospective study, crossover design. METHODS In eight healthy horses thermocouples were inserted into dorsal lamellae of both front feet, and under skin on both metacarpi. One forelimb received cryotherapy using sleeve style ice boot, with contralateral limb as control. Temperature was recorded on data logging devices at 5 min intervals during each cryotherapy session. Day 1: temperature data was collected for healthy horses. Day 2: data was collected for the same horses during i.v. administration of endotoxin. RESULTS In healthy and endotoxaemic horses, the sleeve style ice boot significantly decreased mean skin (7.2°C and 5.8°C respectively) and lamellar (10.8°C and 9.6°C respectively) temperatures compared with control limbs (P<0.001). Skin and lamellar temperatures in endotoxaemic horses undergoing cryotherapy were significantly colder than in healthy horses (P = 0.01). MAIN LIMITATIONS Order of treatment not randomised. CONCLUSIONS The boot caused significant decreases in lamellar temperatures compared with untreated control limbs in all horses. Endotoxaemic horses had significantly colder lamellae and skin than healthy horses. This study is the first to show that a sleeve style boot, where ice does not cover the hoof, can cause significant decreases in lamellar temperatures through cooling of blood as it travels to the foot.
Practices and pitfalls of competitive resilience: Urban adaptation as real estate firms turn climate risk to competitive advantage

Abstract Coastal cities on the U.S. East Coast are emerging hotspots of global sea level rise as well as increasingly attractive real estate markets. In this context, proactive real estate firms are engaging in various strategies for flood risk management. Analyzing firms' urban adaptation practices, this paper builds on theories of growth coalitions and climate change imaginaries, identifying forms of resilience that promote an ascendant competitive resilience regime. The most proactive firms treat resilience as a competitive advantage to be gained through self-reliant or networked adaptation. As firms act to limit financial exposure and protect their assets, the resulting piecemeal, competitive resilience further accentuates uneven risk and uneven development. While it may hold short-term promise, this approach contributes to larger trends in neoliberal urban governance, threatening to undermine the potential for more transformative regional adaptation. However, given municipal resource constraints, it could become a common and damaging form of urban adaptation.
Chromosome 13 deletion in myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a tremendous “genomic chaos” unique to this hematopoietic neoplasm. The lack of readily identifiable dominant cytogenetic abnormalities has presented an obstacle to molecular genetic research attempting to define lesions critical for myelomagenesis (Sawyer, et al., 1995). In addition, due to the hypoproliferative nature of this malignancy presenting with a terminally differentiated phenotype, informative karyotypes are available in only one-third of patients studied. Yet, DNA cytometric and, more recently, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies of interphase cells have revealed genetic alterations in virtually all myeloma cases examined (Latreille et al., 1980; San Miguel et al., 1995; Flactif et al., 1995; Drach et al., 1995). The frequent involvement of chromosome 14q32, the site of the Ig heavy chain genes, in chromosome translocations of myeloma has led several groups to identify the partner chromosomes involved. Unlike most B-cell leukemias and lymphomas in which 14q32 translocations have recurrent partner chromosomes, molecular investigations of these translocations in myeloma have revealed considerable heterogeneity of partner loci (Bergsagel et al., 1996; Chesi et al., 1997; Iida et al., 1997; Chesi et al., 1998; Stec et al., 1998). None of these 14q32 translocations has yet been associated with a distinct clinical disease course in myeloma. Thus, it is unclear whether these translocations play a critical role in myelomagenesis.
Influence of Topography and Ocular Dominance on the Functional Organization of Callosal Connections in Cat Striate Cortex

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews some recent findings about the organization of the callosal pathway in striate cortex of the cat that cannot be readily assimilated into current thinking about the structure and function of this pathway. The mirror-reversed mapping of callosal linkages allows callosal fibers to interconnect cortical loci that represent the same coordinates in the visual field. The total mediolateral extent of areas 17 and 18 labeled after a large injection in the transition zone. (TZ) is considerably larger than the mediolateral extent of the area labeled in the TZ after injections of comparable size placed outside the TZ. This pattern of callosal linkages is consistent with observations in the cat indicating that callosal fibers terminate most densely in the area 17/18 transition zone, and less densely in immediately adjacent regions of areas 17 and 18. A pattern of converging projections from regions outside the TZ into the contralateral TZ is also in accord with the difference in size between the representations of the contralateral and ipsilateral visual fields segments that are callosally interconnected: the ipsilateral field representation is quite compressed.
Measuring word retrieval in narrative discourse: core lexicon in aphasia.

Background Discourse analysis procedures are time consuming and impractical in a clinical setting. Critical to clinicians are simple and informative discourse measures that require minimal time and labour to complete. Many studies, however, have overlooked difficulties that clinicians face. We recently developed core lexicon lists for nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs for two narrative discourse tasks with healthy control groups. Core lexicon lists consist of important lexical items required to produce coherently meaningful discourse in response to discourse tasks. Measuring core lexicon is useful for quantifying word retrieval impairments at the discourse level in clinical populations. Aims To apply an age-based core lexicon list for nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs for the wordless picture books Good Dog Carl (1985) and Picnic (1984) and to determine how well the lists measured linguistic impairments in persons with aphasia (PWA). Materials & methods Lemma forms were extracted from 470 control participants who were divided into seven age groups. Twenty-five core lexicons were identified for four word classes (nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs) among the seven age groups. The nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs for each PWA (N = 11) were then compared with the core lexicon for their respective age group. Per cent agreement was computed by comparing the number of total items within each list to the number of items that PWA produced. A Spearman's correlation coefficient was computed between the WAB-R AQ and the per cent agreement for each word type for PWA. Outcomes & results The percentage of agreement for each word type among the age cohorts ranged between 56% and 96%. Of the four word types, core verbs significantly correlated with the WAB AQs for both discourse tasks. A post-hoc analysis found significant differences between fluent and non-fluent aphasia for core verbs. Conclusions & implications Core lexicon analysis appears to be a practical way to capture impairments in word retrieval at the discourse level. Core verbs may be a better indicator to understand holistic language performances for PWA. Use of the core lexicon checklist can serve as an option to reconcile ecological validity with clinical usability.
Cost and availability optimization of wind energy with distributed energy resources of a microgrid

A microgrid, an emerging technology in the electric power systems, has various benefits due to the implementation of distributed energy sources along with the loads. A microgrid utilizing the wind ...
UV-B Radiation and Soil Microbial Communities

Soil microorganisms regulate the supply of nitrogen to plants and so are important controllers of plant productivity and ecosystem carbon sequestration. Johnson et al.1 report that exposure of a subarctic heath ecosystem to increased ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation causes a drastic decline in the mass ratio of C:N in soil microorganisms, which would increase the amount of nitrogen stored in the microbial biomass and possibly alter the availability of nitrogen to plants. However, we argue that some of the authors' microbial C:N data are unrealistic, possibly because of an artefact of the technique used to measure microbial carbon and nitrogen concentrations. As a result, there is little reason to suppose that increased exposure of ecosystems to UV-B radiation will influence microbial nitrogen storage, plant nitrogen availability or rates of carbon sequestration.
Examination of the nucleotide‐linked assembly mechanism of E. coli ClpA

Escherichia coli ClpA is a AAA+ (ATPase Associated with diverse cellular Activities) chaperone that catalyzes the ATP-dependent unfolding and translocation of substrate proteins targeted for degradation by a protease, ClpP. ClpA hexamers associate with one or both ends of ClpP tetradecamers to form ClpAP complexes. Each ClpA protomer contains two nucleotide-binding sites, NBD1 and NBD2, and self-assembly into hexamers is thermodynamically linked to nucleotide binding. Despite a number of studies aimed at characterizing ClpA and ClpAP-catalyzed substrate unfolding and degradation, respectively, to date the field is unable to quantify the concentration of ClpA hexamers available to interact with ClpP for any given nucleotide and total ClpA concentration. In this work, sedimentation velocity studies are used to quantitatively examine the self-assembly of a ClpA Walker B variant in the presence of ATP. In addition to the hexamerization, we observe the formation of a previously unreported ClpA dodecamer in the presence of ATP. Further, we report apparent equilibrium constants for the formation of each ClpA oligomer obtained from direct boundary modeling of the sedimentation velocity data. The energetics of nucleotide binding to NBD1 and NBD2 are revealed by examining the dependence of the apparent association equilibrium constants on free nucleotide concentration.
A Survey on Hardware Security Techniques Targeting Low-Power SoC Designs

In this work, we survey hardware-based security techniques applicable to low-power system-on-chip designs. Techniques related to a system’s processing elements, volatile main memory and caches, non-volatile memory and on-chip interconnects are examined. Threat models for each subsystem and technique are considered. Performance overheads and other trade-offs for each technique are discussed. Defenses with similar threat models are compared.
Low-temperature acoustic-based activation of biochar for enhanced removal of heavy metals

Abstract Conventional carbon activation requires heating carbon at a temperature greater than 700 °C for over 3 h, consuming 18,600 kcal/kg of activated biochar. In contrast, the ultrasound treatment method is conducted at ambient condition for a very short duration (∼30 s, which requires about 1135 kcal/kg of activated BC produced. The advanced low-temperature acoustic-based surface modification method not only increases the porosity and surface functionality of raw biochar, but also is economically feasible and environmentally friendly. As a sequel of our previous works, this study aims to investigate the interaction between ultrasonic-structural modification with four different pre-treatments including i) control with no pretreatment, ii) EDC/HBOt, iii) alkali using KOH, iv) acid using HNO3 or H3PO4. The process was then followed by amine functionalization with DEA (diethanolamine) for nickel removal. The results demonstrated that all acoustic-based amine-functionalized biochar samples, without any exception, had more amine- and oxygen-containing functional groups as well as micro porosity, compared to those aminated without acoustic-activation, particularly in samples pretreated with HNO3 and H3PO4. Despite an increase in porosity by ultrasonication, metal leaching from US-only samples and those activated with EDC/HOBt was observed during longer adsorption durations. However, the synergism created by the combined effect of ultrasound and KOH and H3PO4, not only enhanced the adsorption capacity of biochar but also significantly reduced the adsorption duration from 8 to 3 h. The highest nickel adsorptions were observed for ultrasonic-amine samples activated with H3PO4 > HNO3 ∼ KOH, which were far higher (60 %, 49 %, and 46 % more adsorption, without any leaching) than raw or US-biochar, or biochar aminated with EDC/HOBt or without pretreatment.
Design for Social Accessibility Method Cards: Engaging Users and Reflecting on Social Scenarios for Accessible Design

This article is an extended version of our 2018 ASSETS paper entitled, “Incorporating Social Factors in Accessible Design.” In our ASSETS paper, we demonstrated the viability of the Design for Social Accessibility perspective through a series of user-centered workshops with professional designers. With this expanded article, we conducted a follow-up research study with a user-centered design course that examined the use of Design for Social Accessibility Method Cards over a longer design cycle, specifically as the method and cards contributed to a term-long project, rather than just a workshop. We also offer a new analysis on work leading to the development of Design for Social Accessibility, with a focus on how practical considerations in the design process influence how designers engage accessible design. We found that the concrete and real-life scenarios in the Design for Social Accessibility Method Cards helped mediate useful interactions between student designers and deaf and hard-of-hearing users. In addition, we identified how practical choices in investigating strategies for socially accessible design enabled designers to center disabled perspectives. The contributions of this work—when added to the findings of our ASSETS 2018 paper on incorporating social factors—demonstrate the viability of Design for Social Accessibility by providing: (1) empirical data showing that designers can use the Design for Social Accessibility perspective and method cards to generate accessible designs and appropriately engage deaf and hard-of-hearing users to incorporate social considerations; and (2) a summative analysis highlighting practical steps for how designers can use the Design for Social Accessibility perspective and methods cards to create accessible designs.
Philosophy of Western Music: A Contemporary Introduction

This is the first comprehensive book-length introduction to the philosophy of Western music that fully integrates consideration of popular music and hybrid musical forms, especially song. Its author, Andrew Kania, begins by asking whether Bob Dylan should even have been eligible for the Nobel Prize in Literature, given that he is a musician. This motivates a discussion of music as an artistic medium, and what philosophy has to contribute to our thinking about music. Chapters 2-5 investigate the most commonly defended sources of musical value: its emotional power, its form, and specifically musical features (such as pitch, rhythm, and harmony). In chapters 6-9, Kania explores issues arising from different musical practices, particularly work-performance (with a focus on classical music), improvisation (with a focus on jazz), and recording (with a focus on rock and pop). Chapter 10 examines the intersection of music and morality. The book ends with a consideration of what, ultimately, music is. Key Features Uses popular-song examples throughout, but also discusses a range of musical traditions (notably, rock, pop, classical, and jazz) Explains both philosophical and musical terms when they are first introduced Provides publicly accessible Spotify playlists of the musical examples discussed in the book Each chapter begins with an overview and ends with questions for testing comprehension and stimulating further thought, along with suggestions for further reading
Aphid Transmission of Potyvirus: The Largest Plant-Infecting RNA Virus Genus.

Potyviruses are the largest group of plant infecting RNA viruses that cause significant losses in a wide range of crops across the globe. The majority of viruses in the genus Potyvirus are transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent, non-circulative manner and have been extensively studied vis-a-vis their structure, taxonomy, evolution, diagnosis, transmission, and molecular interactions with hosts. This comprehensive review exclusively discusses potyviruses and their transmission by aphid vectors, specifically in the light of several virus, aphid and plant factors, and how their interplay influences potyviral binding in aphids, aphid behavior and fitness, host plant biochemistry, virus epidemics, and transmission bottlenecks. We present the heatmap of the global distribution of potyvirus species, variation in the potyviral coat protein gene, and top aphid vectors of potyviruses. Lastly, we examine how the fundamental understanding of these multi-partite interactions through multi-omics approaches is already contributing to, and can have future implications for, devising effective and sustainable management strategies against aphid-transmitted potyviruses to global agriculture.
Fear of COVID-19 Changes Economic Preferences: Evidence from a Repeated Cross-Sectional Mturk Survey (preprint)

The personal experience of events such as financial crises and natural disasters can alter economic preferences. We administered a repeated cross-sectional preference survey during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, collecting three bi-weekly samples from participants recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. The survey elicits economic preferences, self-reported fear of the pandemic, and beliefs about economic and health consequences. Preferences varied over time and across regions, and self-reported fear of the pandemic explains this variation. These findings suggest caution with regard to the generalizability of some types of experimental work during times of heightened fear.
Legislative Histories and the Practice of Statutory Interpretation in Wyoming

Legislative histories can be difficult to compile in a state with little published documentation of the legislative process. However in recent years information is more widely available from the Wyoming Legislative Service Office web site. This brief article addresses finding resources to research legislative histories and evaluates Wyoming Supreme Court decisions looking to interpret the statutes through a review of those histories.
Feedback Modalities in Brain–Computer Interfaces: A Systematic Review:

This systematic review addresses the plausibility of using novel feedback modalities for brain–computer interface (BCI) and attempts to identify the best feedback modality on the basis of the effec...
IPC recovery length of 45 minutes improves muscle oxygen saturation during active sprint recovery.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) involves brief, repeated bouts of limb occlusion and reperfusion capable of improving exercise performance at least partially by enhancing local skeletal muscle oxygenation. This study sought to investigate the effect of a lower limb IPC protocol, with either a 5-min or 45-min post-application delay, on vastus lateralis tissue saturation index (TSI) and systemic cardiac hemodynamics at rest and during short-duration intense cycling. Twelve young adults randomly completed four interventions: IPC (at 220 mmHg) with 5-min delay (IPC5), IPC with 45-min delay (IPC45), SHAM (at 20 mmHg) with 5-min delay (SHAM5), and SHAM with 45-min delay (SHAM45). Following IPC intervention and recovery delay, participants completed 5, 60-s high-intensity (100% Wpeak) cycle sprints separated by 120-sec of active recovery (30% Wpeak). Compared to baseline, TSI immediately following IPC5, but pre-exercise, remained lower than the equivalent for IPC45 (-5.9 ± 1.5%, p = .002). IPC, imposed at least 45-min before the completion of five 60-s sprint cycling efforts, significantly enhanced TSI during active recovery between sprint intervals compared to a 5-min delay (6.6 ± 2.4%, p = .021), and identical SHAM conditions (SHAM5: 5.8 ± 2.2%, p = .024; SHAM45: 6.2 ± 2.5%, p = .029). A 45-min delay following IPC appears to provide heightened skeletal muscle metabolic rebound prior to intense sprint cycling as compared to a 5-min delay. Furthermore, IPC followed by a 45-min delay enhanced recovery of skeletal muscle oxygenation during low intensity active sprint recovery, despite an unchanged decline in skeletal muscle oxygenation during near-maximal sprinting efforts.
Higher harmonic and supercontinuum generation arising from electronic self-phase modulation under ultrafast laser pulses for various states of matter

Abstract An electromagnetic model is presented to explain the higher harmonic generation. The electronic cloud distortion model is used based on the carrier-envelope phase at the optical cycle response for gases and solids to explain the experimental Higher Harmonic Generation (HHG) and Supercontinuum Generation from the interaction of high-intensity ultrafast pulses. The theory reveals the salient experimental features observed from the HHG in the form of the three characteristic regimes for different states of matter. The electronic self-phase modulation model from nonlinear Kerr index n2 reveals three salient features of the HHG: decreasing Harmonics generation followed by a plateau to descending HHG signals to the cutoff frequency using the method of the stationary phase on ESPM. This ESPM model is a fundamental and an alternative model to the quantum mechanical interpretation of HHG. In addition, the ESPM model gives additional features of spectral broadening about the N odd harmonics supporting the theoretical ansatz presented in this paper. Here we used 50 fs laser pulse at intensities of 1012 to 1015 W/cm2 to simulate and experimentally compare the salient features of HHG and supercontinuum about each harmonic from various materials such as gases and solids supporting the ESPM model. The outcome from the ESPM model is a supercontinuum background superimposed with the sharp HHG which was experimentally observed before in various forms of matter.
Intra-Articular Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Proteoglycan 4 Gene Therapy for Preventing Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis.

Objective Lubricin, a glycoprotein encoded by the proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) gene, is an essential boundary lubricant that reduces friction between articular cartilage surfaces. The loss of lubricin subsequent to joint injury plays a role in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Here we describe the development and evaluation of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based PRG4 gene therapy intended to restore lubricin in injured joints. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was inserted the PRG4 gene to facilitate tracing the distribution of the transgene product (AAV-PRG4-GFP) in vivo. Methods Transduction efficiency of AAV-PRG4-GFP was evaluated in joint cells, and the conditioned medium containing secreted PRG4-GFP was used for shear loading/friction and viability tests. In vivo transduction of joint tissues following intra-articular injection of AAV-PRG4-GFP was confirmed in the mouse stifle joint in a surgical model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), and chondroprotective activity was tested in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model. Results In vitro studies showed that PRG4-GFP has lubricin-like cartilage binding and anti-friction properties. Significant cytoprotective effects were seen when cartilage was soaked in PRG4-GFP prior to cyclic shear loading (n = 3). Polymerase chain reaction and confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of PRG4-GFP DNA and protein, respectively, in a mouse DMM (n = 3 per group). In the rabbit ACLT model, AAV-PRG4-GFP gene therapy enhanced lubricin expression (p = 0.001 versus AAV-GFP: n = 7-14) and protected the cartilage from degeneration (p = 0.014 versus AAV-GFP: n = 9-10) when treatments were administered immediately post-operation, but efficacy was lost when treatment was delayed for 2 weeks. Conclusion AAV-PRG4-GFP gene therapy protected cartilage from degeneration in a rabbit ACLT model; however, data from the ACLT model suggest that early intervention is essential for efficacy.
Review of Broken Bones, Anthropological Analysis of Blunt Force Trauma

This volume should grace the shelves of all forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology laboratories. It serves well its dual goals: 1) to provide an overview of the principles for interpreting blunt force trauma; and 2) to illustrate through case studies the significance of the individual in assessing skeletal trauma. While overall there are 16 collaborators, they are visible only as coauthors of the initial chapter and in the case studies which make up approximately 20% of the text. Galloway thus plays a major role both as editor and author (Chapter 1–7 and Case Study C).
Scientific Model (Modeling)

According to Johnson and Lesh (2003, p. 274), a model must consist of “elements, relations, operations, and rules governing interactions …” For instance, scientists interested in studying water flow in a river might produce a scaled-down version of the river in the laboratory based on the length and width of the river including the same kind of rock found in the river.
Gas-filled hohlraum fabrication

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) researchers have fabricated and fielded gas-filled hohlraums at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Nova laser. Fill pressures of 1--5 atmospheres have been typical. We describe the production of the parts, their assembly and fielding. Emphasis is placed on the production of gas-tight polyimide windows and the fielding apparatus and procedure.
Electrochemistry in Liquid Crystals Orientational Effects in Electrochemical Processes

Abstract : The electrochemical characterization of the room temperature nematic phases MBBA (p-methoxybenzilidene p-butyl aniline), MBAB (methoxy-butyl azoxybenzene) and K-15 (4-pentyl-4' cyano-biphenyl) has been performed in acetonitrile as well as in the neat phases and it is found that they all possess a wide range of potenitals over which electrochemical experiments can be carried out. MBBA and MBAB exhibit large ohmic drops making experimentation difficult. K-15, on the other hand, proved to be very well behaved. A number of model redox couples were investigated in k-15 and it is found that the electrochemical response can be significantly different from that observed in conventional solvents such as acetonitrile. These differences can be ascribed to the formation of ion aggregates as well as to differences in diffusion coefficients. We also present some preliminary findings on the effect of orientation on the observed electrochemical response of TCNQ (tetracyanoquinodimethane), ferrocene and TCNE (tetracyanoethylene).
Simulation as an estimating tool

The advantages of using the simulation technique as a tool to estimate performance of systems will be discussed and illustrated by some simulations performed by Swedish industries.“Should double tracks be used, or would single tracks perhaps be sufficient in some parts of a mine?” was a question raised by a mining company when making preparations for a project. To investigate the utilization of the tracks and estimate the queueing tendencies in the different regions, a model was designated and simulated with the GPSS, General Purpose System Simulator.Another problem of perhaps common interest is the simulation of the traffic in an oil harbor, which was done in order to estimate its utilization during the next ten years, and thus make it easier to predict the appropriate time to enlarge its facilities. The model, which was a somewhat simplified representation of reality, made it possible to study the influence of various parameters on the queueing situation in the harbor.
How birds fly together: Long-range order in a two-dimensional dynamical XY model

We propose a non-equilibrium continuum dynamical model for the collective motion of large groups of biological organisms (e.g., flocks of birds, slime molds, etc.) Our model becomes highly non-trivial, and different from the equilibrium model, for $d<d_c=4$; nonetheless, we are able to determine its scaling exponents {\it exactly} in $d=2$, and show that, unlike equilibrium systems, our model exhibits a broken continuous symmetry even in $d=2$. Our model describes a large universality class of microscopic rules, including those recently simulated by Viscek et. al.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Bowel Resection in Emergency Small Bowel Obstruction: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

Abstract Background: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is commonly encountered by surgeons and has traditionally been handled via an open approach, especially when small bowel resection (SBR) is indicated, although recent series have shown improved outcomes with a laparoscopic approach. In this retrospective study, we sought to evaluate outcomes and identify risk factors for adverse events after emergency SBR for SBO with an emphasis on surgical approach. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective review using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data, 1750 patients were identified who had emergency SBR with the principal diagnosis of SBO from 2006 to 2011. Mortality and postoperative adverse events were evaluated. Results: Of 1750 patients who had emergency SBR, 51 (2.9%) had laparoscopic bowel resection (LBR). There was no difference in surgery duration (open bowel resection [OBR] versus LBR, 100 minutes versus 92 minutes; P=.38). Compared with the LBR group, the OBR ...
Bis(benzoyloxy)borane

[94596-93-7] C14H11BO4 (MW 254.05) InChI = 1S/C14H11BO4/c16-13(11-7-3-1-4-8-11)18-15-19-14(17)12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10,15H InChIKey = PQGJFNUTUBPGKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent for the reduction of tosylhydrazones of aldehydes, ketones, and enones to the corresponding methylene derivatives1, 2) Physical Data: mp 166–168 °C Solubility: sol chloroform, THF, and pentane; reacts readily with water and other protic solvents. Form Supplied in: white crystalline solid Analysis of Reagent Purity: the technical bulletin Quantitative Analysis of Active Boron Hydrides, available upon request from the Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, WI, USA, describes methodology to determine reagent purity by hydrogen gas evolution. Preparative Methods: available via the controlled addition of borane–THF complex to benzoic acid at 0 °C.1a,1b Preparation using borane–dimethyl sulfide complex involves much milder reaction conditions (25 °C).2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: shows good stability that results from adduct formation with solvent (THF or DMS). Solutions of the reagent in THF have shown little decomposition after storage at 0 °C for 10 days.1b
A staggered time integration technique for spectral methods [computational electromagnetics]

The spectral methods on unstructured grids developed in recent years provide a flexible, accurate and efficient tool to model large-scale broadband electromagnetic problems with complex geometry. In this paper, a staggered-time integrator is introduced in the spectral methods to further improve their computational efficiency. A method similar to predictor and corrector methods are used in the staggered time integration technique to overcome the difficulty of the staggering of the boundary penalty term. Compared with other 2nd-order time integration methods, it requires less memory and CPU time. Thus it is especially suitable for lower-order spectral methods. Case studies of the radiation of an electric dipole source in a cylinder validate the technique. Applications in the modeling of photonic bandgap materials are shown to confirm the efficacy of the method.
A Series Expansion of the Fourier Integral

Evaluation of the Fourier integral by parts leads to two different series representations of a time function in the frequency domain. These series involve powers of the frequency variable and either derivatives or integrals of the function, evaluated at the upper time limit only. It is necessary that the function so treated be analytic between the time limits imposed. The convenience of the formulation then follows from choosing the time limits symmetrically. The method is presented as a mathematical experiment rather than a rigorous formulation.
Spin tuning in magnetically coupled double quantum wells

A variety of ZnSe/Zn 1-x Cd x Se double quantum wells coupled by a thin Zn 1-y Mn y Se diluted magnetic semiconductor barrier have been fabricated by molecular-beam epitaxy and probed using magneto-optical photoluminescence spectroscopy. Spin splitting of the quantum confined ground states and the resulting large luminescence polarization are observed at low temperatures on tuning the barrier potential with a magnetic field. Measurements as a function of magnetic field, barrier thickness, and temperature reveal the dependence of the spin coupling between the quantum wells on the barrier's magnetization
Wellhead treatment costs for groundwater contaminated with pesticides: A preliminary analysis for pineapple in Hawaii

In Hawaii, trace concentrations of pesticides used in the production of pineapple were found in the groundwater supplies of Mililani Town in the Pearl Harbor Basin on the island of Oahu. Groundwater serves as the major source of drinking water and residents pay for wellhead treatment of the contaminated water, via their monthly water bill. The agricultural chemical users within the Pearl Harbor Basin do not include these wellhead treatment costs in their production costs. The agricultural industry benefits from using pesticides but does not pay the entire societal cost of using these chemicals. In this study we evaluate the specific financial cost of wellhead treatment, and not the economic value of groundwater. While wellhead treatment costs could conceivably be shared by several parties, this study focuses on the financial impact of the pineapple industry alone. This study factors annual wellhead treatment costs into annual pineapple production costs to measure the effect on annual financial return from pineapple production. Wellhead treatment costs are calculated from the existing granulated activated carbon (GAC) water treatment facility for Millilani Wells I and II. Pineapple production costs are estimated from previous cost of production studies. The inclusion of wellhead treatment costs produces different production-cost results, depending on the scale of analysis. At the local scale, the Mililani wellhead treatment costs can be factored into the production costs of the pineapple fields, which were probably responsible for contamination of the Mililani Wells, without causing a deficit in economic return. At the larger regional scale, however, the return from all of the pineapple grown in the Pearl Harbor Basin can not sustain the cost of wellhead treatmentfor the entire water supply of the basin. Recommendations point to the prevention of groundwater contamination as more cost-effective measure than wellhead treatment.
Noise, Trapping and Energy Resolution in Semiconductor Gamma-Ray Spectrometers

We consider in this paper the relative importance of noise, trapping and recombination of carriers in determining the overall energy resolution of semiconductor gamma-ray spectrometers. In particular we present a detailed analysis of the effects of trapping. Our model derives from an earlier study by Northrop and Simpson1, but we have been able to eliminate some approximations made in their analysis which are quite important under practical conditions. Relationships are derived between the total signal charge, its mean square deviation, and the drift lengths of electrons and holes in a planar detector. The results show that very stringent conditions are necessary in order to achieve the energy resolution which has been reported in some instances. It is shown that electron and hole drift lengths should be as closely equal as possible in a good detector. A uniform geometry, either wholly planar or wholly coaxial, is shown to be desirable.
ON ESTIMATING PARAMETERS FOR BETA DISTRIBUTIONS

The purpose of this paper is to comment on and give historical perspective to two methdologies for estimating parameters of beta distributions. Fielitz and Myers [3] [4] developed and advocated a methodology using the method of moments, while Romesburg [20] advocated a methodology usingthe method of maximum likelihood. However, what Fielitz and Myers presented as new research and suggested as an area needing further study is ground already trampled. The authors have prepared a graph to underline the superiority of the maximum likelihood method in fitting beta distributions.
An efficient and flexible method for archiving a data base

We describe an efficient method for supporting incremental and full archiving of data bases (e.g., individual files). Customers archive their data bases quite frequently to minimize the duration of data outage. Because of the growing sizes of data bases and the ever increasing need for high availability of data, the efficiency of the archive copy utility is very important. The method presented here minimizes interferences with concurrent transactions by not acquiring any locks on the data being copied. It significantly reduces disk I/Os by not keeping on data pages any extra tracking information in connection with archiving. These features make the archive copy operation be more efficient in terms of resource consumption compared to other methods. The method is also flexible in that it optionally supports direct copying of data from disks, bypassing the DBMS's buffer pool. This reduces buffer pool pollution and processing overheads, and allows the utility to take advantage of device geometries for efficiently retrieving data. We also describe extensions to the method to accommodate the multisystem shared disks transaction environment. The method tolerates gracefully system failures during the archive copy operation.