cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the relationship between epidural steroid injections and patient satisfaction.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Hospitals and policy makers have placed increasing importance on patient satisfaction with medical care. Minimal research exists on patient satisfaction in the context of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) for radicular pain. PURPOSE Describe patient satisfaction with ESIs for the treatment of radicular pain and identify patient demographic and clinical characteristics associated with patient satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This was a retrospective study conducted at a large, academic medical center. METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study of prospectively collected registry data including patients treated with ESIs from August 2006 to May 2018. The primary outcomes were: overall Press Ganey (PG) score, patient satisfaction with the physician, and likelihood to recommend both the physician and the practice. Age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, immediate change in pain, sex, spinal segmental level of injection, prior opioid use, insurance status, and ethnicity were compared with the four PG measures of satisfaction using both univariable and multivariable regression analysis. No sources of funding were used for this project. The authors report no conflict of interest in relation to this manuscript. RESULTS Two-hundred ninety patients underwent 377 injections. Overall, patients were highly satisfied; 86% recommend their physician and 85% recommend the practice, each with the highest possible PG score. The median overall PG score was 97.2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 89.3, 100), and the median physician satisfaction score was 100 (IQR: 95, 100). The median immediate reduction in pain was 3 points (IQR: −5,−2) on the numerical rating scale scale postinjection. Increased age was associated with increased satisfaction with the physician (reported rate ratios [Relative Risk (RR)] for dissatisfaction: 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58, 0.93, p=.011) and increased likelihood to recommend the physician (odds ratio: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.01, p=.022) in multivariable analysis. Medicare as opposed to private insurance was associated with higher dissatisfaction with the physician (RR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.61, p=.014) and decreased likelihood to recommend the practice (RR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.94, p=.037). CONCLUSIONS The present data, based on PG scores, demonstrated that ESIs are associated with greater patient satisfaction with increasing age, but lower satisfaction in patients with Medicare compared with private insurance when controlling for other demographic factors. Satisfaction was not associated with the degree of pain relief.
Patient-Centered Team-Based Learning in Pre-Clinical Curriculum Supporting the Application of Knowledge to Real-World Clinical Experience

We report an active learning session which effectively supported 1st year medical students applying their learning experience in a clinical setting. A team-based learning (TBL) on familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with a live patient was given to deliver basic genetics knowledge in a clinically relevant context. Subsequently, two participating students applied their learning experience by presenting a differential diagnosis of homozygous FH in a patient at a medical mission in Central America. We propose that combining active learning with clinically relevant scenarios effectively fosters student’s clinical reasoning skills and can bridge the perceived gap between basic science and clinical education.
Capital, Subsistence, and Lakeside Violence:

The tranquil setting in the North Woods of Wisconsin and Minnesota obscures a centuries-old history of resource conflict between indigenous Ojibwe people and whites. The subsistence activities of t...
Tensor Decomposition of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Signals for Pattern Discovery of Cognitive Response in Infants

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) provides an effective tool in neuroscience studies of cognition in infants. fNIRS signals are normally processed by applying ANOVA analysis on the grand average of the hemodynamic responses to investigate the cognitive-related differences between experimental groups. However, this averaging approach does not account for any differences in the temporal patterns of the responses. Therefore, we propose a new approach based on a combination of tensor decomposition and ANOVA. First, a four-way tensor of the hemodynamic responses is arranged as time × frequency × channel× subject and decomposed using Canonical Polyadic Decomposition (CPD). Next, ANOVA is applied to identify significant patterns between subjects. Instead of averaging, the CPD can capture the distinct patterns between groups in all the dimensions. We used fNIRS dataset of 70 infants who participated in an experiment to investigate cortical activation to an agent (i.e., mechanical claws vs. human hands) with different events (i.e., function and non-function). In the comparison with the traditional ANOVA, CPD+ANOVA identified the same significance factors. However, CPD+ANOVA discovered new information on the temporal and spatial patterns indicating a longer interval hemodynamic responses, which was missed using the traditional ANOVA. This new analysis of hemodynamic responses as captured using fNIRS will improve neuroscience and cognitive studies.
Ensign wasps (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) in Dominican and Mexican amber

Three new species of ensign wasps (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae), Evaniella setifera sp. nov., Evaniella dominicana sp. nov., and Semaeomyia hispaniola sp. nov. are described from Dominican amber and Hyp...
A Beam-Steerable Rollable Reflectarray

This paper proposes a novel beam-steerable Reflectarray Antenna (RA) at Ku-band. This RA consists of a $\mathbf{58}\times\mathbf{30}$ square patch elements printed on a flexible plastic substrate. The RA is rolled around two cylinders to form a $\mathbf{30}\times \mathbf{30}$ RA aperture. Mechanical rotation is used to turn the two cylindrical tubes in both the left and right directions to steer the beam. The phase synthesis optimization procedure is also introduced. The obtained primary results using array theory show that the beam is able to steer from -24° to +24° in elevation with a steering step of 4° and provide a 4 dB directivity variation by mechanically rotating the RA. These results show that our proposed design is suitable for implementing high gain antennas with beam-steering capabilities that require less power. Such antennas are needed in CubeSat and space applications.
An analysis of the ethical frameworks and financial outcomes of corporate social responsibility and business press reporting of US pharmaceutical companies

We use content analysis to discern ethical patterns of communication differences between the business press and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports in the US pharmaceutical sector. The methodology is based on content analysis of documents in the public domain, rather than based on surveys or interviews of other empirical work, allowing for replication and transparency. The qualitative and statistical analysis of our data indicates that there are statistically significant differences between how CSR is communicated in the business press and in the CSR documents themselves. However, there was not a statistical relationship between having a formal CSR report and financial outcome as measured by return on assets. The results indicate that individuals and organisations charged with communicating the organisations' activities should be cognisant of where there are differences and should develop communication processes to assure the company is disseminating the correct message in the reporting of their CSR activities.
Open source Vicon Toolkit for motion capture and Gait Analysis

Abstract Background and Objective: The Vicon motion capture system is a popular tool for biomechanics, gait analysis, and robotics. The ASCII files produced are large and complex, making them difficult to read and analyze. Methods: This paper presents two packages, the Vicon Toolkit Package and the Gait Analysis Toolkit Package. They use an open-source framework for ingesting, parsing, and analyzing Vicon mocap data and performing gait analysis. The package that handles the Vicon analysis is separated from the Gait Analysis package to allow for abstraction and expansion, and is not specific only to the Vicon system. Results: Our Vicon Toolkit provides tools to work directly with the marker data and other Vicon Nexus system outputs. The Gait Toolkit provides tools for performing gait analysis, EMG filtering, and learning trajectories. The packages are built upon a core library, GaitCore, that provides unified objects to perform operations and store data. Conclusion: This paper will show how to use the packages’ tools and the expected outputs. All the tools are open-source and written in Python3.x for ease of use and access to other powerful libraries.
PFuji-Size dataset: A collection of images and photogrammetry-derived 3D point clouds with ground truth annotations for Fuji apple detection and size estimation in field conditions

Abstract The PFuji-Size dataset is comprised of a collection of 3D point clouds of Fuji apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Fuji) scanned at different maturity stages and annotated for fruit detection and size estimation. Structure-from-motion and multi-view stereo techniques were used to generate the 3D point clouds of 6 complete Fuji apple trees containing a total of 615 apples. The resulting point clouds were 3D segmented by identifying the 3D points corresponding to each apple (3D instance segmentation), obtaining a single point cloud for each apple. All segmented apples were labelled with ground truth diameter annotations. Since the data was acquired in field conditions and at different maturity stages, the set includes different fruit diameters -from 26.9 mm to 94.8 mm- and different fruit occlusion percentages due to foliage. In addition, 25 apples were photographed 360° in laboratory conditions, obtaining high resolution 3D point clouds of this sub-set. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first publicly available dataset for apple size estimation in field conditions. This dataset was used to evaluate different fruit size estimation methods in the research article titled “In-field apple size estimation using photogrammetry-derived 3D point clouds: comparison of 4 different methods considering fruit occlusion” (Gene-Mola et al., 2021).
Neighbourhood context and unsolved murders: the social ecology of homicide investigations

ABSTRACTPrior research indicates that victim and crime characteristics shape homicide investigations, yet less is known about the effects of neighbourhood demographics. Drawing upon several theoretical perspectives, this study examines the neighbourhood context of homicide investigations. Multilevel logistic regressions disentangle the effects of covariates at the agency, neighbourhood, and individual level on homicide investigations in Los Angeles County, California. While several non-racial factors influence clearance outcomes, homicides occurring in areas with larger Black and Latino populations are less likely to be cleared. These findings highlight the importance of neighbourhood racial composition beyond victim race effects and have implications for the community context of criminal justice.
Megavoltage imaging, megavoltage cone beam CT and dose-guided radiation therapy.

Elaborate methods of patient imaging for diagnostics, dose calculation, and radiation delivery are currently used to develop treatment plans with highly conformal patient dose distributions. However,
Film Music of India

Abstract India is one of the world's leading film producing nations, and the music of Indian movies is an integral and vital component of the productions. A survey of Indian film music since 1950 is presented, along with a bibliography.
Post-transplant critical care outcomes for pediatric multivisceral and intestinal transplant patients.

Rowan CM, Vianna RM, Speicher RH, Mangus RS, Tector AJ, Nitu ME. Post-transplant critical care outcomes for pediatric multivisceral and intestinal transplant patients. Abstract: This study reviews the post-operative management of pediatric intestinal transplant patients at a single center with reporting of standard PICU benchmarks for quality of care. It is a retrospective, descriptive, chart review describing our institution’s experience between 2006 and 2010. Twenty patients were included. Median age at transplant was 1.6 yr. Median length of PICU stay was 12 days. Median ventilation time was two days. Median time for continuous sedation infusion was two days, with median continuous pain medication infusion of three days. All patients were placed on parental nutrition and started on enteral feedings between days 3 and 4. Forty percent of patients required hemodynamic support. Only 35% of patients required insulin therapy. Diuretics were frequently used in this patient population. There were no episodes of early rejection. The survival rate to PICU discharge was 95%. Our institution’s experience over the past four yr has been very successful with a short duration of mechanical ventilation, limited use of pain and sedation drips, early initiation of enteral feedings, minimal hemodynamic support, and a low mortality rate to PICU discharge despite a preponderance of complex MVTx recipients.
A Study Of The Chemical Composition And Corrosivity Of The Condensate In Top Of The Line Corrosion

The three key aspects of the top of the line corrosion process are condensation, chemical speciation and corrosion. The focus of this study is on the condensate speciation through a thermodynamic approach. Specifically, the aim of this study is to determine the concentration of acetic acid in the condensate. The presence of acetic acid tends to increase the corrosion rate and to promote localized corrosion. The results of this study show that the concentration of free acetic acid in the condensate is determined predominantly by the pH of the liquid phase, which is changed by the corrosion process. The concentration of total acetic acid seems to decrease as the condensation rate increases. The understanding and results gained from this study will lead to the creation of a complete predictive model for top of the line corrosion.
Very low utility of surveillance imaging in early-stage classic Hodgkin lymphoma treated with a combination of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine and radiation therapy

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the need for surveillance imaging in early-stage classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after planned combined-modality therapy (CMT). METHODS Primary early-stage cHL patients who underwent CMT were included. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), CT, or both were performed at the initial staging, during or after chemotherapy, and for at least 2 years during follow-up. Imaging studies and medical records were reviewed to determine if and when relapse had occurred. Radiation doses and costs were also calculated from follow-up imaging. RESULTS The study included 78 patients with a median follow-up of 46 months; 85% of the patients had stage II disease (32% with bulky disease). Four of 77 interim PET scans were positive; none of these patients relapsed during follow-up, which ranged from 24 to 80 months. After a total of 466 follow-up imaging studies (91% with CT and 9% with PET/CT), no cHL relapse was detected. Eleven abnormal findings were noted on surveillance imaging: 9 were false-positives, and 2 were second primary malignancies. The average cumulative dose per patient from follow-up imaging was 107 mSv, which translated into an estimated lifetime excess cancer risk of 0.5%; the estimated total costs were $296,817 according to Medicare reimbursements. CONCLUSIONS Surveillance imaging with either CT or PET/CT can be omitted safely for early-stage cHL treated with a combination of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine and radiation therapy because the risk of relapse is extremely low. This observation also applies to patients with bulky disease. The elimination of surveillance imaging will also reduce healthcare expenses and cumulative radiation doses in these predominantly young patients. Cancer 2015;121:1985–1992. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Diachronic explanation for typological “inconsistencies”;: The Mayan languages∗

(1984). Diachronic explanation for typological “inconsistencies”;: The Mayan languages. Paper in Linguistics: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 283-300.
Bayesian networks make LOPA more effective, QRA more transparent and flexible, and thus safety more definable!

Abstract Quantitative risk analysis is in principle an ideal method to map one’s risks, but it has limitations due to the complexity of models, scarcity of data, remaining uncertainties, and above all because effort, cost, and time requirements are heavy. Also, software is not cheap, the calculations are not quite transparent, and the flexibility to look at various scenarios and at preventive and protective options is limited. So, the method is considered as a last resort for determination of risks. Simpler methods such as LOPA that focus on a particular scenario and assessment of protection for a defined initiating event are more popular. LOPA may however not cover the whole range of credible scenarios, and calamitous surprises may emerge. In the past few decades, Artificial Intelligence university groups, such as the Decision Systems Laboratory of the University of Pittsburgh, have developed Bayesian approaches to support decision making in situations where one has to weigh gains and costs versus risks. This paper will describe details of such an approach and will provide some examples of both discrete random variables, such as the probability values in a LOPA, and continuous distributions, which can better reflect the uncertainty in data.
Parasagittal hemangioma associates with unilateral cheiro-oral-pedal syndrome

Cortical lesion might elicit restricted acral sensory deficit but a disparity of topographies in cheiro-oral-pedal syndrome is very rare. We report the first case of cheiro-oral-pedal syndrome due to a contralateral parasagittal hemangioma involving the supplement sensory area in parietal lobe. This unusual link between neuroanatomy and neurological feature is discussed.
Responsible Authorship: Why Researchers Must Forgo Honorary Authorship

Although widespread throughout the biomedical sciences, the practice of honorary authorship—the listing of authors who fail to merit inclusion as authors by authorship criteria—has received relatively little sustained attention. Is there something wrong with honorary authorship, or is it only a problem when used in conjunction with other unethical authorship practices like ghostwriting? Numerous sets of authorship guidelines discourage the practice, but its ubiquity throughout biomedicine suggests that there is a need to say more about honorary authorship. Despite its general acceptance among many scientists, honorary authorship is unethical. Even if burdensome, responsible researchers are obligated to forgo honorary authorship.
Influence of Surface Condition on the Inspection of Steel Bridge Elements Using the Time-of-Flight Diffraction Method

Prior studies on the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) method have focused primarily on ground smooth, clean surfaces of steel. In practice, however, the surface of an existing bridge element will be covered with rust or have several layers of paint. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the surface condition of steel elements (i.e., painted or rusted) on the ability of the method to accurately detect and size flaws. These objectives were met by performing a number of tests on plates with saw cuts or implanted fatigue cracks with different surface conditions. These included ground smooth and polished, rusted, and painted surfaces. The data show that rusted surfaces will reduce the amplitude of the ultrasonic signals, but they will not impair the ability of the TOFD method to detect and accurately size flaws. A painted surface will also cause a reduction in signal amplitude. More important, however, is the appearance of additional wave signals that could be interpreted as false indications. While these additional signals do not obscure the presence of actual flaws or affect the accuracy of the TOFD method to size the flaws, they make flaw detection more difficult. Based on the results of this study, recommendations for field inspection on rusted or painted surfaces using the TOFD method are provided.
The hyper-diverse ant genus Tetramorium Mayr (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in the Malagasy region taxonomic revision of the T. naganum, T. plesiarum, T. schaufussii, and T. severini species groups

The taxonomy of the Tetramorium naganum, T. plesiarum, T. schaufussii, and T. severini species groups are revised for the Malagasy region. A total of 31 species are treated, of which 22 are newly described and nine redescribed. This increases the richness of the hyper-diverse genus Tetramorium in the Malagasy region to 106 species, which makes it the most species-rich genus in the region. Twenty-nine of the treated species are endemic to Madagascar, one is endemic to the Comoros, and one species is found predominantly in Madagascar but also on the island of Reunion. The T. naganum species group contains five species, which are mainly distributed in the rainforests and montane rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar: T. alperti sp. n., T. dalek sp. n., T. enkidu sp. n., T. gilgamesh sp. n., and T. naganum Bolton, 1979. The T. plesiarum species group holds five species: T. bressleri sp. n., T. hobbit sp. n., T. gollum sp. n., T. mars sp. n., and T. plesiarum Bolton, 1979. All five are arid-adapted species occurring in the southwest and west of Madagascar. The second-most species-rich group in the region is the T. schaufussii species group with 20 species, most of which inhabit rainforests or montane rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar. This group includes two species complexes each containing ten species: the T. cognatum complex with the species T. aspis sp. n., T. camelliae sp. n., T. cognatum Bolton, 1979, T. freya sp. n., T. gladius sp. n., T. karthala sp. n., T. myrmidon sp. n., T. proximum Bolton, 1979, T. rumo sp. n., and T. tenuinode sp. n.; and the T. schaufussii complex with the species T. merina sp. n., T. monticola sp. n., T. nassonowii Forel, 1892 stat. n., T. obiwan sp. n., T. pseudogladius sp. n., T. rala sp. n., T. schaufussii Forel, 1891, T. sikorae Forel, 1892 (= T. latior (Santschi, 1926)), T. scutum sp. n., T. xanthogaster Santschi, 1911. The last group treated in this study is the T. severini species group, which contains only the species T. severini (Emery, 1895). This very conspicuous species is widely distributed in the rainforests and montane rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar. All four groups are fully revised with group diagnoses, illustrated species-level identification keys, and detailed descriptions for all species that include multifocused montage images and distribution maps.
Experimental Coccidiosis (Isospora suis) in a Litter of Feral Piglets

David S. Lindsay and Byron L. Blagburn, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36849, USA; John V. Ernst, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Services, Animal Parasitology Institute, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA; and William L. Current, Animal Health Discovery Research, Eli Lilly Research Laboratories, Greenfield, Indiana 46140, USA
Superconducting Nb-Ta-Al-AlOx-Al tunnel junctions for x-ray detection

We report progress on the microlithographic fabrication of Nb-Ta-Al-AlOx-Al structures designed for x-ray detection. These structures use bandgap engineering both for quasiparticle trapping to increase the collection efficiency and to prevent quasiparticle diffusion out through the leads. Non-standard tunnel junction geometries are used to reduce the magnetic field needed to suppress the Josephson current for stable biasing. The performance of these devices as alpha particle detectors is presented.
Evaluation of FEMA-350 Seismic Provisions for Steel Panel Zones

Steel panel zone design provisions have undergone large changes in the past four decades. The recently introduced FEMA-350 (2000) guidelines are substantially different from previous provisions, and are no longer a function of the plastic strengths of the panel zone and adjoining beams. Rather, they are based on the premise that the framing beams and the panel zone both yield simultaneously to promote controlled inelastic participation of both components. This paper evaluates and discusses the new provisions based on an examination of published test data and the results of transient analyses of buildings with four-, eight-, and sixteen-story moment resisting steel frames. The limited test results reviewed do not confirm the adequacy of the new panel zone provisions and furthermore suggest that panel zone deformation demands could be affected by connection detailing. The frame analysis results show that the FEMA-350 provisions lead to a rather low level of panel zone participation. A discussion of design implications and research needs is provided.
Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiodes for Near-Infrared Photon Counting

We present the design and characterization of InP-based avalanche photodiodes optimized for single photon counting for wavelengths between 1.0 and 1.7 mum, and we discuss performance trade-offs and mechanisms responsible for present performance limits.
Predictors of prolonged vasopressin infusion for the treatment of septic shock

Abstract Purpose Prolonged catecholamine use has been linked with poor clinical outcomes, including higher mortality. The objective was to identify characteristics that may be predictive of prolonged arginine vasopressin (AVP) use for 7 days or more in patients with septic shock. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective nested cohort analysis of adult patients receiving AVP as initial hemodynamic support for septic shock, either alone or in combination with norepinephrine, between 2008 and 2010. Results Univariate factors predictive of patients requiring extended AVP support were peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (48% vs 18%, P = .001), congestive heart failure (30% vs 12%, P = .024), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (83% vs 49%, P = .003). Patients requiring extended AVP support more frequently experienced a new intensive care unit (ICU) arrhythmia, typically atrial fibrillation (39% vs 7%, P P Conclusions Patients with preexisting PVD and AKI and those experiencing a new ICU arrhythmia on AVP may be more likely to remain on AVP for 7 or more days.
Premature discontinuation in adult psychotherapy: a meta-analysis.

Objective Premature discontinuation from therapy is a widespread problem that impedes the delivery of otherwise effective psychological interventions. The most recent comprehensive review found an average dropout rate of 47% across 125 studies (Wierzbicki & Pekarik, 1993); however, given a number of changes in the field over the past 2 decades, an updated meta-analysis is needed to examine the current phenomenon of therapy dropout. Method A series of meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted in order to identify the rate at which treatment dropout occurs and predictors of its occurrence. This review included 669 studies representing 83,834 clients. Results Averaging across studies using a random effects model, the weighted dropout rate was 19.7%, 95% CI [18.7%, 20.7%]. Further analyses, also using random effects models, indicated that the overall dropout rate was moderated by client diagnosis and age, provider experience level, setting for the intervention, definition of dropout, type of study (efficacy vs. effectiveness), and other design variables. Dropout was not moderated by orientation of therapy, whether treatment was provided in an individual or group format, and a number of client demographic variables. Conclusions Although premature discontinuation is occurring at a lower rate than what was estimated 20 years ago (Wierzbicki & Pekarik, 1993), it is still a significant problem, with about 1 in every 5 clients dropping out of therapy. Special efforts should be made to decrease premature discontinuation, particularly with clients who are younger, have a personality or eating disorder diagnosis, and are seen by trainee clinicians.
NEONATAL AORTIC THROMBOSIS: A Possible Clinical Manifestation of Cangenital Antithrombin III Deficiency

Abstract. Bjarke, B., Herin, P. and Blomback, M. (Department of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, S:t Goran's Children's Hospital and Department of Blood Coagulation, Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden). Neonatal aortic thrombosis. Acta Paediat Scand 63:297, 1974.–Two cases of neonatal aortic thrombosis are presented. Possible etiologies, as quoted in the literature, are discussed and the fact that the etiology seems to be unknown in at least half of the cases is stressed. The mothers of the two neonates presented had an antithrombin III (AT III) deficiency, which is associated with an increased tendency to thrombosis. One of the mothers had manifested such a tendency. The AT III deficiency as an ethiological factor for the thrombus formation in the two babies is discussed.
ARCH models as diffusion approximations

Abstract This paper investigates the convergence of stochastic difference equations (e.g., ARCH) to stochastic differential equations as the length of the discrete time intervals between observations goes to zero. These results are applied to the GARCH(1,1) model of Bollerslev (1986) and to the AR(1) Exponential ARCH model of Nelson (1989). In their continuous time limits, the conditional variance processes in these models have stationary distributions that are inverted gamma and lognormal, respectively. In addition, a class of diffusion approximations based on the Exponential ARCH model is developed.
DNA Damage-Induced Replication Fork Regression and Processing in Escherichia coli

DNA lesions that block replication are a primary cause of rearrangements, mutations, and lethality in all cells. After ultraviolet (UV)-induced DNA damage in Escherichia coli, replication recovery requires RecA and several other recF pathway proteins. To characterize the mechanism by which lesion-blocked replication forks recover, we used two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis to show that replication-blocking DNA lesions induce a transient reversal of the replication fork in vivo. The reversed replication fork intermediate is stabilized by RecA and RecF and is degraded by the RecQ-RecJ helicase-nuclease when these proteins are absent. We propose that fork regression allows repair enzymes to gain access to the replication-blocking lesion, allowing processive replication to resume once the blocking lesion is removed.
IrisNet: an architecture for a worldwide sensor Web

We discuss about the IrisNet (Internet-scale resource-intensive sensor network services) project at Intel Research, we design an architecture and build a system that enable easy deployment of such wide-area sensing services. We aim to provide the missing software components for realizing a worldwide sensor Web. Wide-area architectures for pervasive sensing enable a new generation of powerful distributed sensing services. A worldwide sensor Web, in which users can query, as a single unit, vast quantities of data from thousands or even millions of widely distributed, heterogeneous sensors. Internet-connected PCs that source sensor feeds and cooperate to answer users' queries will form the global sensor Web's backbone. Developers of wide-area sensing services (service authors) deploy the services on this distributed infrastructure.
Seal glass compatibility with bare and (Mn,Co)3O4 coated Crofer 22 APU alloy in different atmospheres

Abstract To prevent gas mixing and leakage during solid oxide fuel/electrolyzer cell operation, the interconnect/seal glass interface should bond well and remain stable. A SrO–La2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 (SABS-0) seal glass has been bonded to bare Crofer 22 APU alloy and (Mn,Co)3O4 coated Crofer 22 APU alloy. The stability of the interconnect/SABS-0 interface has been studied in air and H2/H2O atmospheres at 800 °C for 1000 h. The interconnect/seal glass interaction involves the oxidation of the bare and (Mn,Co)3O4 coated Crofer 22 APU alloy surfaces, inter-diffusion of elements, chemical reaction, and the devitrification of the SABS-0 glass. The study shows that the thermal treatment atmosphere greatly affects the interfacial stability of both bare Crofer 22 APU/SABS-0 and (Mn,Co)3O4 coated Crofer 22 APU/SABS-0 samples. The interfacial stability is better in the H2/H2O atmosphere for both samples. The instability of the (Mn,Co)3O4 coating under the thermal treatment conditions degrades the interfacial compatibility of the (Mn,Co)3O4 coated Crofer 22 APU/SABS-0 sample.
Coating thickness measurement by interferometry.

Thickness measurements of thin transparent coatings on thick transparent bases by reflection interferometry are made possible through use of an immersion medium of the same refractive index as the base to intensify interference. A convenient interferometer comprising three essential parts, a “pocket” spectroscope, an incandescent lamp, and a cylindrical immersion tank, is described. Its use for rapid, precise measurements of thickness of single and double layer coatings and films in the range of 0.2 to 50 microns is illustrated with spectra.
Participatory Models and Exclusionary Frames in Water Management

Among the most pronounced effects of climate change is the increase in competition for water resources. The broad spatial and temporal scales of climate change mean that decision makers cannot easily build on personal experience and empirical observation to devise adaptive solutions. Simulation modeling can help resource managers adjust by illustrating how alternative options might perform in future climate scenarios. For such projections to be realistic and relevant, however, modeling must build on an understanding of decision makers’ perceptions, priorities and vulnerabilities. New approaches to water resource management promote the integration of modeling with participatory approaches that elicit stakeholder input and support negotiated solutions. Anthropologists are increasingly called to assist in these efforts by identifying stakeholders, their needs, interests and priorities, and by facilitating communication between scientists and stakeholders. But our discipline has far more to contribute, particularly in terms of its ability to elucidate the underlying assumptions, socially constructed meanings, and social equity implications subsumed in participatory processes.
Identification of novel initiation sites for human DNA replication around ARSH1, a previously characterized yeast replicator

Replication of mammalian chromosomes depends on the activation of a large number of origins of DNA replication distributed along the chromosomes. We have focused our attention on a human DNA region, named ARSH1, localized to chromosome 2, that had been previously shown to act as an episomal origin in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the present study we have used a nascent strand DNA abundance assay to map initiation sites for DNA replication in in vivo human chromosomes around a 5 kb region encompassing ARSH1. This analysis applied to a 1-1.4 kb nascent DNA strand fraction isolated from normal skin fibroblasts revealed the presence of two major initiations sites surrounding the ARSH1 region. With an equivalent DNA fraction obtained from HeLa cells, in addition to these sites, a broad initiation profile was observed which included the ARSH1 region. This DNA region however was not sufficient to support episomal replication of an ARSH1-containing plasmid transfected into HeLa cells.
Novel bidirectional DC-DC-AC three-phase power converter

This paper proposes a dc-dc-ac three-phase converter in order to interface dc and ac variables allowing a bidirectional power flow. A direct application of this converter is in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) system and interfacing dc microgrid with three-phase utility grid. Such power electronics solution guarantees: (i) full controllability at both dc and ac converter sides, (ii) high level of integration with a reduction of one power switch and its drive circuits, (iii) implementation of two functions by using a unique power conversion stage, and (iv) reduction of the capacitor losses. Despite proposing a new power converter solution, this paper presents an optimized PWM strategy based on the hybrid PWM concept as well as a suitable control approach. Simulation results validate the theoretical analysis.
Proliferative suppression and class I insufficiency on peripheral blood cells from hepatitis C patients overcome by exogenous cytokines or high-dose mitogen.

An abnormal T cell response to HCV viral infection is speculated to cause viral persistence, although the mechanism(s) is not understood. Using a classical in vitro test of T cell vigor, proliferative responses to PHA were determined in PBLs from 92 HCV+ individuals and 35 healthy noninfected controls. In addition, since HLA antigens modulate proliferation, surface HLA content was measured by quantitative flow cytometry. The proliferative response of cells from HCV+ individuals was lower than that of controls (SI of 91 ± 70 vs 219 ± 70, P < .0001). In addition, class I content was underexpressed on cells from HCV+ individuals (4540 ± 1359 vs 13,180 ± 5511 MESF units, P < .0001) after 5 days of PHA stimulation. Class II content was also lower than that of controls (89 ± 17 vs 124 ± 61 MESF units, P < .0001) after PHA stimulation. Treatment of cells from HCV+ individuals with a high dose of PHA corrected proliferative hyporesponsiveness (P < 0.01) and class I and II insufficiency (P = 0.02). Treatment with exogenous IL-2 or IFN-γ corrected proliferative reduction (P < 0.01) but not HLA antigen content (P = ns). The results show a biochemical and functional abnormality in PBLs from HCV+ individuals, which may contribute to HCV chronicity.
Linear/nonlinear forms and the normal law: Characterization by high order correlations

The problem of characterizing the normal law associated with linear forms and processes, as well as with quadratic forms, is considered. The classical condition of constancy of regression is replaced by a distinct condition of high-order uncorrelatedness.
A glass-membrane pH microelectrode

Abstract By miniaturizing the original MacInnes and Dole glass-membrane pH electrode a new pH microelectrode has been developed. The technique developed utilizes the tip of a high electrical resistance glass pipet that can be sealed with a thin membrane of H+-sensitive glass. Single-barreled electrodes have been made with tip diameters ranging from 1.5 to 100 μm and double-barreled electrodes with tip diameters from 2 to 28 μm. The glass-membrane pH microelectrode provided a means for sensing the pH of biological solutions with an electrode having theoretical slope and tip configurational control. The most unique characteristics of the electrode were: the pH sensing surface was quite small, the tip diameter could be controlled, and the problem of electrode insulation was eliminated.
Oxytocin induces social communication by activating arginine-vasopressin V1a receptors and not oxytocin receptors

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) and their receptors are very similar in structure. As a result, at least some of the effects of these peptides may be the result of crosstalk between their canonical receptors. The present study investigated this hypothesis by determining whether the induction of flank marking, a form of social communication in Syrian hamsters, by OT is mediated by the OT receptor or the AVP V1a receptor. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of OT or AVP induced flank marking in a dose-dependent manner although the effects of AVP were approximately 100 times greater than those of OT. Injections of highly selective V1a receptor agonists but not OT receptor agonists induced flank marking, and V1a receptor antagonists but not OT receptor antagonists significantly inhibited the ability of OT to induce flank marking. Lastly, injection of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide that stimulates OT but not AVP release, significantly increased odor-induced flank marking, and these effects were blocked by a V1a receptor antagonist. These data demonstrate that OT induces flank marking by activating AVP V1a and not OT receptors, suggesting that the V1a receptor should be considered to be an OT receptor as well as an AVP receptor.
Cointegration as a data normalization tool for structural health monitoring applications

The structural health monitoring literature has shown an abundance of features sensitive to various types of damage in laboratory tests. However, robust feature extraction in the presence of varying operational and environmental conditions has proven to be one of the largest obstacles in the development of practical structural health monitoring systems. Cointegration, a technique adapted from the field of econometrics, has recently been introduced to the SHM field as one solution to the data normalization problem. Response measurements and feature histories often show long-run nonstationarity due to fluctuating temperature, load conditions, or other factors that leads to the occurrence of false positives. Cointegration theory allows nonstationary trends common to two or more time series to be modeled and subsequently removed. Thus, the residual retains sensitivity to damage with dependence on operational and environmental variability removed. This study further explores the use of cointegration as a data normalization tool for structural health monitoring applications.
Library Networks—A Technological System Whose Time Has Come

Technology systems which have begun to make a tremendous impact in an area not noted for its technological background are library networks. Everyone is aware of the so-called “information explosion” and many if not most libraries are not able to afford or have space to store the new information. Users are finding it much more time consuming to locate needed materials. Thus, library sharing or its technological equivalent-computerized networks are becoming popular. This article is an overview of what they are, what they are not, their advantages and disadvantages. The time may be fast approaching when a library is judged, not by the number of books, but by its services to its users.
Stiffness Effects on the Infinitely Wide Foil Bearing

Abstract : Numerical solutions are presented for the film thickness of the infinitely wide, self-acting foil bearing for various values of tape stiffness. The solutions indicate that with increasing stiffness there are: a slow reduction in the nearly uniform clearance prevailing under most of the wrap angle; an increase in the peak of the undulations occurring in the region where the tape leaves the spindle; and virtually no change in the trough of these undulations. (Author)
Semibatch Reactive Distillation for Isopropyl Acetate Synthesis

Batch reactive distillation, which combines the flexibility of batch process with the advantages of reactive distillation, can be an effective alternative to conventional batch processing. For instance, acetate esters such as n-butyl acetate and amyl acetate can be produced using batch reactive distillation. Previous studies have shown that isopropyl acetate can also be produced in batch reactive distillation with the addition of chloroform as an entrainer and using a large reflux ratio and number of stages. This paper compares the vapor−liquid and liquid−liquid features of these acetate ester systems, and shows the similarities and differences among them. We show why the isopropyl system is more difficult than the others and how semibatch reactive distillation without an additional entrainer can result in a feasible and more efficient process for the production of isopropyl acetate than has been previously known. In a semibatch reactive distillation, the loss of isopropyl alcohol can be substantially dec...
TU‐E‐201C‐06: Imaging the Biological Structure and Characteristics of Model Tumors Using Optical Computed Transmission and Emission Tomography

Purpose: To obtain the first co‐registered high resolution 3D images of an intact xenograft tumor showing (i) the vasculature network labeled with an absorbing vasculature contrast agent, and imaged with optical‐CT (ii) the distribution of red‐fluorescent‐protein (RFP) constitutively expressed by viable tumor cells, and (iii) the distribution of green‐fluorescent‐protein (GFP) endogenously expressed by tumor cells exhibiting HIF‐1 transcription (hypoxia‐inducible‐factor). Method and Materials: An in‐house prototype optical‐CT/ECT system was constructed incorporating specialized optics to facilitate accurate parallel beam tomographic imaging. Both transmission imaging (optical‐CT) and emission imaging (optical‐ECT) can be performed on the same sample, enabling very accurate multi‐modal image registration. A 4T1 tumor cell line with double fluorescent reporter labeling (GFP and RFP as described above) was grown in a window chamber (under IACUC approved protocol). The tumor was first imaged in‐vivo, with an epi‐fluorescent microscope. A tail vein injection of vascular contrast was then administered, and the tumor removed from the window and optically cleared, in preparation for optical‐CT/ECT imaging.Results: Comparison of the in‐vivo window chamber images with post clearing images revealed consistent areas of fluorescent signal but, importantly, new areas of signal were visible in the cleared images where signal had been obscured by overlying structures in the in‐vivo images. All 3 biological characteristics (vasculature, viable tumor‐sub‐volume, and HIF‐1 expressing sub‐volumes) were successfully imaged, and accurately co‐registered, enabling detailed analysis of inter‐relationships using overlay images. Quantitative metrics were derived from the images, including viable‐tumor‐volume=10.5mm3, GFP‐hypoxic sub‐volume=2.6mm3, vessel‐volume =1.7mm3, and hypoxic ratio=0.25. Conclusion: High resolution multi‐modal 3D co‐registered images can be acquired with optical‐CT/ECT techniques from optically cleared tissue samples. The unique capabilities of these techniques to image relatively large un‐sectioned samples offers a new low‐cost way to investigate biological processes and inter‐dependencies in whole samples.
Analysis of segregation trends observed in iron meteorites using measured distribution coefficients

Fe-Ni alloys of meteoritic composition were solidified by a plane front solidification technique. Distribution coefficients of Ni, P, Ir, Ge, and Cu were determined from the composition data of the plane front solidified alloys. Equations that describe the distribution coefficients (P, Ni, Ir, Ge, and Cu) as a function of S and P content as well as S to P ratio were used to calculate solute partitioning between solid and liquid during the solidification of IIAB, IIIAB, and IVA parent bodies. The calculated P versus Ni, Ir versus Ni, Ge versus Ni, and Cu versus Ni trends are in good agreement with the observed meteorite data for each chemical group. It is concluded that each chemical group formed as a single molten pool in a parent body and that solute partitioning that occurred during solidification is responsible for the observed compositional trends within a single meteorite group.