cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parameter Estimation via Instantaneous Frequency and Damping from Transient Ring-Down Data

Broadband impact excitation in structural dynamics is a common technique used to detect and characterize nonlinearities in mechanical systems since it excites many frequencies of a structure at once. Nonstationary time signals from transient ring-down measurements require time-frequency analysis tools to observe variations in frequency and energy dissipation as the response evolves. This chapter uses the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) to estimate the instantaneous parameters from measured or simulated data. By combining the discrete Fourier transform with an expanding or contracting window function that moves along the time axis, the resulting spectra are used to estimate the instantaneous frequencies, damping ratios, and complex Fourier coefficients. Other methods such as Hilbert transforms in conjunction with the Zeroed Early Fast Fourier Transform (ZEFFT) or wavelet based approaches are also able to be applied in similar manners as the STFT. From any of these methods, the amplitude-frequency dependence in the damped response is able to be extracted in order to determine the parameters for a joint model.
Crowd enabled curation and querying of large and noisy text mined protein interaction data

The abundance of mined, predicted and uncertain biological data warrant massive, efficient and scalable curation efforts. The human expertise required for any successful curation enterprise is often economically prohibitive, especially for speculative end user queries that ultimately may not bear fruit. So the challenge remains in devising a low cost engine capable of delivering fast but tentative annotation and curation of a set of data items that can later be authoritatively validated by experts demanding significantly smaller investment. The aim thus is to make a large volume of predicted data available for use as early as possible with an acceptable degree of confidence in their accuracy while the curation continues. In this paper, we present a novel approach to annotation and curation of biological database contents using crowd computing. The technical contribution is in the identification and management of trust of mechanical turks, and support for ad hoc declarative queries, both of which are leveraged to enable reliable analytics using noisy predicted interactions. While the proposed approach and the CrowdCure system are designed for literature mined protein-protein interaction data curation, they are amenable to substantial generalization.
Modeling Prepayments and Defaults for U.K. Nonconforming RMBS

Nonconforming Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (NC RMBSs) in the United Kingdom form one of the larger and more liquid securitized products markets in Europe. In this article, the authors describe an econometric prepayment and default model that Citi has developed for obtaining collateral cash flow projections and loss-adjusted valuation measures for NC RMBSs. They start by providing an overview of the U.K.mortgage market and discuss recent trends in housing and mortgage performance. They then discuss the key drivers of prepayments and defaults and describe the formulation of the model. The last section uses the model to analyze NC RMBSs.
Bound to help: cooperative manipulation of objects via compliant, unactuated tails

We examine the problem of moving multiple objects to goal locations by a coordinated team of mobile robots. Each robot is equipped with an unactuated, compliant chain attached as an appendage that we call its tail. Each of our robots tow objects by wrapping their tail around an item, securing it by hooking the end of the tail back onto itself, and then dragging. In addition to towing individually, any two robots wishing to operate within a tightly-knit sub-team are able to link the ends of their respective tails. These conjoined pairs can skim a region of space, clustering multiple objects together to transport several at once. Using operators that model both forms of towing, we formulate the planning problem for collecting multiple objects and transporting them to goal locations. We propose a general framework using logical formulas to express complex tasks. This planning problem is NP-hard and so we settle for either an exhaustive enumeration or a sub-optimal plan. The combinatorics of the action choices make the former prohibitive with as few as eight robots and objects, so we explore heuristics that give satisfactory solutions in reasonable time. We analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm to give an understanding of where it expands fewer search nodes than exact search. The results include data from physical robots executing plans produced by our planner with both individuals and coupled pairs towing objects.
Feedforward Proportional Carrier-Based PWM for Cascaded H-Bridge PV Inverter

In this paper, a feedforward proportional carrier-based pulsewidth modulation (PWM) is proposed for the dc link control of the single-phase cascaded H-bridge multilevel photovoltaic inverter. The conventional carrier-based PWM techniques, such as the phase-shifted PWM and the level-shifted PWM, require multiple individual dc voltage controllers for the individual maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Thus, the control structure and the controllers’ designs are quite complex. Several noncarrier-based PWM techniques, such as the feedforward space vector modulation, the sorting-algorithm-based modulation, and the lookup table-based modulation, have the capability of individual dc voltage regulation. Although these noncarrier-based PWM techniques require only one total dc voltage controller in the outer voltage loop, the implementations of them are much more complicated than those of the carrier-based PWM techniques. In this paper, with the proposed feedforward proportional carrier-based PWM, each individual modulation signal is directly generated by multiplying the current loop controller’s output and the modulation signal’s feedforward proportional factor. With the feedforward PWM and the total dc voltage control, the individual dc voltage regulation is achieved. This carrier-based PWM combines the strengths of both the traditional carrier-based PWM and the noncarrier-based PWM. It is not only easy for implementation, but also requires only one total dc voltage controller in the outer voltage loop. The detailed description, derivation, and analysis of this modulation are included in this paper. In addition, the simulations and experiments demonstrate the performance of the dc link control and the individual MPPT using the proposed PWM and the control strategy.
DECREASED PULMONARY ARTERY PROPORTIONAL PULSE PRESSURE PREDICTS READMISSIONS AND MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTABLE PULMONARY ARTERY PRESSURE SENSORS

Pulmonary artery (PA) proportional pulse pressure (PAPP, range 0-1, defined as [PA systolic pressure - PA diastolic pressure]/PA systolic pressure) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) and pulmonary hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that PAPP would
Li isotopes concentration flux investigation under conditions of diffusion and electric field assisted migration

Abstract Due to the variety of applications of the isotopes in science and engineering as well as their strategic importance in national security, efficient and purity production is essential. It is important to note that the mixture of the two isotopes 6Li and 7Li have a natural abundances of ∼7.5% and 92.5%, respectively. 7Li in its hydroxide form is often utilized in pressurized water reactors of the power plant. One possibility of 7Li enrichment can be the application of diffusion and electric field assisted separation in liquids or gels. In this research, a preliminary study has been conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation package, in order to simulate the concentration gradients of two ions namely 7Li+ and 6Li+. In the model, both diffusion and migration conditions were implemented and associated effects of the isotope separation were monitored. Apart from time-dependent concentrations of the different isotopes (their respective ions), the contour maps were also presented, including the zone of maximum efficiency for different time as well as initial concentration. The results from the model can be utilized for designing actual isotope separation setup and appropriate timing for sample collection.
Heritable and Syndromic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) and paragangliomas (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine neoplasias that develop in the adrenal medulla or in the paravertebral extra-adrenal ganglia. Although they are more commonly benign (~75%) than malignant (~25%), they can be associated with a high degree of morbidity and a substantial mortality due to the hypersecretion of catecholamines or mass effects. Although PCC/PGL occur more commonly as sporadic tumors, about 30–40% are inherited and associated with predisposing germline mutations in more than 15 susceptibility genes. Several classic autosomal dominant tumor syndromes (von Hippel-Lindau, neurofibromatosis type 1, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2) are associated with an increased risk for the development of PCC/PGL. Mutations in the TMEM127, MAX, MDH2, FH, and EPAS1/HIF2A genes, among others, can be associated with PCC/PGL, and mutations in the genes encoding the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) subunits A, B, C, and D or its cofactor SDHAF2 lead to a predisposition to developing paragangliomas (paraganglioma syndrome types 1–5).
BUILDINGS AND HOUSING Landfills: Require Identification and Record Keeping

The Act requires that all property on which a landfill is or has been located be properly identified. It also requires the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources to maintain certain landfill records. The Act mandates that deeds conveying an interest in land previously used as a commercial landfill include proper notice and other pertinent information related to the operation of the landfill. The Act imposes liability on the seller of real property if he willfully violates the Code provisions. Further, the Act creates a civil remedy for a purchaser of such land if the purchaser suffers damage or loss as a result of the sale.
Response to Presentation by Dr. M.N.G. Dukes and Dr. Inga Lunde on the Effects of Regulation

I believe the need to perform studies in this area is very great. The more information we have on the process of drug development and regulation, the better.
Legitimacy and Inequality

This chapter discusses inequality and its legitimation. It describes the multilevel and multidimensional character of inequality. It also offers an extensive treatment of legitimacy, legitimacy processes and the multiple-source, multiple-object legitimacy theory. The processes through which inequality is legitimized are illustrated by applying the theory to contemporary affirmative action procedures. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research.
Representing pronouns in logical form: computational constraints and linguistic evidence

In this paper, we discuss the representation of pronouns in logical form for the purpose of handling verb phrase ellipsis. In particular, we discuss two factors which influence the representation of pronouns in a computational model. The first is computational, the other linguistic. Both factors must be attended to in order to construct a good representation for pronouns in logical form. We review past attempts to represent pronouns in logical form for the purpose of handling verb phrase ellipsis, and show how these approaches do not meet the computational constraints outlined in this paper. We also show that they do not handle a rather simple example of verb phrase ellipsis. We develop a representation for pronouns in logical form which both meets the computational criteria outlined in this paper and handles the verb phrase ellipsis example.
Conceptualizing defense mechanisms from drive theory and object relations perspectives

Analyzing common defensive features from dual theoretical perspectives, repression is postulated as the underlying mechanism, and is differentiated from denial and suppression. Acting out and intrapunitiveness are interpreted as polar options within displacement. Drive theory and object relations implications are outlined in the conceptualization of intellectualization, reaction formation, and projection, particularly as they are elaborated by basic tenets in defense theory.
Systemic diseases with bronchial manifestations

The lung is frequently involved in systemic disease either as the primary site of the lesion or as an extension of processes which are occurring in other organs. Most of the pulmonary changes associated with these diseases are centered in the parenchyma; however, a few affect the bronchial tissues and the adjacent parenchyma which are reached by bronchial biopsy. Principal among these is sarcoidosis which has been mentioned in Chapter 6 but is discussed further here. The remaining examples are rather rare and the patient’s underlying disease is generally known to the clinician at the time of bronchoscopy. More often than not the reason for the bronchoscopy in these cases is for diagnosis of other suspected secondary diseases and the expression of the systemic disease is a curiosity. Nevertheless, occasional biopsy material may suggest, to the observant pathologist, systemic disease previously unrecognized clinically.
Paradigmatic Crisis and Humsnistic Medicine

The biomedical model had proved its effectiveness in treating acute diseases and has caused widespread developments in some fields such as genetics and macrobiotics. However, it has showed its shortcomings in treating chronic diseases and the psychocultural conditions affecting health. These have led to the arising of a paradigmatic crisis in all levels of biomedicine. At this point, a significant question arises: "Is it possible to incorporate all human dimensions in a medical model?" It seems as if biomedicine considered man as it-experience; that is, it had an objective, evident-based, and positivist view; while the I-experience -the phenomenological world of the patient- had no roles in disease prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. Through the systemic model of medicine, the patient can become a major part of the therapeutic team, which, while he/she stands on one point of the health continuum at any given time, has crucial roles especially in chronic conditions and preventive care. Through such models, the patient-physician relationship transforms into an essential healing technology.
Effect of public safety realignment variables on the perceived employability of former offenders: public perception of the role of type of custody and program participation

ABSTRACTThe objective of the current research was to investigate the public perceptions of conditions pertaining to employability of former offenders as it relates to custody type and use of rehabilitative programs such as vocational and life skills classes. After reading a hypothetical job description for a cashier position, participants evaluated the perceived employability for former offenders that varied by type of custody (state prison, county jail, or community-based alternative to custody) and participation in the rehabilitative programs (presence versus control). Results of the 3 × 2 between-subjects analysis revealed the effect of each variable on the overall employability measure as well as the individual components (basic skills, thinking skills, personal qualities, and perceived dangerousness of applicant). Mediational analysis also revealed how the individual components mediated the effect for custody type of former offenders on employability. Implications are discussed for how public percept...
Disjunctive Programming and Extended Formulations

The fact that the convex hull of a disjunctive set has a compact representation in a higher dimensional space has spurred interest in finding convenient higher dimensional representations of various combinatorial objects.
Gender troubles, Redux

Thirty years ago, women's history written from a feminist standpoint was the revolutionary force, challenging androcentric thought and definitions of experience. Today, gender has become the more t...
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: A Review of History, Pathophysiology, and Current Guidelines

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rare systemic disease with a high mortality. The purpose of this review is to provide clinicians with guidance regarding safe administration of GBCAs to patients with renal disease. Development of NSF has been linked to the administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in patients with renal disease. Due to the wide variety of available GBCAs and recommendations regarding safe administration of these agents, it can be difficult for clinicians to choose the best GBCA for this patient population. Although the current ACR guidelines have virtually eliminated the risk of NSF, future research may lead to the development of alternative contrast agents for patients at risk of NSF who require contrast-enhanced MRIs.
The LGBTT Movement, the Brazilian Left, and the Process of Democratization

During the political liberalization of the late 1970s, new social movements emerged to challenge long-standing notions of race, gender, and sexuality. Gay men and lesbians had created a complex world of semi-clandestine sociability in Brazil’s major capitals since the 1950s. In part, the gay and lesbian rights movement in the United States and Europe inspired a small group of Brazilian activists to push the limits of the political opening by publishing the monthly newspaper Lampiao da Esquina and forming organizations that challenged homophobia and discrimination of people with non-normative sexual and gender behavior. Among other discussions, the Homosexual Movement, as it was known at the time, engaged in an internal debate about the relationship of its activities to the Brazilian Left, which was emerging from a clandestine existence imposed on it by the dictatorship. This chapter analyzes the complex interactions between sectors of the Left and the group Somos, Brazil’s first activist organization, founded in Sao Paulo in 1978 and dissolved in 1983.
VT arising from sub‐aortic muscular outflow tract structures: In two patients with ventricular septal defects

BACKGROUND Outflow tract ventricular tachycardias (OTVT) most commonly occur in the absence of structural abnormalities. We present two cases in which a structural variant in the outflow tract was critical to the OTVT. CASES Subaortic muscular bands were identified using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in each of our cases with history of VSD and VT. Mapping demonstrating their critical involvement to the tachycardia and ablation along the muscular bands rendered the ventricular tachycardias non-inducible. CONCLUSION In rare instances, a structural variant may be involved in OTVTs. The use of ICE along with electroanatomic mapping can assist in successful ablation of these ventricular tachycardias.
A solid-state wind-energy transformer

We show that a solid-state apparatus with no moving parts can harvest electrical power from the wind. This apparatus, a Solid-state Wind-Energy Transformer (SWET), uses coronal discharge to create negative air ions, which the wind carries away from the SWET. The SWET harnesses the wind-induced currents and voltages to produce electrical power. We report on the operation of a low-power, proof-of-concept SWET. This device consists of a number of parallel electrical wires: “emitter wires,” which have numerous, sharp coronal emitters attached to it, and bare “attractor wires.” When a negative bias voltage is applied to the emitter wires relative to the attractor wires, the coronal emitters generate negative ions. The wind carries off these ions, which eventually settle to ground. The power imparted to the ions by the wind is extracted from the current returning to the SWET from the ground. This proof-of-concept SWET demonstrates that it is possible to generate net electrical power from the wind using only air ions. We estimate that SWET can be scaled up to commercially interesting powers by increasing the number and length of emitter and attractor wires and by controlling the bias voltage. SWETs have the potential to produce large amounts of electrical power at low costs with little negative environmental impact.
A New, Noninvasive Accelerometric Method for Diagnosing Acid and Non-Acid Gastroesophageal Reflux in Premature Infants: Proof of Concept

Non-acid reflux is common in premature neonates. Current methods of diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux (GER) such as pH probes, multichannel impedance monitoring, X-rays, or endoscopy are either invasive or unable to diagnose non-acid reflux. Passage of a naso-esophageal tube is uncomfortable. Imaging studies are of short duration and may miss reflux entirely. Herein, we present proof of concept of a noninvasive accelerometric device that detects acid and non-acid reflux in premature infants. An accelerometer was taped over the subxiphoid process in patients suspected of having GER who were already scheduled for pH probe or multichannel impedance monitoring. The largest cohort was preterm infants, but term infants and toddlers were also studied. Low-frequency subaudible signals were obtained on a digital recorder (sampling rate 200 Hz) signals. Fast Fourier transforms graphically displayed the frequency and amplitude of signals. Data were then resampled at a rate of 60 Hz to create a spectrogram with a focused range of 0-30 Hz representing reflux-associated events. Proof of concept was attained through successful comparison with results from concurrent pH probes, multichannel impedance recordings, and ultrasound studies. We have thus validated accelerometry as a noninvasive method for assessing both acid and non-acid GER. The noninvasiveness of this diagnostic modality allows for repeated testing to assess the efficacy of anti-reflux medications, even when patients remain on antacids. This technology allows for more rational management of patients with GER and represents a major advance in the diagnosis and treatment of GER.
Health Care Practitioners and Families Writing Together: The Three-Minute Mental Makeover

INTRODUCTION Expressive writing, the process of self-expression through writing, appears to have beneficial effects. Our hospital's narrative medicine group developed an expressive writing tool, the Three-Minute Mental Makeover (3MMM). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of the 3MMM to reduce stress and optimize communication between health care practitioners and their patients/families. METHODS Patients and families were recruited from a Chicago-area children's hospital from December 2016 through July 2017, from the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, inpatient pediatric unit, and outpatient pediatric clinics. Health care practitioners included a pediatric cardiologist, pediatric residents, child development specialists, and pediatric nurses. Practitioner and patient family participants completed prestudy and poststudy surveys to assess perceived stress and communication levels. Using a standardized script, practitioners led the 3MMM activity, writing concurrently with patients/families. Participants then shared their responses. Presurvey and postsurvey data were compared using nonparametric tests. RESULTS Eight practitioners led 96 patient/family members in 3MMM activities and study surveys. At baseline, all patients, family members, and practitioners reported experiencing 1 or more symptoms of stress. After participating in the 3MMM, patients/family members and practitioners reported reduced stress compared with baseline (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in communication was reported by practitioners (p < 0.001). Eighty-eight percent of patients/families reported that the 3MMM activity was helpful, even though only 35% had used writing or journaling in the past. CONCLUSION The 3MMM is a short writing exercise that reduces stress for practitioners, patients, and families. Future studies may help determine long-term effects of the 3MMM.
The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the setting of retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy: An analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

688Background: Recent evidence has suggested systemic therapy alone (ST) may be comparable to CN in treating mRCC. This study aims to understand oncologic outcomes and survival of those with node p...
Obstructive sleep apnea treatment disparities among older adults with neurological disorders.

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to characterize obstructive sleep apnea treatment patterns among older Americans with neurological conditions. Setting and Participants Claims data from a 5% fee-for-service sample of Medicare beneficiaries were analyzed to determine the proportion of older adults with OSA who received and were adherent to continuous positive airway pressure therapy and examine potential gaps in OSA care among neurological populations. Logistic regression was used to determine whether gender or race/ethnicity modified the associations between neurological morbidities and OSA treatment or adherence. Results Data from n = 102,618 beneficiaries with OSA were identified. The prevalence of stroke, cognitive disorders, or Parkinson’s disease in this sample was 7%, 3%, and 2% respectively. Overall, OSA-diagnosed individuals (73%) obtained treatment, and most treated were adherent to CPAP (72%). Lower proportions of OSA treatment and adherence were observed in neurological conditions, particularly stroke. In logistic regression models, gender and race/ethnicity each modified associations between neurological comorbidity and OSA treatment and adherence. Women as compared to men with a given neurological condition were uniformly less likely to receive CPAP or adhere to treatment (P Conclusions Older women and minorities with neurological conditions may be more vulnerable to gaps in OSA care. Targeted strategies to improve treatment disparities and neurological outcomes in older adults could be informed by these data.
Efficient Bayesian Inference of Miter Gates Using High-Fidelity Models

Continuous monitoring of miter gates used in navigation locks is desirable in order to prioritize maintenance and avoid unexpected failures. Substantial economic losses to the marine cargo and associated industries are caused by the closure of these inland waterway structures. Strain gauges are often installed in many of these miter gates for data collection, and various inverse finite element techniques are used to convert the strain gauges data to damage-sensitive features. One of the damage features is the development of a contact-loss “gap” between the components (i.e. quoin blocks) that support the gate laterally, which leads to load re-distribution that can induce overload in some components of the gate. Arguably, a refined finite element model of such structure can be very computationally expensive even when using linear models. An efficient way to solve an inverse problem with time-consuming model evaluations is making use of parallel model evaluations using a Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) algorithm and parallel solution of the finite element (FE) equations using a commercial FE software. A significant advantage of SMC algorithms is that model evaluations are independent and are able to be run in parallel. In this paper, an expensive high-fidelity model of a miter gate is used to infer the gap extend given a noisy set of strain measurements.
Fragments in Gaussian wave-packet dynamics with and without correlations

Abstract Generalization of Gaussian trial wave functions in quantum molecular dynamics models is introduced, which allows for long-range correlations characteristic for composite nuclear fragments. We demonstrate a significant improvement in the description of light fragments with correlations. Utilizing either type of Gaussian wave functions, with or without correlations, however, we find that we cannot describe fragment formation in a dynamic situation. Composite fragments are only produced in simulations if they are present as clusters in the substructure of original nuclei. The difficulty is traced to the delocalization of wave functions during emission. Composite fragments are produced abundantly in the Gaussian molecular dynamics in the limit h → 0 .
New Labeling Methods for Deep Learning Real-valued Inter-residue Distance Prediction.

Much of the recent success in protein structure prediction has been a result of accurate protein contact prediction---a binary classification problem. As an alternative, we recently proposed real-valued distance predictions, formulating the problem as a regression problem. The nuances of protein 3D structures make this formulation appropriate, allowing predictions to reflect inter-residue distances in nature. Despite these promises, the accurate prediction of real-valued distances remains relatively unexplored. To investigate if regression methods can be designed to predict real-valued distances as precisely as binary contacts, here we propose multiple novel methods of input label engineering with the goal of optimizing the distribution of distances to cater to the loss function of the deep-learning model. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that deep learning methods for real-valued protein distance prediction can deliver distances as precise as binary classification methods. When using an optimal distance transformation function on the standard PSICOV dataset consisting of 150 representative proteins, the precision of 'top-all' long-range contacts improves from 60.9% to 61.4% when predicting real-valued distances instead of contacts. When building three-dimensional models we observed an average TM-score increase from 0.61 to 0.72, highlighting the advantage of predicting real-valued distances.
Hydrographic section across the Kuroshio near 35 deg N, 143 deg E

A closely spaced conductivity-temperature-depth/hydrographic section was conducted off the east coast of Japan in July 1992. The southeastward section crossed the Japan Trench and the Kuroshio in the vicinity of the Kashima 1 seamount. Vertical sections of temperature, salinity, density, oxygen, and nutrients are discussed in conjunction with the movement and interleaving of water masses. Complicated vertical and horizontal mixings of water masses are inferred from the temperature and salinity relationships. Mixing processes are patchy and not continuous beneath the front. Warm, salty water found beneath the Kurishio may result from upward mixing of water from intermediate depths. The main axis of the Kurishio, indicated by the 14 C isotherm at 200 m, is at 35.7 deg N, 142.6 deg E, about 20 km from the north wall surface thermal front. Geostrophic speeds exceed 170 cm/s at the surface; volume transport through the section is 81 x 10(exp 6) cu m/s.
The effects of acute voluntary wheel running on recovery of function following medial frontal cortical contusions in rats

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) produces significant deficits in executive function, sensory-motor function, and on spatial learning tasks. We wish to study if recovery from TBI can be benefited by voluntary exercise. Methods: A variation of the stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) task was employed to measure rats ability to obtain maximum reinforcers in a complex behavioral task. A 2 × 2 (lesion × treatment) experimental design was constructed with 31 weight restricted male Long-Evans rats which received either bilateral cortical contusions to the medial frontal cortex or sham prepa- rations following the acquisition of the SSRT task (matched based on pre-surgical performance). Following surgery, rats were randomly assigned to either an environment with free access to running wheels or traditional single housing without running wheels. Results: Rats receiving a bilateral TBI performed significantly worse than sham operated rats on a complex task. Contrary to our original hypothesis, acute exercise following injury exacerbated the deficits in the complex task that did not return to levels of the injured rats without access to running wheels until post-TBI day 13. Conclusion: We found a significant interaction between severe bilateral TBI and the introduction of voluntary exercise immediately post-injury. In this paradigm, voluntary wheel running exacerbated the TBI-induced deficit, rather than reducing it.
Bayesian Quantile Regression for Censored Data

In this paper we propose a semiparametric quantile regression model for censored survival data. Quantile regression permits covariates to affect survival differently at different stages in the follow-up period, thus providing a comprehensive study of the survival distribution. We take a semiparametric approach, representing the quantile process as a linear combination of basis functions. The basis functions are chosen so that the prior for the quantile process is centered on a simple location-scale model, but flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of quantile processes. We show in a simulation study that this approach is competitive with existing methods. The method is illustrated using data from a drug treatment study, where we find that the Bayesian model often gives smaller measures of uncertainty than its competitors, and thus identifies more significant effects.
The presence of atrazine and atrazine‐degrading bacteria in the residential, cattle farming, forested and golf course regions of Lake Oconee

Aims: To assess the concentration of atrazine in Lake Oconee and develop a qPCR assay as a potential marker for the presence of atrazine-degrading bacteria indicating atrazine contamination. Methods and Results: Water and sediment samples were collected from the Oconee Lake at four golf course sites, two residential sites, one cattle farming site and a forested site. Atrazine concentration at the study sites was determined using an ELISA kit and indicated the presence of atrazine from 0·72 ppb at the forested sites to 1·84 ppb at the golf course sites. QPCR results indicate the presence of atzA gene (atrazine chlorohydrolase) from 1·51 × 102 gene copies at the residential sites to 3·31 × 105 gene copies per 100 ml of water at the golf course regions of the lake and correlated (r = 0·64) with atrazine concentration. Sediment samples had higher atzA gene copies compared with the water samples (P < 0·05). Conclusions: Atrazine concentration and the highest quantity of atzA gene were detected in the golf course regions of the lake. Overall, atrazine concentration monitored in Lake Oconee was below the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory standards. Significance and Impact of the Study: Quantitative PCR is an efficient technique for assessing the presence of atrazine catabolism gene as a functional marker for atrazine-degrading bacteria and the presence of atrazine contamination.
De novo synthesis of adenine nucleotides in different skeletal muscle fiber types

Management of adenine nucleotide catabolism differs among skeletal muscle fiber types. This study evaluated whether there are corresponding differences in the rates of de novo synthesis of adenine nucleotide among fiber type sections of skeletal muscle using an isolated perfused rat hindquarter preparation. Label incorporation into adenine nucleotides from the [1-14C]glycine precursor was determined and used to calculate synthesis rates based on the intracellular glycine specific radioactivity. Results show that intracellular glycine is closely related to the direct precursor pool. Rates of de novo synthesis were highest in fast-twitch red muscle (57.0 +/- 4.0, 58.2 +/- 4.4 nmol.h-1.g-1; deep red gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis), relatively high in slow-twitch red muscle (47.0 +/- 3.1; soleus), and low in fast-twitch white muscle (26.1 +/- 2.0 and 21.6 +/- 2.3; superficial white gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis). Rates for four mixed muscles were intermediate, ranging between 32.3 and 37.3. Specific de novo synthesis rates exhibited a strong correlation (r = 0.986) with muscle section citrate synthase activity. Turnover rates (de novo synthesis rate/adenine nucleotide pool size) were highest in high oxidative muscle (0.82-1.06%/h), lowest in low oxidative muscle (0.30-0.35%/h), and intermediate in mixed muscle (0.44-0.55%/h). Our results demonstrate that differences in adenine nucleotide management among fiber types extends to the process of de novo adenine nucleotide synthesis.
Control of Nonlinear Nonminimum-Phase Processes

In this paper we show that a class of open-loop stable second order nonlinear processes with input multiplicity will always exhibit inverse response in a certain operating region. In contrast to linear predictive control, the minimum prediction horizon for stable control using nonlinear predictive control is dependent on the direction of setpoint change in the presence of inverse response and input multiplicity characteristics. Perfect control of nonlinear nonminimum-phase systems can be achieved under certain conditions. We show that the characteristics of the optimization problem solved in nonlinear predictive control depends on the prediction horizon. Using a longer prediction horizon results in a non-convex objective function.
Validation of the duty cycle estimate derived from a physical appliance model

Successful application of demand models of consumer loads is based on accurate single customer models. A physically based heating/cooling model that incorporates the influence on the random environment is presented and validated. Physical correspondence is established through the data from four houses used in the Athens load control experiment. Actual duty cycle calculations made from the appliance load data on a heat pump in winter under average and severe weather conditions are matched with the proposed model. Directions of future research and model application to short term demand prediction are included. >
A Galerkin Method for Liquid Pipelines

The flow of a liquid in a pipe is described by a first-order hyperbolic system. This paper provides an a priori error analysis for a Galerkin method for the approximate solution of this system. The continuous-time Galerkin method and a linearized-Crank-Nicolson version of it are treated.
Neural processing of itch

While considerable effort has been made to investigate the neural mechanisms of pain, much less effort has been devoted to itch, at least until recently. However, itch is now gaining increasing recognition as a widespread and costly medical and socioeconomic issue. This is accompanied by increasing interest in the underlying neural mechanisms of itch, which has become a vibrant and rapidly-advancing field of research. The goal of the present forefront review is to describe the recent progress that has been made in our understanding of itch mechanisms.
Functional imaging in tumor-associated lymphatics

The lymphatic system plays an important role in cancer cell dissemination; however whether lymphatic drainage pathways and function change during tumor progression and metastasis remains to be elucidated. In this report, we employed a non-invasive, dynamic near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging technique for functional lymphatic imaging. Indocyanine green (ICG) was intradermally injected into tumor-free mice and mice bearing C6/LacZ rat glioma tumors in the tail or hindlimb. Our imaging data showed abnormal lymphatic drainage pathways and reduction/loss of lymphatic contractile function in mice with lymph node (LN) metastasis, indicating that cancer metastasis to the draining LNs is accompanied by transient changes of the lymphatic architectural network and its function. Therefore, functional lymphatic imaging may provide a role in the clinical staging of cancer.
Congested network flows: Time-varying demands and start-time policies

Abstract This paper is concerned with modeling departure-time and arrival-time policies for flows on a congested network with time-varying demands. In particular, we are concerned with variation over a peak period, and for application we focus on modeling the morning rush-hour (the journey to work). We treat this as a multiple-origin, single-destination network model, the destination being the central business district. We use a system optimizing model, and allow the travel demands to vary with the cost (or price) of making a trip. The tradeoff between travel time and the cost of being early or late is considered for different work-start time policies, such as fixed work-start time and flex-time. For illustration, we apply the model to a simple network example and compare the congestion patterns and travel costs under each policy.
Discriminated avoidance learning and reversal by goldfish in a shuttlebox using a linear presentation procedure

Goldfish, trained in a shuttlebox with cues and shock controlled by a linear presentation procedure, learned to control prevailing cue states and shock, and thus to discriminatively avoid shock presentation. The linear presentation procedure, adapted for the shuttlebox from the sequence of cue presentation occurring in the Y-maze, utilized three cues on each trial, a trial-start (TS) cue, a shock-paired (S−) cue, and an unpaired (S+) cue. At trial onset (TS cue), the goldfish had 10 sec to respond. The first response produced, via response-contingent programming, either the shock-paired (S−) or unpaired (S+) cue, and subsequent responses produced alternation of S+ and S−. The shock was omitted only if the S+ cue state prevailed 10 sec after trial onset. AU other cue states (TS and S−) were paired with shock. Goldfish learned to respond and control the prevailing cue state so that the S+ cue prevailed at 10 sec posttrial onset for a variety of different color-cue combinations and also learned to reverse their originally learned cue preference when the color cues were reversed. The linear presentation procedure represents an alternative discrimination learning procedure that appears to be free of the interpretational problems encountered in training goldfish in the shuttlebox apparatus with other one- and two-stimulus procedures.
A potential signal of Bell's palsy after parenteral inactivated influenza vaccines: reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)--United States, 1991-2001.

Purpose Post-licensure experience with a new intranasal inactivated influenza vaccine in Switzerland recently identified an increased risk for Bell's palsy. We reviewed reports in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to assess if parenteral inactivated influenza vaccines (influenza vaccines) may also increase the risk for Bell's palsy. Methods Reports of Bell's palsy after influenza vaccines in VAERS from 1/1/1991 to 12/31/2001 were identified by searching the Coding Symbols for Thesaurus of Adverse Reaction Terms (COSTART) for ‘paralysis facial’ and by text string search in the automated database. The text descriptions on each report were reviewed to verify the diagnosis. The proportional reporting ratio (PRR) was calculated to aid signal detection. Results We found a total of 197 reports of Bell's palsy after receipt of influenza vaccines. The diagnosis was verified for 154 (78.2%), of which 145 (94.2%) had received influenza vaccines alone. The verified reports were submitted from 35 states; 58% of the reports involved persons living in states where the risk of Lyme disease, which can also cause facial paralysis, was low, minimal or none. The PRRs in all age groups exceeded the criteria for a signal of possible association. The highest PRR was 3.91 in the ≥65 years age group. Conclusions Our findings revealed a signal of possible association between influenza vaccines and an increased risk of Bell's palsy. A population-based controlled study is needed to determine whether this association could be causal and to quantify the risk. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and performance characteristics of a compact CO2 Doppler lidar transmitter

A novel, high PRF CO2 Doppler lidar designed to make range resolved velocity and DIAL measurements to ranges of 3 to 5 km is presented. The transmitter scheme selected is a master oscillator power amplifier combination. Details of the design are given and some preliminary test results are discussed.
Parylene micromolding, a rapid and low-cost fabrication method for parylene microchannel

Abstract A new fabrication method of enclosed parylene microchannel, so-called ‘parylene micromolding’ is presented in this paper. The conventional fabrication method based on surface micromachining technique using photoresist as a sacrificial layer is slow and costly because it is diffusion-limited process and requires several photolithography steps. Parylene micromolding method introduced here employs molding concept, which makes a rapid and low-cost fabrication of parylene microchannel possible. This method consists of first Si mold fabrication and parylene deposition on both Si mold and flexible stainless steel sheet, second thermal bonding between two parylene layers, and third releasing parylene microchannel from the Si mold. Main characteristics and technical issues of this new method are discussed in this paper. Some example devices such as meander type channel, long spiral channel, electrophoretic channel, and dielectrophoretic channel have been fabricated by this method and are presented in this paper.
Perezia Microsporidia vs. Perezia Viridiplantae: Homonymy under the ICN with comments on jurisdiction of the ICN or ICZN over nomenclature of the Microsporidia and a brief discussion of this microsporidian genus and its species

Until recently, the taxon PereziaLeger and Duboscq (1909) (Fungi: Microsporidia) (non-La Gasca, 1811, Viridiplantae: Asteraceae) was a preoccupied name because both it and its senior homonym were regulated under the International Code of Nomenclature of Algae, Fungi, and Plants. This meant that the microsporidian genus name required replacement, as did Pereziidae Loubes [sic], Loubes et al. (1977), as that name was based on a homonymous genus name and therefore illegitimate. However, a recent decision by the ICN to return microsporidians to the auspices of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature removes this homonymy, but causes a potential problem because current language of the ICZN is not written in a way that allows microsporidians to return to its jurisdiction. Language in the ICZN requires modification in order to avoid microsporidians becoming "code orphans." The species of Perezia Leger and Duboscq are reviewed.
Fluorine doping in dilute magnetic semiconductor Sn1–xFexO2

Recent studies have reported room-temperature ferromagnetism (FM) in Fe doped SnO2. The FM in semiconductors due to transition metal doping has been argued to be carrier mediated. Fluorine (F) doping in pure SnO2 has been reported to significantly increase the carrier concentration. In this work, we investigated the role of F doping in the range from 0% to 0.79% on the FM of chemically synthesized single phase Sn1−x Fe x O2 using X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, particle-induced X-ray emission, particle-induced gamma ray emission and magnetometry. The saturation magnetization M s (0.03 emu/g) increased by a factor of 2.5 and the lattice volume and band gap energy decreased by 0.35 A3 and 0.2 eV, respectively, with 0.67% F doping (F/Sn atom %) compared to the sample without any fluorine.