cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic Kidney Disease and the Vascular Endothelium

Abstract Although historically the contribution of the endothelium to chronic kidney disease (CKD) had been neglected, recent investigations provide conclusive evidence of its role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, supporting tissue regeneration, and, when dysfunctional, instigating development and progression of tissue fibrosis. These findings are of critical importance for understanding the development of nephrosclerosis and the progression of CKD. Three endothelial pathways involved in the progression of CKD include stress-induced premature senescence of endothelial cells, the endothelial–mesenchymal transition, and the loss of the endothelial surface layer. These abnormalities are involved in the pathogenesis of proteinuria, a pro-inflammatory microenvironment, microvascular rarefaction, a profibrotic state, and failure of regeneration. Therapeutic strategies to overcome endothelial cell dysfunction and its renal consequences are discussed.
Batteries not included

Getting things done amid frequent power failures, batteryless intermittent research is rethinking how we build computing systems and paving the way to a sustainable and scalable digital future. The next trillion devices might be a little weird.
The Effect of Social Context on the Mind Perception of Robots

As social robots are increasingly introduced into our everyday lives, an emphasis on improving the human-robot interaction (HRI), particularly through increased mind perception, is necessary. Subst...
Real-time Control of Microbubble Diameter from a Flow Focusing Microfluidic Device

Microbubbles (MBs), generally of 1 − 4 µm diameter, are useful in contrast ultrasound imaging. MBs can also be used as a therapeutic agent for sonothrombolysis when combined with ultrasound and thrombolytic drugs. Recently, large MBs (10−20 µm diameter) produced by flow focusing microfluidic devices (FFMDs) have been demonstrated to exhibit enhanced bioeffects for sonothrombolysis applications. However, one remaining problem that limits the adoption of this technology is the lack of dynamic monitoring and control of MB diameter. In this study, we demonstrate the regulation of MB diameter in real-time by the incorporation of proportional-integral (PI) feedback control system into an FFMD with an integrated micro Coulter particle counter. With this controller, MB diameters were produced between 14 and 24 µm.
10 – Consumer Credit

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses consumer credit. For a long time, consumers who bought on the installing plan or the instalment plan or who used credit cards or charge accounts were unable to obtain accurate information about the interest charges from their creditors. An average daily balance of a charge account is calculated by multiplying each balance by the number of days it was maintained. Instalment buying is an important feature of the economy. A person who cannot afford the price of an item can buy now and pay later. In this type of purchase, the buyer gets the use of the item. In retail instalment sales, the finance charge can be found before the monthly payment is computed. In actuarial loans, the finance charge is found after computing the monthly payment.
Assays for Thiols and Modifications

This chapter comments on how to assay thiols and their modifications. Several biological compounds are derived from cysteine (the main cellular thiol), cysteamine, glutathione (GSH, gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine), coenzyme A, and their disulfide and mixed disulfide forms, such as cystine. In addition, there are other biological sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, methionine, and polysulfur molecules. This chapter focuses on cysteine, glutathione, and their oxidized and S-conjugated forms including the S-nitrosated products of cysteine and glutathione.
Memorable, Meaningful, Pleasurable: An Exploratory Examination of Narrative Character Deaths:

The current manuscript presents a study that examines contextual factors that can explain two distinct types of viewer responses to death in narratives. Using procedures developed in past research,...
Stable Matching with Peer-Dependent Preferences in Large Markets: Existence and Cutoff Characterization

This paper studies two-sided many-to-one matching in which student preferences can depend on the assignment of other students, allowing for peer effects and externalities. We show that stable matchings are tractably described by cutoffs and matching statistics that satisfy a market clearing and rational expectations condition. A diversity of preferences assumption guarantees existence of a stable matching in the continuum model. This assumption allows discontinuous student preferences, but requires that a small change to the assignment makes a small fraction of students change their ordinal rankings over colleges. Using this result, we show existence of an approximately stable matching in finite sampled economies.
Millisecond exoplanet imaging: I. method and simulation results.

One of the top priorities in observational astronomy is the direct imaging and characterization of extrasolar planets (exoplanets) and planetary systems. Direct images of rocky exoplanets are of particular interest in the search for life beyond the Earth, but they tend to be rather challenging targets since they are orders-of-magnitude dimmer than their host stars and are separated by small angular distances that are comparable to the classical λ/D diffraction limit, even for the coming generation of 30 m class telescopes. Current and planned efforts for ground-based direct imaging of exoplanets combine high-order adaptive optics (AO) with a stellar coronagraph observing at wavelengths ranging from the visible to the mid-IR. The primary barrier to achieving high contrast with current direct imaging methods is quasi-static speckles, caused largely by non-common path aberrations (NCPAs) in the coronagraph optical train. Recent work has demonstrated that millisecond imaging, which effectively "freezes" the atmosphere's turbulent phase screens, should allow the wavefront sensor (WFS) telemetry to be used as a probe of the optical system to measure NCPAs. Starting with a realistic model of a telescope with an AO system and a stellar coronagraph, this paper provides simulations of several closely related regression models that take advantage of millisecond telemetry from the WFS and coronagraph's science camera. The simplest regression model, called the naive estimator, does not treat the noise and other sources of information loss in the WFS. Despite its flaws, in one of the simulations presented herein, the naive estimator provides a useful estimate of an NCPA of ∼0.5 radian RMS (≈λ/13), with an accuracy of ∼0.06 radian RMS in 1 min of simulated sky time on a magnitude 8 star. The bias-corrected estimator generalizes the regression model to account for the noise and information loss in the WFS. A simulation of the bias-corrected estimator with 4 min of sky time included an NCPA of ∼0.05 radian RMS (≈λ/130) and an extended exoplanet scene. The joint regression of the bias-corrected estimator simultaneously achieved an NCPA estimate with an accuracy of ∼5×10-3 radian RMS and an estimate of the exoplanet scene that was free of the self-subtraction artifacts typically associated with differential imaging. The 5σ contrast achieved by imaging of the exoplanet scene was ∼1.7×10-4 at a distance of 3λ/D from the star and ∼2.1×10-5 at 10λ/D. These contrast values are comparable to the very best on-sky results obtained from multi-wavelength observations that employ both angular differential imaging (ADI) and spectral differential imaging (SDI). This comparable performance is despite the fact that our simulations are quasi-monochromatic, which makes SDI impossible, nor do they have diurnal field rotation, which makes ADI impossible. The error covariance matrix of the joint regression shows substantial correlations in the exoplanet and NCPA estimation errors, indicating that exoplanet intensity and NCPA need to be estimated self-consistently to achieve high contrast.
Cap Learning Styles Survey

This document contains a survey of managerial learning styles. Directions for administration, scoring, and interpretation are included. Excerpt UVA-OB-0357 Rev. Apr. 9, 2013 CAP LEARNING STYLES SURVEY Introduction How you learn and how others learn will affect your immediate and future organizational life. Knowing something about how you prefer to learn, we believe, may help you organize the training and development of those with whom you work and the design of your own learning. The Learning Styles Survey (LSS) is designed to assist you in identifying your particular learning style. Directions for Completion of the LSS . . .
Efficacy Evaluation Study for Microburst Insulin Infusion: A Novel Model of Care

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of Microburst Insulin Infusion (MII) treatment on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients’ HbA1c, lipids, peripheral neuropathy, and patient-reported health status. Methods: We reviewed clinical charts, including lab results, for more than 100 diabetic and pre-diabetic patients treated at one U.S. outpatient clinic in St. Louis, Missouri and one in Virginia between February 2017 and December 2019. Data included patient demographics, treatment data, lab and neuropathy tests, and self-reported patient health status questions. The explanatory variable was number of months of MII treatment. Treatments are 3-4 hours in length, with two intensive infusions the first week and one treatment each week thereafter, usually for 12 weeks total. Lab tests were at 12-week intervals. Generalized linear modeling and t-tests assessed the significance of differences between patients’ baseline lab values, neuropathy measures and health status before treatment vs. after final treatment. Results: Number of MII treatments per patient ranged from 1 to 262, over 1 to 24 months. Time in MII treatment was significantly associated with reductions in HbA1c by nearly 0.03 points per month, and triglycerides declined 3 points per month. Neuropathy measures of large toe vibratory sensation (clanging tuning fork) improved significantly, as did patient-reported health and feelings of improvement since beginning treatment. Discussion: The MII therapy appears to be efficacious in treating diabetic patients, particularly those with complications like neuropathy. Our findings affirmed several other studies. We uniquely incorporated patient health questionnaires, and empirically studied MII treatment efficacy for diabetes in a population large enough to permit statistically valid inferences. With multiple waves of data for over 100 patients, this is the most extensive quantitative study of microburst insulin infusion therapy conducted to date, with protocols more uniformly implemented and survey instruments more consistently administered by the same clinical team. Given the advances in insulin infusion therapy brought by MII, and early indications of its efficacy, the time is right for more in-depth studies of the outcomes patients can achieve, the physiological mechanisms by which they occur, MII’s comparative effectiveness vis-a-vis traditional treatments, and cost-effectiveness.
Recommendations for a Cockpit Display That Integrates Weather Information with Traffic Information

This effort was supported by the System-Wide Accident Prevention element of NASA s Aviation Safety Program. This document may serve as a first step toward the goal of integrating traffic, weather, and terrain information; it provides recommendations for a cockpit display that integrates weather information with traffic information. While some of the recommendations are general enough to be used for any type of operations, these recommendations are targeted for Federal Aviation Regulations Part 121 Operations. The document is organized in the following manner. First, weather information is discussed as an independent subject matter, and recommendations are presented for presenting weather in the cockpit. Second, traffic is discussed independently, but this discussion essentially reviews work on the display of traffic in the cockpit. Third, recommendations for the cockpit integration of weather and traffic information are discussed. Fourth, several research groups are recognized for their efforts in developing systems that are relevant to the current discussion. Finally, closing remarks provide suggestions for future efforts.
Technique for Efficient Information Retrieval in Outpatient Systems

Abstract In the era of managed care, quality of medical care standards continue to materialize. Most of these standards have long, cumbersome, and complex rules. In light of such problematic rules, efficient ways of retrieving information for a computerized score card are needed. A technique for making such rules less difficult to use is to create Boolean expressions for each quality of care indicator. These Boolean expressions partition the indicators into key words and phrases so that information can be retrieved readily from a system. This study incorporates an outpatient clinical information system of a major university hospital. The technique used to retrieve information and related issues are discussed in the following text.
Hexachlorobenzene-induced porphyria in Japanese quail: Effect of pretreatment with phenobarbital or β-naphthoflavone

In an effort to determine the role that metabolism by the cytochrome P-450 system plays in the development of hexachlorobenzene (HCB)-induced porphyria, Japanese quail were pretreated with either beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) or phenobarbital (PB) and then treated with HCB. PB or BNF pretreatment appeared to have no effect on the response of quail hepatic enzymes to HCB. There were no differences between the two groups in either the content of cytochrome P-450 or the activities of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, glutathione transferase (microsomal or cytosolic), ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase or ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase following HCB treatment. These pretreatments did, however, markedly influence the development of porphyria in quail. BNF-treated birds had higher delta-aminolevulinic acid-synthetase (ALA-S) activities and developed porphyria much more rapidly than birds treated with HCB alone. Birds pretreated with PB did not exhibit porphyria even following 10 days of HCB. Although the ALA-S activities in this group were elevated slightly following HCB, they were about one-half of those seen in the BNF-pretreated HCB-treated group. These results may reflect a difference between the PB and BNF groups in the production of a porphyrogenic metabolite of HCB.
Selective accumulation of germ-line associated gene products in early development of the sea star and distinct differences from germ-line development in the sea urchin

Background: Echinodermata is a diverse phylum, a sister group to chordates, and contains diverse organisms that may be useful to understand varied mechanisms of germ-line specification. Results: We tested 23 genes in development of the sea star Patiria miniata that fall into five categories: (1) Conserved germ-line factors; (2) Genes involved in the inductive mechanism of germ-line specification; (3) Germ-line associated genes; (4) Molecules involved in left–right asymmetry; and (5) Genes involved in regulation and maintenance of the genome during early embryogenesis. Overall, our results support the contention that the posterior enterocoel is a source of the germ line in the sea star P. miniata. Conclusions: The germ line in this organism appears to be specified late in embryogenesis, and in a pattern more consistent with inductive interactions amongst cells. This is distinct from the mechanism seen in sea urchins, a close relative of the sea star clad. We propose that P. miniata may serve as a valuable model to study inductive mechanisms of germ-cell specification and when compared with germ-line formation in the sea urchin S. purpuratus may reveal developmental transitions that occur in the evolution of inherited and inductive mechanisms of germ-line specification. Developmental Dynamics 243:568–587, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The autism‐epilepsy connection

The high prevalence of epilepsy in children with autism supports a neurobiologic etiology for autism. It remains unclear whether seizures and epileptiform activity on the EEG are causative or comorbid. It is also uncertain if focal epileptiform EEG abnormalities may be associated with stable cognitive impairment. Even less clear is whether these EEG abnormalities can result in the combination of language and social dysfunction seen in autistic spectrum disorders.
Red eye unresponsive to treatment.

Red eyes that fail to respond quickly and completely to topical antibiotic treatment require more extensive evaluation to relieve the symptoms and avert possible sight-threatening complications. The initial differential diagnosis of red eye, which includes iritis, acute glaucoma, keratitis and corneal ulcer, and rarer disorders, must be reexamined. A commonly misdiagnosed cause of red eye is the dry eye syndrome. As a primary or secondary problem, the dry eye syndrome must be treated appropriately to avert sight-threatening complications and to alleviate substantial discomfort. The dry eye syndrome may represent the presenting sign of Sjogren's syndrome or it may be due to medication use, with important systemic and ocular implications.
A Bayesian Algorithm for Image-Based Time-to-Event Prediction

This paper presents a novel Bayesian algorithm for making image-based predictions of the timing of a clinical event, such as the diagnosis of disease or death. We build on the Relevance Voxel Machine (RVoxM) framework, a Bayesian multivariate prediction model that exploits the spatial smoothness in images and has been demonstrated to offer excellent predictive accuracy for clinical variables. We utilize the classical survival analysis approach to model the dynamic risk of the event of interest, while accounting for the limited follow-up-time, i.e. censoring of the training data. We instantiate the proposed algorithm (RVoxM-S) to analyze cortical thickness maps derived from structural brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. We train RVoxM-S to make predictions about the timing of the conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) status to clinical dementia of the Alzheimer type (or AD). Our experiments demonstrate that RVoxM-S is significantly better at identifying subjects at high risk of conversion to AD over the next two years, compared to a binary classification algorithm trained to discriminate converters versus non-converters.
Publish and Perish

Medical libraries are experiencing a funding crunch. Although this is not specific to medical libraries ([1][1]), funding of libraries is an issue that spans the continent ([2][2],[3][3]). At the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the Medical Libraries proposed subscription to 1250 titles in
Predictors of anxiety recurrence in the Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management (CALM) trial.

Few studies have examined anxiety recurrence after symptom remission in the primary care setting. We examined anxiety recurrence in the Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management (CALM) trial. From 2006 to 2009, CALM randomized adults with anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder) in primary care clinics to usual care (UC) or a collaborative care (CC) intervention of pharmacotherapy and/or cognitive behavioral therapy. We examined 274 patients who met criteria for anxiety remission (Brief Symptom Inventory for anxiety and somatization (BSI-12) < 6) after 6 months of randomized treatment and completed a follow-up of 18 months. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were used to identify predictors of anxiety recurrence (BSI-12 ≥ 6 and 50% increase from 6-month ratings) during the year following remission. Recurrence was lower in CC (29%) compared to UC (41%) (p = 0.04). Patients with comorbid depression or lower self-perceived socioeconomic status particularly benefited (in terms of reduced recurrence) if assigned to CC instead of UC. In the multivariable logistic regression model, smoking, being single, Anxiety Sensitivity Index score, functional impairment at month 6 due to residual anxiety (measured with the Sheehan Disability Scale), and treatment with benzodiazepines were associated with subsequent anxiety recurrence. ROC identified prognostic subgroups based on the risk of recurrence. Our study was exploratory, and our findings require replication. Future studies should also examine the effectiveness of relapse prevention programs in patients at highest risk for recurrence.
Effects of Iodinated Glycerol on Thyroid Function Studies in Elderly Nursing Home Residents

Iodinated glycerol is used as a mucolytic expectorant in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Iodine can inhibit the biosynthesis of thyroid hormone and induce hypothyroidism, particularly in patients with a history of thyroid disease. Such effects have not been reported in individuals without known thyroid disease who are being treated with organically bound iodine in the form of iodinated glycerol. In the course of a thyroid screening program for nursing home residents, eight subjects were identified who were being treated with iodinated glycerol. Five of these were found to have thyrotropin elevations; one showed a low serum thyroxine level and a decreased free thyroxine index. None of these residents had a history of thyroid disease. Abnormalities of thyroid function improved or resolved after discontinuation of therapy. Elderly nursing home residents without known thyroid disease are at risk of thyroid suppression when given iodinated glycerol.
Computation of the magnetic polarizability of conducting disks and the electric polarizability of apertures

The electric polarizability of a small aperture of arbitrary shape is computed by solving the dual magnetostatic problem of a conducting disk. The method of moments is used to solve the integral equation for the current density induced on the disk. Charge-free expansion functions for the current density are introduced. The electric polarizability of the aperture is obtained from the magnetic polarizability of a complementary disk through the use of the duality principle. Results for five typical aperture shapes including the circle and ellipse are computed. The results of the computations are compared with available exact or measured data, and they show good agreement.
Multilevel knowledge and team performance

We examined team performance as it was affected by organizationally supported face-to-face and technology-mediated knowledge practices. Guided by an information processing perspective, we demonstrate from a field study of over 250 teams within a global Fortune 100 technology company that team member participation in face-to-face and technology-mediated knowledge practices (e.g., community of practice (CoP) meeting attendance and use of CoP-related technologies, respectively), and team knowledge sharing practices are positively related to individual team member knowledge. We predicted that absorptive capacity would moderate tacit knowledge relationships with team performance, and that transactive memory would moderate explicit knowledge relationships with team performance. We found that the patterns of relationships differed depending on the measure of team performance. The predictions held for absorptive capacity by tacit knowledge on manager-assessed performance, and for transactive memory by explicit knowledge on customer satisfaction. Additionally, there was a significant direct effect, with no moderation, of tacit knowledge on customer satisfaction. We highlight multilevel modeling for team research and argue for joint consideration of organizational and technology practices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absent Left Innominate Vein: Sign of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

Abstract Absence of the left innominate vein is a reliable sign of persistence of the left superior vena cava. We have used this sign to determine the presence of a left superior vena cava when performing corrective procedures in patients with congenital heart lesions who have had previous palliative operations. It is useful for the surgeon to recognize persistent left superior vena cava before instituting bypass. One can then determine if the vessel can be safely occluded or if it must be cannulated. This decision can be made at the operating table and does not require preoperative assessment of the collateral drainage of the left superior caval system.
Matching Finite Element Models to Modal Data

A technique is proposed which systematically adjusts a finite element model of a structure to produce an updated model in agreement with measured modal results. The approach suggested here is to consider the desired perturbations in stiffness and damping matrices as gain matrices in a fedback control algorithm designed to perform eigenstructure assignment
Effect of atrial natriuretic factor on cytosolic free calcium in rat glomerular mesangial cells

Abstract Since atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) inhibits angiotensin II (ANGII)-induced mesangial cell contraction, we studied its effect on cytosolic free calcium in fura-2-loaded monolayers. ANF lowered basal calcium from 117 ± 5 to 89 ± 2 nM, and also reduced the ANGII-induced calcium transient. The absolute level of cytosolic calcium after ANGII was lower in cells preincubated with ANF compared to buffer. In a few cell lines, ANF had no effect on cytosolic calcium, while in all cell lines ANF had inhibited contraction. Thus, while ANF has effects on cytosolic calcium in mesangial cells, the vasorelaxant effects of ANF may require additional physiologic interactions.
Metal oxide catalysts for lean NOx reduction

Abstract A summary of the current understanding of the lean NOx reduction reaction on various metal oxides, particularly Cu-ZrO2, is presented. Whenever appropriate, a comparison with the behavior of the corresponding ZSM-5-based catalysts is made. It is concluded that there are many mechanistic similarities between metal oxide-based and zeolite-based catalysts. Thus, the catalytic properties are determined more by the nature of the active centers than by the nature of the support. Potential advantages offered by metal oxides should make them attractive candidates for practical applications.
A secret garden

The story of a little girl's visit to Monet's garden was an instant hit with a modern-day child called Isabel. But her father Roy Richard Grinker had no idea just what the tale would mean for his autistic daughter
New relative sea‐level curves for the southern Scott Coast, Antarctica: evidence for Holocene deglaciation of the western Ross Sea

Here we present new relative sea-level (RSL) curves developed from Holocene-aged raised beaches along the southern Scott Coast of the western Ross Sea, Antarctica. Fifty-four dates of marine shells, seal skin and elephant seal remains incorporated within raised beaches during storms afford a chronology for these curves. All of the curves show the same pattern and timing of RSL change within a small range of error. The best-dated curve suggests that final unloading of grounded Ross Sea ice from the southern Scott Coast and McMurdo Sound region occurred shortly before 6500 14C yr BP. This age is consistent with glacial geological evidence that places deglaciation between 5730 and 8340 14C yr BP. Our data strongly suggest that grounding-line retreat of the Ross Sea ice sheet southward through the McMurdo Sound region occurred in mid- and late Holocene time. If this is correct, then rising sea level could not have driven ice recession to the present-day grounding line on the Siple Coast, because global deglacial sea-level rise was essentially accomplished by mid-Holocene time. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluid Intake and the Risk of Tumor Recurrence in Patients With Superficial Bladder Cancer

ABSTRACTPurpose: High fluid intake has been associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer development in men. We evaluated whether higher fluid intake can impact tumor recurrence rates in patients with superficial bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective single institution analysis of fluid intake in 267 consecutive patients with superficial bladder cancer undergoing routine bladder cancer surveillance between January 1998 and December 2001. Fluid intake questionnaires, urine cytology and physical examination were routinely performed at each surveillance cystoscopy. Cytological and histological recurrences were recorded. All patients had a minimum followup of 2 years.Results: No relationship between fluid intake and tumor recurrence was demonstrated. Average daily fluid intake was 2,654 ml daily, which was well within the highest protective level (more than 2,531 ml) previously reported. However, multivariate analysis failed to show a protective effect against recurrence at an...
ARC channels: a novel pathway for receptor-activated calcium entry.

In many nonexcitable cells, stimulation with low agonist concentrations specifically activates Ca2+ entry via arachidonic acid-regulated, highly Ca2+-selective ARC channels. Only at high agonist concentrations are the more widely studied store-operated channels activated, producing sustained elevated cytosolic Ca2+ concentration signals. These signals activate calcineurin, which in turn inhibits the ARC channels, resulting in a “reciprocal regulation” of these two distinct Ca2+-entry pathways that may have important functional implications for the cell.
Unusual mechanism of posterior cruciate ligament injury.

The PCL is the primary restraint to posterior translation of the tibia on the femur1 and is also a secondary restraint to valgus, varus, and external rotation stress to the knee joint. It is most commonly injured with a posterior directed force applied to the proximal tibia, as in a dashboard injury. Injury can also result from hyperextension and hyperflexion stress. This case report describes a lesser known mechanism of PCL injury involving torsional stress to the proximal tibia. Sports physicians must be aware that PCL injury may occur to mechanisms other than dashboard injury and posterior forces applied to the proximal tibia. Prompt diagnosis may result in hastened recovery, and future knee disability may be mitigated. Language: en
Sequential gyroless attitude and attitude-rate estimation from vector observations.

Abstract A sequential nonlinear estimator is presented for satellite attitude and attitude-rate, which utilizes vector observations in a gyroless setting. The estimator is based on a recently introduced, third-order, minimal-parameter method for solving the attitude matrix kinematic equation. Possessing an extremely simple kinematics, the third-order parameters render the resulting estimator highly computationally efficient. Employing tracking theory concepts, the angular acceleration is modeled as an exponential autocorrelation stochastic process, thus avoiding the use of the uncertain spacecraft dynamic model. An attitude matrix orthogonalization procedure, built into the estimator’s scheme, enhances its accuracy and robustness, yet retains reasonable simplicity. The estimator’s performance is demonstrated via a Monte Carlo simulation study.
Reaction Pathways and Energy Barriers for Alkaline Hydrolysis of Carboxylic Acid Esters in Water Studied by a Hybrid Supermolecule-Polarizable Continuum Approach

Reaction pathways, solvent effects, and energy barriers have been determined for the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of two representative alkyl esters in aqueous solution, using a hybrid supermolecule-polarizable continuum approach. Four solvent water molecules were explicitly included in the supermolecular reaction coordinate calculations; the remaining solvent water was modeled as a polarizable dielectric continuum surrounding the supermolecular reaction system. Two competing reaction pathways were observed, sharing a common first step, i.e. the formation of the tetrahedral intermediate. One pathway involves a direct proton transfer in the second step, i.e. the decomposition of the tetrahedral intermediate. A second pathway involves a water-assisted proton transfer during the decomposition of the tetrahedral intermediate. The direct participation of the solvent water molecule in the proton-transfer process significantly drops the energy barrier for the decomposition of the tetrahedral intermediate. Thus, the...
Extraction of conductivity and permittivity using magnetic resonance imaging

Modeling the effects of RF penetration in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging requires a knowledge of the local values of conductivity and permittivity. The inverse problem of determining the electric properties of the material under investigation using the MR images themselves has not previously been addressed. The authors review such an approach for the heterogeneous layer model and examine the parameter sensitivity to geometry and signal-to-noise ratio. For a few-layer system, it is within the realm of present day MR systems to extract the electric properties to within 10% or better. Knowledge of the electrical properties will then allow a better prediction of the RF penetration and power deposition at high fields.
Thoracic aortic transection treated by thoracic endovascular aortic repair: predictors of survival.

Background: We reviewed all patients presenting to our institution with a traumatic thoracic aortic injury (TTAI) between January 2006 and May 2007. Age, gender, injury severity score (ISS), location of injuries, surgical intervention, and length of stay were assessed to determine what characteristics might be predictive of survival. Of the 56 patients who were identified, 23 (41%) were dead on arrival, 15 (20%) died on that admission, and 18 (32%) survived to discharge. Injury severity score was elevated in mortalities (57) compared to survivors (34). Penetrating and blunt aortic injuries had 89% and 58% mortality rates, respectively. Female gender was associated with increased survival (P = .032), as was receiving surgical intervention (P = .03). Patients with a prolonged ICU stay demonstrated increased survival. All eight patients who received thoracic endovascular aortic repair survived to discharge. Injury severity score, mechanism, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), female gender, and surgical treatment were associated with survival after TTAI.
A New Angle on TCR Activation

Functional cognate T cell recognition is mediated via the interaction of a T cell receptor complex with its pMHC ligand. Adams et al. (2011) in this issue of Immunity provide evidence that docking geometry may impact 2D binding and T cell activation.
Micropumps, microturbines, and flow physics in microdevices

Manufacturing processes that can create extremely small machines have been developed in recent years. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) refer to devices that have characteristic length of less than 1 mm but more than 1 micron, that combine electrical and mechanical components and that are fabricated using integrated circuit batch-processing techniques. Electrostatic, magnetic, pneumatic and thermal actuators, motors, valves, gears and tweezers of less than 100 mm size have been fabricated. These have been used as sensors for pressure, temperature, mass flow, velocity and sound, as actuators for linear and angular motions, and as simple components for complex systems such as micro-heat-engines and micro-heat-pumps. The technology is progressing at a rate that far exceeds that of our understanding of the unconventional physics involved in the operation as well as the manufacturing of those minute devices. The primary objective of this paper is to critically review the status of our understanding of fluid flow phenomena particular to microdevices. Continuum as well as molecular approaches to the problem will be surveyed. A second objective is to discuss a novel pump/turbine suited for MEMS applications.
Box core liner system developed at the Sedimentology Research Laboratory, University of Southern California

Abstract Marine geologists now collect many box cores for detailed analysis at onshore laboratories. Stainless steel boxes are very expensive. Consequently, few research facilities are able to purchase large quantities (25–50) of these sampling boxes. Plastic core liners have been developed and used by the Sedimentology Research Laboratory of the University of Southern California. The fundamental liner system consists of a plastic box core liner and a detachable base plate mounted on the corer spade. These liners are remarkably durable; of 22 liners constructed 2 years ago, 15 are still serviceable after heavy use on 9 cruises. One plastic liner-base plate unit costs approximately $ 15–20. This low unit cost should make it possible for most research laboratories to construct large quantities of sampling containers when necessary and still stay within working budgets.
Understanding Time-Series Networks: A Case Study in Rule Extraction

A significant limitation of neural networks is that the representation they learn are usually incomprehensible to humans. We have developed an algorithm, called TREPAN, for extracting comprehensible, symbolic representations from trained neural networks. Given a trained network, TREPAN produces a decision tree that approximates the concept represented by the network. In this article, we discuss the application of TREPAN to a neural network trained on a noisy time series task: predicting the Dollar–Mark exchange rate. We present experiments that show that TREPAN is able to extract a decision tree from this network that equals the network in terms of predictive accuracy, yet provides a comprehensible concept representation. Moreover, our experiments indicate that decision trees induced directly from the training data using conventional algorithms do not match the accuracy nor the comprehensibility of the tree extracted by TREPAN.
Interaction of weak faults and non-newtonian rheology produces plate tectonics in a 3D model of mantle flow

According to the theory of plate tectonics, relatively rigid plates are bounded by large faults; plate motion has negligible internal strain,with significant toroidal component to the velocity. By contrast, models of mantle flow with viscous rheology in an intact medium predict little toroidal component and substantial internal strain in surface motion. It has been suggested5 that the observed characteristics of plate motion are related to faulted plate margins, which are observed to be weak. Here we confirm this suggestion, using three-dimensional models of mantle flow that incorporate faults and the forces exerted on plates by subducting slabs ("slab pull') and mid-ocean ridges ('ridge push'). Our models show that plate-like motion results from the interaction between weak faults and a strain-weakening power-law rheology. Weak transform faults tend to guide plate motion. This guiding effect and the decoupling that occurs at thrust faults may result in oblique subduction. Convergent margins are associated with realistic trench and fore-bulge topography. By simultaneously predicting surface kinematics, topography and gravity, the models achieve a useful degree of tectonic realism.
Improving crop yields in the Sahel by means of water-harvesting

Agricultural water-harvesting systems provide spectacular results throughout the Sahel, but their application is much less widespread than is possible. Constraints on and opportunities for their use are discussed here, with specific examples drawn from a yield study conducted in Niger. The high millet ( Pennisetum americanum [L.] K. Schum) and sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor [L] Moench.) yields achieved with micro-catchment water-harvesting show it as a promising cropping system for land-poor farmers and/or in areas where conventional practices produce relatively low yields.
Pediatricians’ Communication About Weight With Overweight Latino Children and Their Parents

OBJECTIVE: To examine pediatrician weight-management communication with overweight Latino children and their parents and whether communication differs by pediatrician-patient language congruency. METHODS: Mixed-methods analysis of video-recorded primary care visits with overweight 6- to 12-year-old children. Three independent reviewers used video/transcript data to identify American Academy of Pediatrics–recommended communication content and establish communication themes/subthemes. Language incongruence (LI) was defined as pediatrician limited Spanish proficiency combined with parent limited English proficiency (LEP). Bivariate analyses examined associations of LI with communication content/themes. RESULTS: The mean child age ( N = 26) was 9.5 years old; 81% were obese. Sixty-two percent of parents had LEP. Twenty-seven percent of pediatricians were Spanish-proficient. An interpreter was used in 25% of LI visits. Major themes for how pediatricians communicate overweight included BMI, weight, obese, chubby, and no communication (which only occurred in LI visits). The pediatrician communicated child overweight in 81% of visits, a weight-management plan in 50%, a culturally relevant dietary recommendation in 42%, a recommendation for a follow-up visit in 65%, and nutrition referral in 50%. Growth charts were used in 62% of visits but significantly less often in LI (13%) versus language-congruent (83%) visits ( P CONCLUSIONS: Many overweight Latino children do not receive direct communication of overweight, culturally sensitive dietary advice, or follow-up visits. LI is associated with a lower likelihood of growth chart use. During primary care visits with overweight Latino children, special attention should be paid to directly communicating child overweight, formulating culturally sensitive weight-management plans, and follow-up. With LEP families, vigilance is needed in providing a trained interpreter and using growth charts.
Modulation of sensory responsiveness of single somatosensory cortical cells during movement and arousal behaviors

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that the transmission of cutaneous sensory information to single somatosensory (SI) cortical neurons may be modulated or gated during movement or “arousal” behaviors. The results showed that movement by itself was associated with a powerful suppression of the sensory input to SI cortical cells from their cutaneous receptive fields. Control experiments showed that this sensory suppression during movement could not be due to either(i) an obscuring of the sensory responses by the large increases in the spontaneous discharge rates of these cells generally found during movement, (ii) an occlusion of the sensory response to the test stimuli by the increased activity in parallel sensory channels caused by repetitive foot contact during locomotion, (iii) distraction of the animal's attention or, (iv) differences in the motivational or arousal states associated with various movement states, because sensory suppression was found in both grooming and treadmill locomotion. It was also found that, in the absence of movement, strong arousal was associated with a slight increase in sensory responsiveness and a decrease in spontaneous discharge rate. The finding that movement rather than arousal or attentiveness caused the most potent modulation of the sensory responsiveness and firing rates of SI cortical cells suggests that this cortical area may be closely integrated with central nervous system motor functions.
A Game-Theoretic approach to connectivity restoration in Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks

Network partitioning can happen due to node failures in Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks (WSANs) that are deployed in inhospitable environments. In case of multiple actor damages, the network can be easily partitioned into several partitions which disrupt the communication among actors. In such a case, the nodes can relocate to re-establish the network connectivity. Such movement, however, should be minimized due to high energy cost for movement. In this paper, we tackle the problem of connectivity restoration in partitioned WSAN with minimized movement overhead by using a Game Theory based heuristic. The idea is based on the comparison of Nash equilibrium of the partitions. Specifically, the nodes staying in the partitions with greater equilibrium will be stationary while the nodes that are in partitions with the less equilibrium are relocated. In this way, partitions become a part of a federated partition and this federation process takes place until reaching the system-wide unique equilibrium. The effectiveness of the approach is evaluated under a variety of conditions and has been shown to be scalable and effective.
Vigilance in the discrimination-stress model for black americans

Objective: Daily events of discrimination are important factors in understanding health disparities. Vigilant coping, or protecting against anticipated discrimination by monitoring and modifying behaviour, is an understudied mechanism that may link discrimination and health outcomes. This study investigates how responding to everyday discrimination with anticipatory vigilance relates to the health of Black men and women.Methods: Black adults (N = 221) from the Detroit area completed measures of discrimination, adverse life events, vigilance coping, stress, depressive symptoms and self-reported health.Results: Vigilance coping strategies mediated the relationship between discrimination and stress. Multi-group path analysis revealed that stress in turn was associated with increased depression in men and women. Self-reported health consequences of stress differed between men and women.Conclusions: Vigilance coping mediates the link between discrimination and stress, and stress has consequences for health out...
SU-GG-T-67: Pulsed Low Dose-Rate Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To develop a method for treatment planning and delivery of step‐and‐shoot intensity‐modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) using pulsed dose‐rate (PDR) for re‐irradiation of recurrent disease. Method and Materials: A patient with metastatic pheochromocytoma in the supraclavicular region was originally treated to 48 Gy in 16 fractions. The tumor initially regressed but recurred six months later, compressing the patient's subclavian vein and brachial plexus causing extreme pain and edema in the left upper extremity. To potentially minimize toxicity to the brachial plexus, the patient was re‐treated with pulsed low dose‐rateIMRT. The custom treatment regimen was 0.4 Gy per pulse lasting for ∼10 minutes repeated five times to provide a fractional daily dose of 2 Gy. This allowed for more efficient delivery without the use of a beam attenuator or extended treatment distance. Dose‐rate of the accelerator was set to its lowest output rate of 100 monitor units (MU) per minute. Dosimetric accuracy was assessed for “end effects” with minimum allowed MU per segment set to two. Daily image guidance was used to deliver an additional 36 Gy. Results: The IMRTquality assurance demonstrated the delivery of each field to be within clinical tolerance. Each pulse was delivered efficiently with a total of 84 MU and 26 segments with five beams. Beams were delivered approximately every two minutes for an average treatment time of about fifty minutes and an average dose‐rate of ∼0.04 Gy/min. By the conclusion of treatment the patient's left arm pain and edema had significantly improved. Conclusion: This experience demonstrates the feasibility and possible benefit of using IMRT with a PDR fractionation schedule for re‐treatments. The PDR regimen was able to provide tumor regression with potential preferential sparing of normal tissue.
Cell loss and tumor growth revisited

Cell loss is a biological phenomenon that occurs in normal and neoplastic tissue and is an important kinetic factor which contributes to the dynamic state of tumor growth. This relevant phenomenon which was introduced by tumor biologists in the early 1970s while studying tumor growth kinetics has been largely neglected in cancer therapy, although with adequate research it may hold potential for future strategies in cancer treatment. Cell loss occurs through various mechanisms which include exfoliation, metastasis, differentiation and cell death. Methods used for measuring cell loss will be examined and the importance of cell loss in tumor growth will be discussed.