cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of structural and functional brain connectivity on age-related differences in fluid cognition

Abstract We used graph theoretical measures to investigate the hypothesis that structural brain connectivity constrains the influence of functional connectivity on the relation between age and fluid cognition. Across 143 healthy, community-dwelling adults 19–79 years of age, we estimated structural network properties from diffusion-weighted imaging and functional network properties from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We confirmed previous reports of age-related decline in the strength and efficiency of structural networks, as well as in the connectivity strength within and between structural network modules. Functional networks, in contrast, exhibited age-related decline only in system segregation, a measure of the distinctiveness among network modules. Aging was associated with decline in a composite measure of fluid cognition, particularly tests of executive function. Functional system segregation was a significant mediator of age-related decline in executive function. Structural network properties did not directly influence the age-related decline in functional system segregation. The raw correlational data underlying the graph theoretical measures indicated that structural connectivity exerts a limited constraint on age-related decline in functional connectivity.
What is machine learning

The term machine learning (ML) is emerging more often in the medical literature. There are successful clinical applications of ML with the specialties of ophthalmology and radiology leading the way. For example, in ophthalmology the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity,1 and in radiology the diagnosis of stroke or cancers from digital images is promising.2 This success is expected to expand into other medical disciplines including general paediatrics and its subspecialties. Therefore, healthcare practitioners and researchers are most likely to benefit from getting familiar with ML terminology in order to stay up to date and better understand the ML research methodology and its applications in medicine. This brief review is intended to be an introduction to ML and its associated terminology, and to review selected studies with ML models from the paediatric literature. Predictive models are mathematical functions that take input variable(s), process the input variable(s) and produce an output. The mathematical definition of processing the input variable(s) to produce an output is an algorithm. Describing the relation between the variables in a dataset can be feasible by linear equations in some datasets. For instance, linear regression models aim to fit a linear line that relates input variable(s) to output variable(s). However, when there are a large number of variables, or their relation to the output variable is too complex, or non-linear to be described by linear lines, or even there is no obvious output variable to be predicted in the dataset, then the classic linear regression models fail. In such cases, a different approach is needed. This alternative strategy is called ML. In ML, algorithms are developed to discover unknown complex relations between …
Non-destructive testing to characterize interlayer bonds of idealized concrete additive manufacturing products

Abstract We examine non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques that characterize the interlayer bond quality of idealized 3-D printed concrete, simulating a layup bond, in-situ. An experimental study evaluates four NDT methods (x-ray radiography, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), vibration resonance, and multi-element array ultrasonics) to idealized, layered concrete specimens that simulate layers of a 3-D printed structure. The interlayer bond strengths of the specimens were measured directly using split-prism load testing. X-ray radiography and multi-element array ultrasonic test data demonstrate best correlation with measured interlayer bond strengths. We used multi-element array ultrasonic test data to classify bond interface quality into well bonded, weakly bonded, and debonded cases.
Reconciling state promises and practices: Constitutional promises and discrimination against religious minorities

Research on religious freedom has found a vast chasm between constitutional promises and state practices, with constitutional promises being a poor predictor of the state’s support of religious fre...
Enhancing Research Data Infrastructure to Address the Opioid Epidemic: The Opioid Overdose Network (02-Net)

ABSTRACT Objective Opioid Overdose Network is an effort to generalize and adapt an existing research data network, the Accrual to Clinical Trials (ACT) Network, to support design of trials for survivors of opioid overdoses presenting to emergency departments (ED). Four institutions (Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Dartmouth Medical School (DMS), University of Kentucky (UK), and University of California San Diego (UCSD)) worked to adapt ACT network. This paper reports their progress. Materials and Methods The approach taken to enhancing ACT network focused on four activities: cloning and extending the ACT infrastructure, developing an e-phenotype and corresponding registry, developing portable natural language processing (NLP) tools to enhance data capture, and developing automated documentation templates to enhance extended data capture. Results All four institutions were able to replicate their i2b2 and Shared Health Research Information Network (SHRINE) infrastructure. A five category e-phenotype model based on ICD-10 coding was developed from prior published work. Ongoing work is refining this via machine learning and artificial intelligence methods. Portable NLP tools, focused at the sentence level, were also developed to identify uncoded opioid overdose related concepts in provider notes. Optimal performance was seen in NLP tools that combined rule-based with deep learning methods (F score, 0.94). A template for ED overdose documentation was developed to improve primary data capture. Interactive prompts to physicians inside ED progress notes were effective in promoting use of the template. The template had good system usability and net promoter scores (0.72 and 0.75, respectively, n=13). Work to design ED trials based on the network’s data is underway. Discussion and Conclusions Overall, initial results suggest that tailoring of existing multipurpose research networks to specific tasks is feasible; however, substantial efforts are required for coordination of the subnetwork and development of new tools for extension of available data.
Ensuring Adolescent Patient Portal Confidentiality in the Age of the Cures Act Final Rule.

Abstract Purpose Managing confidential adolescent health information in patient portals presents unique challenges. Adolescent patients and guardians electronically access medical records and communicate with providers via portals. In confidential matters like sexual health, ensuring confidentiality is crucial. A key aspect of confidential portals is ensuring that the account is registered to and utilized by the intended user. Inappropriately registered or guardian-accessed adolescent portal accounts may lead to confidentiality breaches. Methods We used a quality improvement framework to develop screening methodologies to flag guardian-accessible accounts. Accounts of patients aged 12–17 were flagged via manual review of account emails and natural language processing of portal messages. We implemented a reconciliation program to correct affected accounts’ registered email. Clinics were notified about sign-up errors and educated on sign-up workflow. An electronic alert was created to check the adolescent’s email prior to account activation. Results After initial screening, 2,307 of 3,701 (62%) adolescent accounts were flagged as registered with a guardian’s email. Those accounts were notified to resolve their logins. After five notifications over 8 weeks, 266 of 2,307 accounts (12%) were corrected; the remaining 2,041 (88%) were deactivated. Conclusions The finding that 62% of adolescent portal accounts were used/accessed by guardians has significant confidentiality implications. In the context of the Cures Act Final Rule and increased information sharing, our institution’s experience with ensuring appropriate access to adolescent portal accounts is necessary, timely, and relevant. This study highlights ways to improve patient portal confidentiality and prompts institutions caring for adolescents to review their systems and processes.
Method, Result, and Authority: A Reply

A LL good things are scarce. Self-interested conduct is the handmaiden of scarcity. These are facts of life. Given scarcity, judicial decisions inevitably create, transfer, or destroy valuable things and affect people's decisions. Even justice is scarce. Disputes about attorneys' fees stem from the high costs of litigation, and rules about harmless error grow out of the costs of retrials (including the delay other litigants encounter when one case receives extra process). Judges must respond to scarcity. The effects of a court's decision on who gets how much of what good things may or may not be what the judges anticipated. Private and public responses to the decision may or may not undercut what the judges sought to achieve. The foundation of my Foreword1 is the belief that knowledge of potential effects and responses is preferable to ignorance. The Foreword contains three principal normative propositions:
TWO-VARIABLE EXPANSIONS AND THE K $Yields$ 3$pi$ DECAYS.

Previously suggested two-variable expansions of three-body decay amplitudes in terms of harmonic functions of an O(4) group are discussed and applied to analyze the Dalitz-plot distribution of over 3.2 million K±→π±π±π∓ decay events. Among the general features of the O(4) expansions we wish to stress that they are written in the c.m. system of two of the final particles, the angular momentum of which is displayed explicitly, and that each term in the expansion has a good behavior at the threshold, pseudothreshold, and at the boundary of the physical region. We analyze the recent data of Ford et al. on charged K→3π decays, using both O(4) expansion and the standard power-series expansion in terms of the Dalitz-Fabri variables. In both cases it is perfectly adequate to keep four terms in the corresponding expansion. The χ2 fit is marginally better for the O(4) expansion. We conclude that the K→3π Dalitz plot has too little structure in it to provide a real test of the advantages or disadvantages of different treatments. It is thus most desirable to apply the O(4) expansions to Dalitz plots of other processes, like η→3π or p¯n→πππ. No conclusive evidence is found for CP violation. However, the "linear" term in the O(4) expansion of the difference between the squared matrix elements for K+ and K− decays does differ from zero by more than two standard deviations. The effect is stable with regard to the number of terms kept in the expansions. An important distinctive feature of the O(4) expansions is their intimate relation to two-variable O(3, 1) expansions of physical scattering amplitudes.
Studies on photosystem I: Characteristics of “310 material” isolated from spinach chloroplasts

Abstract Exposure of osmotically shocked chloroplasts to dilute pyridine and sonic oscillation results in the extraction of a small molecular-weight factor. Purification of the factor was accomplished using gel filtration chromatography. Due to the spectral nature of the purified species ( λ max at 310 nm) the factor was named “310 material.” Physiologically, the 310 material was found to inhibit a variety of ferredoxin-dependent photoreductions catalyzed by isolated spinach chloroplasts but stimulate both pseudocyclic photophosporylation and the ferredoxin-independent photoreduction of mammalian cytochrome c . The latter reaction was found to involve, at least partially, the formation of a Superoxide radical. Dark-reduction studies have further established that the 310 material is an autooxidizable electron carrier. Chemically, the 310 material is a water-soluble, low molecular-weight phenolic-type compound; possibly a derivative of coumaric acid. No proteinaceous material is observed in physiologically active preparations of 310 material. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the isolated 310 material acts on the reducing side of Photosystem I at or near the site of reduction of ferredoxin and competes with ferredoxin for the reducing power generated by the Photosystem I reaction center. The exact physiological role of the 310 material in the intact photosynthetic system, however, remains unknown. The similarities between the 310 material and a variety of other factors previously isolated from chloroplasts are discussed.
The preparation, properties, and reactivation of the mixed disulfide derivative of egg white lysozyme and L-cystine.

Abstract The mixed disulfide of lysozyme and cystine can be prepared by reaction of fully reduced lysozyme and cystine at pH 9.5. The mixed disulfide is enzymatically inactive and contains 16 residues of half-cystine per molecule. On reaction with cysteine, mercaptoethylamine, or mercaptoethanol, the mixed disulfide can be converted to active lysozyme. The initial rate of reactivation varies with pH, temperature, concentration of disulfide, and concentration of mercaptan; under the best conditions, 50% of the original activity is regenerated in 6 to 7 min. The extent of reactivation is generally between 70 and 85% under a variety of conditions. On the basis of kinetic measurements and characterization of the lysozyme formed throughout the reactivation process, a tentative mechanism for re-formation of the correct disulfide bonds in lysozyme has been proposed. Chromatographic analysis of the reactivated enzyme shows that it contains two major components. One chromatographic component is indistinguishable from native lysozyme, but the other has about 50 to 60% of the specific activity of native lysozyme and it is not converted to native lysozyme on further reduction and oxidation.
Diel distribution, behaviour and consumption of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in a Wilderness stream

– Understanding population regulation in juvenile salmonids requires distinguishing the effects of intrinsic (size, behaviour) and extrinsic (food, competition) factors. To examine the relative influence of these variables on juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Salmon River drainage (ID, USA), we examined diel differences in foraging microhabitats, behaviour and consumption in two areas with consistent differences in parr-to-smolt survival. In lower Big Creek (LBC, high-survival area) and upper Big Creek (UBC, low-survival area), we observed fish by snorkelling, recording length, behaviour (foraging rate and aggression) and physical (depth, velocity, cover, temperature) and biotic (density, size and species of neighbouring fish) microhabitat features. Stomach contents were extracted to estimate consumption. Depth and temperature were greater in LBC, where Chinook salmon were significantly larger and present at lower densities. Fish in LBC exhibited higher foraging activity during the day than night, but there were no size differences between day and night foragers. In UBC, a higher density area, foraging behaviour did not change between day and night, although the smallest size classes did not forage nocturnally. Regression models that integrated physical and biotic variables suggested that physical factors influenced foraging in both areas, but competition also affected foraging in UBC. Our results demonstrate that fish from low- and high-survival populations in Big Creek are exposed to different physical and biological influences during their first growth season, which are reflected in different diel foraging behaviours.
The Effect of Real Options on Trust and Trustworthiness: The Relevance of Irrelevant Alternatives

The study examines the effect of outside options on trust and trustworthiness. Building on the logic of self-justification and escalation, it is hypothesized that parties who have invested in outside options will behave in a less trustworthy (and more self-serving) manner with their exchange partners than will those who have not invested - even when the outside options are inferior and thus irrelevant. Thus, the existence of sunk costs, and not the mere presence of outside options, might lead to non-reciprocity by trusted parties. It is further hypothesized that trustors will not be sensitive to these effects of real options on trusted parties, and will not adjust their level of trust appropriately, leaving themselves vulnerable to exploitation. The hypotheses are tested and confirmed in an experiment using modified versions of the Trust Game (cf., Berg, Dikhaut, & McCabe, 1995). Strategic and theoretical implications are discussed.
Van der Waals Forces

This chapter presents an overview of van der Waals forces and their role in various molecular phenomena. There are three distinct types of forces that contribute to the total long-range interaction between polar molecules, which are collectively known as the van der Waals force. These three forces include the induction force, the orientation force, and the dispersion force. Each force has an interaction free energy that varies with the inverse sixth power of the distance. Unlike gravitational and Coulomb forces, van der Waals forces are not generally pairwise additive. The force between any two molecules is affected by the presence of other molecules nearby, so simple addition of all the pair potentials of a molecule does not give net interaction energy with all the other molecules. This chapter starts with explaining the contribution of dispersion forces to the total van der Waals force between atoms and molecules. The chapter explores important features of van der Waals forces and discusses the origin of the van der Waals-dispersion force between the neutral molecules. The van der Waals equation of states was also explained.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) have been extensively studied in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have been associated with arterial and venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, neurologic disorders, and recurrent fetal loss. In contrast, very little is known about the frequency and clinical significance of aPLs in pediatric SLE. This study was designed to determine the frequency of aPLs in pediatric SLE and the temporally associated clinical manifestations. Design. We studied 29 consecutive patients with onset of SLE in childhood seen in the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh, Children9s Hospital, between 1985 and 1992. We defined aPL as the presence of a lupus anticoagulant (LAC), immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin M anticardiolipin antibodies (aCLs), or a biologic false-positive serologic test for syphilis determined by a VDRL test. Clinical manifestations were temporally correlated to the presence of aPLs if they occurred within 6 months. Results. Overall, 19 (65%) of 29 children with SLE had one of the three laboratory abnormalities defining aPL. LAC was detected in 16 (62%) of 26, aCL in 18 (66%) of 27, and false-positive VDRL test results in 11 (39%) of 28. Twenty-five of the 29 patients had all three tests performed. In 10 patients, all three tests were abnormal. The presence of thrombosis in 7 patients (4 venous, 2 arterial, and 1 both) was associated with a positive aPL, specifically aCL. The presence of an aPL was significantly associated with anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, but not with neuropsychiatric manifestations or with thrombocytopenia. The presence of an aCL was significantly associated with hemolytic anemia. A prolonged prothrombin time, in the setting of an LAC (all with a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time), was associated with life-threatening disease in 6 of 15 patients. Conclusion. Sixty-five percent of 29 consecutive pediatric patients with SLE had evidence of aPL. The presence of aPL, specifically aCL, was significantly associated with thrombotic events. The presence of a prolonged prothrombin time in the setting of an LAC may be a marker of more serious disease in pediatric SLE.
BE 381: WN9 or 08 Iafpe?

As John Hutchings summarized at the opening of this symposium the most easily detected symptom of mass loss in hot stars is emission at Ha. Some years ago I made a survey of the Large Magellanic Cloud for stars with Ha, in emission (Bohannan and Epps 1974) and since then have obtained low resolution spectra of some of these stars to establish their spectral identity. I would like to talk today of one of these objects, BE 381, which displays spectroscopic features of both the extreme Of and low excitation WN Wolf-Rayet classifications.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa recognizes carbohydrate chains containing type 1 (Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc) or type 2 (Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc) disaccharide units.

Theadhesion ofPseudomonas aeruginosa totype1 (Gal,11-3GlcNAc) andtype2 (Galpll-4GlcNAc) disaccharide determinants wasstudied ina microtiter adhesion assayanda thin-layer chromatography bacterial overlay assay. Theoligosaccharides wereprepared fromhumanbreast milkandhumanurine and wereconjugated tohexadecylaniline toformneoglycolipids thatwereusedintheassays. Boththemucoidand thenonmucoid strains thatwerestudied recognized thedisaccharide determinants. Sialylation ofthe oligosaccharides didnotsuppress binding inthethin-layer chromatography assay, butt2-6-linked sialic acid blocked binding inthemicrotiter assay. Theuseofbovine serumalbumin instead ofgelatin asablocking agent against nonspecific binding completely suppressed binding inthethin-layer chromatography assay. Isogenic nonpiliated mutants ofnonmucoid strains constructed byinterrupting thepilin generetained their adhesive capacity forthedisaccharide units, indicating thatbinding tothedisaccharides wasmediated byanonpilus adhesin(s). Furthermore, twomonoclonal antibodies thatrecognize thetype2 disaccharide determinant (GaI01-4GlcNAc) partially inhibited adhesion ofapair ofpiliated andnonpiliated isogenic strains tomucin. Thisstudy suggests thatP.aeruginosa utilizes anonpilus adhesin(s) tobindtodisaccharide units commonly found inmucins, inaddition topili andalginate, twopreviously described adhesins. Receptors forPseudomonas aeruginosa havebeenfound onatleast twotypes ofglycoconjugates, namely, glycolipids andmucins. Theminimal structure recognized onglycolipids isclaimed tobeGalNAc1-4Gal sequence commonly found intheglycosphingolipid
Molecular organization of the 20S proteasome gene family from Arabidopsis thaliana.

The 20S proteasome is the proteolytic complex in eukaryotes responsible for degrading short-lived and abnormal intracellular proteins, especially those targeted by ubiquitin conjugation. The 700-kD complex exists as a hollow cylinder comprising four stacked rings with the catalytic sites located in the lumen. The two outer rings and the two inner rings are composed of seven different α and β polypeptides, respectively, giving an α7/β7/β7/α7 symmetric organization. Here we describe the molecular organization of the 20S proteasome from the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. From an analysis of a collection of cDNA and genomic clones, we identified a superfamily of 23 genes encoding all 14 of the Arabidopsis proteasome subunits, designated PAA-PAG and PBA-PBG for P roteasome A lpha and B eta subunits A–G , respectively. Four of the subunits likely are encoded by single genes, and the remaining subunits are encoded by families of at least 2 genes. Expression of the α and β subunit genes appears to be coordinately regulated. Three of the nine Arabidopsis proteasome subunit genes tested, PAC1 (α3), PAE1 (α5) and PBC2 (β3), could functionally replace their yeast orthologs, providing the first evidence for cross-species complementation of 20S subunit genes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the 20S proteasome is structurally and functionally conserved among eukaryotes and suggest that the subunit arrangement of the Arabidopsis 20S proteasome is similar if not identical to that recently determined for the yeast complex.
On the Boundary between Nonlinear Jump Phenomenon and Linear Response of Hypoid Gear Dynamics

A nonlinear time-varying (NLTV) dynamic model of a hypoid gear pair system with time-dependent mesh point, line-of-action vector, mesh stiffness, mesh damping, and backlash nonlinearity is formulated to analyze the transitional phase between nonlinear jump phenomenon and linear response. It is found that the classical jump discontinuity will occur if the dynamic mesh force exceeds the mean value of tooth mesh force. On the other hand, the propensity for the gear response to jump disappears when the dynamic mesh force is lower than the mean mesh force. Furthermore, the dynamic analysis is able to distinguish the specific tooth impact types from analyzing the behaviors of the dynamic mesh force. The proposed theory is general and also applicable to high-speed spur, helical and spiral bevel gears even though those types of gears are not the primary focus of this paper.
Imaging of optical scattering contrast using ultrasound-modulated optical tomography

Using a CCD-based speckle contrast detection scheme of ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT), we show the feasibility of imaging objects having different optical scattering coefficients relative to the surrounding scattering medium. Our results show that the spatial resolution depends on the ultrasound parameters and the image contrast depends on the difference in scattering coefficient between the object and the surrounding medium. Experimental measurements are in agreement with Monte Carlo simulations and analytical calculations. This study complements previous UOT experiments that demonstrated optical absorption contrast. It also demonstrates that UOT complements photoacoustic tomography, which is sensitive to optical absorption contrast.
Raman spectrum of ammonium chloride at high pressures

Abstract Raman spectra of single crystals of ammonium chloride have been studued to 40 kbar at room temperature. Effects of pressure on the frequencies of the Reststrahlen, librational, and internal modes are described, and the origins of these shifts are discussed.
Purification and characterization of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase from apple fruit.

Abstract 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of ACC to ethylene. Following conventional column fractionation, the enzyme was purified 180-fold to near homogeneity with a specific activity of 20 nmol/(mg.min). This purified enzyme preparation migrated as a single protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 35 kDa on SDS/PAGE and 39 kDa on gel filtration. As in vivo, the purified enzyme required CO2 for activity. Removal of CO2 from the reaction mixture completely abolished the enzyme activity, while 0.5% atmospheric CO2 (0.15 mM in the medium) gave half-maximal activity. The purified enzyme displayed an absolute requirement for Fe2+ and ascorbate. The stoichiometry of the enzymatic reaction was determined: ACC + ascorbate + O2-->C2H4 + HCN + CO2 + dehydroascorbate + 2 H2O. A polyclonal antibody was raised against a synthetic tridecapeptide (PDLEEEYRKTMKE) whose sequence was deduced from the apple pAE12 cDNA [Dong, J. G., Olson, D., Silverstone, A. & Yang, S. F. (1992) Plant Physiol. 98, 1530-1531], which is homologous to tomato cDNAs encoding ACC oxidase. On a Western blot, this antibody specifically recognized the purified ACC oxidase protein. The amino acid composition of the purified enzyme agreed well with that deduced from the pAE12 sequence. When the protein was cleaved with CNBr and one of the peptide fragments was isolated and sequenced for 20 cycles, its sequence (KEFAVELEKLAEKLLDLLCE) precisely matched that predicted from pAE12 (residues 115-134). When preclimacteric apple fruit was treated with ethylene, a parallel increase in in vivo and in vitro ACC oxidase activities was observed, and this increase was accompanied by a concomitant increase in the level of pAE12 transcript. These observations support the conclusion that the isolated ACC oxidase protein is encoded by pAE12.
New examples of harmonic diffeomorphisms of the hyperbolic plane onto itself

A one parameter family of new examples of harmonic maps of the hyperbolic plane onto itself is constructed by studying the Gauss map of certain spacelike constant mean curvature surfaces in three dimensional Minkowski Space. These surfaces are obtained as surfaces of revolution. Explicit construction of the conformal diffeomorphism of the hyperbolic plane onto such surfaces gives a complete description of the boundary behavior of the harmonic maps.
Differences in age-related effects on brain volume in Down syndrome as compared to Williams syndrome and typical development

Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) are reported to experience early onset of brain aging. However, it is not well understood how pre-existing neurodevelopmental effects versus neurodegenerative processes might be contributing to the observed pattern of brain atrophy in younger adults with DS. The aims of the current study were to: (1) to confirm previous findings of age-related changes in DS compared to adults with typical development (TD), (2) to test for an effect of these age-related changes in a second neurodevelopmental disorder, Williams syndrome (WS), and (3) to identify a pattern of regional age-related effects that are unique to DS. High-resolution T1-weighted MRI of the brains of subjects with DS, WS, and TD controls were segmented, and estimates of regional brain volume were derived using FreeSurfer. A general linear model was employed to test for age-related effects on volume between groups. Secondary analyses in the DS group explored the relationship between brain volume and neuropsychological tests and APOE. Consistent with previous findings, the DS group showed significantly greater age-related effects relative to TD controls in total gray matter and in regions of the orbitofrontal cortex and the parietal cortex. Individuals with DS also showed significantly greater age-related effects on volume of the left and right inferior lateral ventricles (LILV and RILV, respectively). There were no significant differences in age-related effects on volume when comparing the WS and TD groups. In the DS group, cognitive tests scores measuring signs of dementia and APOE ϵ4 carrier status were associated with LILV and RILV volume. Individuals with DS demonstrated a unique pattern of age-related effects on gray matter and ventricular volume, the latter of which was associated with dementia rating scores in the DS group. Results may indicate that early onset of brain aging in DS is primarily due to DS-specific neurodegenerative processes, as opposed to general atypical neurodevelopment.
Occlusal relationship in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate during the mixed dentition stage: does neonatal maxillary arch configuration predetermine outcome?

Abstract Objective: To determine whether there is any correlation between initial maxillary arch dysmorphology patterns in complete bilateral cleft lip/palate (BCLP) and the subsequent occlusal relationship in early mixed dentition. Design: This retrospective study evaluated 41 consecutive patients with complete BCLP who were managed by a single tertiary cleft team between 1983 and 1992. All patients had bilateral synchronous lip adhesions with placement of a passive alveolar molding appliance at 4 to 8 weeks of age; definitive modified Manchester lip repair at 6 to 8 months of age; and a one-stage “two-flap” palatoplasty at 14 months of age. Neither gingivoperiosteoplasty nor early alveolar bone grafting was performed. Four patients required early surgical premaxillary setback because of adverse social reactions to a very protrusive premaxilla. All patients (7 to 9 years) were assessed prior to initiation of first-phase orthodontics (maxillary expansion) in anticipation of alveolar bone grafting. Cleft t...
Probability and Statistics With Reliability, Queuing and Computer Science Applications

Probability and Statistics with Reliability, Queuing and Computer Science Applications, Second Edition, offers a comprehensive introduction to probabiliby, stochastic processes, and statistics for students of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and applied mathematics. Its wealth of practical examples and up-to-date information makes it an excellent resource for practitioners as well.
Influence of aging and neurodegeneration on dendritic spine morphology

In neuronal circuits, excitatory synaptic transmission predominantly occurs at postsynaptic protrusions called dendritic spines. Spines are highly plastic structures capable of formation, enlargement, shrinkage, and elimination over time. Individual spine morphology is widely variable, and evidence suggests these differences in morphology are relevant to spine function. Recent reports provide evidence that spine structural plasticity underlies functional synaptic changes, including those seen in animal models of learning and memory plasticity. Conversely, impairments in cognitive functions, such as those commonly seen in aging, have recently been linked to and correlated with alterations in spine density and morphology. In addition, dendritic spine density and morphology also appear to be altered in various transgenic animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Ultimately, an understanding of the synaptic basis of age- and disease-related cognitive impairments may lead to the development of drug treatments that can restore or protect synaptic profiles in neural circuits that mediate cognition.
PULMONARY BLOOD FLOW (Qp) AND BREATHING MOVEMENTS IN FETAL SHEEP

Post-natally, Qp is influenced by respiratory movements, but little is known of the relationship between Qp and fetal breathing movements (FBM). To define this relationship, we studied 6 chronically instrumented fetal sheep (gest. 125-143 d) for a total of 2602 min. Each fetus had an electromagnetic flow probe on the left pulmonary artery (LPA), electrocortical (ECoG) electrodes, and catheters in the trachea (to evaluate FBM), main pulmonary artery, carotid artery and amniotic cavity. Mean Qp to LPA showed a wide range and was similar during high and low voltage ECoC and in the presence or absence of FBM (Table). Fluctuations in mean Qp did not relate to arterial pH, PCO2 or PO2, or to changes in ECoG activity, or onset or cessation of FBM. In contrast, phasic Qp consistently changed with FBM. During the inspiratory phase, Qp increased while pulmonary and carotid arterial blood pressures decreased; during the expiratory phase, Qp decreased while blood pressures increased. We conclude that in fetal sheep: (a) mean Qp shows wide fluctuations not related to FBM, ECoG activity, arterial pH, PCO2 or PO2; (b) during FBM phasic Qp increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration.
The formation of crystalline hydrogel films by self-crosslinking microgels

Monodisperse spheres composed of a copolymer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and N-hydroxymethylacrylamide (NMA) were prepared and used as building blocks for a thin hydrogel film. A dilute dispersion of these microgels was allowed to dry in air, resulting in the formation of crystalline microgel structures at the air/dispersion interface. Taking advantage of self-crosslinking property of NMA, the neighboring PNIPAM-NMA microgels reacted to form covalent bonds to stabilize the crystalline structure after the water was completely evaporated from the particle dispersion at ambient temperature. After immersion in water, this film not only absorbed a large amount of water like a conventional hydrogel but also exhibited iridescent colors due to long range ordered microgel arrays. The thermally responsive properties and mechanical properties of this film were studied.
Analysis of the binding of hydroxamic acid and carboxylic acid inhibitors to the stromelysin-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-3) catalytic domain by isothermal titration calorimetry.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in diseases such as arthritis and cancer. Among these enzymes, stromelysin-1 can also activate the proenzymes of other MMPs, making it an attractive target for pharmaceutical design. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to analyze the binding of three inhibitors to the stromelysin catalytic domain (SCD). One inhibitor (Galardin) uses a hydroxamic acid group (pKa ≅ 8.7) to bind the active site zinc; the others (PD180557 and PD166793) use a carboxylic acid group (pKa ≅ 4.7). Binding affinity increased dramatically as the pH was decreased over the range 5.5−7.5. Experiments carried out at pH 6.7 in several different buffers revealed that approximately one and two protons are transferred to the enzyme−inhibitor complexes for the hydroxamic and carboxylic acid inhibitors, respectively. This suggests that both classes of inhibitors bind in the protonated state, and that one amino acid residue of the enzyme also becomes protonated upon binding. Similar e...
The Metabolism of the Lactogenic Hormone

Summary 1.Cow manure free from urine and extraneous materials was collected and dried in an electrical drying oven at a temperature of about 45° C. for about 48 hours. 2.Forty per cent aqueous alkaline ethyl alcohol extracts of individual samples of lactating cow and bull manure were precipitated by increasing the alcohol concentration to 75 per cent at pH 5.7 under cold conditions. 3.The average yield of lactogenic hormone from one kilogram dry manure ranged from 0.29 to 1.25 international units for the high milk producers, from 0.23 to 0.3 international units for the low milk producers, and from 0.17 to 0.19 international units for the bulls. 4.It was concluded that there might be a relationship between the amount of lactogenic hormone excretion into the digestive tract and the milk producing ability. 5.Possibly lactogenic hormone is secreted into the digestive tract, but only that part which is excreted in the lower portion of the intestine is excreted together with the feces in an active form.
FPGA based D-PLL control technique of CLL resonant converter for EV battery chargers

In this paper, FPGA based Digital Phase Locked Loop (D-PLL) control technique is applied to the CLL resonant converter for Electric Vehicle (EV) battery charger applications. In order to improve charging efficiency, switching losses must be reduced to have a maximum energy transfer among the variable converter components. Also, fast and secure battery charging requires controlling voltage and current values at the battery terminals. The presented digital phase locked loop control technique is implemented under ZVS-ZCS conditions with variable load and variable input voltages. The designed dc/dc resonant converter, fed by a power-factor-corrector (PFC) with 100-150 V output, provides 48 V / 15 A at 720 W maximum power. At the same time, the battery constant voltage (CV) and current (CC) regulation are realized from PFC with a variable dc link. The application results show that ZVS-ZCS are maintained with input voltage and current in phase under different input voltage and output load conditions.
Experiences in accurately predicting time-dependent flows

Abstract As computational fluid dynamics matures, researchers attempt to perform numerical simulations on increasingly complex aerodynamic flows. One type of flow that has become feasible to simulate is massively separated flow fields, which exhibit high levels of flow unsteadiness. While traditional computational fluid dynamic approaches may be able to simulate these flows, it is not obvious what restrictions should be followed in order to insure that the numerical simulations are accurate and trustworthy. Our research group has considerable experience in computing massively separated flow fields about various aircraft configurations, which has led us to examine the factors necessary for making high-quality time-dependent flow computations. The factors we have identified include: grid density and local refinement, the numerical approach, performing a time-step study, the use of sub-iterations for temporal accuracy, the appropriate use of temporal damping, and the use of appropriate turbulence models. We have a variety of cases from which to draw results, including delta wings and the F-18C, F-16C, and F-16XL aircraft. Results show that while it is possible to obtain accurate unsteady aerodynamic computations, there is a high computational cost associated with performing the calculations. Rules of thumb and possible shortcuts for accurate prediction of massively separated flows are also discussed.
The value of gastroscopy in the diagnosis of phytobezoar: Case report

A case of phytobezoar, in which the diagnosis was made by gastroscopy and confirmed by operation, is reported. The importance of gastroscopy as a diagnostic procedure in obscure gastro-intestinal conditions is emphasized.
Simultaneous Triangularization of the Coefficients of Linear Systems

Criteria for simultaneous reduction of the coefficient matrices of a linear nonconservative system to upper triangular forms have been presented
Bioluminescence: a versatile technique for imaging cellular and molecular features

Bioluminescence is a ubiquitous imaging modality for visualizing biological processes in vivo. This technique employs visible light and interfaces readily with most cell and tissue types, making it a versatile technology for preclinical studies. Here we review basic bioluminescence imaging principles, along with applications of the technology that are relevant to the medicinal chemistry community. These include noninvasive cell tracking experiments, analyses of protein function, and methods to visualize small molecule metabolites. In each section, we also discuss how bioluminescent tools have revealed insights into experimental therapies and aided drug discovery. Last, we highlight the development of new bioluminescent tools that will enable more sensitive and multi-component imaging experiments and, thus, expand our broader understanding of living systems.
The Trauma of Uncertainty: The Use of Comprehensive Assessment and Prolonged Exposure to Treat Indirect Exposure to a Mass Shooting

In the presented case, “Daryl” experienced 12 hr of uncertainty regarding the safety of a friend before learning the friend was killed during the April 16th shootings at Virginia Tech. Treatment be...
Targeted therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors: current status and future perspectives

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) present 80% of gastrointestinal tract mesenchymal tumors, with systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy being unable to improve survival of patients with advanced disease. The identification of activating mutations in either KIT cell surface growth factor receptor or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha, which lead to ligand-independent signal transduction, paved the way for the development of novel agents that selectively inhibit key molecular events in disease pathogenesis. The development of imatinib mesylate in the treatment of metastatic GIST represents a therapeutic breakthrough in molecularly targeted strategies, which crucially improved patients’ prognosis while its usefulness in adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting is under study. Sunitinib malate is available in the second-line setting, with ongoing studies evaluating its role in an earlier disease stage, while other targets are under intense investigation in order to enrich the therapeutical armamentarium for this disease. GIST phenotype seems to be an essential indicator of treatment response; thus, obtaining genotype information of each patient may be critical in order to tailor individualized treatment strategies and achieve maximal therapeutic results.
Depth Dependence of Bottom Stress and Quadratic Drag Coefficient for Barotropic Pressure-Driven Currents

Abstract A level 2½ turbulence closure model is used to investigate the dependence on water depth H of bottom stress τb and quadratic drag coefficient Cd for a steady barotropic pressure-driven current in unstratified water when the current is the primary source of turbulence. For spatially uniform pressure gradient and bottom roughness z0 the magnitude |τb| increases from small values in shallow water to a maximum (at a depth ∼0.004 U0/f where U0 is the geostrophic current speed derived from the pressure gradient and f is the Coriolis parameter) at which the dynamics changes from being depth-limited to being controlled by similarity scales. As the depth increases further, |τb| decreases to its deep-water value that is 15% to 19% less than the maximum. The angle θ of the bottom stress relative to the geostrophic direction decreases rapidly from 90° in very shallow water, reaching its deep-water value (∼11°–21°) at a somewhat shallower depth than does |τb|. At the maximum stress θ is 8° larger than the dee...
Prediction of Shrinkage Pore Volume Fraction Using a Dimensionless Niyama Criterion

A method is presented to use a dimensionless form of the well-known Niyama criterion to directly predict the amount of shrinkage porosity that forms during solidification of metal alloy castings. The main advancement offered by this method is that it avoids the need to know the threshold Niyama value below which shrinkage porosity forms; such threshold values are generally unknown and alloy dependent. The dimensionless criterion accounts for both the local thermal conditions (as in the original Niyama criterion) and the properties and solidification characteristics of the alloy. Once a dimensionless Niyama criterion value is obtained from casting simulation results, the corresponding shrinkage pore volume fraction can be determined knowing only the solid fraction-temperature curve and the total solidification shrinkage of the alloy. Curves providing the shrinkage pore volume percentage as a function of the dimensionless Niyama criterion are given for WCB steel, aluminum alloy A356, and magnesium alloy AZ91D. The present method is used in a general-purpose casting simulation software package to predict shrinkage porosity in three-dimensional (3-D) castings. Comparisons between simulated and experimental shrinkage porosity results for a WCB steel plate casting demonstrate that this method can reasonably predict shrinkage. Additional simulations for magnesium alloy AZ91D illustrate that this method is applicable to a wide variety of alloys and casting conditions.
Plasmid profiles and klebocin types in epidemiologic studies of infections by Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The epidemiological methods of klebocin typing, antibiogram and plasmid DNA profile were evaluated using organisms isolated from a suspected epidemic of gentamicin-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae and unrelated strains from different geographical areas as controls. The electrophoretic analysis of plasmid DNAs fromKlebsiella pneumoniae showed the presence of at least one and up to as many as seven plasmids in each strain. The molecular weight of plasmid DNAs ranged from 1 to >70 mega daltons. While none of the controlKlebsiella pneumoniae strains showed identical plasmid profiles, 63 % of the epidemic-relatedKlebsiella pneumoniae strains did. Klebocin typing and plasmid DNA profile gave different results for the same strains. Plasmid DNA profile was found to be a more valuable method than klebocin typing alone or klebocin typing in combination with antibiogram for differentiating epidemiologically related from unrelated isolates. Both plasmid DNA profile and klebocin typing methods were superior to antibiogram.