cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPECTnet: a deep learning neural network for SPECT image reconstruction

Background Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an important functional tool for clinical diagnosis and scientific research of brain disorders, but suffers from limited spatial resolution and high noise due to hardware design and imaging physics. The present study is to develop a deep learning technique for SPECT image reconstruction that directly converts raw projection data to image with high resolution and low noise, while an efficient training method specifically applicable to medical image reconstruction is presented. Methods A custom software was developed to generate 20,000 2-D brain phantoms, of which 16,000 were used to train the neural network, 2,000 for validation, and the final 2,000 for testing. To reduce development difficulty, a two-step training strategy for network design was adopted. We first compressed full-size activity image (128×128 pixels) to a one-D vector consisting of 256×1 pixels, accomplished by an autoencoder (AE) consisting of an encoder and a decoder. The vector is a good representation of the full-size image in a lower-dimensional space and was used as a compact label to develop the second network that maps between the projection-data domain and the vector domain. Since the label had 256 pixels only, the second network was compact and easy to converge. The second network, when successfully developed, was connected to the decoder (a portion of AE) to decompress the vector to a regular 128×128 image. Therefore, a complex network was essentially divided into two compact neural networks trained separately in sequence but eventually connectable. Results A total of 2,000 test examples, a synthetic brain phantom, and de-identified patient data were used to validate SPECTnet. Results obtained from SPECTnet were compared with those obtained from our clinic OS-EM method. Images with lower noise and more accurate information in the uptake areas were obtained by SPECTnet. Conclusions The challenge of developing a complex deep neural network is reduced by training two separate compact connectable networks. The combination of the two networks forms the full version of SPECTnet. Results show that the developed neural network can produce more accurate SPECT images.
Microscale dynamics of electrophysiological markers of epilepsy

ObjectiveInterictal discharges (IIDs) and high frequency oscillations (HFOs) are neurophysiologic biomarkers of epilepsy. In this study, we use custom poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) microelectrodes to better understand their microscale dynamics. MethodsElectrodes with spatial resolution down to 50{micro}m were used to record intraoperatively in 30 subjects. For IIDs, putative spatiotemporal paths were generated by peak-tracking, followed by clustering. For HFOs, repeating patterns were elucidated by clustering similar time windows. Fast events, consistent with multi-unit activity (MUA), were covaried with either IIDs or HFOs. ResultsIIDs seen across the entire array were detected in 93% of subjects. Local IIDs, observed across <50% of the array, were seen in 53% of subjects. IIDs appeared to travel across the array in specific paths, and HFOs appeared in similar repeated spatial patterns. Finally, microseizure events were identified spanning 50-100{micro}m. HFOs covaried with MUA, but not with IIDs. ConclusionsOverall, these data suggest micro-domains of irritable cortex that form part of an underlying pathologic architecture that contributes to the seizure network. SignificanceMicroelectrodes in cases of human epilepsy can reveal dynamics that are not seen by conventional electrocorticography and point to new possibilities for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. HighlightsO_LIPEDOT:PSS microelectrodes with at least 50{micro}m spatial resolution uniquely reveal spatiotemporal patterns of markers of epilepsy C_LIO_LIHigh spatiotemporal resolution allows interictal discharges to be tracked and reveal cortical domains involved in microseizures C_LIO_LIHigh frequency oscillations detected by microelectrodes demonstrate localized clustering on the cortical surface C_LI
Molecular and evolutionary processes generating variation in gene expression

Heritable variation in gene expression is common within and between species. This variation arises from mutations that alter the form or function of molecular gene regulatory networks that are then filtered by natural selection. High-throughput methods for introducing mutations and characterizing their cis- and trans-regulatory effects on gene expression (particularly, transcription) are revealing how different molecular mechanisms generate regulatory variation, and studies comparing these mutational effects with variation seen in the wild are teasing apart the role of neutral and non-neutral evolutionary processes. This integration of molecular and evolutionary biology allows us to understand how the variation in gene expression we see today came to be and to predict how it is most likely to evolve in the future. In this Review, Hill et al. discuss how high-throughput methods for creating and characterizing mutations are providing insight into how regulatory variation is generated and evolves.
Each day perishing: A meditation on chaos, time, the virus

The article discusses a meditation allows for the flow and flux of consciousness, both the direct and the oblique Topics include the views of artist Paul Cezanne, on rainbow;and Deleuze and Guattari philosophy, the arts and the sciences have different ways of handling chaos;philosophy has for the creation of concepts
Increasing the Speed and Accuracy of Data Labeling Through an AI Assisted Interface

Labeling data is an important step in the supervised machine learning lifecycle. It is a laborious human activity comprised of repeated decision making: the human labeler decides which of several potential labels to apply to each example. Prior work has shown that providing AI assistance can improve the accuracy of binary decision tasks. However, the role of AI assistance in more complex data-labeling scenarios with a larger set of labels has not yet been explored. We designed an AI labeling assistant that uses a semi-supervised learning algorithm to predict the most probable labels for each example. We leverage these predictions to provide assistance in two ways: (i) providing a label recommendation and (ii) reducing the labeler’s decision space by focusing their attention on only the most probable labels. We conducted a user study (n=54) to evaluate an AI-assisted interface for data labeling in this context. Our results highlight that the AI assistance improves both labeler accuracy and speed, especially when the labeler finds the correct label in the reduced label space. We discuss findings related to the presentation of AI assistance and design implications for intelligent labeling interfaces.
Vitamin D: Promises on the Horizon and Challenges Ahead for Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis, while its incidence is increasing. This is attributed, in part, to a profound desmoplastic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment associated with this cancer and resistance to current available therapies. Novel and effective intervention strategies are urgently needed to improve the outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer. Vitamin D has pleiotropic functions beyond calcium-phosphate homeostasis and has been extensively studied both in the laboratory and clinic as a potential preventive agent or adjunct to standard therapies. Accumulating evidence from ecological, observational, and randomized controlled trials suggests that vitamin D has beneficial effects on risk, survival, and mortality in pancreatic cancer, although controversies still exist. Recent advances in demonstrating the important functions of vitamin D/vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling in the regulation of stromal reprogramming, the microbiome, and immune response and the emergence of checkpoint immunotherapy provide opportunities for using vitamin D or its analogues as an adjunct for pancreatic cancer intervention. Many challenges lie ahead before the benefits of vitamin D can be fully realized in pancreatic cancer. These challenges include the need for randomized controlled trials of vitamin D to assess its impact on the risk and survival of pancreatic cancer, optimizing the timing and dosage of vitamin D or its analogues as an adjunct for pancreatic cancer intervention and elucidating the specific role of vitamin D/VDR signaling in the different stages of pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, vitamin D holds great promise for reducing risk and improving outcomes of this disease.
By the Letter of Law? The Effects of Administrative Adjudication for Resolving Disputes in NYC’s Restaurant Grading Initiative

Administrative adjudication can serve as a quasi-judicial forum for resolving disputes resulting from government regulations. New York City recently required restaurants to post letter grades refle...
Biomechanical Properties of the Trabecular Meshwork in Aqueous Humor Outflow Resistance

Glaucoma is a multi-factorial disease often associated with elevated intraocular pressure and increased rigidity of the trabecular meshwork (TM). Stiffening of inner wall endothelial cells of the Schlemm’s canal (SC) has also been documented with glaucoma. Such stiffening is often associated with changes in the extracellular matrix and thus plays a critical role in maintenance of aqueous outflow homeostasis. Considering that biomechanics and topographical cues from the matrix significantly influence cellular responses, it is imperative to understand the biomechanical attributes of the TM. Here, we review relevant studies that have measured the elastic moduli of the TM from humans and a variety of non-human animal models including the various methods used. The reported elastic moduli vary from kilopascal to megapascal range depending on the method utilized in excised tissues. Multiple attempts are currently underway for in vivo quantifications which would significantly be beneficial for diagnosis of the disease. We conclude the chapter by discussing briefly the cellular consequences to the dynamically changing matrix stiffness and its implication in disease etiology and progression.
Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with Twin Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Author(s): Michaelis, Tony; Gunaga, Satheesh; McKechnie, Tyson; Shafiq, Qaiser | Abstract: Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rarely occurs during pregnancy and presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Traditionally, pregnancy has not readily been considered a risk factor for AMI in the emergency department despite the potential for adverse impacts on maternal and fetal health. As cardiovascular risk factors and advanced maternal age become more prevalent in society over time, the incidence will continue to increase. Prior cases with singular gestation have been reported; however, only one previous case during a twin pregnancy was identified in the medical literature.Case Report: We describe a rare case of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in a 37-year-old woman at 24 weeks gestation with a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy.Conclusion: It is important for the emergency physician to recognize acute coronary syndrome as a part of the differential diagnosis of chest pain in pregnant patients and be familiar with the diagnostic and management options available for this special population.
Preference for Queenless Over Queenright Packages by Young Queen Honeybees

SummaryYoung queens (mostly virgin) that had been held in a battery colony (consisting of broodless workers and caged queens only) since emergence were allowed to fly; upon their return they were given a choice of alighting upon a queenless package or upon one with a queen. On 62% of the flights they chose the queenless package; no arrangement of the data resulted in sub-groups that differed significantly from 62%. There was no evidence that certain queens preferred to return to the queenless, and others to the queenright, package. It is believed that the past environment of the queens rather than a genetic mechanism underlay the choice, though hypotheses for both environmental and genetic mechanisms are discussed.Queens piped far more often on queenless than on queenright packages.
Integration on Manifolds

In Chapter 11, we introduced line integrals of covector fields, which generalize ordinary integrals to the setting of curves in manifolds. It is also useful to generalize multiple integrals to manifolds. In this chapter, we carry out that generalization. As we show in the beginning of this chapter, there is no way to define the integral of a function in a coordinate-independent way on a smooth manifold. On the other hand, differential forms turn out to have just the right properties for defining integrals intrinsically. After defining integrals of differential forms over oriented smooth manifolds, we prove one of the most important theorems in differential geometry: Stokes’s theorem. It is a generalization of the fundamental theorem of calculus, the fundamental theorem for line integrals, and the classical theorems of vector analysis. Next, we show how these ideas play out on a Riemannian manifold. At the end of the chapter, we introduce densities, which are fields that can be integrated on any manifold, not just oriented ones.
Sociology through Photography

This chapter describes how photography can inspire and cultivate sociological mindfulness. One set of assignments uses self-portraiture to highlight the complexity of visual representations of social identity. Another uses photography to guide sociological inquiry. Both sets of assignments draw on the Literacy Through Photography methodology, using the interplay of image making and writing to foster creativity and insight and strengthen communication and observation skills.
An Introduction to Investment Companies

For a fee, investment companies provide investment management and bookkeeping services to investors. These services are popular with those who do not have the time or expertise to manage their own portfolios. Over the last seventy years investment companies burgeoned; today, their activities are primarily regulated by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and by the 1950 amendments to the act. The major provisions of that act are summarized below.
HRTS ultraviolet images of the solar chromosphere and transition zone

Observations of the Sun by the NRL High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (HRTS) provide a detailed picture of the fine structure and dynamics of the solar chromosphere and transition zone. The instrument obtains stigmatic photographic spectra with a resolution of i" along a 1000" slit in the 1170-1710 ~ wavelength range. During its third rocket flight, the slit was rastered across the Sun in 2" increments to produce two-dimensional arrays of line profiles in a 10" x 800" region extending from the south polar limb to near Sun center. Most of the observed features are typical of the quiet Sun. The wavelength coverage was limited to the region near 1550 ~ which includes strong lines of C I, C IV, Si I, Si II and Fe II as well as the continuum. The Si I lines are used to reference a wavelength scale which is accurate to about 0.01 ~ or 2 km s -I. From the observed line profiles, the total llne intensity, the line shift and line width are calculated and used to form images of these quantities. The most notable structural element is the chromospheric network which delineates the boundaries of the supergranular cells. In general, the continuum and chromospheric and transition zone lines are all bright in the network. On a smaller scale, He observations show that the network consists of assemblies of dark mottles. The HRTS images of the Fe II intensities mimic the dark He structures as do the C I intensities to a lesser extent. The continuum, which is associated with the temperature minimum region, is formed at the base of the mottles. The C IV intensities outline elongated (3"-5") transition zones that are extensions of the mottles. Pressures typical of the quiet Sun indicate that the volume occupied by the transition zone is quite small. The most likely structure is that of a thin filament with a diameter of less than 100 km. Such extended structures with their low temperature gradients are clearly incompatible with current one-dimensional
Understanding and supporting the adoption of assistive technologies by adults with reading disabilities

Reading disabilities such as dyslexia are life-long conditions affecting an estimated 5-15% of the population. For adults with these conditions, participation in today's information society can be problematic. By using the very digital media that is helping drive this information society, computing technologies may be a viable means of providing reading support and accommodation. For such technologies to be successful, though, they must be adopted into regular use. Unfortunately, studies have shown that 35-50% of all assistive devices are abandoned after purchase. This dissertation explores the many sociocultural, technical, economic, and environmental factors that influence the adoption and usage of assistive technologies by adults with reading disabilities. A key element in these factors is the invisible nature of reading disabilities. People with reading disabilities often choose to not disclose their disability. As using an assistive technology may make one's disability evident to others, choices made about technology usage are complex social negotiations involving issues of identity, normalcy, and disability. The key approach used in this dissertation is Value Sensitive Design. By taking a multidisciplinary perspective and focusing on human values and a diverse set of stakeholder groups, detailed insights are developed for the design and deployment of reading-support tools better suited for adoption and ongoing usage by reading-disabled adults. Specific contributions include the following: (1)A literature analysis establishing critical value issues involving the multiple stakeholders relevant to reading disabilities. (2) Case studies derived from online message board discussions and one-on-one interviews involving adults with reading disabilities and the roles of technology and disability in their lives. (3) Value-based reviews of existing assistive technologies and design guidelines for future development. (4) A detailed proposal for deploying socially flexible assistive technologies that address the critical issues of disclosure, privacy, and stigma management among adults with reading disabilities that is based on the use of meta-tools that assist in recommending and integrating other reading tools. This work also establishes Value Sensitive Design as a powerful and beneficial approach for conducting assistive technology research and refines and expands upon the Value Sensitive Design methodology.
Finite Groups of Derangements on the n-Cube II

Given $k\in \mathbb{N}$ and a finite group $G$, it is shown that $G$ is isomorphic to a subgroup of the group of symmetries of some $n$-cube in such a way that $G$ acts freely on the set of $k$-faces, if and only if, $\gcd(k, |G|)=2^s$ for some non-negative integer $s$. The proof of this result is existential but does give some ideas on what $n$ could be.
Review of Hydrolysis Behavior of Ions in Aqueous Solutions

The word “hydrolysis,” literally “water splitting,” refers here to those reactions of metallic ions with water that liberate protons and produce hydroxy or oxy complexes in solution and precipitate hydroxide or oxide solids. Over the wide range of pH available in water, the strong tendency of hydroxide to bond to and bridge among cations leads to a multitude of species for many of the metals. Properties of the metal ion such as “hardness” and, especially, charge and size, determine the strength of these interactions and the species formed by each. Over 200 mononuclear species have been identified that predominate in dilute solutions across the pH scale. It is the stability of these species that largely determines the pH dependence of the solubility of the oxide or hydroxide solid formed. Both the tendency of the variety of polynuclear species (those containing more than one metal ion) to form and the solubility of the hydrolytic solid correlate with the stability of the first mononuclear species. Other correlations allow one to predict the enthalpy and entropy of a variety of hydrolysis reactions, and therefore the dependence of the stability of hydrolysis products on temperature.
Mechanical Fatigue Measurement via a Vibrating Cantilever Beam for Self-Supported Thin Solid Films

In this paper, we develop a novel experimental apparatus, referred to as the resonant frequency device, and establish methodology to measure the fatigue properties of thin solid films. Arranging thin-film strips of our specimens into the mechanical setting of a cantilever beam and using state-of-the-art piezo actuators to generate oscillation at the clamp of the cantilever, we create a system suitable for studying the material properties of the cantilever, such as Young's modulus, fatigue and possibly, loss tangent. Deformation of the cantilever is our controlled variable in the present study, and measured with fiber-optic probes pointed at the specimen and at the piezo driver. Stress is calculated from relative deformation of the cantilever specimen with respect to the piezo actuator via a photograph of the cantilever under vibration with a curve fitting method. A LabView computer program is developed for the fatigue tests to accurately count number of cycles applied on the specimens, and a feedback mechanism is adopted to maintain displacement during the tests. Here, we present our experimental setup, procedure and theoretical models for material-property extraction. For small displacement, the two-dimensional Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is adopted. With large displacement, the system behaves as the Duffing oscillator due to geometrical nonlinearity. In addition, some experimental observations of the piezo actuators and fiber optics are reported. The method is applied to evaluate the fatigue properties of nanolayered copper-niobium composites and significant increase in the fatigue endurance limit compared to the constituent materials in the bulk form is noted.
Is the gender of a suicide note writer associated with judgments made about the suicide

The gender of a suicide note writer did not affect 44 undergraduate students' judgments of the emotional upset, mental illness, likelihood of death, or rationality of the suicidal person.
Mining traffic incidents to forecast impact

Using sensor data from fixed highway traffic detectors, as well as data from highway patrol logs and local weather stations, we aim to answer the domain problem: "A traffic incident just occurred. How severe will its impact be?" In this paper we show a practical system for predicting the cost and impact of highway incidents using classification models trained on sensor data and police reports. Our models are built on an understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of the expected state of traffic at different times of day and locations and past incidents. With high accuracy, our model can predict false reports of incidents that are made to the highway patrol and classify the duration of the incident-induced delays and the magnitude of the incident impact, measured as a function of vehicles delayed, the spatial and temporal extent of the incident. Equipped with our predictions of traffic incident costs and relative impacts, highway operators and first responders will be able to more effectively respond to reports of highway incidents, ultimately improving drivers' welfare and reducing urban congestion.
Liquid Chromatographic fractionation of oil-sand and crude oil asphaltenes

Abstract Asphaltenes extracted from Alberta oil sands (Athabasca, Cold Lake, and Peace River) and crude oils (Taber South and Fenn-Big Valley) were fractionated by sequential elution solvent chromatography (SESC) involving 10 organic solvents on a silica column. Athabasca asphaltenes and SESC fractions were further studied by elemental analysis, i.r., u.v., and n.m.r. spectroscopy. Incomplete extraction of maltenes from the oil-sand bitumens increased the yields of the first two SESC fractions, the saturates and aromatics, of oil-sand asphaltenes relative to the crude oil asphaltenes. About 55 wt% of the asphaltenes elute in fractions 3–5. Two distinct molecular types are present in the asphaltenes; namely, lower functionality species with lower heteroatom content and the higher functionality species with higher heteroatom content. Compounds eluting in fractions 3–10 are predominantly polynuclear aromatics with alkyl substituants and probably bridged by cycloalkanes. The extent of bridging as well as the location, number and type of heteroatoms determines the fraction in which each compound appears. Complexity of compounds eluting increases with time: earlier fractions are composed of smaller-size polynuclear aromatic centers and contain heteroatoms in predominantly ring locations, whereas later fractions contain a larger proportion of complex species and more functional heteroatom groups.
A Linkage Approach to Industrial Location

Access to markets and raw materials is nearly always mentioned in industrial location studies as an important locational factor. This article demonstrates a methodological approach based on inter-industry linkages and using secondary data to identify target industries for economic development initiatives. In this application we characterize Alabama's industrial base, identify industries with strong forward and backward linkages to base Alabama industries, and highlight a subset of especially good prospects.
Intercellular induction of homeotic gene expression in flower development

Intercellular induction in animal embryogenesis was demonstrated over 70 years ago by classical transplantation experimentsL Despite recent advances and a long history of intensive study, the ability of one group of cells to control the fate of another remains one of the most intriguing topics in developmental biology. Although cell interactions undoubtedly have an integral role in plant development,; only a relative handful of studies have addressed this problem, and it is not until recently that specific genetic factors have been analyzed in relation to cell • interactions in flower development 2. In a pair of papers appearing in a recent issue of Development, Carpenter and Coen3 and Hantke et al. 4 demonstrate that expression of the meristem-identity gene floricaula (rio) in a single cell layer allows flower development in Antirrhinum and can induce the expression of downstream organ-identity genes in other cell layers that lack flo expression. The papers provide new insights into the action of flo in determining floral-meristem identity and add a new level of refinement to studies of cell interactions in plant development.
Clustering Massive Datasets With Application in Software Metrics and Tomography

Clustering datasets is not an easy problem in general, and the difficulty is compounded for massive datasets. This article develops, under Gaussian assumptions, a multistage algorithm that clusters an initial sample, filters out observations that can be reasonably classified by these clusters, and iterates the preceding procedure on the remainder. A final step uses the estimated class probabilities and dispersions to classify each observation in the dataset. Results on test experiments indicate good performance. Application to datasets from software metrics and positron emission tomography required no more than five stages each, suggesting that the procedure is practical to implement.
Of Tabloids and Family Secrets: The Evolutionary Psychology of Gossip1

Two experiments tested hypotheses about gossip derived from an evolutionary perspective. In the first experiment, 128 people ranging in age from 17 to 62 years ranked the interest value of 12 tabloid stories about celebrities differing in age and gender. In the second experiment, 83 college students ranked the interest value and likelihood of spreading gossip about male or female professors, relatives, friends, acquaintances, or strangers based on 12 different gossip scenarios. The results of these experiments confirmed a consistent pattern of interest in gossip marked by a preference for information about others of the same age and gender. Exploitable information in the form of damaging, negative news about nonallies and positive news about allies was especially prized and likely to be passed on. The findings confirm that gossip can serve as a strategy of status enhancement and function in the interests of individuals, and that it does not just function as a means of social control within groups.
Moral judgment as a natural kind

In this essay I argue that moral judgment is a natural kind by developing an empirically grounded theory of the distinctive conceptual content of moral judgments. Psychological research on the moral/conventional distinction suggests that in moral judgments right and wrong, good and bad, praiseworthiness and blameworthiness, etc. are conceptualized as (1) serious, (2) general, (3) authority-independent, and (4) objective. After laying out the theory and the empirical evidence that supports it, I address recent empirical and conceptual objections. Finally, I suggest that the theory uniquely accounts for the possibility of genuine moral agreement and disagreement.
Improved visualization of fetal hemoglobin-containing cells using Nomarski Optics

The quantitation of fetal hemoglobin-containing cells is generally accomplished by the acid elution of adult hemoglobin and subsequent identification of cells positively stained for fetal hemoglobin by light microscopy. Disadvantages with this technique include difficulty in recognition of intensity of stained cells. This study describes a modification of the acid elution technique using Nomarski Optics to facilitate recognition of fetal hemoglobin cells. Further, the results of the acid elution technique using Nomarski Optics significantly correlate with results from the standard alkali denaturation technique for quantitating fetal hemoglobin.
Lunar cratering chronology

Abstract Solidification ages from Apollo rock samples plus the present-day impact rate are used to derive the time-behaviour of lunar cratering. Indications of three different families of impacting bodies are discussed.
Vaccinations: for or against.

The paper by Teixeria makes the case that a number of untoward effects have been linked to immunizations. Adler challenges that view. Each author wrote a scholarly piece, well conceived and with conclusions well supported by up-to-date literature. However, each arrived at opposite conclusions from the published literature he chose to consider. This indicates once again that science is not the objective process we would like it to be, but a process in which, as in many human endeavours, a priori bias is critical for interpreting available data. This variability in data interpretation can also be found within institutions or even countries. For example, while immunisation against tuberculosis (BCG) is mandatory in France, it is generally discouraged in the USA where it is considered only in very rare specific situations. In light of the emotion and uncertainty (or should I say ‘certainties’) that still surround the question of vaccinations despite the mass of available data, it is not the purpose of this editorial to attempt to provide a resolution of this contentious issue. Rather, I propose to share my meandering thoughts on the topic. In January 1977, I defended a PhD thesis in molecular immunology. Three months later I met homeopaths who introduced me to their view of the world, a view, to say the least, rather different from my formal training. However, from both the immunologic and homeopathic standpoints, it seemed to me that vaccinations made sense. Therefore, by the early to mid-1980s, when my first three children were born, they received the full complement of vaccines available at the time. For the next couple of decades I grew, if not wiser, at least more confused, likely a case of progressive old timer’s disease. By 2003, when my latest baby girl was born, my wife and I were not sure about which immunisation to give and when. When we turned to university-based pediatricians for guidance, we did not receive satisfactory answers to our questions, which
Essential-states mechanism of optical nonlinearity in π-conjugated polymers

We present a microscopic mechanism of optical nonlinearity in conjugated polymers. It is shown that the bulk of the nonlinearity is determined by only two well-defined channels, even though an infinite number of channels are possible in principle. We are able to explain the complete frequency dependence of the third-harmonic generation in both {ital trans}-polyacetylene and polydiacetylene within the same model without invoking weak Coulomb interactions between electrons or interchain interactions.
From blitzkrieg to bitskrieg: the military encounter with computers

Expect more cyberwarfare on the conventional battlefield and less against civilian infrastructure…assuming containment is possible.
Effect of total-body x irradiation on metabolism of the rat.

Summary and ConclusionsThe resting oxygen consumptions of irradiated and control, fed animals are similar. The rate of weight loss of starving, irradiated rats is similar to that of starving controls. The water content of the whole carcass and of the gastrocnemius muscle of the starving rat is unchanged by irradiation. Oxygen consumption falls during starvation. The oxygen consumption of the starving, irradiated animal is higher than that of its simultaneously starved control. Apparently the metabolism of rats having free access to food is not affected by irradiation and the metabolism of the irradiated, starved animals is higher than that of their non-irradiated controls.
THE RØMER DELAY AND MASS RATIO OF THE sdB+dM BINARY 2M 1938+4603 FROM KEPLER ECLIPSE TIMINGS

The eclipsing binary system 2M 1938+4603 consists of a pulsating hot subdwarf B star and a cool M dwarf companion in an effectively circular three-hour orbit. The light curve shows both primary and secondary eclipses, along with a strong reflection effect from the cool companion. Here, we present constraints on the component masses and eccentricity derived from the Romer delay of the secondary eclipse. Using six months of publicly available Kepler photometry obtained in short-cadence mode, we fit model profiles to the primary and secondary eclipses to measure their centroid values. We find that the secondary eclipse arrives on average 2.06 {+-} 0.12 s after the midpoint between primary eclipses. Under the assumption of a circular orbit, we calculate from this time delay a mass ratio of q = 0.2691 {+-} 0.0018 and individual masses of M{sub sd} = 0.372 {+-} 0.024 M{sub Sun} and M{sub c} = 0.1002 {+-} 0.0065 M{sub Sun} for the sdB and M dwarf, respectively. These results differ slightly from those of a previously published light-curve modeling solution; this difference, however, may be reconciled with a very small eccentricity, ecos {omega} Almost-Equal-To 0.00004. We also report a decrease in the orbital period of P-dot =more » (-1.23 {+-} 0.07) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -10}.« less
Approximate dynamic programming based approach to process control and scheduling

Abstract Multi-stage decision problems under uncertainty are abundant in process industries. Markov decision process (MDP) is a general mathematical formulation of such problems. Whereas stochastic programming and dynamic programming are the standard methods to solve MDPs, their unwieldy computational requirements limit their usefulness in real applications. Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) combines simulation and function approximation to alleviate the ‘curse-of-dimensionality’ associated with the traditional dynamic programming approach. In this paper, we present the ADP as a viable way to solve MDPs for process control and scheduling problems. We bring forth some key issues for its successful application in these types of problems, including the choice of function approximator and the use of a penalty function to guard against over-extending the value function approximation in the value iteration. Application studies involving a number of well-known control and scheduling problems, including dual control, multiple controller scheduling, and resource constrained project scheduling problems, point to the promising potentials of ADP.
Nanoscale plastic deformation mechanism in single crystal aragonite

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the dynamic behaviors of single crystal aragonite under indentation, tension, and compression. The elastic modulus and hardness of single crystalline aragonite measured in our simulations are found in good agreement with experimentally measured values. Our simulation results show that the mechanical properties of aragonite crystal, including the elastic modulus, hardness, strength, and toughness, strongly depend on the crystallographic orientations and loading conditions. We have identified that this dependence is resulted from different deformation mechanisms, i.e., phase transformation, amorphous phase formation, dislocation, and twining. This work is an attempt to identify the deformation mechanisms in aragonite and to establish the relationship between the dominant deformation mechanisms and its crystallographic orientations and loading conditions.
Use of nonconductive tubing for nasal stent fabrication

A new and effective technique for making and delivering a nasal stent that can be used for surgical, interim, and definitive stents is presented. The materials used are easily obtainable and inexpensive.
ON THE SOLUTION OF A MODEL CASE F DEACTIVATION BY SITE POISONING ND PORE BLOCKAGE

The problem of deactivation by active site poisoning and pore blockage is analyzed. A solution technique is presented which considerably simplifies the numerical effort involved in the analysis of the problem. For problems with slab geometry, in particular, closed form solutions are developed which can be conveniently utilized in reactor design problems. Numerical examples are presented which show that the effect of pore blockage can be quite detrimental to the life of the catalyst, sometimes even more so than the effect of site coverage by a poison.
A Dynamic Tiebout Theory of Voluntary vs. Involuntary Provision of Public Goods

This paper considers a dynamic model of Tiebout-like migration between communities that utilize distinct allocation procedures for public goods. At issue is whether voluntary or compulsory procedures are more likely to prevail over time. We model infinitely lived individuals who make repeated, sequential location decisions over one of two communities. Each community uses a distinct mechanism for allocating public goods. The first is one in which contributions are given voluntarily by the citizenry of the community. The second is a compulsory scheme by which individuals are taxed proportionately to wealth with the tax determined by a majority vote. Opportunities to accumulate wealth exist via accumulation of public capital. The Markov Perfect equilibria of the dynamic game are studied. Our main result shows that when accumulated wealth converges to a steady state, individuals' locational choices eventually "select" the involuntary provision mechanism. This holds despite the fact that unanimous location in the voluntary provision community may in many cases remain as a Nash equilibrium of the static game each period. We also describe conditions under which voluntary provision survives. These conditions require that accumulation of capital fails to decrease wealth dispersion over time. The results are shown to be consistent with findings relating inequality to school choice.
Failure of immature lungs to produce foam and retain air at birth.

Summary: Immature and mature rabbit neonates were observed for production of intrapulmonary foam during the first 5–10 min of extrauterine life. Viability at birth of littermates was determined. In addition, lungs from neonates that had breathed 3–5 min after birth and from fetuses that had not breathed were studied during manual inflation to maximal volume and deflation to zero trans-pulmonary pressure (minimal volume). Lung wet/dry weights and amniotic fluid lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratios were determined. Compared with mature subjects, body weights and lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratios were significantly lower in the immature group, and total water content was significantly higher. No immature neonate lived to 3 hr, whereas all mature neonates were robust, active, and normal. Both spontaneous breathing up to 10 min and manual inflation-deflation were associated with intrapulmonary foam in each mature lung, but with little or no foam in immature lungs. The following were characteristic of immature lungs: 1) Airways and terminal lung units (TLU) were generally liquid-filled at zero transpulmonary pressure. 2) When lungs were inflated to maximal volume, all TLU appeared aerated. 3) However, during deflation liquid refilled most TLU and airways and >95% of the air previously introduced was returned to the syringe. 4) Air trapped in TLU at end deflation was not due to airway collapse, but to relatively early refilling of more proximal adjacent airways which thereby prevented air from leaving more peripheral TLU. Similar studies of mature lungs confirmed our previous report (Pediatr. Res., 12: 1070 (1978)) that intrapulmonary foam is produced at the onset of breathing at birth and, also, during initial manual inflations of the liquid-filled fetal lung. Thus, the striking difference between the mature and immature lungs is the inability of the latter to produce foam. This is related to immaturity of the surfactant system, inability to establish residual volume at the onset of breathing, and retention of liquid in potential air spaces.
Islet autotransplantation after total pancreatectomy in a child

Islet autotransplantation can prevent surgically induced diabetes after total pancreatectomy in adults; however, the efficacy of this procedure has not been established in children. The authors report the case of a 12-year-old boy who underwent total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation for intractable pain caused by idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. Islets were prepared from the excised pancreas by collagenase digestion and mechanical dispersion. The resultant preparation, containing 109,500 islets, was injected into the recipient's liver via the portal vein. No complication from the pancreatectomy or transplant occurred. Postoperatively, the patient had complete relief of abdominal pain. He remained insulin-independent, with normal fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, for 21/2 years. Preoperatively, the acute insulin response and the rate of glucose disappearance (Kg) were 213 microU/mL and 2.14% (respectively) after intravenous administration of 20 g of glucose. Although lower than pretransplantation values, both insulin response and Kg remained normal at 4 months (88 microU/mL; Kg, 1.01%); however, these decreased further, to below normal, by 2 years posttransplantation (10 microU/mL; Kg, 0.67%). Two-and-a-half years after transplantation, fasting hyperglycemia (> 200 mg/dL) was evident, and the patient was begun on exogenous insulin. Five years posttransplantation he remains insulin-dependent with a fasting serum C-peptide level of 0.20 ng/mL, which increased to 0.35 ng/mL in response to intravenous arginine, indicating sustained islet function. During the documented decreases in insulin secretion and Kg posttransplantation, the patient's body weight increased by 65% (from 34 to 56 kg) as a result of normal growth; the number of transplanted islets relative to body mass decreased accordingly, from 3,200 to 1,950 islets per kilogram of body weight. In this case, the number of islets transplanted likely could not meet the increased insulin demands of the larger body mass. Thus, exogenous insulin supplementation was needed to prevent hyperglycemia. In conclusion, insulin independence was initially established in a child by islet autotransplantation after total pancreatectomy. The failure of the islets to maintain normoglycemia long-term suggests that a sufficient number must be transplanted (to meet the demands of normal growth and development) for sustained insulin independence.
Elastic moduli of the piezoelectric cochlear outer hair cell membrane

The outer hair cell is a specialized cell in the mammalian cochlea, believed to amplify incoming sound waves. This amplification is associated with the outer hair cell's electromotility, a unique cellular phenomenon of voltage-dependent length changes. Outer hair cell properties can be described in terms of the piezoelectric relationships, and the elastic moduli are a key part of them. We revisit the problem of estimating the elastic moduli of the outer hair cell composite membrane (wall) where two methods have previously been proposed. We analyze the two methods, while taking into account experimental ranges of the measured parameters. We have shown that cell stiffness is the critical parameter that determines the difference between the method predictions, and we have found a range of stiffness where the results are reasonably close. The elastic moduli corresponding to this range can be recommended for estimation of the characteristics of the piezoelectric model.
Evaluation of pharmacist-provided medication therapy management services in an oncology ambulatory setting.

Abstract Objectives To determine the effect of formal medication therapy management (MTM) services on pharmacist workload, as well as to describe the population receiving MTM, describe the services provided, and determine the reimbursement rate for billed MTM services. Data sources MTM Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code claims, electronic medical records, and pharmacist MTM logs. Data synthesis A retrospective review of all MTM charges from January 1, 2010, to March 31, 2010, was performed. Data collected included location of the MTM visit, age, gender, insurance, primary malignancy, comorbidities, home medications, time to complete and document the MTM visit, and rate of reimbursement. Results In the 3-month period, 239 MTM visits were completed. It took pharmacists a median of 20 minutes (range 15–127) of face-to-face time and 18 minutes (5–90) for documentation per visit. To date, no claims for MTM have been rejected, and reimbursement rates range from 47% to 79% depending on the insurance provider. Conclusions MTM in the ambulatory clinic is feasible despite the increase in pharmacist workload from documenting and billing. The increased visibility of clinical pharmacy services justifies the extra time required for formal MTM.
Spacings and Neutron Widths of Nuclear Energy Levels

The parameters of nuclear energy levels at excitation energy just above neutron binding have been studied for about 20 heavy nuclides. Total cross sections for neutrons of energy 0 to 700 ev were made utilizing the Brookhaven fast chopper and the transmissions were analyzed to obtain the resonance parameters. The reduced neutron widths, ${{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{n}}^{0}$, show a wide variation among the resonances in single nuclides relative to radiation widths, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$. Within experimental error, the size distribution of the reduced neutron widths is exponential, the most probable width being zero. The experimental level spacings, $D$, exhibit discontinuities at closed shells, an effect that remains after correction of the spacings for differences in excitation energy. The ratio $\frac{{{\overline{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{n}}^{0}}{D}$, of particular significance to the "cloudy crystal ball" nuclear model, has a maximum about $A=160$, as expected from theory, but of a much smaller magnitude than the computed peak.