cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conjunctival Cysts of the Orbit Following Enucleation

Four patients developed orbital conjunctival cysts following enucleation. The cysts were demonstrated by ultrasonography and computerized tomography and confirmed by histopathology. They were lined by a non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium without goblet cells and contained fluid with mucinous strands. They were excised at eight, seven, and seven, and 25 years post-enucleation, respectively, the latter being the longest interval yet recorded. A simple classification of conjunctival cysts of the orbit is proposed and the mechanisms of the development of cysts in anophthalmic sockets are discussed. The effects of secretory rate and cyst growth are reviewed and surgical management in prevention and treatment of these lesions is outlined.
Impact of Inflammation on Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Development

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (essential thrombocythemia, ET; polycythemia vera, PV; myelofibrosis, MF) are monoclonal malignancies associated with genomic instability, dysregulated signaling pathways, and subsequent overproduction of inflammatory markers. Acknowledged for their debilitating symptom profiles, recent investigations have aimed to determine the identity of these markers, the upstream sources stimulating their development, their prevalence within the MPN population, and the role they play in symptom development. Creation of dedicated Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) tools, in combination with expanded access to cytokine analysis technology, has resulted in a surge of investigations evaluating the potential associations between symptoms and inflammation. Emerging data demonstrates clear relationships between individual MPN symptoms (fatigue, abdominal complaints, microvascular symptoms, and constitutional symptoms) and cytokines, particularly IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Information is also compiling on the role symptoms paradoxically play in the development of cytokines, as in the case of fatigue-driven sedentary lifestyles. In this paper, we explore the symptoms inherent to the MPN disorders and the potential role inflammation plays in their development.
Contained myocardial rupture: a variant linking complete and incomplete rupture

Myocardial rupture is an uncommon complication of myocardial infarction, often with devastating haemodynamic consequences. Although rupture is usually fatal, when patients do survive, the majority present with a pseudoaneurysm in which the rupture is sealed by a haematoma on the epicardial surface of the heart. Cases in which all myocardial layers are dissected except the epicardium or visceral pericardium have been included under this subheading. The authors describe such a case and suggest the pathological description of a “contained myocardial rupture”. This link between complete and incomplete myocardial rupture may allow a more conservative management approach to be pursued.
A vector quantization based approach for equal gain transmission

In this work, we consider quantization of the beamforming vector for finite rate feedback-based communication in flat-fading multi input single output (MISO) systems with a per-antenna power constraint. Using the capacity loss with respect to perfect channel feedback as performance metric, we derive a new criterion, the mean-square weighted inner product (MSwIP) criterion, for designing the quantized beamforming vectors. We develop an iterative algorithm (based on the Lloyd algorithm) to generate the beamforming vector codebook that locally optimizes the design criterion. For the case of i.i.d. flat fading channels, we analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of capacity loss and the outage probability. We show that the capacity loss (in terms of bits) of a MISO system with quantized beamforming under a per-antenna power constraint is roughly half that obtained under a total power constraint. Simulation results verify the accuracy of the analytical expressions
Gamma Interferon Expression during Acute and Latent Nervous System Infection by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

This study was initiated to evaluate a role for gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. At the acute stage of infection in mice, HSV-1 replication in trigeminal ganglia and brain stem tissue was modestly but consistently enhanced in mice from which IFN-gamma was by ablated monoclonal antibody treatment and in mice genetically lacking the IFN-gamma receptor (Rgko mice). As determined by reverse transcriptase PCR, IFN-gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha transcripts were present in trigeminal ganglia during both acute and latent HSV-1 infection. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected initially in trigeminal ganglia at day 5 after HSV-1 inoculation, and these cells persisted for 6 months into latency. The T cells were focused around morphologically normal neurons that showed no signs of active infection, but many of which expressed HSV-1 latency-associated transcripts. Secreted IFN-gamma was present up to 6 months into latency in areas of the T-cell infiltration. By 9 months into latency, both the T-cell infiltrate and IFN-gamma expression had cleared, although there remained a slight increase in macrophage levels in trigeminal ganglia. In HSV-1-infected brain stem tissue, T cells and IFN-gamma expression were present at 1 month but were gone by 6 months after infection. Our hypothesis is that the persistence of T cells and the sustained IFN-gamma expression occur in response to an HSV-1 antigen(s) in the nervous system. This hypothesis is consistent with a new model of HSV-1 latency which suggests that limited HSV-1 antigen expression occurs during latency (M. Kosz-Vnenchak, J. Jacobson, D.M. Coen, and D.M. Knipe, J. Virol. 67:5383-5393, 1993). We speculate that prolonged secretion of IFN-gamma during latency may modulate a reactivated HSV-1 infection.
On the scalability of data synchronization protocols for PDAs and mobile devices

Personal digital assistants and other mobile computing devices rely on synchronization protocols in order to maintain data consistency. These protocols operate in environments where network resources such as bandwidth, memory and processing power are limited. We examine a number of popular and representative synchronization protocols, such as Palm's HotSync, Pumatech's Intellisync and the industry-wide SyncML initiative. We investigate the scalability performance of these protocols as a function of data and network sizes and compare them to a novel synchronization approach, CPISync, which addresses some of their scalability concerns. The conclusions of this survey are intended to provide guidance for handling scalability issues in synchronizing data on large, heterogeneous, tetherless networks.
The interplay between social and cultural determinants of school effort and success: an investigation of Chinese-immigrant and second-generation Chinese students' perceptions toward school

Objective. Educational research suggests that close-knit, supportive immigrant communities can encourage students' school success; however, less agreement exists about why students outside of those communities-particularly in urban areas-do not always do as well in school, even when those students perceive themselves to be working as hard as their higher-performing immigrant peers. This article explores the relationship between Chinese-immigrant and second-generation Chinese students' perceptions and social/cultural factors that influence their lives in a large urban school. Methods. Longitudinal interviews with students, as well as observations at the school, took place from September 2000 to May 2001. Results. Chinese immigrants in this study are motivated to work hard and value demanding teachers, difficult curriculum, and discipline more than their second-generation Chinese peers; the second-generation students talk of wanting more entertaining, knowledgeable teachers while not being willing or able to work as hard for school success. Conclusions. These findings indicate that differences in students' perceptions of their own effort and success in school may depend greatly on the social environment in which students find themselves, as well as the culturally-driven actions available within those environments.
The Upper Midwest Health Study: industry and occupation of glioma cases and controls.

Background Understanding glioma etiology requires determining which environmental factors are associated with glioma. Upper Midwest Health Study case–control participant work histories collected 1995–1998 were evaluated for occupational associations with glioma. “Exposures of interest” from our study protocol comprise our a priori hypotheses. Materials and Methods Year-long or longer jobs for 1,973 participants were assigned Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) and Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC). The analysis file includes 8,078 SIC- and SOC-coded jobs. For each individual, SAS 9.2 programs collated employment with identical SIC-SOC coding. Distributions of longest “total employment duration” (total years worked in jobs with identical industry and occupation codes, including multiple jobs, and non-consecutive jobs) were compared between cases and controls, using an industrial hygiene algorithm to group occupations. Results Longest employment duration was calculated for 780 cases and 1,156 controls. More case than control longest total employment duration was in the “engineer, architect” occupational group [16 cases, 10 controls, odds ratio (OR) 2.50, adjusted for age group, sex, age and education, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–5.60]. Employment as a food processing worker [mostly butchers and meat cutters] was of borderline significance (27 cases, 21 controls, adjusted OR: 1.78, CI: 0.99–3.18). Conclusions Among our exposures of interest work as engineers or as butchers and meat cutters was associated with increased glioma risk. Significant associations could be due to chance, because of multiple comparisons, but similar findings have been reported for other glioma studies. Our results suggest some possible associations but by themselves could not provide conclusive evidence. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:747–755, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological‐physical coupling in the Central Equatorial Pacific during the onset of the 1997–98 El Niño

Perturbations to phytoplankton biomass associated with the onset of the 1997–98 El Nino event are described and explained using physical and bio-optical data from moorings in the central equatorial Pacific. The physical progression of El Nino onset is depicted, from reversal of the trade winds in the western equatorial Pacific, through eastward propagation of equatorially trapped Kelvin waves and advection of waters from the nutrient-poor western equatorial warm pool. Fluctuations in chlorophyll and quantum yield of fluorescence are tightly coupled to thermocline variations.
Forest carbon benefits, costs and leakage effects of carbon reserve scenarios in the United States

Abstract This study evaluated the potential effectiveness of future carbon reserve scenarios, where U.S. forest landowners would hypothetically be paid to sequester carbon on their timberland and forego timber harvests for 100 years. Scenarios featured direct payments to landowners of $0 (baseline), $5, $10, or $15 per metric ton of additional forest carbon sequestered on the set aside lands, with maximum annual expenditures of $3 billion. Results indicated that from 1513 to 6837 Tg (Teragrams) of additional carbon (as carbon dioxide equivalent, CO2e) would be sequestered on U.S. timberlands relative to the baseline case over the next 50 years (30–137 Tg CO2e annually). These projected amounts of sequestered carbon on timberlands take into account projected increases in timber removal and forest carbon losses on other timberlands (carbon leakage effects). Net effectiveness of carbon reserve scenarios in terms of overall net gain in timberland carbon stocks from 2010 to 2060 ranged from 0.29 tCO2e net carbon increase for a payment of $5/tCO2e to the landowner (71% leakage), to 0.15 tCO2e net carbon increase for a payment of $15/tCO2e to the landowner (85% leakage). A policy or program to buy carbon credits from landowners would need to discount additions to the carbon reserve by the estimated amount of leakage. In the scenarios evaluated, the timber set-asides reduced timberland area available for harvest up to 35% and available timber inventory up to 55%, relative to the baseline scenario over the next 50 years, resulting in projected changes in timber prices, harvest levels, and forest product revenues for the forest products sector.
t10,c12-Conjugated linoleic acid stimulates mammary tumor progression in Her2/ErbB2 mice through activation of both proliferative and survival pathways

The t10,c12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) inhibits rat mammary carcinogenesis, metastasis from a transplantable mouse mammary tumor and angiogenesis; however, it stimulates mammary tumorigenesis in transgenic mice overexpressing ErbB2 in the mammary epithelium (ErbB2 transgenic mice). In the current study, we report that a 4-week supplementation of the diet with 0.5% trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (t10,c12-CLA) stimulated the growth of established ErbB2-overexpressing mammary tumors by 30% and increased the number of new tumors from 11% to 82%. Additionally, when t10,c12-CLA supplementation of ErbB2 transgenic mice was initiated at 21 weeks of age, a time just prior to tumor appearance, overall survival was decreased from 46.4 weeks in the control to 39.0 weeks in the CLA group, and survival after detection of a palpable tumor from 7.5 to 4.6 weeks. Short-term supplementation from 10 to 14 weeks or 21 to 25 weeks of age temporarily accelerated tumor development, but over the long term, there was no significant effect on mammary tumorigenesis. Long term as well as a short 4-week supplementation increased mammary epithelial hyperplasia and lobular development, and altered the mammary stroma; this was reversible in mice returned to the control diet. t10,c12-CLA altered proliferation and apoptosis of the mammary epithelium, although this differed depending on the length of administration and/or the age of the mice. The increased tumor development with t10,c12-CLA was associated with increased phosphorylation of the IGF-I/insulin receptor, as well as increased signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathways; however, neither phospho-ErbB2 nor ErbB2 was altered.
On asymmetric hyperbolic manifolds

We show that for every n 2 there exists closed hyperbolic n-manifolds for which the full group of orientation preserving isometries is trivial. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classication 57S25, 57N16
THE IMPACT OF TAX POLICY ON ECONOMIC GROWTH, INCOME DISTRIBUTION, AND ALLOCATION OF TAXES

Using a sample of seventy-seven countries, this paper focuses on marginal tax rates and the income thresholds at which they apply to examine how the tax changes of the 1980s and 1990s have influenced economic growth, the distribution of income, and the share of taxes paid by various income groups. Many countries substantially reduced their highest marginal rates during the 1985-1995 period. The findings indicate that countries that reduced their highest marginal rates grew more rapidly than those that maintained high marginal rates. At the same time, the income distribution in several of the tax cutting countries became more unequal while there was little change or even a reduction in income inequality in most countries that maintained high marginal rates. Finally, the evidence suggests that there was a shift in the payment of the personal income tax away from those with low and middle incomes and toward those with the highest incomes.
Analysis of signal distortion and crosstalk penalties induced by optical filters in optical networks

The design of optical communication networks with network switching elements operating in the optical domain requires careful system analysis and potentially stringent component requirements. We consider here network elements such as transparent optical cross-connects that demultiplex WDM signals, optically switch individual channels, and then multiplex the wavelengths together again before transmission into the next span. Network element optical impairments that can significantly degrade signal quality are in-band (same wavelength) crosstalk and signal distortion from filter concatenation effects. We examine tradeoffs between accumulated crosstalk and filter distortion in the context of the optical filters used in the network elements and demonstrate the balance that must be struck in the design of the filters and network system. As an example, we study a 10-Gb/s network with 50-GHz channel spacing, examining both nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ) modulation formats. In both cases, we find optimal filter bandwidths that minimize the total signal degradation measured in terms of Q penalty, including filter misalignment statistics and signal laser frequency offset. A model is developed to treat the statistical nature of filter misalignment and its effect on filter-generated in-band crosstalk. The optical node penalties suffered by RZ signals can be significantly higher than that of NRZ signals and must be considered when estimating overall system reach.
Exacerbation of chemical sensitivity: a case study.

We report exacerbation of symptoms and chemical intolerances in three of four self-described chemically sensitive women following relocation to a newly constructed office building. Levels of total ...
Giant energy gain in a pulsed HF laser based on a photon-branched chain reaction

A huge energy gain is predicted theoretically in a pulsed chemical laser-amplifier based on a photon-branched chain reaction initiated in a gaseous dispersed medium composed of H2-F2-O2-He and Al particles by focused external infrared radiation. It is shown that this effect is due to the possibility of ignition of the laser-chemical reaction in an initial small focal volume of the active medium. It then spreads out of this minimal volume spontaneously in the auto-wave regime without external power sources and subsequently fills the entire volume of the laser cavity with a high intensive electromagnetic field as self-supporting cylindrical photon-branching zones formed by the paths of the rays inside the unstable telescopic cavity. Calculations show that the ignition of an auto-wave photon-branched chain reaction under the condition of external signal focusing reduces strongly the input pulse energy necessary for initiation up to ~ 10-8 J, and thereby allows a huge value of the energy gain of ~ 1011. The predicted effect of this huge laser energy gain should make it possible to construct a self-contained laser, which can be initiated by a very weak source signal.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Caspase-9 Holoenzyme Is a Specific and Optimal Procaspase-3 Processing Machine

Caspase-9 activation is critical for intrinsic cell death. The activity of caspase-9 is increased dramatically upon association with the apoptosome, and the apoptosome bound caspase-9 is the caspase-9 holoenzyme (C9Holo). In this study, we use quantitative enzymatic assays to fully characterize C9Holo and a leucine-zipper-linked dimeric caspase-9 (LZ-C9). We surprisingly show that LZ-C9 is more active than C9Holo for the optimal caspase-9 peptide substrate LEHD-AFC but is much less active than C9Holo for the physiological substrate procaspase-3. The measured Km values of C9Holo and LZ-C9 for LEHD-AFC are similar, demonstrating that dimerization is sufficient for catalytic activation of caspase-9. The lower activity of C9Holo against LEHD-AFC may be attributed to incomplete C9Holo assembly. However, the measured Km of C9Holo for procaspase-3 is much lower than that of LZ-C9. Therefore, in addition to dimerization, the apoptosome activates caspase-9 by enhancing its affinity for procaspase-3, which is important for procaspase-3 activation at the physiological concentration.
Ultrashort free-carrier lifetime for low nonlinear loss in silicon waveguides

We demonstrate significant reduction of one of the main nonlinear loss mechanisms in silicon waveguides - free carrier absorption. We show reduction of the free-carrier lifetime from 3 ns down to less than 12.2 ps.
Toward scholarliness in doctoral dissertations: An analytical model

The dissertation is one of the most important vehicles for providing the novice researcher with the necessary socialization for a future of productive and scholarly research activities. Research productivity and the scholarliness of research are needed in developing nursing science. In this article, the processes that have the potential to enhance the quality of the doctoral dissertation are addressed; the psychological, social, and structural processes involved in completing a quality dissertation are delineated and discussed; and a model for the development of scholarliness and scholarship in doctoral programs is presented. The authors address three major areas for consideration: (a) the dependence of scholarship and scholarliness on researchable questions that are important, evolve in the context of theoretical considerations, and improve the scientific base of nursing knowledge; (b) the development of these qualities as enhanced by the resolution of several dilemmas that revolve around decisions made throughout the dissertation process; and (c) the recomendation that these qualities (scholarship and scholarliness) be fostered meticulously during doctoral education in nursing and, preferably, earlier.
Viewing equitable practices through the lens of intersecting identities

This review explores Archer, Dawson, Seakins, and Wong’s “Disorienting, fun or meaningful? Disadvantaged families’ experiences of a science museum visit” by examining the analytic frameworks guiding this study. To expand on Archer et al.’s use of feminist post-structuralist theories of identity we draw from the theory of intersectionality to provide a more robust framework for analyzing barriers to engagement within an informal learning space. Our response to this work ends by exploring the types of solutions generated from an intersectionality framework—solutions aimed at transforming institutional programs and practices to create more equitable spaces for learning.
SFM Studies of the Surface Morphology of ICE

The nature and properties of the surface layer of ice are important in many applications. This layer possesses peculiar optical, electric and mechanical properties. Various experimental techniques based on indirect measurements give different values of the thickness of this layer and different temperature domains for its existence. A new direct method for investigation of the surface layer of ice can be provided by scanning force microscopy (SFM). We studied the surface of ice using NanoScope III in the temperature range from -2 to -25°C. Images of the surface of ice and force calibration curves (FCC) were obtained in the open air and in hexane. The problem of surface melting at higher temperatures is analyzed. Stable images of the ice surface were obtained at lower temperatures. It was found that at temperatures corresponding to the transition of the surface layer to the quasi-liquid state the surface morphology and FCC change. When ice is brought in contact with hexane FCC indicate a formation of an unusually thick (∼ 1 μm) surface film.
CYTOPLASMIC STERILITIES THAT SEPARATE THE GROUP TUBEROSUM CULTIVATED POTATO FROM ITS PUTATIVE TETRAPLOID ANCESTOR.

It has been proposed that the cultivated potato, Solanum tuberosum Group Tuberosum Dodds, evolved from S. tuberosum Group Andigena Dodds, the commonly cultivated potato of South America (Salaman, 1949; Simmonds, 1964; Hawkes, 1967). Both taxa are tetraploids (2n = 48), and it has also been suggested that either S. tuberosum Group Stenotomum Dodds (Hawkes, 1967) or S. vernei Bitt. et Wittm. (Brucher, 1964) is the diploid progenitor of Group Andigena. One complication in the interpretation of the evolutionary pathway is the presence in Group Tuberosum potatoes of non-chromosomal (plasmon) factors that condition sterilities when they are combined with plasmon sensitive genes of both these suggested diploid ancestors (Grun, 1970a, b). The result is that when derived diploids of Group Tuberosum are crossed with either putative diploid ancestor, using Group Tuberosum as the pistillate parent, the progeny are largely to completely male sterile, and some are female sterile. Apparently Group Tuberosurm acquired this plasmon sensitivity during one of the following steps of its evolution: 1) the step from Group Stenotomum or S. vernei to a tetraploid precursor of Group Andigena; 2) during the evolution of Group Andigena; 3) during the step from Group Andigena to Group Tuberosum. This final step could have occurred in the northern hemisphere or in Chile or both, depending
Purification of human α-fetoprotein

Abstract By employing complex and highly specialized immunochemical methods, several investigators have achieved purification of human α-fetoprotein (AFP) found in fetal serum and/or sera of patients with hepatoma. The present report describes a simpler method which results in the isolation of homogeneous preparation of AFP from human cord serum. AFP was purified by sequential use of Affi-Gel Blue affinity, DE-52 diethylaminoethyl cellulose ion-exchange, immunoadsorption with anti-albumin covalently coupled to Sepharose 4B, and Sephacryl S-200 molecular sieve chromatographic techniques. The homogeneity of the purified AFP was established by subjecting it to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, analytical isoelectric focusing, molecular sieve chromatography and immunological techniques. The purified AFP has a molecular weight of approximately 68,000 as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and molecular sieve chromatography, and upon isoelectric focusing yielded a single band p I = 4.8. In addition, the purified AFP gives a single precipitin line when tested against rabbit antiserum to whole human hepatoma serum proteins, and no line(s) of precipitin when tested against rabbit antiserum to normal serum proteins.
The role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in lung and heart-lung transplantation

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in recipients of lung and heart-lung transplants demonstrates significant restoration of exercise tolerance to individuals severely disabled by their underlying cardiopulmonary disease. Recipients can perform moderate levels of activity compatible with a normal lifestyle. Considerable exercise limitation, however, remains in most recipients as measured by maximum oxygen uptake and work rate, despite substantial improvement and often normalization in resting cardiopulmonary function. The amount of exercise limitation observed in recipients of single-lung, bilateral-lung, and heart-lung transplants is interestingly similar, and the pattern of limitation is somewhat stereotyped. Ventilatory abnormalities are never limiting. Gas exchange abnormalities are sometimes seen (especially in single-lung transplant recipients) but generally are not limiting. Cardiac dysfunction is sometimes seen (particularly in heart-lung transplant recipients) but also does not appear to be limiting. Peripheral factors limiting exercise (which may include abnormalities in the peripheral circulation and peripheral neuromuscular structure and function) are almost universally seen and are probably the primary determinant of exercise limitation in these patients. At present, the relative contributions of various peripheral factors to exercise limitation are unclear. Further study may help elucidate these issues.
Fertilization and cleavage after reinsemination of human oocytes in vitro

The results of reinsemination of 150 morphologically mature oocytes that failed to fertilize within 15 to 20 hours after initial insemination were evaluated. Only 41 oocytes (27.3%) were fertilized after reinsemination, which is significantly lower than the percentage obtained after initial insemination (74%). However, the cleavage rate was not impaired significantly. Polyspermic fertilization was common (17 oocytes, 29.3%). A total of 64 oocytes were transferred. In 18 patients, all of the oocytes that were transferred had been reinseminated; none of these patients conceived. However of 28 patients who received embryos arising from both initial insemination and reinsemination protocols, 7 conceived (25%). We suggest that the percentage of fertilization is impaired after 22 hours of incubation in vitro and that those oocytes that have fertilized after reinsemination might partly reflect a misjudgment of initial oocyte maturity. Nevertheless, reinsemination is a relatively simple procedure, with no known attributed risk. Therefore, we recommend reinsemination to increase the overall fertilization percentage. Additional studies are needed to establish better methods for assessment of oocyte maturity to evaluate properly the benefit of such reinsemination procedures.
Asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis: characteristics and outcomes.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of asymptomatic left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).Back...
Making Sense of Indices and Impact Numbers: Establishing Leading EGOV Scholars’ “Signatures”

From its earliest stages on, scholars immersed in Electronic Government Research (EGR) have cared for the study domain’s reputation and academic standing. With the publication of “Forums for Electronic Government Scholars” a few years ago, it was established, which academic outlets in EGR (both journals and conferences) the most prolific and influential scholars in the domain preferred, and how these outlets were rated by the very same scholars. Based on sources such as the Electronic Government Reference Library (EGRL) and Google Scholar, various counts and indices have now become publicly available, which make possible to trace each EGR scholar’s productivity and impact at any point in time. However, quantitative citation counts and index numbers, while important, can be misleading for various reasons. This study presents a complementary approach to identify each leading EGR scholar’s “signature” and argues that citation numbers, indices, and signatures when taken together present a far more informative picture of scholarly impact and influence than citation and index numbers alone.
Effect of Oxidation-Reduction Potential upon Growth and Sporulation of Clostridium perfringens1

Three strains of Clostridium perfringens were examined for the influence of oxidation-reduction potential on growth and sporulation. The limiting Eh7 for growth was + 350 mv; the cultures slowly died at this Eh. Sporulation occurred at numbers typical for the individual strains as long as growth occurred.
A sagebrush community type classification for mountainous northeastern Nevada rangelands

A synecological study of sagebrush-dominated rangelands was conducted on the Humboldt National Forest, northeastern Nevada, between 1983 and 1986. A total of372 relatively undisturbed sites were sampled for both vegetation and soil parameters, with 35 grass, 39 shrub, and 140 forb species identified. Plant species production data were used to develop a hierarchical, floristic-based community type classification with TWINSPAN. Seventeen sagebrush community types were identified in this analysis and named by their dominant shrub and grass species. The dominant sagebrush species of the community types are Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (5 community types), A. tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (3 community types), A. tridentata ssp. tridentata (2 community types), A. arbuscula (3 community types), A. nova (3 community types), and A. longiloba (1 community type). Multivariate analysis revealed that all community types contain significantly different plant species compositions. Shrub species are more effective in discriminating between community types than grass species, which, in turn, are more effective than forb species.
Inflammation and vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation following carotid artery ligation

Following vascular injury medial smooth muscle cells dedifferentiate and migrate through the internal elastic lamina where they form a neointima. The goal of the current study was to identify chang...
Training cardiac surgeons: the Indiana University experience.

In this article, I will outline the origin of cardiothoracic surgical (CTS) training at Indiana University (IU) and its evolution to the present. I will describe my educational background, surgical training in this specialty, and my role as an educator of CT surgeons. I will describe our faculty and the structure of the CTS residency. Finally, I will describe a newly adopted smart phone “App” called SIMPL, which allows the resident and faculty to quickly ( 50% of the most critical aspects of each surgical procedure, the resident’s performance during the critical portion of the operation from poor to excellent, and the degree of difficulty of the operation from simple to complex. The attending surgeon and the resident data are then forwarded to the SIMPL database where the SIMPL software aggregates data for each resident and procedure producing a report at the end of the rotation of the resident’s performance relative to his peers. This additional evaluation process will better ensure that our CTS residents are “practice ready” when they complete their training.
Ultraviolet B Phototherapy for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Patients with generalized disease or disease unresponsive to topical treatments are good candidates for phototherapy. Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is the most commonly practiced and includes narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) and broadband UVB (BB-UVB). Patients are treated two to three times per week for approximately 12 weeks, with a potential ongoing maintenance regimen of once or twice weekly phototherapy sessions. The dose of UV light is initiated at low dose and increased as tolerated. Phototherapy is extremely safe and effective. Approximately 70% of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis achieve at least 75% improvement of their psoriasis over 12 weeks. Common side effects include erythema, burning, and tanning.
An Evaluation of the Different Approaches and Methodologies for Evaluating Investment Holding Companies' Credit Ratings

This paper evaluates and discusses methodologies for evaluating credit ratings of Investment Holding Companies. I analyze Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s rating approaches, evaluate their soundness based on theoretical grounding and empirical evidence, and suggest improvements.
First Order Differential Equations

The plan for this book is to apply the theory developed in Chapter 1 to a sequence of more or less increasingly complex differential equation problems.
Phase I trial of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody hu3F8 plus GM-CSF: Impact of body weight, immunogenicity and anti-GD2 response on pharmacokinetics and survival.

Fifty-seven stage 4 patients with refractory/relapsed neuroblastoma were enrolled in a phase I trial (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01757626) using humanized anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody hu3F8 in combinati...
Carbon dioxide assimilation of hardwood seedlings in relation to community dynamics in central illinois

Field measurements of net assimilation and respiration for seedlings of four hardwood species were made periodically over a growing season with soil moisture tension maintained between 0 and 0.75 bar. Total net assimilation per day was significantly greater for Acer saccharum than either Quercus rubra or Quercus alba and for Quercus macrocarpa as compared with Q. rubra, when measurements were made under natural shade conditions and light intensity varied from 80 to 120 ft-c. Mean light compensation points determined under canopy shade were 50.3, 53.5, 87.2, and 102.5 ft-c., respectively, for Acer saccharum, Quercus macrocarpa, Q. rubra, and Q. alba. In a 0.04-hectare canopy opening, total net assimilation per day was not significantly different between Q. rubra, Q. alba, and A. saccharum but was significantly greater for Q. macrocarpa than Q. alba and A. saccharum. Relationships between photosynthetic efficiency and successional characteristics of these species are inferred from the data.
Reducing wasted evaluations in cartesian genetic programming

Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP) is a form of Genetic Programming (GP) where a large proportion of the genome is identifiably unused by the phenotype. This can lead mutation to create offspring that are genotypically different but phenotypically identical, and therefore do not need to be evaluated. We investigate theoretically and empirically the effects of avoiding these otherwise wasted evaluations, and provide evidence that doing so reduces the median number of evaluations to solve four benchmark problems, as well as reducing CGP's sensitivity to the mutation rate. The similarity of results across the problem set in combination with the theoretical conclusions supports the general need for avoiding these unnecessary evaluations.
Correlation between froth viscosity and flotation efficiency

The amount of hydrophobic materials constituting the mineral froth strongly influences the froth viscosity. Higher froth viscosity, on the other hand, can retard the drainage of physically carried over, hydrophobic particles. In phosphate flotation tests, a direct correlation was observed between froth viscosity and recovery, and an inverse correlation existed between froth viscosity and grade. Phosphate flotation tests in the presence of a silica depressant indicated that higher froth viscosity is an effect rather than a cause for the presence of silica particles in the froth.
Social Factors and Patient Perceptions Associated With Preventable Hospital Readmissions

Background:Preventable hospital readmissions are costly and erode the quality of care delivery. Few efforts to incorporate the patient perspectives and social factors associated with readmission pr...
“For real love”: How Black girls benefit from a politicized ethic of care

This article examines the concept of a politicized ethic of care, a teaching philosophy that is commonly rooted in the pedagogies of exemplary Black female teachers. Data from a larger study of a g...
It Is Time to Modify Treatment to Enable More Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis to Have Successful Pregnancies.

I met Linda, a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in her mid-20s, in clinic a few months ago. Her condition had been well controlled with etanercept and methotrexate (MTX) for the past decade. Linda had been told at some point that she could not continue her medications during pregnancy. She was worried that her RA would worsen significantly while not taking her medications, so she had decided not to become a mother. Now that she was about to get married, she thought she should ask just one more time. In this issue of The Journal , the metaanalysis by Jethwa, et al accurately describes the history of RA in pregnancy1. As early as the 1930s, the medical literature included reports of temporary improvements in RA during pregnancy, followed by a postpartum flare. It was this phenomenon that led Philip Hench to look for a “Substance X” that improved RA, ultimately contributing to the discovery of cortisol and the Nobel Prize in 19502 (see box). “At the Mayo Clinic we saw, not infrequently, patients who had become pregnant during the course of their rheumatoid arthritis. It was observed that most of them noted, not long after the onset of pregnancy, an undramatic and slowly progressive development of relief from their arthritic disability.” Philip Hench, MD. Nobel Lecture, December 1950 While studies suggested that surging cortisol in pregnancy might not be the mitigating factor for RA, other immunologic reasons have been discovered. In 1993, Nelson, et al published a study of 46 pregnant women with RA, demonstrating that the 34 who improved had a greater degree of maternal-fetal genetic disparity than the 12 who did not improve3. Similarly, high levels of fetal DNA in the mother’s circulation have been associated with decreased RA … Address correspondence to Dr. M.E. Clowse, Box 3535, Trent Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. E-mail: Megan.clowse{at}duke.edu
A Novel Hierarchical Flocking Control Framework for Connected and Automated Vehicles

To resolve the issues of traffic fatality and congestion in modern transportation systems, this paper proposes a novel hierarchical flocking control framework for multiple connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) to integrate path planning, speed profile generation, and nonlinear vehicle dynamics control. Leveraged by the hierarchical configuration, the proposed flocking control framework can accommodate complicated vehicle dynamics with a self-organizing feature. In the high-level layer, applying a 2-dimensional (2D) flocking theory, the cooperative trajectories (paths and speeds) of multiple CAVs are produced via a distributed control based on shared information. In the low-level layer, the trajectory-tracking and vehicle orientation guidance of each vehicle are achieved by a feedforward and feedback control design. In particular, control allocation is established to take the merits of the over-actuated properties of each vehicle. Demonstrated by the one-way three-lane highway simulation results, five CAVs controlled by the proposed flocking control framework can successfully complete a 2D flocking coordination with velocity alignment, orientation control, collision avoidance, and multi-destination cohesion.
Detailed investigation of MOCVD-grown [beta]-Ga2O3 through quantitative defect spectroscopies

Ultra-wide bandgap (~ 4.8 eV) beta phase gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has demonstrated promising electronic transport properties with room temperature electron mobilities reaching 194 cm2/V-s and background doping as low as 9×1014 cm-3 [Zeng et al, Appl. Phys. Lett. 114, 250601 (2019)]. Commensurate with these values is a total trap concentration that is ~10x lower, with a different distribution of states throughout the bandgap than what has been observed for β-Ga2O3 grown by other methods [Zhang et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 108, 052105 (2016), Farzana et al, Appl. Phys. Lett. 123, 161410 (2018)]. Given the promise of MOCVD-grown β-Ga2O3, a deeper understanding of the nature of defects in this material is of interest. This work provides a comprehensive picture of the current state of knowledge regarding deep levels in MOCVD-grown β-Ga2O3, including trapping properties, energy and concentration distributions in the bandgap, potential physical sources, and comparisons with other growth methods. By applying a suite of complementary defect spectroscopy methods-deep level optical spectroscopy, deep level transient spectroscopy, and admittance spectroscopy, quantitative characterization of defect states within the ~ 4.8 eV bandgap is possible. We find that, through systematically varying growth conditions, differing trends in concentrations for individual states are observed, implying that growth optimization is possible. Combined with observations made after high energy particle irradiation, we can differentiate between states of intrinsic and extrinsic origin.
Analysis of Human Brain Tissue Transcriptome Reveals Risk Genes and Altered Molecular Pathways in Glioma-related Seizures (1044)

Objective: To identify novel pathways that lead to the development of glioma-related seizure (GRS) in patients. Background: Currently the exact mechanism and genetic alterations of GRS is poorly understood. Design/Methods: We collected transcriptome levels from: i) non-epiletic controls (n=5), ii) patients with GRS (n=9), iii) with glioma without seizures (non-GRS, n=8), and with iv) idiopathic temporal lobe epilepsy (iTLE, n=7) using an Illumina capture-based high-throughput RNA sequencing approach. Following sequence alignment and quality control, differential expression of gene (DEG) analysis was conducted. We identified molecular pathways enriched for DEG using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Significant expression of genes in each sample was defined with the log2 of the fold change at ≥ 2 and q-value Results: We identified 212 DEGs in the GRS vs. non-GRS analysis. Among these, 108 genes were up-regulated and 104 genes were down-regulated. There was significant up-regulation of genes involved in acute phase signaling and interaction pathways (NRK, MAPK15, and EFCAB1) and down-regulation of genes involved immune trafficking (CXLC8, CXCL6, and CCL20) in samples with GRS as compared to non-GRS samples. Compared to iTLE samples, there were 1015 DEGs in the GRS samples. Among these 877 genes were up-regulated and 138 genes were down-regulated in the GRS samples. There was significant enrichment for genes that have been previously shown to be markers of oncogenesis (EGFR, BRCA2, SOX4, TOP2A, and DLGAP5). Further, there was down-regulation of genes involved in solute carrier family (SLC5A5, SLC9A3, and SLC13A4) and glutamatergic neurotransmission (FOSB and vesicular glutamate transporter-2) in the GRS samples. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that alterations in acute phase signaling, inflammation-related processes, and glutamatergic neurotransmission may underlie GRS. Further, there may be distinct mechanisms of seizure genesis in GRS vs. iTLE. Our findings require replication in larger human cohorts and functional experiments to explore the function of the genes perturbed in GRS. Disclosure: Dr. Feyissa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carrano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Allen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Taner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tatum has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Elsevier. Dr. Tatum has received royalty, license fees, or contractual rights payments from Demos Medical Publishing, LLC. Dr. Rosenfeld has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guerrero Cazares has nothing to disclose. Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa has nothing to disclose.
The Case of Counterpoint and Harmony

This final chapter on string quartet theory deals with the analytical conditions on global compositions which are powerful enough to comprehend the structural richness of central European music in the epoch of Boccherini and Haydn. These structures are — essentially— counterpoint and harmony. As a germ for a systematic theory of instrumentation we propose an estimation of maximal necessary chart dimension for Fuxian counterpoint and traditional harmony (including cadence and modulation).