cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial presentation of stasis dermatitis mimicking solitary lesions: A previously unrecognized clinical scenario

Background Stasis dermatitis is a common skin condition secondary to chronic venous insufficiency. Characteristic dermatologic changes in well-developed disease include bilateral erythematous, scaly, and slightly discolored papules and plaques on the lower legs. Earlier signs, such as prominent superficial veins and pitting ankle edema, are well known. Early recognition of signs and appropriate diagnosis can lead to timely treatment that can prevent painful complications, such as leg ulcers which are at risk for development of squamous cell carcinoma. Objective Herein we describe a yet unrecognized early sign of venous dermatitis—a solitary lesion, some mimicking neoplastic processes. Methods Thirty-seven cases of stasis dermatitis submitted with the clinical diagnosis of a solitary lesion were identified. Thirty-three had no clinical history of venous insufficiency. All cases of stasis dermatitis presenting for the first time as a solitary lesion were reviewed retrospectively both clinically and pathologically. Results Squamous cell carcinoma was most commonly suspected (33%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (24%), and a variety of other solitary lesions. The histopathology was characteristic of stasis dermatitis in all cases with absent or mild spongiosis (82%), variable acanthosis and dermal fibrosis, and proliferation of papillary dermal thick-walled vessels were prominent (2-3+) in nearly all cases (≥90%) along with hemosiderin-laden macrophages and extravasated red blood cells (≥95%). Limitations The study is limited by its retrospective nature and absence of clinical images on all cases. Conclusion Stasis dermatitis may present as a solitary lesion mimicking a neoplasm. Early recognition of stasis dermatitis can lead to appropriate treatment and possibly prevent further morbidity.
Bandpass filter settings differentially affect measurement of P50 sensory gating in children and adults

Abstract Objective This study investigated the effect of four different bandpass filter settings on measures of the P50 component and the signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of averaged ERPs obtained from a sensory gating paradigm employing paired-click stimuli. Methods Participants were adults ( n = 18) 20–55 years old and children ( n = 25) 5–10 years old who were free of neurological disorders. Results Results show that the filter settings (0.23–75 Hz, 10–50 Hz, 10–75 Hz, and 10–200 Hz) differentially affected the P50 amplitude, noise power and SNR measures of the conditioning and test clicks, and P50 T/C ratios. Conclusions The 10–50 Hz filter setting may be optimal in studies that include only adults as these settings resulted in the smallest mean P50 T/C ratio, a reasonable standard deviation ( SD ) for the ratio, and the highest SNRs. The 10–200 Hz filter may be the best for studying young children as this setting had the smallest mean and SD of P50 T/C ratios for these participants. Significance In studies that include both adults and children investigators are advised to use the 10–200 Hz filter setting because the smaller variability of sensory gating in the child group helps ensure better homogeneity of variance measures between the groups.
Ability, Breadth, and Parsimony in Computational Models of Higher-Order Cognition.

Computational models will play an important role in our understanding of human higher-order cognition. How can a model's contribution to this goal be evaluated? This article argues that three important aspects of a model of higher-order cognition to evaluate are (a) its ability to reason, solve problems, converse, and learn as well as people do; (b) the breadth of situations in which it can do so; and (c) the parsimony of the mechanisms it posits. This article argues that fits of models to quantitative experimental data, although valuable for other reasons, do not address these criteria. Further, using analogies with other sciences, the history of cognitive science, and examples from modern-day research programs, this article identifies five activities that have been demonstrated to play an important role in our understanding of human higher-order cognition. These include modeling within a cognitive architecture, conducting artificial intelligence research, measuring and expanding a model's ability, finding mappings between the structure of different domains, and attempting to explain multiple phenomena within a single model.
Understanding the Physical and Social Contexts of Children’s Nonschool Sedentary Behavior: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Background: Research on children’s sedentary behavior has relied on recall-based self-report or accelerometer methods, which do not assess the context of such behavior. Purpose: This study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to determine where and with whom children’s sedentary behavior occurs during their nonschool time. Methods: Children (N = 120) ages 9–13 years (51% male, 33% Hispanic) wore mobile phones that prompted surveys (20 total) for 4 days. Surveys measured current activity (eg, exercise, watching TV), physical location (eg, home, outdoors), and social company (eg, family, friends). Results: Children engaged in a greater percentage of leisure-oriented (eg, watching TV) than productive (eg, reading, doing homework) sedentary behavior (70% vs 30%, respectively). Most of children’s sedentary activity occurred at home (85%). Children’s sedentary activity took place most often with family members (58%). Differences in physical context of sedentary behavior were found for older vs. younger ch...
Composing model programs for analysis

Abstract Model programs are high-level behavioral specifications used for software testing and design analysis. Composition of model programs is a versatile technique that, at one end of the spectrum, enables one to build up larger models from smaller ones, and at the other end of the spectrum allows one to restrict larger models to specific scenarios. In this paper we provide a formal foundation for composition of model programs and investigate its use in various situations that arise in model program analysis.
Cigarette smuggling: price vs.nonprice incentives

This article uses recent US state level data to estimate the demand for cigarettes. The main contribution of this work is that, unlike previous studies, it takes into account both price and nonprice incentives behind the smuggling of cigarettes. The results show the demand for cigarettes to be elastic and greater than that found in the previous literature. The effects of greater literacy and income on smoking are insignificant. Also, the magnitude of own price elasticity seems affected by whether a correction is made for border prices. Comparing the price and nonprice influences on cigarette smuggling, it seems that price inducements remain the main force behind smuggling. Policy implications are discussed.
Active power filter for three-phase current harmonic cancellation and reactive power compensation

To address power quality problems in industrial power systems, a new control scheme for three-phase active power filter is proposed. The control scheme includes two functional modules such as a current harmonic cancellation module and a reactive power compensation module. The current harmonic cancellation module is based on a multiple adaptive feed-forward cancellation algorithm for selective current harmonic identification. The reactive power compensation module utilizes the measured voltage and the estimated fundamental current to calculate reactive power. After the above information has been calculated, the corrective current reference signals can be generated for the active filter. In this way, the two control functions are integrated together so that one active filter can accomplish two functions simultaneously. Simulation results under different operating conditions demonstrate that the proposed control scheme can successfully cancel harmonic current and compensate reactive power at the point of common coupling.
Clustering: probably approximately useless?

Clustering never seems to live up to the hype. To paraphrase the popular saying, clustering looks good in theory, yet often fails to deliver in practice. Why? You would think that something so simple and elegant as finding groups of similar items in data would be incredibly useful. Yet often it isn't. The problem is that clustering rarely finds the groups you want, or expected, or that are most useful for the task at hand. There are so many good ways to cluster a dataset that the odds of coming up with the clustering that is best for what you are doing now are small. How do we fix this and make clustering more useful in practice? How do we make clustering do what you want, while still giving it the freedom to "do its own thing" and surprise us?
ACTIVE ACOUSTIC AND FLOW CONTROL FOR AEROPROPULSION

A series of experiments was described in which flow control was used to improve the performance of aeropropulsion systems. In the first experiment, trailing edge blowing (TEB) in upstream stator is used to reduce wake distortion seen by the downstream rotor and the associated tonal noise. The experiment, which was conducted in an anechoic chamber using a smallscale 4 inch-diameter turbofan simulator, showed that blade-passing-frequency (BPF) tone can be reduced by as much as 8 dB. Sensing and control strategies were also employed to obtain the optimal system performance for transient (off-design) condition. The second experiment is related to the first one in that TEB is employed in upstream stator to reduce wake distortion to the rotor in order to reduce high-cycle fatigue of the rotor. The experiment, which was conducted in a 20 inch-diameter transonic fan rotor instrumented with on-rotor strain gauges, showed that average peak-to-peak rotor strain amplitude was reduced by more that a factor of three. In the third experiment, suction and blowing flow control was used to reduce aerodynamic losses and improve flow uniformity in an S-shape aircraft inlet. An investigation was performed to use surface mounted microphones as error sensors to actively optimize system performance.
Neural network microwave precipitation retrievals and modeling results

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (Air Force Contract FA8721-05-C- 0002)
Role of Grain Size in Strength Variability of Alumina

Relationships between grain size and strength variability in alumina were investigated. Results are presented for an Ultra-high-purity alumina with a narrow grain size distribution and an equiaxed grain morphology at three grain sizes ranging from 5 to 27 μ.m. Vickers indentations are used to introduce controlled flaws into the specimens. It is found that increasing the grain size leads to enhanced flaw tolerance owing to a rising R-curve. However, contrary to recent theoretical predictions, no reduction in strength variability is found with increasing grain size. It is proposed that increasing variability in local fracture toughness with grain size offsets any improvement in reliability. This suggests that an upper bound to the reliability of grain bridging materials may exist.
The Effects of Commercials on Children’s Perceptions of Gender Appropriate Toy Use

Sixty-two first and second grade students (28 boys, 34 girls) were exposed to one of three commercial videotapes in which either all-boys (traditional condition) or all-girls (nontraditional) were playing with a toy. Participants in the control condition were exposed to nontoy commercials. After exposure to one of the conditions participants performed a toy sort where they were asked if six toys, including the two manipulated toys, were “for boys, girls, or both boys and girls.” Participants in the nontraditional condition were more likely to report that the manipulated toys were for both boys and girls than were participants in the traditional condition, who were more likely to report that the manipulated toys were for boys. This effect was stronger for boys than for girls.
Determination of adrenaline and noradrenaline by resonance Raman spectrometry

Conventionally, determination of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine and other matrices is carried out by fluorimetry after conversion of the catecholamines into the trihydroxyindoles. is2 The method suffers from certain disadvantages. First, as with other fluorimetric methods, it is susceptible to interference from a variety of quenching agents. Second, many pharmaceuticals give fluorescent products, which may interfere. Finally, adrenaline and noradrenaline are not differentiated by the procedure. However, adrenaline alone will undergo the initial oxidation in acidic solution, so noradrenaline can be determined by difference. In the past few years, resonance Raman spectrometry has emerged as a sensitive and selective probe for many molecules of biological interest.3 Most workers have confined their studies to molecules which themselves can show resonance-enhanced Raman spectra. A few attempts to prepare derivatives suitable for resonance Raman spectrometry have been reported.4*5 Moreover, the potential of resonance Raman appears to have been largely overlooked by analytical chemists, although the technique is simple, offers high resolution and freedom from the quenching effects which plague fluorescence.6 The principal drawback of resonance Raman spectrometry is the fact that conventional spectrometers cannot distinguish between Raman scattering and fluorescence. With the advent of convenient instrumentation for fluorescence-rejecting techniques such as coherent anti-Stokes scattering, ‘3s inverse Raman spectrometry,g and timeresolved Raman spectrometry”‘~” the fluorescence problem appears tractable. In the present communication we report the application of resonance Raman spectrometry to the determination of adrenaline and noradrenaline as the aminochromes. Aerial. oxidation of these molecules, catalysed by copper( is well known.” The technique is simple, applicable to concentrations as low as 1 x 10m6M and allows determination of adrenaline and noradrenaline on a single sample.
Using cyclic planning to manage capacity at ALCOA

ALCOA makes aluminum-tubing products to order. The product lines' success caused a backlog of customer orders and long customer lead times. This problem was exacerbated by frequent machine breakdowns at a bottleneck operation. ALCOA implemented cyclic planning to improve capacity management. The results were immediate and dramatic. Over eight months, output increased by over 20 percent, almost eliminating the backlog of customer orders. The cyclic-planning implementation resulted in additional benefits throughout the organization, including improved workforce planning and better machine maintenance scheduling.
Steady-state and nonsteady-state action potentials in fibrillating canine atrium: abnormal rate adaptation and its possible mechanisms.

Objective: Our goal was to study rate adaptation of atrial action potentials in non-steady and steady states to further our understanding of mechanisms determining inducibility and stability of atrial fibrillation. Methods: We used standard microelectrode techniques to examine the characteristics of steady-state action potentials paced at regular cycle lengths (CL) and of nonsteady-state action potentials observed after an abrupt change of CL in atria from canine hearts that had been rapidly paced. Results: We compared action potential characteristics among normal atria, atria in which chronic atrial fibrillation (cAF, lasting more than 3 days) had been induced and atria in which only nonsustained atrial fibrillation (nAF, lasting less than 12 h) had been induced. In steady-state, the rate adaptation of maximum diastolic potential (MDP) and action potential duration (APD) was markedly reduced in both cAF and nAF. Action potential characteristics did not differ between cAF and nAF atria, suggesting that factors other than electrophysiological properties determine the chronicity of AF. The time course of change in APD after an abrupt change of CL was altered in nAF/cAF atria; i.e., when CL was prolonged, APD also prolonged at the first beat, and then shortened during several subsequent beats (initial phase). Thereafter, APD slowly prolonged to a new steady-state (slow phase). In nAF/cAF atria, the initial phase was enhanced (greater shortening of APD) and the slow phase was reduced (less prolongation of APD). This latter phase was modified by ryanodine. Conclusions: Thus the reduced rate adaptation of steady-state APD is explained mainly by the loss of a slow phase of APD adaptation in nAF/cAF which is reversed in the presence of ryanodine. Therefore, in both nAF and cAF atria, rate adaptation of MDP as well as APD are reduced, nonsteady state as well as steady state, AP characteristics are markedly altered and these changes are partially explicable by Cai-dependent processes.
Complex bounds and microstructural recovery from measurements of sea ice permittivity

Sea ice is a porous composite of pure ice with brine, air, and salt inclusions. The polar sea ice packs play a key role in the earth's ocean-climate system, and they host robust algal and bacterial communities that support the Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems. Monitoring the sea ice packs on global or regional scales is an increasingly important problem, typically involving the interaction of an electromagnetic wave with sea ice. In the quasistatic regime where the wavelength is much longer than the composite microstructural scale, the electromagnetic behavior is characterized by the effective complex permittivity tensor e*. In assessing the impact of climate change on the polar sea ice covers, current satellites and algorithms can predict ice extent, but the thickness distribution remains an elusive, yet most important feature. In recent years, electromagnetic induction devices using low frequency waves have been deployed on ships, helicopters and planes to obtain thickness data. Here we compare two sets of theoretical bounds to extensive outdoor tank and in situ field data on e* at 50 MHz taken in the Arctic and Antarctic. The sea ice is assumed to be a two phase composite of ice and brine with known constituent permittivities. The first set of bounds assumes only knowledge of the brine volume fraction or porosity, and the second set further assumes statistical isotropy of the microstructure. We obtain excellent agreement between theory and experiment, and are able to observe the apparent violation of the isotropic bounds as the vertically oriented microstructure becomes increasingly connected for higher porosities. Moreover, these bounds are inverted to obtain estimates of the porosity from the measurements of e*. We find that the temporal variations of the reconstructed porosity, which is directly related to temperature, closely follow the actual behavior.
Real-time data acquisition and maximum-likelihood estimation for gamma cameras

We have developed modular gamma-ray cameras for biomedical imaging that acquire data with a raw list-mode acquisition architecture. All observations associated with a gamma-ray event, such as photomultiplier (PMT) signals and time, are assembled into an event packet and added to an ordered list of event entries that comprise the acquired data. In this paper we present the design of the data-acquisition system, and discuss algorithms for a specialized computing engine to reside in the data path between the front and back ends of each camera and carry out maximum-likelihood position and energy estimations in real time while data was being acquired
Safety and Efficacy of Therapeutically Equivalent Doses of Sustained-Release Formulations of Isradipine and Felodipine

This open-label, drug substitution study was conducted to determine if subjects receiving sustained-release isradipine (SR-I) can be safely switched to sustained-release felodipine (SR-F) and to assess whether SR-I provides better 24-hour blood pressure (BP) control than SR-F. Forty-one men receiving either SR-F 5 mg or SR-F 10 mg once daily for at least 6 months were switched to an equivalent dose of SR-I; BP was measured 2, 4, and 6 weeks after substitution. Significant reductions in systolic BP were seen in the SR-I 10 mg group after 4 weeks and they remained significantly lower through 6 weeks (p< or =0.05). Diastolic BP was reduced, but not significantly. After 6 weeks, SR-F therapy was reinstated, and BP returned toward baseline values. No serious adverse events were reported. SR-I can be safely substituted for SR-F and may provide better 24-hour control of BP than SR-F.
On optimal real estate commissions

When real estate agent effort is unobservable, home sellers do not prefer the lowest possible commission rate because such a rate does not induce sufficient effort from agents. As a result, the optimal commission from the seller’s perspective exhibits downward rigidity, even if there is free entry. The analysis shows that downward rigidity will occur if and only if the quasi-fixed costs of selling a house are small.
Antimony-doped tin oxide powders : Electrochromic materials for printed displays

Abstract We describe here the results of a preliminary investigation into the use of supported antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) powders as electrochromic materials. When coated onto light-scattering, particulate substrates, ATO has been shown to exhibit a surprisingly high level of coloration. We will discuss some of the factors determining the magnitude of this effect and show examples of printed, interdigitated displays which are moving towards commercialization
Waves, Hyperbolicity and Characteristics

This lecture describes the basics of hyperbolic systems as needed to solve the initial boundary value problem for hydrostatic atmospheric modeling. We examine the nature of waves in the hydrostatic primitive equations and how the modal decomposition can be used to effect a complete solution in the interior of an open domain. The relevance of the open boundary problem for the numerical problem of static and adaptive mesh refinement is discussed.
Alcohol and cardiovascular mortality: common sense and scientific truth.

“Noah, the tiller of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard. He drank of the wine and became drunk, and he uncovered himself within the tent.” —Genesis 9:20–21 Noah is thus identified both as the first winemaker and the first to suffer embarrassment from inebriation. It has been
Unpacking the impacts of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program on nearby property values

Most existing research on the impacts of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) on neighbouring property values is limited in terms of providing causal attribution and uncovering nuances in the role of housing market and neighbourhood composition. This article addresses these shortcomings by investigating the impacts of the LIHTC program in Charlotte, North Carolina and Cleveland, Ohio. Levels and trends in housing prices before and after LIHTC developments in neighbourhoods are examined based on parcel-level housing sales data from 1996 to 2007. The Adjusted Interrupted Time Series-Difference in Differences (AITS-DID) model is used to clarify the causal direction of impacts of LIHTC developments. The results show that LIHTC developments have negative impacts in Charlotte, while having upgrading effects in Cleveland. Also, these impacts vary across neighbourhoods’ income heterogeneity. Thus, care should be taken when siting LIHTC developments to minimise negative impacts and enhance its use for communi...
Z-pinch wire-contact resistance reduction using clamped and soft metal contacts

The contact resistance in a wire array z-pinch has a significant affect on both the level and uniformity of energy deposition in the wires. Typically wires are held taut against the electrodes by wire weights (-1-10 g depending on wire material and diameter). This can lead to contact resistance values of -90-99% of the load resistance. Previous techniques to reduce the contact resistance (i.e. soldering) do not scale to large wire number arrays (such as Z-Machine). UM contact resistance experiments used 13 micron diameter Al 5056 wires. Bench measurements of the load resistance for double-ended weighted contact (similar to the method used on the Z-Machine) gave values in the range of 100-3000 ohms per wire. The actual wire resistance was 6.5 ohms. A second set of measurements in which the z-pinch wire was clamped to the electrodes using an indium gasket showed a reduction in load resistance to -10 ohms. Using a silver gasket further reduced the load resistance to 7 ohms. This clamping technique reduced the contact resistance by 2-3 orders of magnitude. Additionally, the contact resistance for clamped contact is significantly less than the resistance of the wire itself. Experiments performed on a 20 kA, 100 kV, 150 ns risetime Marx bank showed that the energy deposition and uniformity of the plasma expansion profile was significantly affected by the contact resistance. An open pinhole camera was used to observe a time integrated image of the plasma emission, and dark-field laser Schlieren photos were used to monitor the expansion profile of the plasma. The cases with clamped contact had more intense wire-plasma emission and more uniform expansion profiles. The weighted cases exhibited distinct, bright emission regions at the electrodes, indicative of contact arcing. Additional experiments are being conducted using 11.5 micron diameter W wire. Three cases are being examined: baseline weighted case, clamped contact case, and weighted case with soft metal (In or Ag) electrode gaskets. Preliminary results show that the electrode material may have a significant impact on contact resistance.
Robotic-Assisted Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Initial Experience at a Single Institution

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic surgery is considered the standard approach for the treatment of paraesophageal hernias (PEHs). Despite its advantages, this approach is technically demanding with a significant learning curve. Data about the safety and utility of the robotically assisted paraesophageal hernia repair (RA-PEHR) are scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of robotic assistance for the treatment of PEH. Materials and Methods: Between June 2010 and December 2015, patients who underwent elective RA-PEHR were included in a prospectively collected database. Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, preoperative testing, operative time (OT), length of hospital stay (LOS), conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality were recorded and reviewed retrospectively. Results: Sixty-one patients underwent RA-PEHR with mesh, 72% were female (mean age of 63 and mean body mass index [BMI] of 30). ASA classification was 2.6 (57% of patients had an...
Subspace Optimal Control and Motion Camouflage

Some insects can move towards female ones or their preys while minimizing the chance of being aware from their natural background using a technique called motion camouflage. In this paper, first as a prelude, an optimal steering law for the minimum time motion camouflage under a speed constraint is proposed. The result of the optimal steering law is then compared with the ones achieved numerically using the pseudospectral collocation and nonlinear programming. The findings from this comparison thereafter leads to a much deeper discussion of the proposed virtual motion camouflage subspace optimization method, which is expected to benefit widely experienced nonlinear constrained optimal control problems. Since the optimization is progressed in the subspace, the solution optimality is justified accordingly. Through this method, the dimension of the nonlinear constrained optimal control problem can be reduced and the rapidly achieved trajectory could be used as a good and feasible initial guess for further optimization.
Justice or Else: Race, Identity, and Politics of African Americans at the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March

The panel will discuss the preliminary findings of a survey conducted at the Justice or Else...March (20th Anniversary of the Million Man March) about the political and socioeconomic views of African Americans.
Academies in Song and Yuan Dynasty and Local Culture: Academy, Academic and Folk Religions in Jizhou Region

Academies were the main carrier of Neo-Confucian teaching in various places. In this paper, I examine the interaction of local culture and Neo-Confucian teaching in the Chi-chou (modern Ji'an, Jiangxi) region in the 10th to 14th centuries. Chi-chou developed rapidly in the Sung times, almost overtaking northern Chiang-hsi area in terms of population growth and economic prosperity. Over all, Chiang-hsi had developed rapidly in the period concerned here. The importation of Kwang-tung salt over the Mei Pass route that linked Chiang-hsi and Kwang-tung explained partly the economic prosperity that characterized this remote south-eastern mountainous area. The history of the place really only started in the 7th to 8th centuries. The centuries were the time when most of the prominent families/lineages began actually to move to the region, which, significantly, had not been much affected by Buddhism or even Taoism, and where popular religion was quite utilitarian, in the sense of paying homage primarily to those who were important in the process of the region's development. Utilitarian spirit or some kind of realistic attitude permeated the local world view and life philosophy. Chi-chou people had been widely known as particularly knowledgeable about legal procedure and were also known for their quickness in pursuing legal means for dispute resolution. This might partly explain the relative peace that prevailed there in at least the Sung times. Chi-chou intellectuals were also characteristically known for their writings in histories or historical geography. All these indicate a worldly and down-to-earth attitude towards humans and his daily life. This realism in the philosophy of life can also be seen in the life of many people, notably the prominent official cum poet Chou Pi-ta who was the pivotal force in the introduction of Neo-Confucianism into Chi-chou. By the time Chu Hsi died, Neo-Confucianism was already making its way into the region, where there already were as many as 13 academies. An efficient use of the academies for propagating the Neo-Confucian message was perhaps instrumental for the early introduction of the thought there. When compared with Chien-yang, Fu-chien, Chi-chou's intellectual development was characterized by a kind of readiness that was there for the adoption of Neo-Confucian influence. Both areas, however, were made part of Neo-Confucian sphere of influence because Neo-Confucian “missionaries" made effective use of the academies.
Use of card sorting for online course site organization within an integrated science curriculum

This study provides an application of card sorting to address challenges resulting from curricular change. Card sorting and scenario-based usability testing were used to determine the organization of online course sites for a systems-based, integrated science curriculum. The newly implemented curriculum eliminates discipline-based boundaries and focuses on simultaneous investigation of the biochemistry, histology, anatomy, and physiology of organ systems. Two cohorts of students were recruited. A cohort of second-year students familiar with the traditional, discipline-based curriculum participated in a card sort to establish the initial site organization prior to implementation of the new curriculum. A second cohort consisting of first-year students participated in a card sorting activity after exposure to the new curriculum. Scenario-based usability testing demonstrated that all participants were able to successfully navigate the modified course sites. A think-aloud protocol was employed during both card sorts to better understand participant perceptions of content and content organization. Differences in results between the two cohorts, with regard to content organization, suggest that an iterative approach to card sorting is beneficial in site construction and modification. Although the initial card sort allowed the faculty to develop a course site structure that could function well within the new curriculum, the second card sort provided insight into unanticipated navigational issues and allowed for modifications to site organization before the development of significant problems. Results suggest that repeated use of card sorting may be an effective means of creating course sites that are more focused and can more specifically meet user needs.
The Relative Osmotic Resistance of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes from healthy subjects and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were exposed to graded hypotonic salt solutions and to distilled water. Nucleoproteins released into the media from [5x10][1]6 cells were measured spectrophotometrically at 260 mµ as an estimate of cell fragility. Leukemic lymphocytes were relatively more resistant to hypotonic stress than normal cells. Cell volume and extractable nucleoproteins were shown to be the same for both groups of cells. While nucleoproteins released from the healthy cells underwent a greater optical density increase in distilled water than anticipated, the leukemic cell products exhibited no significant color change in distilled water environment for periods up to 3 hours. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=PDB&access_num=5x10&atom=%2Fbloodjournal%2F30%2F5%2F674.atom
Concurrent multiscale modeling of coupling between continuum damage and piezoresistivity in CNT-polymer nanocomposites

Abstract This paper is focused on modeling the coupled effect between continuum damage and piezoresistivity in the carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer nanocomposites by using computational micromechanics techniques based on a concurrent multiscale finite element analysis. For the progressive continuum damage in the polymer matrix, the Christensen’s failure criteria is applied for damage initiation, with a phenomenological damage law used for damage evolution. For the piezoresistive effect within the nanocomposites, the dominant mechanism, i.e. the electrical tunneling effect between the CNTs is considered. The detailed microscale material response at different macroscale locations are obtained simultaneously based on information passed down from the macroscale, with the microscale then passing updated local properties to the macroscale in a concurrent multiscale algorithm. The results show that there is a good correlation between continuum damage and piezoresistive response of the nanocomposites which gives theoretical and modeling support to enable the use of CNT-polymer nanocomposites for damage detection in structural health monitoring (SHM) applications.
The effect of oxidant stress on human lymphocyte cytotoxicity

We have studied the effect of oxidant stress on human lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Lymphocyte cultures maintained good viability after incubation with xanthine and xanthine oxidase, an enzyme system known to generate several highly reactive oxygen compounds. We demonstrated that these lymphocytes were viable after exposure to an in vitro oxidant stress but had a significant impairment in both antibody-dependent and nonantibody-mediated cytotoxicity against the CEM lymphoblast target cell. Specific scavengers of reactive oxygen species were examined for a potential protective effect on lymphocyte function. Cultures supplemented with catalase demonstrated highly significant but incomplete protection from oxidant injury. In contrast, cultures supplemented with superoxide dismutase and mannitol were not protected. The impairment of lymphocyte function that resulted from the in vitro exposure to the xanthine and xanthine oxidase was mediated primarily through the generation of hydrogen peroxide. The scavenger studies indicated that superoxide, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen were probably not involved in producing the oxidant injury. Incubation of lymphocytes directly with hydrogen peroxide produced a similar functional impairment. Heat inactivation or chemical inhibition of the enzyme xanthine oxidase with allopurinol prevented oxidant injury and implied that the intact enzyme was necessary to produce the injury. Similar alterations of lymphocyte function may occur in vivo during an inflammatory reaction or in patients receiving ionizing radiation as treatment for neoplasia.
TLR7 agonist-induced bronchodilation: key mechanistic questions remain

to the editor: The role of Toll-like receptor-7s (TLR7) in innate immunity against single-stranded RNA viruses is well established. Recently, our group found TLR7 agonists also relax guinea pig and human airway smooth muscle strips via production of nitric oxide ([1][1], [2][2]). Immunostaining
The Young and the Restless: A Study of Age and Acquisition Propensity of CEOs of UK Firms

Using a large sample of CEOs of UK firms, we show that CEO age is a key determinant of acquisition activity. We find that younger CEOs are more likely to acquire another firm and spend more on large capital expenditures. We argue that while younger CEOs of both UK and US firms undertake more acquisitions than their older peers, their motivations for acquisitions might differ. We find that the stock market perceives acquisitions by younger CEOs to be of a higher quality. Following previous studies, we use CEO tenure as a proxy for reputation, and find that large acquisitions enhance CEO reputation, especially for younger CEOs. In contrast to the previous findings for CEOs of US firms, we determine that the compensation of CEOs in the UK does not increase after acquisitions. This absence of a compensation incentive for CEOs of UK firms is consistent with the idea that the UK compensation structure is more restrictive and has a smaller equity-based component. Our evidence is also inconsistent with an overconfidence effect. Overall, our results provide consistent evidence of executive signaling by younger CEOs of UK firms eager to distinguish themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Using different methods to analyze the pre-post no-matching survey data in medical practical research

S problems arise when analyzing pre and post survey studies using anonymous questionnaire. The pre and post data is related, but it is impossible to match the pre and post data of the same responders. Teen drivers have higher crash risk when they drive after consuming alcohol. The American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter conducts “Operation Prom Night” crash re-enactment programs with local high school students and the Illinois Department of Transportation. The goal is to teach students about the danger of drinking and driving. The survey objective is to measure changes in knowledge and behavior related with drinking and driving. In this situation, some students answered both pre and post survey, some students only answered pre survey or post survey. Pre and post data could not be paired for the same student. The data used was from 13 schools between 2007 and 2011. We used independent sample statistical models to analyze the data in two different ways. One chose all data and another one chose part of the data but independently. In order to create independent samples, we randomly chose 6 out of the 13 schools as group1, and others as group2. The pre or post data was used from group1. By contrast, the post or pre data was used from group2. Both methods decreased the power. The first one was because of extra variability introduced by not knowing the individual, and the second one was because of sample size reduced. All results were compared and had the similar conclusions.
E-067 Endovascular Approach in the Repair of the Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Including Those with Wide Neck and Complex in Morphology-A Case Series

Background Recent data demonstrated that surgical clipping of the middle cerebral artery aneurysm may be superior to endovascular coiling when modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 2 or less is considered a good outcome. However, it is not clear that how many of the patients in both arms were able to go back to baseline functional states despite being independent. There are minimal data on the outcome of the repair of the MCA aneurysm when mRS 0–1 is considered a good outcome. Additionally, outcome of patients with a complex anatomy and/or wide neck are not well described. Objectives Primary objective is to evaluate the functional outcomes of MCA aneurysm patients who underwent endovascular repair including those with wide neck and complex in nature. Secondary, objective is to determine the percentage of good outcome (mRS 0–2) patients who may return to the functional status (mRs 0–1). Methods From a prospectively maintained database, consecutive patients with MCA aneurysm who underwent endovascular treatment were enrolled from 2011 to 2015. Patient’s demographics including perioperative events were captured. In addition to the long-term angiographic results, the functions outcome was measured using mRS in 90 days and subsequent visits. Results 13 patients with median age 60 years (38–76), 83% women underwent endovascular repair of the 14 MCA aneurysms. Off 14 aneurysms (right 9) including 2 ruptured cases (11 were wide neck and 6 had complex anatomy), 11 required stent-assisted coiling representing one ruptured case. Stent was deployed in all but one case due to the extreme tortuosity, which underwent primary coiling of aneurysm. This 67 years old patient with 14 mm symptomatic right MCA aneurysm required treatment prior to initiate chemo and radiation therapy for her breast carcinoma. She developed intraoperative thrombosis of superior division of MCA which was recanalised using 10 mg of intra-arterial eptifibatide resulted in no clinical symptoms or radiographic stroke. Immediate complete and near complete obliteration was observed in 10 and subtotal in 4 cases. One patient lost long term follow-up. Off 4 subtotal cases; two achieved complete and 2 remain subtotal with improvement. Recurrence of aneurysm was observed in two cases that required subsequent coiling and achieve long-term complete obliteration. 90 days Independent functional outcome (mRS 0–2) was observed in all 13 patients including 2 ruptured cases. Long-term normal functional state (mRS 0–1) was observed in 11/12 cases and one ruptured patient remained in mRS 2 and was not able to go back to work. Conclusions Endovascular repair of the MCA aneurysm inclosing those with wide neck and complex are not only safe and feasible, but associated with high long-term functional outcome. Therefore, endovascular options must be offered to patients prior to surgical clipping of a MCA aneurysm. Further study may be warranted. Disclosures Y. Lodi: None. V. Reddy: None.
Differential effects of metformin on age related comorbidities in older men with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Aims To identify distinct temporal likelihoods of age-related comorbidity (ARC) diagnoses: cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, depression, dementia, and frailty-related diseases (FRD) in older men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) but ARC naive initially, and assess the heterogeneous effects of metformin on ARCs and mortality. Methods We identified a clinical cohort of male veterans in the United States who were ≥65years old with T2D and free from ARCs during 2002–2003. ARC diagnoses during 2004–2012 were analyzed using latent class modeling adjusted for confounders. Results The cohort consisted of 41,204 T2D men with age 74.6±5.8years, HbA1c 6.5±0.97%, and 8393 (20.4%) metformin users. Four ARC classes were identified. ‘Healthy Class' (53.6%): metformin reduced likelihoods of all ARCs (from 0.14% in dementia to 6.1% in CVD). ‘High Cancer Risk Class' (11.6%): metformin reduced likelihoods of CVD (13.3%), cancer (45.5%), depression (5.0%), and FRD (13.7%). ‘High CVD Risk Class' (17.4%): metformin reduced likelihoods of CVD (48.6%), cancer (3.2%), depression (2.8%), and FRD (6.3%). ‘High Frailty Risk Class' (17.2%): metformin reduced likelihoods of CVD (18.8%), cancer (3.9%), dementia (3.8%), depression (15.6%), and FRD (23.8%). Conclusions Metformin slowed ARC development in old men with T2D, and these effects varied by ARC phenotype.
You'll Find Answers Here

Dany Spencer Adams has written an excellent guide to all things quantitative, from calculating molarity to understanding statistics. This useful book should be on every laboratory bench.
A Change in the Rate-Determining Step of Polymerization by the K289M DNA Polymerase β Cancer-Associated Variant.

K289M is a variant of DNA polymerase β (pol β) that has previously been identified in colorectal cancer. The expression of this variant leads to a 16-fold increase in mutation frequency at a specific site in vivo and a reduction in fidelity in vitro in a sequence context-specific manner. Previous work shows that this reduction in fidelity results from a decreased level of discrimination against incorrect nucleotide incorporation at the level of polymerization. To probe the transition state of the K289M mutator variant of pol β, single-turnover kinetic experiments were performed using β,γ-CXY dGTP analogues with a wide range of leaving group monoacid dissociation constants (pKa4), including a corresponding set of novel β,γ-CXY dCTP analogues. Surprisingly, we found that the values of the log of the catalytic rate constant (kpol) for correct insertion by K289M, in contrast to those of wild-type pol β, do not decrease with increased leaving group pKa4 for analogues with pKa4 values of <11. This suggests that...
A critical look at methodologies used to evaluate charter school effectiveness

There is no consensus among researchers on charter school effectiveness in the USA, in part because of discrepancies in the research methods employed across various studies. Causal impact estimates from experimental studies demonstrate large positive impacts, but concerns about the generalizability of these results have prompted the development of alternative methodologies for estimating charter impacts. Considerable attention has been paid to non-experimental national charter school studies conducted by the Stanford Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO). To reconcile conflicting findings in the charter school literature, this within-study analysis uses statewide data from Florida between 2001 and 2009, finding large differences in the estimated charter school effects for oversubscribed and undersubscribed schools. This helps explain why experimental studies often find charter impacts that are much larger than those reported by studies relying on non-experimental methods.
Incremental learning of explanation patterns and their indices

Abstract This paper describes how a reasoner can improve its understanding of an incompletely understood domain through the application of what it already knows to novel problems in that domain: Recent work in AI has dealt with the issue of using past explanations stored in the reasoner's memory to understand novel situations. However, this process assumes that past explanations are well understood and provide good “lessons” to be used for future situations. This assumption is usually false when one is learning about a novel domain, since situations encountered previously in this domain might not have been understood completely. Instead, it is reasonable to assume that the reasoner would have gaps in its knowledge base. By reasoning about a new situation, the reasoner should be able to fill in these gaps as new information came in, reorganize its explanations in memory, and gradually evolve a better understanding of its domain. We present a story understanding program that retrieves past explanations from situations already in memory, and uses them to build explanations to understand novel stories about terrorism. In doing so, the system refines its understanding of the domain by filling in gaps in these explanations, by elaborating the explanations, or by learning new indices for the explanations. This is a type of incremental learning since the system improves its explanatory knowledge of the domain in an incremental fashion rather than by learning new XPs as a whole.