cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Analysis of Breast Cancer-Related Conformational Changes in Proteins Using SILAC-SPROX

Proteomic methods for disease state characterization and biomarker discovery have traditionally utilized quantitative mass spectrometry methods to identify proteins with altered expression levels in disease states. Here we report on the large-scale use of protein folding stability measurements to characterize different subtypes of breast cancer using the stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture and stability of proteins from rates of oxidation (SILAC-SPROX) technique. Protein folding stability differences were studied in a comparison of two luminal breast cancer subtypes, luminal-A and -B (i.e., MCF-7 and BT-474 cells, respectively), and in a comparison of a luminal-A and basal subtype of the disease (i.e., MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 cells, respectively). The 242 and 445 protein hits identified with altered stabilities in these comparative analyses included a large fraction with no significant expression level changes. This suggests thermodynamic stability measurements create a new avenue for pr...
20-F Reconciliation Requirement: A Review of the Literature Before and After Its Elimination

This paper reviews the literature of 20-F reconciliation requirement for cross listed firms in the US. Specifically, the review is divided into two parts – one involving the literature until the elimination of the reconciliation requirement and the other involving the literature documenting the effects of the elimination of the reconciliation requirement. In so doing, we developed framework that helped to document the effects of 20-F reconciliation before and after its elimination. The analysis from the review of the literature before the elimination of 20-F reconciliation suggests that over the time the research evolved. Since 20-F reconciliation requirement was very much controversial when required during the 1980s, the early stages of research focused on the usefulness/utility of it; however, over time it helped to analyze the differences between US GAAP and national GAAP. Additionally, the reconciliation requirement also helped to assess the harmonization process over a large period of time, especially the harmonization process of IASB and FASB convergence projects, thus evaluating the effectiveness of harmonization efforts in practice. Next, the analysis from the review of the literature after the elimination of the 20-F reconciliation requirement suggests that market did not miss the nonexistence of reconciliation requirement overall in terms of information quality and information informativeness. Moreover, the review suggests that 20-F reconciliation requirement has far reaching effects beyond the market - cost of debt, time saving, audit pricing and so on. Though, on average, the elimination benefited companies by either reducing different kinds of costs or not affecting information environment, these effects, in many cases, are not uniform, e.g., companies from low enforcement regimes or weaker investor protection countries did not experience such benefits.
The intersection between sleep science and policy: introduction to the special issue on school start times.

This introduction to a special issue of Sleep Health highlights key themes in the growing literature on sleep and adolescent health.
Development of Optimal Multiscale Patterns for Digital Image Correlation via Local Grayscale Variation

In many applications of digital image correlation (DIC), it is advantageous to have measurements at multiple scales. Because it is rare to have natural features that can be used for DIC at multiple magnifications, an appropriately multiscale DIC pattern is needed. This work develops a multiscale DIC pattern that (1) contains features appropriate for both high and low magnification, (2) does not need to know the location of high magnification a priori, and (3) does not require specialized DIC equipment beyond what is necessary to achieve the two magnifications. The pattern is developed based on an optimization framework that minimizes expected DIC error while constraining sub-regions of the pattern to biased average grayscale values. The inclusion of local grayscale biases in the pattern has the effect of introducing resolvable features at a length scale much larger than the speckles of which the pattern is composed. Numerical and physical experiments were performed to illustrate the functionality and utility of the designed patterns. Notable among the findings is the trade off between DIC accuracy at the two scales and how it is controlled by grayscale bias.
Towards a Syntax-Semantics Interface for Latin

El llati se cita sovint com un exemple tipic d’una llengua d’ordre lliure de mots. L’ordre lliure de mots inevitablement complica la semantica composicional per a qualsevol teoria en que les funcions estiguin definides lexicament per a prendre els seus arguments en un ordre fix. S’han suggerit diversos mecanismes logics sofisticats al llarg dels anys per resoldre aquest problema, pero cap d’ells no es realment compatible amb les dades del llati. Ajustem la sintaxi per a adaptar- nos a les dades filologiques i utilitzem l’estructura resultant com a base per a una simple semantica que permeti que els arguments s’introdueixin en la composicio semantica en l’ordre en que els presenta la sintaxi.
Slow Photoelectron Velocity-Map Imaging of Cryogenically Cooled Anions.

Slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled anions (cryo-SEVI) is a powerful technique for elucidating the vibrational and electronic structure of neutral radicals, clusters, and reaction transition states. SEVI is a high-resolution variant of anion photoelectron spectroscopy based on photoelectron imaging that yields spectra with energy resolution as high as 1–2 cm−1. The preparation of cryogenically cold anions largely eliminates hot bands and dramatically narrows the rotational envelopes of spectral features, enabling the acquisition of well-resolved photoelectron spectra for complex and spectroscopically challenging species.We review the basis and history of the SEVI method, including recent experimental developments that have improved its resolution and versatility. We then survey recent SEVI studies to demonstrate the utility of this technique in the spectroscopy of aromatic radicals, metal and metal oxide clusters, nonadiabatic interactions between excited states of...
Pulsations in Hot Massive Stars

Massive stars are known to pulsate at many stages of evolution. Most spectacular are the Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs), in which pulsation is one possible origin for the S-Dor type outbursts. In this work, we study the radial pulsations of stars with initial masses of 20, 40, 60 and 85 M ⊙ using both linear and non-linear pulsation codes. The pulsations can then interact with time-dependent convection, which increases the luminosity until the Eddington limit is exceeded locally, potentially driving mass loss and S-Dor outbursts. We consider models at various stages of evolution and metallicity, covering the observed properties of the majority of the observed LBV and LBV candidates. Preliminary results characterizing the pulsations as functions of Y and Z are presented.
Back to the Basics: Regression as It Should Be

Sir Francis Galton (1885) introduced the idea of “regression” to the research community in a study examining the relationship of fathers’ and sons’ heights. In his study he observed that sons do not tend toward their fathers’ heights but instead “regress to” the mean of the population. He thus formulated the idea of “regression toward mediocrity”, and with the development of the method of least squares procedures by Carl Friedrich Gauss (Myers, 1990), multiple regression analysis using ordinary least squares procedures (OLS) has become one of the most common statistical techniques for investigating and modeling relationships among variables. Applications of regression occur in almost every field, and one can hardly pick up an issue of a higher education journal without running across at least one study in which OLS regression was the methodology of choice. Similarly, there is a plethora of work presented at the Association for the Study of Higher Education, Division J of the American Educational Research Association, and the Association for Institutional Research utilizing multiple regression techniques. Such widespread use of this powerful technique encourages us to revisit the basic principles underlying this “workhorse” of higher education research in an effort to identify ways in which it can be used to deliver more refined analyses, thereby further enhancing the credibility of our research.
Graphics Interpreter of Design Actions

This paper describes the background and research for a diagram sorting and analysis system called GIDA — Graphics Interpreter of Design Actions. The GIDA system explores how spatial relations between graphic symbols in a design drawing may be extracted and the transformations of the graphic elements between different drawings in a design process may be tracked.
Nicht einschreibbare Polyeder

Die Ecken eines zufallig erzeugten, konvexen Polygons liegen wahrscheinlich nicht auf einer Sphare. Zum Beispiel ist die Pyramide aus Abbildung 21.1 nicht einer Sphare eingeschrieben, wenn ihre viereckige Basis nicht einem Kreis eingeschrieben ist. Man kann aber die Form der Basis leicht so anpassen, dass sie zu einem eingeschriebenen Viereck wird, und dann wird die Pyramide zu einem eingeschriebenen Polyeder. Man ist dazu geneigt anzunehmen, dass jedes konvexe Polyeder so angepasst werden kann, dass es einer Sphare eingeschrieben werden kann.
Immunocytochemical localization of proteins in striated muscle.

Publisher Summary This chapter examines immunocytochemical localization of proteins in striated muscle. The availability of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has made it feasible to locate specific epitopes, to probe functional sites on proteins, and to locate structural domains and their arrangement in situ . Various different labels and detection options available increase the importance of carefully characterizing antibodies or their fragments for specificity and cross-reactivity. The exchange of antibodies or other laboratory-to-laboratory interactions are often very useful in clarifying uncertainties about antibodies. Pepe used fluorescein-conjugated myosin antibodies for localization with the fluorescence microscope and unlabeled myosin antibodies for electron microscope (EM) localization. Pepe demonstrated that antigenic sites on thick filaments were accessible to these antibodies only in certain portions of the A band. Myosin antibodies absorbed with the heavy meromyosin (HMM) tryptic fragment of the myosin molecule provide antibodies that can only recognize the light meromyosin (LMM) antigenic sites. Absorption with LMM from a 15-minute trypsin digest yields an antibody fraction that recognizes only HMM because short-digest LMM contains both the LMM and the trypsin-sensitive sites.
Intracranial pressure and its monitoring in childhood: a review.

Failure to measure intracranial pressure (ICP) in the childhood encephalopathies has been likened to treating heart failure without measuring the blood pressure. Raised ICP adds considerably to the morbidity and mortality of cerebral disease, yet its routine measurement remains controversial. This paper reviews the causes, measurement and management of ICP and outlines the indications for monitoring.
One does not simply meme about organizations: Exploring the content creation strategies of user-generated memes on Imgur

Abstract This study explores how online publics are engaging with organizations by creating and sharing brand-related content online, outside corporate-controlled communication environments. This research employs a quantitative content analysis of memes shared on the social networking site Imgur to reveal how user-generated content conveys meaning about organizations. The analysis reveals brand-centric memes are generally classified as orphan memes, or memes that have distinct textual and visual characteristics separating them from established or emerging meme families. Memes about organizations are neither an overwhelming reflection of biting criticism or support, but rather a reflection of online public engagement with organizations that primarily use humor and textual brand features (or quiddities) to convey their commitment and satisfaction with the organization and unite meme families.
Efficacy of Extended-Release Naltrexone on HIV-Related and Drinking Outcomes Among HIV-Positive Patients: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

We sought to test the efficacy of extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) on HIV-related and drinking outcomes. From April 2011-February 2015, we conducted a 4-site randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial involving 51 HIV-positive patients with heavy drinking and < 95% antiretroviral (ART) adherence. All participants received counseling. The primary outcome was proportion with ≥ 95% ART adherence. Secondary outcomes included HIV biomarkers, VACS Index score, and past 30-day heavy drinking days. Based on receipt of ≥ 5 injections, 23 participants were retained at 24 weeks. We did not detect an effect of XR-NTX on ART adherence (p = 0.38); undetectable HIV viral load (p = 0.26); CD4 cell count (p = 0.75) or VACS Index score (p = 0.70). XR-NTX was associated with fewer heavy drinking days (p = 0.03). While XR-NTX decreases heavy drinking days, we did not detect improvements in ART adherence or HIV outcomes. Strategies to improve retention in alcohol treatment and HIV-related outcomes among heavy drinking HIV-positive patients are needed.
Structural Controllability of Symmetric Networks

The theory of structural controllability allows us to assess controllability of a network as a function of its interconnection graph and independently of the edge weights. Yet, existing structural controllability results require the weights to be selected arbitrarily and independently from one another and provide no guarantees when these conditions are not satisfied. In this note, we develop a new theory for structural controllability of networks with symmetric, thus constrained, weights. First, we show that network controllability remains a generic property even when the weights are symmetric. Then, we characterize necessary and sufficient graph-theoretic conditions for structural controllability of networks with symmetric weights: a symmetric network is structurally controllable if and only if it is structurally controllable without weight constraints. Finally, we use our results to assess structural controllability from one region of a class of empirically-reconstructed brain networks.
Non-celiac Small Bowel Enteropathies

Medication-induced enteropathy is an emergent cause of unexplained diarrhea. The list of medications reported to cause enteropathy is increasing. Typical symptoms include severe weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients. In this chapter, we will present a case to illustrate a typical presentation of a patient with sprue-like enteropathy associated with losartan and then review the epidemiology, etiology/pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of selected non-celiac enteropathies.
Associations of the Potato Psyllid and "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" in Idaho with the Noncrop Host Plants Bittersweet Nightshade and Field Bindweed.

Zebra chip disease (ZC) in potato (Solanum tuberosum L. [Polemoniales: Solanaceae]) can produce unmarketable tubers with striped necrotic patterns. ZC is associated with the bacterium "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (Lso), which is transmitted by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). Potato psyllids are associated with numerous noncrop host plants, especially from the Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae; however, the contribution and importance of these hosts to ZC epidemiology in potato is poorly understood. To clarify seasonal phenologies on two such hosts, we sampled potato psyllids from bittersweet nightshade, Solanum dulcamara L. (Polemoniales: Solanaceae), and field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis L. (Polemoniales: Convolvulaceae), over 2013-2017 and 2014-2016, respectively. Adult psyllids were sampled using yellow sticky traps, vacuum samples, and beat sheets. Each psyllid was tested for the presence of Lso by polymerase chain reaction. Psyllids often were abundant on bittersweet nightshade during May to November, with low numbers observed over each winter. Vacuum samples often captured more psyllids than other methods. Lso incidence was low except during 2016 when vacuum samples showed 23% incidence. Potato psyllids regularly overwinter on bittersweet nightshade in Idaho; however, differences in psyllid populations and Lso incidence from those found on potato suggest that this host plant may only partly contribute to infestations in potato. Observations of psyllids on field bindweed suggest only transient visits to this plant around potato harvest, with no evidence of overwintering and no Lso detected. Further work is needed to clarify how potato psyllid use of other noncrop hosts is related to their abundance in Idaho potato fields.
The role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in the management of parotid gland malignancy (PGM).

5581 Background: To report the role of PORT in the management of PGM and to analyze the prognostic factors for optimal locoregional (LRC) and distant control (DC) Methods: This is a single institut...
Body mass as an estimate of female body condition in a hibernating small mammal

In hibernating squirrels, the amount of energy stored as fat may influence several important demographic traits, but is difficult to quantify in living animals. Thus, several non-destructive indices of body condition are used, including simple indices that use body mass and scaled indices that correct body mass for structural size. However, the accuracy of these indices for hibernating squirrels is poorly known. We used measurements of total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) from adult female Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels (Callospermophilus lateralis) to characterize body composition (lean mass versusfat mass) and condition (fat stores) at multiple stages in the circannual cycle. Body mass explained a high proportion of the variation in fat mass during the emergence and pre-hibernation stages, but less during the reproduction stage. Contrary to expectation, correcting for structural size did not markedly improve the condition index. Our results suggest that body mass is a good estimate of body condition during the periods of emergence and pre-hibernation fattening, and therefore may be useful to predict important components of fitness such as reproductive success and overwinter survival.
Morphogen Delivery by Osteoconductive Nanoparticles Instructs Stromal Cell Spheroid Phenotype

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit a rapid loss in osteogenic phenotype upon removal of osteoinductive cues, as commonly occurs during transplantation. Osteogenic differentiation can be more effectively but not fully maintained by aggregating MSCs into spheroids. Therefore, the development of effective strategies that prolong the efficacy of inductive growth factors would be advantageous for advancing cell-based therapies. To address this challenge, osteoinductive bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was adsorbed to osteoconductive hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles for incorporation into MSC spheroids. MSC induction was evaluated in osteogenic conditions and retention of the osteogenic phenotype in the absence of other osteogenic cues. HA was more uniformly incorporated into spheroids at lower concentrations, while BMP-2 dosage was dependent upon initial morphogen concentration. MSC spheroids containing BMP-2-loaded HA nanoparticles exhibited greater alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and more uniform spatial expression of osteocalcin compared to spheroids with uncoated HA nanoparticles. Spheroids cultured in media containing soluble BMP-2 demonstrated differentiation only at the spheroid periphery. Furthermore, the osteogenic phenotype of MSC spheroids was better retained with BMP-2-laden HA upon the removal of soluble osteogenic cues. These findings represent a promising strategy for simultaneous delivery of osteoconductive and osteoinductive signals for enhancing MSC participation in bone formation.
Utilizing visualization to qualitatively evaluate electronic health record-derived database limitations.

317Background: Electronic health record (EHR) databases are a promising platform for clinical research using real-world data. However, information on potential limitations of these data sources is ...
RecA influences biofilm development in the opportunistic pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. A. baumannii is difficult to eradicate from hospitals due to its propensity to quickly gain antibiotic resistances and ability to robustly survive on dry surfaces. These strategies are largely mediated by mutagenesis and biofilm development, respectively. Mutagenesis is partly governed by the DNA damage response (DDR). Biofilms are multicellular communities, often surface-attached, that are more difficult to eradicate than free-living planktonic cells. There is increasing evidence that the DDR and biofilm development are linked processes. Here, we show that upon DNA damage, the relative intracellular concentration of RecA, the key DDR protein, is lower than those of Escherichia coli. Notably, we report that RecA negatively influences biofilm development. Cells lacking RecA ({Delta}recA), that are unable to upregulate the DDR, have increased surface attachment and sugar content within the biofilm matrix. We further show that in A. baumannii, a modest increase in RecA concentrations, akin to DDR induction, decreases surface-attachment. Importantly, biofilms formed by {Delta}recA cells are more difficult to eradicate with antibiotic treatment. The evidence suggests that the A. baumannii DDR influences survival independent from mutagenesis. It also demonstrates the importance of understanding fundamental biology to better appreciate the relationships between different bacterial survival strategies.
A human diversity analysis of culture and gender in Asian American men's intimate partner violence perpetration.

This integrative literature review aims to fill the gap in our understanding of the cultural and gendered predictors of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration by Asian American men. A comprehensive search using PsycINFO returned N = 24 peer-reviewed journal articles that examine Asian American men's IPV perpetration and patriarchal gender role norms and that met inclusion criteria. Patriarchal gender role norms consistently predicted IPV perpetration. However, the associations between acculturation/enculturation and IPV perpetration were less clear. Greater enculturation (Asian cultural identification) was associated with more patriarchal gender role norms while greater acculturation (mainstream US cultural identification) was associated with more masculine gender role strain. Additionally, violence in the family of origin consistently predicted later IPV perpetration as an adult. Results suggest that integrating multiple dimensions of human diversity (e.g., culture, gender, and power) in intersectional models may best explain Asian American men's IPV perpetration.
Evidence of photochromism in a hexagonal boron nitride single-photon emitter

Solid-state single-photon emitters (SPEs) such as the bright, stable, room-temperature defects within hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are of increasing interest for quantum information science. To date, the atomic and electronic origins of SPEs within hBN have not been well understood, and no studies have reported photochromism or explored cross correlations between hBN SPEs. Here, we combine irradiation time-dependent microphotoluminescence spectroscopy with two-color Hanbury Brown–Twiss interferometry in an investigation of the electronic structure of hBN defects. We identify evidence of photochromism in an hBN SPE that exhibits single-photon cross correlations and correlated changes in the intensity of its two zero-phonon lines.
A Reservoir for Fecal Shedding of Salmonella Typhimurium in the Cytosol of Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Persistence and intermittent fecal shedding, hallmarks of Salmonella infections, are critical for fecal-oral transmission. In the intestine, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) actively invade intestinal epithelial cells and survive in the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV) and the cell cytosol. Cytosolic STm replicate rapidly, express invasion factors, and induce extrusion of infected epithelial cells into the intestinal lumen. Here, we engineered STm that self-destruct in the cytosol, but replicate normally in the SCV, to examine the role of cytosolic STm in persistence and shedding. Intestinal expansion of these STm was impaired in an acute enterocolitis infection model, while fecal shedding of STm was eliminated in a mouse model of persistent infection. Thus, the cytosol is a critical reservoir of intestinal STm that maintains the high luminal density required for fecal shedding and transmission. This reveals the requirement of an intracellular niche for pathogen transmission and presents new targets for disease control.
Back End Of Line opportunities and reliability challenges for future technology nodes

In this paper, we describe both evolutionary and disruptive Back End Of Line innovations needed to enable scaling and performance improvements, and their reliability impact.
Renal infarction and papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS): rare extra-haematological manifestations of acute parvovirus B-19 infection.

A 49-year-old female emergency room nurse presented with painless papular rash that started on both arms and legs and spread to her palms and soles ([figure 1][1]). She also endorsed fatigue, low-grade fever and transient arthralgia. She was sent home on topical steroids, which improved her pruritus
Water Wave Vibration-Promoted Solar Evaporation with Super High Productivity

Abstract Interfacial solar evaporation holds great potential for water desalination; other sustainable energy resources naturally coexisting with solar energy (e.g., wind and water wave), however, have rarely been exploited to augment solar evaporation, especially in closed conditions. Herein, we developed a novel system that had an interfacial solar evaporator integrated with an angularly vibrating cantilever beam, harnessing both solar and water wave energies when floating on water surfaces for efficient water desalination. Super high evaporation rates of ~ 3.1 and 1.9 kg m-2 h-1 under simulated sunlight and vibrations were obtained in open and closed conditions, respectively. In outdoor tests floating on lake water surfaces, the cantilever beam effectively responded to realistic water waves of varying low frequencies and amplitudes, and the system delivered a high condensate collection rate of ~ 1.8 kg m-2 h-1. Mechanism studies revealed that the vibrating cantilever beam promoted vapor flow and condensation on selective surfaces. The cantilever beam enabled the direct mechanical energy transfer from water waves to moisture flow without using any electronics, resulting in great system-operation-maintenance simplicity. This work provides new insights on advancing solar desalination with the simultaneous and rational utilization of multiple sustainable energy resources.
Random Hydrodynamic Force on Dams from Earthquakes

A new solution for the hydrodynamic force on dams due to random earthquake accelerations is obtained in terms of nonstationary power spectra and mean square functions. Numerical results and special analytic solutions are obtained and presented in nondimensional forms. The earthquake acceleration is modeled by a stationary white noise with a unit step modulation function. The response spectra are narrowly banded and sharply peaked at resonant frequencies.
Algorithms for task scheduling in heterogeneous computing environments

Current heterogeneous meta-computing systems, such as computational clusters and grids offer a low cost alternative to supercomputers. In addition they are highly scalable and flexible. They consist of a host of diverse computational devices which collaborate via a high speed network and may execute high-performance applications. Many high-performance applications are an aggregate of modules. Efficient scheduling of such applications on meta-computing systems is critical to meeting deadlines. In this dissertation, we introduce three new algorithms, the Heterogeneous Critical Node First (HCNF) algorithm, the Heterogeneous Largest Task First (HLTF) algorithm and the Earliest Finish Time with Dispatch Time (EFT-DT) algorithm. HCNF is used to schedule parallel applications of forms represented by directed acyclic graphs onto networks of workstations to minimize their finish times. We compared the performance of HCNF with those of the Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (HEFT) and Scalable Task Duplication based Scheduling (STDS) algorithms. In terms of Schedule Length Ratio (SLR) and speedup, HCNF outperformed HEFT on average by 13% and 18% respectively. HCNF outperformed STDS in terms of SLR and speedup on an average by 8% and 12% respectively. The HLTF algorithm is used to schedule a set of independent tasks onto a network of heterogeneous processors to minimize finish time. We compared the performance of HLTF with that of the Sufferage algorithm. In terms of makespan, HLTF outperformed Sufferage on average by 4.5%, with a tenth run-time. The EFT-DT algorithm schedules a set of independent tasks onto a network of heterogeneous processors to minimize finish time when considering dispatch times of tasks. We compared the performance of EFT-DT with that of a First in First out (FIFO) schedule. In terms of minimizing makespan, on average EFT-DT outperformed FIFO by 30%.
Intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy for Merkel cell carcinoma.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm which commonly spreads to the regional lymph nodes. The feasibility of identifying the sentinel node in patients with clinically node-negative Merkel cell carcinoma was evaluated. Methods: Sentinel lymphatic mapping was performed in 18 patients with stage 1 Merkel cell carcinoma using the combination of isosulphan blue dye and 99mTc-radiolabelled sulphur colloid. Patients with tumour metastasis in the sentinel node underwent complete dissection of the remainder of the lymph node basin. Results: Eighteen patients underwent removal of 35 sentinel nodes. Two patients demonstrated metastatic disease in the sentinel lymph nodes; complete dissection of the involved nodal basin revealed no additional positive nodes suggesting that the sentinel lymph node had been identified. The node-negative patients received no further surgical therapy, with no evidence of recurrent disease in the sentinel nodal basin at a median of 7 months' follow-up. Conclusion: Sentinel node biopsy is feasible in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. It can be used to stage patients and provides important prognostic information. In those with subclinical nodal disease, it may direct early regional lymphadenectomy but the effect of such surgery on survival remains unclear. © 1999 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
Biomechanical Realism Versus Algorithmic Efficiency: A Trade-off in Human Motion Simulation Modeling

The purpose of this paper is to delineate why there exists a trade-off between biomechanical realism and algorithmic efficiency for human motion simulation models, and to illustrate how empirical human movement data and findings can be integrated with novel modeling techniques to overcome such a realism-efficiency tradeoff. We first review three major classes of biomechanical models for human motion simulation. The review of these models is woven together by a common fundamental problem of redundancy—kinematic and/or muscle redundancy. We describe how this problem is resolved in each class of models, and unveil how the trade-off arises, that is, how the computational demand associated with solving the problem is amplified as a model evolves from small scale to large scale, or from less realism to more realism. Several examples are then presented to illustrate how empirical motion data can be utilized for variable reduction and control simplification that help overcome the realism-efficiency trade-off. Examples are given for various levels of movement modeling, including joint motion activation information for minimizing the necessary degrees of freedom, joint motion coordination information for reducing kinematic model variables, and parameterization of inverse dynamics solutions for simplifying forward dynamics simulations. We conclude by remarking on future directions for the development of realistic, computationally efficient human motion simulation models.
An iterative interpolative transform method for modeling harmonic magnitudes

In this paper, we describe a method for modeling speech harmonic magnitudes, the accurate representation of which is essential for high quality speech synthesis in several parametric vocoders. The given set of harmonic magnitudes is interpolated and transformed into the auto-correlation domain before an all-pole model is derived. Through an iterative procedure, the interpolation curve used in the frequency domain is improved. This new iterative, interpolative, transform (IIT) method has been found to model the harmonic magnitudes more accurately than earlier methods when measured in terms of log-spectral distortion.
The right data for the right decision: performance indicators for different management and regulatory needs

The authors identify and discuss a number of issues associated with the development and use of performance indicators for commercial nuclear power plants. They review the objectives of various users of performance indicators and address the problem of applying the right performance indicators to the needs of such users. They conclude with a brief discussion of how the different user objectives of performance indicators can lead to conflicts over both the definition and implementation of performance indicator systems. >
Heat Transfer in Rarefied Gases

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the results of the recent analytical and experimental investigations of heat transfer in rarefied gases. It concentrates on the heat transfer through the electrically neutral nonreacting gases. The effects of ionization, dissociation, etc., that may arise in high-speed high temperature gas flows are not considered. The term “rarefied” means that the molecular mean free path is not small compared to a characteristic dimension . The parameter that describes the degree of rarefaction is the Knudsen number. In defining the Knudsen number, it is important to select the appropriate characteristic mean free path and length. When the Knudsen number is very small, then, in the vicinity of the body, the number of collisions between the molecules is large compared to the number of collisions between the molecules and the body. In this case, the usual continuum concepts are applicable and the Navier-Stokes equations and the Fourier heat conduction law are valid. When the Knudsen number becomes sufficiently large, then the continuum concepts must be modified for calculating the heat transfer. At very high Knudsen numbers where the number of collisions between the molecules and the wall is much larger than the number of collisions between the molecules, the flow is termed “free molecule.”
Maternal psychiatric disorders and risk of preterm birth

Abstract Purpose To study the effect of maternal psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, unspecified psychiatric disorder, and comorbid conditions) and odds of preterm birth. Methods The Consortium on Safe Labor (2002–2008), an observational cohort with 12 centers from across the United States included 223,394 singleton pregnancies with clinical data obtained from electronic medical records and maternal diagnoses of psychiatric disorders from maternal discharge summaries. Length of gestation was based on the best clinical estimate and categorized as birth less than 39, less than 37, less than 34, and less than 28 weeks' gestation. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals of birth were estimated by logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. Results Any maternal psychiatric disorder was associated with odds of birth less than 39 weeks' gestation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval = 1.28–1.37), less than 37 weeks' gestation (OR = 1.45, 1.38–1.52), less than 34 weeks' gestation (OR = 1.47, 1.35–1.59), and less than 28 weeks' gestation (OR = 1.57, 1.36–1.82). Specifically, odds of birth less than 37 weeks' gestation were associated with maternal depression (OR = 1.31, 1.23–1.40), anxiety disorder (OR = 1.68, 1.41–2.01), depression with anxiety disorder (OR = 2.31, 1.93–2.78), bipolar disease (OR = 1.54, 1.22–1.94), bipolar disease with depression and/or anxiety disorder (OR = 1.70, 1.30–2.22), and unspecified psychiatric disorder (OR = 1.52, 1.41–1.64). Conclusions Maternal psychiatric disorders, especially comorbid psychiatric conditions, were associated with increased likelihood of preterm birth.
Arbitration in Evolution: Current Practices and Perspectives of Experienced Commercial Arbitrators

Today, arbitration is a key alternative to the litigation of business disputes within the United States and other countries and is the primary method of adjudicating international commercial disputes. Growing numbers are seeking to promote themselves as advocates specializing in arbitration or as “professional” arbitrators. In light of these developments, it is surprising that there has never been a wide-ranging, thoroughgoing empirical survey of practices and perspectives among experienced commercial arbitrators. An opportunity to help fill this gap was afforded in connection with an invitation to Professor Stipanowich to prepare a report on the present and future of commercial arbitration for the College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA), a leading professional organization in the U.S. The resulting CCA/Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Survey on Arbitration Practice polled experienced arbitrators on a wide range of subjects relating to their perceptions and practices as well as the arbitration field-at-large, including: a group profile of respondents (including age, gender, professional backgrounds, length and depth of experience, current professional status, and motivations for service); scope of arbitrator practice (including international cases; kinds of cases; cases as sole arbitrator; tripartite arbitration tribunals; appellate arbitration; ad hoc or non-administered processes; streamlined or “fast track” arbitration; “baseball” or final offer arbitration; “bracketed” awards; emergency arbitration and multi-disciplinary panels); pre-hearing management (including tailoring of arbitration procedures, handling of dispositive motions, management of discovery); management of arbitration hearings; deliberating and rendering arbitration awards; arbitration and settlement (including frequency of settlement experienced by arbitrators and concerns with settlement); experience in other intervention roles (including non-binding or advisory arbitration, early neutral evaluation, early case assessment, mediation and med-arb); perceptions of the roles played by provider organizations; trends affecting arbitration practice, and perceived differences between U.S. and international arbitration practice. The Survey was sent electronically to 212 individuals, all CCA Fellows, of whom 134 individuals (almost two-thirds) responded. The great majority of respondents claimed experience with both U.S. domestic and international arbitrations, and the Survey included questions pertaining to both.This article, a detailed summary of the data gleaned from the CCA/Straus Institute Survey, is presented as a companion piece to Professor Stipanowich’s report, Reflections on the Present and Future of Commercial Arbitration: Challenges, Opportunities, Proposals. That article provides commentary and analysis of data presented here as well as and comparisons between U.S. and international arbitration practice.
Central North Atlantic Plate Motions over the Last 40 Million Years.

The relative motion vector for the North American and African plates has been determined from detailed charting of the trend of the Atlantis fracture zone for over 1000 kilometers in the central North Atlantic near 30°N and from identification of marine magnetic anomalies and deep-sea drilling results. The vector (pole) is located at 52.5°N, 34°W and has a magnitude (opening rate) of 5.7 x 10-7 degree per year. Major changes in either the pole location or the opening rate are not evident for the last 40 million years.
Unforgiveness, rumination, and depressive symptoms among older adults

The experience of feeling unforgiven for past transgressions may contribute to depressive symptoms in later life. This article tests a model in which feeling unforgiven by God and by other people have direct effects on depressive symptoms while self-unforgiveness and rumination mediate this relationship. The sample consisted of 965 men and women aged 67 and older who participated in a national probability sample survey, the Religion, Aging, and Health survey. Results from a latent variable model indicate that unforgiveness by others has a significant direct effect on depressive symptoms and an indirect effect via self-unforgiveness and rumination. However, rather than having a direct effect on depressive symptoms, unforgiveness by God operates only indirectly through self-unforgiveness and rumination. Similarly, self-unforgiveness has an indirect effect on depressive symptoms through rumination.
Finiteness of parity-odd n-point functions at 1-loop order in type I superstring theory

Abstract Using the covariant formulation, we demonstrate the finiteness of all parity-odd one-loop amplitudes with external gauge bosons in the type I superstring theory.
Bowel training in spina bifida: Importance of education, patient compliance, age, and anal reflexes

Bowel incontinence is a major social impairment for 90% of patients with spina bifida. This study assess the bowel continence of children and young adults with spina bifida before and after a toileting intervention that emphasized patient/family education and a regular, consistently timed, reflex-triggered bowel evacuation. Bowel continence defined as one or fewer incontinent stools per month, rose from 13% (5/40) to 60% (24/40) following intervention. Twenty-four of the 35 initially incontinent patients were compliant. Seventy-nine percent (19/24) of the compliant subjects achieved continence whereas 0/11 of the noncompliant subjects achieved continence p < 0.0001). Presence of the bulbocavernosus (BC) and anocutaneous (AC) reflexes correlated significantly with achieving continence (either vs none p < .02, AC vs no AC p < .01). Instituting bowel training before age 7 correlated with improved outcomes by means of better compliance. Excluding noncompliant subjects, 83% (24/29) of the original sample of 40 patients satisfied our strict definition of bowel continence after this simple low technology intervention.
Development of approximate solutions to radiative transfer in slabs and spheres.

Abstract The development of an approximate solution to radiative heat transfer in absorbing, emitting and anisotropically scattering media is presented. The method of approach is applied to both plane-parallel and concentric spherical media. The radiative properties are assumed to be gray, with the walls emitting and reflecting the incoming radiant energy, and the temperature is known. The approach is based on the isolation of the discontinuity in the intensity of radiation. Once the discontinuity has been isolated, the equation of radiative transfer is discretized by considering angular intervals over which the intensity is continuous and has continuous derivatives. Results from calculations of the net radiative heat flux and incident radiation at the walls are presented. Good agreement is obtained between the results of this approach and the results calculated using other methods described in the literature.
Ichnofossil morphology as a response to resource distribution: Insights from modern invertebrate foraging

Abstract A number of surficial horizontal ichnofossils have non-random, simple geometric morphologies such as spirals or meanders. These paths may result from an organism's interactive response to the perceived spatial distribution of resources on the seafloor. This hypothesis was tested by examining the movements of foraging invertebrates in response to the location, shape and internal density gradient of food patches in a controlled laboratory environment. Freshwater pond snails (Planorbis planorbis), marine intertidal crabs (Hemigrapsus nudus) and microscopic soil nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) were placed in experimental arenas free of competitors and containing food patches of varying shapes and density distributions, and allowed to move and forage freely. Their movements were recorded at 1-minute intervals, and any visible tracks and trails were photographed. Pathways were digitally reconstructed using the recorded movement data, and along with the photographs were digitally analyzed. The total path length, path tortuosity, polygon area, step number, average step length and average turning radius within the resource patches were compared to the values for movement outside the resource patches. All three invertebrates engaged in area-restricted searching when within patches, consisting of a larger step number, higher path tortuosity, larger polygon area, greater turning radius, and a shorter step length. The behavior of these three invertebrate species suggests that resource distribution, in terms of patch morphology, acts as a strong control on forager movement and path morphology. Area-restricted searching as a distinct movement style may have evolved in response to the appearance of patchy resource distributions on the seafloor during the Cambrian substrate revolution.
Complications of the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

When making the decision to correct the curvature in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the benefits and potential complications must be considered. This article reviews the more common and serious medical, neurological, and deformity/implant-related complications associated with the surgical correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The risk of any operative or post-operative complication is approximately 6%. This overall rate includes less than a 0.05% risk of death, a 1–2% risk of infection, and a 0.5–1% risk of neurological injury. The surgical correction of AIS is a safe and effective procedure in the majority of patients.