cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward a new CAD method for MIMO multi-rate digital controllers

The author presents a novel computer-aided-design method for multi-rate sampled-data feedback systems (MRSDFSs) with many nice features including naturalness and effectiveness. Naturalness means that a control engineer can express specifications in his terms, by referring directly to signal peaks, overshoots, RMS powers, pulse responses, etc., rather than other, less direct (and more opaque) expressions (e.g. a quadratic integral in LQR or LQG). Effectiveness means that if a controller meeting the specifications exists, then the method will find it. The three main concepts for the proposed MRSDFS CAD method are: (1) shift-invariant representations for multi-rate systems; (2) parametrization of stabilizing controllers and convexity of specifications; and (3) machine intelligence and control specification language compilers. Rather than rigorously discussing each topic in depth and full generality, the author chooses a simple example and discusses each concept as it arises in the course of designing a MRSDFS. >
On the accuracy of polynomial finite elements for crack problems

A square tensile sheet with symmetric edge cracks is analysed by the finite element method to demonstrate the accuracy obtained with polynomial elements when the mesh patterns are chosen on the basis of the element's interpolation functions. Numerical results are provided for the accuracy of the total strain energy, the stress intensity factor, and the numerical condition of the global stiffness matrix. The stress intensity factor is determined to within 1.0 per cent accuracy using quadratic (linear strain) triangular elements with only 138 degrees-of-freedom.
Age-Related Phenotypic Alterations in Populations of Purified Human Bone Precursor Cells

The ability to purify and characterize phenotypic markers of human bone precursor cells provides an important means to study the basis of age- or disease-related changes in osteogenesis. Utilizing immunologically purified and characterized populations of human bone preosteoblast-like cells, we demonstrate that distinct age-related alterations occur in bone cell phenotypic markers, and additionally document the presence of a subpopulation of elderly individuals who express markedly reduced amounts of bone proteins. These findings provide insights into the early phases of bone cell development, and provide a means for evaluating age- and/or disease-mediated changes in bone cell development.
Differences in the response of non-dividing human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) to inducers of DNA synthesis generated by cycling HDF and HeLa cells☆

The ability of non-dividing WI-38 cells from different passages to respond to inducers of DNA synthesis generated by other WI-38 cells in G1 or S and HeLa cells in S was studied. The non-dividing cells are refractory to inducers of DNA synthesis generated by WI-38 cells in S but respond to HeLa inducers after a lag period of 3 hours. The WI-38 cells in G1 are not inhibited from entering S in the presence of non-dividing cell nuclei in the heterokaryons.
First Principles Calculations of the Magnetic Structure in FeMn/Co Bilayers

We perform a first principles spin-dynamics simulation of the Fe0.5 Mno.5/Co(lll) interface in order to determine the orientational configuration of the magnetization in the ground state. We find that the magnetic configuration does not differ significantly from bulk Co in the Co, however it changes from a bulk 3Q configuration to a 1Q like antiferromagnetic configuration in Fe0.5Mn0.5. Additionally, the Fe0.5Mn0.5 moments are found to be mostly perpendicular to Co
The effects of periodontal curette handle weight and diameter on arm pain: A four-month randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background The design of periodontal curette handles may cause or aggravate arm pain in dental practitioners. The authors conducted a four-month randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of curette handle diameter and weight on arm pain among dental hygienists and dentists. Methods One hundred ten dental hygienists and dentists who performed scaling, root planing or dental prophylaxis procedures participated in this study. The authors assessed right wrist/hand, elbow/forearm and shoulder pain levels weekly. They randomized participants to receive either a set of light (14 grams) periodontal curettes with a large diameter (11 millimeters) or a set of heavy (34 g) periodontal curettes with a narrow diameter (8 mm). The authors compared changes in mean pain scores across the study period between intervention groups by using general linear models and controlling for covariates. Results The improvement in pain scores across the three body regions was greater for participants who used the lighter, wider-diameter curettes. In the final adjusted model, the differences were statistically significant only for the shoulder region ( P = .02). Conclusions The study results show that dental instrument design has an effect on upper-extremity pain in dental practitioners. Using a lighter instrument with a wider diameter may be an easy and cost-effective intervention to reduce or prevent upper-extremity pain associated with dental hygiene procedures. Clinical implications To prevent or reduce arm pain, practitioners should consider using lightweight instruments with large diameters when performing scaling and root planing procedures.
LGBT in Turkey: Policies and Experiences

While LGBT studies have been problematizing normative categories of sexuality primarily in Western cultures, the status of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in non-Western societies remains understudied. This study examines the political attitudes toward LGBT individuals in Turkish society and explores the experiences of transgender individuals. While Turkey holds a strong economic position among Western countries, the situation of sexual minorities lags behind international standards. This study explores two research questions. First, what is the Turkish government’s outlook for the LGBT community? Secondly, what kind of problems and challenges do trans-individuals experience in Turkey? This study first introduces a macro-level analysis of the politics of gender identity in Turkey by analyzing the debates of four deputies in the Turkish Parliament, each representing their parties’ disparate viewpoints. Secondly, a micro-level analysis of previously collected interviews with twenty-five trans-individuals are also examined that shed light on the difficulties of being a trans-individual in Turkey. The content analysis shows that trans-individuals experience physical, sexual, and emotional violence, in addition to experiencing discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare. The findings of this micro-level analysis elucidate the continuous discrimination, inequality, and violence that these individuals experience, while the macro-level analysis portrays the state’s discriminatory policies toward LGBT individuals in Turkey.
Path planning with multiple objectives

Most path planners are designed to generate a single path that is optimal in terms of some criterion such as path length or travel time. However, for realistic terrain navigation we wish to find a path that is reasonable to execute in a given environment. Therefore we must consider several factors, such as safety, time, and energy consumption. In this article the authors investigate how to find a set of paths (as opposed to a single path) so as to permit various choices concerning multiple criteria. They present simulation results to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and discuss an extension to navigation in time-varying scenes.
James M. Buchanan: Through an Austrian window

This tribute to the late James Buchanan is an elaboration of themes he developed on the importance of processes in real, experienced time, especially for individual choice. The conventional way of modeling choice is to think of it as the solution to a constrained maximization problem. If, however, we look at choice as a process in time it is inseparable from the evolution and self-development of the individual. Preferences emerge in the process of their becoming. The fundamental characteristic of choice is thus the expression of autonomy and not the satisfaction of given preferences. The implications of this for normative economics are explored.
Genetic and otolith isotopic markers identify salmon populations in the Columbia River at broad and fine geographic scales

Processes occurring in freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitats strongly influence the growth, survival and reproductive success of salmonids. Nonetheless, implementing an ecosystem model explicitly linking these important habitats has been hindered by the inability to track the source identity of individuals where they co-occur. Here we explore the development and integration of natural markers- molecular and isotopic to characterize the natal sources of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Mid and Upper Columbia River summer/fall-run (UCR Su/F) population. Microsatellite DNA markers identified the majority of juveniles collected in rivers and hatcheries in the Mid and Upper Columbia River watershed to the Summer/Fall-run population in this watershed with 90% posterior probabilities of group membership. Strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) measured in the natal rearing portion of the otolith showed significant geographic variation among natal rivers and hatcheries. Natal sites exhibited a wide dynamic range in 87Sr/86Sr source signatures (0.7043–0.7142), such that on average 61% of individuals were correctly classified to the location from which they were collected. We found that multilocus genotypes and otolith 87Sr/86Sr ratios collected on the same individuals were complementary markers when applied in a hierarchy. Microsatellites successfully assigned individuals to the broader UCR Su/F genetic group and 87Sr/86Sr provided finer-scale geographic assignments to five natal river and hatchery groups nested within the UCR Su/F population. The temporal stability of both genetic and 87Sr/86Sr markers, together with the coast-wide microsatellite baseline currently being used for mixed-stock fisheries management supports the further development and integration of 87Sr/86Sr markers to potentially achieve finer levels of stock resolution. Stock identification at the scales of individual rivers and hatcheries would help elucidate the abundance, distribution, and the relative contributions of natal sources important for the recovery and spatial management of Chinook salmon.
Rectangle-efficient aggregation in spatial data streams

We consider the estimation of aggregates over a data stream of multidimensional axis-aligned rectangles. Rectangles are a basic primitive object in spatial databases, and efficient aggregation of rectangles is a fundamental task. The data stream model has emerged as a de facto model for processing massive databases in which the data resides in external memory or the cloud and is streamed through main memory. For a point p, let n(p) denote the sum of the weights of all rectangles in the stream that contain p. We give near-optimal solutions for basic problems, including (1) the k-th frequency moment Fk = ∑ points p|n(p)|k, (2)~the counting version of stabbing queries, which seeks an estimate of n(p) given p, and (3) identification of heavy-hitters, i.e., points p for which n(p) is large. An important special case of Fk is F0, which corresponds to the volume of the union of the rectangles. This is a celebrated problem in computational geometry known as "Klee's measure problem", and our work yields the first solution in the streaming model for dimensions greater than one.
Effects of Dietary Protein Quality On Drug Metabolism in the Rat

To determine effects of dietary protein quality on drug metabolism, two groups of male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed gluten ( group 1 ) and casein (group 2) diets containing 18% protein for 10 days. Feeding a gluten diet significantly reduced hepatic microsoinal protein, cytochrome P-450 and drug metabolism in vivo and in vitro. In group 1, hexobarbital sleeping time was markedly prolonged and both ethylmorphine and aniline metabolism in hepatic 9,000 X g supernatant fractions were lowered. Prior treatment with diethylaminoethyl 2,2-diphenyIvalerate-HCl (SKF 525-A) prolonged hexobarbital narcosis to a greater magnitude in group 2. Aniline metabolism in vitro was inhibited by SKF 525-A in group 2 but not in group 1. PhA©nobarbital(PB) pretreatment shortened hexobarbital sleeping time and increased ethylmorphine JV-de- methylation and aniline hydroxylation both in groups 1 and 2; the latter two reactions were much greater in group 2. Increase in drug metabolism by PB was accompanied by a parallel rise in microsoinal protein and cytochrome P-450 with group 2 animals exhibiting relatively higher levels than group 1. These data indicate that drug metab olism and microsomal enzyme inhibition or induction in rats vary with the quality of dietary protein and the type of drug. J. Nutr. 103: 1425-1430, 1973.
Equine-related injury: a retrospective analysis of outcomes over a 10-year period.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and financial loss caused by equine-related injuries may be significant. The purposes of this study were to determine the patterns of equine-related injury and the impact on outcomes. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review of equine-related injuries was performed. Age, gender, mechanism, injury severity score, Glasgow Coma Score, length of stay, surgical interventions, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: Of 80 emergency department evaluations, 76 patients were admitted and form the basis of this study. The most frequent mechanism of injury was fall (68%), followed by crush injuries (15%), kicks (8%), and trampling (5%). Musculoskeletal injuries were most common (64%). Thirty-eight (50%) patients required surgical intervention. Thirty-seven (52%) patients were discharged home; 34% required outpatient physical therapy, and 14% required inpatient rehabilitation. The mortality rate was 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Equine-related injuries resulted in significant morbidity; most victims required outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation. The use of preventive strategies may minimize mortality and reduce the financial impact of postinjury morbidity.
Quantitative gated blood pool SPECT: analysis of 3-dimensional models for the assessment of regional myocardial wall motion.

Abstract Background. Gated blood pool single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (GBPS) uses truly 3-dimensional (3D) data, requiring attention to appropriate reference systems and segmentation models for proper quantification. To date, optimal 3D reference models have not been evaluated. In this study several techniques for 3D GBPS were evaluated. Methods and Results. Static and dynamic cardiac phantom evaluations were performed, and GBPS studies for 3 healthy subjects and 9 patients were processed by a variety of 3D analysis techniques to determine the optimum parameters for identification of abnormal segments when compared with coronary arteriography and left ventriculography. Left ventricular wall motion was quantified by calculation of regional ejection fraction (rEF) through use of count, volume, and cord length changes from end diastole to end systole. Three contractile models were evaluated: (1) fixed center of mass (COM), (2) floating COM, and (3) a modification of the method developed by Slager et al (J Am Coll Cardiol 1986;7:317-26), based on the motion of implanted endocardial markers. Eight, twelve, and eighteen 3D segments were analyzed by means of the 3 contractile models and correlated against coronary artery disease assessed by coronary arteriography. Single-head gamma-camera acquisition provided adequate counting statistics to reliably compute rEF for up to 18 left ventricular segments. Using count changes the overall results were able to identify myocardium supplied by diseased coronary arteries when compared with coronary arteriography. Cord length and, to a lesser degree, volume changes provided somewhat poorer sensitivities and specificities when compared with rEF computed from regional count changes, as compared with coronary arteriography. Conclusions. Three-dimensional quantitative GBPS appears to be a sensitive method for assessing wall motion defects due to coronary artery disease. (J Nucl Cardiol 2002;9:271-84.)
Idiographically Desirable Responding: Individual Differences in Perceived Trait Desirability Predict Overclaiming:

ObjectiveConventional measures of self–report bias implicitly assume consistent patterns of overclaiming across individuals. We contrast this with the effects of individual differences in views of ...
Sodium-coupled transporters for Krebs cycle intermediates.

▪ Abstract Krebs cycle intermediates such as succinate, citrate, and α-ketoglutarate are transferred across plasma membranes of cells by secondary active transporters that couple the downhill movement of sodium to the concentrative uptake of substrate. Several transporters have been identified in isolated membrane vesicles and cells based on their functional properties, suggesting the existence of at least three or more Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter proteins in a given species. Recently, several cDNAs, called NaDC-1, coding for the low-affinity Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporters have been isolated from rabbit, human, and rat kidney. The Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporters are part of a distinct gene family that includes the renal and intestinal Na+/sulfate cotransporters. Other members of this family include a Na+- and Li+-dependent dicarboxylate transporter from Xenopus intestine and a putative Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter from rat intestine. The current model of secondary structure in NaDC-1 contains 11...
Photodefinable silicone MEMS gaskets and O-rings for microfluidics packaging

Fully-integrated MEMS gaskets and O-rings made of SU8 and photosensitive silicone are described and tested under varying conditions of compressive stress. An analytical theory of microgasket sealing behavior is also presented. The theory shows the critical importance of device surface flatness. The microgasket is found to be capable of deforming approximately 25% of its initial thickness and forming leak-free fluidic seals at inlet pressures below 50 psi. The microgasket is incorporated into a modular microfluidic system that exhibits system leak rates lower than 2.3 nL/min for working pressures up to 250 psi. Fabricated chip-to-chip interconnects exhibit a low dead volume of approximately 9 nL while further optimization can reduce dead volume per interconnect to about 1 nL.
Jointing within the outer arc of a forebulge at the onset of the Alleghanian Orogeny

The oldest joint set in Devonian rocks of western New York state has an atypical NS strike and predates regionally more abundant NW-striking and ENE-striking joints driven by hydrocarbon-related fluid decompression. The NS joints originated in higher modulus diagenetic carbonate and were driven initially by a different mechanism, either joint-normal stretching and/or thermoelastic contraction. The origin of these joints in higher modulus carbonate concretions indicates the presence of a tensile stress produced by uniform regional extensional strain. Upper Devonian shale hosting the NS joints crops out in that area of the Appalachian Basin where a Morrowan erosional unconformity marks the region of maximum upward lithospheric flexure of an early Alleghanian forebulge. The NS strike of these early joints points to a forebulge stretching axis oriented approximately east-west and associated in time and space with crustal loading that drove both the Northfieldian Orogeny and the underplating of the Bronson Hill Anticlinorium in New England. Ultimately, subsidence of the Morrowan forebulge buried the Upper Devonian shale succession to the oil window during the latter part of the Alleghanian tectonic cycle resulting in the propagation of fluid driven NW- and ENE-trending joints in black shale.
Exclusive and inclusive theories of property rights: Rejoinder to Horne

Contrary to Thomas Horne's propensity to consider arguments concerning property rights and poverty as exclusive and self‐contained topics within the political discourse of liberalism, they should be seen as part of the defense of democratic and market institutions that is central to the historical development of liberalism. The problems arising from the relationship of property rights to poverty, therefore, need to be included in any assessment of the success or failure of the institutions of a democratic market society to realize their objectives.
Analysis of Biopsies From Duodenal Bulbs of All Endoscopy Patients Increases Detection of Abnormalities but has a Minimal Effect on Diagnosis of Celiac Disease.

Background & Aims In patients with positive results from serologic tests for celiac disease, analysis of tissues samples from the duodenal bulb, in addition to those from other parts of the small bowel, might increase the diagnostic yield. However, biopsies are not routinely collected from the duodenal bulb because of concerns that villous atrophy detected there could be caused by other disorders (Brunner glands or peptic duodenitis, gastric metaplasia, shorter villi, or lymphoid follicles). We investigated whether analysis of biopsies from duodenal bulbs of all patients undergoing endoscopy (a population with a low probability for celiac disease) increases diagnoses of celiac disease. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 679 patients (63% female; mean age, 50 years) from whom duodenal bulb and small bowel biopsies were collected during endoscopy at 3 Mayo Clinic sites, from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Records were reviewed for age, sex, pathology findings, serology test results (HLA DQ2 or DQ), indications for biopsy analyses, and adherence to a gluten-free diet. Patients with celiac disease were identified on the basis of increased intraepithelial lymphocytosis, with or without villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia, and results from serology tests. Findings from duodenal bulbs were compared with diagnoses using the Fisher exact test. Results Of all patients undergoing endoscopy, 16 patients (2%) were found to have celiac disease. Analysis of the duodenal bulb biopsies identified 1 patient (0.1%) with celiac disease limited to this region. Of 399 patients whose celiac serology was not known before endoscopic examination, only 2 patients had histologic changes consistent with celiac disease but not limited to duodenal bulb. Abnormal duodenal histology was detected in 265 patients (39%), most commonly in the bulb (n = 241; P Conclusions In a low pretest probability cohort, separate sampling of the duodenal bulb had minimal effect on celiac disease detection. Abnormal histologic findings are more commonly detected in the duodenal bulb; although they do not seem to impair identification of celiac disease, their clinical implications are unclear.
Enhanced expression of a peanut agglutinin reactive O linked oligosaccharide on fibronectins from the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatic disease: quantitation, domain localization, and functional significance.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the domain localization, quantitation, and functional binding consequences of an O linked oligosaccharide expressed on synovial fluid (SF) fibronectin (Fn). METHODS: Identification and localization of the O linked oligosaccharide was performed by limited digestion of isolated SF Fn with a series of proteolytic enzymes followed by Western blotting with peroxidase labeled peanut agglutinin. Binding affinity to denatured collagen was performed utilizing a solid phase gelatin-binding assay. Quantitation was performed by measuring purified Fn in an antibody-lectin sandwich binding assay. RESULTS: A desialyated O linked oligosaccharide was identified on the C-terminal 18 kDa segment of the SF Fn collagen-binding domain. These SF collagen-binding Fn fragments were more basic and had higher gelatin-binding affinities than corresponding plasma fibronectin fragments. Expression of this O linked oligosaccharide was highest on Fn isolated from osteoarthritic SF, followed by Fn isolated from rheumatoid arthritis SF, and finally normal human plasma. CONCLUSION: Fn isolated from SF have glycosylation alterations that may influence their biologic properties in the diseased joint.
It matters what managers think: A cognitive approach to identifying strategic industry groups

Research Translation Firms do not strategize in isolation. Instead they take strategic action with a view towards what competitors are doing. However, industry boundaries are often too broad to identify who is competing against whom. For example, does a firm such as Xerox compete against the remaining Bell System communication firms? With Canon? Or with IBM? The issue of how to identify competitors has perplexed corporate strategists charged with competitive intelligence and academic researchers alike for two decades.
Packing systematics and structural relationships of the new copper molybdate markascherite and related minerals

The structural relationships between the new mineral markascherite, ideally Cu3(MoO4)(OH)4, and the related minerals szenicsite, antlerite, deloryite, flinkite, retzian, and cahnite are analyzed using hypothetical ideal closest-packed equivalents. Markascherite and the first three related minerals are based on cubic closest-packing (CCP) of anions, flinkite is based on stacking sequence ABAC, and retzian and cahnite are based on hexagonal closest-packing (HCP). However, models that are more realistic than those based on CP can be constructed for retzian and cahnite using small but systematic alterations of CP monolayers. A regular pattern of slight dislocations of some of the spheres in the monolayers creates dodecahedral interstitial sites when the monolayers are stacked, a feature not seen in perfect CP. The use of ideal crystals removes all distortion from polyhedra in closest-packed minerals, allowing for comparison of structural similarities and differences. CCP minerals can have up to four nonequivalent stacking directions. Corresponding stacking directions in the minerals of interest are identified and used to compare the layers of cation coordination polyhedra perpendicular to these zones or face poles (stacking directions are presented in both direct space and reciprocal space). Such layers are natural structural subunits and provide insight into the relationships among these minerals.
Environmental Performance Analysis of a Single Family House Using BIM

Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are major indicators of environmental performance of any building. In the recent years, the need for much-improved energy efficient performance in the housing sector has substantially grown due to serious energy concerns in the United States. According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, energy use for buildings in the Unites States is appreciably higher than in other regions, and this is likely to continue. The lack of a structured approach to planned use of the sustainability features like post occupancy evaluation, benchmarking against similar projects, or setting performance targets has made the situation grimmer. For the past 50 years, a wide variety of building energy simulation programs have been developed, improved and are in use throughout the building energy community. With the advancement in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and simulation technology, the environmental performance of buildings can be assessed before their actual construction. The primary goal of this research was to analyze annual energy consumption and CO2 emissions in a single family house in Florida occupied by a defined type of household using BIM. The secondary goal was to compare the results with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data published in the Building Energy Data book (DOE 2009) for validation purposes and to establish the importance of BIM and its use in simulation. This research has shown that BIM when used in conjunction with computer-aided building simulation is a very valuable tool in the study of energy performance, design and operation of buildings. Using energy simulation technology at the design stage of dwellings facilitates the sustainability decision making process.
Contingent Party Pressure and Legislative Gridlock

Although several legislative gridlock models have produced different results in terms of legislative gridlock under divided government, these studies have neglected contingent party pressures. This paper suggests an alternative contingent party pressure model. The main result of this model is that legislative gridlock is affected by the interactions of issue salience and government types. High issue salience increases legislative gridlock under unified government and, in contrast, decreases under divided government.
Southern Pecan Leaf Phylloxera (Homoptera: Phylloxeridae): Clonal Resistance and Technique for Evaluation

Forty-six pecan clones (cultivars or selections) were artificially infested with the southern pecan leaf phylloxera, Phylloxera russellae Stoetzel, to determine resistance. The trees were inoculated by attaching branches from‘Mahan’trees infested with overwintering eggs. Thirty-two clones were resistant, and 14 showed various degrees of susceptibility. Some clones formed small galls from the introduced nymphs but formed normal size galls from a native or indigenous population.
Family Communication Patterns and Perceptions of Coparental Communication

This study tested the associations among family communication patterns (i.e., conversation and conformity orientations) and young adults’ perceptions of coparental communication. Participants included 493 young adult children from intact and divorced families. Whereas conversation orientation was positively associated with perceptions of coparental communication quality, conformity orientation was negatively associated with perceptions of coparental communication quality. After controlling for divorce status and number of siblings, conversation orientation was predictive of both supportive and antagonistic coparental communication, although the effect of conversation orientation on antagonistic coparental communication was moderated by conformity orientation.
Calculation Example of Regional Environment Bearing Capacity

Water environment bearing capacity and atmosphere environment bearing capacity were calculated by taking Lecheng Estate(Industrial) Transfer Zone as the example through different computing models.The results showed that the environment bearing capacity of CODCr was 5676.48 t/a,NH3-N was 332.88 t/a,SO2 was 538.52 t/a,NO2 was 376.8 t/a and PM10 was 612.65 t/a.
Imaging of post-transplant spindle cell tumors

Spindle/smooth muscle cell proliferation is an additional neoplastic process related to immunosuppression and EBV infection. We describe four post transplant children with this diagnosis. Multiple organ systems may be involved, particularly the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. Lesions are radiographically, clinically, and endoscopically indistinguishable from those of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD).
Amiloride-sensitive sodium channels in rabbit cortical collecting tubule primary cultures.

Patch-clamp methodology was applied to principal cell apical membranes of rabbit cortical collecting tubule (CCT) primary cultures grown on collagen supports in the presence of aldosterone (1.5 microM). The most frequently observed channel had a unit conductance of 3-5 pS, nonlinear current-voltage (I-V) relationship, Na permeability (PNa)-to-K permeability (PK) ratio greater than 19:1, and inward current at all applied potentials (Vapp) less than +80 mV (n = 41). Less frequently, an 8- to 10-pS channel with a linear I-V curve, PNa/PK less than 5:1, and inward current at Vapp less than +40 mV was also observed (n = 7). Luminal amiloride (0.75 microM) decreased the open probability (Po) for both of these channels. Mean open time for the high-selectivity Na+ channel was 2.1 +/- 0.5 s and for the low-selectivity Na+ channel was 50 +/- 12 ms. In primary cultures grown without aldosterone the high-selectivity Na+ channel was rarely observed (1 of 32 patches). Lastly, a 26- to 35-pS channel, nonselective for Na...
Radiation Dose to the Breast by 64-slice CT: Effects of Scanner Model and Study Protocol.

Rationale and Objectives This work aimed to study the effects of scanner model and study protocol on radiation dose received by breast tissues from 64-slice computed tomography (CT) studies. Materials and Methods Four scanner models and three study protocols were used in scanning an anthropomorphic phantom with breast modules. Each protocol follows recommendations or guidelines from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and the American College of Radiology. Twenty thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed inside the breast modules to measure breast tissue doses. Both the absolute and the normalized breast tissue doses were analyzed. Results The mean glandular doses of a lung cancer screening CT, a chest/abdomen/pelvis CT, and a virtual colonoscopy CT are equivalent to less than 1, 5–7, and 1–3 two-view digital mammograms, respectively, for a standard-sized patient. The normalized breast dose differs significantly (P < 0.01) between lung cancer screening CT and chest/abdomen/pelvis CT; however, it shows less than ±10% variation among scanner models for the same protocol. In virtual colonoscopy CT, breast tissue dose decreases with the distance between local tissues to the edge of the x-ray field, although the decreasing trend varies for different scanner models and protocol settings. Conclusions When breasts are entirely included in the primary x-ray field, breast dose by 64-slice CT is mainly protocol dependent, with the normalized breast dose about 15% lower for protocols with modulated mA than for those with constant mA; when breasts are only partially included in the primary beam field, breast dose by 64-slice CT is dependent on both the scanner model and the protocol settings.
Building a meta-predictor for MHC class II-binding peptides.

Prediction of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide binding is a challenging task due to variable length of binding peptides. Different computational methods have been developed; however, each has its own strength and weakness. In order to provide reliable prediction, it is important to design a system that enables the integration of outcomes from various predictors. In this chapter, the procedure of building such a meta-predictor based on Naive Bayesian approach is introduced. The system is designed in such a way that results obtained from any number of individual predictors can be easily incorporated. This meta-predictor is expected to give users more confidence in the prediction.
Estudo HIPOGAIA: monitorização da hipocoagulação oral com dicumarínicos no concelho de Gaia

Resumo Introducao A terapeutica com anticoagulantes e uma medida eficaz na prevencao de eventos tromboembolicos. Das patologias que requerem este tratamento, a fibrilhacao auricular (FA) e das que tem maior expressao a nivel mundial, com uma prevalencia de 1,5‐2%. Objetivos Aferir a qualidade da monitorizacao de doentes com FA nao valvular sob anticoagulantes dicumarinicos, nas unidades funcionais (UF) do concelho de Gaia. Material e metodos Estudo observacional retrospetivo analitico. Populacao: doentes inscritos nas 37 UF dos ACeS Gaia e Espinho‐Gaia sob hipocoagulacao com dicumarinicos, durante o ano de 2014. Fonte dos dados: TAOnet®. Variaveis estudadas: ACeS, UF, idade, genero, INR, tempo em intervalo terapeutico (TTR) e terapeutica. O TTR foi calculado pelo metodo de interpolacao linear de Rosendaal. Foram consideradas no minimo seis visitas por doente. Tratamento estatistico: Microsoft Excel® 2010 e SPSS®21. Resultados Foram estudados 479 doentes com FA nao valvular, o que correspondeu a 5883 registos. O TTR medio foi de 67,4% (± 6,5). Apresentaram mau controlo da hipocoagulacao (TTR Discussao O nosso estudo revela um padrao de controlo de hipocoagulacao moderado, mas superior ao encontrado noutros estudos. No entanto, consideramos que ainda ha um grande potencial de melhoria nos cuidados de hipocoagulacao prestados nos cuidados de saude primarios.
Structures of Ionic Liquids Having Both Anionic and Cationic Octyl Tails: Lamellar Vacuum Interface vs Sponge-Like Bulk Order

Numerous experimental and computational studies have shown that the structure of ionic liquids is significantly influenced by confinement and by interactions with interfaces. The nature of the interface can affect the immediate ordering of cations and anions, changing important rheological characteristics relevant to lubrication. Most studies suggest that such changes are local or short-ranged and that bulk properties are reestablished on a length scale of a few nanometers. The current study focuses on the 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium octylsulfate ionic liquid for which both the cation and anion have moderate length linear alkyl tails. For this system, we find that the bulk phase is dominated by the very common sponge-like morphology characteristic of many ionic liquids. However, at the vacuum interface, a lamellar structure is observed that is not restricted to the vicinity of the surface but instead extends across the full 9 nm slab of our simulation. We suspect that in reality it could extend significan...
The Small Oscillations of the Relativistic Bag

During the last years many investigations in the field of elementary particles have been devoted to the study of the properties of extended structures. These structures may arise as non-perturbative solutions to some conventional field theory, as for instance the solutions, or may be defined through the introduction of some specific action, like the relativistic string or the relativistic bag.
Simulation of quantum electronic transport in small devices: a master equation approach

We describe a formulation of quantum electron transport in small devices based on a master equation. We sketch its derivation from the Liouville-von Neumann equation, especially alluding to the subtle issues related to irreversibility. We also present results regarding ballistic and dissipative transport in double gate Si FETs.
The National Pension Crisis: A Test in Law, Economics, and Morality

This article explores the national retirement income security crisis. While the current arguments about how to meet the crisis portray the problem as both financial and political, this article concedes that America's workers do not have financial and political arguments for making their November-December years secure. They do have, however, a strong moral argument which needs to be explicitly acknowledged so that the crisis is not seen solely as one of finance or political will. This article explores in some detail how the three-legged stool of private/public pension plans, personal savings, and Social Security is failing to provide a fundamental minimum of security for too many people. The language of the Judeo-Christian tradition inherent in Catholic Social Teaching is employed. The article argues that adequate security for old age is an inherent part of a living wage. In addition, the author asserts that neither private employers nor the taxpayers are entitled to the labor of employees who have to face their last years with inadequate security. The article does not propose any particular solution in new laws or policy because the province of moral criticism is to evaluate the effects of laws and policies both old and new.
The Varied Effects of Tetraalkylammonium Cations on the Properties of DNA

We have been examining the effect of monovalent cations on the melting transition of short model DNA hairpins using capillary electrophoresis. Here we focus on the effects contributed by two disparate monovalent cations, Na and tetrabutylammonium (TBA). Each melting transition yields two parameters, the melting temperature and the amplitude. The dependence of the melting temperature on cation concentration indicates the number of cations released upon melting. Our measurements indicate that more Na is released than TBA upon melting. By contrast, the amplitude of the transition is greater in TBA than in Na. We interpret these observations to indicate that the condensed counter ion cloud about DNA contains fewer TBA than Na, owing to the larger size and apolar surface of TBA. Consequently, the net charge of DNA is greater in TBA than in Na, increasing mobility but lowering the Tm by about 20o due to charge repulsion. This accounts for the ability of TBA to function as a DNA denaturant. A second feature of TBA is that it appears to associate preferentially with AT base pairs and that such association is diminished in sequences containing A-tracts, four or more contiguous AT base pairs
Developing Data Marts for Healthcare

Research shows that information technology adoption in healthcare continues to lag behind many other industries, In response to this challenge tThis paper outlines a graduate course designed to give students a hands-on experience in building a data mart in a healthcare setting. Students will learn technical skills as well as team work, communication and problem solving skills. The structure of the course requires students to apply classroom concepts. For example, students use multiple methods to collect information for multidimensional modeling techniques as they identify various InfoObjects, such as characteristics, units, key figures and time characteristics. This course design presents an opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in building a healthcare-related system in SAP and thereby developing highly marketable skills.
Functional Neuroimaging in Traumatic Brain Injury: From Nodes to Networks

Since the invention of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), thousands of studies in healthy and clinical samples have enlightened our understanding of the organization of cognition in the human brain and neuroplastic changes following brain disease and injury. Increasingly, studies involve analyses rooted in complex systems theory and analysis applied to clinical samples. Given the complexity in available approaches, concise descriptions of the theoretical motivation of network techniques and their relationship to traditional approaches and theory are necessary. To this end, this review concerns the use of fMRI to understand basic cognitive function and dysfunction in the human brain scaling from emphasis on basic units (or ``nodes”) in the brain to interactions within and between brain networks. First, major themes and theoretical issues in the scientific study of the injured brain are introduced to contextualize these analyses, particularly concerning functional ``brain reorganization". Then, analytic approaches ranging from the voxel level to the systems level using graph theory and related approaches are reviewed as complementary approaches to examine neurocognitive processes following TBI. Next, some major findings relevant to functional reorganization hypotheses are discussed. Finally, major open issues in functional network analyses in neurotrauma are discussed in theoretical, analytic, and translational terms.
Surface-Initiated Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Dicyclopentadiene from the Vapor Phase.

Surface-attached polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD) films were prepared on gold and silicon substrates via surface-initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization (SI-ROMP) of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). The films were grown utilizing monomer in both the vapor phase and the solution phase with the former process exhibiting rapid kinetics, producing ∼400-nm-thick pDCPD films in less than 1 min of polymerization. No significant differences in thickness were observed for films grown from monomer in the vapor phase with the different isomers (exo and endo) of DCPD. Decane was used as an inert additive to control the concentration of DCPD monomer in the vapor phase enabling the preparation of pDCPD films with thickness ranging from tens of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. The thickness of pDCPD films polymerized using monomer in the vapor phase was enhanced by the presence of a rinse solvent on the surface of the ROMP-active gold substrates. The choice of ROMP catalyst was found to be an important consideration...
Wetting Phenomena in 3He-4He Mixtures on Weak and Superweak Substrates

We explore wetting phenomena in3He-4He mixtures adsorbed on the newly discovered superweak oxidized alkali metal substrates. An approximate description of the relationship between the substrate work function and the substrate adsorbate potential well depth D is given. Within a slab model we derive the wetting phase diagram at liquid-vapor coexistence. On oxidized cesium at T = 0 we obtain the values of D for which triple point dewetting vanishes and for which pure3He ceases to wet. Reduction of D leads to the disappearance of wetting at the substrate-3He interface in an interesting scenario violating the Cahn wetting theorem.
The Stability of Parenting: A Longitudinal Analysis of Inner-City African-American Mothers

We examined the stability of authoritative parenting behaviors in a sample of 124 low-income, inner-city, African-American families. Parental monitoring and warmth were assessed longitudinally across four years. Test-retest correlation coefficients indicated the relative stability of both parental monitoring and warmth over the four-year assessment period was high, particularly for girls. In contrast, analyses of variance did not provide evidence for absolute stability as both parental monitoring and warmth declined across assessments, regardless of gender of child. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the historical context of monitoring is important to consider as earlier parental monitoring behaviors accounted for unique variance in later parental monitoring behaviors, beyond that accounted for by the most recent assessment. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Tunicates: A Vertebrate Ancestral Source of Antitumor Compounds

An alarming increase in cancer deaths around the globe has sparked a quest for new effective antitumor drugs developed through biological screening of both terrestrial and marine organisms. Recently, analyses of marine-derived alkaloids isolated from tunicates, a close relative to vertebrates, reveal various anti-cancer activities including anti-angiogenic action, anti-proliferative activity, inhibition of key cellular events like topoisomerase function and tubulin polymerization with respect to cytotoxicity and apoptosis . Vast numbers of potential anticancer molecules in the marine biosphere cannot be underestimated. Tunicate compounds have already entered the market and shown significant success. Moreover, improved technology has enabled synthesis of these molecules by a diverse cadre of professionals including career biologists, immunobiologists, invertebrate immunologists, and marine biologists who use an amazing array of procedures. Although there are no guarantees of consistently reliable success, identifying and comprehending the basic nature of these compounds is a promising first step towards unique pharmaceutical designs that promise to provide a therapeutic solution.