cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SHIFTED HILL'S ESTIMATOR FOR HEAVY TAILS

Hill's estimator is a popular method for estimating the thickness of heavy tails. In this paper we modify Hill's estimator to make it shift-invariant as well as scale-invariant. The resulting shifted Hill's estimator is a more robust method of estimating tail thickness. †Partially supported by NSF-EAR grant 9980484.
Utilization of plasma hydrogenation in stacked SRAM's with poly-Si PMOSFET's and bulk-Si NMOSFET's

Poly-si PMOSFETs were utilized with bulk-Si NMOSFETs in stacked SRAM cells. Results regarding utilization of a plasma hydrogenation step in a stacked SRAM process sequence are reported. It is found that poly-Si PMOSFETs exhibit an increase in ON/OFF current ratio of four orders of magnitude. Bulk-Si NMOSFETs subjected to the same hydrogenation process exhibit no significant decrease in device lifetime or significant degradation in I-V characteristics compared to NMOSFETs which were not subjected to the plasma hydrogenation process. These results indicate that plasma hydrogenation can successfully be utilized to obtain improved performance stacked SRAMs. >
Stability regions for multiloop LQ-regulated systems with state estimators

This note investigates the closed-loop stability of linear, time-invariant systems controlled by linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) type controllers, when the actuators have nonlinearities. The nonlinearities N(\sigma) are assumed to violate the standard LQ robustness condition \sigmaN(\sigma) \geq 0.5\sigma^{2} , either for values of σ away from \sigma = 0 , or in a neighborhood of \sigma = 0 . The cases with an exponentially stable state estimator, and an estimator with ultimately bounded estimation error are considered, and expressions are obtained for the regions of attraction and ultimate boundedness.
The Surface Roughness and Gloss of Composites

The contrast gloss and the average roughness were measured for four commercial composite filling materials. Using a factorial design, each material was subjected to four available finishing methods. A significant difference was found in the contrast gloss among finishing methods, and a significant linear regression is given which relates the inverse of the contrast gloss to the average roughness. Surface gloss is proposed as playing a major role in the esthetic appearance of composite restorations.
Modeling Ca2+ Feedback on a Single Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor and Its Modulation by Ca2+ Buffers☆

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor/channel (IP3R) is a major regulator of intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and liberates Ca2+ ions from the endoplasmic reticulum in response to binding at cytosolic sites for both IP3 and Ca2+. Although the steady-state gating properties of the IP3R have been extensively studied and modeled under conditions of fixed [IP3] and [Ca2+], little is known about how Ca2+ flux through a channel may modulate the gating of that same channel by feedback onto activating and inhibitory Ca2+ binding sites. We thus simulated the dynamics of Ca2+ self-feedback on monomeric and tetrameric IP3R models. A major conclusion is that self-activation depends crucially on stationary cytosolic Ca2+ buffers that slow the collapse of the local [Ca2+] microdomain after closure. This promotes burst-like reopenings by the rebinding of Ca2+ to the activating site; whereas inhibitory actions are substantially independent of stationary buffers but are strongly dependent on the location of the inhibitory Ca2+ binding site on the IP3R in relation to the channel pore.
Active and passive composite metal-dielectric nanophotonic devices

We explore metallo-dielectric composite nanostructures for localization and resonant excitation of optical fields and investigate design, fabrication and testing of nanolasers. Integration with silicon photonics material platform is demonstrated.
Why a 120-credit engineering degree is now possible

It is suggested that, to achieve the imperative of a 120-credit degree with more relevance, two broad changes need to be made to the engineering undergraduate curriculum: exploit a major instructional paradigm shift now possible with the computer and organize the curriculum along three major instructional stems. The paradigm shift is from problem solving to problem definition. The second change leading to fewer courses is a curriculum structured around distinct instructional stems which are readily understood by students and instructional staff. These stems are: (1) design (for synthesis skills), (2) math/science/engineering (for analysis skills), and social/business (for societal relevance). >
Adaptive capacity of commercial real estate firms in New York City to urban flooding

This article examines the adaptive capacities of real estate firms in New York City in light of the increased risks of urban flooding. This exploratory research attempts to shed light on how and why firms of varying risk profiles are strategically adapting to these risks – if at all. Through the lens of a qualitative multi-criteria adaptive capacity framework, the results of six case studies are analyzed to identify what influences are shaping the actions and strategies of firms. The article examines the propositions that: (A) firms with observable strategies have undertaken ex post strategies which are principally driven by the firms’ financial bottom line; (B) firm strategies attribute little to no influence in their decisions to external or delayed costs and/or impacts relating to social and environmental influences; and, (C) firms with the comparatively most robust adaptive capacities will be those who: (i) are most aware of their vulnerabilities; and (ii) are themselves comparatively more vulnerable to the immediate risks associated with urban flooding. While the evidence largely supports the propositions, the results of this research can help shape the development of intelligence and strategic units within firms as they develop a capacity to adapt to ever changing conditions.
Brzezinski, Zbigniew. Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power. New York, Basic Books, 2012. ISBN: 978 0 465 02954 9

As a former National Security Advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski possesses a unique knowledge of America's standing in the world, which is shown in his book, Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of G...
Common Neurologic Syndromes in Medical Practice

The cases presented here are intended to illustrate an approach to the patient with complaints which may be vague, evanescent, or related to emotional factors. A scheme to analyze only five factors, mood, movement, sensation, cognition, and consciousness is presented to simplify the complexity of human behavior in order to arrive at correct diagnoses. The importance of a complete medical evaluation is stressed. Psychosis and other major psychiatric illness have been alluded to, but space does not permit discussion of the very important issues of the genetics, the neurochemistry, and the differential diagnosis of schizophrenia, mood disorders, and the organic brain syndromes. Some of the many manifestations of epilepsy have been presented, and the importance of electroencephalography and computed axial tomography is stressed. The references have been chosen for their general utility to practicing clinicians, especially the works of Pincus, Glaser and Tumulty. Language: en
End-of-Life Issues: Management of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

It has become increasingly acceptable for clinicians to disable cardiac devices placed in a patient if the patient so requests. When deactivation was first proposed, there was significant resistance. However, with the rise of patient autonomy, the recognition that quality of life is a patient judgment and the increased burdens of multiple chronic illnesses patients face as they live longer, device deactivation is a reasonable approach in end-of-life care. The three intracardiac devices (pacemaker, automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator and ventricular assist device) have different benefits, burdens and deactivation trajectories. This chapter will review the commonalities and differences and suggest some talking points when there is a request for deactivation.
Paroxetine for the Prevention of Depression Induced by High-Dose Interferon Alfa

Background Depression commonly complicates treatment with the cytokine interferon alfa-2b. Laboratory animals pretreated with antidepressants have less severe depression-like symptoms after the administration of a cytokine. We sought to determine whether a similar strategy would be effective in humans. Methods In a double-blind study of 40 patients with malignant melanoma who were eligible for high-dose interferon alfa therapy, we randomly assigned 20 patients to receive the antidepressant paroxetine and 20 to receive placebo. The treatment was begun 2 weeks before the initiation of interferon alfa and continued for the first 12 weeks of interferon alfa therapy. Results During the first 12 weeks of interferon alfa therapy, symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of major depression developed in 2 of 18 patients in the paroxetine group (11 percent) and 9 of 20 patients in the placebo group (45 percent) (relative risk, 0.24; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.08 to 0.93). Severe depression necessitated the disc...
Phase I clinical trial of vaginal mucosal immunization for recurrent urinary tract infection.

AbstractIn a phase I clinical trial to test safety and patient acceptance 25 women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections but no identifiable anatomic abnormality received a multivalent vaccine instilled into the vagina. The vaccine contained 6 heat-killed Escherichia coli strains and 4 nonE. coli uropathogens. Only minimal adverse reactions were observed in the 5-month period following immunization. Total vaginal and urinary IgG and IgA increased significantly (p <0.01 by repeated measures analysis of variance). Serum antibodies to some of the nonE. coli strains but not to the E. coli strains increased after vaginal immunization. While efficacy is yet to be shown, this study indicates that this vaginally applied urinary tract infection vaccine is well tolerated, and capable of increasing vaginal and urinary antibody.
Late onset renal allograft anastomotic pseudoaneurysm with absent Doppler signal.

AbstractA large extrarenal psuedoaneurysm, originating from the arterial anastomosis of a renal allograft, occurred spontaneously 7 years after transplantation in a 29-year-old diabetic patient. Although the scintigraphic examination was diagnostic of a pseudoaneurysm, pulsed Doppler and color coded Doppler ultrasound failed to demonstrate a Doppler signal, suggesting erroneously a nonvascular fluid collection. The role of scintigraphy combined with duplex ultrasound in this rare but potentially fatal complication of renal transplantation is discussed. Accepted for publication January 24,1992.
Plasmin can activate plasma prorenin but is not required for the alkaline phase of acid activation.

1. Plasma prorenin is an inactive form of renin that is converted into active renin at alkaline pH in previously acidified plasma; this conversion of prorenin into renin is mediated by Hageman factor-dependent activation of prekallikrein, which, in turn, leads to prorenin activation. 2. Since plasma kallikrein can activate plasminogen, the present studies were designed to evaluate whether alkaline-phase activation of prorenin by plasma kallikrein is mediated via plasminogen activation. 3. We demonstrated that plasminogen is present in acid-treated plasma in sufficient quantity to convert prorenin into renin after activation by streptokinase. 4. However, alkaline-phase activation was completely normal in plasminogen-free plasma. 5. Therefore alkaline-phase activation of plasma prorenin is mediated by plasma kallikrein but is not dependent on kallikrein activation of plasminogen.
Multidisciplinary Management of Blunt Renal Artery Injury with Endovascular Therapy in the Setting of Polytrauma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background Injury to the renal artery is a rare but serious concern in patients suffering blunt trauma. Complications of renovascular injury include prolonged hospitalization, kidney loss, and death. There remains considerable controversy regarding the optimal treatment of blunt renal artery injury. Methods We describe the management of a 39-year-old woman following blunt polytrauma who underwent a multidisciplinary collaborative procedure with open splenectomy and endovascular repair of an occluded renal artery. A literature review of the past 25 years follows including all publications describing endovascular treatment for blunt renal artery injury. Results The literature search identified 27 patients with blunt renal artery injury treated by endovascular means. All patients were treated with angioplasty and stenting; none were treated with angioplasty alone. One patient (4%) required nephrectomy for hypertension and 89% of patients were reported to be in good condition at their last contact with the healthcare system. Conclusions The optimal treatment of blunt injury to the renal artery is unknown, but endovascular therapy is a feasible and reasonable choice. Further study is warranted to delineate the appropriate role for endovascular treatment as a component of a multidisciplinary approach to the care of trauma patients with blunt renal artery injury.
The Type III Secretion System Cleans up Its Act(in).

Inflammasome-associated innate immune receptors sense host-cell targeting by the type III secretion system (T3SS) of pathogenic Yersinia. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Chung et al. (2016) show that the Yersinia T3SS effector protein YopM counteracts this recognition pathway by restricting the pyrin inflammasome, thus increasing bacterial fitness.
Regulatory ratios, CDS spreads, and credit ratings in a favorable economic environment

Over the past 150 years, the United States has endured periodic recessions and panics every several decades that have precipitated numerous bank failures. The government invariably conducts hearings, enacts new restrictive laws, and often creates an original regulatory agency structured to implement law and minimize recent problems from reoccurring. The public policy response rarely lasts more than two decades prior to the cycle repeating. The most recent crisis between 2007 and 2009 led to the passage of the Dodd–Frank Act, the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Basel III; the largest banks are now subject to more severe rules applicable to capital, liquidity, and risk management. Large banks have had almost a decade to repair financial statements and comply with restrictive regulation. Consequently, credit rating agencies regard systemically important U.S. banks to possess high-grade and upper-medium-grade credit quality. The financial market assigns these banks relatively low spreads in the credit default swap (CDS) market. Regulatory ratios important to distinguishing credit quality in an economic recession or financial panic change in a period of economic growth. Still, the credit ratings and the market remain concerned with any bank ratios reflective of suspect asset quality and resultant loan losses. And, despite efforts to minimize the existence and consequence of “too big to fail,” larger banks retain better credit ratings and lower CDS spreads than smaller institutions.
Parity-time symmetric optical cavities (Conference Presentation)

Optical cavities are imperative in micro/nanophotonics for their ability to provide resonance feedback and radiation enhancement. In recent years, the interplay between gain and loss using parity-time (PT) symmetry has opened up a new degree of freedom for cavity mode and emission control. I will first discuss a PT micro-ring cavity with the unique features of thresholdless PT symmetry breaking and single-mode lasing. Next, I will reveal a novel PT optical cavity which can support lasing and coherent perfect absorption modes within a single device and enable strong modulation from coherent amplification to coherent absorption.
On the Performance of Reconfigurable Distributed MIMO in Mobile Networks

We propose a new distributed Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) architecture for mobile networks, which we refer to as reconfigurable distributed MIMO (RD-MIMO), where the communicating mobile nodes temporarily recruit adjacent nodes to operate as distributed antenna arrays. To best serve the communicating nodes, the node clusters are continuously reconfigured due to the node mobility and varying channel conditions. The frequency of reconfiguration depends on the required system performance, exhibiting a tradeoff between performance and complexity. We propose a practical node selection scheme, which activates only a small subset of transmitters. We evaluate the asymptotic performance of the scheme as a function of the number of recruited nodes, demonstrating that there is an optimal number of such nodes. Compared with the system that blindly activates all available transmitting nodes, our results show that the proposed RD-MIMO architecture with node selection achieves superior performance, especially as evident at low SNR. Furthermore, assuming the Brownian motion model, an analytical expression for the reconfiguration time to select a new cluster of transmitting nodes is obtained. Numerical results show that the obtained expression serves as a good estimation for the order of magnitude of the cluster reconfiguration time for other mobility patterns, such as the random walk model.
Predictors of influenza vaccination in the U.S. among children 9–13 years of age

Abstract Background and objectives U.S. estimates of seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine uptake in 2014–2015 were 62% for 5–12 year olds, dropping to 47% for 13–17 year olds. The Healthy People 2020 goal for these age groups is 80%. It is important to understand factors associated with influenza vaccination, especially for those ages where rates begin to decline. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with influenza vaccination acceptance in 9–13 year old children. Methods An online U.S. survey of mothers of children aged 9–13 assessed children's influenza vaccine uptake in the previous season, healthcare utilization, sociodemographics, and vaccine attitudes. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of influenza vaccine status. Results There were 2363 respondents (Mean age = 38 years old). Referent children were 57% female and 66% non-minority race/ethnicity with a mean age of 10.6 years. By maternal report, 59% of children had received an influenza vaccine in the previous season. Predictors of influenza vaccine uptake included a recommendation or strong recommendation from a health care provider, seeing a health care provider in the past year, positive attitudes regarding the influenza vaccine, and being a minority race. Child gender, age, insurance coverage, and whether the child had a regular healthcare provider were not associated with influenza vaccine uptake (p = n.s.). Conclusions This sample reported overall rates of influenza vaccine uptake similar to national surveillance data, but still lower than national goals. Provider recommendations along with health attitudes and seeing a health care provider were associated with vaccine uptake. Promising interventions may include more directive physician messaging for influenza vaccine uptake in youth, encouraging more regular well-child visits during the adolescent years, and promoting influenza vaccination at alternative sites.
In Vitro Modeling of Complex Neurological Diseases

A major reason for the lack of effective therapeutics and a deep biological understanding of complex diseases, which are thought to result from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors, is the paucity of relevant experimental models. This review describes a novel experimental approach that allows the study of the functional effects of disease-associated risk in complex disease by combining genome wide association studies (GWAS) and genome–scale epigenetic data to prioritize disease-associated risk variants with efficient gene editing technologies in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). As a proof of principle, we recently used such a genetically precisely controlled experimental system to identify a common Parkinson’s disease-associated risk variant in a non-coding distal enhancer element that alters the binding of transcription factors and regulates the expression of α-synuclein (SNCA), a key gene implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.
Contemporary Evaluation of Breast Cancer Screening

Mammography screening has been shown in randomized trials to reduce breast cancer mortality by at least 20%, though it has risks as well due to radiation exposure and overtreatment of benign conditions. However, mammography technology and breast cancer treatment have improved since these trials were conducted and it is unlikely that large scale trials will ever be conducted again. Therefore, prospective observational data need to be used to continuously assess improvements in the screening process. We consider the successive steps for a woman undergoing screening and attempt to measure and improve each step in that process to maximize benefits while monitoring harms of screening. A large population-based study entitled PROSPR is assessing longitudinal performance of screening mammography and showing areas where improvements in follow-up of positive mammograms need to be made. In this assessment we consider sources of bias in evaluation of observational data when assessing efficacy of screening. We also propose a chained statistical model to look at steps in the overall process from screening participation to mortality.
Themes and Methodologies in Pauline Missiology for a Contemporary World

The aim of this article not simply to relate to Paul’s mission theology and missionary methods as ‘theory and practice’ in the sense that his missionary methods flow from his theology, but rather in the sense that his theology is a missionary theology in nature. [1] Understood in this mutual ways, I will begin where Paul himself begin—with the Damascus event of his conversion and call. I will next study the contents of his missionary theology and the forms of his missionary works among the Gentiles. [1] Arland J. Hulgren, Paul’s Gospel and Mission (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress, 1983), 145.
Field Cancerization Therapies for Management of Actinic Keratosis: A Narrative Review.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are atypical, precancerous proliferations of keratinocytes that develop because of chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Treatment of AK can be lesion-directed or field-directed. Field cancerization theory postulates that the skin surrounding AK is also at increased risk for possible malignant transformation since it has been exposed to the same chronic UV light. Field-directed therapies thus have the potential to address subclinical damage, reduce AK recurrence rates, and potentially reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development. Published clinical studies have found lesion clearance rates ranging from 81 to 91% for photodynamic therapy (PDT) with either aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methylaminolevulinate (MAL). Clinical studies have also been published on various topical treatments. Complete clinical clearance (CCC) was significantly higher in patients treated with a combination of 5-fluorouracil and salicylic acid (5-FU–SA) than in the vehicle group across multiple studies, and CCC ranged between 46 and 48% following treatment with imiquimod. Additionally, treatment with diclofenac sodium (DFS) found reduction in lesion sizes to range from 67 to 75%. Reported results have been similar for another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), piroxicam, which has more cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 activity than DFS. Active treatments with ingenol mebutate were also significantly more effective than vehicle at clearing AK lesions. All treatments resulted in mild, localized skin reactions. PDT using conventional light sources was associated with increased severity of pain and/or discomfort, while PDT using daylight as the light source was associated with less pain and occasionally no pain at all. Though no widely accepted algorithm for the treatment of AKs exists, field-directed therapy can be particularly useful for treating photo-exposed areas containing multiple AKs. Additional research with more direct comparisons between these field-directed therapies will help clinicians determine the best therapeutic approach. Here, we provide a balanced and comprehensive narrative review of the literature, considering both light-based and topical therapies with a focus on their field-therapy aspects, and propose a therapeutic algorithm for selecting an appropriate treatment in the clinical setting.
The Korean War and the Challenge of Civilian Refugees

When North Korean forces invaded South Korea in 1950, the United States quickly deployed forces to aid its ally. These forces immediately faced aggressive North Korean soldiers and fearful civilian refugees. While some U.S. forces balanced these challenges and offered protection for civilians, others targeted and killed civilians; one of the worst incidents was at No Gun Ri. Why did units facing similarly daunting situations react so differently? Many observers blamed the savagery of the North Koreans, the poor readiness of U.S. troops, and weak morale. However, none of these factors could explain why some units protected Korean civilians while others targeted them. After examining training records, efforts to enforce international law, and the subcultures of units deployed, the author finds that units that targeted civilians were not well socialized and lacked unit leaders that could ensure their compliance with the laws of war.
Impact of an Inclined Work Surface on the Measured Slump of Concrete

ASTM C143/C143M-15a, Standard Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete, states that the slump test is to be conducted on a level work surface. However, the standard does not provide a method for determining if a work surface is level, a tolerance for levelness, or guidance on what to do in the event that a work surface is not level. More importantly, field technicians need to know at what angle(s) and slump(s), if any, an inclined work surface will significantly influence the measured slump. A study at Valparaiso University included 114 simultaneous measures of slump on a horizontal and separate inclined work surface. This study indicates that inclination angles greater than 6° will influence the outcome of a slump test for slumps of 5 to 7 in. (127 to 179 mm). There is no evidence of concrete “leaning over” for lower inclinations or slumps. At high angles and high slumps, the fluidity of the concrete negates any influence of the inclination. Consequently, it is recommended that ASTM Committee C09.60 on Fresh Concrete Testing add language to C143 requiring the slump test to be conducted on a work surface with an inclination less than 6°, which equates to a 1:9.5 gradient and 10.5 % slope, regardless of the slump of the concrete.
Using Video Analysis to Explain How Virtual Manipulative App Alignment Affects Children’s Mathematics Learning

In this inquiry, researchers sought to understand changes in young children’s learning by examining their performance and efficiency while they engaged with a variety of touch-screen virtual manipulative mathematics apps. We were particularly interested in understanding how the alignment of the apps selected for two different learning sequences might contribute to these changes. A total of 100 children, ages 3–8, participated in interviews. Researchers examined the interviews using a frame-by-frame video analysis to interpret children’s interactions with six different mathematics apps on iPads in a clinical interview setting. Results revealed improvements in children’s mathematics performance and efficiency between the pre and post assessment apps. Apps that were content aligned and structurally aligned, within each of the learning sequences, helped to explain the changes in children’s learning.
Antimicrobial Resistance: An International Public Health Problem

In recent years, the problem of antimicrobial resistance has been recognized and addressed by international, regional, and national public health agencies, authorities, and professional societies [1–4]. Antibiotics have saved millions of lives and have enabled many other medical advances since their discovery and introduction into clinical practice. The worsening problem of antimicrobial resistance now jeopardizes many of these advances. However, action plans to minimize this threat have been developed by many public health agencies around the globe [5–8]. This focus is likely to increase among public health agencies in the coming years. Several facets of the problem involve the relationship between human and animal use of antimicrobial agents [3, 9]. This chapter summarizes the components of the cost of resistance from a public health perspective and contrasts this perspective to other societal perspectives. It then reviews strategies at several different levels of responsibility, ranging from the patient care provider to international agencies. Finally, it considers appropriate public health responses according to the resources available for control. In an era of globalization, antimicrobial resistance represents an international concern that demands a concerted effort from multiple health and industry sectors. Public health must be at the forefront of these efforts. Antimicrobial resistance is widely recognized as a complex international problem. Antibiotics have saved millions of lives and have enabled many other medical advances since their discovery and introduction into clinical practice. The worsening problem of antimicrobial resistance now jeopardizes many of these advances [1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10–13]. The number of pathogens resistant to multiple classes of antimicrobials has increased worldwide [14]. There have been reports of infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species which are resistant to all available antibiotics [15]. Other pathogens, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that were previously relatively easy to treat, are now becoming much more difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance [16]. There is also evidence that resistant organisms that were previously confined to the acute care hospital setting are now sources of community-acquired infections [17]. Resistance is not only an issue for bacterial pathogens like staphylococci, enterococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Neisseria, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis but also the problem of resistance that is increasingly being recognized in nonbacterial pathogens like Candida, HIV, malaria, and influenza [14].
In Vitro Radioisotopic Methods for Clinical Evaluation of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Metabolism

Many important physiologic processes are mediated by substances present in concentrations too low to be measured with instrumentation dependent on colorimetric or fluorometric reaction systems. Consequently, the assay procedures for many hormones, enzymes, metabolic substrates and vitamins was dependent for many years on biological activity where sensitivity, if not precision, was greater. However, with the availability of radioactive isotopes which could be incorporated into these substances, a significant advance had been made because they could now be monitored at lower and more physiologic concentrations. Coupled with the availability of radioactive labels was the development of the competitive radioimmunoassay for insulin by Yalow and Berson (1) which probably was the singular most important advance in the field of biomedical measurement. This technique, first exploited for the measurement of insulin, has now been extended for the measurement of other hormones, both peptide and non-peptide, other types of proteins, vitamins and drugs, using, in addition to specific antibodies, other macromolecular binding ligands or receptor sites obtained from tissues or biological fluids.
Exploring the Relationship Between EUC Problems and Success

As the importance of End User Computing EUC to organizations increases, so does the need for understanding its problems and payoffs. This field study investigates the relationship between EUC problems and its success from an organizational viewpoint. The field test used 252 internal auditing directors from companies with a wide range of gross revenues and IS budgets, and a wide variety of industry types. The four dimensions underlying EUC problems previously proposed were confirmed: end user management and control, IS-user relationship, support and integration, and IS management control and planning. As hypothesized, EUC problems were found to be inversely related to EUC success. Among the EUC problems, IS-user relationship is found to be the most important determinant of EUC success. Implications of the findings for practicing information system managers and directions for future research are discussed.
Self and selfishness in online social play.

In this essay, I argue that human play is fundamentally selfish. Characteristics of individual and selfish play are observed and described within pve and pvp contexts of the MMORPG City of Heroes/Villains (Cryptic Studios). Analysis of player behaviors demonstrates the degree to which groups within MMORPGs attempt to restrict and transform individual and selfish play. In general, social play within MMORPGs tends to reduce the diversity of individual play; this undermines the ability of oppositional play to explore and value game components and processes. Conclusions recommend conceptualizing online social play as a form of social control. Author Keywords Solo play, individual play, grief play, social play, play theory, MMORPG
Noninvasive atherosclerosis assessment for controlled clinical trials.

Arterial measurement procedures which have proven useful in controlled clinical trials or show promise for early use in controlled trials will be discussed. Excluded from this discussion are many arterial evaluation procedures used primarily in clinical practice to explore symptoms and select patients for surgery. Procedures now used in clinical trials all provide an image of the vessel or its lumen. The current gold standard for in vivo morphometry is selective arterial angiography which is invasive, but is discussed as a basis for comparisonm with other methods. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, although not developed to a point where it appears useful in clinical trials, is mentioned because it offers the exciting possibility of both structural imaging and arterial wall metabolic function imaging.
Ambient Interaction Models for γ-Ray Burst Afterglows

We review ambient interaction models for γ-ray burst afterglows, with an eye on constraining the nature of the progenitors and the geometry of the explosion. Evidence is presented for two types of progenitors. The radio afterglow of GRB980425/SN1998bw and the multi-frequency observations of GRB970508 can be fitted by a blastwave expanding into a wind-type medium, pointing to a massive star progenitor. The broadband afterglow data of GRB990123 and GRB990510 are better modeled by a jet expanding into a constant density medium, implying a compact star merger origin. Among other well observed γ-ray bursts, the jet model appears to be more widely applicable than the wind model, although some cases are ambiguous. The model fits often require a deviation of the energy distribution of the radiating electrons from the commonly assumed single power-law form, particularly for sources with a rapid decline and/or a pronounced steepening in the optical light curves. Transition to non-relativistic evolution has been suggested as an alternative explanation for the light curve steepening, although to produce steepening on the order of days or less would require very high ambient densities which are generally difficult to reconcile with radio observations. Major open issues include the hydrodynamics of jet-ambient medium interaction, a self-consistent determination of the electron energy distribution, and the effects of pair production on the early afterglows which are expected to be particularly large for the wind interaction model.
A novel and individualized robust optimization method using normalized dose interval volume constraints (NDIVC) for intensity-modulated proton radiotherapy

PURPOSE Intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is known to be sensitive to patient setup and range uncertainty issues. Multiple robust optimization methods have been developed to mitigate the impact of these uncertainties. Here, we propose a new robust optimization method, which provides an alternative way of robust optimization in IMPT, and is clinically practical, which will enable users to control the balance between nominal plan quality and plan robustness in a user-defined fashion. METHOD We calculated nine individual dose distributions which corresponded to one nominal and eight extreme scenarios caused by patient setup and proton beam's range uncertainties. For each voxel, the normalized dose interval (NDI) is defined as the full dose range variation divided by the maximum dose in all uncertainty scenarios (NDI = [max - min dose]/max dose), which was then used to calculate the normalized dose interval volume histogram (NDIVH) curves. The areas under the NDIVH curves were used to quantify plan robustness. A normalized dose interval volume constraint (NDIVC) applied to the target was incorporated to specify the desired robustness which was user-defined. Users could then explore the trade-off between nominal plan quality and plan robustness by adjusting the position of the NDIVCs on the NDIVH curves freely. We benchmarked our method using one lung, five head and neck (HN even more conformal and more homogeneous target dose distributions in some cases, if proper NDIVCs were applied. The AUC under NDIVH, as a precise quantitative index of plan robustness, was consistent with DVH bandwidths. Additionally, we demonstrated the feasibility of adjusting the position of NDIVCs in the NDIVH curves which allowed users to explore the trade-off between nominal plan quality and plan robustness. CONCLUSIONS The NDIVH-based robust optimization method provided a novel and individualized way of robust optimization in IMPT, and enables users to adjust the balance between nominal plan quality and plan robustness in a user-defined fashion. This method is applicable for continued improvement and developing the next generation of IMPT planning algorithms in the future.
Healing Pattern: A Natural Kind in Nursing?

This article focuses on the philosophical notion of natural kind to explore healing pattern as a relevant and natural process in nursing science and practice. A goal in doing this is to facilitate ...
Mobilizing environmental sentiment through the media

Recent research into the best ways to mobilize people to act on climate change suggests that careful, and relatively positive, emotional framing is critical. However, environmental non-governmental...
Dynamic Kinking of Left Internal Mammary Artery Graft.

Abstract A 61-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease and coronary artery bypass graft presented with chest pain. A left heart catheterization showed a new kink in the body of his left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery graft. The kink improved with inspiration, which suggests re-assessment of similar cases should be done during deep inspiration. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)
Plant Regulation of Root Colonization by Rhizobium Meliloti

Rhizobial colonization of roots is affected by diverse processes, including survival in soil, chemotaxis and attachment (2, 9, 13), antibiotic production (12), and growth (10). Our group is studying the possibility that bacterial processes which are regulated by the host plant may be especially important for root colonization. That concept was supported by data showing that mutations in a stachydrine-inducible gene involved in stachydrine uptake or in the flavonoid/betaine-inducible nodC gene in Rhizobium meliloti 1021 (Rm1021) impaired competitive colonization by 65% and 94%, respectively (6). Those contributions to competitiveness are substantial, but we now believe that stimulatory effects on growth produced by plant-derived biotin may contribute even more significantly to root colonization. This report explores how rhizobial colonists may use biotin and CO2 released from roots.
Biological behaviour and ezrin expression in canine rhabdomyosarcomas: 25 cases (1990-2012).

There are few published reports of canine rhabdomyosarcomas. In human paediatrics, rhabdomyosarcomas account for 5%-10% of all tumours and >50% of soft tissue sarcomas. They have an aggressive biologic behaviour; most patients develop diffuse metastatic disease. Ezrin, a cytoskeleton linker protein, has been correlated with metastasis in a number of tumours, including rhabdomyosarcomas. The goal of this study was to describe dogs with non-urinary rhabdomyosarcomas including clinical findings, ezrin expression and outcome. Twenty-five dogs with rhabdomyosarcomas were identified from two institutions' databases. Signalment, primary tumour location, cytologic and histologic findings, metastatic sites, treatments, survival time and necropsy results were recorded. Immunohistochemical staining for ezrin expression was performed on archived samples; cellular localization of ezrin was characterized. The mean and median age of all patients was 4.3 and 2 years, respectively. Subcutaneous and retrobulbar/orbital were the most common primary tumour locations. Sixteen dogs had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Three dogs presented with diffuse disease where a primary tumour could not be identified. A round cell tumour was the initial diagnosis in 32% of cases, and 76% of cases required immunohistochemistry to establish the diagnosis. The median survival was 10 days. Twenty-one cases had archived samples available for ezrin staining; all but one was positive and exhibited both membranous and cytoplasmic localization. Rhabdomyosarcomas occur in young dogs, may have a round cell appearance, and exhibit aggressive biologic behaviour. Given ezrin's defined role in metastasis, its observed expression in the tumours in this study suggest its possible role in canine rhabdomyosarcoma's aggressive biologic behaviour.
Neighborhood Opportunity and Satisfaction Among Housing Choice Voucher Recipients: A Subjective Well-Being Perspective

This study analyzes how different neighborhood opportunity characteristics are associated with Housing Choice Voucher recipients’ subjective well-being, as measured by neighborhood satisfaction. We...
Unexpected Internal Mammary Artery Perforation During Transradial Access for a Neuroendovascular Procedure

Abstract During cerebral angiography via transradial access, the guidewire inadvertently entered the right internal mammary artery. This was not recognized because of its downward trajectory, and i...
Ultra-broadband high solar absorption in checkerboard-shaped titanium nitride plasmonic metastructures

Abstract Titanium nitride (TiN) has been proved as an efficient, refractory plasmonic material in solar energy harvesting applications. In this paper, we demonstrate the design of a simple metastructure, including a checkerboard-shaped TiN grating layer embedded in a SiO2 dielectric layer and a TiN film as a reflective layer, to realize highly efficient light absorption for solar energy harvesting. After systematically optimizing the geometric parameters of the metastructure by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, we achieve high absorption rates with an average value up to 97% across an ultra-broad spectral range from 0.4 to 2.0 μm, significantly extending the light absorption ranges reported in prior work. Detailed analyses of the electric field elucidate that the unique checkerboard-shaped pattern results in plasmon hybridization between the adjacent TiN nano-ribbons at different resonant wavelengths. Combined with the high absorption due to the dielectric-like nature of TiN and Fabry-Perot resonances, the proposed metadevice achieves excellent light absorption performance within the solar spectrum, exhibiting great potential for various solar energy harvesting applications.
Factors Associated With Increased Emergency Department Utilization in Patients With Acute Optic Neuritis.

Background Symptoms of acute vision loss and eye pain may lead patients with optic neuritis to seek care in the emergency department (ED). Given the availability of lower cost alternatives for providing medical care for optic neuritis, this study aimed to identify factors associated with higher ED utilization. Methods Subjects with acute optic neuritis were identified through a chart review of adults with International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) or ICD-10 codes for optic neuritis with corresponding gadolinium contrast enhancement of the optic nerve on MRI in the medical record research repository of a tertiary care institution. Subjects were grouped based on the number of ED visits (0-1 and 2-3) within 2 months of either ICD code or MRI. Demographics, characteristics of disease presentation, type and location of medical care, testing (chest imaging, lumbar puncture, optical coherence tomography, spine MRI, visual field, and laboratory tests), treatment, provider specialty of follow-up visits, and duration of care were extracted from the medical record. Results Of 30 acute optic neuritis subjects (age 41 ± 16 years, range 18-76, 53% [16/30] female), 19 had 0-1 ED visit and 11 had 2-3 ED visits. Most subjects were Caucasian, non-Hispanic (47%), followed by Asian (23%), Hispanic/Latino (17%), Black (10%), and others (3%). Subjects had an initial clinical encounter primarily in the outpatient setting (63%) as compared with the ED (37%). The median time from symptom onset to initial clinical encounter was 4 days with a range of 0-13. Subjects were mostly insured through a private insurance (60%), followed by Medicare/Medicaid (23%) and uninsured (17%). Fewer ED visits were associated with an initial clinical encounter in an outpatient setting (P = 0.02, chi-square), but not residential distance from the hospital or insurance type. Subjects with a higher number of ED visits were more likely to be of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (P = 0.047, Fisher exact). There was no significant difference in the ophthalmic, radiologic, or laboratory testing performed in both groups. Both groups presented in a similar time frame with similar symptoms and clinical signs. Treatment was similar in both groups. Conclusions Subjects with their first clinical encounter for optic neuritis in the ED had more visits to the ED overall when compared with those first seen in an outpatient setting and thus strategies aimed at facilitating outpatient care may help reduce unnecessary ED visits, although some, such as insurance status, may be difficult to modify. Further study in a larger sample is needed to refine these observations.
Epitaxial oxide thin films for oxygen electrocatalysis: A tutorial review

Epitaxial thin films can offer unprecedented definition of an electrocatalyst surface, defining the crystallographic orientation, interaction with a current collector, and providing an atomically flat surface for quantitative spectroscopy yielding mechanistic insights. This review introduces experts in thin films to the important parameters of electrochemical setups, techniques, and methods for quantifying electrocatalytic activity and comparing it across the literature. Examples are drawn from the literature measuring oxygen electrocatalysis on epitaxial oxide thin films. We share best practices in the robust measurement of intrinsic activity of thin films, including methods of electrical contact and assessment of charge transport in situ. We conclude by highlighting recent insights from epitaxial films in understanding oxygen electrocatalysis.