cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic induction in a fully 3‐D anisotropic earth

The bulk electrical anisotropy of sedimentary formations is a macroscopic phenomenon which can result from the presence of porosity variations, laminated shaly sands, and water saturation. Accounting for its effect on induction log responses is an ongoing research problem for the well-logging community since these types of sedimentary structures have long been correlated with productive hydrocarbon reservoirs such as the Jurassic Norphlet Sandstone and Permian Rotliegendes Sandstone. Presented here is a staggered-grid finite-difference method for simulating electromagnetic (EM) induction in a fully 3-D anisotropic medium. The electrical conductivity of the formation is represented as a full 3£ 3 tensor whose elements can vary arbitrarily with position throughout the formation. To demonstrate the validity of this approach, finite-difference results are compared against analytic and quasi-analytic solutions for tractable 1-D and 3-D model geometries. As a final example, we simulate 2C‐40 induction tool responses in a crossbedded aeolian sandstone to illustrate the magnitude of the challenge faced by interpreters when electrical anisotropy is neglected.
Fano resonances in integrated silicon Bragg reflectors for sensing applications

We investigate theoretically and experimentally Fano resonances in integrated silicon Bragg reflectors. These asymmetric resonances are obtained by interference between light reflected from the Bragg waveguide and from the end facet. The Bragg reflectors were designed and modeled using the 1D transfer matrix method, and they were fabricated in standard silicon wafers using a CMOS-compatible process. The results show that the shape and asymmetry of the Fano resonances depend on the relative phase of the reflected light from the Bragg reflectors and end facet. This phase relationship can be controlled to optimize the lineshapes for sensing applications. Temperature sensing in these integrated Bragg reflectors are experimentally demonstrated with a temperature sensitivity of 77 pm/°C based on the thermo-optic effect of silicon.
On-line simulation modules for teaching speech and audio compression techniques

In this paper, we present a collection of software educational tools for introducing speech and audio compression (or coding) techniques to undergraduate and graduate students. These speech processing tools enable online simulations of speech compression algorithms that are being used in digital cellular phones, Internet streaming applications, teleconferencing, and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) applications. This simulation software is accompanied by a series of computer experiments and exercises that can be used to provide hands-on training to class participants. With this on-line simulation tool and a set of well-complemented laboratory exercises, students can easily comprehend the basic techniques involved in speech and audio coding algorithms. Specific functions t hat have been developed include the typical modules that are usually embedded in CD-players, MP3-players, and mobile phones. Details on the software, exercises, and assessment data will be provided at the conference.
Projecting Climate Change Effects on Forest Net Primary Productivity in Subtropical Louisiana, USA

This study projected responses of forest net primary productivity (NPP) to three climate change scenarios at a resolution of 5 km × 5 km across the state of Louisiana, USA. In addition, we assessed uncertainties associated with the NPP projection at the grid and state levels. Climate data of the scenarios were derived from Community Climate System Model outputs. Changes in annual NPP between 2000 and 2050 were projected with the forest ecosystem model PnET-II. Results showed that forest productivity would increase under climate change scenarios A1B and A2, but with scenario B1, it would peak during 2011–2020 and then decline. The projected average NPP under B1 over the years from 2000 to 2050 was significantly different from those under A1B and A2. Forest NPP appeared to be primarily a function of temperature, not precipitation. Uncertainties of the NPP projection were due to large spatial resolution of the climate variables. Overall, this study suggested that in order to project effects of climate change on forest ecosystem at regional level, modeling uncertainties could be reduced by increasing the spatial resolution of the climate projections.
Heritable capture of heterochromatin dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Heterochromatin exerts a heritable form of eukaryotic gene repression and contributes to chromosome segregation fidelity and genome stability. However, to date there has been no quantitative evaluation of the stability of heterochromatic gene repression. We designed a genetic strategy to capture transient losses of gene silencing in Saccharomyces as permanent, heritable changes in genotype and phenotype. This approach revealed rare transcription within heterochromatin that occurred in approximately 1/1000 cell divisions. In concordance with multiple lines of evidence suggesting these events were rare and transient, single-molecule RNA FISH showed that transcription was limited. The ability to monitor fluctuations in heterochromatic repression uncovered previously unappreciated roles for Sir1, a silencing establishment factor, in the maintenance and/or inheritance of silencing. In addition, we identified the sirtuin Hst3 and its histone target as contributors to the stability of the silenced state. These approaches revealed dynamics of a heterochromatin function that have been heretofore inaccessible.
Fiscal Zoning and Economists' Views of the Property Tax

Fiscal zoning is the practice of using local land-use regulation to preserve and possibly enhance the local property tax base. Economists agree that if localities can conduct "perfect zoning," which effectively makes all real estate development decisions subject to a review that balances its benefits and costs to the community, then the local property tax can be converted into a benefit tax and lacks the deadweight loss of taxation. This essay argues that American zoning is closer to this ideal than many other economists think. The practice is often difficult to detect because zoning serves several objectives besides fiscal prudence.
Nanofiltration of natural organic matter with H2O2/UV pretreatment: fouling mitigation and membrane surface characterization

Abstract This research investigated the application of H2O2/UV oxidation for source water pretreatment, and membrane cleaning to improve the performance of nanofiltration processes. It further examined the nature and mechanisms of membrane fouling by natural organic matter (NOM), and membrane cleaning using different chemical agents, by employing several surface characterization techniques. These techniques included attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study revealed that significant improvement could be achieved in the efficiency and economics of nanofiltration for removing NOM and synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs) by employing source water pretreatment and membrane cleaning strategies. The H2O2/UV oxidation of source water prior to nanofiltration showed potential for the following: (i) mitigation of flux decline due to membrane fouling, (ii) removal of the pesticide alachlor and hydrogen sulfide, and (iii) improvement in membrane cleanability. Nonetheless, careful control of the preoxidation conditions was exercised to arrive at a reasonable compromise between fouling mitigation and NOM rejection.
Corneal pathology in microphthalmia with linear skin defects syndrome.

Purpose:To describe the histopathology of the cornea in microphthalmia with linear streaks (MLS) syndrome.Methods:Two patients with MLS syndrome underwent penetrating keratoplasty. This study describes the histopathology and investigates immunophenotype of the corneal extracellular matrix by using k
Auctions with resale markets : an exploratory model of treasury bill markets

This paper develops a model of competitive bidding with a resale market. The primary market is modelled as a common-value auction, in which bidders participate for the purpose of resale. After the auction the winning bidders sell the objects in a secondary market and the buyers on the secondary market receive information about the bids submitted in the auction. The effect of this information linkage between the primary auction and the secondary market on bidding behaviour in the primary auction is examined. The auctioneer's expected revenues from organizing the primary market as a discriminatory auction versus a uniform-price auction are compared, and plausible sufficient conditions under which the uniform-price auction yields higher expected revenues are obtained. An example of our model, with the primary market organized as a discriminatory auction, is the U.S. Treasury bill market. *We thank John Cox for kindling our interest in Treasury bill auctions and Margaret Meyer for helpful conversations. We are grateful to Chiang Sung of the Chemical Bank for answering many of our questions on the organization of Treasury bill auctions. We would also like to acknowledge helpful comments from seminar participants at City College of New York, Princeton, Stanford and UCLA. The second author is grateful for support under the Batterymarch Fellowship Program. ^Anderson Graduate School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024 'Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
Thalamic projections to retrosplenial cortex in the rat

The topographic relationships between anterior thalamic neurons and their terminal projection fields in the retrosplenial cortex of the rat were characterized by experiments with the fluorescent dye retrograde labeling technique. The results demonstrate that the anterodorsal (DAD) and anteroventral (AV) nuclei project heavily to retrosplenial granular cortex (Rg) and to a lesser extent to retrosplenial agranular cortex (Rag). In contrast, the anteromedial (AM) and lateral dorsal (LD) nuclei project heavily to Rag and more lightly to Rg. Irrespective of terminal field in Rg or Rag, the neuronal cell bodies in AD and AV are organized topographically so that the neurons in the caudal part of each nucleus project to rostral retrosplenial cortex and the neurons in the rostral portion of each nucleus project to the caudal retrosplenial cortex. Further, the ventromedial AD and AV neurons project to rostral retrosplenial cortex, whereas dorsolateral neurons in both nuclei project to caudal retrosplenial cortex. LD neurons display a different topographic organization. The neurons in the medioventral part of LD project primarily to the rostral retrosplenial cortex, and the neurons in lateral LD project to the caudal retrosplenial cortex. This latter projection to the caudal retrosplenial cortex is also contributed to by neurons residing in the mediodorsal part of caudal LD. The neurons in AM that project to the retrosplenial cortex display less segregation than the AV, AD, or LD neurons. In all experiments, a number of neurons in the dorsal ventro-anterolateral nucleus were labeled by retrosplenial injections. The largest number of cells in this nucleus were labeled after Rag injections, and these were topographically organized such that the neurons projecting to the rostral Rag were located immediately deep to the internal medullary lamina, and the neurons projecting to the caudal Rag were more ventrally located. Very few thalamic neurons have axon collaterals to different areas of the retrosplenial cortex as shown by double labeling experiments. Together, these results demonstrate a highly organized thalamic projection to the retrosplenial cortex.
Technology and device scaling considerations for CMOS imagers

This paper presents an analysis of the impact of device and technology scaling on active pixel CMOS image sensors. Using the SLA roadmap as a guideline, we calculate the device characteristics that are germane to the image sensing performance of CMOS imagers, and highlight the areas where the CIMOS imager technology may need to depart from "standard" CMOS technologies. The impact of scaling on those analog circuit performance that pertain to image sensing performances are analyzed. Our analyses suggest that while "standard" CMOS technologies may provide adequate imaging performance at the 2-1 /spl mu/m generation without any process change, some modifications to the fabrication process and innovations of the pixel architecture are needed to enable CMOS to perform good quality imaging at the 0.5 /spl mu/m technology generation and beyond. Finally, the challenges to the CMOS imager research community are outlined.
Bias in the mean tree model as a consequence of Jensen’s inequality

Abstract Stand growth models keep track of only mean tree properties for projections of growth, because tree lists are not maintained. These properties are typically calculated as simple averages of easily-measurable tree dimensions. An example of this type of model is 3-PG, which uses only the mean diameter at breast height ( D ) of the stand to describe stand growth. The mean tree approach can lead to serious bias, as a consequence of Jensen’s Inequality. This type of model is therefore applicable only to even-aged stands that are relatively homogenous, although it is unclear how homogenous stands must be to avoid serious error. We investigate the magnitude of the bias for the allometric equation that predicts stem mass from stem diameter, a very common function in process-based growth models. We compare an approximation of this bias, based on a Taylor expansion, with a stochastic simulation. The two methods generally agree well, especially when the coefficient of variation (CV) is low. For the average CV from a large data set of managed stands, and an allometric exponent of 2.3, the bias would be 11.7%. An example with forest inventory data shows that the bias is often much larger. We show how the bias due to Jensen’s inequality can be approximated with a very simple expression that is a function of only the CV and the exponent in the allometric equation.
Could Charles Darwin Teach Psychology in the 1980s

Despite the unlikelihood of Charles Darwin teaching psychology in this decade, implications of his personal and professional history for an academic career in psychology are fantasized. Relationships between his theoretical position and the content of an introductory psychology course he might teach and how he might fare in a contemporary academic environment are sketched in this fictionalized account.
Precision Whole-Field Velocity Measurements with Frequency-Scanned Filtered Rayleigh Scattering

We present an analysis of Filtered Rayleigh Scattering, a diagnostic technique for precision measurements of velocity, temperature, and density in unseeded air flows. Precision measurements require that the filter characteristics be accurately known and that the geometrical factors be properly modeled. Failure to account for these effects in low F number optical systems will lead to large errors in both the velocity and temperature measurements. The best signal-to-noise is achieved with a sharp cut-off blocking filter whose width exceeds the linewidth of the Rayleigh scattered light. The signal-to-noise can be further enhanced by operating in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum where large enhancements in the scattering cross section and better optical filters are available.
Harmonic Content in the Beam Current in a Traveling-Wave Tube

In a klystron, charge overtaking of electrons leads to an infinity of ac current on the electron beam. This paper extends the klystron theory of orbital bunching to a traveling-wave tube (TWT). We calculate the harmonic content of the beam current in a TWT that results from an input signal of a single frequency. We assume that the electron orbits are governed by Pierce’s classical three-wave, linear theory. The crowding of these linear orbits may lead to charge overtaking and, therefore, harmonic generation on the beam current, as in a klystron. We analytically calculate the buildup of harmonic content as a function of tube length from the input, and compare the results with the CHRISTINE code. Good agreement is found. Also found is the surprisingly high level of harmonic contents in the electron beam current, even when the TWT operates in the small signal regime. A dimensionless bunching parameter for a TWT, $X={(2P_{\rm{ in}}/(P_{b} C))}^{1/2}$ , is identified, which characterizes the harmonic content in the ac beam current, where $P_{{\textrm {in}}}$ is the input power of the signal, $P_{b}$ is the dc beam power, and $C$ is Pierce’s gain parameter.
Coping with grazing: Prime‐time strategies for accelerated program transitions

Strategies to speed up the flow of viewers between prime‐time programs were adopted by the television networks in the early 1990s. This study compared the types and lengths of transitions between time prime‐time programs for the four broadcast networks in two seasons, 1992‐93 and 1993‐94. Results showed that all four networks had increasingly adopted production strategies for program starts, endings, and breaks that accelerated audience flow between programs, and while the proportion of all practices increased over time, the four networks had focused their attention on different parts of the transition process. Results showed that the network in third place and the networks targeting the youngest viewers utilized more of the accelerated program transitions. Transitions intended to increase inherited audiences and discourage channel changing may be another significant factor in structural theories of audience flow.
Large-Eddy Simulation of the Diurnal Cycle of Deep Equatorial Turbulence

Abstract The deep diurnal cycle of turbulence at the equator is studied using the technique of large-eddy simulation (LES). Based on a scale-separation hypothesis, the LES model includes the following large-scale flow terms: the equatorial undercurrent (EUC), zonal pressure gradient, upwelling, horizontal divergence, zonal temperature gradient, and mesoscale eddy forcing terms for the zonal momentum and the heat equations. The importance of these terms in obtaining a quasi-equilibrium boundary layer solution is discussed. The model is forced with a constant easterly wind stress and diurnal cooling and heating. It is found that boundary-layer turbulence penetrates as deep as 50 m below the mixed layer during nighttime cooling. The diurnal variation of turbulence dissipation and mixed layer depth are within the range of observations. The gradient Richardson number (Ri) of the mean flow shows a diurnal cycle but the amplitudes decrease with depth. Within the mixed layer and just below the layer, Ri can be lo...
Employee Stock Options at Microsoft Corporation

This case requires students to prepare an analysis of Microsoft Corporation's financial statements and footnotes to understand the impact of its use of stock options. In addition to a general analysis of Microsoft's use of stock options and their impact on the financial statements, students focus more specifically on Microsoft's April 2000 megagrant of 70 million options after a substantial decline in Microsoft's stock price. The primary issues that students must explore are (1) the differences in financial reporting under the intrinsic-value and fair-value methods, (2) the effect of stock options on the company's financial statements, (3) the income tax benefit from stock options, and (4) the net cost or benefit to Microsoft from granting stock options.
On Borders and Crimes: A Reply to Won Kidane

This is a reply to Prof. Won Kidane's critique of my proposal to decriminalize border crossings, featured on Fordham Law's City Square website.
Modeling of Biological Processes in the Subsurface

Biofilm processes are potentially important for transformations of organic micropollutants in groundwater. The type of electron acceptor used by the microorganisms is an important environmental factor affecting biotransformation. A fundamental model of biofilm kinetics is shown to be capable of simulating microbially-mediated changes in a subsurface system of primary substrates and mixed electron acceptors. The model incorporates external mass transport effects, Monod kinetics with determination of limiting electron donor or acceptor, and competitive and sequential microbial reactions. The system to which the model is applied includes aerobic carbonaceous oxidation, nitrification, denitrification, sulfate respiration, and methanogenesis. The model establishes the dominant electron acceptor condition in a given region so that favorable environments for organic contaminant biotransformation can be determined. Model simulations could suggest useful strategies to achieve aquifer clean-up with biological processes.
O-Demethylations Catalyzed by Rieske Nonheme Iron Monooxygenases Involve the Difficult Oxidation of a Saturated C–H Bond

Dicamba monooxygenase (DMO) catalyzes the O-demethylation of dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoate) to produce 3,6-dichlorosalicylate and formaldehyde. Recent crystallographic studies suggest that DMO catalyzes the challenging oxidation of a saturated C–H bond within the methyl group of dicamba to form a hemiacetal intermediate. Testing of this hypothesis was made possible by our development of two new independent techniques. As a novel method to allow use of 18O2 to follow reaction products, bisulfite was used to trap newly formed 18O-formaldehyde in the stable adduct, hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS–), and thereby prevent the rapid exchange of 18O in formaldehyde with 16O in water. The second technique utilized unique properties of Pseudomonas putida formaldehyde dehydrogenase that allow rapid conversion of 18O-formaldehyde into stable and easily detectable 18O-formic acid. Experiments using these two new techniques provided compelling evidence for DMO-catalyzed oxidation of the methyl group of dicamba, ...
Using social media for community consultation and public disclosure in exception from informed consent trials.

Background The US Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services outline regulations allowing an exception from informed consent (EFIC) for research conducted in an emergency setting. Acute care clinical trials using EFIC must include community consultation and public disclosure (CC/PD) activities. We describe our experience using social media to facilitate the CC/PD process in two trauma resuscitation clinical trials. Methods We conducted local CC/PD activities for two multicenter trauma clinical trials, Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) and Prehospital Tranexamic Acid Use for Traumatic Brain Injury (ROC-TXA). As part of the CC/PD process, we developed research study advertisements using the social media Web site Facebook. The Facebook advertisements directed users to a regional study Web site that contained trial information. We targeted the advertisements to specific demographic users, in specific geographic areas. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics. Results During the study periods, the PROPPR Facebook advertisement was displayed 5,001,520 times (12 displays per target population) with 374 individuals selecting the advertisement. The ROC-TXA Facebook advertisement was displayed 3,806,448 times (8 per target population) with 790 individuals selecting the advertisement. Respondents to both Facebook advertisements were mostly male (52.6%), with the highest proportion between the ages 15 years and 24 years (28.2%). Collectively, 26.9% of individuals that clicked on the Facebook advertisement spent more than 3 minutes on the study Web site (3-49 minutes). Commonly accessed Web pages were "contact us" (PROPPR, 5.5%; ROC-TXA, 7.7%), "study-specific FAQs" (PROPPR, 2.4%; ROC-TXA, 6.7%), and "opt out of research" (PROPPR, 2.5%; ROC-TXA, 3.8%). Of 51 total individuals viewing the opt out of research information (PROPPR, 19; ROC-TXA, 32), time spent on that specific page was modest (PROPPR, 62 seconds; ROC-TXA, 55 seconds), with no individuals requesting to opt out of either study participation. Conclusions In clinical trauma trials using EFIC, social media may provide a viable option for facilitating the CC/PD process.
HEART PRESERVATION IN VITRO WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGENATION AND HYPOTHERMIA.

A perennial dream of the surgeon, to replace irretrievably damaged organs, comes ever closer to reality. Shumway1 has already demonstrated that heart homotransplantation is technically possible. While the problem of host-graft interaction remains the greatest barrier to the realization of this goal in humans, there are many other practical issues to be solved. A matter of great importance is a method for prolonged in vitro preservation of the heart. Techniques must be developed for removal and storage of the heart and other cadaver organs in order to allow sufficient time to prepare the prospective host as well as to provide an organ bank for emergency transplantation procedures.
Shame in the Autobiographies of Mary McCarthy

Episodes of shame are central events in Mary McCarthy’s two autobiographical works, Memories of a Catholic Girlhood (1957) and How I Grew (1987). McCarthy’s narratives deepen our understanding of shame, a painful moral emotion and sanction of conscience that has often puzzled theoretical reflection. The value of her autobiographies for understanding shame lies in three areas. McCarthy’s first-person narrative examines sources of shame with much greater specificity and detail than theoretical accounts, with attention to recurring patterns and her long-term development. Second, in her assessment of shame McCarthy distinguishes between genuine moral shame and false shame by clarifying the proper grounds for self-esteem and self-respect. And third, her autobiographies provide insights into the healing process by which shame may be surmounted and self-esteem recovered. In these three ways McCarthy’s explorations of shame illuminate the workings of conscience in autobiography.
Soil conditions moderate the effects of herbivores, but not mycorrhizae, on a native bunchgrass

Abstract Herbivores, microbial mutualists, and soil nutrients can affect plant survival, growth, and reproduction, demographic parameters that are essential to plant restoration. In this study we ask: 1) whether native plants that form early associations with mycorrhizal fungi are more tolerant of mammalian grazers, and 2) how early plant associations with mycorrhizal fungi influence mammalian grazing across gradients in soil nutrients. In eight grassland sites in California (USA), we transplanted seedlings of a native bunchgrass, Stipa pulchra, that were or were not pretreated with mycorrhizal fungi in exclosures designed to exclude different guilds of vertebrate grazers. Pretreated plants had greater establishment eight months after transplantation than untreated plants. Mycorrhizal inoculation resulted in twofold greater biomass and fourfold greater seed production when plants were protected from herbivores; inoculation with mycorrhizae resulted in twofold greater biomass and seed production when plants were accessible by all herbivores. Soil phosphate and potassium concentrations influenced herbivory: vertebrate grazing had less effect on transplant biomass and seed production at sites with high phosphate – low potassium soils, but the effects of grazing were more severe in low phosphate – high potassium soils. Pretreatment with mycorrhizal fungi can result in greater survival, growth, and reproduction of transplanted seedlings of native bunchgrass S. pulchra. Our results also illustrate that soil conditions may influence the extent to which the vertebrate herbivore community limits restoration of S. pulchra: the effects of some small mammalian herbivores (e.g., voles) was little affected by soil conditions, but grazing by larger herbivores had a greater effect on S. pulchra performance at sites with low phosphate – high potassium soils. In helping identify the contribution of soil nutrients, herbivores, and mycorrhizae to establishment and performance, our work has implications for the restoration of a species that is likely a fundamental component of pristine California grassland ecosystems.
Pilot study of regional hepatic intra-arterial (HIA) paclitaxel in patients (Pts) with breast carcinoma metastatic to the liver.

10626 Background: Approximately 50% of pts with metastatic breast carcinoma develop hepatic involvement during the course of their disease. Their median survival is 1–14 months (mo). Systemic pacli...
Fracture Prevalence and Relationship to Endocrinopathy in Iron Overloaded Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia.

Transfused patients with hemoglobinopathies commonly develop iron overload. Iron toxicity in patients with thalassemia (Thal) often leads to gonadal failure, osteoporosis and increased incidence of fracture. However, the gonadal failure that occurs frequently in patients with Thal is scarcely reported in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). A prospective, natural history, multi-center study was conducted to assess fracture history and iron related endocrine dysfunction in transfused Thal and SCD subjects compared to non-transfused subjects with SCD (NonTxSCD). Data were collected annually by patient interview and chart review at 30 clinical centers in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Data collected from the first year are presented here and analyzed by ANOVA or χ 2 . Logistic regression was used to develop multivariate models. 204 subjects with TxSCD (44% Male, 24.7±0.9 years: Mean ± SE), 152 subjects with Thal (52% Male; 25.6±0.7 yrs) and 62 NonTxSCD (50% Male, 22.2±1.3 yrs) were eligible and completed baseline assessment. Eligibility was based on age>11 years and liver iron concentration (LIC) > 10 mg/g dry wt (Thal or TxSCD) or serum ferritin
Microbiologic yield of bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from stem cell transplant recipients

Purpose Stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients commonly undergo bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) collection as an infectious pulmonary work-up. Previous studies report the utility and overall diagnostic yield of fiberoptic bronchoscopy with BAL in this vulnerable population, though none focused purely on microbiologic yield or made comparisons with less invasive means of pathogen detection. We sought to determine and elaborate on the microbiologic yield of BAL in SCT recipients, assess a correlation between BAL studies and less invasive means of pathogen detection, and assess the utility of repeating a BAL within 30 days. Methods Between January 1, 2009, and July 31, 2013, we reviewed medical records of 125 SCT recipients who underwent 179 BALs. In addition to demographic information and details pertaining to their SCT, a comprehensive review of their microbiologic data was performed and recorded. Results Our study showed an overall BAL microbiologic yield of 40%, despite 92% of patients receiving broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy at the time of the BAL procedure. Conclusions Although an initial BAL sample in this population provides crucial microbiologic information, repeating the procedure within 30 days may have minimal additional microbiologic yield. BAL continues to be an essential diagnostic tool in SCT recipients undergoing an infectious pulmonary work-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
GROWING NIGERIA’S AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (A REVIEW)

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Recombinant DNA Technology) alongside Nanotechnology are some of the fastest emerging Scientific and Technological revolutions of the twenty first (21 st C) century. The fact however remains that Local Agricultural biotechnology as opposed to the recently advanced/current biotechnology has been practiced by various communities all over the world. It is pertinent to note that our ancestors especially in sub-Saharan parts of Africa have utilized one form or the other of crude but ingenious skills and techniques in diverse agricultural/industrial applications. Modern biotechnology as we know or learnt now is nothing but the development of such local or indigenous processes by our ancestors through scientific and technological breakthroughs of our time. Thanks to the discovery of DNA -the wonder molecule that carries such an enormous unprecedented reservoir of information in every living organism-whose manipulation gave rise to various organism of interest and contributing to the economies of most Nations. This review is therefore an attempt to reconsider some of our useful local agricultural age long practices with a view to proffering ways of growing them for sustainable national development.
Factors associated with local-regional failure after definitive chemoradiation for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

e14669 Background: Esophageal cancer is often treated with a trimodality approach (chemotherapy and radiation followed by surgery). However a significant proportion of such patients achieve a clinical complete response (cCR) following chemoradiation alone. We retrospectively analyzed patients who reached cCR after definitive chemoradiation for locally advanced esophageal cancer to identify clinical predictors of local disease recurrence. Methods: We identified 141 patients who obtained initial cCR after definitive chemoradiation for esophageal cancer from January 2002 through January 2009. The initial response to treatment was assessed by endoscopic evaluation and biopsy results, with cCR defined as having no evidence of disease present. Patterns of failure were categorized as in-field (within the planned treatment volume [PTV]), outside the radiation treatment field, or both. Results: At a median follow-up of 22 months (range 6-87 months), 77 patients (55%) had experienced disease recurrence. Most first ...
Efficient Dynamic Simulation of an Integrated Robot/Forge Near Net-Shape Processing Center

Abstract Automation of forging processes is important both for reasons of safety and to improve manufacturing capabilities. Development of an integrated robot/forge processing cell and its efficient dynamic simulation are discussed in this paper. Dynamic simulation of the closed-chain industrial robot is implemented using an O (N) recursive algorithm, while material flow in the workpiece is represented using a finite-element model. Integration of the two models along with process control is discussed. Timing results for a specific open die forging example are presented.
»Der Sohn des Geisterkönigs« (Fragment 1917/18)

Dass sich Hofmannsthal im Kriegsjahr 1916, in einer Phase intensiver Kooperation mit Max Reinhardt, ausgerechnet mit der Bearbeitung eines Zauberstuckes von 1824 befasst hat, mag verwundern. Was indes als schlichte Improvisation fur eine Auffuhrung begonnen hat, wuchs sich zu einem anspruchsvollen Weltspiel aus, das den Menschen als Opfer von Not und Sorge, von materieller Armut, von Luge und Alptraumen zeigt und die Nahe zu manchen Szenen von Faust II sucht.
Computer science topics in first year writing seminars: panel discussion

This panel will focus on the suitability of a variety of Computer Science topics for first year writing seminar classes that typically focus on reading, discussion, research, and writing. Though often considered to be the domain of the humanities, arts, and social sciences, we wish to spark a lively discussion of the merits of Computer Science themes in such classes.
Intervening to enhance collaboration in translational research: A relational coordination approach.

Introduction A core challenge of a multidisciplinary and multi-organizational translational research enterprise such as a Clinical and Translational Research Award (CTSA) is coordinating and integrating the work of individuals, workgroups, and organizations accustomed to working independently and autonomously. Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) undertook and studied a multifacted intervention to address this challenge and to create a culture of systems thinking, process awareness, responsive to others' needs, and shared decision-making. Intervention The intervention, based on relational coordination, included 1) relational interventions, in three staff retreats and a diagnostic survey to provide feedback on the current quality of relational coordination, and 2) structural interventions, in the launching of five new cross-functional teams with regular meeting structures. Methods A mixed-methods evaluation yielded quantitative data via two types of team surveys and qualitative data via interviews and meeting observations. Results The findings suggest that interventions to improve relational coordination are feasible for CTSAs, including good fidelity to the model and staff/physician engagement. Survey and interview data suggest model improvements in coordination and alignment. Further research about their optimal design is warranted.
Equity Share in Cross-border Acquisitions: Added Cultural Distance, Time, and Contingency Factors

We argue that as multinational companies (MNCs) enter different countries, the extent of cultural unfamiliarity that they face is likely to depend on their most recent entry. Based on this, we exam...
Abstract WP63: Global Cerebral Edema is Associated With Worse Outcomes in Patients With Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Background and Purpose: Obstruction of venous drainage may lead to venous hypertension, edema, infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVST). While the presence of ICH and infarction are associated with worse outcomes, the independent effect of edema remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the characteristics of brain edema on functional outcomes as measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who presented to the University of Iowa Health Care with CVST between 2004-2014. All patients received standard of care management per available AHA/ASA recommendations. Edema was categorized as focal vasogenic, focal cytotoxic or global cerebral edema (GCE). Vasogenic edema was described as hyperintensity on FLAIR MRI sequences around the location of venous clot while cytotoxic edema was noted when hyperintensities were visualized around the location of ICH/ venous infarction on FLAIR or DWI respectively. GCE was scored when bilateral finger-like extensions into gray white junction and effacement of gyri/sulci were seen on CT scans as described by Claassen et al. Edema scorer was blinded to outcome measures. Multiple regressions were conducted on mRS outcome to test hypotheses of interest. A p value ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results: 115 patients met inclusion criteria, 76 women, mean age 42. A total of 30(26%) had venous infarction, 34(30%)ICH , 57(50%) had cerebral edema(20% vasogenic, 35% cytotoxic and 32% GCE). The three edema types together explained 22% variance in discharge mRS (p Conclusions: Characterization of early cerebral edema might contribute to a better prognostication of high risk patients after CVTS. GCE in particular forecast an unfavorable outcome. Further understanding of its pathogenesis may represent a new therapeutic window for refractory patients to standard therapies.
The Harmonic Oscillator

The harmonic oscillator is an important model for various reasons. In solid-state physics, for example, a crystal is modeled as a large number of coupled harmonic oscillators. Using the notion of “normal modes,”this model is then transformed into independent one-dimensional harmonic oscillators with different frequencies. In the quantum mechanical setting, the excitations of the different normal modes are called phonons.
Role of TGF-β in Tumor Protection and Antitumor Immunity

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has pleiotropic effects on a wide variety of cell types. It is essential for cellular homeostasis and has both tumor-inhibiting and tumor-promoting activities. Therefore, successful tumors must evade its antiproliferative actions, while allowing its inhibitory effects on cell-mediated immunity, and its promoting effects on tumor stromal cells and angiogenesis to continue (1). To this end, successful tumors modify their own responses to TGF-β, using a variety of strategies. This chapter discusses the roles of TGF-β in tumor immune protection and growth and mechanisms of TGF-β evasion by tumors. We very briefly summarize the highly complicated topic of TGF-β signaling as it relates to tumor survival, and finally, discuss ways in which tumor-derived mechanisms of TGF-β evasion can be adapted to render host tumor-specific T-cells resistant to TGF-β for adoptive immunotherapy.
Surface fluorination of paper in CF4-RF plasma environments

Plasma-based technologies are an exciting alternative for cellulose andpaper modification. Barrier coatings and surface functionalization of celluloseenhances properties and creates new possibilities for cellulose-based products.A parallel plate radio frequency (RF)-plasma reactor was used to modify papersubstrates under discharge parameters such as power, time and pressure. Carbontetrafluoride RF-plasma treatment of paper caused intense fluorination and itwas demonstrated that the fluorination reaction mechanisms can be controlled bythe external plasma parameters. Fluorine contents as high as 51.3% (contactangle=147°) were obtained for the treated cellulose. It was shown that eventreatment times as low as 30 s can generate relative surface fluorineatomic concentrations as high as 30%. High resolution ESCA and ATR-FTIRanalysisindicated covalently bound CFx functional groups with CF4treatment. It was found that under certain experimental conditionssuper-hydrophobic paper surfaces are created by combining the high surfacefluorine atomic concentrations with specific plasma-generated surfacetopographies.
Development of a Two-Axis Robotic Platform for the Characterization of Two-Dimensional Ankle Mechanics

Accurate characterization of ankle mechanics in lower extremity function is essential to advance the design and control of robots physically interacting with the human lower extremities, such as lower limb exoskeletons, active orthoses, and prostheses. This paper presents a two-axis robotic platform developed for the characterization of important neuromechanical properties of the human ankle, namely mechanical impedance and energetic passivity. This robotic platform is capable of simulating a wide range of mechanical (haptic) environments as well as applying precisely controlled perturbations to the ankle in 2 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) spanning both the sagittal and frontal planes. These features provide us with a unique way to characterize two-dimensional ankle mechanics while humans perform various lower extremity tasks in realistic physical environments. A series of validation experiments demonstrated that the platform can provide rapid perturbations up to an angular velocity of 100°/s with an error less than 0.1° even under excessive loading and simulate a wide range of haptic environments, from compliant to highly stiff environments, with an error less than 2.1% of the commanded values. A pilot human study demonstrated that the robotic platform could accurately quantify intrinsic ankle impedance in 2 DOFs with reliability higher than 97.5%. This study also confirmed that the platform could be utilized to quantify energetic passivity of the ankle in 2 DOFs. Implications for the design and control of lower extremity robots are discussed.
The neurodevelopmental assessment of the high risk infant

This article describes how postural tone, postural reactions and basic reflexes can be used to evaluate the neurodevelopmental status of the infant. It includes a simple assessment which can be used in a practical setting.
Against the Vast Wasteland: A Conversation with Former FCC Chairman Newton Minow

In this interview, former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Newton Minow reflects on his regulatory tenure, his famous “Vast Wasteland” speech, and the state of news media today. His insights have deep relevance for our contemporary policy debates, from the future of journalism to regulating tech firms.
Research on Software Architecture Optimization of Cloud Computing Data Center Based on Hadoop

This paper introduces the architecture optimization design of high performance cloud computing data center (HCDC), and proposes an efficient parallel algorithm based on Hadoop system and MapReduce framework. The performance of the algorithm in big data analysis and processing, and the impact of the algorithm on energy efficiency are studied. Finally, the challenges of future work in this area of research are discussed.
Investigating Efficiency Utilizing Data Envelopment Analysis: Case Study of Shipyards

AbstractEstablishing performance targets for marine maintenance and repair operations can be challenging for management due to the multitude of factors that can potentially influence productivity, ...
Health Disparities, Social Distancing, and Belonging in Pre- and Post-Covid-19 United States

This commentary explores the relationship between health disparities, social distancing, and belonging in the United States pre- and post-Covid 19 The author concludes that post-Covid-19 requires a radical re-visioning of society to address structural inequality that has heightened die vulnerability of some populations to Covid-19, which has, in turn, exacerbated the pre-existing vulnerabilities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Postmodern Openings / Deschideri Postmoderne is the property of Lumen Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )
Evaluating Scenarios for School Reopening under COVID19

Abstract Thousands of school systems have been struggling with the decisions about how to safely and effectively deliver education during the fall semester of 2020, amid the COVID19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to evaluate the public health impact of reopening schools on the spread of COVID19. An agent-based simulation model was adapted and used to project the number of infections and deaths under multiple school reopening dates and scenarios, including different cohorts receiving in-person instruction on alternating days, only younger children returning to in-person instruction, regular schedule (all students receiving in-person instruction), and school closure (all students receiving online instruction). The study period was February 18th-November 24th, 2020 and the state of Georgia was used as a case study. Across all scenarios, the number of COVID19-related deaths ranged from approximately 17 to 22 thousand during the study period, and on the peak day, the number of new infections ranged from 43 to 68 thousand. An alternating school day schedule performed: (i) almost as well as keeping schools closed, with the infection attack rate ranging from 38.5% to 39.8% compared to that of 37.7% under school closure; (ii) slightly better than only allowing children 10 years or younger to return to in-person instruction. Delaying the reopening of schools had a minimal impact on reducing infections and deaths under most scenarios. Significance Statement This study provides insights on the impact of various school reopening dates and scenarios on the spread of COVID19, incorporating differences between children and adults in terms of disease progression and community transmission. School districts are faced with these challenging decisions considering the complex tradeoffs of their impact between public health, education, and society. While the number of new COVID19 confirmed cases continue to increase in many states, so are concerns about the negative impact of school closures on the children’s education and development. The systematic analysis of school reopening scenarios provided in this study will support school systems in their decision-making regarding if, when, and how to return to in-person instruction.