cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydration shell structure and dynamics of curium(III) in aqueous solution: first principles and empirical studies.

Results of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM), and classical molecular dynamics (CMD) simulations of Cm3+ in liquid water at a temperature of 300 K are reported. The AIMD simulation was based on the Car−Parrinello MD scheme and GGA-PBE formulation of density functional theory. Two QM/MM simulations were performed by treating Cm3+ and the water molecules in the first shell quantum mechanically using the PBE (QM/MM-PBE) and the hybrid PBE0 density functionals (QM/MM-PBE0). Two CMD simulations were carried out using ab initio derived pair plus three-body potentials (CMD-3B) and empirical Lennard-Jones pair potential (CMD-LJ). The AIMD and QM/MM-PBE simulations predict average first shell hydration numbers of 8, both of which disagree with recent experimental EXAFS and TRLFS value of 9. On the other hand, the average first shell hydration numbers obtained in the QM/MM-PBE0 and CMD simulations was 9, which agrees with experiment. All the simulations predicted an ...
A statistical analysis of student performance in online computer science courses

During the past few years the number of courses offered online has greatly increased as technology has made delivery of such courses feasible. This paper discusses the experiences of the authors in teaching online courses for upper-division computer science students and reports results of a study comparing success of students in online courses to students in traditional courses.
CrowdGrader: a tool for crowdsourcing the evaluation of homework assignments

CrowdGrader is a system that lets students submit and collaboratively review and grade homework. We describe the techniques and ideas used in CrowdGrader, and report on the experience of using CrowdGrader in disciplines ranging from Computer Science to Economics, Writing, and Technology. In CrowdGrader, students receive an overall crowd-grade that reflects both the quality of their homework, and the quality of their work as reviewers. This creates an incentive for students to provide accurate grades and helpful reviews of other students' work. Instructors can use the crowd-grades as final grades, or fine-tune the grades according to their wishes. Our results on seven classes show that students actively participate in the grading and write reviews that are generally helpful to the submissions' authors. The results also show that grades computed by CrowdGrader are sufficiently precise to be used as the homework component of class grades. Students report that the main benefits in using CrowdGrader are the quality of the reviews they receive, and the ability to learn from reviewing their peers' work. Instructors can leverage peer learning in their classes, and easily handle homework evaluation in large classes.
Generating composite filters for coupled SLMs

A major concern in high speed, aided target recognition is getting enough information through the system, in the shortest possible time, to cover the desired targets while maintaining good target detection performance. With composite filter techniques, one can design a filter to respond over a range of scale and orientation for one target, and therefore, reduce the time required for a complete filter search. A variety of compositing techniques have been discussed on many occasions, and all have advantages and disadvantages. With available spatial light modulator technology, one must implement composite filters on devices with limited modulation states. Juday and others have proposed techniques for mapping desired filter functions onto these devices. This paper will present a filter generation methodology which combines Juday's mapping method with the MACE algorithm for generating composite filters.
Effects of genistein on cell proliferation and cell cycle arrest in nonneoplastic human mammary epithelial cells : involvement of Cdc2, p21waf/cip1, p27kip1, and Cdc25C expression

Abstract Genistein, a soy isoflavone, has been reported to inhibit the multiplication of numerous neoplastic cells, including those in the breast. However, there is limited information on the effect of genistein on nonneoplastic human breast cells. In the present studies, genistein inhibited proliferation of, and DNA synthesis in, the nonneoplastic human mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10F with an ic 50 of ∼19–22 μM, and caused a reversible G2/M block in cell cycle progression. Genistein treatment (45 μM) increased the phosphorylation of Cdc2 by 3-fold, decreased the activity of Cdc2 by 70% after 8 hr, and by 24 hr reduced the expression of Cdc2 by 70%. In addition, genistein enhanced the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21waf/cip1 by 10- to 15-fold, increased p21waf/cip1 association with Cdc2 by 2-fold, and increased the expression of the tumor suppressor p53 by 2.8-fold. Genistein did not alter the expression of p27kip1 significantly. Furthermore, genistein inhibited the expression of the cell cycle-associated phosphatase Cdc25C by 80%. From these results, we conclude that genistein inhibits the growth of nonneoplastic MCF-10F human breast cells by preventing the G2/M phase transition, induces the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21waf/cip1 as well as its interaction with Cdc2, and inhibits the activity of Cdc2 in a phosphorylation-related manner. Down-regulation of the cell cycle-associated phosphatase Cdc25C combined with up-regulation of p21waf/cip1 expression appear to be important mechanisms by which genistein decreases Cdc2 kinase activity and causes G2 cell cycle arrest.
Procedural skills and art production among individuals with Alzheimer's-type dementia

Previous research indicates that individuals with Alzheimcr's-type dementia can learn procedural tasks. Some authors have been interested in the promise of art activities for individuals with probable Alzheimer's Disease because they provide enjoyable, supportive environments for those with mild to moderate dementia. In the current project, several tasks were studied over three months. The tasks were tested in a group setting at a long-term care facility. Five individuals without dementia and five individuals with probable Alzheimer's Disease participated on a regular basis. The most successful art activities utilized stickers. All participants seemed able to acquire basic skills associated with making pictures with stickers. In fact, individuals with probable Alzheimer's Disease retained the sticker placing' skill after a three-month retention interval and transferred it to a slightly different task, as well. In addition, the current study has extended findings beyond mild dementia to include individuals with moderate to severe dementia.
Message-passing sequential detection of multiple change points in networks

We propose a probabilistic formulation that enables sequential detection of multiple change points in a network setting. We present a class of sequential detection rules for functionals of change points, and prove their asymptotic optimality properties in terms of expected detection delay time. Drawing from graphical model formalism, the sequential detection rules can be implemented by a computationally efficient message-passing protocol which may scale up linearly in network size and in waiting time. The effectiveness of our exact and approximate inference algorithms are demonstrated by simulations.
THE UNREPENTANT HORSE-SLASHER: MORAL INSANITY AND THE ORIGINS OF CRIMINOLOGICAL THOUGHT*

This paper raises questions about the origins, definition and nature of criminological knowledge by seeking to identify the earliest examples of scientific criminological thought. Pushing the story further back in time than previous studies of criminological history, it proposes a way to think about criminology before criminologists—that is, efforts to study crime scientifically before the emergence of specifically criminological discourses and before the formation of the professional specialization of criminologist. The roots of scientific criminological thought lie in late 18th- and early 19th-century discourses on the phenomenon of moral insanity, or uncontrollable, remorseless criminal behavior. Examination of these texts reveals both the origins of criminological knowledge and the birth of idea that crime can be studied scientifically.
CPR-dependent consciousness: Evidence for cardiac compression causing forward flow

We present the case of a patient with cardiac arrest and resuscitation in whom, consistent with direct cardiac compression, large aortic-to-right atrial systolic pressure gradients occurred. Forward blood flow during CPR was sufficient for the patient to maintain consciousness. Although aorticto-right atrial diastolic gradients adequate to maintain coronary perfusion in experimental models were generated, in our patient, cardiac function could not be restored and the resuscitation was ultimately unsuccessful.
Gradient analysis of the distribution of a fungal disease of Cornus florida in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee

: Based on 115 samples collected throughout the western portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, southern Appalachian Mts., and on spatial data derived in a GIS (Geographical Information System), the distribution of the disease dogwood anthracnose affecting Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), caused by the fungus Discula destructiva in this portion of the Park was assessed, and factors contributing to the disease's severity were identified through correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The degree of infection varies considerably locally, and is influenced by elevation, slope curvature, slope position, and potential soil moisture. However, the abundance of C. florida (stem density) alone explains 25 % of the variation in disease severity. Factors contributing to disease severity do not change significantly between disturbed and undisturbed sites. The highest mortality rates are restricted to dense stands in damp, sheltered sites at low slope positions, implying that surviving populations of flowering dogwood may represent a biased genetic subset of the original population.
Serial serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in ectopic pregnancy and first trimester miscarriage.

Serial serum hCG levels were measured in 50 patients with a tubal ectopic pregnancy and 50 patients with spontaneous miscarriage of an intrauterine pregnancy. Serum samples were obtained at intervals of 3–5 d and more frequently if clinically indicated. The final diagnosis was confirmed by laparoscopy and/or dilatation and curettage. Data were analyzed using a linear regression model. Initial hCG concentrations ranged from 91 to 3,050 mIU/mL. Eighty percent of ectopic pregnancies and 35% of miscarriages were associated with rising hCG concentrations and no significant differences were noted in daily increments of hCG in the two groups (210 ± 30 mIU/mL/day for ectopic pregnancies versus 311 ± 55 mIU/mL/d for miscarriages). Twenty percent of ectopic pregnancies and 65% of miscarriages had falling hCG concentrations and significant differences were noted in the daily decrements of hCG for EP and AB (270 ± 52 mIU/mL/day for ectopic pregnancies versus 578 ± 28 mIU/mL/d for miscarriages (P≤ 0.05).
Global neuroinflammation patterns in experimental neonatal hydrocephalus

Background Hydrocephalus causes reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis throughout the brain but the global response of proinflammatory cytokines is not known. Thus we sought to characterize common inflammatory markers in a neonatal model of obstructive hydrocephalus. Our main hypothesis was that neuroinflammation would progress in neonatal hydrocephalus proportional to ventriculomegaly. In addition, the long-standing uncertainty about the possible global inflammatory effects of kaolin could also be addressed.
Cognitive-behavioral prevention of postconcussion syndrome

Abstract The symptoms of postconcussion syndrome (PCS) are persistent, and no empirically tested treatment is available. The treatment group ( n = 29) in this study received a printed manual and met with a therapist prior to hospital discharge to review the nature and incidence of expected symptoms, the cognitive-behavioral model of symptom maintenance and treatment, techniques for reducing symptoms, and instructions for gradual resumption of premorbid activities. The control group ( n = 29) received routine hospital treatment and discharge instructions. Both groups had sustained mild head injuries characterized by Glascow Coma Scale scores of 13–15 on admission without any measurable period of posttraumatic amnesia. Group assignment was random. Groups did not differ significantly on age, Glascow scores, litigation status, gender, or initial number of PCS symptoms. Patients were contacted 6 months following injury by an interviewer who was unaware of group assignment to obtain outcome data. Treated patients reported significantly shorter average symptom duration (33 vs. 51 days) and significantly fewer of the 12 symptoms at followup (1.6 vs. 3.1). Subjects were also asked how often each symptom had occurred in the previous week, and how severe the symptom typically was. The treatment group experienced significantly fewer symptomatic days (.5 vs. 1.3) and lower mean severity levels. Results suggest that brief, early psychological intervention can reduce the incidence of PCS.
'Spontaneous' coronary artery dissection. The challenge of detection, the enigma of cause

Sudden death secondary to acute dissection of a coronary artery is a rare, but increasingly recognized, cause of sudden, unexpected death in apparently healthy persons. It has been reported more frequently in women and has been associated with sudden death during the puerperium. It has also been reported that these involved coronary vessels contain increased numbers of eosinophils and often show areas of cystic medial necrosis. In this article, we report a case of sudden death in a 47-year-old white woman due to dissection of the distal segment of her left anterior descending coronary artery. There was marked involvement of the coronary arterial walls with cystic degeneration of the media with accumulation of glycosaminoglycans as demonstrated by Alcian blue staining. There was no eosinophilic infiltrate within the arterial walls. This case is unusual in that this woman's mother and brother both have had aneurysms, which stresses the importance of not only searching carefully for these lesions, but also of obtaining family history in such cases.
Observation of the Giant Stark Effect in Boron-Nitride Nanotubes

Bias dependent scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy have been used to characterize the influence of transverse electric fields on the electronic properties of boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). We find experimental evidence for the theoretically predicted giant Stark effect. The observed giant Stark effect significantly reduces the band gap of BNNTs and thus greatly enhances the utility of BNNTs for nanoscale electronic, electromechanical, and optoelectronic applications.
The role of psychosocial factors in gastrointestinal illness.

Psychosocial factors have a complex relationship with gastrointestinal illness. Early life factors can contribute to illness susceptibility and condition later illness experiences and behaviors. Existing psychosocial factors, gut physiology and pathology are not associated in a linear or causative fashion, but instead interact to determine symptoms and illness behavior. Investigation of the clinical outcome of these disorders, an area of recent interest, involves both ‘hard’ (i.e., disability, healthcare use, costs) and ‘soft’ (i.e., physical and psychologic status and function, health-related Quality of Life) endpoints. In this article I present a biopsychosocial framework for understanding these integrated relationships which are supported by recent data involving both functional and structural (i.e., ‘organic’) gastrointestinal disorders.
Vacuum phenomenon: a potential pitfall in the interpretation of gradient-recalled-echo MR images of the shoulder.

Axial gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) MR images of the shoulder obtained with the arm in external rotation may show a curvilinear or circular low-signal-intensity focus in the superior portion of the glenohumeral joint space that is thought to represent gas within the joint (vacuum phenomenon). This study was performed to determine the prevalence of this finding on GRE MR images of the shoulder to confirm that it represents gas in the joint, and to establish criteria to distinguish it from a true abnormality.We reviewed all external-rotation GRE images of 45 consecutive patients and 10 volunteers for the presence of low-signal-intensity foci and joint effusion. These findings were correlated with findings on corresponding spin-echo and GRE images of the shoulder with the arm in neutral position. MR findings also were correlated with findings on plain radiographs (37 patients) and shoulder CT scans (three patients and five volunteers) and with results of arthroscopy (19 patients).In nine (20%) of 44 patients ...
Homeless Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Adults on the Texas-Mexico Border:

This article contrasts the demographics, familial relationships, vocational backgrounds, and personal experiences of homeless Hispanic adults with non-Hispanic adults living in the southwest border region of the United States. Using the “point in time” technique, data were collected from 280 homeless adults (198 Hispanics and 82 non-Hispanics) in El Paso, Texas, in 1998. The data revealed that the Hispanic and non-Hispanic groups differed regarding their gender composition, language spoken, religious affiliation, educational experiences, and domiciles. The probability of individuals from the two groups who were married, had children, had relatives in the area, and had a medical problem differed. Similarly, the ratios of individuals who were migrant workers, and who worked at jobs that required skills also differed. In addition, the Hispanic and non-Hispanic groups were distinguishable by their reasons for being homeless, what they considered the most important service provided by shelters, and what gave t...
Periodic response difference in mouse epidermis chronically exposed to crude-oils or BaP: males vs. females.

Abstract Skin cancer has long been associated with industrial and environmental exposure to individual chemical compounds, complex chemical mixtures, X-irradiation and UV-irradiation. Skin carcinogenesis in animal models has been used as a toxicity assay and to study mechanisms of neoplastic progression. Using a mouse-skin carcinogenesis model, we conducted assays of tumorigenic activity using several crude oils and benzo[ a ]pyrene. During analysis of the data for assessment of tumor production by these compounds, differences were observed in male and female time-to-tumor values. There were 4 possible observations for males and females in each of the treatment groups: (1) no significantly different time-to-tumor values between the sexes; (2) accelerated or delayed response by one or the other sex; (3) production of a greater number of tumors in one or the other sex; and (4) production of different tumor types in one of the sexes. Our data show that 3 of these 4 do occur in mice epidermally-exposed to these compounds. There were groups with no differences between male/female response to treatment. Of specific interest were periodic male/female differences in time-to-time values. Only 1 compound, a shale-derived crude oil, produced tumors more extensively in one sex than the other. While benzo[ a ]pyrene produced predominantly carcinomas, the crude oils produced papillomas and carcinomas to varying degrees. However, the types of tumors produced showed no preference for one or the other sex. In the groups with different time-to-tumor values for male and female animals, the differences occurred either throughout the course of the experiment or in specific time domains. In 1 treatment group, the females had significantly earlier time-to-tumor values than males. In several of the other treatment groups the females had significantly longer time-to-tumor values. Of these treatment groups, the female mean time-to-tumor values were either cumulatively significantly longer or periodically delayed compared to the male values. The presence of significantly accelerated or delayed tumor production by one sex in these animal systems implies sex-related modulation of neoplastic progression.
Performance improvements for ISO transport

The NBS Protocol Performance Laboratory is developing enhanced protocol mechanisms for OSI class 4 transport that will improve the throughput efficiency achieved on a satellite channel. A selective acknowledgement mechanism has been shown to improve throughput efficiency by as much as 34%. Several alternative expedited data mechanisms have demonstrated throughput efficiency improvements as great as 38%. Most of the protocol mechanism enhancements considered require only minor changes to the international standard OSI transport protocol.
Ranking functions and rankings on languages

The Spohnian paradigm of ranking functions is in many respects like an order-of-magnitude reverse of subjective probability theory. Unlike probabilities, however, ranking functions are only indirectly-via a pointwise ranking function on the underlying set of possibilities W-defined on a field of propositions A over W. This research note shows under which conditions ranking functions on a field of propositions A over W and rankings on a language L are induced by pointwise ranking functions on W and the set of models for L, Mod"L, respectively.
Multi-objective input signal design for plant friendly identification of process systems

System identification is the process of constructing an accurate and reliable dynamic mathematical model of the system from observed data and available knowledge. The choice of inputs used for perturbing the system is critical in the identification and model building exercise. One of the major objectives of system identification is accurate estimation of the system parameters. Identification of chemical process plants is carried out on running plants in real time. The practitioner would thus prefer a 'plant friendly' input signal. We propose unified multi-objective formulations and solution methods for the input design for two particular cases. The input can be evaluated as a solution to a multi-objective optimization problem.
Characteristics of Academically Talented Women Who Achieve at High Levels on the Scholastic Achievement Test-Mathematics.

Over the last few decades, researchers have studied the issue of gender differences in math achievement, especially among highly able females. The Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), the most widely...
Serial Procalcitonin Levels to Detect Bacteremia in Febrile Neutropenia

Background. Our objective was to evaluate serial procalcitonin (PCT) levels compared with an initial PCT level at admission in predicting bacteremia in pediatric febrile neutropenic oncology patients. Procedure. Serum PCT levels were measured at admission (t0) and within 24 hours of admission (t1) in pediatric oncology patients presenting with fever and neutropenia. A blood culture was collected at t0 and monitored for 5 days for bacterial growth. PCT value of 0.5 ng/mL at either t0 or t1 was considered predictive for bacteremia. Results. PCT levels were significantly higher in children with positive blood cultures than with negative blood cultures. Serial PCT values mirrored t1 values. Serial PCT showed 76% specificity and negative predictive value of 93% in ruling out bacteremia. Conclusion. Elevated PCT levels are predictive of bacteremia. Using serial PCT levels within 24 hours allowed a better prediction of bacteremia than the PCT level at t0.
AC Current Driven Flux Dynamics in YBCO Coated Conductors

We present a time-resolved magneto-optical imaging study of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ coated conductors in alternating current regime. The evolution of the magnetic flux density distribution in the superconducting samples is imaged at small steps of the phase of the applied AC current. The flux penetration during the phase evolution is inhomogeneous due to the grain structure of the coated conductor. A quantitative analysis of the images show how grain boundary network affects the overall behavior of the flux and current density evolution.
Detection of differentially methylated gene promoters in failing and nonfailing human left ventricle myocardium using computation analysis

Human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by congestive heart failure and altered myocardial gene expression. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, are implicated in the developm...
Statistical Debugging of Sampled Programs

We present a novel strategy for automatically debugging programs given sampled data from thousands of actual user runs. Our goal is to pinpoint those features that are most correlated with crashes. This is accomplished by maximizing an appropriately defined utility function. It has analogies with intuitive debugging heuristics, and, as we demonstrate, is able to deal with various types of bugs that occur in real programs.
Edrophonium test in eaton-lambert syndrome: Quantitative oculography

Accurate ocular motility recordings were made of the saccadic responses of five patients with Eaton-Lambert syndrome (ELS). It was found that, contrary to common belief, the ocular motor system is affected. The saccades of ELS patients mimicked those of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Both groups exhibited hypometria and multiple, closely spaced saccades. Two patients demonstrated both saccadic facilitation and positive edrophonium tests. The ELS patients had slow or normal saccadic velocities, not the “super-fast” velocities found in patients with ocular MG.
Erythermalgia with vasculitis: A review

Erythermalgia is a condition of the extremities characterized by redness, increased temperature, and burning pain. A case of erythermalgia and coincident vasculitis of the feet is reported. The literature on the subject is reviewed, and a possible mechanism of pathogenesis is discussed.
Thumb Injuries in Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse

BackgroundMen's intercollegiate lacrosse is played at a fast pace and with significant force. Glove protection is required. However, the thumb is at risk because of contact with opponents’ sticks, the ball, other players, and the ground or artificial surface.PurposeTo characterize patterns of hand injuries in men's intercollegiate lacrosse and to compare them with those in similar intercollegiate stick-handling sports that require gloves.Study DesignDescriptive epidemiology study.MethodsThe National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance System was utilized to evaluate thumb injuries in intercollegiate stick-handling sports (men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, and men's ice hockey) during 16 intercollegiate seasons. Injuries were defined as events requiring an athlete to seek medical treatment and miss competition. Data were collected for injuries to the thumb, phalanges, and hand. Descriptive statistics were performed to calculate rates of injury per 1000 athlete-exposures and the relat...
Impact of Pregnancy on the Pharmacokinetics of Dibenzo[def,p]chrysene in Mice

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants generated during combustion. Dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBC) is a high molecular weight PAH classified as a 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. DBC crosses the placenta in exposed mice, causing carcinogenicity in offspring. We present pharmacokinetic data of DBC in pregnant and nonpregnant mice. Pregnant (gestational day 17) and nonpregnant female B6129SF1/J mice were exposed to 15mg/kg DBC by oral gavage. Subgroups of mice were sacrificed up to 48h postdosing, and blood, excreta, and tissues were analyzed for DBC and its major diol and tetrol metabolites. Elevated maximum concentrations and areas under the curve of DBC and its metabolites were observed in blood and tissues of pregnant animals compared with naive mice. Using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model, we found observed differences in pharmacokinetics could not be attributed solely to changes in tissue volumes and blood flows that occur during pregnancy. Measurement of enzyme activity in naive and pregnant mice by activity-based protein profiling indicated a 2- to 10-fold reduction in activities of many of the enzymes relevant to PAH metabolism. Incorporating this reduction into the PBPK model improved model predictions. Concentrations of DBC in fetuses were one to two orders of magnitude below maternal blood concentrations, whereas metabolite concentrations closely resembled those observed in maternal blood.
A comparison study of ESD protection for RFIC's: performance vs. parasitics

This paper reports two advanced Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protection structures suitable for RFIC's and a comparison study of influences of ESD parasitic capacitance (C/sub ESD/) on high-speed circuits. For a 4 GHz ring-oscillator and a low-power high-speed op-amp circuit, it was observed that C/sub ESD/ may corrupt high-speed performance significantly and new ESD structures can recover the corruption by 80%.
Adaptation of a Multichannel Scaler Device for Radiochromatogram Scanning

Using an inexpensive device and the multichannel scaling mode (MCS) of a multichannel analyzer (MCA), the determination of radiochemical purity as distinguished by the radiochromatographic technique may be easily and accurately performed.
Pulse Sequences for Interventional MRI

Diagnostic MRI sequences aim to provide varied contrast mechanisms to increase the sensitivity and specificity of characterizing abnormal or degenerative tissue. Sequences are normally run in a “batch mode,” with each sequence being completed before another is begun. Interventional imaging sequences have numerous important differences from their diagnostic counterparts. First, they serve other roles besides providing imaging contrast. These include device visualization and tracking, 2D and 3D visualization of tissue near the device, and therapeutic monitoring. Pulse sequences for MRI-guided procedures are not run in batch mode and require interactive control. The sequences are interleaved and swapped in and out as the procedure demands. Finally, when latency is crucial, the design of these pulse sequences and their reconstruction algorithms must be constrained to minimize the time between the start of the acquisition and display of the reconstructed output. These differences create different requirements for pulse sequences and the way pulse sequences communicate with the rest of the scanner. Fortunately, recent developments in rapid contrast generation, k-space trajectory schemes, and interventional software environment platforms provide foundations for flexible configurations to meet the imaging needs of interventions. This chapter presents an overview of some of the methods used in designing and implementing pulse sequences for MRI-guided interventional procedures. The last section of the chapter describes platforms that integrate interactive control, acquisition, reconstruction, scan plane control, and visualization that significantly simplify the design of imaging capabilities for MRI-guided procedures.
Curvature evolution in LTCC tapes and laminates

Low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) substrates provide a low-cost packaging approach for radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits. Thermally-driven curvature development in these LTCC tapes and laminates, which can introduce property-limiting defects into a device, was examined quantitatively using an optical profilometer. Contrary to the standard perception of tape cast products, these specimens consistently experienced the largest increases in curvature during burnout rather than during sintering. Sintering actually leads to dramatic decreases in curvature. Slight anisotropic changes in curvature were observed when comparing those directions parallel and perpendicular to the tape casting direction. In the laminates, individual layer orientations had strong effects on overall curvature. Springback after the application of lamination pressure strongly contributes to curvature. "Microslumping" at the ends of the tapes/laminates occurred during sintering and could be accounted for via discrete element models of sintering. The latter phenomenon can be eliminated by controlling relative tape orientation.
Botulinum Toxin Therapy for Voiding Dysfunction and the Female Pelvic Floor

Onabotulinum toxin A is an agent which prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft. These properties are utilized during injection in order to prevent muscle contraction by cleaving the SNARE protein SNAP-25, preventing docking and fusion of vesicles at the neurovascular terminal. After injection, a long-lasting effect can occur which typically lasts several months. Onabotulinum toxin A has been studied extensively in randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials and has been shown to be an effective agent in the treatment of refractory idiopathic overactive bladder and neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Herein we discuss the history of the development of the neurotoxin, and describe the mechanism of action. We describe the use of onabotulinum toxin A in female urology applications, its risks and complications, and review the available literature. Success in treating these conditions will pave the way for other future applications in urology.
Population Structure and Taxonomy of Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. viride

Abstract Based on morphology, Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. viride have been recognized as two different species. Morphs corresponding to the two taxa were investigated in nine populations situated in Norway, Denmark, Canada, and U.S.A. Eleven putative isozyme loci were used to map genetic variation and to assess the taxonomic relationships. Cluster analysis of allele frequency data did not produce groups corresponding either to the two species or to geographic regions. Low evolutionary rates because of low mutation rates and large effective population sizes may account for the lack of divergence between populations, even across continents. A test of population differentiation showed significant divergence between the two morphs in one population indicating that they might be reproductively isolated. However, in five other populations containing both morphs no such patterns were found suggesting that the speciation process is incomplete. A species level recognition of these taxa is not supported by isozyme d...
Role of the Uterus in the Production of Manometric Fluctuations During Uterotubal Insufflation (Rubin Test)

Summary Experimental observations were made on the uteri and tubes of 60 living rabbits to determine whether or not the uterus participates in the production of manometric fluctuations, which are uniformly seen during uterotubal gas insufflation. Manometric fluctuations occurred during uterotubal insufflation only when tubal patency was present. The undisturbed uterus and tubes were seen to undergo rhythmic peristaltic movements. During uterotubal insufflatinn the uterus became distended and its motion was reduced or disappeared. The tube, on the other hand, showed no visible distention and its motion was unaltered. The character of the contractions obtained by insufflating a solitary uterus was entirely different from the pattern recorded during uterotubal insufflatinn. Excision of successive segments of the tube during uterotubal or tubouterine insufflatinn showed that the ampulla has very little power of contractility, and that this property is possessed by the more muscular isthmus. During tubouterine insufflflatinn, excision of the uterus had no effect on the production of manometric fluctuations. When the tube alone was insufflated, there was no noticeable difference in the character of the contractions obtained with the uterusexcluded, showing definitely that the latter dial not have any influence in the production of tile contraction waves as demonstrated on the kymograph of the Rubin apporatns. Recording uterine and tubal muscle function during uterotubal insufflation by means of delicate hooks in the muscle attached to writing levers on a smoked drum, revealed that distention of the uterus resulted in a diminished or complete absence of function. The patent tube, on the other hand, does not become overdistended by any pressure levels during gas insufflation, and its muscle function remains unimpaired.
Cooperation in an Infinite-Horizon Centipede Game

An infinite-horizon perfect-information "centipede" game is studied. The unique subgame-perfect Nash equilibrium (SPNE) in pure strategies has each player choose, at each opportunity, to terminate the game. In contrast, mixed strategies can yield equilibrium cooperation described as follows: for all but finitely many periods players randomize between terminating and continuing the game. These continuation probabilities are explicitly calculated. If both players' payoff functions are unbounded, then there exist SPNE exhibiting such cooperation. Conditions are also derived under which such cooperation does not arise.
Research note: performance of single comb White Leghorn pullets as influenced by niacin supplementation from zero to six weeks of age and subsequent layer performance.

Two experiments were conducted using a total of 288 Hy-Line W-36 day-old Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) pullets in each experiment. The pullets were randomly assigned to one of the six dietary treatments that consisted of 0, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 or 36.0 mg supplemental niacin/kg in a corn and soybean meal basal diet that contained 25.1 mg niacin/kg. Six replicates of eight pullets per replicate were used per treatment in each experiment. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum consumption. The pullets were housed in battery brooder pens with raised wire floors. Total feed consumption (FC), BW, BW gain, and feed efficiency (FE) were measured at 3 and 6 wk of age. Birds were observed daily for any signs of niacin deficiency. At the end of a 6-wk experimental period, the pullets that previously received the diets containing either 0 of 36.0 mg supplemental niacin/kg of diet were raised to sexual maturity (SM) and their age at SM, BW at 24 wk, and number of eggs per pullet through 36 wk were measured in both experiments. No differences (P less than .05) in FC, BW, and FE were observed from 0 to 3 or 3 to 6 wk. None of the birds showed any signs of deficiency during the experimental period. No differences were observed in SM, number of eggs laid, and BW at 24 wk. It was concluded from these experiments that SCWL pullets do not require more than 25.1 mg/kg niacin furnished by the corn and soybean meal diet from 0 to 6 wk.
Effects of Species Removal on Resource Utilization in a Texas Rodent Community

Species removal experiments were conducted to determine the effects of competition upon resource use by Sigmodon hispidus and Reithrodontomys fulvescens on the Texas coastal prairie. Food and habitat use were measured in control (both species present) and experimental (one of the species removed) fields. Joint multivariate samples of these variables showed that diet was most important in differentiating the species niches. Niche shift was not detected after species removal for either species, suggesting that exploitative competition was of minor importance.
Coinage Metal Carbonyls and Isocyanides: Synthesis and Characterization of the Gold(I) Complexes [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]AuCO and [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]AuCNBut

Syntheses and IR spectroscopic and X-ray structural data for the gold(I) carbonyl and tert-butyl isocyanide complexes of the fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]- (where HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3 = hydrotris(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolyl)borate) are reported. The carbonyl complex [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]AuCO (1) crystallizes in a triclinic unit cell, space group P1, with a = 8.3865(6) A, b = 8.6467(6) A, c = 19.009(2) A, α = 98.649(6)°, β = 93.043(7)°, γ = 117.446(6)°, V = 1197.5(2) A3, Z = 2, and R = 0.0372. The gold atom adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry with an Au−C distance of 1.862(9) A. The 13C NMR spectrum of 1 displays a signal at δ 172.6 which corresponds to the carbonyl carbon. The νCO of 1 (2144 cm-1) is similar to that observed for the copper(I) analog. Metal−CO distances and the C−O stretching frequencies of the coinage metal carbonyl adducts of [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]- follow the orders Ag > Au > Cu and Ag > Au ≥ Cu, respectively. Crystals of [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]AuCNBut (2) ...
Design and Performance Analysis of a 1 MW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System for Combined Production of Heat, Hydrogen, and Power

SOFC systems with co-generation exhibit high overall efficiency. Fuel cell-based co-generation studies have typically focused on electricity and heat; pure hydrogen gas can also be generated in these systems as an energy co-product resulting in the combined production of heat, hydrogen, and power (CHHP). Co-locating a distributed generation SOFC CHHP plant with fueling stations for fuel cell vehicles enables use of lower scale (200 kg/day) hydrogen production and leverages the capital investment among all co-products, thereby lowering the unit cost of hydrogen and offering a potentially promising transition pathway to a hydrogen economy. This work focuses on the design and performance estimation of a methane-fueled 1 MW SOFC CHHP system operating at steady-state. System design and modeling are carried out employing Aspen Plus™ software where performance characteristics of the SOFC and the balance-of-plant are estimated from industry and literature sources. Analysis of the SOFC CHHP system indicates that the SOFC electrochemical performance is independent of the heat recovery and hydrogen production processes because the latter two subsystems are downstream of the SOFC power module. The system is configured such that it can preferentially produce hydrogen or low-temperature thermal energy (80 °C) as needed. Two methods of hydrogen purification and recovery from the SOFC tail-gas were analyzed: pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and electrochemical hydrogen separation (EHS). The recovered hydrogen is compressed to 425 bar for storage. The SOFC electrical efficiency at rated power is estimated at 48.1% (LHV) and the overall CHHP efficiency is 84.4% (LHV) for the EHS design concept. The amount of hydrogen recovery (85–90%) with EHS is higher than PSA for typical SOFC effluent gas compositions. The hydrogen separation energy requirement of 2.7 kWh/kg H2 for EHS is found to be about three times lower than PSA in this system. Increasing the amount of hydrogen production can be independently controlled by flowing excess methane into the system, effectively decreasing SOFC fuel utilization yet still reforming the fuel to a hydrogen-rich syngas. A case study for hydrogen overproduction is given. Operating the system to produce excess hydrogen increases the efficiency for both hydrogen separation design concepts.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Analysis of rabies incubation period and its influencing factors

[Objective]To understand the rabies incubation period and its influencing factors,and provide scientific evidence for developing control measures.[Methods]The rabies incubation period and its influence factors were analyzed according to 249 questionnaires of rabies in Guilin City from 2004-2011 by using survival analysis method.[Results]The median incubation period of rabies was 51 days,95% CI(42.7,59.3) days,ranging from 1-3 650 days.Interquartile of incubation period was 69 days.Single variable analysis showed that the exposed way,the site of wound,the wound treatment and inoculation after exposure were related to the rabies incubation period.The incubation periods of cases with animal initiative attack,hurt on head or face,wound treatment by doctor,inoculation after exposure were shorter significantly than those of their corresponding ways.Cox model analysis showed that the wound treatment and inoculation after exposure were the real factors influencing latent period.The incubation periods of cases with wound on head or face was the shortest.The incubation period of cases with inoculation after exposure was shorter significantly than that of no inoculation after exposure.[Conclusion]The virus infection of attack animals,the anti-infected abilities of wounded persons,the opportunity and effect of inoculation are the influencing factors of rabies incubation period.It is suggested to note that the status of animal attacks,and receive timely immunization.
Toward high-resolution computational design of the structure and function of helical membrane proteins

The computational design of α-helical membrane proteins is still in its infancy but has already made great progress. De novo design allows stable, specific and active minimal oligomeric systems to be obtained. Computational reengineering can improve the stability and function of naturally occurring membrane proteins. Currently, the major hurdle for the field is the experimental characterization of the designs. The emergence of new structural methods for membrane proteins will accelerate progress.
385 An overlooked priority: the occupational health and safety of migrant workers

Background Over the last decade, the number of international migrants has increased by more than 60% globally (150 to 232 million). Generally low-skilled or un-skilled, they are concentrated in “3D” (dirty, dangerous, difficult) jobs in the unregulated sector where they face increased risk of illness, injury and abuse. As international migration rates rise, so does the need for the generation of high-quality data. To date, research has centred predominately on the regulated sector, posing a barrier to the development of effective services for this large, yet overlooked population. Methods This mixed-methods study (Oct. 2013–Jul. 2015) sought to increase the evidence-base on the occupational health and safety of migrants in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More than 2,500 case files documenting labour rights violations were analysed to identify trends and patterns from 2005 to 2015. In-depth interviews (n = 58) and focus groups (n = 6) were conducted with migrants in the manufacturing, service, construction and domestic work sectors to develop a more nuanced understanding of their experiences with occupational injury and contextual factors impacting care. Interviews covered a range of topics were conducted in a structured, but open-ended manner. Results Findings illustrate that the majority of workers migrated from Bangladesh (43.7%), Indonesia (12.8%) and Nepal (7.5%). 91.3% experienced working conditions different from what had been promised and only 18.7% had a regular day off. 88.8% did not possess their passports and 4.7% could gain access to them if necessary. Females were more likely to experience verbal (11.5% vs. 65%) and physical (29.8% vs. 17.6%) abuse. Conclusions Findings illustrate the urgent need to build the evidence base on the occupational health and safety risks faced by migrant workers. This information is critical to improving the health of migrant workers globally.