cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congruence of Portal Dimensions Among Multiple Views

Establishing congruence of the dimensions obtained on lateral, frontal, and base views is our method of checking the accuracy of patient positioning. This is done by relating the dimension of a given structure in one view to the same dimension of that structure in one of the other views. Because each of the views should be perpendicular to the other two, measurement of a given dimension should be the same in both views. If the measurement for a particular dimension is different, one can assume that the patient is incorrectly positioned for one of the two views.
Climate change and fossil-fueled attacks on science

Profit-based attacks on scientists and science are an old story. The lead industry attacked physician Herbert Needleman for showing that any doses of lead reduce children’s IQs. The tobacco industry attacked scientists who revealed that cigarettes were both carcinogenic and addictive. The pharmaceutical industry attacks clinicians who say particular drugs are harmful or ineffective (see Michaels 2008; Krimsky 2003). For the last several decades, coal and petroleum interests (including their well-funded, largely US Republican Party, politicians) have attacked both climate science and science generally (see Mooney 2005; Shrader-Frechette 2011). This must-read book recounts the expensive, well-orchestrated attack on one of the world’s most prominent climate scientists and climate graphs, the hockey stick. It illustrates the power of anti-science polluters who are moving contemporary society even further toward a special-interest oligarchy that promotes corporate profits at all costs—even the costs of scientific integrity and avoiding planetary destruction. The book also raises many science-related methodological, ethical, and political issues. If it is correct, we must revise a classic account of research ethics. As the volume shows, the most blatant, aggressive assault on climate science has been directed at the hockey-stick graph, a clear illustration of scientific data showing Earth’s temperature back to A.D. 1000 (xiii). This graph—which first appeared in a scientific paper on which Mann was lead author—has been so accepted by scientists that it was featured in the classic 2001 report of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In 2007, Mann and other IPCC scientists received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work. In 2012, Mann won the Oeschger Medal of the European Geophysics Union. Despite overwhelming scientific confirmation of Mann’s science and this graph (Oreskes 2004; Shrader-Frechette 2011), in 2009, fossil-fuel interests attempted to
Detection of coliform bacteria in water by polymerase chain reaction and gene probes.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and gene probe detection of regions of two genes, lacZ and lamB, were tested for their abilities to detect coliform bacteria. Amplification of a segment of the coding region of Escherichia coli lacZ by using a PCR primer annealing temperature of 50 degrees C detected E. coli and other coliform bacteria (including Shigella spp.) but not Salmonella spp. and noncoliform bacteria. Amplification of a region of E. coli lamB by using a primer annealing temperature of 50 degrees C selectively detected E. coli and Salmonella and Shigella spp. PCR amplification and radiolabeled gene probes detected as little as 1 to 10 fg of genomic E. coli DNA and as a few as 1 to 5 viable E. coli cells in 100 ml of water. PCR amplification of lacZ and lamB provides a basis for a method to detect indicators of fecal contamination of water, and amplification of lamB in particular permits detection of E. coli and enteric pathogens (Salmonella and Shigella spp.) with the necessary specificity and sensitivity for monitoring the bacteriological quality of water so as to ensure the safety of water supplies. Images
A Review of Green Synthesis of Nanophase Inorganic Materials for Green Chemistry Applications

The sections in this article are Introduction Green Synthesis of Nanophase Inorganic Materials Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Hydrothermal Synthesis Reflux Synthesis Microwave-Assisted Synthesis Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles Green Chemistry Applications of Inorganic Nanomaterials Manganese Oxides Titanium Dioxide Environmental Applications of Nanomaterials Background Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials Iron-Based Nanomaterials Conclusion and Future Perspectives Acknowledgment Keywords: nanophase inorganic materials; metallic nanoparticles; metal oxide nanoparticles; inorganic nanomaterials; environmental applications; catalysis; green synthesis; green chemistry
Control of Ribosome Synthesis in Normal and Regenerating Liver

Partial hepatectomy of the rat leads to a 10- to 12-fold increase in the rate of liver ribosome formation. To learn about the mechanism of the increase as well as the controls that ordinarily govern hepatic ribosome synthesis, the effects of cycloheximide were studied in normal and in partially hepatectomized animals. Ribosome formation in normal animals can be only partly governed by protein synthesis since the liver contains preformed proteins that are available to make ribosomes. The rise in ribosome formation in regenerating liver, on the other hand, is totally dependent upon protein synthesis, presumably upon an enhanced rate of formation of ribosomal proteins. An unsuccessful effort was made to learn whether the greater ribosome production after partial hepatectomy depends upon an enhanced synthesis of RNA as well as of protein. A large increase in the incorporation of 14C-orotate into ribosomal precursor RNAs occurred in regenerating liver. Reason was found, however, to believe that the increased incorporation is not a valid measure of the rate of synthesis of ribosomal precursor RNA.
Loading and Preparing Data for Analysis in Spotfire

This unit strictly focuses on data preparation within Spotfire. Microarray data exist in a variety of formats, which often depend on the particular array technology and detection instruments used. The first protocols in this unit describe loading Affymetrix and GenePix data into Spotfire. Once the data are loaded, it is necessary to filter and preprocess the data prior to analysis. Subsequently, the data transformation and normalization techniques presented here, are critical to correctly performing powerful microarray data mining expeditions. These steps extract or enhance meaningful data characteristics and prepare the data for the application of certain analysis methods such as statistical tests to compute significance and clustering methods-which mostly require data to be normally distributed. The unit outlines several methods for normalizing the data within an experiment and between multiple experiments.
Oncogenes induce senescence with incomplete growth arrest and suppress the DNA damage response in immortalized cells

Activation of the Her2 (ErbB2) oncogene is implicated in the development of breast, ovary and other cancers. Here, we show that expression of NeuT, a mutant-activated rodent isoform of Her2, in immortalized breast epithelial cells, while promoting senescence-associated morphological changes, up-regulation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, and accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, failed to trigger the major senescence end-point, i.e. permanent growth arrest. Similar senescence-associated phenotype with incomplete growth arrest, which we dubbed senescence with incomplete growth arrest (SWING), could also be triggered by the expression of the Ras oncogene. SWING phenotype was stable, and persisted in tumor xenografts established from NeuT-transduced cells. Furthermore, a significant population of cells in SWING state was found in tumors in the MMTV/NeuT transgenic mouse model. SWING cells showed downregulation of histone H2AX, critical for repair of double-stranded DNA breaks, and impaired activation of Chk1 kinase. Overall, SWING cells were characterized by increased DNA instability and hypersensitivity to genotoxic stresses. We propose that the SWING state could be a stage in the process of cancer development.
Operative technique and early experience for robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RALNU) using da Vinci Xi

Purpose Robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RALNU) has been previously utilized for management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. The da Vinci Xi surgical system was released in April of 2014. We describe our operative technique and early experience for RALNU using the da Vinci Xi system highlighting unique features of this surgical platform.
Impact of body bias on alpha- and neutron-induced soft error rates of flip-flops

Soft error rate measurements for flip-flops on two testchips in 180nm and 130nm logic technologies show that using forward body bias improves alpha SER by 35% and neutron SER by 23%, while applying reverse body bias degrades SER by 9% to 36%. Body bias impact on SER remains virtually unchanged with technology scaling.
Entry and Release of Poliovirus as Observed by Electron Microscopy of Cultured Cells

Cells of differing culture types were inoculated with poliovirus at 37 C, sampled at intervals during the replicative cycle, and examined in thin sections by electron microscopy. The earliest samples, taken at 2 and 5 min postinoculation, showed virus particles adjacent to the exterior of the plasma membrane and others that had apparently penetrated it directly; later samples showed fewer such particles or none. Particles lying in the peripheral cytoplasm frequently appeared swollen and distorted in shape. No sign of virus entry by a pinocytotic process was found at any time. At 3 hr, and subsequently during the replication cycle, particles of progeny virus appeared in the cytoplasm. They were found free in the cytoplasmic matrix, aligned along the elements of filamentous complexes, and enclosed within vesicles. Some of the vesicles were found to be open to the extracellular space, indicating a likely mechanism of virus release.
Enzymatic formation of cis-homoaconitic acid, an intermediate in lysine biosynthesis in yeast.

Abstract The enzymatic dehydration of homoisocitric acid (α-hydroxy-β-carboxyadipic acid) to the α,β-unsaturated tricarboxylic acid, homoaconitic acid, has been shown spectrophotometrically by increase in absorbance at 240 mµ. The product was isolated by ether extraction and column chromatography and was identified by comparing its melting point, infrared spectrum, and Rf values on paper chromatograms with synthetic cis-homoaconitic acid. The enzyme product was also characterized by catalytic reduction to the saturated derivative, 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (homotricarballylic acid). The cis structure of the enzymatically formed homoaconitic acid was established by its quantitative conversion into the anhydride under mild conditions and its transformation into the more stable trans isomer on heating in acidic solution. In addition, as expected for a cis isomer, the enzyme product and the corresponding synthetic isomer had a lower melting point, lower Rf values in paper chromatograms, and a lower absorptivity in ultraviolet light when compared with the trans isomer. The cis isomer of synthetic homoaconitic acid reacted in the presence of yeast extract to yield homoisocitrate. The trans isomer was unreactive. The enzyme, which has been named cis-homoaconitase, was separated from cis-aconitase by ammonium sulfate precipitation, has an optimum pH of 8.6 in phosphate buffer, and is inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate, α,α'-dipyridyl, and o-phenanthroline.
Bioavailability of Dietary Supplements and Impact of Physiologic State: Infants, Children and Adolescents

Bioavailability can be broadly defined as the absorption and utilization of a nutrient, both of which may be affected by such host factors as gender, physiologic state and coexisting pathologic conditions. This report highlights factors of particular importance for the bioavailability of nutrients for infants, children and adolescents. Considerations for nutrient bioavailability for pediatric populations include maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, growth, character of the diet, and nutritional status. Critical periods of development include early infancy (0-6 mo), late infancy/early childhood (6-24 mo) and adolescence (12-18 yr). Iron, zinc and calcium are minerals of particular interest and importance to pediatric populations and are susceptible to alterations in bioavailability. In the young infant, iron and zinc are highly bioavailable from human milk. By approximately 6 mo of age, other dietary sources are needed to maintain continued normal status. In breastfed infants who were born prematurely or with low birth weight, earlier supplemental iron is often recommended. For the older infant and toddler, iron and zinc are also important for normal growth and development. The bioavailability of these trace minerals in complementary foods is discussed. During adolescence, adequate calcium intake is critical to normal bone mineralization. In girls, peak calcium absorption and calcium deposition in bones occur at or near menarche, which illustrates the importance of the physiologic state on mineral bioavailability. Investigations into nutrient bioavailability must carefully consider these factors, because the failure to have well-matched comparison groups with respect to age and/or nutritional status may inadvertently mask differences in nutrient utilization.
An explicit expression for the distribution of the supremum of brownian motion with a change point

The objective of this paper is to derive explicit expressions to distributions of the supremum of Brownian motion processes having a change-point. Such processes are characterized by a drift parameter which is subjected to a change over time. For that purpose, we use the distribution of the supremum of Brownian bridge process, via conditioning arguments. Several different cases are considered and the resulting distributions are illustrated through their p.d.f.'s.
Prevention of Thyroid Eye Disease and Final Conclusions

pathogenesis of graves' ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease (TED) is almost certainly multifactorial including activated T cells directed against a thyroid follicular cell antigen(s) that then recognize and bind to a similar antigen(s) in orbital tissue (1). These activated orbital T cells then release a variety of cytokines that stimulate excess production of glycosaminoglycans and collagen by orbital fibroblasts resulting in the inflammatory and edematous changes of TED. There are conflicting data as to the culprit common antigen in the orbit and thyroid, the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor or a variant, as well as the role of circulating antibodies against extraocular muscle and fibroblasta components. The speakers at this symposium have addressed many of the problems in defining the pathogenesis of TED and, I believe, a unipotential etiology of TED remains elusive. There has been a great deal of controversy as to whether radioiodine (131I) therapy of Graves' disease incites the onset of TED or aggravates existing TED. There are few prospective studies comparing 131I and antithyroid drug therapy (ATD) on TED, but those that have been published do suggest that 131I therapy does aggravate TED, almost certainly due to the release of thyroid antigens and the subsequent rise in antibodies that would be conducive to the worsening of TED. I have been reluctant to use 131I in patients with pre-existing TED, especially in patients who smoke, because I have not infrequently observed worsening of the TED, a finding rarely observed in patients treated with ATD. Furthermore, thyroidectomy for patients with very large goiters is an alternative treatment and I have not observed the onset or worsening of TED after a near-total thyroidectomy. Very recently, Bartalena and colleagues (2) have reported in a careful prospective study that ATD rarely results in the appearance or worsening of TED, whereas 131I therapy does so more frequently. The administration of corticosteroids after 131I administration prevents this worsening of TED. In an accompanying editorial, Wiersinga emphasizes the following points: because only 15% of patients developed TED after 131I therapy and it was usually mild and transient, the administration of corticosteroids for months after 131I therapy with its attendant risks is probably not indicated; in patients with more severe TED, ATD is the treament of choice and if 131I is to be given, corticosteroids should probably be used as well; conclusive evidence has been presented that 131I does carry a small but definite risk for the onset or worsening of TED (3). We have used large ablative doses of 131I followed by steroids and prompt administration of levothyroxine when hypothyroidism ensues in patients with preexisting TED who have problems with ATD or in younger patients with large goiters who refuse surgery after ATD failure.
How resonance assists hydrogen bonding interactions: an energy decomposition analysis.

Block-localized wave function (BLW) method, which is a variant of the ab initio valence bond (VB) theory, was employed to explore the nature of resonance-assisted hydrogen bonds (RAHBs) and to investigate the mechanism of synergistic interplay between π delocalization and hydrogen-bonding interactions. We examined the dimers of formic acid, formamide, 4-pyrimidinone, 2-pyridinone, 2-hydroxpyridine, and 2-hydroxycyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-one. In addition, we studied the interactions in β-diketone enols with a simplified model, namely the hydrogen bonds of 3-hydroxypropenal with both ethenol and formaldehyde. The intermolecular interaction energies, either with or without the involvement of π resonance, were decomposed into the Hitler-London energy (ΔEHL), polarization energy (ΔEpol), charge transfer energy (ΔECT), and electron correlation energy (ΔEcor) terms. This allows for the examination of the character of hydrogen bonds and the impact of π conjugation on hydrogen bonding interactions. Although it has been proposed that resonance-assisted hydrogen bonds are accompanied with an increasing of covalency character, our analyses showed that the enhanced interactions mostly originate from the classical dipole–dipole (i.e., electrostatic) attraction, as resonance redistributes the electron density and increases the dipole moments in monomers. The covalency of hydrogen bonds, however, changes very little. This disputes the belief that RAHB is primarily covalent in nature. Accordingly, we recommend the term “resonance-assisted binding (RAB)” instead of “resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding (RHAB)” to highlight the electrostatic, which is a long-range effect, rather than the electron transfer nature of the enhanced stabilization in RAHBs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 28: 455–466, 2007
Magnetic dipole transitions in highly ionized titanium, chromium, iron and nickel

Abstract Wavelengths of magnetic dipole transitions in the ground configurations of Ti, Cr, Fe and Ni ions in fluorine through beryllium isoelectronic sequences have been measured in tokamak plasmas.
Commentary on Patrizio Campanile's "I had twenty-five piercings and pink hair when ...".

Campanile addresses an issue that is abidingly mysterious, nearly a hundred and twenty years into the progression of psychoanalytic theory: how exactly do we integrate our bodies into our mentalized structures? And how does this happen over the course of a lifetime? Preadolesence and early adolescence are chosen here as a critical crossroad for these developmental paths, often at odds directionally, often doubling back to where they came from, yet pressing forward bumpily or smoothly, willy-nilly. As Campanile says here, “the extraordinary investment of the bodily ego that takes place in this developmental phase makes the body … a privileged place for the expression of conflict” (p. 413). With his fresh vision and arresting use of language, he has a special talent for thinking about the role of the body.
Fine structure of Ectothiorhodospira mobilis strain 8113 thylakoids: Chemical fixation and freeze-etching studies

An electron microscopic examination of thin-sections of chemically fixed cells and of frozen-etched cell preparations of the marine photosynthetic bacterium Ectothiorhodospira mobilis has been carried out. The morphology of cells grown in media with 3,5 or 10% (w/v) NaCl is similar. The photosynthetic apparatus is a lamellar type. The number of thylakoid stacks is a function of light intensity; at low light intensity there is generally only one large thylakoid stack, while at high light intensity 3–4 small, randomly distributed thylakoid stacks occur.
Verification of the inverted temperature gradient condition via molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract We perform molecular dynamics simulations to verify the critical condition for the existence of an inverted temperature profile in the vapor between two liquid slabs at slightly different temperatures. Reasonable agreement is found between the kinetic theory based condition and simulations. The deviation from theory can be explained by deviation from ideal gas behavior on which the kinetic condition is based and by deviation in the MD from diffuse boundary conditions, which are used in deriving the kinetic condition.
Human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovarian hyperstimulation with transient hyperprolactinemia: steroidogenesis enhanced during bromocriptine therapy in monkeys.

Abstract To examine the role of gonadotropin-induced hyperprolactinemia on reproductive function, 17 euprolactinemic ovulatory monkeys were given extended fixed dose regimens of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) (12 days), followed by hCG the next day, and some animals then received bromocriptine. All animals were given hMG/hCG from day 3 (D3) until D14, with hCG on D15; those in group I (n = 12) received no further therapy, while those in group II (n = 5) received bromocriptine (0.25 mg/kg·day, im) daily from the day of hCG administration until menses. Ovarian hyperstimulation developed to various degrees in all animals. Based on serum estradiol (E2) levels, 13 were high responders (E2, > 1000 pg/ml), 2 were medium responders (E2, 500–1000 pg/ml), and 2 were low responders (E2, 150–500 pg/ml). In group I, transient hyperprolactinemia occurred in the luteal phases in 8 of the 12 animals compared to the follicular phase levels in the same animals (P < 0.01). In group II, bromocriptine treatment in the lu...
How Are Other First-World Nations Suppressing the Adverse Consequences of Violence and Youth Sex in the Modern Media Environment?: To the Editor

We thank Mr Paul for his thoughtful comments. He noted that our study of violent video game effects on American and Japanese children1 did not explain population differences in violence rates between cultures. It was not designed to do so. We mentioned the different rates because some have argued that the lower Japanese rate implies that their children are less affected by media violence. Our study controlled for children's overall aggression and demonstrated that the game effect on aggression was significant and of similar magnitude across culture. Three new …
Optical Vortices and Their Propagation

Abstract Free space propagation of an array of optical vortices nested in a smooth (Gaussian) beam is studied in the paraxial regime. It is found that when the vortices have all the same charge, their relative positions, as well as their positions within the host beam are invariant upon propagation. The array simply expands or contracts with the host beam and rotates rigidly. Vortices of opposite charges, in contrast, attract each other. Pairs can collide and annihilate. As an illustration, numerical simulation is used to compare the propagation of a pair of vortices of equal charges with that of a pair of opposite charges.
The influence of sulfur on adherence of Al2O3 grown on Fe-Cr-Al alloys

Recently a new theory was proposed to explain the effect that reactive elements have on oxide adherence. Based on data obtained on Ni-Cr-Al-Y material, this theory stated that trace quantities of sulfur in the alloy degrade adherence by weakening the metal-Al2O3 bond. The work presented here extends this concept to Fe-Cr-Al alloys by examining Al2O3 adherence on foil samples with various bulk sulfur levels obtained using high-temperature vacuum anneals. Results show that long-time vacuum anneals dramatically increase the adherence of the subsequently grown aluminum oxide, concurrent with removal of sulfur from the matrix. This evidence shows that the Al2O3-metal bond is intrinsically strong without the presence of reactive elements such as Y or rare earths in the alloy. Sulfur in the alloy, and not void formation, was found responsible for oxide spalling. In addition, voids were eliminated by reducing the sulfur concentration near the oxide-metal interface.
Mineral Taxation, Market Failure, and the Environment

The environmental effects of mineral taxes are examined in a framework that recognizes the importance of rates and cumulative externalities. The appropriate corrective tax should be a combination of neutral taxes and a dynamic Pigovian tax. In practice, this combination tax, which resembles a specific tax plus an element that depends on the amount of remaining reserves, lets specific taxes act as proxies for environmental taxes. The paper also looks at complementarities and possible trade-offs between economic and environmental concerns that might follow from a reform of mineral taxes.
Isotopic Composition of Atmospheric Hydrogen and Methane

IN a recent communication, Bishop and Taylor1 express the opinion that the tritium concentration of free hydrogen in the atmosphere has been rising over the past ten years, with a doubling time of approximately 18 months. The authors suspect that artificial tritium was released into the atmosphere several years before the Castle test series in 1954, which is commonly assumed to have led to the first pronounced rise in the tritium concentration of terrestrial surface water. Bishop and Taylor's communication includes a diagram of the logarithms of all the experimentally determined tritium values in free atmospheric hydrogen plotted against time. The plot shows that the values follow a straight line that includes the first value obtained by Faltings and Harteck2 on atmospheric hydrogen collected in 1948.
Cognitive Functioning and Disability in Schizophrenia

Impairments in a variety of cognitive processes, including concentration and attention, learning and memory, processing speed, and problem solving, are present in people with schizophrenia. Also seen in the condition are notable impairments in the ability to perform everyday tasks and to achieve normal functional milestones such as work, stable social relationships, and living independently. In this article I discuss recent research that has focused on quantifying the predictors of disability in real-world functioning, with cognitive impairment being one of the major predictors. Other important developments include the development of direct measures of the ability to perform the skills required to achieve everyday functional goals—skills referred to as “functional capacity.” Studies have shown that these abilities may be influenced by cognitive impairments and may be better predictors of disability than are cognitive deficits. I also examine the current literature on the treatment of cognitive impairments...
Differentiation in Self-Perceived Adulthood: Extending the Confluence Model of Subjective Age Identity

This study examines and extends the confluence model of age identity by testing whether young people's self-perceptions as adults are linked to role transitions, self-assessed personal qualities, and social location. We propose that young people's sense of adulthood and the factors associated with it vary based on socially structured experience tied to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age. Analyzing data from 18–28 year olds in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we find racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status differences in age identity. Consistent with the confluence model, both role transitions and personal qualities are associated with age identity, although the most salient roles and qualities differ somewhat across racial/ethnic groups and consistently by socioeconomic status and age. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the transition to adulthood and adult identity, and for the young people themselves.
Automatic differentiation of melanoma and clark nevus skin lesions

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Although melanoma accounts for just 11% of all types of skin cancer, it is responsible for most of the deaths, claiming more than 7910 lives annually. Melanoma is visually difficult for clinicians to differentiate from Clark nevus lesions which are benign. The application of pattern recognition techniques to these lesions may be useful as an educational tool for teaching physicians to differentiate lesions, as well as for contributing information about the essential optical characteristics that identify them. Purpose : This study sought to find the most effective features to extract from melanoma, melanoma in situ and Clark nevus lesions, and to find the most effective pattern-classification criteria and algorithms for differentiating those lesions, using the Computer Vision and Image Processing Tools (CVIPtools) software package. Methods : Due to changes in ambient lighting during the photographic process, color differences between images can occur. These differences were minimized by capturing dermoscopic images instead of photographic images. Differences in skin color between patients were minimized via image color normalization, by converting original color images to relative-color images. Relative-color images also helped minimize changes in color that occur due to changes in the photographic and digitization processes. Tumors in the relative-color images were segmented and morphologically filtered. Filtered, relative-color, tumor features were then extracted and various pattern-classification schemes were applied. Results : Experimentation resulted in four useful pattern classification methods, the best of which was an overall classification rate of 100% for melanoma and melanoma in situ (grouped) and 60% for Clark nevus. Conclusion : Melanoma and melanoma in situ have feature parameters and feature values that are similar enough to be considered one class of tumor that significantly differs from Clark nevus. Consequently, grouping melanoma and melanoma in situ together achieves the best results in classifying and automatically differentiating melanoma from Clark nevus lesions.
Review: Angiotensin-receptor blockers do not increase adverse cardiovascular outcomes

Source Citation Bangalore S, Kumar S, Wetterslev J, Messerli FH. Angiotensin receptor blockers and risk of myocardial infarction: meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of 147 020 patients fro...
Optimal Defense Policies for Partially Observable Spreading Processes on Bayesian Attack Graphs

The defense of computer networks from intruders is becoming a problem of great importance as networks and devices become increasingly connected. We develop an automated approach to defending a network against continuous attacks from intruders, using the notion of Bayesian attack graphs to describe how attackers combine and exploit system vulnerabilities in order to gain access and progress through a network. We assume that the attacker follows a probabilistic spreading process on the attack graph and that the defender can only partially observe the attacker's capabilities at any given time. This leads to the formulation of the defender's problem as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). We define and compute optimal defender countermeasure policies, which describe the optimal countermeasure action to deploy given the current information.
Flexible end-to-end content security in CCN

Content-centric networking (CCN) project, a flavor of information-centric networking (ICN), decouples data from its source by shifting the emphasis from hosts and interfaces to information. As a result, content becomes directly accessible and routable within the network. In this data-centric paradigm, techniques for maintaining content confidentiality and privacy typically rely on cryptographic techniques similar to those used in modern digital rights management (DRM) applications, which often require multiple consumer-to-producer (end-to-end) messages to be transmitted to establish identities, acquire licenses, and access encrypted content. In this paper, we present a secure content distribution architecture for CCN that is based on proxy re-encryption. Our design provides strong end-to-end content security and reduces the number of protocol messages required for user authentication and key retrieval. Unlike widely-deployed solutions, our solution is also capable of utilizing the opportunistic in-network caches in CCN. We also experimentally compare two proxy re-encryption schemes that can be used to implement the architecture, and describe the proof of concept application we developed over CCNx.
Effects of horizontal strain in estimating specific storage and compaction in confined and leaky aquifer systems

Mathematical and numerical distinctions are made between developments of governing equations involving groundwater flow and granular displacement where (1) only vertical strain and no change in total normal load are assumed, and (2) such limitations are eliminated. The former is referred to here as the Jacob-Terzaghi method; the latter is referred to as the Biot method. Numerical comparisons of drawdown, compaction, and strain are made for hypothetical confined and leaky aquifer systems for one- and three-dimensional strain problems. Simulation results indicate that incorporation of horizontal strain results in reduced drawdowns. Vertical compaction for a specified stress distribution is greatly reduced when horizontal strain is invoked. The distribution of strain components indicates that approximately two-thirds of the total volume strain originates from horizontal compaction in pumped aquifers. Incorporation of horizontal strain also affects the distribution of flux through the overlying confining layer as a function of distance from the pumping well and may ultimately affect the interpretation of aquifer-test data.
A SIMPLE NONLINEAR MODEL FOR THE ROTATION OF MAIN-SEQUENCE COOL STARS. I. INTRODUCTION, IMPLICATIONS FOR GYROCHRONOLOGY, AND COLOR-PERIOD DIAGRAMS

We here introduce a simple nonlinear model to describe the rotational evolution of cool stars on the main sequence. It is formulated only in terms of the Rossby number (Ro = P/τ), its inverse, and two dimensionless constants which we specify using solar and open-cluster data. The model has two limiting cases of stellar rotation, previously called C and I, that correspond to two observed sequences of fast and slowly rotating stars in young open clusters. The model describes the evolution of stars from C-type, with particular mass and age dependencies, to I-type, with different mass and age dependencies, through the rotational gap, g, separating them. The proposed model explains various aspects of stellar rotation, and provides an exact expression for the age of a rotating cool star in terms of P and τ, thereby generalizing gyrochronology. Using it, we calculate the time interval required for stars to reach the rotational gap—a monotonically increasing, mildly nonlinear function of τ. Beginning with the range of initial periods indicated by observations, we show that the (mass-dependent) dispersion in rotation period initially increases, and then decreases rapidly with the passage of time. The initial dispersion in period contributes up to 128 Myr to the gyro-age errors of solar-mass field stars. Finally, we transform to color-period space, calculate appropriate isochrones, and show that this model explains some detailed features in the observed color-period diagrams of open clusters, including the positions and shapes of the sequences, and the observed density of stars across these diagrams.
Young Heroin Users in Baltimore: A Qualitative Study

This study describes the characteristics of 67 young heroin users, interviewed using a semistructured qualitative questionnaire (QQ) as part of a larger study of 18- to 25-year-old heroin users seeking detoxification with buprenorphine at a drug treatment center in Baltimore. This new generation of heroin users has a different demographic profile compared to older heroin users in this area. Our data, supported by data from another clinic and from the Maryland State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, seem to indicate that the younger heroin users in treatment settings are predominantly White, with a high proportion of women, often living in the suburbs. Based on responses to the QQ, all subjects initiated heroin use intranasally, usually in a group setting; 75% had subsequently gone on to use intravenously. The typical young heroin user in Baltimore Metropolitan area appears to be a young White man or woman from a middle/working-class background, with exposure to drug use among close contacts while growing up, experimenting with gateway drugs with peers before proceeding first to intranasal, and then intravenous heroin use, engaging in criminal activities to support the habit, repeatedly seeking help with assistance from family, but failing to sustain abstinence due to continued exposure to drug using peers and a poorly implemented plan of aftercare. Further research should focus on efforts to engage peer groups and families in order to improve treatment outcomes in young heroin users.
The microvasculature in skeletal muscle. IV. A model of the capillary network

A reconstruction of the capillary network in the rat spinotrapezius muscle was carried out using carbon-filled specimens. A new branching schema for the capillaries, consisting of individual capillary bundles, is proposed. Each bundle is provided with blood through transverse arterioles and drained by collecting venules. A capillary bundle may be divided into capillary bundle elements consisting of a transverse arteriole, a collecting venule, and the intermediate capillary network. A set of seven independent network parameters are proposed and measurements are provided for two rat strains: Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A comparison of network parameters indicates a multifaceted difference between the strains. In SHR the number of capillary cross-connections is reduced, individual capillary lengths are greater, and vessel diameters are slightly larger.
Indications for performing carpal tunnel surgery: clinical quality measures.

Background: Rates of carpal tunnel surgery vary for unclear reasons. In this study, the authors developed measures determining when surgery is necessary (benefits exceed risks), inappropriate (risks outweigh benefits), or optional. Methods: Measures were developed using a modified-Delphi panel. Clinical scenarios were defined incorporating symptom severity, symptom duration, clinical probability of carpal tunnel syndrome, electrodiagnostic testing, and nonoperative treatment response. A multidisciplinary panel of 11 carpal tunnel syndrome experts rated appropriateness of surgery for each scenario on a scale ranging from 1 to 9 scale (7 to 9, surgery is necessary; 1 to 3, surgery is inappropriate). Results: Of 90 scenarios (36 for mild, 36 for moderate, and 18 for severe symptoms), panelists judged carpal tunnel surgery as necessary for 16, inappropriate for 37, and optional for 37 scenarios. For mild symptoms, surgery is generally necessary when clinical probability of carpal tunnel syndrome is high, there is a positive electrodiagnostic test, and there has been unsuccessful nonoperative treatment. For moderate symptoms, surgery is generally necessary with a positive electrodiagnostic test involving two or more of the following: high clinical probability, unsuccessful nonoperative treatment, and symptoms lasting longer than 12 months. Surgery is generally inappropriate for mild to moderate symptoms involving two or more of the following: low clinical probability, no electrodiagnostic confirmation, and nonoperative treatment not attempted. For severe symptoms, surgery is generally necessary with a positive electrodiagnostic test or unsuccessful nonoperative treatment. Conclusions: These are the first formal measures assessing appropriateness of carpal tunnel surgery. Applying these measures can identify underuse (failure to provide necessary care) and overuse (providing inappropriate care), giving insight into variations in receipt of this procedure.
Saved by the Hand That Is Not Stretched Out: The Aged Poor in Hubert von Herkomer's Eventide: A Scene in the Westminster Union

Focusing on the work of the Victorian "old age painter," Hubert von Herkomer, this article explores how, through the production of "truth" effects, ostensibly harmless visual representations can function to propagate and reinforce ageist attitudes. Because it depicts the old seamstresses who are its subject as redeemed by the work they perform, Herkomer's painting is proved complicit with an ideology of labor which dooms its subjects to the conditions of squalor deemed necessary to the workhouse environment.
Changes in lipid composition during in vitro encystation and fatty acid desaturase activity of Giardia lamblia

Lipids of axenically-cultured Giardia lamblia trophozoites were compared with those of cells undergoing in vitro encystation. Although the lipid composition of the organisms grossly resembled those of low-bile or high-bile culture media, differences were clearly detected. Encysting trophozoites incubated in a high-bile medium for 24 h had a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the total cellular lipids than did nonencysting trophozoites. The organism, but not the medium, contained linoleate and linolenate, suggesting that G. lamblia desaturates oleate. The presence of a fatty acid desaturase activity in the organism was demonstrated by the conversion of a radiolabeled monounsaturated fatty acid (oleate) to radiolabeled polyunsaturated fatty acids. Triglycerides, a common form of storage lipids, were unusually low in G. lamblia, but steryl esters (which can also serve as reserves) were abundant. Steryl esters increased during encystation of G. lamblia. The changes observed in G. lamblia lipids (increased fatty acid unsaturation and the accumulation of storage lipids) are consistent with parasite differentiation into a cyst stage that is able to survive outside the host at reduced temperatures and reduced available nutrient resources. This study also demonstrated that G. lamblia not only has the capacity to de novo synthesize isoprenoid lipids (ubiquinone, prenylated proteins), but it can also metabolize fatty acids by the addition of double bonds.
The receptor for advanced glycation end products influences the expression of its S100 protein ligands in melanoma tumors

Recent studies have suggested that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) participates in melanoma progression by promoting tumor growth. However, the mechanisms of RAGE activation in melanoma tumors are not clearly understood. To get deeper insights into these mechanisms, we transfected a melanoma cell line, which was established from a human melanoma primary tumor, with RAGE, and studied the effect of RAGE overexpression on cell proliferation and migration in vitro. We observed that overexpression of RAGE in these cells not only resulted in significantly increased migration rates compared to control cells, but also in decreased proliferation rates (Meghnani et al., 2014). In the present study, we compared the growth of xenograft tumors established from RAGE overexpressing WM115 cells, to that of control cells. We observed that when implanted in mice, RAGE overexpressing cells generated tumors faster than control cells. Analysis of protein tumor extracts showed increased levels of the RAGE ligands S100B, S100A2, S100A4, S100A6 and S100A10 in RAGE overexpressing tumors compared to control tumors. We show that the tumor growth was significantly reduced when the mice were treated with anti-RAGE antibodies, suggesting that RAGE, and probably several S100 proteins, were involved in tumor growth. We further demonstrate that the anti-RAGE antibody treatment significantly enhanced the efficacy of the alkylating drug dacarbazine in reducing the growth rate of RAGE overexpressing tumors.
A detailed evaluation of the mechanical correlation chopper for neutron time-of-flight spectrometry

Abstract The statistical efficiency of the conventional single burst thermal neutron chopper system is compared to the statistical efficiency of a novel multiburst system. It is shown that the multiburst system is always superior to the conventional system in applications where the signal-to-noise ratio is low. In the absence of noise the multiburst system will be better only for channels in which the total count is twice the average signal per channel. These conditions are discussed with reference to existing data from conventional systems. Optimal operating parameters for the two systems are derived. The analysis is extended to measurements of areas and second moments of peaks occupying a number of channels. Instantenous pulsing systems are briefly considered in the same formalism.
Use of stents in head and neck surgery.

Purpose of review This paper provides a review of the most recent literature regarding the use of endoluminal stents in the upper aerodigestive tract. Recent findings New technologies and materials as well as modifications of traditional stents allows the palliation of patients with esophageal and tracheobronchial obstruction due to carcinoma, to obturate tracheoesophageal fistulas in patients who are poor surgical candidates and to provide temporary relief of aspiration while awaiting for definitive surgery. The use of stents for airway obstruction is limited by their tendency to migrate (silicone stents) or to produce abundant and airway threatening granulation tissue (self expandable metal stents). Summary Stents are best used for the palliation of obstruction caused by tracheobronchial or esophageal malignancies and for those patients affected by benign conditions but who are considered poor surgical candidates.
Review of force reconstruction techniques

Abstract An important engineering problem is the recovery of the input of a system given its output. This is a difficult problem to solve in that it is often an ill-defined problem. Such ill-posedness is problematic since noise becomes very influential and results in inaccurate or non-unique solutions. To combat this ill-posedness, additional constraints are typically applied to redefine the problem, leading to a well-defined problem with a unique solution. Current input reconstruction methods span the spectrum of analysis and computation, and we have grouped them into three categories: Direct, Regularization, and Probabilistic/Statistical. Each of these groups is divided into several subsets that offer different perspectives in which to view the reconstruction problem. Our primary interests lie in the behavior of mechanical systems and, as such, we have focused on the literature in these fields. However, applicability includes other fields with the same and similar governing equations.