cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thick axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer on a circular cylinder

Two similarity laws for a thick, axisymmetric, turbulent boundary layer on a long circular cylinder are presented. In the law-of-the-wall region, the validity of the assumption of a constant-stress moment is analyzed and a new logarithmic mixing-length model, which takes into account the transverse-curvature effect on turbulence, is proposed. Using this mixing-length model, a law of the wall is derived which is given in terms of the exponential integral in the logarithmic portion. When the boundary layer is very thick relative to the radius of the cylinder, the flow in the outer region of the boundary layer is similar to an axisymmetric wake. With this analogy, a velocity-defect law is derived in terms of confluent hypergeometric functions known as Kummer functions. Both similarity laws are compared with the available data.
Digitally Evolving Models for Dynamically Adaptive Systems

Developing a Dynamically Adaptive System (DAS) requires a developer to identify viable target systems that can be adopted by the DAS at runtime in response to specific environmental conditions, while satisfying critical properties. This paper describes a preliminary investigation into using digital evolution to automatically generate models of viable target systems. In digital evolution, a population of self-replicating computer programs exists in a user-defined computational environment and is subject to instruction-level mutations and natural selection. These "digital organisms" have no built-in ability to generate a model - each population begins with a single organism that only has the ability to self-replicate. In a case study, we demonstrate that digital evolution can be used to evolve known state diagrams and to further evolve these diagrams to satisfy system critical properties. This result shows that digital evolution can be used to aid in the discovery of the viable target systems of a DAS.
IC interconnect technology-challenges and opportunities

This paper reviews the status and challenges in interconnect technologies for integrated circuits (IC) applications. In order to meet the requirements in performance. power consumption, reliability, processing cost, and manufacturing yield, new materials and integration architectures must be introduced to IC interconnects while novel circuit architectures and new design schemes must be explored to mitigate the challenges and difficulties. The technological challenges in IC interconnects provide tremendous multidisciplinary and innovative research and development opportunities in architectures, processing, integration, materials, and characterization methodologies.
Preservation of Duplicate Genes by Complementary, Degenerative Mutations

The origin of organismal complexity is generally thought to be tightly coupled to the evolution of new gene functions arising subsequent to gene duplication. Under the classical model for the evolution of duplicate genes, one member of the duplicated pair usually degenerates within a few million years by accumulating deleterious mutations, while the other duplicate retains the original function. This model further predicts that on rare occasions, one duplicate may acquire a new adaptive function, resulting in the preservation of both members of the pair, one with the new function and the other retaining the old. However, empirical data suggest that a much greater proportion of gene duplicates is preserved than predicted by the classical model. Here we present a new conceptual framework for understanding the evolution of duplicate genes that may help explain this conundrum. Focusing on the regulatory complexity of eukaryotic genes, we show how complementary degenerative mutations in different regulatory elements of duplicated genes can facilitate the preservation of both duplicates, thereby increasing long-term opportunities for the evolution of new gene functions. The duplication-degeneration-complementation (DDC) model predicts that (1) degenerative mutations in regulatory elements can increase rather than reduce the probability of duplicate gene preservation and (2) the usual mechanism of duplicate gene preservation is the partitioning of ancestral functions rather than the evolution of new functions. We present several examples (including analysis of a new engrailed gene in zebrafish) that appear to be consistent with the DDC model, and we suggest several analytical and experimental approaches for determining whether the complementary loss of gene subfunctions or the acquisition of novel functions are likely to be the primary mechanisms for the preservation of gene duplicates. For a newly duplicated paralog, survival depends on the outcome of the race between entropic decay and chance acquisition of an advantageous regulatory mutation. Sidow (1996, p. 717) On one hand, it may fix an advantageous allele giving it a slightly different, and selectable, function from its original copy. This initial fixation provides substantial protection against future fixation of null mutations, allowing additional mutations to accumulate that refine functional differentiation. Alternatively, a duplicate locus can instead first fix a null allele, becoming a pseudogene. Walsh (1995, p. 426) Duplicated genes persist only if mutations create new and essential protein functions, an event that is predicted to occur rarely. Nadeau and Sankoff (1997, p. 1259) Thus overall, with complex metazoans, the major mechanism for retention of ancient gene duplicates would appear to have been the acquisition of novel expression sites for developmental genes, with its accompanying opportunity for new gene roles underlying the progressive extension of development itself. Cooke et al. (1997, p. 362)
Gibberellin Effect on Tryptophan Metabolism, Auxin Destruction, and Abscission in Coleus

Application of gibberellic acid (GA) to the apical region of the stem enhances 14CO2 release from tryptophan-l-14C in cell free preparations of the apical region. Although GA when applied to the apical region markedly accelerates abscission rates of debladed petioles at the 4th node, the enhancement effect on tryptophan metabolism appears to be restricted to the apical bud region. The increased levels of diffusible auxin in Coleus stems, observed earlier by Muir and Valdovinos (1965), appear to be due to the GA effect on auxin precursor conversion rather than to an altered rate of auxin destruction. GA pre-treatment does not significantly alter destruction rates of auxin in the stem tissue. This is demonstrated by the release of 14CO2 from IAA-1-14C by sections of internode tissue. While a multiple deblading pattern retards abscission of debladed petioles considerably, application of GA to debladed petioles at the basal region of the stem restores the normal rates of abscission at debladed distal nodes. No significant change in the abscission rates at treated nodes is observed. The GA effect on abscission at distal nodes is attributed to the effect of the growth substance on auxin precursor conversion in the apical region. In these experiments, as in the case of plants treated in the apical region with GA, auxin destruction rates in the stem are not altered significantly.
Molecular and cellular biology of von Willebrand factor.

Von Willebrand factor (vWF), a central protein in the regulation of blood coagulation, serves as a major adhesive link between platelets and the blood vessel wall and also functions as a carrier in plasma for factor VIII. Abnormalities of vWF result in von Willebrand disease (vWD), a common inherited human bleeding disorder. Deficient von Willebrand factor function has been proposed as potentially protective against the development of coronary vascular disease and several recent investigational therapies are directed at the vWF-platelet interaction. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the biosynthesis and processing of vWF and the relationship of vWF structure to function. Finally, recent progress in identifying specific genetic mutations responsible for the many variants of vWD is discussed.
The values and limitations of deductive analysis and electrophysiological testing in patients with sinoatrial arrhythmias.

We reviewed the values and the limitations of deductive analysis and electrophysiological testing of sinoatrial arrhythmias (SAA). Both methods have a place in the evaluation of SAA and are complementary. Careful analysis of the surface ECG and the response of the sinus node to various tachyarrhythmias and to atrial premature beats can provide important information about the automatically of the sinus node and sinoatrial and atriosinus conduction. Because of the sporadic nature of some SAA, the surface ECG sometimes must be supplemented by ambulatory ECG recording. This approach improves one's ability to analyze the underlying mechanism and it can also clarify the relation between the SAA and the patient's symptoms. Electrophysiological testing can be employed to reproduce certain SAA and to assess the effects of various drugs on sinus node function. This approach is superior to deductive analysis in the identification of some sinoatrial conduction abnormalities and sinus node reentry. Among the disadvantages of electrophysiological testing are its invasive character and the fact that normal electrophysiological results do not exclude sinus node dysfunction. A definitive clarification of the underlying mechanism of SAA requires direct recording of the sinus node electrogram.
DOMAC: an accurate, hybrid protein domain prediction server

Protein domain prediction is important for protein structure prediction, structure determination, function annotation, mutagenesis analysis and protein engineering. Here we describe an accurate protein domain prediction server (DOMAC) combining both template-based and ab initio methods. The preliminary version of the server was ranked among the top domain prediction servers in the seventh edition of Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction (CASP7), 2006. DOMAC server and datasets are available at: http:// www.bioinfotool.org/domac.html.
Design of H-Bridge Class-D Power Amplifiers for Digital Pulse Modulation Transmitters

This paper presents an H-bridge class-D power amplifier (PA) for digital pulse modulation transmitters. The class-D amplifier can be driven by two-or three-level digital signals generated by a delta-sigma modulator (DSM) and provides a linear microwave output after filtering. Within the amplifier, the pull-up and pull-down devices are driven separately to improve the amplifier efficiency by minimizing the loss associated with shoot-through current. The H-bridge class-D PA system was tested with code-division multiple-access IS-95 signals at 800 MHz. Using binary DSM signals, a drain efficiency of 31% was achieved with an output power of 15 dBm and an adjacent channel power ratio of -43 dBc. With three-level DSM signals, a drain efficiency of 33% was achieved at same output power. An analysis of the factors governing amplifier efficiency is provided.
Changes in the Distribution of Fibronectin During Limb Regeneration in Newts Using Immunocytochemistry

The distribution of fibronectin in regenerating newt limbs was studied using immunocytochemistry. At appropriate intervals after the initial amputation at the elbow (10–30 days), animals were reamputated at the shoulder and processed for light microscopy. The peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique was used to localize affinity-purified antibodies to fibronectin in limb tissues. At the amputation site, fibronectin was associated with basal laminae and connective tissues adjacent to dedifferentiating limb tissues destined to form the regeneration blastema. Accumulation and growth of the blastema was accompanied by the apparent de novo synthesis of fibronectin, where it appeared randomly in the interstitium between blastemal cells. The onset of chondrogenesis was characterized by a central condensation of prechondroblasts that formed the cartilage anlagen. Fibronectin formed an amorphous network between presumptive chondroblasts. As the mature cartilage phenotype was expressed and chondrocytes became isolated in lacunae, fibronectin was greatly reduced and then disappeared. The extracellular matrix surrounding undifferentiated blastemal cells still contained fibronectin. Fibronectin was also found in high concentrations between differentiating myoblasts. A condensation of fibronectin was also observed beneath the epidermis at the distal limb tip at the onset of digit formation. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that fibronectin may play a key role in the morphogenetic events that result in the spatial organization and subsequent differentiation of cells during pattern formation in the regenerating limb.
Hyperactivity and Inattentiveness: School Assessment of Stimulant Treatment

The school health folders of all students receiving stimulant medication for hyperactivity/inattentiveness from five public elementary and two middle schools in Baltimore County were evaluated to 1) record pre-treatment teacher ratings of those on stimulant medication; 2) assess, using the rating scales, the initial and subsequent effectiveness of the medication; and 3) to identify treatment subgroups. Major findings were 1) three-fourths of the 176 students on stimulant medication in 1987 had pre-treatment ratings consistent with moderate to severe hyperactivity/inattentiveness; 2) over 90 percent of the students evidenced at least 50 percent improvement initially following stimulant treatment by teacher ratings; 3) 76 percent of the medicated students continued to show this level of improvement at the end of the 1987 school year; 4) medication improvement and compliance declined in middle school; 5) 15 percent of the students on stimulant medication in 1987 were inattentive but not hyperactive on baseline teacher ratings, but their degree of improvement with stimulants was equivalent to that of hyperactives; 6) in the county-run hyperkinetic clinic, the subpopulation of inattentive/non-hyperactive students on stimulants rose from 7 percent to 18 percent of the total between 1976 and 1987.
Point pattern reconstruction with less than complete information

Point patterns can be reconstructed based on interpoint distance information using multidimensional scaling. However, the number of interpoint distances, n(n-1)/2 for an n point pattern, becomes excessive as n becomes large. In this paper reconstruction of point patterns based on incomplete interpoint distance information is demonstrated. Three different techniques are investigated, (1) repeated use of multidimensional scaling (MDS), (2) an evolutionary algorithm using mutation and selection, and (3) a combined strategy alternating between the first two. While various degrees of success were achieved with all three, the third proved the most promising, with good reconstructions achieved using close to the theoretical minimum information for patterns consisting of fourteen points. >
The Determinants of International Financial Integration in the MENA Area

Abstract The degree of International financial integration has considerably increased over the last two decades and has become a topical area of research. This study aims to offer some insight into understanding this phenomen in the MENA area. Several explanations are considered and discussed such as trade openness, the level of development, the financial market development, the inflation rate, fluctuations in the exchange rate, the financial crisis of 2008 and the tax policy. Overall, the results provide strong evidence in support of our choice of drivers of international financial integration.
The enzymic degradation of alkyl-substituted gentisates, maleates and malates

1. Cell-free extracts, prepared from a non-fluorescent Pseudomonas grown on m-cresol, oxidized gentisate and certain alkyl-substituted gentisates with the consumption of 1 mol of oxygen and the formation of 1 mol of pyruvate from 1 mol of substrate. 2. In addition to pyruvate, malate was formed from gentisate; citramalate was formed from 3-methylgentisate and 4-methylgentisate; 2,3-dimethylmalate was formed from 3,4-dimethylgentisate. 3. One enantiomer, d-(-)-citramalate, was formed enzymically from 3-methylgentisate, 4-methylgentisate and citraconate. l-(+)-Citramalate was formed from mesaconate by the same extracts. When examined as its dimethyl ester by gas-liquid chromatography, enzymically formed 2,3-dimethylmalate showed the same behaviour as one of the two racemates prepared from the synthetic compound. 4. Maleate, citraconate and 2,3-dimethylmaleate were rapidly hydrated by cell extracts, but ethylfumarate and 2,3-dimethylfumarate were not attacked. 5. Cell extracts oxidized 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate to give pyruvate and phthalate. 6. Alkylgentisates were oxidized by a gentisate oxygenase (EC 1.13.1.4) present in Pseudomonas 2,5. The ring-fission products were attacked by maleylpyruvase, but not by fumarylpyruvase, and their u.v.-absorption spectra were those expected for alkyl-substituted maleylpyruvates. 7. When supplemented with ATP, CoA, succinate and Mg(2+) ions, an enzyme system from cells grown with 2,5-xylenol formed pyruvate from d- but not from l-citramalate. Extracts from cells grown with dl-citramalate or with itaconate attacked both d- and l-citramalate; other alkylmalates were cleaved in similar fashion to give pyruvate or 2-oxobutyrate. 8. These results accord with a general sequence of reactions in which the benzene nucleus of an alkylgentisate is cleaved to give an alkyl-substituted maleylpyruvate. The ring-fission products are hydrolysed to give pyruvate, plus alkylmalic acids which then undergo aldol fissions, probably as their CoA esters. In Pseudomonas 2,5 several homologous sequences of this general type appear to be catalysed by a single battery of enzymes with broad substrate specificities, whereas the metabolic capabilities of the fluorescent Pseudomonas 3,5 are more restricted. 9. Intact cells of both organisms metabolize d-malic acid by reactions that have not been elucidated, but are different from those which degrade alkylmalates.
Etiology of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the US population and in the global population. Approximately 85% of the lung cancers in men and 47% of the lung cancers in women are caused by tobacco smoking globally. Although tobacco smoking is, by far, the major risk factor for lung cancer, only about 10% of tobacco smokers develop lung cancer, indicating that other factors also play a role in the development of lung cancer in tobacco-exposed individuals. Among tobacco smokers, the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is by far the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. Although the majority of lung cancers are caused by tobacco smoking, a significant number of lung cancers develop in never smokers, representing 15% of lung cancers in men and 53% of lung cancers in women globally. These risk factors include family history/heritable factors, environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke), exposure to certain cooking fumes (particularly among Chinese women), occupational and environmental exposures (radon, asbestos, arsenic, pollutants, etc.), hormonal factors, preexisting lung disease (including pneumonia and tuberculosis), dietary factors (including vitamin D levels), human immunodeficiency virus infection, human papilloma virus infection, and exposure to ionizing radiation.
Building a Dignified Identity: An Ethnographic Case Study of LGBT Catholics

This ethnographic case study offers insight into religiously devout sexual minorities and the reasons behind their continued participation in an anti-gay religious institution, the Roman Catholic Church. I demonstrate how members of Dignity, an organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Catholics, strategically use their identity as gay Catholics to initiate action, to build community, and to destigmatize other religious sexual minorities. Members leverage this unique identity to push for change and equality within the Church. At the same time, this identity also allows members to see their continued participation in the anti-gay Roman Catholic Church as activism, a positive and affirming identity, thereby alleviating potential conflict and contradiction between their sexuality and their spirituality as Roman Catholics.
Critical Care of Brain Reperfusion

Over the last few decades, the management of acute ischemic stroke has undergone significant advancements with the introduction of intravenous thrombolysis and more recently punctuated by the success of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy trials for large vessel occlusion. These advancements have transformed the practice of neurocritical care. In this review, we present a case-based discussion of common brain reperfusion techniques with an emphasis on complication recognition and management. The article encompasses recent evidence-based recommendations as well as some of our own institutional protocols.
On greasy sewage treatment with PVDF ultra-filtration membrane modified by nano-sized alumina(Al_2O_3)

This article is inclined to introduce our innovative work on modified organic ultrafiltration membrane,which has been prepared by phase inversion process added by inorganic nanosized aluminium particles to the poly(vinylidene fluoride) cast solution.Our innovation mainly lies in the remarkable enhancement of surface hydrophlicity properties and the intensity of modified membrane with its better permeation and antifouling performance.As is known,little scale tubular UF membrane device,if added with modified Al2O3-PVDF membrane,would be enough for treating greasy sewage.For our research purpose,we have analyzed the permeatability of water obtained from the UF process.Our analytical results show that after UF treatment,the oil content can drop to below 0.2 mg/L.The other improved characteristics can be shown as follows: suspended solids(SS) content: below 0.2 mg/L,the TOC(total organic carbon) retention: up to 98.86%,the retentions of COD(chemical oxygen demand) and turbidity: over 90%.With its solid particles median diameter reduced to less than 2 μm.Our experiments also indicate that the water permeatability of the modified membrane proves to much higher than that of the unmodified one.In addition,we have made detailed investigation and observation over the membrane fouling by means of scanning electronic microscopy(SEM) and backwashing the fouled membrane with different cleaning solutions,finding that the addition of nano-sized Alumina particles helps to improve the membranes antifouling performance significantly,with flux recovery ratio of modified membrane reaching 100% washing with 1% of content of OP-10 surfactant solution(pH=10).
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-like Illness in a Patient With Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibody Disease

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease or Goodpasture's disease is characterized by the presence of anti-GBM antibodies causing glomerulonephritis often in conjunction with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. A small number of cases in the literature report anti-GBM disease presenting with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)-like illness. We report an unusual case of anti-GBM disease with thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) in …
Social Goals and Doctors’ Roles: Commentary on the Essays of Robert M. Cook-Deegan and Stuart F. Spicker

The metaphor of physician as captain of the ship seems to assume a single or unified function. Most of the papers in this volume present evidence to the contrary, setting forth a panoply of functions, many of them irreconcilable, the primacy of which depends on the perspective of the observer. Indeed, physicians may serve as scientific investigators, diagnosticians, patient advisors, skilled technicians, team supervisors, palliative caregivers, consultants to legislators and policy makers, rationing agents, administrators, and more. This is no surprise.
The Synaptotagmin-7 C2AB Domain Alters Membrane Morphology in a Calcium-Dependent Manner

The proper execution of Ca2+-triggered exocytosis requires extreme changes in bilayer shape to be precisely regulated. Because membranes alone are unlikely to undergo the required changes, proteins are necessary to mediate events. However, the identity of these proteins and the conditions under which they act are not well understood. Within this context, our studies focus on membrane-targeting C2 domains from synaptotagmin-7 (Syt-7) - an isoform of the Syt protein family that is important for secretion in neuroendocrine cells. To define how Syt-7 drives changes in membrane morphology, we have used recombinant C2AB protein fragments, supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). We have developed conditions for forming SLBs under which the membrane spontaneously forms long tubule-like structures extending away from the support surface. Upon addition of purified Syt-7 C2AB in the presence of Ca2+, these long tubules disappear and are replaced by shorter tubules or vesicles. The effect is reversible upon removal of Ca2+. These studies demonstrate that Syt-7 can alter membrane morphology, ostensibly by driving changes in membrane curvature. They also demonstrate the utility of a novel experimental system in which protein-mediated changes in membrane topology can be studied in aqueous media and in real-time.
TRANSFER STUDENTS AND THE MISMATCH HYPOTHESIS

This study uses the National Longitudinal Study of Freshman to analyze the different factors that affect a student’s decision to transfer from an NLSF institution. Several arguments against affirmative action rest on the assumption that minority students are more likely to leave selective institutions if admitted. This analysis found no evidence to support claims that that race plays a role in transfer decisions. The study provides the counterintuitive finding that students who did not feel self-conscious about their race were more likely to transfer. This study found no support for the mismatch hypothesis at the institutional or individual level.
Vosaroxin in combination with decitabine in newly diagnosed older patients with acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome

Vosaroxin is an anti-cancer quinolone-derived DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor. We investigated vosaroxin with decitabine in patients ≥60 years of age with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (n=58) or myelodysplastic syndrome (≥10% blasts) (n=7) in a phase II non-randomized trial. The initial 22 patients received vosaroxin 90 mg/m2 on days 1 and 4 with decitabine 20 mg/m2 on days 1-5 every 4-6 weeks for up to seven cycles. Due to a high incidence of mucositis the subsequent 43 patients were given vosaroxin 70 mg/m2 on days 1 and 4. These 65 patients, with a median age of 69 years (range, 60-78), some of whom with secondary leukemia (22%), adverse karyotype (35%), or TP53 mutation (20%), are evaluable. The overall response rate was 74% including complete remission in 31 (48%), complete remission with incomplete platelet recovery in 11 (17%), and complete remission with incomplete count recovery in six (9%). The median number of cycles to response was one (range, 1-4). Grade 3/4 mucositis was noted in 17% of all patients. The 70 mg/m2 induction dose of vosaroxin was associated with similar rates of overall response (74% versus 73%) and complete remission (51% versus 41%, P=0.44), reduced incidence of mucositis (30% versus 59%, P=0.02), reduced 8-week mortality (9% versus 23%; P=0.14), and improved median overall survival (14.6 months versus 5.5 months, P=0.007). Minimal residual disease-negative status by multiparametric flow-cytometry at response (± 3 months) was achieved in 21 of 39 (54%) evaluable responders and was associated with better median overall survival (34.0 months versus 8.3 months, P=0.023). In conclusion, the combination of vosaroxin with decitabine is effective and well tolerated at a dose of 70 mg/m2 and warrants randomized prospective evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01893320.
Leadership Development: Churches Don't Have to Go it Alone, Part II:

Despite all that has been written, conferences that have been attended, and our best efforts, leadership development remains a critical need for our churches. Over claims of either relevancy or exp...
Vernier Transceiver Architecture for Side-Lobe-Free and High-Entendue LiDAR

A Vernier-based LiDAR transceiver for high side-mode suppression optical phased arrays is proposed and investigated. This architecture enables side-lobe-free 180° viewing angle with multiple-wavelength waveguide spacing thereby easing fabrication requirements.
Collection of Ammonia for High Time-Resolved Nitrogen Isotopic Characterization Utilizing an Acid-Coated Honeycomb Denuder

Nitrogen stable isotope analysis (δ15N) of ammonia (NH3) has shown potential to be a useful tool for characterizing emission sources and sink processes. However, to properly evaluate NH3 emission sources and sink processes under ambient conditions, it is necessary to collect and characterize the chemical speciation between NH3 and particulate ammonium (p-NH4+), together referred to as NHx. Current NH3 collection methods have not been verified for their ability to accurately characterize δ15N-NH3 and/or provide necessary chemical speciation (i.e., δ15N-NH3 and δ15N-NH4+). Here, we report on the suitability of an established collection device that can provide NHx speciation, an acid-coated (2% citric acid (w/v) + 1% glycerol (w/v) in 80:20 methanol to water solution) honeycomb denuder (HCD) with a downstream filter pack housed in the ChemComb Speciation Cartridge (CCSC), for characterizing δ15N-NH3 under a variety of laboratory-controlled conditions and field collections. The collection method was tested un...
Prognostic significance of solitary lymph node metastasis in patients with stages IA2 to IIA cervical carcinoma

Objective To investigate the prognostic significance of and risk factors for solitary lymph node metastasis (SLNM) of patients with cervical carcinoma. Methods Clinical data from patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages IA2 to IIA cervical carcinoma who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between January 2003 and December 2010 were analysed retrospectively. Histopathological analysis was used to identify SLNM. Long-term survival and risk factors associated with SLNM were analysed. Results The study enrolled 302 patients with cervical cancer: 48 with SLNM (SLNM group) and 254 patients with no lymph node metastases (nLNM group). FIGO stage, tumour grade, depth of tumour invasion, uterine body involvement, parametrial involvement and lymphovascular invasion differed significantly between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that FIGO stage, depth of tumour invasion and lymphovascular invasion were independent factors associated with SLNM. The 5-year survival rates of the SLNM and nLNM groups were 54.2% and 87.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified SLNM as an independent factor affecting survival. Conclusions The occurrence of just one solitary lymph node metastasis significantly worsened the prognosis in patients with cervical carcinoma compared with patients without lymph node metastases.
Stellation and Truncation

A comparison of Figs. 10-1 and 10-2 demonstrates the following relationship between general truncation and general stellation: 1. Edge truncation replaces every edge by four edges and a new face; edge stellation replaces every edge by four edges and a new vertex. 2. Edge truncation replaces every r-valent vertex by a 2r-valent face, every n-valent face by a 2n-valent face. Edge stellation replaces every n-valent face by a 2n-valent vertex, every r-valent vertex by a 2r-valent vertex. 3. Edge truncation produces a structure having trivalent vertices only; edge stellation produces a structure having triangular faces only.
Karin Nickelsen and Govindjee: The Maximum Quantum Yield Controversy: Otto Warburg and the ''Midwest-Gang''

This rather small book, 138 pages to be precise, details the history of an important chapter in photosynthesis research: decades of attempts to determine the minimum quantum requirement of oxygenic photosynthesis (i.e., the minimum number of light quanta (photons) needed to evolve one oxygen molecule; this is simply the inverse of the maximum quantum yield, which is the maximum number of oxygen molecules evolved per photon absorbed). It was truly an incredible story. This book is an important contribution to the history of photosynthesis research and also gives insights into personal and philosophical aspects of research on complex subjects. Numerous scientists were involved, eventually resulting in two ‘‘camps’’ reporting discordant results. The leading figures of the opposing groups were Robert Emerson at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and Otto Warburg (1931 Nobel-laureate in Physiology or Medicine) in Berlin, Germany. Nickelsen (a historian of science; Professor of History of Science at University of Munich, Germany) and Govindjee (a former graduate student of Emerson and of Eugene Rabinowitch; now Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Plant Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA) are to be complimented for their excellent documentation of the quantum requirement problem: Are 4 (Warburg) or 8–12 (Emerson and others) photons of light needed to obtain one oxygen molecule in oxygenic photosynthesis? The answer was in favor of Emerson’s values. The book includes profiles of the many scientists involved and description of an extraordinary meeting in
A Novel Personalized Motion and Noise Artifact (MNA) Detection Method for Smartphone Photoplethysmograph (PPG) Signals

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a technique to detect blood volume changes in an optical way. Representative PPG applications are the measurements of oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate. However, the PPG signals are sensitive to motion and noise artifacts (MNAs), especially when they are obtained from smartphone cameras. Moreover, the PPG signals are different among users and each individual’s PPG signal has a unique characteristic. Hence, an effective MNA detection and reduction method for smartphone PPG signals, which adapts itself to each user in a personalized way, is highly demanded. In this paper, a concept of the probabilistic neural network is introduced to be used with the proposed extracted parameters. The signal amplitude, standard deviation of peak to peak time intervals and amplitudes, along with the mean of moving standard deviation, signal slope changes, and the optimal autoregressive model order are proposed for effective MNA detection. Accordingly, the performance of the proposed personalized algorithm is compared with conventional MNA detection algorithms. As for the performance metrics, we considered accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The results show that the overall performance of the personalized MNA detection is enhanced compared to the generalized algorithm. The average values of the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the personalized one are 98.07%, 92.6%, and 99.78%, respectively, while these are 89.92%, 84.21%, and 93.63% for the general one.
The Influence of Ethical Codes of Conduct on Professionalism in Tax Practice

Professional integrity is a fundamental principle of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Code of Ethics (IESBA, in Code of ethics for professional accountants, IFAC, New York; IESBA, Code of ethics for professional accountants, IFAC, New York, 2016). This does not apply directly to members of a particular professional body, but rather member organizations from around the globe are required to adopt a code no less stringent than the principles in the IESBA Code. Hence, all professional accountants are required to possess integrity as a core ethical principle. In the USA, certified public accountants must, in addition, also adhere to the principle of client advocacy in relation to their tax clients. Despite extensive prior literature on accounting ethics, firm culture, and ethical codes, no prior research has tested whether the communication of an Integrity ethical standard actually affects practitioners’ actual judgments and decisions. In this study, we use brief interventions to determine whether a prime of two ethical professional standards (Integrity; Advocacy) affects tax practitioners’ recommendations to their clients. One implication for professionalism in tax practice is our finding that a brief intervention of professional standards can directly impact on practitioners’ judgments. Most notably, a joint presentation of Advocacy and Integrity leads to contrasting results that depend on the order of the intervention. In sum, when the Integrity (Advocacy) standard was presented before the Advocacy (Integrity) standard, tax practitioners were significantly less (more) likely to choose a tax-favorable outcome. That is, the order of professional ethical standard intervention significantly affects tax practitioners’ judgments.
On the permeability of columnar dendritic networks in solidifying metals

ABSTRACTEquations in the literature developed to estimate the permeability of columnar dendritic networks have been evaluated by using datasets from solidifying metals with data at low solid fractions. Analysis has shown that these equations provide generally poor fits to the experimental data regardless of the direction of the flow of liquid. New semi-empirical equations that provide much better fits to data in the entire range of solid fractions have been introduced in this study.
Coupled 6-DOF Control for Distributed Aerospace Systems

In this paper, we investigate the problem of simultaneously controlling both attitude and position of a network of collaborative aerospace vehicles. In particular, we use unit dual quaternions to model the coupled rotational and translational motion present in many applications. We then derive a simple PD-like feedback controller that simultaneously stabilizes the attitude and position of all vehicles in the network. The analysis reveals global asymptotic stability using LaSalle's invariance principle. We discuss various applications of the control design framework and provide a numerical example of a spacecraft landing on a moving platform. This example demonstrates the utility of the proposed approach to 6-degree-of-freedom multiagent coordination that can be achieved with a single framework.
Ethanol Affects Macrophage Production of IL-6 and Susceptibility to Infection by Legionella Pneumophila

A number of investigators have reported that prolonged and excessive consumption of alcohol results in alterations of host immunity (1). Such alterations are believed to lead to increased susceptibility to infections (2). In fact, it has been pointed out in many reports that infections in alcoholics are serious problems (3). For example, bacterial pneumonia occurs frequently and is a more serious problem in alcoholics. In this regard, various experimental studies have shown deleterious effects of alcohol on host immune cells such as lymphocytes (4,5), natural killer cells (6), polymorphonuclear cells (7) and macrophages (8). All of these cells have critical roles in defense mechanisms against not only microbial infections but also development of malignant cells. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that when macrophages are treated with alcohol, there is a significant increase in susceptibility of the cells to Mycobacteria (9). Such reports suggest that alcohol treatment in vitro and in vivo induces disturbance of a host’s immune system and also impairs effector cells such as macrophages. However, there is only limited information about how such deleterious effects of alcohol impact on the immune defense mechanism against infections. For example, it has not yet been elucidated what type of infections are serious in experimental alcoholism, whether direct or indirect effects of alcohol on effector cells are more crucial, how cytokine production is modulated by alcohol and how these effects, if any, correlate with susceptibility to infection. In this regard, we examined the direct effect of ethanol on susceptibility of macrophages to Legionella pneumophila infection, since this bacteria is a typical intracellular gram-negative bacillus and causes pulmonary infection in immunocompromised hosts (10).
Analysis of AIMD Algorithm for EV Charging

The Additive Increase and Multiplicative Decrease (AIMD) algorithm is the Internet's de-facto protocol for capacity sharing and congestion avoidance. We present an analysis of the AIMD algorithm in EV charging problem in terms of its parameters and their impact on the average charging power. We show a closed-form expression for the average final share of AIMD, propose a counterpart algorithm for EV charging, and validate the expression by testing the algorithm under different varying parameters.
Sequence‐based mapping identifies a candidate transcription repressor underlying awn suppression at the B1 locus in wheat

Awns are stiff, hair-like structures which grow from the lemmas of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and other grasses that contribute to photosynthesis and play a role in seed dispersal. Variation in awn length in domesticated wheat is controlled primarily by three major genes, most commonly the dominant awn suppressor Tipped1 (B1). This study identifies a transcription repressor responsible for awn inhibition at the B1 locus. Association mapping was combined with analysis in biparental populations to delimit B1 to a distal region of 5AL colocalized with QTL for number of spikelets per spike, kernel weight, kernel length, and test weight. Fine-mapping located B1 to a region containing only two predicted genes, including C2H2 zinc finger transcriptional repressor TraesCS5A02G542800 upregulated in developing spikes of awnless individuals. Deletions encompassing this candidate gene were present in awned mutants of an awnless wheat. Sequence polymorphisms in the B1 coding region were not observed in diverse wheat germplasm whereas a nearby polymorphism was highly predictive of awn suppression. Transcriptional repression by B1 is the major determinant of awn suppression in global wheat germplasm. It is associated with increased number of spikelets per spike and decreased kernel size.
Capturing infant swallow impairment on videofluoroscopy: timing matters

Infant videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSSs) require clinicians to make determinations about swallowing deficits based on a limited number of fluoroscopically observed swallows. Although airway protection is known to decline throughout a bottle-feed, the paucity of data regarding the timing of this degradation has limited the development of procedural protocols that maximize diagnostic validity. We tested the stability of key components of swallow physiology and airway protection at four standardized timepoints throughout the VFSS. Thirty bottle-fed infants with clinical signs of swallow dysfunction underwent VFSS. Fluoroscopy was turned on to allow visualization of five swallows at 0:00, 0:30, 1:30 and 2:30 (minutes:seconds [min:s]). We evaluated swallows for components of swallow physiology (oral bolus hold, initiation of pharyngeal swallow, timing of swallow initiation) and airway protection (penetration, aspiration). We used model-based linear contrasts to test differences in the percentage of swallows with low function component attributes. All components of swallow physiology exhibited a change throughout the VFSS (P≤0.0005). Changes were characterized by an increase in the number of sucks per swallow (P<0.0001), percentage of swallows with incomplete bolus hold (P=0.0005), delayed initiation of pharyngeal swallow (P<0.0001), delayed timing of swallow initiation (P=0.0004) and bolus airway entry (P<0.0001). These findings demonstrate that infants with dysphagia exhibit a change in swallow physiology throughout the videofluoroscopic swallow exam. Fluoroscopic visualization that is confined to the initial swallows of the bottle feed limit the exam’s diagnostic validity. Developing evidence-based procedural guidelines for infant VFSS execution is crucial for maximizing the exam’s diagnostic and treatment yield.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy as a Tool to Prevent Burnout in Medical Trainees.

Burnout is highly prevalent among physicians and is associated with negative patient outcomes. Furthermore, medical training is a particularly vulnerable time as studies show that medical students,...
Formulation of Economic Model Predictive Control to Address System Dynamics over Multiple Time Scales.

In this paper, a composite model predictive control (MPC) structure for the class of standard singularly perturbed systems is developed. To control and optimize economic performance of the slow dynamics, an economic MPC is developed and to stabilize the fast dynamics, a fast MPC is designed. Both MPC strategies do not rely on explicit stabilizing and/or terminal constraints. Working within a sampled-data setting, closed-loop stability in the sense of asymptotic stability of the economically optimal steady state is discussed. A chemical process example is given to demonstrate the control architecture.
Families' and Residents' Perspectives of the Quality of Nursing Home Care: Implications for Composite Quality Measures.

Abstract Objectives To assess (1) the relationship of consumers' assessment of overall nursing home quality to their assessment of specific dimensions of quality; and (2) the implications of this relationship for composite quality measures in Nursing Home Compare. Design A survey conducted in 2017 elicited respondents' assessments of the quality of overall care and 13 specific dimensions of care. Settings and Participants The sample consisted of 4449 respondents who either resided in a nursing home or had a family member who resided in a nursing home during the 6 months before the survey. Methods We estimated regression models to infer the relationship between consumers' assessments of overall quality and 13 specific dimensions of quality. The regression coefficients, indicating the implicit importance/weight assigned by respondents to each dimension as a component of the consumers' assessment of overall quality, were used to create a prototype composite quality measure. Results For long-stay residents, 8 of the 13 quality dimensions were significantly associated with their overall ratings of quality. Five dimensions achieved significance for short-stay residents. The magnitude of importance weights varied substantially across dimensions of care. Conclusions and Implications Our findings suggest that Nursing Home Compare could be improved by augmenting the technical information in the 5-Star composite measure with consumers' assessments of the additional, nontechnical dimensions of quality.
Internalized Weight Bias, Teasing, and Self-Esteem in Children with Overweight or Obesity

Background: Although 2/3 of US adults and nearly 1/3 of US children have overweight or obesity, weight stigma is common. Many with overweight or obesity ascribe negative ideas to themselves, result...