cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A committed precursor to innate lymphoid cells

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) specialize in the rapid secretion of polarized sets of cytokines and chemokines to combat infection and promote tissue repair at mucosal barriers. Their diversity and similarities with previously characterized natural killer (NK) cells and lymphoid tissue inducers (LTi) have prompted a provisional classification of all innate lymphocytes into groups 1, 2 and 3 solely on the basis of cytokine properties, but their developmental pathways and lineage relationships remain elusive. Here we identify and characterize a novel subset of lymphoid precursors in mouse fetal liver and adult bone marrow that transiently express high amounts of PLZF, a transcription factor previously associated with NK T cell development, by using lineage tracing and transfer studies. PLZF(high) cells were committed ILC progenitors with multiple ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3 potential at the clonal level. They excluded classical LTi and NK cells, but included a peculiar subset of NK1.1(+)DX5(-) 'NK-like' cells residing in the liver. Deletion of PLZF markedly altered the development of several ILC subsets, but not LTi or NK cells. PLZF(high) precursors also expressed high amounts of ID2 and GATA3, as well as TOX, a known regulator of PLZF-independent NK and LTi lineages. These findings establish novel lineage relationships between ILC, NK and LTi cells, and identify the common precursor to ILCs, termed ILCP. They also reveal the broad, defining role of PLZF in the differentiation of innate lymphocytes.
Teaching hardware and computer design in a software oriented computer science program

A computer hardware and design course is described which is oriented toward softies. The special problems of such a course are discussed, some solutions offered, and the students' responses are analyzed.
Determination of mercury in seawater at sub-nanogram per liter levels

Abstract Using a refined two-stage gold amalgamation preconcentration technique in conjunction with cold vapor atomic absorption (CVAA) detection, mercury in various Pacific Northwest coastal waters has been determined. Through the use of extremely clean reagents and special handling techniques, the blank has been reduced and reproducibility greatly improved for both “easily reducible mercury” and “total mercury”. Samples of unfiltered water, taken at the surface, as well as at 10 m, 100 m, and 175 m have all yielded “easily reducible mercury” at between 0.1 and 0.5 ng l −1 , and “total mercury” between 0.2 and 1.0 ng l −1 . Variability within replicate field samples is less than 10%, although variations of greater than 100% may be seen over a period of hours in Sequim Bay.
Propagation of the generalized radiance through lenses

We prove that in a large and significant class of cases the generalized radiance is, except for transmission losses, invariant along light rays traversing a lens.
Studies on 5-aminouridine

Abstract Inhibitory effects of 5-aminouridine and 5-aminouridylic acid were studied in Ehrlich ascites cells and cell-free preparations. The metabolism of synthetically prepared [2- 14 C]5-aminouridine was compared with that of [2- 14 C]uridine. The radioactive nucleoside analogue was metabolized to 5-amino-UMP in Ehrlich ascites cells and evidence for the presence of 5-amino-UDP, 5-amino-UTP and 5-amino-UDP-sugars in the acid-soluble fraction was obtained. Incorporation of analogue into RNA was proven by isolation of radioactive 5-aminouridine 2′(3′)-monophosphate from an alkaline hydrolysate of RNA isolated from the cells. The presence of 5-aminouridine 5′-phosphate inhibited formation of uridine nucleotides from [2- 14 C]orotic acid and caused accumulation of orotidylic acid in cell-free preparations from Ehrlich ascites cells. The data demonstrate that 5-aminouridine 5′-monophosphate is a potent inhibitor of orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.23). Ehrlich ascites cells were incubated in the presence of equal amounts of either [2- 14 C]uridine or [2- 14 C]5-aminouridine to determine quantitative differences in the metabolism of the two compounds. Differences in the amounts of [2- 14 C]uridine and [2- 14 C]5-aminouridine in the respective acid-soluble nucleotides were no greater than 2-fold. The amount of [2- 14 C]uridine incorporated into nucleic acids, however, was 6.7 times greater than that of [2- 14 C]5-aminouridine.
Predicting an Asthma Exacerbation in Children 2 to 5 Years of Age

Swern AS, Tozzi CA, Knorr A, Bisgaard H. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol . 2008;101(6):626–630 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. To identify symptoms and other factors that may be predictive of an asthma exacerbation in children 2 to 5 years of age. STUDY POPULATION. Children 2 to 5 years of age who participated in a previous, double-blind, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 12-week study of 4 mg of monteleukast for the treatment of persistent asthma. METHODS. A posthoc analysis was performed with data collected …
A technique for studying the multiple emission sites on broad area electrodes in a vacuum

Abstract Observations of the transition radiation at the anode of a high voltage vacuum device using a low-light telescope have enabled the positions of the emission sites on the cathode to be determined accurately and have shown the way in which emitters are destroyed and sometimes produced at a breakdown. In addition, the electrical characteristics of the individual emission sites have been obtained by measuring the intensity of the transition radiation. This technique should allow the factors governing the voltage performance of industrial high voltage vacuum devices to be better understood.
Challenge behavior in the college classroom

This paper addresses the concept of student challenge behavior and seeks to provide a conceptual framework, report preliminary data, and develop a valid, reliable, and interdisciplinary instrument for measuring challenge behavior in the college classroom. Challenge behavior is seen as a mediational strategy that students use to negotiate the conventions of the classroom culture. Challenge behavior may be motivated by uncertainty and is manifested by behaviors that are contrary to teacher expectations. By creating an instrument to identify student challenge behavior, teachers are able to monitor these challenges and adapt their communication practices accordingly.
Aptamer sandwich assays: human α-thrombin detection using liposome enhancement

Fluorescent dye-encapsulating liposomes tagged with aptamers were developed and used as reporting signals in an aptamer-based sandwich assay. α-Thrombin was utilized as a prototypical analyte as two well-studied aptamers binding distinct epitopes are available to form a sandwich complex. Cholesteryl–TEG-modified aptamers were embedded into the liposomal lipid bilayer while the interior cavity of the liposomes encapsulated fluorescent sulforhodamine B dye. Such liposomes successfully formed a sandwich complex with α-thrombin and a microtiter plate immobilized aptamer, proving that aptamers retain their ability to fold when anchored to the liposome surface. Parameters studied included liposomal aptamer coverage, sandwich aptamer orientation, aptamer label orientation, aptamer spacer length and type, incubation buffer, and aptamer concentration. The optimized conditions found here in the fluorescence assay led to a limit of detection of 64 pM or 2.35 ng/mL, corresponding to 6.4 fmol or 235 pg, respectively, in a 100 μL volume. This is an order of magnitude lower than previous sandwich aptamer assays using the same sequences with lowest reported limits of detection of 0.45 nM. In addition, the assay was applied successfully to the detection of α-thrombin in human plasma. The success of this method in a standard microtiter plate format and the relatively facile functionalization of liposomes with aptamers suggest that this approach provides a versatile option for routine analytical applications.
Algorithm-based fault tolerance applied to high performance computing

We present a new approach to fault tolerance for High Performance Computing system. Our approach is based on a careful adaptation of the Algorithmic Based Fault Tolerance technique (Huang and Abraham, 1984) to the need of parallel distributed computation. We obtain a strongly scalable mechanism for fault tolerance. We can also detect and correct errors (bit-flip) on the fly of a computation. To assess the viability of our approach, we have developed a fault tolerant matrixmatrix multiplication subroutine and we propose some models to predict its running time. Our parallel fault-tolerant matrix-matrix multiplication scores 1.4 TFLOPS on 484 processors (cluster jacquard.nersc.gov) and returns a correct result while one process failure has happened. This represents 65% of the machine peak efficiency and less than 12% overhead with respect to the fastest failure-free implementation. We predict (and have observed) that, as we increase the processor count, the overhead of the fault tolerance drops significantly.
Animal joint behaviour under excessive loading.

CONTROVERSY1–3 surrounds the concept that animal joints are lubricated hydrostatically by interstitial fluid “squeezed” from the relatively compressible articular cartilage under pressure4,5. One of the chief arguments against the physiological significance of “weeping lubrication” is that the joint lubricant in life is very viscous and is experimentally capable of providing a squeeze film of great tenacity under large pressures.
Evaluation of several low thermal expansion Fe–Co–Ni alloys as interconnect for reduced-temperature solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract Several low thermal expansion Fe–Co–Ni alloys including HRA 929C, Thermo-Span, EXP 4005 and Three-Phase were evaluated as interconnect for reduced-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The isothermal oxidation behaviors of the four alloys were determined at 800 °C in air corresponding to the SOFC cathode environment. The results indicate that the mass gains of HRA 929C and Thermo-Span increased continuously with oxidation time, and were higher than those of EXP 4005 and Three-Phase, both of which exhibited low oxidation rate after the first-week exposure due to the formation of a semi-continuous Al 2 O 3 inner layer. Compared to the ferritic alloy Crofer 22 APU, these low thermal expansion alloys exhibited inferior oxidation resistance; however, the area specific resistance (ASR) of the oxide scales thermally grown on these alloys was lower than that for Crofer 22 APU, as a result of the formation of a highly-conductive, Cr-free surface spinel layer. The promises and problems of these low thermal expansion alloys were discussed with regard to SOFC interconnect application.
Population size dependence, competitive coexistence and habitat destruction

1. Spatial dynamics can lead to coexistence of competing species even with strong asymmetric competition under the assumption that the inferior competitor is a better colonizer given equal rates of extinction. Patterns of habitat fragmentation may alter competitive coexistence under this assumption. 2. Numerical models were developed to test for the previously ignored effect of population size on competitive exclusion and on extinction rates for coexistence of competing species. These models neglect spatial arrangement. 3. Cellular automata were developed to test the effect of population size on competitive coexistence of two species, given that the inferior competitor is a better colonizer. The cellular automata in the present study were stochastic in that they were based upon colonization and extinction probabilities rather than deterministic rules. 4. The effect of population size on competitive exclusion at the local scale was found to have little consequence for the coexistence of competitors at the metapopulation (or landscape) scale. In contrast, population size effects on extinction at the local scale led to much reduced landscape scale coexistence compared to simulations not including localized population size effects on extinction, especially in the cellular automata models. Spatially explicit dynamics of the cellular automata vs. deterministic rates of the numerical model resulted in decreased survival of both species. One important finding is that superior competitors that are widespread can become extinct before less common inferior competitors because of limited colonization. 5. These results suggest that population size–extinction relationships may play a large role in competitive coexistence. These results and differences are used in a model structure to help reconcile previous spatially explicit studies which provided apparently different results concerning coexistence of competing species.
Estimating Traveltimes From Noisy Crosshole Seismic Data

Borehole traveltime tomography data generated from experiments using a piezoelectric source can be affected by high levels of background noise and random phase shifts. These noise factors produce an uncertainty condition in the timing of the transmitted signals, In this paper we evaluate the errors in the traveltime picking through numerical modelling of the experiments including the various types of noise and how the errors map into the inversion solution.
All-optical control of microfluidic components using form birefringence.

The reflection and refraction of light at a dielectric interface gives rise to forces due to changes in the photon momentum1. At the microscopic level, these forces are sufficient to trap and rotate microscopic objects2,3. Such forces may have a profound impact in the emergent area of microfluidics, where there is the desire to process minimal amounts of analyte. This places stringent criteria on the ability to pump, move and mix small volumes of fluid, which will require the use of micro-components and their controlled actuation4,5,6,7. We demonstrate the modelling, fabrication and rotation of microgears based on the principle of form birefringence. Using a geometric anisotropy (a one-dimensional photonic crystal etched into the microgear), we can fabricate microgears of known birefringence, which may be readily rotated by manipulating the input polarization in a standard optical trap. This methodology offers a new and powerful mechanism for generating a wide range of microfabricated machines, such as micropumps, that may be driven by purely optical control.
Finite Element Analysis of Structural and Electromagnetic Effects on Asperity Contacts

This work presents a combination of two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) of structural and electrical contact between two nonconforming hemispheres at various vertical interferences. Items of particular interest include contact forces, current densities, and magnetic forces. The results are normalized to be applicable to micro and macro-scaled contact models. To test the validity of the analysis, the results are compared to another work focusing on contact between a hemisphere and rigid flat.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Effects of starvation on the contractility of the myocardium.

STARVATION produces marked alterations in cardiac metabolism, for example, decreased glucose, lactate and pyruvate metabolism accompanied by accelerated metabolism of lipids, and a raised concentration of glycogen and glucose-6-phosphate1–6. It was of interest to ascertain whether these metabolic changes are associated with modifications of the contractile behaviour of the myocardium. Accordingly, we have investigated the effects of starvation on the contractility of isolated rat atria.
Observational epidemiology within randomized clinical trials: getting a lot for (almost) nothing.

Abstract Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard approach to establish relationships between exposures/treatments and outcomes. Analyses that examine the association between the randomized factor and outcomes are "protected by randomization" from potential confounding factors. Despite limitations largely arising from the lack of generalizability of findings, RCTs offer a rich environment to assess associations between other factors and outcomes which are by definition observational epidemiological studies. Herein we discuss the limitations of these analyses, but also the opportunities that arise from the use of observational epidemiological assessments that can be performed: 1) between factors assessed prior to randomization, 2) analyses of longitudinal outcomes both in the cohort all together, and among subjects randomized to placebo treatment, and 3) analyses of "associated" series of patients (such as non-randomized registries or screenees for the RCT). While these assessments of associations are not protected by randomization, with proper planning these assessments within the RCT framework can be done in a powerful and effective manner.
Tibialis anterior turnover flap coverage of exposed tibia in a severely burned patient

A case report of a longitudinally split tibialis anterior turnover flap reconstruction of an exposed tibia in a burn patient is presented here. The patient had sustained deep partial- and full-thickness burns to 70 per cent of his total body surface area (TBSA), resulting in an exposed left patella and upper two-thirds of the left tibia. Although full thickness loss of skin occurred on the left lower leg, no muscle trauma was sustained. Reconstruction was therefore deemed possible using local muscle tissue to provide transposed flap coverage. A gastrocnemius muscle flap was used to cover the exposed patella and superior aspect of the tibia. A portion of the tibialis anterior muscle was split longitudinally and turned over medially to cover the remaining exposed tibia. The advantages offered by this infrequently used flap include technical simplicity, reliability, minimal donor site dysfunction and the allowance of future use of the soleus flap. The tibialis anterior turnover flap may therefore have wide applicability for reconstruction of the severely burned lower extremity.
Competitor Analysis and Interfirm Rivalry: Toward A Theoretical Integration

This article bridges two important subjects in strategy: competitor analysis and interfirm rivalry. Through a refined conceptualization of competitor analysis, the article introduces two firm-specific, theory-based constructs: market commonality, developed from the literature on multiple-point competition, and resource similarity, derived from the resource-based theory of the firm. The joint consideration of these two constructs shows the complementarity of these two prominent but contrasting strategy theories. Each firm has a unique market profile and strategic resource endowment, and a pair-wise comparison with a given competitor along these two dimensions will help to illuminate the prebattle competitive tension between these two firms and to predict how a focal firm may interact with each of its competitors. The idea of competitive asymmetry is introduced, that is, the notion that a given pair of firms may not pose an equal degree of threat to each other. To illustrate competitor mapping, measures of ...
Survey of Physician Well-Being and Health Behaviors at an Academic Medical Center

Purpose: The study aims were to ascertain, among attending and house staff at a single academic medical center, the prevalence of and risk factors for psychiatric symptoms and disorders and for personal health behaviors. Methods: A self-administered, anonymous 72-item survey of physicians was conducted in February 2003. Results: Response rate was 37.6%. The prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 29%. AUDIT scores consistent with high likelihood of harmful alcohol consumption were prevalent in 6%. Almost 5% acknowledged use of sedatives or hypnotics without a prescription in the prior 12 months. Characteristics independently associated with current depressive symptoms included: living alone, full time salaried faculty status, not having a primary care physician, female sex, and age < 50 years. Factors associated with high risk of harmful alcohol consumption included: male sex, house staff status, and not being exclusively heterosexual. Conclusions: The prevalence of recent depressive symptoms among responding physicians was nearly 30%. Interventions to engage physicians in primary care relationships and social support to confidentially disclose potentially stigmatizing characteristics may facilitate earlier case finding of those at risk for depression, suicide, and substance abuse Key Words: Physician Well-Being, Prevalence, Risk Factors
Why short stature is beneficial in duchenne muscular dystrophy

Introduction Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a genetic defect resulting in absent dystrophin, yet children are able to walk when small and young but lose this ability as they grow. The mdx mouse has absent dystrophin yet does not exhibit significant disability. Methods Allometric modeling of linearly increasing load per muscle fiber and stress on the sarcolemma with growth and exponential decline associated with loss of muscle fibers correlated with case studies and animal models of DMD. Results Smaller species or breeds are predictably less affected than large as follows: mdx mice < small golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs < large GRMD dogs < humans. Case reports of combined growth hormone and dystrophin deficiency show a relatively benign course of disease. Conclusions Future therapeutic trials in DMD might include specific growth inhibitors in combination with standard of care treatments to delay the clinical onset and reduce the severity of disease and disability. Muscle Nerve 48: 336–342, 2013
MicroRNAs: new players in the DNA damage response

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a signal transduction pathway that decides the cell's fate either to repair DNA damage or to undergo apoptosis if there is too much damage. Post-translational modifications modulate the assembly and activity of protein complexes during the DDR pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as a class of endogenous gene modulators that control protein levels, thereby adding a new layer of regulation to the DDR. In this review, we describe a new role for miRNAs in regulating the cellular response to DNA damage with a focus on DNA double-strand break damage. We also discuss the implications of miRNA's role in the DDR to stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells, stressing the potential applications for miRNAs to be used as sensitizers for cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Mapping a curriculum by computer

Enrollment data for 1977–1982, gathered unobtrusively from records of 200 students, are used to produce an innovative map of the top 42 elective courses in Drexel University's School of Library and Information Science. The technique involves widely available packaged computer programs, including multidimensional scaling, and is usable for mapping electives in any curriculum in any field. Data gathering and computing procedures are given in sufficient detail for replication. The Drexel map shows a de facto core of popular courses that cut across several subject areas and are generalizable to any type of library or information agency. Surrounding the core are coherent specializations in such areas as applied information science, technical services librarianship, and educational media. The axes of the map are inter-pretable as dimensions on which students perceive courses, and by implication careers: one is type of clientele served, from highly specialized to nonspecialized; the other is graduate's image, from traditional to nontraditional. The map is historical evidence that the curriculum works in a certain way, which may be typical of schools like Drexel with largely elective courses. The evidence is relevant to accreditation standards of the American Liorary Association.
Factors underlying variation in spontaneous and clastogen-induced sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome breakage frequencies.

The latent "factors" influencing spontaneous and clastogen-induced genetic damage, measured by rates of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosome breakage (CB), were investigated in a small sample of 20 unrelated, healthy individuals. The covariation of spontaneous and clastogen-induced (bleomycin [BLM], streptonigrin [SN], mitomycin-C [MMC], 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide [4NQO]) SCEs and CBs was analyzed by maximum-likelihood factor analysis. A single-factor model resulted in large standardized regression coefficients of measured variables on the factor for spontaneous and BLM- and SN-induced SCE frequencies, and a modest regression coefficient for MMC-induced SCEs. A two-factor model, after varimax rotation, yielded one factor strongly associated with spontaneous and BLM- and SN-induced SCE frequencies, and a second factor associated with spontaneous and BLM- and SN-induced CBs. A bootstrap analysis of this data set indicated the statistical significance of one regression coefficient (i.e., P less than or equal to 0.05) and borderline significance (0.07 less than or equal to P less than or equal to 0.11) of three other regression coefficients on the first factor, to be interpreted as an effector of SCE frequencies. However, for the second factor, none of the bootstrapped regression coefficients was significant (P greater than 0.22). Due to the modest sample utilized in this study, the validity of this model should be further explored using additional, larger data sets.
Normative Steps/Day Values for Older Adults: NHANES 2005–2006

BACKGROUND Pedometers are more likely than accelerometers to be used in walking interventions and other applications, including wide spread adoption by lay people. The purpose of this article is to provide older adults' sex-and-age-specific normative values for accelerometer-determined steps/day, adjusted to a pedometer-based scale. METHODS The data source was accelerometer data collected over multiple valid days (defined as ≥ 10 h/day; mean 5.8 ± SE 0.1 valid days) from 1,196 60+ year olds participating in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Accelerometer data were adjusted to a pedometer scale using an established process of censoring steps counted during those minutes where activity counts totaled 9,126 steps/day) and women aged 85+ years of age defined the lowest single category (<276 steps/day). In general, steps/day tended to decrease within each quintile-defined category as age increased. Similar patterns were apparent in the more detailed LMSChartmakerPro percentiles. CONCLUSIONS These data represent the first presentation of a detailed population distribution of normative accelerometer-determined steps/day adjusted to pedometer scaling, an instrument more likely to be used in clinical and public health applications.
The Kernel Trick for Distances

A method is described which, like the kernel trick in support vector machines (SVMs), lets us generalize distance-based algorithms to operate in feature spaces, usually nonlinearly related to the input space. This is done by identifying a class of kernels which can be represented as norm-based distances in Hilbert spaces. It turns out that common kernel algorithms, such as SVMs and kernel PCA, are actually really distance based algorithms and can be run with that class of kernels, too. As well as providing a useful new insight into how these algorithms work, the present work can form the basis for conceiving new algorithms.
Cervicovaginal Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, and Interleukin-2 Receptor as Markers of Preterm Delivery

Preterm delivery is a common obstetric problem (1), and infants born prematurely are at increased risk for long-term disability and death (2). Clinical indicators of preterm delivery are neither sensitive nor specific (3). Fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing of cervicovaginal fluid is the only Food and Drug Administration-cleared test for prediction of preterm delivery. A negative fFN test ( 99% negative predictive value for delivery within 7 or 14 days of testing (4)(5). The negative result enables physicians to avoid unnecessary interventions, but the fFN test is costly (more than $100 per test). Cytokines have been investigated as biomarkers of impending preterm delivery and may favor preterm birth by stimulating prostaglandin synthesis (6)(7). Increased serum and amniotic fluid concentrations of several cytokines have been reported in women with preterm labor (8)(9)(10)(11)(12). The use of cervicovaginal fluid has been suggested as an alternative to amniotic fluid testing because this fluid is thought to be released through mechanical or inflammation-mediated damage to the membranes or placenta before birth (13). Cytokines may be released into cervicovaginal fluid during the breakdown of the chorio-decidual adhesion or from an inflammatory reaction in the same area. Few studies have been performed on symptomatic women (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). The objective of this study was to examine the potential usefulness of cervicovaginal interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) in the prediction of delivery in symptomatic women within 14 days of testing. This was a retrospective cohort study of samples for physician-ordered cervicovaginal fFN tests received by the Barnes-Jewish Hospital laboratory between February 2001 and December 2002. Cervicovaginal fluid was …
Tilescope: online analysis pipeline for high-density tiling microarray data

We developed Tilescope, a fully integrated data processing pipeline for analyzing high-density tiling-array data http://tilescope.gersteinlab.org. In a completely automated fashion, Tilescope will normalize signals between channels and across arrays, combine replicate experiments, score each array element, and identify genomic features. The program is designed with a modular, three-tiered architecture, facilitating parallelism, and a graphic user-friendly interface, presenting results in an organized web page, downloadable for further analysis.
A guided tour through my bibliography

Since this workshop is dedicated to my “50 years of professional activity”, it may not be out of place to give a brief account of what came out of all this activity! Listing the publications is a partial answer, which I am trying to supplement here with some indications of contents. It is impossible, within a reasonable amount of space, to go into any great detail, but just enough information will be given so that anyone who reads this can decide whether to look up an original source for more details. The material is organized into nine sections, each devoted to a particular subject area, and a tenth one with a brief summary of impact. Publications that seem more significant than others are listed immediately following the subsection headings.
Genetic Research and Health Disparities

Alleviating health disparities in the United States is a goal with broad support. Medical research undertaken to achieve this goal typically adopts the well-established perspective that racial discrimination and poverty are the major contributors to unequal health status. However, the suggestion is increasingly made that genetic research also has a significant role to play in alleviating this problem, which likely overstates the importance of genetics as a factor in health disparities. Overemphasis on genetics as a major explanatory factor in health disparities could lead researchers to miss factors that contribute to disparities more substantially and may also reinforce racial stereotyping, which may contribute to disparities in the first place. Arguments that promote genetics research as a way to help alleviate health disparities are augmented by several factors, including research funding initiatives and the distinct demographic patterns of health disparities in the United States.
Temporal trends in outcomes following sublobar and lobar resections for small (≤ 2 cm) non-small cell lung cancers--a Surveillance Epidemiology End Results database analysis.

Abstract Background Since the randomized, controlled study that favored lobectomy for resection of stage I non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) by the Lung Cancer Study Group, there have been improvements in staging. The liberal use of computed tomography also may have altered the types of early lung cancer diagnosed. Studies published since then have drawn contradictory conclusions on the benefit of lobectomy over sublobar resections for early-stage NSCLC. We examined the Surveillance Epidemiology End Results database to test our hypothesis that the relationship between extent of resection and outcome has changed since the Lung Cancer Study Group study was published. Methods We examined stage I NSCLCs ≤2 cm in size over three periods: 1988–1998 (Early), 1999–2004 (Intermediate), and 2005–2008 (Late). For each period, we assessed overall and disease-specific survivals and their associations with the extents of resection, by univariate and multivariate analyses. Sublobar resections in the Early group could not be categorized into segmentectomies and wedge resections because these were not coded separately. Results The proportion of NSCLCs ≤2 cm increased from 0.98% in 1988 to 2.2% in 2008. Multivariate analyses showed that sublobar resection was inferior to lobectomy in the Early period (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–1.65). This effect decreased in the Intermediate period, in which segmentectomies but not wedge resections were equivalent to lobectomies (wedge versus lobectomy HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01–1.41; segmentectomy versus lobectomy HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.8–1.36). The difference disappeared in the Late period, when both wedge resections and segmentectomies were equivalent to lobectomy (wedge versus lobectomy HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.79–1.5; segmentectomy versus lobectomy HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.47–1.45). Trends for both overall survival and disease-specific survival were identical. Conclusions The survival benefit of lobectomy over sublobar resection decreased over the past 2 decades with no discernible difference in the most contemporary cases. These results support reevaluation of lobectomy as the standard of care for small (≤2-cm) NSCLCs.
Juvenile bilateral lens dislocation and glaucoma associated with a novel mutation in the fibrillin 1 gene.

Purpose To describe the clinical, ocular, and genetic findings in multiple members of a family with early-onset and bilateral lens dislocation, clinical corneal guttae, and glaucoma. Methods All family members underwent complete physical and ophthalmic examinations. After informed consent was given, DNA was obtained from eleven family members, eight of whom were affected. Three polymorphic markers near the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) locus were genotyped and the results analyzed using the VITESSE program. Amplification of the 65 exons and flanking intronic sequences of FBN1 was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE). Then, all fragments with mobility variations were sequenced. Results Pedigree analysis revealed a three generation family with eight of eleven individuals affected by early onset lens dislocation, high myopia, typical facies, frontal bossing, flexion contractures, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint thickening, clinical corneal guttae, and glaucoma. Genetic linkage analysis using polymorphic markers near FBN1 demonstrated an LOD score of 1.78 (maximum possible LOD score 1.78). Conformation sequence gel electrophoresis analysis suggested a sequence variation in exon 3. Sequencing revealed a C965G substitution, resulting in an S322C coding change. This sequence variant segregated with affection status and was not identified in 154 control chromosomes. Conclusions This syndrome is consistent with a novel mutation in the FBN1 gene. FBN1 mutations have been previously described as causative for Marfan syndrome. The early-onset of complete lens dislocation, progressive corneal guttae, and glaucoma is unusual for Marfan syndrome. This study expands the Marfan phenotype and demonstrates a possible link between guttae, glaucoma, and fibrillin 1 disorders.
Progesterone and estrogen are potential mediators of gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias in nausea of pregnancy

Women in pregnancy experience nausea, which correlates with gastric slow-wave rhythm disruption. Mediators of these dysrhythmias were explored. To quantitate slow-wave disruption, eight pregnant women with first-trimester nausea underwent electrogastrography after a 250-kcal meal. Results were compared with nonpregnant women with nausea during a prior pregnancy who received estradiol and/or progesterone to levels of the first trimester of pregnancy. Five pregnant women exhibited dysrhythmias, with increases in combined recording time in tachygastria plus bradygastria, as well as decreases in the percentage of electrogastrography signal power in the normal 3 cycle/min range (cpm), compared with nonpregnant women (P<0.05). Estradiol did not evoke dysrhythmias in nonpregnant women; however, progesterone induced increases in recording time in bradygastria plus tachygastria and increases in bradygastric signal power with corresponding decreases in signal power in the 3-cpm range (P<0.05). With estradiol and progesterone coadministration, an additive effect was observed at 3.3 +/- 0.8 h, with increased recording time in bradygastria alone and in bradygastria plus tachygastria with corresponding increases in bradygastric signal power and decreases in power in the 3-cpm range (P<0.05). In conclusion, women with nausea of pregnancy exhibit slow-wave rhythm disruption. Similar dysrhythmias are evoked in nonpregnant women by progesterone alone or in combination with estradiol in doses that reproduce levels in pregnancy. Thus gastric dysrhythmias in pregnancy may be due to a combination of elevated progesterone and estrogen levels.
Why some utilities hate energy efficiency

Abstract The prevalence of low wholesale electricity prices and low load growth has altered the distribution of net benefits from energy efficiency. Measuring the effect of these factors on the distribution of net benefits among program participants, nonparticipants, utilities, and society can enhance discussions of the challenges and opportunities that arise.
Gift: A geospatial image and video filtering tool for computer vision applications with geo-tagged mobile videos

In this paper, we propose a novel geospatial image and video filtering tool (GIFT) to select the most relevant input images and videos for computer vision applications with geotagged mobile videos. GIFT tightly couples mobile media content and their geospatial metadata for fine granularity video manipulation and intelligently indexes FOVs (Field of View) to deal with large volumes of data. To demonstrate the effectiveness of GIFT, we introduce an end-to-end application that utilizes mobile videos to achieve persistent target tracking over large space and time. Our experimental results show promising performance of vision applications with GIFT in terms of lower communication load, improved efficiency, accuracy and scalability.
Invasive fungal disease of the sinus and orbit: a comparison between mucormycosis and Aspergillus

Background/aims Invasive fungal infections of the head and neck are rare life-threatening infections where prompt diagnosis and intervention is critical for survival. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of invasive fungal disease of the sinus and orbit, and to compare mucormycosis and Aspergillus infection. Methods A retrospective review was conducted from a single tertiary care eye and ear hospital over 20 years (1994–2014). Twenty-four patients with a confirmed pathological diagnosis of invasive fungal disease of the sinus and/or orbit were identified and their medical records were reviewed. The main outcome measures were type of fungus, location of disease, mortality and visual outcome. Results Patients with orbital involvement had a higher mortality and higher likelihood of mucormycosis infection compared with those with sinus-only disease (78.6% vs 20%, p=0.01; 86% vs 30%, p=0.01, respectively). Patients with mucormycosis had a higher mortality (71%) than patients with Aspergillus (29%); however, this was not statistically significant (p=0.16). All patients with orbital involvement and/or mucormycosis infections were immunosuppressed or had inadequately controlled diabetes, and had a cranial neuropathy or ocular motility dysfunction. All five post-transplant patients with orbital infections died, while the two transplant patients with sinus infections survived. Conclusions Patients with orbital fungal infections are more likely to be infected with mucormycosis compared with Aspergillus and have a higher mortality compared with infections sparing the orbit. History of transplant portends a dismal prognosis in orbital infections. Invasive fungal disease should be considered in any immunocompromised patient presenting with a new cranial neuropathy or ocular motility abnormality.
Incidence and Amount of Turbidity, Hemolysis, and Icterus in Serum From Outpatients

Two thousand six hundred consecutive blood specimens submitted to our outpatient chemistry laboratory were graded for lipemia or hemolysis by comparing each specimen to a series of serum samples adulterated with increasing concentrations of lipid emulsion or hemolysate. Icteric specimens were identified but not graded. After visual assessment, the true concentration of triglycerides, hemoglobin, or bilirubin was measured. Two hundred fifty-two specimens (9.7%) from outpatients were identified as having greater than 1+ interferent concentration. Results were as follows: lipemia, 7.5%; hemolysis, 1.6%; and icterus, 0.5%. Visual grading of specimens was not reliable. Since lipemia, hemolysis, and icterus occur frequently in specimens from outpatients, the effect of these potential interferents on analytical results must be considered when choosing an analyzer for the outpatient laboratory.
High-Order Accurate CFD/CSD Simulation of the UH-60 Rotor in Forward Flight

Time-dependent Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations for a highly flexible aeroelastic UH-60A rotor have been carried out for forward flight. The fluid structure interaction is accomplished by loosely coupling the OVERFLOW Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code with the helicopter comprehensive code CAMRAD II. The latter includes Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) with rotor trim capability. Computations are performed using spatial differences of 5 th -order for inviscid fluxes, 2 nd order accurate viscous fluxes, and 2 nd -order time accuracy. Dual time-stepping accuracy is examined and recommendations provided for an appropriate time step and number of subiterations. The predicted sectional normal forces and pitching moments are compared with flight-test data for high-speed and low-speed level-flight conditions. The low-speed case has significant Blade Vortex Interaction (BVI). The current simulations demonstrate a factor of two improvement in state-of-the-art airloads prediction accuracy for CFD/CSD simulations. This is attributed to the use of improved spatial accuracy. I. Introduction OMPUTATIONAL Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of rotorcraft flow fields using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations is a challenging multidisciplinary problem. This is primarily due to the need to model the aeroelastic interaction of the fluid dynamics with highly flexible rotor blades. A successful aerodynamic simulation of a rotor/fuselage system requires the modeling of unsteady three-dimensional flows that may include transonic shocks, dynamic stall with boundary layer separation, complex vortical wakes, blade/wake and wake/wake interactions, and body motions. Moreover, a stable and robust method to couple the CFD with a Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) model is required. Consequently, the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance prediction for rotorcraft lags compared to its fixed-wing counterpart. The helicopter industry often uses comprehensive rotor codes as part of the design process. These comprehensive codes typically include a simplified linear aerodynamic model, a CSD method for flexible rotor blades, and a trim algorithm. However, this very efficient design tool lacks the high fidelity aerodynamics needed for nonlinear rotorcraft flows. It is common at NASA and in the rotorcraft industry to carry out a parameter sweep of rotorcraft simulations with a less computationally costly comprehensive code, such as CAMRAD II, 1 when linear
Closure of urethral fistulae using a de-epithelialized skin advancement flap

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of urethral fistulae repair with de-epithelialized skin advancement flap.Methods Sixty-two consecutive patients with urethrocutaneous fistulaes un- derwent closure with de-epithelialized skin advancement flaps.Of the fistulae,9 were at coronal,48 at penile shaft,and 5 at scrotal position.In 37 patients,the urethral fistulae were more than 5 mm in di- ameter(large).After closing the fistula with inverting running stitch,the 2-3 cm of skin around the fistula was de-epithelialized to create a subcutaneous flap.It was used to cover the closed urethrocuta- neous fistula.An additional skin flap was then brought across to cover the subcutaneous flap.If skin was available,bilateral de-epithelialized skin advancement flaps were applied.No stent was left in situ post-operatively.Results The overall success rate was 95.2%.The successful rate of lager fistulae (5 mm)and coronal fistulas,were 94.6%,88.9% respectively.Conclusions Conclusions The de-ep- ithelialized skin advancement flap was an effective approach in repairing urethral fistulae.
Controlling the U.S. power grid smarter

Motivated by the growing energy needs amidst compelling sustainability and environmental concerns, a new architecture for energy management, labeled Smart Grid, is emerging where increasingly energy generation, transmission and distribution are expected to be controlled by cyber-enabled and cyber-secure components. Concepts of systems and control occupy a central role in this area in a wide range of topics ranging from pricing and markets to issues of estimation and integration at the transmission level to issues at the distribution, consumers, and demand management. This application tutorial session focuses on three major topics in this area, and aims to provide a tutorial exposition of these topics.
A fuzzy logic based power management strategy for hybrid energy storage system in hybrid electric vehicles considering battery degradation

In order to realize an optimal power distribution in double-sources energy system of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), a fuzzy logic control based power management strategy for longer battery life time is presented in this paper. Battery and ultracapacitor are the two sources studied here. A battery lifetime degradation model is included to develop the relationship between the battery charge/discharge behavior and the impact on its lifetime. The simulation results with multiple speed profiles from standard driving cycles (US EPA) verify that the proposed fuzzy control-based power management strategy helps reduce the battery degradation significantly.
Phase Retrieval Implementation for the WFIRST Coronagraph Development Testbed

Phase retrieval is an important tool for the coronagraph testbed at JPL. We present a phase retrieval approach that combines parametric and non-parametric phase estimates using the focused and defocused source images.
Theoretical Implications and Challenges

The philosophy of co-existence that I proposed in the last chapter as an alternative to both just war theories and pacifism will draw many objections. In this chapter, I will address some likely objections that are theoretical in nature.