cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ions in the Atmosphere

In considering the subject of atmospheric ions, it has been possible, because of space limitations, to consider only those conditions of the atmosphere which are regarded as normal and to include in the discussions, which are of necessity brief, only those items which are most important. References to investigations have also been restricted to those regarded as most pertinent to the subject at hand.
The burden of disease from air pollution in Israel: How do we use burden estimates to advance public health?

In an article recently published in the IJHPR, Ginsberg and colleagues from Israel’s Public Health Services estimate the disease burden from airborne particulate matter in Israel. Using national data on the concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter) and risk estimates from meta-analyses, they calculate that about 2000 deaths (4.7% of total deaths) are attributable to air pollution. Although inherently subject to uncertainty, such estimates are useful for motivating public health protection and gauging the stringency of any needed regulations. However, Israel does not yet have an evidence-based process for air quality regulation comparable to that of the United States, which has evolved over the 45 years since passage of the Clean Air Act. In fact, Israel has only recently promulgated a national standard for airborne particulate matter and quantitative risk assessment has not been an element of regulatory decision-making. The report by Ginsberg and colleagues represents a useful beginning and should initiate discussion of the role of burden estimation and risk assessment more broadly in regulations intended to advance environmental health in Israel.
Changeover formulations for discrete-time mixed-integer programming scheduling models

Abstract Changeover times can have a significant impact on the scheduling of manufacturing operations. Unfortunately, accounting for changeovers in mixed-integer programming (MIP) scheduling formulations makes the resulting models computationally more expensive. We propose five new formulations for sequence-dependent changeovers, applicable to a wide range of scheduling problems. We generate constraints for different sets of time points and sets of tasks. We also propose valid inequalities for makespan minimization. Furthermore, we prove results regarding the relative tightness of each formulation. Finally, we perform a computational study. Interestingly, we find that tighter formulations do not always lead to faster solution times, and we show that some of the new formulations perform better than the previously proposed ones.
Activity patterns in seven captive lemur species: Evidence of cathemerality in Varecia and Lemur catta?

Cathemerality, or activity throughout the 24-hr cycle, is rare in primates yet relatively common among lemurs. However, the diverse ecological conditions under which cathemerality is expressed complicates attempts to identify species-typical behavior. For example, Lemur catta and Varecia have historically been described as diurnal, yet recent studies suggest that they might exhibit cathemeral behavior under some conditions. To investigate this variation, we monitored activity patterns among lemurs that are exposed to similar captive environments. Using MotionWatch 8 ® actigraphy data loggers, we studied 88 lemurs across seven species at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC). Six species were members of the family Lemuridae (Eulemur coronatus, E. flavifrons, E. mongoz, L. catta, V. rubra, V. variegata), while a seventh was strictly diurnal and included as an out-group (Propithecus coquereli). For each 24-hr cycle (N = 503), we generated two estimates of cathemerality: mean night (MN) activity and day/night (DN) activity ratio (day and night cutoffs were based on astronomical twilights). As expected, P. coquereli engaged in the least amount of nocturnal activity according to both measures; their activity was also outside the 95% confidence intervals of all three cathemeral Eulemur species, which exhibited the greatest evidence of cathemerality. By these estimates, Varecia activity was most similar to Eulemur and exhibited substantial deviations from P. coquereli (β (MN) = 0.22 ± SE 0.12; β (DN) = −0.21 ± SE 0.12). L. catta activity patterns also deviated from P. coquereli (β (MN) = 0.12 ± SE 0.11; β (DN) = −0.15 ± SE 0.12) but to a lesser degree than either Varecia or Eulemur. Overall, L. catta displayed an intermediate activity pattern between Eulemur and P. coquereli, which is somewhat consistent with wild studies. Regarding Varecia, although additional observations in more diverse wild habitats are needed, our findings support the existence of cathemeral behavior in this genus.
Convergence and Approximation

Weak and vague topologies; Convergence in distribution; Null arrays and infinite divisibility; Strong approximation and convergence; Transforms and symmetries.
Management of bone health in postmenopausal women on aromatase inhibitors (AIs): a single health care system experience

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the preferred therapy for postmenopausal women with early-stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. However, their use causes bone loss and increased risks of osteoporosis and fractures. This is a retrospective review of all postmenopausal women with breast cancer diagnosed and treated with AI between 2010 and 2015. Of the 564 women identified, 319 were eligible. The median age at AI initiation was 65 years (range 51–85 years), and the median duration of AI therapy was 28 months (1–72 months). The median number of DEXA scans per woman was 1 (0–4), performed at a median frequency of 24 months (1–48 months). Recommendations for calcium and vitamin D were in 66 and 59% of women, respectively. There were 52 (16%) women who received antiresorptive treatments with bisphosphonates (69%), denosumab (25%), or both drugs (6%). Based on guideline recommendations from six societies, starting antiresorptive treatment was unnecessary in 15–54% of women. In this single health system experience, women start antiresorptive drugs that are unnecessary in 15–52%. These results highlight the nonuniformity in guideline recommendations, and this has implications for quality of care, cost-effectiveness, and value-of-care analyses for preventing fractures.
Phase-dependent space weathering effects and spectroscopic identification of retained helium in a lunar soil grain

Abstract The solar wind is an important driver of space weathering on airless bodies. Over time, solar wind exposure alters the physical, chemical, and optical properties of exposed materials and can also impart a significant amount of helium into the surfaces of these bodies. However, common materials on the surface of the Moon, such as glass, crystalline silicates, and oxides, have highly variable responses to solar wind irradiation. We used scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to examine the morphology and chemistry of a single grain of lunar soil that includes silicate glass, chromite and ilmenite, all present and exposed along the same surface. The exposure of the silicate glass and oxides to the same space weathering conditions allows for direct comparisons of the responses of natural materials to the complex lunar surface environment. The silicate glass shows minimal effects of solar wind irradiation, whereas both the chromite and ilmenite exhibit defect-rich rims that currently contain trapped helium. Only the weathered rim in ilmenite is rich in nanophase metallic iron (npFe0) and larger vesicles that retain helium at a range of internal pressures. The multiple exposed surfaces of the single grain of ilmenite demonstrate strong crystallographic controls of planar defects and non-spherical npFe0. The direct spectroscopic identification of helium in the vesicles and planar defects in the oxides provides additional evidence of the central role of solar wind irradiation in the formation of some common space weathering features.
A Mathematical Life

Here is the story of my forty years as a professional algebraist and logician and also as a computer science dilettante. It is divided into seven parts chronologically. Each part begins with a narrative in which I describe my relationship with mentors, colleagues, collaborators, and students, often in very personal terms.
The Impact of Cause Portfolio Focus and Contribution Amount on Stakeholder Evaluations

When companies engage in corporate philanthropy, they can donate to a number of causes supporting a variety of issues, thus establishing cause portfolios. This research examines how the focus of a ...
A Screening Strategy for Trapping the Inactive Conformer of a Dimeric Enzyme with a Small Molecule Inhibitor

Kaposi’s sarcoma—associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), the most common cancer in AIDS patients. All herpesviruses express a conserved dimeric serine protease that is required for generating infectious virions, and is therefore of pharmaceutical interest. Given the past challenges of developing drug-like active-site inhibitors to this class of proteases, small-molecules targeting allosteric sites are of great value. In light of evidence supporting a strong structural linkage between the dimer interface and the protease active-site, we have focused our efforts on the dimer interface for identifying dimer disrupting inhibitors. Here, we describe a high throughput screening approach for identifying small molecule dimerization inhibitors of KSHV protease. The helical mimetic, small molecule library used, as well as general strategies for selecting compound libraries for this application will also be discussed. This methodology can be applicable to other systems where an alpha helical moiety plays a dominant role at the interaction site of interest, and in vitro assays to monitor function are in place.
Evaluation of in vivo Hemocyte Phagocytosis of Microsphere Beads in Litopenaeus vannamei Utilizing Flow Cytometry Following Administration of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides

Carboxylate modified microspheres were injected into shrimp and phagocytosis of these particles was measured using flow cytometry following treatment with microbial lipopolysaccharides. This is the first time these methods have been used to assess innate immune responses in shrimp
The skeleton as a unique environment for breast cancer cells

Bone is a favored location for several cancer metastases especially breast, prostate and myeloma. This review evaluates various properties of the skeleton that contribute to its successful colonization by breast cancer cells. The first consideration is the unique aspects of the vasculature of metaphyseal bone, which may account for the initial lodging of breast cancer cells in specific regions of the skeleton. Metasphyseal bone, found at the ends of long bone, in ribs and in vertebrae, is comprised of trabecular bone interspersed with marrow and a rich vasculature. The chemotactic factors that arise from bone marrow and bone cells are discussed in terms of cancer cell migration out of the vasculature and entry of cancer cells into the marrow cavity. Once the breast cancer cells have migrated into the metaphysis, they interact both directly and indirectly with bone cells and other cells in the marrow. As tumor growth progresses, functional bone cells are lost, most likely through apoptosis.
Multifocal rod electroretinograms.

Purpose To assess the feasibility of obtaining reliable multifocal rod electroretinograms (ERGS) and to compare them to full-field ERGs. Methods Multifocal rod ERGs were recorded using a stimulus array of 61 hexagons. The minimum number of dark, blank frames between flashes was varied from 0 (a minimum of 13.3 msec between flashes) to 21 (a minimum of 293 msec between flashes). Full-field ERGs were obtained using trains of flashes designed to simulate the multifocal sequences. Flashes were blue (W47B), except in a few cases in which red (W26) was used to check for cone intrusion. Flash intensities varied from -1 to 1.7 log scot td-s. Results Dark-adapted, multifocal ERGs to blue flashes had a small, early component followed by a larger, late component. The early component showed little change in amplitude with increasing intensity. Comparisons with the full-field ERGs indicated that the early component was the focal response. The larger, late component was the response to stray light, and it can be suppressed with the addition of a surround. The focal response was from a relatively circumscribed retinal region. This is shown by comparing the multifocal rod responses from a patient with retinitis pigmentosa to her behaviorally measured rod visual field. Conclusions By choosing conditions (namely, flashes of moderate intensity with a surround) to minimize the effects of stray light, multifocal rod ERGs can be recorded with sufficient localization to be clinically useful. However, the signal-to-noise ratio of these multifocal rod ERGs was poorer than for multifocal cone responses for comparable recording periods because of the need for blank frames and the slower recovery of the rods to successive presentations.
Arctic Policy of the United States: An Historical Survey

Because Alaska is not contiguous with the other continental United States, the United States was slow to develop a coherent, comprehensive Arctic policy until late in the twentieth century, a policy which continues to evolve. For American policy leaders, Alaska was remote and of minimal consideration. The discovery of the largest oil deposit in North America at Prudhoe Bay in 1968, coincident with the rise of the national environmental movement, generated new appreciation of the significance of the Arctic to the United States, and new policy initiatives. The United States worked with the Law of the Sea conferences at the United Nations to formulate its Arctic interests, which it expressed chiefly through the Arctic Council. Today US Arctic policy is directed toward issues of sovereignty and Arctic sea commerce, new resource development, and the impacts of global climate change. The United States has committed significant resources to scientific analysis of Arctic conditions and potential development, a commitment likely to continue into the long-range future.
Postgrowth Imaginaries: New Ecologies and Counterhegemonic Culture in Post-2008 Spain - Introduction

This chapter outlines the theoretical frameworks that inform the book. The first section is a discussion of environmental humanities and the Anthropocene (or better the Capitalocene), which provides the global critical context in which the book is embedded. Secondly, after defining the term ‘imaginary’ as used in this book, this chapter draws on up-to-date insights from social and ecological sciences to explain why the dominant imaginary of economic growth is currently socially undesirable and ecologically unsustainable. Finally, the chapter argues for the urgency of articulating and embracing an environmentally oriented cultural studies able to overcome the current crisis of political imagination and promote effective counterhegemonic economic cultures.
Advances in characterizing microbial community change and resistance upon exposure to lead contamination: Implications for ecological risk assessment.

Recent advancement in molecular techniques has spurred numerous studies on responses of microorganisms to lead exposure, leveraging detailed phylogenetic analyses and functional gene identification...
The role of communication in acquisition, curation, and transmission of culture.

Veissiere et al.'s proposal aims to explain how cognition enables cultural learning, but fails to acknowledge a distinctively human behavior critical to this process: communication. Recent advances in developmental and computational cognitive science suggest that the social-cognitive capacities central to TTOM also support sophisticated yet remarkably early-emerging inferences and communicative behaviors that allow us to learn and share abstract knowledge.
Applying computational modeling to assess age-, sex-, and strategy-related differences in Spin the Pots, a working memory task for 2- to 4-year-olds.

Working memory (WM) develops rapidly during early childhood. In the present study, visual WM (VSM) was measured using the well-established Spin the Pots task (Hughes & Ensor, 2005), a complex non-verbal eight-location object occlusion task. A self-ordered hiding procedure was adopted to allow for an examination of children's strategy use during a VWM task. Participants (N = 640) between the ages of 2 and 4 years were tested under semi-naturalistic conditions, in the home or in a museum. Computational modeling was used to estimate an expected value for the total trials to complete Spin the Pots via a random search and child performance was compared to expected values. Based on this approach, we determined that children who found six stickers retrieved them in significantly fewer trials than the expected value, excluding chance performance and implicating VWM. Results also showed age-related and sex-related changes in VWM. Between 2 and 4 years of age, 4-year-olds performed significantly better than younger children and girls out-performed the boys. Spontaneous use of a color matching hiding strategy was associated with a higher success rate on the task. Implications of these findings for early development of VWM are discussed.
The sim must go on: adapting resident education to the COVID-19 pandemic using telesimulation

The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing rules necessitated the suspension of all in-person learning activities at our institution. Consequently, distance learning became essential. We adapted a high-fidelity immersive case-based simulation scenario for telesimulation by using the virtual meeting platform Zoom® to meet our curricular needs. The use of telesimulation to teach a complex case-based scenario is novel. Two cohorts of anesthesiology residents participated 2 weeks apart. All learners were located at home. Four faculty members conducted the telesimulation from different locations within our simulation center in the roles of director, simulation operator, confederate anesthesiologist, and confederate surgeon. The anesthesiologist performed tasks as directed by learners. The scenario was divided into four scenes to permit reflection on interventions/actions by the participants based on the clinical events as the scenario progressed, to facilitate intermittent debriefing and learner engagement. All residents were given a medical knowledge pretest before the telesimulation and a posttest and learner satisfaction survey at the conclusion. The scenario was authentic and immersive, represented an actual case, and provided the opportunity to practice lessons that could be applied in the clinical setting. Participants rated telesimulation a reasonable substitution for in-person learning and expressed gratitude for continuation of their simulation-based education in this format during the pandemic. Participants in the second cohort reported feeling more engaged (p = 0.008) and stimulated to think critically (p = 0.003). Audio quality was the most frequently noted limitation. Fifty-three residents completed both pre- and posttests. The two cohorts did not differ in knowledge pretest scores (62% vs 60%, p = 0.80) or posttest scores (78% vs. 77%, p = 0.87). Overall, knowledge scores improved with the telesimulation intervention (pretest mean = 61% [SD = 14%]; posttest mean = 78% [SD = 12%]; t (41) = − 7.89, p < 0.001). Thus, using a Zoom format, we demonstrated the feasibility of adapting a complex case for telesimulation and effective knowledge gain. Furthermore, we improved our process in real time based on participant feedback. Participants were satisfied with their learning experience, suggesting that this format may be used in other distance learning situations.
Diagnostic Performance of MRI to Differentiate Uterine Leiomyosarcoma from Benign Leiomyoma: A Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To perform a meta-analysis comparing the diagnostic performance of increased signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in differentiating uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) from benign leiomyoma (LM). Methods: A systematic literature search for original studies was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. Data necessary for the meta-analysis was extracted from the selected articles and analyzed. Results: Eight studies with 795 patients met our predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Increased signal on T1-weighted imaging had a pooled sensitivity of 56.8% (95% CI: 20%–87.4%) for LMS (n = 60) which was significantly higher than 7.6% (95% CI: 2.2%–22.7%) for LM (n = 1272) (p = 0.0094). Increased signal analysis on T2-weighted imaging had a pooled sensitivities of 93.2% and 93.2% (95% CI: 45.7%–99.6% and 42.9%–99.6%) for LMS (n = 90), which were not significantly different from the 54.5% and 53.9% (95% CI: 33.6%–74%, 32%–74%) for LM (n = 215) (p = 0.102 and 0.112). On ADC value analysis, LMS (n = 43) had a weighted mean and standard deviation of 0.896 ± 0.19 10–3 mm2/s, 0.929 ± 0.182 10–3 mm2/s, which were significantly lower from 1.258 ± 0.303 10–3 mm2/s, 1.304 ± 0.303 10–3 mm2/s for LM (n = 159) (p = Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and low ADC values can accurately differentiate LMS from LM. Although, LMS had a higher pooled sensitivity for T2-weighted increased signal intensity compared to LM, there was no statistical significance.
An evaluation of the geriatric dental curricula within Advanced Education in General Dentistry and General Practice Residency programs in the United States

AIM To compare the geriatric dentistry curricula between Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and General Practice Residency (GPR) programs. METHODS A 108-item survey was developed to assess residents' didactic and clinical experiences pertaining to geriatric patients. Surveys were mailed in 2018 to all AEGD (N = 89) and GPR (N = 180) program directors. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive and bivariate analyses with the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test (alpha = .05). RESULTS Twenty-four AEGD and fifty-eight GPR directors completed surveys (response rate = 30%). Seventy-one percent of responding programs reported mandatory didactic training pertaining to frail and functionally dependent geriatric adults. Ninety-nine percent of respondents reported that residents provided treatment to geriatric patients; however, they were less likely to perform procedures on frail and functionally dependent patients. Only 15% of respondents provided nursing home care. Considering all patient encounters, responding GPR programs were more likely than AEGD programs to treat patients using IV bisphosphonates (63% vs 25%; P < .01), undergoing chemotherapy (48% vs 16%; P = .02), and undergoing head and neck radiation therapy (55% vs 25%; P = .02). CONCLUSION A majority of responding AEGD and GPR programs reported providing educational experiences pertaining to geriatric patients; however, GPR programs reported treating more medically complex patients than AEGD programs.
A Learning Trajectory for Variables Based in Computational Thinking Literature: Using Levels of Thinking to Develop Instruction

Background and Context: We explored how learning trajectories (LTs) might be used to design variables instruction. Objective: We aimed to develop an LT for variables and use it to guide curriculum ...
dcHiC: differential compartment analysis of Hi-C datasets

Abstract Compartmental organization plays a role in important biological processes. However, its comparative analysis has been mainly limited to pairwise comparisons of contact maps with focus on finding compartment flips (e.g., A-to-B). Here, we introduce dcHiC, which utilizes Multiple Factor Analysis and a multivariate distance measure to systematically identify all compartmentalization differences among multiple contact maps. Evaluating dcHiC on three different collections of Hi-C data, we show its effectiveness and sensitivity in detecting biologically meaningful differences associated with cellular identity, gene expression, and lamin association. By providing a multivariate formulation, dcHiC immediately expands compartment analysis to new modalities in comparative genomics.
Equal-Weighting Versus Value-Weighting: Theory and Practice

Stocks exhibit higher expected returns when random mispricing presents (Brennan and Wang, 2010). Based on constituents of several major U.S. stock indexes from 2002 to 2016, we show that equally-weighted portfolios could benefit from this mispricing return premium and deliver abnormal returns to investors. Specifically, this outperformance could be realized after deducting trading costs and taxes when portfolio size is medium (e.g. $500 million in 2002 dollar) or smaller, but diminishes for larger portfolios. The findings of this paper suggest that, instead of relying on the popular value-weighted portfolios, investors could consider equal-weighting strategies for higher risk-adjusted returns. The implication is that current level of market inefficiency is sufficiently high so that simple equal-weighting strategies could generate positive abnormal returns.
A Math-Based Writing System for Engineers: Sentence Algebra & Document Algorithms: Brad Henderson: [Book Review]

Most textbooks and trade press books on engineering communication are genre based, proscription based, or some are a combination of the two. Henderson takes a different approach to teaching the rules of English grammar and how to apply those rules to craft effective sentences. His approach is mathematics based, presenting the rules of English grammar as sentence equations. This approach makes the book particularly intriguing as a resource for teaching students of engineering and science. Henderson's "A Math-Based Writing System for Engineers: Sentence Algebra & Document Algorithms" presents a distinctive approach and methodology for clear engineering communication, particularly suited to its specific audience. Henderson's methodology, grounded in the "universal language" of mathematics, is unique and refreshing. The book is a welcome addition to available resources for these students and their instructors.
Amplified Impact of Climate Change on Fine-Sediment Delivery to a Subsiding Coast, Humboldt Bay, California

In Humboldt Bay, tectonic subsidence exacerbates sea-level rise (SLR). To build surface elevations and to keep pace with SLR, the sediment demand created by subsidence and SLR must be balanced by an adequate sediment supply. This study used an ensemble of plausible future scenarios to predict potential climate change impacts on suspended-sediment discharge (Qss) from fluvial sources. Streamflow was simulated using a deterministic water-balance model, and Qss was computed using statistical sediment-transport models. Changes relative to a baseline period (1981–2010) were used to assess climate impacts. For local basins that discharge directly to the bay, the ensemble means projected increases in Qss of 27% for the mid-century (2040–2069) and 58% for the end-of-century (2070–2099). For the Eel River, a regional sediment source that discharges sediment-laden plumes to the coastal margin, the ensemble means projected increases in Qss of 53% for the mid-century and 99% for the end-of-century. Climate projections of increased precipitation and streamflow produced amplified increases in the regional sediment supply that may partially or wholly mitigate sediment demand caused by the combined effects of subsidence and SLR. This finding has important implications for coastal resiliency. Coastal regions with an increasing sediment supply may be more resilient to SLR. In a broader context, an increasing sediment supply from fluvial sources has global relevance for communities threatened by SLR that are increasingly building resiliency to SLR using sediment-based solutions that include regional sediment management, beneficial reuse strategies, and marsh restoration.
Food waste disposal and utilization in the United States: A spatial cost benefit analysis

Abstract Food waste is generated from residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sources, and is conventionally disposed of in landfills. To nurture the development of a circular economy for food waste, its valorization by technologies that create fuels, power, or products is being investigated. These technologies offer the potential to dispose food waste while generating sustainable resources. While some literature exists on the economics of food waste utilization options, no existing study simultaneously characterizes different facility scales and locations across many food waste pathways. This study develops a series of cost-benefit models that depict the economic favorability of several food waste management pathways by state: landfilling, composting, anaerobic digestion, incineration, and biofuels production via hydrothermal liquefaction. Economic favorability primarily depends on the local tipping (gate) fee charged by the facility; however, additional revenue streams realized from the sale of biofuels, biopower, or bioproducts can reduce this dependence. Local market prices for biofuels, biopower, or bioproducts generated from food waste determine the profitability of technologies that generate these products. The magnitude of these revenue streams depends on local market factors and the economies of scale leveraged for large facilities. Significant spatial variability in these results exists across the United States, driven by the differences in tipping fees, O&M costs (e.g., labor rates), and product market prices. This study supports decision-making by industry, state, and local governments, as well as furthering research in the area of sustainable utilization of food waste.
Financing Innovation: Evidence from RaD Grants

Abstract Governments regularly subsidize new ventures to spur innovation. This paper conducts the first large-sample, quasi-experimental evaluation of R&D subsidies. I use data on ranked applicants...
Left ventricular assist device deactivation following cardiac recovery and pump thrombosis.

Abstract Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an increasingly important component of the management of severe heart failure not only as bridge therapy to eventual orthotopic heart transplantation, but also as destination therapy. Timely diagnosis and management of device complications are of vital importance. Rarely, LVAD placement can result in cardiac recovery that may necessitate device removal. While there are reports of minimally invasive LVAD deactivation, there are currently no guidelines for device extraction or deactivation in the setting of cardiac recovery. This is a case of both cardiac recovery and pump thrombosis following LVAD implantation, managed with device inactivation and driveline excision.
SU‐E‐I‐50: Investigation of the Effect of Anti‐Scatter Grid Septa Size and Orientation On Artifacts with High Resolution Detectors When Decreased Pixel Size Approaches Septa Width

Purpose: As x-ray detectors with greatly increased spatial resolution become available, their decreased pixel dimensions can approach the size of anti-scatter grid septa resulting in loss of primary x-ray detection and imaging artifacts. We investigate this effect and any potential advantage gained by rotating anti-scatter grids 45 degrees. Methods: We calculated the percent of pixel area unobstructed by grid septa for the maximum single pixel coverage of septa-pixel alignment for both 0 degree and 45 degree grid orientations for a broad range of ratios of pixel to septa sizes. We also calculated the percent benefit gained from a 45 degree grid orientation over the 0 degree orientation. Results: There is some benefit provided by the 45 degree orientation for pixel-to-septa ratios between 0.75 and 1.21 with a peak benefit of 8.6% at a ratio of 1.0 for exact alignment of the centers of the pixel and septa. For ratios below 0.75 total loss of data may occur regardless of grid orientation for some pixels. For ratios above 1.21, the 45 degree orientation corresponds increasingly to septa covering up a greater pixel area along the pixel diagonal. Large pixel-to-septa ratios for most current systems meet this criteria with flat panel detector pixels typically of 150 to 200 um and grid septa of 20 to 30 um implying that the 45 degree orientation is inappropriate. For new and proposed high resolution 25 to 35 um pixel detectors, septa coverage and the consequent image artifacts must be considered. Conclusion: The analysis of grid septa coverage is dependent on the pixel-to-septa ratio. Although some small benefit in using a 45 degree orientation for ratios near 1 is possible, other image processing and/or mechanical grid movement methods will have to be explored to minimize image artifacts resulting from grid usage with high resolution detectors. Support in part by NIH grant R01EB002873
Using Satire to Stimulate Critical Thinking in the Political Science Classroom

Political satire in popular culture has become increasingly prominent in recent years, especially through programs like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Political science professors have responded by employing more satire in their courses. The motivation is clear: students enjoy and are entertained by satire, research shows that they may actually be informed by it, and satire can make teaching a more enjoyable experience. Yet recent work suggests that political satire may encourage cynicism and decrease political efficacy among students - a finding likely to give instructors pause. Using classroom experiments, I systematically explore the effects of satire, focusing in particular on political efficacy. The results offer suggestive evidence refuting the earlier warning, indicating that satire does not decrease political efficacy; in fact, it may even increase it. Additionally, both qualitative and quantitative evidence presented here indicates that students enjoy satire and recommend that it be used to teach future courses. Although the results are certainly not conclusive, they may offer enough evidence to justify including an article from The Onion on the reading list or showing a clip from Saturday Night Live in class. For instructors that are so inclined, the appendix contains a catalogued sample of satirical articles, video clips, and cartoons that can be used to teach specific political science concepts.
Coal flash pyrolysis: 3. An analytical method for polymethylene moieties in coal

A method of analysis for polymethylene compounds in coal is described, based on liquefaction of the coal in tetrahydroquinoline and running the 1H n.m.r. spectrum of the liquefaction products in CDCl3. It is shown that the (CH2)n content determined in this way is proportional to the ethylene, propylene and butadiene yields produced on flash pyrolysis of the coals at 850 °C.
Evaluating our end-of-life practice.

Ferrand et al's recent study of witholding and withdrawing life support in intensive care units in France reminds us that reporting end-of-life practices is an important step towards enhancing end-of-life care. The study highlights differences between the parentalistic approach to decision making in Europe, and the patient autonomy model in the USA. However, the reasons intensivists report for witholding or withdrawing life support are similar in both cultures. Intensivists in France make decisions despite a lack of formal guidelines in their country. This study should serve as a stimulus for educating the public and motivating more groups to monitor their end-of-life practices.
Hexose transport in normal and in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed cells.

Transport across the cell membrane of 3-O-methylglucose, a nonphosphorylatable glucose analogue, was measured in cultures of chick embryo fibroblasts which were either growing exponentially, contact-inhibited, or transformed by Rous sarcoma virus. Transport of this hexose was found to be 4 to 5 times faster in transformed cells than in normal cells growing at the same rate, and 30 times faster than in contact-inhibited cells. The rate of efflux was increased to the same extent as the rate of influx. 3-O-Methylglucose transport in these cells was found to be a saturable process which was not accompanied by post-transport phosphorylation and which did not result in accumulation of the hexose against a concentration gradient. It is concluded that a facilitated diffusion system for hexose transport is activated in the transformed cells. Kinetic measurements revealed that the Km for transport of 3-O-methylglucose or of 2-deoxyglucose and the Ki for the phlorizin inhibition of 2-deoxyglucose transport were not significantly altered by malignant transformation. Only the Vmax for hexose uptake showed consistent, significant change. We suggest that a new hexose transport system is not synthesized in the transformed cells and that the activation of hexose transport occurs via either a modification or additional de novo synthesis of the normal cellular transport system.
Gain bandwidth expansion to S-plus band using fiber OPA pumped by gain-clamping signal of a GS-TDFA

We utilized a fiber optical parametric amplifier (OPA) pumped by the gain-clamping signal of a high power (>23 dBm) GS thulium doped fibre amplifier (TDFA) to expand the gain bandwidth toward wavelengths shorter than the S-band range. We simultaneously obtained net OPA gain of about 25 dB from 1445 nm to 1470 nm, and similar GS-TDFA gain from 1470 nm to 1500 nm. We also demonstrated WDM signal amplification using this novel scheme. This novel approach may provide means of expanding gain bandwidth to new ranges in future communication systems.
Investigating activity in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.

Objective This study examined therapeutic mobility activity, and investigated whether serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 varied between periods of rest and activity. Methods This observational, exploratory study took place in a medical intensive care unit and in stepdown units at an urban, academic medical center managed by intensivists. Our sample included 17 adults with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results Our results indicate that activity can occur for about 20 minutes, early during a hospitalization, among critically ill adults with COPD exacerbations, and activity can progress safely over 2 days in an intensive-care or stepdown setting. Physical activity was low in intensity, as measured by actigraphy. Conclusion Although no significant differences were evident between serum inflammatory biomarkers at rest vs after activity in this small sample, trend-related data indicate that low-intensity activity has the potential to alter the inflammatory profile of hospitalized COPD adults.
Equalizing superpower force disparities with optimized arms control choices: A multi-objective approach

Abstract Reductions in strategic nuclear weapons for the two superpowers are examined using multi-objective linear programming. A window is postulated of allowable numbers of weapons in each of three categories: equivalent warheads, throw weight, and missile warheads. Weapons levels are generated via linear programming which minimize the maximum differences, across basing modes, between the arsenals of the two superpowers. Compromise solutions, in which the two arsenals look very much alike, are found.
Post-hazard flow capacity of bridge transportation network considering structural deterioration of bridges

The flow capacity of a transportation network can be reduced significantly if its constituent bridges are damaged by natural or man-made hazards. For rapid risk-informed decision making on hazard mitigation and response, it is therefore essential to have a capability to predict the post-hazard flow capacity of the network efficiently and accurately. However, this is a challenging task due to the uncertainty in hazards and structural damage, and the complex nature of the network flow analysis. Moreover, the bridge structures may experience significant deterioration over their life cycle, which requires time-varying network reliability analysis. This paper proposes a new non-sampling-based approach to estimate the time-varying post-hazard flow capacity of a bridge transportation network considering structural deterioration of bridges. The proposed approach evaluates the probabilities of structural damage scenarios efficiently using the matrix-based system reliability method and rapidly computes the correspo...
Black strings and classical hair

We examine the geometry near the event horizon of a family of black string solutions with traveling waves. It has previously been shown that the metric is continuous there. Contrary to expectations, we find that the geometry is not smooth, and the horizon becomes singular whenever a wave is present. Both five-dimensional and six-dimensional black strings are considered with similar results. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
The human apoB-100 gene: apoB-100 is encoded by a single copy gene in the human genome.

Abstract Northern blot analysis of human liver and intestine mRNA revealed two separate apoB mRNA of 14.1 and 7.5 kb in the intestine, and a single 14.1 kb apoB mRNA in the liver. cDNA probes which encode for the 5′, middle, and 3′ regions of the human apoB-100 mRNA have been utilized to evaluate the number of apoB genes present in the human genome by Southern blot hybridization analysis. Comparison of restriction enzyme digestions of high molecular weight leukocyte DNA and a known apoB genomic clone with cDNA probes for the 5′, middle and 3′ regions of the apoB-100 mRNA were consistent with only a single apoB gene per human haploid genome. Further analysis with synthetic oligonucleotides definitively established that there is a single apoB-100 gene. The two mRNA species observed in the intestine must be derived from a single nuclear apoB RNA transcript.
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase Is Phosphorylated by Protein Kinase Cι/λ and Plays a Role in Microtubule Dynamics in the Early Secretory Pathway

The small GTPase Rab2 immunolocalizes to vesicular tubular clusters (VTCs) that function as transport complexes carrying cargo between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. Our previous studies showed that Rab2 promotes vesicle formation from VTCs and that the released vesicles are enriched in β-coat protein, protein kinase C ι/λ (PKCι/λ), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and the recycling protein p53/gp58. Because PKCι/λ kinase activity was necessary for vesicle formation, a search was initiated to identify the substrate(s) that potentiate Rab2 function within VTCs. In this study, we found that PKCι/λ phosphorylates GAPDH. Moreover, GAPDH interacts directly with the PKCι/λ regulatory domain. Based on numerous observations that show (β-COP) GAPDH associates with cytoskeletal elements, we examined the role of phospho-GAPDH in promoting microtubule (MT) binding to membrane. Using a quantitative microsomal binding assay, we found that membrane association of β-tubulin was dependent on phospho-GAPDH and was blocked by reagents that interfere with Rab2-dependent GAPDH membrane recruitment or with PKCι/λ kinase activity. Furthermore, normal rat kidney cells transfected with a constitutively activated form of Rab2 (Q65L) or with our anti-GAPDH polyclonal antibody displayed a dramatic change in MT organization. These combined results suggest that Rab2 stimulated PKCι/λ and GAPDH recruitment to VTCs, and the subsequent PKCι/λ phosphorylation of GAPDH ultimately influences MT dynamics in the early secretory pathway.
Eye Color, Ectomorphy and Autonomic Nervous System Balance

It was hypothesized on the basis of previous research that eye color may be related to body build and to psychophysiological reactivity. A study of 461 college students failed to confirm either hypothesis.
Chlorine and ozone washes for pesticide removal from apples and processed apple sauce

Abstract The effectiveness of chlorinated and ozonated water dips in the dissipation of azinphos-methyl, captan and formetanate hydrochloride in solution and on fresh and processed apples was examined. All three pesticides in model systems solution decreased 50–100% with chlorine and ozone treatment. Captan and formetanate-HCl were both rapidly degraded in 50 and 500 mg liter −1 chlorine solutions at pH 7 and 10.7. Ozonation was also effective in degrading the pesticides. Rate of degradation of the pesticides generally increased at higher pH and temperature. Pesticide residues on fresh apples and in processed products were also reduced by chlorine and ozone washes; chlorine (500 mg liter −1 ) being the most effective wash treatment. Ozone wash at 0.25 mg liter −1 was not as effective owing to its low concentration, its instability in water and the high organic content of the wash water.
Deformation of crystalline materials in thin section

A method applicable to weak, low-melting-point model materials permits observation through a petrographic microscope of large simple shearing deformation of samples as thin as ordinary thin sections. Examples of ductile, brittle, and intermediate behavior can be studied. The method lends itself to teaching and may also prove valuable in research.
Covariant field equations of chiral N = 2 D = 10 supergravity

Even though chiral N = 2 D = 10 supergravity does not have a manifestly Lorentz-invariant action principle, it does have covariant field equations. The latter are obtained by first deriving the local supersymmetry transformations of the fields and then deducing the set of field equations that transform into one another and are required for closure of the algebra. One of the equations is the self-duality of a supercovariant fifth-rank field strength tensor. An SU(1, 1) symmetry plays a crucial role in the analysis.
Plug-In Two-Stage Normal Density Estimation Under MISE Loss: Unknown Variance

Abstract Consider independent observations X 1, X 2,… having a common normal probability density function with − ∞ 0). We propose to estimate f(x;σ2) by a plug-in maximum likelihood (ML) two-stage estimator under the mean integrated squared error (MISE) loss function. Our goal is to make the associated risk not to exceed a preassigned positive number c, referred to as the risk-bound. Because no fixed-sample-size methodology would handle this estimation problem, we design an appropriate two-stage estimation methodology that is shown to satisfy the asymptotic (i) first-order efficiency property (Theorem 2.1), (ii) first-order risk-efficiency property (Theorem 2.2), as well as (iii) second-order efficiency property (Theorem 2.3). The performances of the proposed methodology for small, moderate, and large sample sizes are examined with the help of simulations. We have noticed some limited robustness of the proposed methodology under mixture-normal population densities, in w...
An empirical analysis of auditor report timing by large municipalities

Abstract Our paper provides further evidence on the timeliness of external audit-reporting for municipalities. Ordinary least squares regression and multiple comparison tests were used to analyze a sample of cities described in the paper. Results were similar to Dwyer and Wilson (1989). However, overall time to issue external audit reports was about a month longer than found in Dwyer and Wilson (1989, p. 41). Explanations are provided as suggestions for factors that affect external audit-timing. Also, we comment on report timing by type of an external auditor.
Is Growth Enough? Macroeconomic Policy and Poverty Reduction

The paper investigates the existence of super pro-poor policies--that is, policies that directly influence the income of the poor after accounting for the effect of growth. It uses a dynamic panel estimator to capture both across- and within-country effects, and a Bayesian-type robustness check to account for model uncertainty. The findings confirm that growth raises the income of the poor, although this relationship is less than one-to-one. The analysis also identifies four super pro-poor conditions that are influenced by policy: inflation, government size, educational achievement, and financial development.