cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fully Printed and Flexible Carbon Nanotube Transistors for Pressure Sensing in Automobile Tires

As the need for an increased supply and diversity of sensors expands, printed electronics have been identified as a promising approach for low-cost, ubiquitous sensor networks. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of a fully printed carbon nanotube thin-film transistor (CNT-TFT) for sensing environmental pressure over a pressure range extending from 0 to 42 PSIg. The transconductance of the CNT-TFT was found to be linearly correlated with environmental pressure at a sensitivity of 48.1 pS/PSI. We also demonstrate the capability of wirelessly transmitting the data measured by the pressure sensor using a simple Bluetooth module. Using the Bluetooth system, we observed the sensor’s response over time as pressure was dynamically changed. Finally, we packaged the sensor along with a material thickness sensor (developed in previous work) into a fully printed smart tire sensor system capable of mapping tire pressure and tread depth differentials.
The Periodicity Theorems

As we have seen earlier, many basic structural properties of the projective sets of the first two levels are consequences of the fact that the classes Π 1 1 , Σ 1 1 have the scale property. Using Projective Determinacy, we will establish in this section that this property propagates throughout the projective hierarchy with a periodicity of order 2, so that we have the following picture: Open image in new window where the boxed classes are scaled (and thus also satisfy the uniformization, rank, and generalized reduction properties) and the other classes satisfy the generalized separation property. Thus the basic structure of the projective hierarchy is periodic of order 2. However, a finer analysis reveals significant structural differences, for example, between the first and the higher odd levels (see A. S. Kechris, D. A. Martin, and R. M. Solovay [1983]), that we will not pursue here.
The Pre-Glenn and Pre-Fontan Catheterization

Single-ventricle physiology is a very general description, as there are many types of patients with single ventricles, and the physiology of these patients changes as they undergo surgical palliation (usually via Norwood/Sano, Glenn, and Fontan operations). Catheterizations frequently are performed preoperatively to ensure that the hemodynamics are suitable for surgery, to further define anatomy, and to intervene on lesions that could be problematic at the time of surgery, in the immediate postoperative period, or in the long-term.
Routine Postoperative Care After Liver Transplantation

The liver transplant recipient is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery for monitoring, resuscitation and stabilization of organ systems, management of intraoperative complications and hemodynamic pertubations, correction of coagulopathy, evaluation of graft function, and initiation of immunosuppression (Fig. 29.1). Physiological perturbations in the perioperative period affect the duration of ICU stay and may precipitate further complications and potentially multisystem organ failure (Fig. 29.2).
The incidence of germline cancer susceptibility mutations in primary CNS neoplasm patients.

1586Background: Genomic profiling is performed on primary brain (CNS) tumors to identify somatic mutations. Several syndromes, (e.g. Neurofibromatosis) are well known causes of CNS neoplasms but da...
The synthesis of new neutron-rich heavy nuclei

All the known isotopes of the elements Fm through Og are neutron-deficient relative to -stability. In this contribution, I discuss two methods of producing more n-rich heavy nuclei, i.e., the use of radioactive nuclear beams (RNBs) and the use of multi-nucleon transfer (MNT) reactions. In the former case, I discuss recent studies of the interaction of 39,46K with 181Ta and their implications for the synthesis of more n-rich isotopes of Bh and Hs. In the case of MNT reactions, I discuss recent results for the reaction of 136Xe with 208Pb, 204Hg + 198Pt and 136Xe + 198Pt. I compare measured distributions of the target-like fragments (TLFs) and projectile-like fragments (PLFs) with current models of MNT reactions.
Brillouin Microscopy Visualizes Centralized Corneal Edema in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy.

PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility of using Brillouin microscopy for assessment of corneal edema in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Brillouin microscopy analyzes the frequency shift of light inelastically scattered by naturally occurring acoustic waves in a small volume of tissue. The resulting frequency shift is a measure of the local hydromechanical properties of the tissue. METHODS Participants were scanned using a clinical Brillouin imaging system (780 nm laser, 5 mW), and a color-coded map of the mean Brillouin shift laterally across the corneal stroma was created. RESULTS Brillouin maps of normal subjects (n = 8) were relatively homogeneous, whereas maps of patients with FECD (n = 7) exhibited significantly reduced Brillouin shifts (unpaired t test, P < 0.001) centrally. The mean difference of 83 MHz corresponds to approximately 3.9% higher water content (percentage difference in volume fraction) in central corneas of the FECD group relative to normal subjects. The Brillouin scan of a patient with FECD 1 month after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty measured a 62 MHz increase in Brillouin shift relative to the preoperative level, indicating normalization of corneal hydration. CONCLUSIONS All patients with FECD scanned exhibited a centralized reduction in Brillouin shift, distinct from the normal subjects measured and consistent with centralized edema characterized by pachymetry. Brillouin scans revealed substantially reduced water content after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. These results suggest that Brillouin microscopy could aid treatment planning and assessment of FECD. Moreover, corneal hydration mapping may be useful in understanding fluid pump function dynamics of the cornea and developing early interventions for FECD.
Coexistence of Wi-Fi and IoT Communications in WLANs

As most Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices are powered by small-sized batteries and expected to operate for many years without battery replacement, energy-efficient wireless IoT communication has been considered as a crucial component of the future network infrastructure. In this article, we propose a practical design (termed WiFi-IoT) to add energy-efficient IoT communication capability into WLANs. WiFi-IoT features two innovative techniques: 1) an asymmetric physical (PHY) design and 2) a transparent coexistence scheme. The asymmetric PHY allows an access point (AP) to communicate with multiple IoT devices at a much low sampling rate (250 ksps), thereby significantly reducing the power consumption for the IoT devices. The transparent coexistence scheme enables a multiantenna AP to serve Wi-Fi and IoT devices simultaneously, leading to an efficient utilization of spectrum. We have built a prototype of WiFi-IoT on a USRP2 wireless testbed and evaluated its performance in real-world wireless environments. The experimental results show that a two-antenna AP can simultaneously serve one broadband Wi-Fi device and 24 narrowband IoT devices on the same spectrum.
Input-Series Output-Parallel Modular Isolated DC-DC Converter Based on 5-Level T-Type Topology

In this paper, an input-series output-parallel isolated DC-DC converter is proposed for MVDC applications. This structure is based on 5-level modified T-type converter in both primary and secondary sides of high frequency transformer. By using a 5-level converter, better voltage and current waveforms can be obtained in the primary and secondary sides of the transformer which will decrease the filter size. Medium-voltage silicon carbide MOSFETs are used as switches. The proposed structure is modular and uses the same submodules in higher and lower voltage sides. The operation of the proposed structure is verified by simulations carried in PLECS.
175 Radiation: cure or curse? A case report on radiation-induced endometrial cancer after cervical cancer treatment

Radiation-Induced Malignancies (RIM) are rare clinical entities that encompass different histological types, majority being high grade and deep tumors with worse prognosis, hence becoming a therapeutic challenge. The reported incidence of an endometrial cancer developing after radiation therapy for cervical cancer is 0.5% – 0.8%. After a thorough literature search, this probably is the first case of endoemtrial cancer reported as a second primary malignancy following radiation therapy for cervical cancer in the local setting. A 60 - year old para 4 was diagnosed with Stage llB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy with brachytherapy. She had an incidental history of chronic Hepatitis B infection and Rheumatic Heart Disease. She remained asymptomatic with no evidence of disease for 11 years until abdominal pain ensued. A transvaginal ultrasound showed fluid - filled uterine cavity and intracavitary mass. On exploratory laparotomy, peritoneal fluid cytology, extrafascial hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, resection of rectal mass and biopsy of mesenteric implants were performed. Final histopathology revealed an advanced stage adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium.
Erosive Pustular Dermatosis in a Patient with Lichen Planopilaris Treated with Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy.

Abstract Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a chronic inflammatory condition with an unclear etiology that typically occurs on sun-damaged skin of older individuals. Clinically it is characterized by sterile pustules, erosions, and crusting that can lead to scarring alopecia and skin atrophy (Yang et al., 2016; Broussard et al., 2012; Cunha et al., 2019). EPDS is a therapeutic challenge and often resistant to numerous treatments. Herein, we describe a case of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp in a patient with lichen planopilaris successfully treated with curettage followed by aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy.
Advanced materials and sensors in well logging, drilling, and completion operations

Abstract The oil and gas well construction is often associated with the unknowns and uncertainties while executing the operations. Because, while drilling, the drilling bit is under the ground where the information is usually gained through interpreting several surface and downhole sensors. Considering the lack of direct access to and visual of the downhole in real-time, the information from these sensors is vital to carry out safe and engineered operations. Typically, these sensors relay basic information such as the pressure in the pipes via a pressure transducer, the weight of the pipes via load transducer, etc. In the well construction process, there are many events where data is not collected or merely the quality is less than desired. Recent want of automation of the well construction process of several oil and gas companies showed the advance and amount of the existing sensors is inadequate. There is a need for more advanced sensors to collect meaningful data and more advanced materials while constructing the well. In the process of well construction, there are many events that the sensors are not used and no data is collected. At the recent years, the oil and gas industry showed a keen interest in automation of the well construction. Researchers started to seek advanced sensors to automate the parts of the process, for example, automation of drilling fluid measurements, automation of pipe handling, etc. An example of drilling fluid measurement automation sensors and materials is presented. The results of this recent successful endeavor motioned the need for more emphasis on the advanced sensors and materials for well construction. In this chapter, the authors are providing a review of select relatively advanced materials and sensors in various disciplines in well construction. The oil and gas industry needs a stronger highlight on the better, advanced sensors and materials to carry out the operations safely and systematically. We hope that this review will increase awareness in the industry to gain more insight into the advanced sensors and materials and use them to accomplish safe and optimized operations.
Impacts of insurance expansion on health cost, health access, and health behaviors: evidence from the medicaid expansion in the US

Expansion of subsidized health insurance may result in both safer and riskier health behavior and outcomes. While having insurance lowers cost barriers to receive both usual and preventive care, the lower potential cost from adverse health events may also promote risky behavior. In this paper, I exploit expansion in the Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act to estimate the impact of insurance expansion on health outcomes and behaviors for low-income individuals in the US. I find that expansion of coverage has significantly lowered cost and increased access, particularly among minority populations, but has had no significant impact on preventive health behaviors. At the same time, I also find no evidence of moral hazard or increase risky behavior like smoking and drinking among residents of expansion states.
Weather and surface condition detection based on road-side webcams utilizing AlexNet, GoogleLeNet, and ResNet: Application of pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network

Abstract Adverse weather has long been recognized as one of the major causes of motor vehicle crashes due to its negative impact on visibility and road surface. Providing drivers with real-time weather information is therefore extremely important to ensure safe driving in adverse weather. However, identification of road weather and surface conditions is a challenging task because it requires the deployment of expensive weather stations and often needs manual identification and/or verification. Most of the Department of Transportations (DOTs) in the U.S. have installed roadside webcams mostly for operational awareness. This study leveraged these easily accessible data sources to develop affordable automatic road weather and surface condition detection systems. The developed detection models are focused on three weather conditions; clear, light snow, and heavy snow; as well as three surface conditions: dry, snowy, wet/slushy. Several pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models, including AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet18, were applied with proper modification via transfer learning to achieve the classification tasks. The best performance was achieved using ResNet18 architecture with an unprecedented overall detection accuracy of 97% for weather detection and 99% for surface condition detection. The proposed study has the potential to provide more accurate and consistent weather information in real-time that can be made readily available to be used by road users and other transportation agencies. The proposed models could also be used to generate temporal and spatial variations of adverse weather for proper optimization of maintenance vehicles’ route and time.
Analytical Solution of Heat Conduction from Turbulence with an Isotropic Example

Aerodynamic heating due to turbulence significantly affects the operation of high-speed vehicles and the entrainment of fluid by turbulent plumes. In this paper, the heat generated and convected by fluid turbulence is examined by rearranging the Navier-Stokes equations into a single equation for the fluctuating dependent variables external to unsteady chaotic motions. This equation is similar to the nonhomogeneous heat equation where sources are terms resulting from this rearrangement. Mean and fluctuating quantities are introduced, and under certain circumstances, a heat equation for the fluctuating density results with corresponding mean and fluctuating source terms. The resultant equation is similar to Lighthill’s acoustic analogy and is a “heat analogy.” A solution is obtained with the use of Green’s function as long as the observer is located outside the region of chaotic motion. Predictions for the power spectrum are shown for high Reynolds number isotropic turbulence. The power spectrum decays as the inverse of the wavenumber of the turbulent velocity fluctuations. The developed theory can easily be applied to other turbulent flows if the statistics of unsteady motion can be estimated.
Failure mode and effect analysis for linear accelerator-based paraspinal stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Introduction Paraspinal stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) involves risks of severe complications. We evaluated the safety of the paraspinal SBRT program in a large academic hospital by applying failure modes and effects analysis. Methods The analysis was conducted by a multidisciplinary committee (two therapists, one dosimetrist, four physicists, and two radiation oncologists). The paraspinal SBRT workflow was segmented into four phases (simulation, treatment planning, delivery, and machine quality assurance (QA)). Each phase was further divided into a sequence of sub-processes. Potential failure modes (PFM) were identified from each subprocess and scored in terms of the frequency of occurrence, severity and detectability, and a risk priority number (RPN). High-risk PFMs were identified based on RPN and were studied for root causes using fault tree analysis. Results Our paraspinal SBRT process was characterized by eight simulations, 11 treatment planning, nine delivery, and two machine QA sub-processes. There were 18, 29, 19, and eight PFMs identified from simulation, planning, treatment, and machine QA, respectively. The median RPN of the PFMs was 62.9 for simulation, 68.3 for planning, 52.9 for delivery, and 22.0 for machine QA. The three PFMs with the highest RPN were: previous radiotherapy outside the institution is not accurately evaluated (RPN: 293.3), incorrect registration between diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging and simulation computed tomography causing incorrect contours (273.0), and undetected patient movement before ExacTrac baseline (217.8). Remedies to the high RPN failures were implemented, including staff education, standardized magnetic resonance imaging acquisition parameters, and an image fusion process, and additional QA on beam steering. Conclusions A paraspinal SBRT workflow in a large clinic was evaluated using a multidisciplinary and systematic risk analysis, which led to feasible solutions to key root causes. Treatment planning was a major source of PFMs that systematically affect the safety and quality of treatments. Accurate evaluation of external treatment records remains a challenge.
Business Innovation in Asia: Knowledge and Technology Networks from Japan

1. Business, Knowledge, and Networks 2. Insulation versus Regional Integration 3. Commerce and the East Asian Community 4. National Interest versus Regional Innovation 5. Electronics Sector: Global Modules and Local Minds 6. Automotive Sector: Global Models and Local Minds 7. Textiles and Fashion: Global Designs and Local Minds 8. Mapping Knowledge Networks
Energy efficient design for subthreshold supply voltage operation

Subthreshold design has become an important area in low-power design due to its ultra-low power consumption and high energy efficiency. This is very useful in mobile applications where battery life is crucial. For most current DVS processor designs, the voltage range is limited from full V/sub dd/ to approximately half V/sub dd/ at most. Subthreshold design enables wide-range dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) by allowing circuits to operate in subthreshold voltages. In this paper we give an overview of several issues in energy-efficient subthreshold design. First, from a theoretical point of view, we show that, for subthreshold supply-voltages, leakage energy becomes dominant, making "just in time completion" energy inefficient. We derive an analytical model for the minimum energy-optimal voltage and study its trends with technology scaling. Second, we evaluate different low-power approaches such as MTCMOS (multiple-threshold CMOS) and DVS and show that wide-range DVS provides the best energy efficiency. Finally, we study the impact of process variation on subthreshold operation and discuss which sources of process variation are dominant in this regime and how they can be addressed.
Transillumination for needle localization in the larynx

Objectives/Hypothesis Transillumination through laryngeal soft tissue may be used to direct percutaneous transcricothyroid membrane subepithelial needle placement in the larynx. Study Design Cadaver simulation (canine and human). Methods Lighted devices, including sialendoscopes and fiberoptic cables, were tested as transilluminating obturators in trocars and needles through multiple studies to identify appropriate illumination, monitoring, and equipment for successful localization of needle/trocar tips placed within laryngeal tissue. Results Lighted 250-micron fiberoptic cables within 23-gauge needles were successfully placed percutaneously through the cricothyroid membrane and maneuvered submucosally into Reinke's space, the midlateral vocal fold, and through the thyroarytenoid gap with monitoring via flexible transnasal laryngoscopy. Technical adaptations in the course of study permitted successful simulation of clinical use in full cadaver study for accurate injection laryngoplasty, confirmed by laryngeal dissection following collagen injection. Conclusions Small caliber fiberoptic cables are useful as transilluminating obturators to accurately direct needle position within laryngeal tissue. Clinical application of this new technique is anticipated to improve the accuracy of percutaneous needle localization in the larynx, as well as to assist in directed instrumentation of the larynx from an external approach. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 125:2341–2348, 2015
Signed Under Protest: A Database of Presidential Signing Statements, 2001-2009

This paper updates our 2007 compilation of Bush 43 Administration signing statements that object on constitutional grounds to one or more provisions of the laws President Bush was signing. It offers what is now a complete compilation for both the first and second Bush 43 Administrations.
Euler Spiral for Shape Completion

In this paper we address the curve completion problem, e.g., the geometric continuation of boundaries of objects which are temporarily interrupted by occlusion. Also known as the gap completion or shape completion problem, this problem is a significant element of perceptual grouping of edge elements and has been approached by using cubic splines or biarcs which minimize total curvature squared (elastica), as motivated by a physical analogy. Our approach is motivated by railroad design methods of the early 1900's which connect two rail segments by “transition curves”, and by the work of Knuth on mathematical typography. We propose that in using an energy minimizing solution completion curves should not penalize curvature as in elastica but curvature variation. The minimization of total curvature variation leads to an Euler Spiral solution, a curve whose curvature varies linearly with arclength. The construction of this curve from a pair of points and tangents at these points is reduced to a nonlinear system of equations involving Fresnel Integrals, whose solution relies on optimization from a suitable initial condition constrained to satisfy given boundary conditions. Since the choice of an appropriate initial curve is critical in this optimization, we analytically derive an optimal solution in the class of biarc curves, which is then used as the initial curve. The resulting interpolations yield intuitive interpolation across gaps and occlusions, and are extensible, in contrast to scale invariant elastica. In addition, Euler Spiral segments can be used in other applications of curve completions, e.g., modeling boundary segments between curvature extrema or skeletal branch geometry.
Assembly and structural properties of subsaturated chromatin arrays.

Abstract Nucleosomes have been reconstituted onto dodecameric repeats of a 208-base pair nucleosome positioning sequence at various subsaturating molar ratios of histone octamer to DNA repeat (r). These reconstitutes have been characterized with respect to lattice site occupancy distributions, nucleosome positioning, chromatin folding, and histone octamer dissociation. Reconstitution at 0.3 < or = r < or = 0.9 produces subsaturated chromatin templates with distinct compositional limits, n +/- 2 nucleosomes, where n is the average number of nucleosomes present on the template at that r value. Nucleosomes on subsaturated arrays occupy the same set of specific positions within the repeat unit as they do on saturated templates, with only very slight differences in the relative frequency of occupation of the various positions. The nucleosomes on very subsaturated templates, i.e. r < or = 0.5, are generally spread out. However, some nucleosome clustering is observed on these very subsaturated templates. These results indicate that assembly of nucleosomes onto this DNA lattice is not a strongly cooperative process. In 200 mM NaCl, subsaturated reconstitutes exhibit reduced levels of folding and histone octamer dissociation compared with saturated arrays. These results provide a framework for understanding the structural features of regions of chromatin partially depleted of nucleosomes.
Counteraction of urea destabilization of protein structure by methylamine osmoregulatory compounds of elasmobranch fishes.

Intracellular fluids of marine elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays), holocephalans and the coelacanth contain urea at concentrations averaging 0.4m, high enough to significantly affect the structural and functional properties of many proteins. Also present in the cells of these fishes are a family of methylamine compounds, largely trimethylamine N-oxide with some betaine and sarcosine, and certain free amino acids, mainly β-alanine and taurine, whose total concentration is approx. 0.2m. These methylamine compounds and amino acids have been found to be effective stabilizers of protein structure, and, at a 1:2 molar concentration ratio of these compounds to urea, perturbations of protein structure by urea are largely or fully offset. These counteracting effects of solutes on proteins are seen for: (1) thermal stability of protein secondary and tertiary structure (bovine ribonuclease); (2) the rate and extent of enzyme renaturation after acid denaturation (rabbit and shark lactate dehydrogenases); and (3) the reactivity of thiol groups of an enzyme (bovine glutamate dehydrogenase). Attaining osmotic equilibrium with seawater by these fishes has thus involved the selective accumulation of certain nitrogenous metabolites that individually have significant effects on protein structure, but that have virtually no net effects on proteins when these solutes are present at elasmobranch physiological concentrations. These experiments indicate that evolutionary changes in intracellular solute compositions as well as in protein amino acid sequences can have important roles in intracellular protein function.
Genetic Relationships Between the G Protein βγ Complex, Ste5p, Ste20p and Cdc42p: Investigation of Effector Roles in the Yeast Pheromone Response Pathway

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae G protein βγ dimer, Ste4p/Ste18p, acts downstream of the a subunit, Gpalp, to activate the pheromone response pathway and therefore must interact with a downstream effector. Synthetic sterile mutants that exacerbate the phenotype of ste4-ts mutations were isolated to identify proteins that functionally interact with Ste4p. The identification of a stel8 mutant indicated that this screen could identify proteins that interact directly with Ste4p. The other mutations were in STE5 and the STE20 kinase gene, which act near Ste4p in the pathway, and a new gene called STE21. ste20 null mutants showed residual mating, suggesting that another kinase may provide some function. Overexpression of Ste5p under galactose control activated the pheromone response pathway. This activation was dependent on Ste4p and Ste18p and partially dependent on Ste20p. These results cannot be explained by the linear pathway of Ste4p → Ste20p → Ste5p. Overexpression of Cdc42p resulted in a slight increase in pheromone induction of a reporter gene, and overexpression of activated forms of Cdc42p resulted in a further twofold increase. Mutations in pheromone response pathway components did not suppress the lethality associated with the activated CDC42 mutations, suggesting that this effect is independent of the pheromone response pathway.
Adrenergic control of cAMP generation in rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells

Adrenergic control of cAMP generation in rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells. The adrenergic nervous system profoundly alters water excretion by both renal and extrarenal pathways. The effects of catecholamines on cultured rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells were studied. The β-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, increases cAMP from 19.5 ± 2.3 to 79.4 ± 14.4 fm/µg protein, P 1 antagonist, atenolol. The effect of α-adrenergic stimulation was studied by the use of norepinephrine (NE) in the background of the β blocker, propranolol. NE decreases AVP-stimulated cAMP generation from 190 ± 11 to 117 ± 10 firing, P 2 antagonist, yohimbine, but not the α 1 antagonist, prazosin, prevents the NE-induced decrease as AVP-stimulated cAMP is restored to 187 ± 19 fm/µg. Similarly the selective α 2 agonist, clonidine, significantly inhibits both AVP- and isoproterenol-mediated cAMP generation. To define the site of α 2 inhibition in the adenylate cyclase (AC) complex the effect of pertussis toxin (PT) was investigated. After pretreatment with PT (1–1000 ng/ml), AVP-stimulated cAMP was not inhibited by NE. The α 1 agonist, phenylephrine, fails to inhibit AC or to increase cytosolic Ca in these cells. We conclude that β-adrenergic stimulation increases basal cAMP generation but has no further effect on AVP-stimulated levels, α-adrenergic stimulation impairs AVP-stimulated cAMP generation (this effect is due to occupancy of the α 2 receptor), and the effect is mediated by a PT-inhibitable protein.
Detection of T-Wave Alternans in Fetal Magnetocardiography Using the Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test

T-wave alternans (TWA) is an indicator of cardiac instability and is associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Detection of TWA in the adult has been widely investigated and is used routinely for cardiac risk assessment. Detection of TWA in the fetus, however, is much more difficult due to the low amplitude and variable configuration of the signal, the presence of strong interferences, and the brevity of fetal TWA episodes. In this paper, we present a statistical detector based on the generalized likelihood ratio test that is designed for detection of TWA in the fetus. The performance of the detector is evaluated by constructing receiver-operator characteristic curves, using simulated data and real data from subjects with macroscopic TWA. The detector is capable of detecting TWA episodes as brief as 20 beats. The detection performance is improved significantly by modeling the fetal T-wave as a low-rank, low bandwidth signal, and using maximum likelihood estimation to estimate the model parameters. This approach enables all of the data to be used to estimate the noise statistics, providing highly effective suppression of interference, including maternal interference. The method is suitable for routine use because it can be applied to raw, unprocessed recordings, allowing automated analysis of extended fetal magnetocardiography recordings.
Combustion of coal-water slurry droplets

Abstract The combustion of single droplets of coal-water slurries was studied experimentally by determining the instantaneous size and mass of the droplets and theoretically modelled for the char agglomerate by allowing for the presence of the ash layer as well as the residual volatiles. Comparison of the theoretical results with and without finite-rate kinetics substantiates the hypothesis that the combustion is basically diffusion-limited.
Error bounds for maximum likelihood matrix completion under sparse factor models

This paper examines a general class of matrix completion tasks where entry wise observations of the matrix are subject to random noise or corruption. Our particular focus here is on settings where the matrix to be estimated follows a sparse factor model, in the sense that it may be expressed as the product of two matrices, one of which is sparse. We analyze the performance of a sparsity-penalized maximum likelihood approach to such problems to provide a general-purpose estimation result applicable to any of a number of noise/corruption models, and describe its implications in two stylized scenarios — one characterized by additive Gaussian noise, and the other by highly-quantized one-bit observations. We also provide some supporting empirical evidence to validate our theoretical claims in the Gaussian setting.
Beijing: The Heart of China, Imperial and Modern. Passport Books; Public Problems. The Management of Urban Distress. Christopher J. Smith; Neighborhood Tokyo. Theodore C. Bestor

(1990). Beijing: The Heart of China, Imperial and Modern. Passport Books; Public Problems. The Management of Urban Distress. Christopher J. Smith; Neighborhood Tokyo. Theodore C. Bestor. Urban Geography: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 103-106.
Introduction: knowledge is survival-the mission of the immune system and its stochastic simulations.

In this introduction the timeliness and interest of dedicating an issue of Autoimmunity to mostly “discrete” models is motivated by highlighting number of circumstances, observations encounters, that all have favored the rise of a family of agent based simulations of the Immune System. Franco Celada was among the first experimentalists to accept the challenge of interdisciplinarity and create a computational Immune System. He thinks that discrete models are especially useful in handling hypotheses: initiating them, representing their consequences, and revealing their plusses and minuses. He is sure that “looking at” the immune machinery as a cognitive system is useful both to the intuitive understanding and the creative development of models.
QTc interval prolongation for patients in methadone maintenance treatment: a five years follow-up study

AbstractBackground: QTc prolongation for patients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been reported. In this study we wanted to identify the predictor factors for QTc prolongation >500 ms and other medical risk factors for mortality in this population. Methods: A retrospective chart review study with 55 patients who had previously been included in our performance improvement project and who were eligible to be reviewed. A linear regression model with one-sided p value was used for data analysis. Results: Over 5 years, 41% to 56% of patients had QTc > 450 and 500 ms. This QTc prolongation from baseline showed statistical significance (p 500 ms. The model as a whole showed statistical significance (F = 3.50, p = 0.02). Being diagnosed with CHF and elevated HgA1c level was s...
Performance of self-encoded spread spectrum with iterative detection for GNSS applications

Self-encoded spread spectrum (SESS) has been shown to provide significant advantages for communications in fading or jamming environments. With the proliferation of GNSS such as GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS, it would be desirable to bring the advantages of SESS to these systems. In order to do this the iterative detector in a receiver must be able to provide a high-quality timing estimate. Presented is an analysis of the timing measurement error for an SESS receiver's iterative detector, as well as a detailed description of a code reordering scheme to enhance such a receiver's measurement accuracy. The combined detectors in such a system are shown to halve the mean squared error of the timing measurement accuracy.
A Model for Ex Ante Real Interest Rates and Derived Inflation Forecasts

Abstract A methodology for estimating expected real interest rates and making inflation forecasts, together with appropriate confidence intervals, is presented. The role of price expectations in determining real interest rates is also analyzed. Structural breaks in the process generating real interest rates are detected in 1980 and 1983 by tracking the accuracy of interest-rate forecasts. Analysis of these structural breaks reveals that the break at the beginning of 1983 returns the process to its pre-1980 formulation. During 1953-1985, price forecasts derived from the interest-rate model are found to be unbiased once the structural breaks in the real rate process are handled through heteroscedastic corrections. Invoking the rational-expectations hypothesis, we construct a general yet parsimonious dynamic model for estimating economic agents' anticipations of the real rate of interest. By using quarterly data for 1953-1985 the model is efficiently estimated by two-step two-stage least squares. Results pro...
The production of bromophenols resulting from the chlorination of waters containing bromide ion and phenol

Abstract The formation of 2,4,6-tribromophenol is shown to result from the chlorination of water containing phenol and bromide ion at pH 7.4. Direct bromination with hypobromous acid is compared with bromination by hypochlorous acid and bromide ion. Under conditions where HOCl is not limiting, a higher yield of bromine substitution products can be expected from bromination by HOCl + Br− than by direct bromination by HOBr.
Does participation mediate the prospective relationships of impairment, injury severity, and pain to quality of life following burn injury?

We examined the prospective impact of injury severity, functional impairment, and pain on participation in the community and subsequently on life satisfaction and self-rated health of 260 burn survivors 5 years post-discharge. Predictor variables include injury severity and total body surface area burned (assessed during acute care), functional independence (assessed at 12 months post-discharge), pain (assessed at the 24th month), and participation (assessed at the 48th month). Participation predicted life satisfaction and self-rated health. Functional independence and injury severity had significant indirect influences on adjustment via their influence on participation. Pain predicted both outcome variables. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Comparison of methods for determining crown‐rump measurement by real‐time ultrasound

Determination of gestational age without an accurate last menstrual period is difficult. In the later stages of pregnancy, the correlation between fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), as determined by ultrasound, and gestational age is compromised by normal biologic variation in fetal growth rates. The fetal crown-rump measurement (CRM) by gray-scale sonography has been described but has not been evaluated using real-time ultrasound. Currently available tables for determining gestational age from the fetal CRM were evaluated using a linear array real-time ultrasound system. A normal obstetric population with known menstrual histories, delivery dates, and Dubowitz scores at delivery was used for evaluation. On the basis of this study, Robinson's data listed as "regression analysis values" are suggested for application to real-time ultrasound. Alternatively, the equation generated from data on the above 86 patients could be used and further evaluated. The fetal CRM appears to be a valid and accurate assessment of gestational age.
Core–Shell–Shell Microsphere Catalysts Containing Au Nanoparticles for Styrene Epoxidation

An efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst consisting of silica microsphere core decorated with Au nanoparticles shell encapsulated with a porous silica shell was successfully synthesized. The resulting core–shell–shell nanocatalyst catalyzed styrene epoxidation in toluene in the presence of a radical initiator and an oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) under inert atmosphere, giving ~100 % reactant conversion and 61 % selectivity towards the corresponding epoxide product at 80 °C. The maximum turnover frequency (TOF) of the catalyst was found to be 10400 h−1 at 80 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. The material also catalyzed trans-stilbene under similar condition, affording 52 % reactant conversion and 55 % selectivity towards trans-stilbene oxide product in 6 h. The catalyst was shown to be recycled and reused multiple times without losing its catalytic activity. Moreover, the Au nanoparticles in the catalyst did not undergo any significant leaching during the catalytic reactions. Porous SiO2–AuNPs–SiO2 core–shell–shell microsphere catalyst for epoxidation reaction was successfully synthesized. The catalyst was synthesized by anchoring Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the surface of silica microspheres, then encapsulating the AuNPs with silica shells and finally etching the outer silica shells into nanoporous silica shells. The catalyst exhibited heterogeneous catalytic activity for epoxidation of styrene and trans-stilbene and was proven to be easily recyclable and reusable in multiple cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Global stability results for impulsive differential equations

Global results concerning stability properties of impulsive differential equations are established, employing piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions which are then applied for proving stability and boundedness properties
Who Speaks For Roma? Political Representation of a Transnational Minority Community

Aidan McGarry, Who Speaks For Roma? Political Representation of a Transnational Minority Community London and New York: Continuum, 2010, 224 pp., £65.00 hb. (ISBN 978-0-8264-2880-6) Aidan McGarry s...
The Prevalence of Antibodies to Hemolytic Streptococci and Yersinia Enterocolitica in Danish School Children and among Hospitalized Patients

Serological investigations in infections caused by hemolytic streptococci and by Yersinia enterocolitica (Y. ent.) can be diagnostically decisive. Here are presented the results of 2 extensive serologic investigations of a population of school children (n = 929) and of hospitalized patients (n = 2121). It is shown that only very high titers of streptococcal antibodies were of diagnostic value in single samples as most other titers had the same distribution and frequency in the healthy population. Titers of antibodies to Y. ent. were elevated 5 times more often in the hospital patients than in the healthy population. Antibodies to Y. ent. were approximately at the same level in all age groups in contrast to the streptococcal antibodies, which decreased with age. In about 4% of the 2121 patients investigated elevated antibody titers to both bacteria were found simultaneously. The differential diagnosis may be difficult in such cases especially if they exhibit symptoms of rheumatic fever.
Outcomes following resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Objectives The aim of this analysis was to examine prognostic features and outcomes in patients undergoing resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).
Unusual presentation of myeloid sarcoma in a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia with a cryptic PML–RARA rearrangement involving multiple sites including the atrium

Myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor mass composed of immature myeloid cells. Myeloid sarcoma may develop de novo, concurrently with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or at relapse. Although myeloid sarcoma can occur at any site, myeloid sarcoma involving the heart is extremely rare. Reported here is the case of a 30-year-old man, initially diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in bone marrow, who presented later with myeloid sarcoma at multiple anatomical sites (left scapula, thoracic vertebra, right atrium, and supraclavicular mass) in multiple relapses. Conventional cytogenetic studies performed on the atrial sample revealed a karyotype with additional material on the short arm of chromosome 7, at 7p22. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies confirmed a cryptic PML-RARA fusion on the short arm of chromosome 7, as well as a second fusion on one copy of chromosome 15. With the fourth and latest relapse, molecular cytogenetic studies performed on interphase nuclei of the myeloid sarcoma specimen (a supraclavicular mass) showed evidence of six related abnormal clones with a PML-RARA fusion, suggesting clonal evolution. This represents a rare case of APL with a cryptic PML-RARA rearrangement presenting as myeloid sarcoma at multiple relapses and involving multiple anatomical sites, including cardiac atrium.
Gas flow in the barred spiral galaxy NGC 5383

Line-of-sight gas velocities calculated from a numerical hydrodynamical model of a barred spiral galaxy are compared with the observations and models made by Peterson, Rubin, Ford, and Thonnard of the gas flow in NGC 5383. The hydrodynamical model provides a somewhat better fit to the observations of NGC 5383 than does their symmetric, warped-disk model. It is argued that the basic model appropriate to understanding the gas motions in barred spiral galaxies is not circular rotation but rather a characteristic elliptical pattern of flow.
Optimized development of sebaceous fingermarks on nonporous substrates with conformal columnar thin films.

A form of physical vapor deposition, called the conformal-evaporated-film-by-rotation (CEFR) method, was optimized for the conformal deposition of columnar thin films (CTFs) on sebaceous fingermarks. Relying on the surface topology of the fingermark, the CTF development technique is different from traditional development techniques. After the optimization of the development conditions, the CTF development technique was found to be superior to traditional development methods on several nonporous substrates: the smooth side of Scotch (R) Multitask, Gorilla (R), and Scotch (R) Duct tapes; clear and black soft plastics; stained and sealed walnut and cherry woods; partial bloody fingermarks on stainless steel; and discharged cartridge casings. It was equally as good as other development techniques on other substrates, but worse on a few. The optimization study is expected to assist in designing a mobile CEFR apparatus capable of on-scene development of fingermarks.
Electronic properties of PdTe2

Abstract The electronic structure of PdTe 2 has been determined using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method. Unlike the electronic structure of other metal dichalcogenides with the same crystal structure, the eigenfunctions of PdTe 2 show strong metal and ligand mixing. The de Haas-van Alphen frequencies have been calculated and are in good agreement with experimental results. The calculated electronic density of states is in qualitative agreement with measurements of the specific heat of this material.
Blood Catalase Polymorphism: Some Immunological Aspects

The immunological properties of the erythrocyte catalase of mice—normal (wild type) strain, one lacking catalase (acatalasemic), and four with only slight catalase activity (hypocatalasemic strains)—have been investigated. Agardiffusion tests and antigen titration of red-cell lysates against rabbit antiserum to catalase from normal mouse blood showed that immunologically identical catalase protein was present in large amounts in the acatalasemic as well as in the hypocatalasemic mutant strains. Despite lack of catalatic activity, the erythrocytes lacking catalase as well as those with only a little catalase contain catalase protein that has been modified at the site of enzyme activity, although the antigenic determinants are identical with those of normal catalase protein. This mutation is purely structural, being characterized by modification of the enzyme active site but not of the antigenic site.