cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and pilot-testing of the Alopecia Areata Assessment Tool (ALTO)

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss. The lack of a definitive biomarker or formal diagnostic criteria for AA limits our ability to define the epidemiology of the disease. In this study, we developed and tested the Alopecia Areata Assessment Tool (ALTO) in an academic medical center to validate the ability of this questionnaire in identifying AA cases. Methods The ALTO is a novel, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 8 closed-ended questions derived by the Delphi method. This prospective pilot study was administered during a 1-year period in outpatient dermatology clinics. Eligible patients (18 years or older with chief concern of hair loss) were recruited consecutively. No patients declined to participate. The patient's hair loss diagnosis was determined by a board-certified dermatologist. Nine scoring algorithms were created and used to evaluate the accuracy of the ALTO in identifying AA. Results 239 patients (59 AA cases and 180 non-AA cases) completed the ALTO and were included for analysis. Algorithm 5 demonstrated the highest sensitivity (89.8%) while algorithm 3 demonstrated the highest specificity (97.8%). Select questions were also effective in clarifying disease phenotype. Conclusion In this study. we have successfully demonstrated that ALTO is a simple tool capable of discriminating AA from other types of hair loss. The ALTO may be useful to identify individuals with AA within large populations.
Ethical and Legal Issues Associated with the Use of Aversives in the Public Schools: The SIBIS Controversy

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) occurs most frequently among persons with severe mental retardation or autism. Repetitive head punching is a form of SIB that may become life-threatening. Although con...
Effect of Loading History on Crack Growth

The process of macrocrack growth is inherently load time history dependent with or without the additional effect of plastic deformation. A typical phenomenon frequently observed in metal alloys is slow crack growth prior to the onset of rapid fracture. This subcritical stage of material damage can occur under monotonic and cyclic loading. Quantitative assessment of this damage process, however, is not straightforward and requires the consistent treatment of crack initiation and final termination. The conventional fracture mechanics approach* being highly idealized to materials that behave linearly elastic and fractures instantaneously is not applicable to real situations where load history dependency and nonlinear behavior are the rules rather than the exceptions. Several publications in the past [1–3] have discussed this nonlinearity in relation to non-self-similar crack growth and plasticity. The individual contributions of these two effects depend on loading rate, specimen geometry and size, and material type and cannot be resolved by material testing. The failure to distinguish their relative influence results in data scatter, normally attributed to specimen size and loading rate.
A pilot study of occupational and environmental risk factors for Parkinson's disease.

Increasingly, the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been linked to exposures to environmental toxicants. This epidemiologic pilot study used a self-administered questionnaire among 34 PD cases and 22 other neurology clinic control patients. All subjects were at least 40 years old. Risk factors investigated included occupation, well-water use, pesticide use, metal exposures, medical history, smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use. Twenty-six percent of the male PD cases reported having been employed in farming versus eleven percent for male controls (OR = 3.1, 95% C.I. = 0.3 to 35). Sixteen percent of male cases versus none of the controls reported employment as welders. No clear trends involving exposure to either occupational or home pesticides emerged. In assessing occupational exposures to metals, aluminum and copper exposures tended to be more common among male cases than male controls. Additionally, as reported in other studies, smoking showed an inverse relationship with PD. Although the findings reported here are provocative, these results are statistically imprecise and must be interpreted cautiously because of the small number of subjects included in the study.
Opportunities to Learn Mathematics Pedagogy and Connect Classroom Learning to Practice: A Study of Future Teachers in the United States and Singapore

In this study, we conducted secondary analyses using the TEDS-M database to explore future mathematics specialists teachers’ opportunities to learn (OTL) how to teach mathematics. We applied latent class analysis techniques to differentiate among groups of prospective mathematics specialists with potentially different OTL mathematics pedagogy within the United States and Singapore. Within the United States, three subgroups were identified: (a) Comprehensive OTL, (b) Limited OTL, and (c) OTL Mathematics Pedagogy. Within Singapore, four subgroups were identified: (a) Comprehensive OTL, (b) Limited Opportunities to Connect Classroom Learning with Practice, (c) OTL Mathematics Pedagogy, and (d) Basic OTL. Understanding the opportunities different prospective teachers had to learn from and their experiences with different components of instructional practice in university and practicum settings has implications for teacher preparation programs.
Algorithm-enabled single-kVp-switch scan configuration for dual-energy CT

In dual-energy CT, material-basis and/or monochromatic-energy images are reconstructed from data sets collected with two different spectra. Among the four existing methods for realizing dual-energy imaging in diagnostic CT, three of them require hardware addition or modification to a regular diagnostic CT scanner, in order to acquire the dual-energy data sets with two different spectra. We investigate a new single-kVp-switch method for achieving flexible dual-energy imaging on current CT systems without invoking hardware addition or modification to exisiting CT scanners. The method is enabled by a one-step algorithm that is based on the non-linear data model. Physical phantom data from a diagnostic CT scanner were collected and reconstructed from. Images results and profile plots from the proposed half-plus-half scan configuration were compared to those from the standard full-plus-full scan. Visual resemblance and quantitative agreement were observed, suggesting potential possibilities of enabling flexible dual-energy CT imaging with regular CT scanners without hardware addition or modification.
Clinical Applications of HIV Gene Therapy

Clinical applications of HIV gene therapy are currently limited to clinical trials. Two types of HIV gene therapy clinical trials have been performed by several groups: T cell gene therapy and stem cell gene therapy clinical trials. Both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, with T cell gene therapy offering easier access to HIV target cells and greater transduction efficiencies, however, with the necessity to repeat the procedure to provide continued benefits. Stem cell gene therapy offers to be a onetime treatment, but currently only low transduction efficiencies can be achieved. Future clinical trials of stem cell gene therapy need to be designed to overcome this problem.
Case 4-2020: A 52-Year-Old Woman with Seizure Disorder and Wide-Complex Tachycardia.

A Woman with Seizure Disorder and Wide-Complex Tachycardia A 52-year-old woman with refractory status epilepticus was admitted to the hospital. Despite treatment with a five-drug regimen, electroen...
Early experience with teprotumumab for chronic thyroid eye disease.

Abstract Purpose To report the first case of a patient with chronic thyroid eye disease (TED) treated with teprotumumab. Observations A 50-year-old female with a 3-year history of Graves’ disease presented with bilateral exophthalmos greatest on the left side. She was followed for 2 years with stable proptosis measurements (23mm OD, 28mm OS). Her clinical activity score (CAS) was 1 and there were no examination findings reflective of active inflammation. The patient underwent systemic treatment with teprotumumab and despite chronic TED and low CAS, she had notable improvement in proptosis (18mm OD, 22mm OS) and decrease in extraocular muscle volume as noted on orbital imaging. Conclusion and importance This case report suggests that teprotumumab may be used in patients with chronic TED and low CAS. Improvement in the proptosis and reduction in extraocular muscle volume suggest that teprotumumab may alter disease course even in patients with inactive or quiescent TED.
Casting In-Situ Cu/CrBx Composites via Aluminum-Assisted Reduction

Abstract Chromium borides (CrBx) have been considered as promising strengthening phases for copper (Cu). However, traditional manufacturing methods such as powder metallurgy greatly restrict the sample size and part complexity. Here, we report that bulk Cu containing high volume percentages of uniformly distributed CrBx were fabricated by casting via in-situ reduction assisted by aluminum (Al). Two sets of precursors, i.e., borax-CuCr and KBF4-CrF3, were used and the respective reaction mechanisms were illustrated. In addition, the resultant in-situ particle morphologies and sizes from the precursors were studied. The use of KBF4-CrF3 generated smaller in-situ particles due to the less severe coalescence of particles. The microhardness of in-situ Cu/CrBx was significantly enhanced over pure Cu.
Development of Nonfertile and Evolutionary Mixed-Oxide Nuclear Fuels for Use in Existing Water Reactors

Investigations of an advanced fuel form are currently under way. This new fuel form, referred to as evolutionary mixed oxide (EMOX), is a slight perturbation on standard mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel, and analyses show that it can be an effective plutonium management tool in existing light water reactors. The addition of a small fraction of calcia-stabilized zirconia to the uranium-plutonium oxide matrix allows for greater plutonium conversion while also providing a licensing path forward toward eventual implementation of higher-plutonium-destruction fuels. These fuels, referred to as nonfertile (NF) fuels, achieve their high destruction rates through the absence of uranium, which breeds plutonium, in the fuel composition.Extensive calculations have been performed to assess the feasibility of incorporating the EMOX fuel form into existing pressurized water reactor systems, and the results are given in detail. Specifically, calculations have been made to determine the plutonium consumption achievable by the EMOX concept, and comparisons have been made of this performance to that of typical MOX and NF fuels. The results indicate that EMOX and NF fuels can provide flexibility with regard to controlling plutonium inventories in spent fuel. In addition, fabrication experiments have been conducted to determine the feasibility of fabricating suitable EMOX and NF fuels.more » NF and EMOX fuels have been fabricated using the solid-state reaction method. Precursor powders were successfully blended and milled using a combination of ball milling and high-energy vibratory milling. Sintering data for EMOX fuel indicated that significant densification occurred at a temperature of 1700 deg. C.« less
A streamlined proliferation assay using mixed lymphocytes for evaluation of human mesenchymal stem cell immunomodulation activity.

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), graft versus host disease (GVHD), wound healing and trauma. A consensus is building that immunomodulation by MSCs is important for therapeutic potential. MSCs suppress peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in vitro, potentially reflecting an ability to suppress PBMC inflammatory responses in vivo. Current mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays commonly used to evaluate MSC potency generally rely on either direct co-culture or indirect culture using transwell systems for monitoring the proliferation of isolated PBMCs in the presence of mitotically inactive MSCs. Proliferation of PBMCs is monitored by several methods, including incorporation of radiolabeled nucleotides, BRDU labeling and ELISA assay or flow cytometry of carboxyfluorescein labeled PBMCs. Here we present a streamlined assay using MSCs in a direct co-culture system with unmodified MSCs using a luminescent ATP assay to evaluate both PBMC and MSC proliferation/survival. Methods PBMCs were isolated from fresh anti-coagulated whole blood by centrifugation over Ficoll-Paque in LeucoSep tubes. Isolated PBMCs from 8 to 10 donors were pooled and cryopreserved at 1 × 107/ml in 50% RPMI medium,10% DMSO, 40% human AB serum. MSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue or umbilical cord (BM-MSC, Ad-MSC, UC-MSC, respectively) were serially diluted starting at 50–60,000 cells/well and cultured in 96 well plates for 4–48 h in their respective medium. On Day 0, MSCs were washed, resuspended in PBMC media (RPMI with 10% FBS, 2 mM Glutamine, 10 mM HEPES, pH 7.4) and incubated with or without 150,000 freshly thawed pooled PBMCs/well, in the presence or absence of phytohemagglutinin A (PHA, 0–5 μg/ml). Proliferation of both MSCs (adherent) and PBMCs (non-adherent) was assessed by quantitation of ATP levels using the bioluminescent reagent Cell Titer-Glo (Promega). Culture supernatant contained PBMC, while washed adherent cells were primarily MSCs. Both cell types were incubated for 30 min with an equal volume of Cell Titer-Glo reagent and then assayed in white plates on a luminescence plate reader. Results PBMC proliferation in response to PHA stimulation resulted in a robust increase in ATP by 72 h, with >6 fold increase over unstimulated PBMCs, which showed no increase. MSC proliferation was decreased Conclusions Direct co-culture of live unmodified MSCs with freshly thawed pooled PBMCs gives a robust determination of immunosuppression by MSCs with unparalleled ease. Graded responses can be determined, allowing comparison of potency between MSC preparations as in comparisons between freshly thawed and cultured MSCs as well as interferon-γ licensed MSCs. With the 96 well plate assay, far fewer PBMCs are generally required than in a typical flow cytometry determination. This streamlined assay can be performed within 72 h, without irradiating cells and without specialized equipment.
Electronic Cigarette Users' Perspective on the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Study Using Twitter Data.

Background: Previous studies have shown that electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users might be more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and could develop more severe symptoms if they contract the disease owing to their impaired immune responses to viral infections. Social media platforms such as Twitter have been widely used by individuals worldwide to express their responses to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal changes in the attitudes of Twitter users who used e-cigarettes toward the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as compare differences in attitudes between e-cigarette users and nonusers based on Twitter data. Methods: The study dataset containing COVID-19–related Twitter posts (tweets) posted between March 5 and April 3, 2020, was collected using a Twitter streaming application programming interface with COVID-19–related keywords. Twitter users were classified into two groups: Ecig group, including users who did not have commercial accounts but posted e-cigarette–related tweets between May 2019 and August 2019, and non-Ecig group, including users who did not post any e-cigarette–related tweets. Sentiment analysis was performed to compare sentiment scores towards the COVID-19 pandemic between both groups and determine whether the sentiment expressed was positive, negative, or neutral. Topic modeling was performed to compare the main topics discussed between the groups. Results: The US COVID-19 dataset consisted of 4,500,248 COVID-19–related tweets collected from 187,399 unique Twitter users in the Ecig group and 11,479,773 COVID-19–related tweets collected from 2,511,659 unique Twitter users in the non-Ecig group. Sentiment analysis showed that Ecig group users had more negative sentiment scores than non-Ecig group users. Results from topic modeling indicated that Ecig group users had more concerns about deaths due to COVID-19, whereas non-Ecig group users cared more about the government’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Our findings show that Twitter users who tweeted about e-cigarettes had more concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings can inform public health practitioners to use social media platforms such as Twitter for timely monitoring of public responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and educating and encouraging current e-cigarette users to quit vaping to minimize the risks associated with COVID-19.
Last-Mile Logistics of Covid Vaccination - The Role of Health Care Organizations.

Last-Mile Logistics of Covid Vaccination In the United States, where public–private health care integration is highly variable, patients have turned to their health care providers for information a...
Applying Behavioral Nudges in a Dietary Comparator for Surgical Trials: Developing the MediDiet

Abstract Introduction The Mediterranean diet is being studied as an alternative to surgery for common gastrointestinal conditions. However, dietary change can be challenging. “Nudges” – behavioral science strategies seeking to influence cognitive processes to promote good behaviors – may help. We conducted a pilot study evaluating the acceptability of the MediDiet, a behaviorally designed dietary intervention incorporating nudges and recommendations based on the Mediterranean Diet. Methods We conducted a three-phase pilot study involving parallel randomized surveys of U.S. adults. After completing a validated questionnaire assessing dietary consistency with a Mediterranean diet, participants were randomized to feedback containing no nudge versus nudge: peer comparison; peer comparison + positive affect induction; or default. Participants then rated their positive and negative emotions, motivation for dietary change, and interest in recipes. Responses were analyzed using baseline covariate-adjusted regression. Results Among 1,709 participants, 56% were men, 73% were White, and the mean age was 38. In response to dietary feedback, participants reported low negative emotions, high positive emotions, moderate motivation for dietary change and high interest in recipes. Nudges did not affect the extent of negative (p=0.104) or positive (p=0.34) emotions, motivation (p=0.139), or interest (p=0.86). In exploratory analyses, those with moderate and high consistency with the Mediterranean diet, with or without nudges, reported lower negative affect, greater positive affect, greater motivation, and greater interest in recipes, than the minimally consistent, no nudge group. Conclusion Delivering dietary feedback based on the Mediterranean diet using behavioral nudges was acceptable among U.S. adults, rousing positive reactions without triggering negative ones. As early evidence, this pilot study provides the basis for testing nudge-based dietary guidance among individuals with symptomatic gallstones, diverticulitis, and other gastrointestinal diseases. Highlights The MediDiet is being developed as a novel, behaviorally designed dietary intervention for the non-operative management of common gastrointestinal conditions including symptomatic gallstones and diverticulitis, classically managed with surgery. In this exploratory pilot study, delivering dietary feedback based on the Mediterranean diet using behavioral nudges was acceptable among U.S. adults. This foundational work will help serve as the basis for testing nudge-based dietary guidance among individuals with symptomatic gallstones, diverticulitis, and other gastrointestinal diseases, and ultimately conducting clinical trials to compare dietary interventions to surgical management for these conditions.
A retrospective comparison of carrying capacity of two generations of loblolly pine plantations

Abstract Permanent sample plots were installed in two generations of operationally-established loblolly pine plantations across the southeastern US. The first population, established with non-genetically improved seedlings, did not receive mid-rotation fertilizer or competition control treatments. Approximately 20 years later, using consistent protocols for plot locations and tree measurements, permanent plots were installed in operationally-established plantings with genetically improved seedlings and receiving mid-rotation fertilizer and release treatments. These two studies, both of which reflect contemporary plantation management at the time they were initiated, were analyzed to examine the impact of changing management intensity and environmental influences on carrying capacity. Results showed that the second generation of plantings generally exhibited substantial increases in site index, as well as in maximum stand density. Assuming a constant rotation age of 25 years and computing mean annual increment using an empirical yield function fitted to the overall data, gave an estimated increase in volume production of 47% for the region. The estimated productivity gains were disparate by physiographic regions with the Piedmont showing an estimated increase of 83%, Atlantic Coastal Plain 64%, and Gulf Coastal Plain 34%. All physiographic regions can be assumed to have benefitted from increased levels of atmospheric CO2. The extraordinary increase in the Piedmont from one generation to the next likely resulted from a combination of factors, including maintaining more trees at maximum stand density and disproportionate gains in improved soil quality and climate change, as compared to the two coastal plain regions.
From "Ought" to "Is": Surfacing Values in Patient and Family Advocacy in Rare Diseases.

In this issue, Lynch and colleagues (2021) discuss lessons learned from the “Operation Warp Speed” response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States—both about what to do and what not to do fo...
Flame-retardant co-solvent incorporation into lithium-ion coin cells with Si-nanoparticle anodes

The cycling performance of Si-nanoparticle/Li cells with different electrolytes has been investigated. Cells containing standard binary LiPF6/ethylene carbonate/ethyl methyl carbonate electrolytes have poor capacity retention (46 %) after 50 cycles. Cells cycled with fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)-based electrolyte have much better capacity retention (74 %). The effect of incorporation of flame-retardant co-solvents triphenyl phosphate and dime- thyl methylphosphonate was investigated with both the standard and FEC electrolytes. The incorporation of the FR co-solvents did not significantly alter the performance of either electrolyte. Ex situ analysis via scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance infrared spec- troscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was con- ducted to gain a better understanding of the role of electrolyte in solid electrolyte interphase structure and stability.
Utility of the case-method approach for the integration of clinical and basic science in surgical education.

Abstract Background. Although students develop experience in integrating clinical and basic scientific knowledge, it may be difficult for them to do so in patient management. Formalized instructions using case discussions that involve the integration of basic science concepts may facilitate their incorporation into practice. Methods. Third‐year surgical clerkship students were pretested for baseline knowledge of information relevant to the case being discussed. Facilitators, including a faculty surgeon and a pharmacologist or physiologist, assisted in developing the case and in the coordination of questions. Following two 90‐minute, student‐driven sessions and student review of bibliographic resources, consensus was reached regarding the appropriate utilization of the basic science and clinical information in patient management. Results. Pre‐ and post‐tests of the students’ knowledge showed improvements in their performances by the seminars. Conclusion. The case method permitted instructors to assess spec...
Mitral Valve Surgery

Today, there are a multitude of prosthetic valves available for mitral valve replacement. These can generally be divided into bioprosthetics and mechanical valves. Of the mechanical valves. the StarrEdwards valve has been employed since the early 1960’s. and the current valve model has not changed or been modified since 1966 (Fig.1a). Valve failure since that period of time is virtually unheard of. and the valve remains the gold standard against which durability can be compared. This valve has an unfavorable internal diameter-toexternal diameter ratio. especially in the small sizes. as we will later discuss. and. therefore. may contribute to unfavorable gradients. The other class of mechanical valves are the tilting disc varieties. These include the st. Jude (Figure 1b). the Omni-Science (Figure 1c). the Medtronic-Hall (Figure 1d). and the Duramedic valve among others. The majority of these valves had their inception between 1977 and 1981. and all incorporate the use of ferropyrolite to reduce thromboembolic incidents and decrease valve wear. An infrequent complication of tilting disc valves. and one that usually occurs in the presence of inadequate coagulation. is valve thrombOSiS. This process is due to defibrinogenation of the blood. and the incidence is probably proportional to the number of struts through which blood must pass.
Nutrition, Metabolism, and the Initiation of Development

Myxobacteria are aerobic chemoorganotrophs that are found throughout the world on plant material and in soil (Reichenbach and Dworkin 1981; McCurdy 1974). They secrete a variety of enzymes that hydrolyze proteins, nucleic acids, fatty acid esters, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycan. Myxobacteria may be divided into two metabolic groups based on the type of macromolecules they can hydrolyze and use as carbon and energy sources. Some species are able to use cellulose, and their nutritional requirements are relatively simple. Nitrate is the preferred nitrogen source, but ammonium and asparagine also support growth (Pronina 1962; Couche 1969). Cellulose and starch are used as effectively as monosaccharides by the cellulytic species (Couche 1969). However, most species of myxobacteria hydrolyze protein as a carbon and energy source instead of cellulose.
Disulfide mutants of the binding domain of the rat low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR).

Abstract The binding domain of the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR) is built from four "cysteine repeats," with almost identical patterns of half-cystine residues. To study the pattern of disulfide bridging within each cysteine repeat, we have mutated pairs of cysteine residues, primarily in the fourth repeat, and have tested the relative ability of each mutant to be cross-linked to the nerve growth factor after transient expression in COS 7 cells. The results give an indication of the relative importance of different disulfide bonds for the stability of the active conformation. Immunofluorescent staining shows that all of these proteins, even those that may be partially misfolded, are expressed to varying degrees on the surface of COS cells. They can also be detected by the monoclonal antibody MC192 on a Western blot following electrophoresis on a nondenaturing gel. Some cannot, however, be detected by MC192 on a Western blot after heat denaturation in SDS. The ability to refold under these conditions correlates in general with the ability of the mutant protein to bind nerve growth factor on the surface of COS cells.
Web Services and Their Composition

Web Services gained a lot of attention in the software industry over the last couple of months (e.g. [1],[2], [3], [4], [5], [6]). Roughly, a web service is any piece of code that can be interacted with based on Internet technology.
High molecular weight blue fluorescence protein from the bioluminescent bacterium: Photobacterium fischeri

Abstract A blue fluorescence protein has been purified from extracts of the bioluminescent bacterium Photobacterium fischeri and found to have a native molecular weight of 70,000, and to be a dimer of two identical subunits. SDS gel electrophoresis distinguishes the monomer from the two non-identical subunits of luciferase. The molecular weight for this blue fluorescence protein contrasts with the much lower value (22,000) reported for the same type of protein isolated from Photobacterium phosphoreum.
Committee advancement of women and blacks in congress: A test of the responsible legislator thesis

Getting ahead in Congress appears to require certain qualities: a desire to follow congressional norms, a willingness to compromise and build coalitions, and a general understanding of playing the political game. Concerns about institutional advancement have particular significance for women, minorities, and other groups typically excluded from the legislative process. In the crucial arena of committee assignments. Masters has outlined the electoral, institutional, and personal characteristics necessary for advancement. Using data on the committee assignments of women and black members since 1965, this paper tests Masters' hypotheses. Findings suggest political backgrounds, electoral safety and party loyalty lead to advancement; long tenure and ideological moderation do not. Reasons for and implications of these findings are assesed.
THE OPERATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF RESULTS-BASED FINANCING

SUMMARY As part of a growing focus on the effectiveness of development assistance from the World Bank and other agencies, new efforts are being made to relate development finance more closely to outcomes achieved rather than to inputs used, through the results-based financing approach. We provide a framework for analyzing the operational dimensions of results-based financing, including the conditions that suit this approach, and how best to define, measure, and report results. We review some of the early World Bank experience with this approach. Noting that this approach is as yet not fully tested, we suggest evaluative issues for future research while highlighting strengths and challenges in the range of techniques adopted so far. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplified space vector PWM algorithm for three-level NPC VSI

This paper proposes a simplified space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) algorithm for three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) voltage source inverter (VSI). The waveform of sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) symmetric regular sampling is similar to the waveform of seven-segment SVPWM symmetric regular sampling. The only difference is that the two algorithms have different operation time of zero voltage vectors. Based on two-level inverter and the relationship between SVPWM and SPWM, a simplified SVPWM algorithm for three-level NPC VSI is developed. A zero-vector distribution variable k, which changes from zero to one, is introduced. On the basis of proposed algorithm, a simple neutral-point voltage balancing method is proposed. Compared with the conventional SVPWM algorithm, the simplified SVPWM algorithm can be more easily implemented in a digital device because the algorithm directly uses the instantaneous value of three phase reference voltages to calculate actual gating time for each inverter leg. The simulation results show that proposed method is valid and feasible.
A new perspective on stable models

The definition of a stable model has provided a declarative semantics for Prolog programs with negation as failure and has led to the development of answer set programming. In this paper we propose a new definition of that concept, which covers many constructs used in answer set programming (including disjunctive rules, choice rules and conditional literals) and, unlike the original definition, refers neither to grounding nor to fixpoints. Rather, it is based on a syntactic transformation, which turns a logic program into a formula of second-order logic that is similar to the formula familiar from the definition of circumscription.
A Model for Assessment of Potential Geographical Accessibility: A Case for GIS

Health is geographically differentiated thereby creating an inextricable link between “place” and “health”. Differences in access to healthcare services and resulting adverse health outcomes when there is inadequate healthcare are major public health priorities. While the literature is replete with research about disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes, a greater understanding of geographical enabling factors and predisposing characteristics is needed. The purpose of this concept article is to present a discussion of development of a theoretical framework for study of potential geographical access to healthcare from a perspective of Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use (Andersen, 1995). An adaptation of Andersen’s model, The Model for the Assessment of Potential Geographical Accessibility, is presented as a conceptual framework to aide in future studies of potential geographical accessibility. The application of geographical information systems (GIS) technology and methodology as an analytical tool will also be presented.
Identification of cadherin 11 as a mediator of dermal fibrosis and possible role in systemic sclerosis.

Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease clinically manifesting as progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Recent microarray studies demonstrated that cadherin 11 (Cad-11) expression is increased in the affected skin of patients with SSc. The purpose of this study was to examine our hypothesis that Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis. Methods Biopsy samples of skin from SSc patients and healthy control subjects were used for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis to assess Cad-11 expression and for immunohistochemistry to determine the expression pattern of Cad-11. To determine whether Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis, Cad-11–deficient mice and anti–Cad-11 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were used in the bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model. In vitro studies with dermal fibroblasts and bone marrow–derived macrophages were used to determine the mechanisms by which Cad-11 contributes to the development of tissue fibrosis. Results Levels of messenger RNA for Cad-11 were increased in skin biopsy samples from patients with SSc and correlated with the modified Rodnan skin thickness scores. Cad-11 expression was localized to dermal fibroblasts and macrophages in SSc skin. Cad-11–knockout mice injected with bleomycin had markedly attenuated dermal fibrosis, as quantified by measurements of skin thickness, collagen levels, myofibroblast accumulation, and profibrotic gene expression, in lesional skin as compared to the skin of wild-type mice. In addition, anti–Cad-11 mAb decreased fibrosis at various time points in the bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model. In vitro studies demonstrated that Cad-11 regulated the production of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) by macrophages and the migration of fibroblasts. Conclusion These data demonstrate that Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis and TGFβ production and suggest that Cad-11 may be a therapeutic target in SSc.
Effect of dietary or genetic copper deficiency on brain catecholamines, trace metals and enzymes in mice and rats

Previous studies by others indicated that alterations in brain catecholamines were different for perinatal copper deficiency produced by diet in rats and that resulting from a genetic mutation of the X-chromosome, Menkes' syndrome in humans and brindled mice. Thus, copper deficiency was studied in a model in which dietary and genetic deficiency (brindled mice) were compared in two strains of the same species. C57BL and C3H/HeJ mice. Dietary copper deficiency was also produced in rats for comparison. In brain, both dietary and genetic copper deficiency resulted in impaired growth, low brain copper levels, greatly decreased norepinephrine concentrations but normal dopamine levels. The activity of brain cytochrome oxidase was greatly depressed following both dietary and genetic copper deficiency, suggesting a functional deficit of copper. However, the activity of another cuproenzyme, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, was significantly elevated in deficient animals. The elevation was observed when either copper or N-ethylmaleimide was added to inactivate an endogenous inhibitor. The cause of low brain norepinephrine remains unknown; however, depressed brain norepinephrine may be partly responsible for functional changes in the deficient animals, such as hypomyelination, since the activity of the myelin protein, 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, was lower in the most deficient animals.
NY-ESO-1 as a potential immunotherapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma.

// Eva Giesen 1,* , Lucia B. Jilaveanu 1,* , Fabio Parisi 2 , Yuval Kluger 2 , Robert L. Camp 2 and Harriet M. Kluger 1 1 Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S 2 Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence: Harriet M. Kluger , email: // Keywords : Cancer Testis Antigens, drug targets, kidney cancer, clear cell carcinoma, adoptive cell therapy Received : April 15, 2014 Accepted : June 12, 2014 Published : June 13, 2014 Abstract Background: Novel immune therapies targeting tumor specific antigens are being developed. Our purpose was to determine expression of the cancer testes antigen NY-ESO-1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as NY-ESO-1 targeting approaches, particularly adoptive cell therapy, have not been evaluated in this disease. Methods: We employed tissue microarrays containing >300 unique RCC cases and adjacent benign renal tissue to determine NY-ESO-1 expression using a quantitative immunofluorescence method. In addition, we studied NY-ESO-1 expression in 35 matched primary and metastatic RCC specimens to assess concordance between different tumor sites. Results: NY-ESO-1 was highly expressed in a subset of RCCs. Expression in primary RCC specimens was significantly higher than adjacent normal renal tissue (P<0.0001) and higher in clear cell carcinomas than papillary RCC (P<0.0001). Expression levels in metastatic specimens were higher than in matched primary samples (P=0.0018), and the correlation between the two sites was modest (χ 2 =3.5, p=0.06). Conclusions: Aberrant NY-ESO-1 expression seen in clear cell RCC suggests that NY-ESO-1 targeting approaches should be studied in this disease. Expression is higher in metastatic sites, and discordance between primary and metastatic sites in some patients suggests that patient selection for these therapies should be based on expression in metastatic rather than nephrectomy specimens.
The Attenuation of Correlation Coefficients: A Statistical Literacy Issue.

Summary Much of the science reported in the media depends on correlation coefficients. But the size of correlation coefficients depends, in part, on the reliability with which the correlated variables are measured. Understanding this is a statistical literacy issue.
Newborn screening results in children with central hypothyroidism.

Objective To investigate newborn screening results in children with congenital hypopituitarism, including central hypothyroidism, and to determine whether there were differences between children who had abnormal results and children with normal newborn screening results. Study design Medical records of children with central hypothyroidism observed in our pediatric endocrinology clinics from 1990 to 2006 were reviewed. Results Forty-two subjects (22 boys) were identified. Eight children (19%) had a low total thyroxine level ( P = .037). Conclusions Most children with congenital central hypothyroidism have normal thyroid function at birth. Normal newborn screening results can be falsely reassuring and may contribute to a delay in diagnosis of hypopituitarism despite classic clinical features.
Convolutional network codes for reliable point-to-point wireless communication

This paper considers the idea of using convolutional network codes to code across blocks of packets at the transmitter in order to increase the reliability of a wireless link. The encoding and decoding operations exploit traditional convolutional codes and Viterbi decoders, respectively, and are defined in such a way to be compatible with existing technologies. We present results for the packet error rate (PER) of various convolutional network coding schemes and show that there is a steep decline in the PERs as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increases. We also show that it is possible to achieve large coding gains when a soft network decoder is used.
Superfluid-Like Stick−Slip Transition in Capillary Flow of Linear Polyethylene Melts. 1. General Features

This paper explores rheological characteristics of and molecular mechanism for a superfluid-like stick−slip transition occurring under controlled pressure in capillary flow of a series of highly entangled linear polyethylene (PE) melts and establishes its connection with the spurt flow phenomenon. The transition is signified by a large discontinuity in the flow rate at a critical stress, resulting in a double value within the flow curve. The magnitude of the transition can be quantified in terms of an extrapolation length, b. In particular, the superfluid-like flow transition occurs throughout a range of temperatures from T = 180 to 260 °C as long as a critical stress, σc, is exceeded. It is found that σc increases linearly with T, and bc at the transition remains around 1.7 mm at all the temperatures for the PE (MH20) of weight-average molecular weight Mw = 316 600. Thus the observed remarkably large interfacial slip is believed to be due to complete disentanglement of the adsorbed chains from free chain...
Underscoring the Influence of Inorganic Chemistry on Nuclear Imaging with Radiometals

Over the past several decades, radionuclides have matured from largely esoteric and experimental technologies to indispensible components of medical diagnostics. Driving this transition, in part, have been mutually necessary advances in biomedical engineering, nuclear medicine, and cancer biology. Somewhat unsung has been the seminal role of inorganic chemistry in fostering the development of new radiotracers. In this regard, the purpose of this Forum Article is to more visibly highlight the significant contributions of inorganic chemistry to nuclear imaging by detailing the development of five metal-based imaging agents: 64Cu-ATSM, 68Ga-DOTATOC, 89Zr-transferrin, 99mTc-sestamibi, and 99mTc-colloids. In a concluding section, several unmet needs both in and out of the laboratory will be discussed to stimulate conversation between inorganic chemists and the imaging community.
X-chromosome inactivation: a hypothesis linking ontogeny and phylogeny

In mammals, sex is determined by differential inheritance of a pair of dimorphic chromosomes: the gene-rich X chromosome and the gene-poor Y chromosome. To balance the unequal X-chromosome dosage between the XX female and XY male, mammals have adopted a unique form of dosage compensation in which one of the two X chromosomes is inactivated in the female. This mechanism involves a complex, highly coordinated sequence of events and is a very different strategy from those used by other organisms, such as the fruitfly and the worm. Why did mammals choose an inactivation mechanism when other, perhaps simpler, means could have been used? Recent data offer a compelling link between ontogeny and phylogeny. Here, we propose that X-chromosome inactivation and imprinting might have evolved from an ancient genome-defence mechanism that silences unpaired DNA.
Absorption strength of the perturbed ν4 band of CH3Cl

The nu-4 band of CH3Cl interacts strongly with the 3 nu-6 band. Levels of both bands are mixed and both appear strongly in absorption. The strengths of both bands have been measured taking into account the mixing of the levels. The absorption strengths of both bands can be related to a single parameter, namely, the strength of the unperturbed nu-4 band. This was calculated to be 41.8 per sq cm/atm at 297 K.
Gephyrin plays a key role in BDNF-dependent regulation of amygdala surface GABAARs

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critically involved in synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission. Our lab has previously found that BDNF activation of neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (TrkB) is required for fear memory formation and that GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunits and the GABAA clustering protein gephyrin are dynamically regulated during fear memory consolidation. We hypothesize that TrkB-dependent internalization of GABAARs may partially underlie a transient period of amygdala hyperactivation during fear memory consolidation. We have previously reported that BDNF modulates GABAAR α1 subunit sequestration in cultured hippocampal and amygdala neurons by differential phosphorylation pathways. At present, no studies have investigated the regulation of gephyrin and GABAAR α1 subunits following BDNF activation in the amygdala. In this study, we confirm the association of GABAAR α1 and γ2 subunits with gephyrin on mouse amygdala neurons by coimmunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry. We then demonstrate that rapid BDNF treatment, as well as suppression of gephyrin protein levels on amygdala neurons, induced sequestration of surface α1 subunits. Further, we find that rapid exposure of BDNF to primary amygdala cultures produced decreases in gephyrin levels, whereas longer exposure resulted in an eventual increase. While total α1 subunit levels remained unchanged, gephyrin was downregulated in whole cell homogenates, but enhanced in complexes with GABAARs. Our data with anisomycin suggest that BDNF may rapidly induce gephyrin protein degradation, with subsequent gephyrin synthesis occurring. Together, these findings suggest that gephyrin may be a key factor in BDNF-dependent GABAAR regulation in the amygdala. This work may inform future studies aimed at elucidating the pathways connecting BDNF, GABAA systems, gephyrin, and their role in underlying amygdala-dependent learning.
The relationship between retailer image and brand image

It is often assumed that retailers' and brands' images are affected by numerous factors. One factor affecting a retailer's image is the image of the brands being sold in the store. Brand image may also be affected by the image possessed by the selling retailer. By using Heider's formula for determining congruent relationships, an analysis of the reciprocal relationships existing between various retailers' and brands' images was conducted. Although retailers' images were affected by the brands' images and the brands' images were affected by the retailers' images, congruity often did not exist.