cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling graphs using dot product representations

Given a simple (weighted) graph, or a collection of graphs on a common vertex set, we seek an assignment of vectors to the vertices such that the dot products of these vectors approximate the weight/frequency of the edges. By transforming vertices into (low dimensional) vectors, one can bring geometric methods to bear in the analysis of the graph(s). We illustrate our approach on the Mathematicians Collaboration Graph [Grossman (1996) The Erdős number project, http://www.oakland.edu/enp ] and the times series of Interstate Alliance Graphs (Gibler and Sarkees in J Peace Res 41(2):211–222, 2004).
Linear and Nonlinear Models for Measuring Protein Nutritional Quality

Several widely used linear methods for assessing protein nutritional quality were compared to a nonlinear model. Male, weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 2--31% casein, peanut and wheat gluten protein for 4 weeks. One control group received a protein-free diet and another was killed at the start of the experiment. Nitrogen intake and animal response in terms of body weight and nitrogen were measured for each rat. PER, NPR, NPU, linear regression (LR) slopes and saturated kinetics (SK) parameters were calculated from the data. The linear models provide a single estimate of protein quality, while the SK model can estimate quality at any point along the intake-response curve. At maintenance (delta Body Weight or delta Body Nitrogen = 0) the SK model ranked peanut and gluten protein higher relative to casein than the linear methods, while at higher protein intakes the SK model gave lower relative rankings to those proteins. The SK model closely fit the experimental data over the entire intake-response range but did not converge to a meaningful solution when an insufficient quality of quantity of protein was included in the diet. Unlike the linear models, the SK model failed to distinguish statistically between the quality of proteins in several cases.
Horizontal gene transfer of zinc and non-zinc forms of bacterial ribosomal protein S4

The universal ribosomal protein S4 is essential for the initiation of small subunit ribosomal assembly and translational accuracy. Being part of the information processing machinery of the cell, the gene for S4 is generally thought of as being inherited vertically and has been used in concatenated gene phylogenies. Here we report the evolution of ribosomal protein S4 in relation to a broad sharing of zinc/non-zinc forms of the gene and study the scope of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of S4 during bacterial evolution. In this study we present the complex evolutionary history of ribosomal protein S4 using 660 bacterial genomes from 16 major bacterial phyla. According to conserved characteristics in the sequences, S4 can be classified into C+ (zinc-binding) and C- (zinc-free) variants, with 26 genomes (mainly from the class Clostridia) containing genes for both. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of the S4 sequences was incongruent with the standard bacterial phylogeny, indicating a departure from strict vertical inheritance. Further analysis using the genome content near the S4 genes, which are usually located in a conserved gene cluster, showed not only that HGT of the C- gene had occurred at various stages of bacterial evolution, but also that both the C- and C+ genes were present before the individual phyla diverged. To explain the latter, we theorize that a gene pool existed early in bacterial evolution from which bacteria could sample S4 gene variants, according to environmental conditions. The distribution of the C+/- variants for seven other zinc-binding ribosomal proteins in these 660 bacterial genomes is consistent with that seen for S4 and may shed light on the evolutionary pressures involved. The complex history presented for "core" protein S4 suggests the existence of a gene pool before the emergence of bacterial lineages and reflects the pervasive nature of HGT in subsequent bacterial evolution. This has implications for both theoretical models of evolution and practical applications of phylogenetic reconstruction as well as the control of zinc economy in bacterial cells.
Using bulk heterojunction field effect measurements to understand charge transport in solar cell materials

Ambipolar organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) have been used to study the transport of charge carriers in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic devices. Active layers of phase separated blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), have been chosen due to their use in performance BHJ organic photovoltaic devices as well as ease of device fabrication. A method for determining recombination rate after exciton dissociation and measurement of excess carrier lifetime has been reported by studying drain current behavior which yields carrier mobility, conductivity, and carrier concentration both in dark and AM1.5g illumination. Channel-length dependent measurements of the photocurrent show that significant recombination of separated charge carriers begins to occur at lengths greater than 10 μm. A recombination rate of cm-3 s-1 and a carrier lifetime of ≥ 8.8 ms has been calculated.
RAPE, WAR, AND THE SOCIALIZATION OF MASCULINITY: WHY OUR REFUSAL TO GIVE UP WAR ENSURES THAT RAPE CANNOT BE ERADICATED

Rape is endemic during war, suggesting that there may be important conceptual links between the two. A theoretical model is presented positing that rape and war are correlated because traditional (hegemonic) masculinity underlies, and is a cause of, both. An analysis of the literatures on masculinity, rape perpetration, and military socialization is conducted to support this model. Particular elements of traditional masculinity that are implicated include status and achievement; toughness and aggression; restricted emotionality; and power, dominance, and control. It is argued that society’s need for effective soldiers is the root cause of traditional masculine socialization and that this socialization ensures that rape will be prevalent. Possible strategies to minimize rape while preserving traditional masculine socialization are discussed. However, it is concluded that as long as most nations rely on warfare to respond to geopolitical conflict, rape prevention efforts will necessarily have only limited success.
Lucas against Mechanism

J. R. Lucas argues in “Minds, Machines, and Godel”, that his potential output of truths of arithmetic cannot be duplicated by any Turing machine, and a fortiori cannot be duplicated by any machine. Given any Turing machine that generates a sequence of truths of arithmetic, Lucas can produce as true some sentence of arithmetic that the machine will never generate. Therefore Lucas is no machine.
Overload-Induced C-Myc Oncoprotein Is Reduced in Aged Skeletal Muscle

The C-Myc oncoprotein was examined in anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD) muscles of young (6 weeks) and aged (90 weeks) quail after 0.5 hours to 14 days of stretch. Western analyses of nuclear extracts showed an increase in the C-Myc oncoprotein after 1 h of stretch in young adult birds, and C-Myc remained elevated for 3 days of stretch. The onset and total accumulation of the C-Myc oncoprotein was less in muscles from aged quail as compared to muscles from young adult birds. Immunocytochemical analyses showed that C-Myc was localized in nuclei and averaged 0.2 +/- 0.04 nuclei/muscles fiber cross-section (n/f) in control muscles. C-Myc immunopositive nuclei were more numerous in muscles from young adult birds (1.7 +/- 0.2 n/f) compared to aged birds (1.1 +/- 0.1 n/f) after 2-12 h of stretch. C-Myc positive nuclei declined to 0.7 +/- 0.1 n/f after 3 days of stretch, in muscles from young adult birds; however, this was greater than in muscles from aged birds at the same time point (0.3 +/- 0.04 n/f). Many nuclei that were associated with muscle fibers expressed the C-Myc oncoprotein but did not incorporate bromodeoxyuridine, a marker of DNA synthesis and activated satellite cells. These data show a decreased ability of skeletal muscles from aged quails to initiate a program inclusive of early C-Myc oncoprotein accumulation in response to stretch.
An algorithmic approach to social networks

Social networks consist of a set of individuals and some form of social relationship that ties the individuals together. In this thesis, we use algorithmic techniques to study three aspects of social networks: (1) we analyze the "small-world" phenomenon by examining the geographic patterns of friendships in a large-scale social network, showing how this linkage pattern can itself explain the small-world results; (2) using existing patterns of friendship in a social network and a variety of graph-theoretic techniques, we show how to predict new relationships that will form in the network in the near future; and (3) we show how to infer social connections over which information flows in a network, by examining the times at which individuals in the network exhibit certain pieces of information, or interest in certain topics. Our approach is simultaneously theoretical and data-driven, and our results are based upon real experiments on real social-network data in addition to theoretical investigations of mathematical models of social networks. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Coping behaviors, abuse history, and counseling: Differentiating college students who self-injure

Nonsuicidal self-injury is an important concern that has received limited attention. In this study, the authors explored several factors differentiating three student groups: never self-injured, self-injured in the past, and currently self-injure. Among the factors investigated, results showed that currently self-injuring students were younger, less likely to use problem-focused coping behaviors, and substantially more likely to be in counseling. College counseling implications, effect sizes, and limitations are discussed.
Reliable servers: design and implementation in avalon/C++

Avalon/C++ is a programming language that supports the construction of reliable programs consisting of a set of servers communicating over a network. It provides high-level language support for user-defined data types with customized synchronization and fault-tolerance properties. These data types are encapsulated in servers, and accessed through exported server operations. Avalon/C++ greatly simplifies the programming of these servers by hiding the distributed nature of a server from both the implementor and callers of a server. Avalon/C++ exploits the similarity of servers and classes, making server definition and use look like that for C++ classes. A detailed description is given of a typical Avalon/C++ server, the catalog server, which is used by clients to locate servers.
Optimized Signature-Based Statistical Alternate Test for Mixed-Signal Performance Parameters

Accurate generation of circuit specifications from test signatures is a difficult problem, since analytical expressions cannot precisely describe the nonlinear relationships between signatures and specification. In addition, it is difficult to precisely control physical factors in Built-in Self-test (BIST) circuitry, which can cause errors in the signatures. This paper presents a novel methodology for efficient prediction of circuit specifications with optimized signatures. The proposed Optimized Signature Based Alternate Test (OSBAT) methodology accurately predicts the specifications of a DUT using a strong correlation mapping function. Hardware measurement results show that this approach can be effectively used to predict the specifications of a DUT, with a significant reduction in the prediction error compared with previous approaches.
Risk for suicidal behaviors associated with PTSD, depression, and their comorbidity in the U.S. Army

Background: Suicide rates have risen considerably in the United States Army in the past decade. Suicide risk is highest among those with past suicidality (suicidal ideation or attempts). The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive illnesses has risen concurrently in the U.S. Army. We examined the relationship of PTSD and depression, independently and in combination, and rates of pastyear suicidality in a representative sample of U.S. Army soldiers. Methods: This study used the DoD Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel (DoD HRB) (N¼5927). Probable PTSD and depression were assessed with the PTSD Checklist (PCL) and the 10-item short form of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Past-year suicidality was assessed via self-report. Results: Six percent of Army service members reported suicidality within the past year. PTSD and MDD were each independently associated with past-year suicidality. Soldiers with both disorders were almost three times more likely to report suicidality within the past year than those with either diagnosis alone. Population-attributable risk proportions for PTSD, depression, and both disorders together were 24%, 29%, and 45%, respectively. Limitations: The current study is subject to the limitations of a cross-sectional survey design and the selfreport nature of the instruments used. Conclusions: PTSD and depression are each associated with suicidality independently and in combination in the active duty component of the U.S. Army. Soldiers presenting with either but especially both disorders may require additional outreach and screening to decrease suicidal ideation and attempts.
The Three-Dimensional Structure of CFA/I Adhesion Pili: Traveler’s Diarrhea Bacteria Hang on by a Spring

To survive the harsh environment of a churning intestinal tract, bacteria attach to the host epithelium via thin fibers called pili (or fimbriae). Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli bacteria expressing colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) pili and related pili are the most common known bacterial cause of diarrheal disease, including traveler's diarrhea. CFA/I pili, assembled via the alternate chaperone pathway, are essential for binding and colonization of the small bowel by these pathogenic bacteria. Herein, we elucidate unique structural features of CFA/I pili that appear to optimize their function as bacterial tethers in the intestinal tract. Using transmission electron microscopy of negatively stained samples in combination with iterative three-dimensional helical reconstruction methods for image processing, we determined the structure of the CFA/I pilus filament. Our results indicate that strong end-to-end protein interactions and weak interactions between the coils of a sturdy spring-like helix provide the combination of strength, stability, and flexibility required to sustain bacterial adhesion and incite intestinal disease. We propose that CFA/I pili behave like a spring to maintain attachment to the gut lining during vortex mixing and downward flow of the intestinal contents, thereby persisting long enough for these bacteria to colonize the host epithelium and cause enteric disease.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence. 70. The Application of ECL to Determine Electrode Potentials of Tri-n-propylamine, Its Radical Cation, and Intermediate Free Radical in MeCN/Benzene Solutions†

We report here electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) observed upon oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons with different potentials for oxidation to the radical cations (D+•) and tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) in MeCN/benzene solutions. In this system, with TPrA as a coreactant, ECL is generated by reaction of D+• with the free radical intermediate produced upon oxidation of TPrA. ECL was observed from three out of the eight compounds studied. On the basis of the energetic criterion for ECL, the potential for oxidation of the intermediate free radical, Pr2N(CH•)Et, was found to be about −1.7 V vs SCE. By studying the fluorescence quenching of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by TPrA, the standard potential for oxidation of TPrA to TPrA+• was estimated as 0.9 V vs SCE.
Multirate RZ communications for dispersive wireless optical channels

Free Space Optical Communications through cloud-obscured channels suffer from severe degradations due to multiscattering, which induces delay spread in the received signal. The delay spread of FSO channel can vary considerably according to channel conditions, varying from nanoseconds to microseconds for clear and cloudy channel, respectively. In this paper, we present the use of return-to-zero (RZ) modulation in conjunction with multirate modulation schemes as viable means for minimizing the dispersive effects of the channels. We show that multirate communications provide diversity against channel degradation and fluctuation, while RZ modulation is more robust to dispersive channels than non return-to-zero (NRZ) modulation, thus providing an overall improvement in system performance, reliability and availability.
Using Mathcad in electromagnetics education

Mathcad is an effective learning tool in electromagnetics courses. Use of Mathcad by students in such courses at the University of Denver incorporate four essential ingredients needed for the successful integration of computer aided learning into a curriculum component: (1) involvement by the student in establishing what is to be analyzed by the computer; (2) a general purpose tool rather than concept-specific software; (3) a user friendly interface; and (4) effective integration of the computational tool(s) into the course. This paper gives examples of the use of Mathcad in the subject areas of electrostatics, plane wave propagation, transmission lines, antennas, and advanced topics.
Use of evolutionary computation for isolating surface emissions from orbit

High precision targeting of localized sources of atmospheric species outgassed from planetary surfaces remains an important goal in planetary science, but one that largely remains beyond present-day observational capabilities. For disequilibrium trace species, the detectable signature of a gas in the atmosphere often is confined to a small region (order 10–100's km) around its surface source. Identifying a plume source is challenging since the observed plume is likely many times larger than the surface source itself. Limited spatial coverage of the surface also may preclude direct detections of the plume surface source, while the large fields of view of present-day orbital instruments tend to ‘blur’ small-scale signals. To address these issues, we have developed a novel technique for determining the surface location of a trace gas emission source in a planetary atmosphere with an uncertainty of a few tens of km using present-day direct observational capabilities in concert with high-performance numerical modeling of atmospheric dynamics. This paper shows how evolutionary computational models (ECMs) can be employed in the search for surface sources of trace gas plumes in the atmosphere of Mars. We present the specific approach taken in linking an ECM to a simple, idealized plume model, and gauge the overall ability of this system to return estimates of a plume source location over several generations of the model's execution. This technique can isolate trace gas source locations with orders of magnitude greater efficiency than brute-force approaches, making identification of such sources, even with limited observational data, a plausible endeavor.
Coronary Artery Ligation and Intramyocardial Injection in a Murine Model of Infarction

Mouse models are a valuable tool for studying acute injury and chronic remodeling of the myocardium in vivo. With the advent of genetic modifications to the whole organism or the myocardium and an array of biological and/or synthetic materials, there is great potential for any combination of these to assuage the extent of acute ischemic injury and impede the onset of heart failure pursuant to myocardial remodeling. Here we present the methods and materials used to reliably perform this microsurgery and the modifications involved for temporary (with reperfusion) or permanent coronary artery occlusion studies as well as intramyocardial injections. The effects on the heart that can be seen during the procedure and at the termination of the experiment in addition to histological evaluation will verify efficacy. Briefly, surgical preparation involves anesthetizing the mice, removing the fur on the chest, and then disinfecting the surgical area. Intratracheal intubation is achieved by transesophageal illumination using a fiber optic light. The tubing is then connected to a ventilator. An incision made on the chest exposes the pectoral muscles which will be cut to view the ribs. For ischemia/reperfusion studies, a 1 cm piece of PE tubing placed over the heart is used to tie the ligature to so that occlusion/reperfusion can be customized. For intramyocardial injections, a Hamilton syringe with sterile 30gauge beveled needle is used. When the myocardial manipulations are complete, the rib cage, the pectoral muscles, and the skin are closed sequentially. Line block analgesia is effected by 0.25% marcaine in sterile saline which is applied to muscle layer prior to closure of the skin. The mice are given a subcutaneous injection of saline and placed in a warming chamber until they are sternally recumbent. They are then returned to the vivarium and housed under standard conditions until the time of tissue collection. At the time of sacrifice, the mice are anesthetized, the heart is arrested in diastole with KCl or BDM, rinsed with saline, and immersed in fixative. Subsequently, routine procedures for processing, embedding, sectioning, and histological staining are performed. Nonsurgical intubation of a mouse and the microsurgical manipulations described make this a technically challenging model to learn and achieve reproducibility. These procedures, combined with the difficulty in performing consistent manipulations of the ligature for timed occlusion(s) and reperfusion or intramyocardial injections, can also affect the survival rate so optimization and consistency are critical.
Tomographic Reconstruction from Ring Arrays: A Correlative Interferometric Approach

The problem addressed is that of reconstructing the intensity profile as a function of position on the surface of an object from field measurements obtained with a ring array. The work is motivated by the need for signal processing algorithms for tomographic imaging at Terahertz (THz) wavelengths. Potential applications range from perimeter surveillance and standoff detection to imaging for THz walkthrough portals. A drawback in generating THz imagery has been the absence of focal plane sensing technology. The paper presents an alternative approach for computational reconstruction based on correlative interferometry of the array measurements
Evaluation of Raman and SERS analytical protocols in the analysis of Cape Jasmine dye (Gardenia augusta L.)

The identification of organic colorants in works of art (such as dyes on textiles or organic pigments) by Raman spectroscopy is generally limited by the presence of a strong fluorescence background. In this paper, the effectiveness of minimizing fluorescence in the analysis of Cape Jasmine (Gardenia augusta L.) by dispersive Raman spectroscopy at three different excitation wavelengths (633, 785 and 1064 nm) and by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with and without acid hydrolysis is evaluated and compared. It is shown that these vibrational techniques offer an alternative analytical approach, when, as is particularly the case of Cape Jasmine, sample preparation procedures that are routinely applied for natural organic dyes and pigments cause alterations that lead to low sensitivity in the more classical high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) analytical protocols. Samples of the yellow dye G. augusta L. in the following forms were analyzed: dyed on alum mordanted wool, dyed on nonmordanted and alum mordanted silk, pigment precipitated on hydrated aluminum oxide, extract mixed with a protein binder and painted on glass, and as a water-based glaze applied on a mock-up of a typical Chinese wall-painting. Raman bands at 1537, 1209 and 1165 cm−1 are identified as discriminating markers for the carotenoid colorant components crocetin and crocin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical trials for neurodevelopmental disorders: At a therapeutic frontier

A well-powered clinical trial that failed to replicate promising results in animal models of fragile X syndrome yields important lessons for clinical trial design (Berry-Kravis et al., this issue).
The Chinese Nail Murders: forensic medicine in Imperial China.

Robert van Gulik was a respected Dutch sinologist and author who first translated a collection of traditional Chinese detective stories into English and then created additional fictional stories based on the same characters and setting in the Tang dynasty. One of these stories, The Chinese Nail Murders, draws on van Gulik's professional interest in law and his knowledge of early Chinese works on forensic medicine. This novel develops a common theme in Chinese detective fiction, murder by a nail wound to the head. The difficulty in detection of this mode of violence posed a particular problem for the examining magistrate because postmortem examination was mostly limited to external observations. This essay compares the development of Chinese and Western forensic medicine in the context of the nail murder motif. Language: en
Managing Supply Critical to Patient Care: An Introduction to Hospital Inventory Management for Pharmaceuticals

Hospital operations and patient care are inextricably linked to the supply chain. Like buyers in other industries, pharmacy material managers are challenged to develop inventory policies in light of changing demand, limited suppliers, manufacturing issues, and regulatory rulings that affect drug supply. While these challenges are similar to those in many industries, the impact of drug shortages is quite different as they can have detrimental impacts to patient care and the cost of care. This chapter addresses the inventory management of supplies that directly impact patient care with a focus on pharmaceuticals. The chapter discusses the unique modeling challenges associated with inventory decisions for these products such as their multi-echelon nature, the potential for perishability and/or obsolescence, and internal production/preparation lead times. The chapter also explores the broader implications of the impact of demand uncertainty and inventory management strategies on hospital operations and cost with a particular focus on the comparison between stationary and nonstationary demand. Finally, future research opportunities are discussed.
Decolonizing Archival Methodology: Combating hegemony and moving towards a collaborative archival environment:

The foundation of archival methodology is influenced by colonialism and imperialism. This paternalistic system has created a hegemonic environment that has directly influenced archivists working wi...
Platelets. XXI. Glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity of human platelets.

Summary(1) Platelets are a source of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase in human blood. (2) Platelets, however, contain only traces of glutamic pyruvic transaminase in normal and pathologic conditions. This finding is not explained by presence of enzyme inhibitors or by lack of a co-enzyme. The significance of the dissociation between GO-T and GP-T activity in platelets, as for other tissues, remains obscure.
Serum binding, distribution and excretion of four penicillin analogues following intravenous injection in man.

SummaryThe in vitro binding to human serum proteins, and the half-life in serum, relative volume distribution and urinary recovery of 4 penicillin analogues, G, V, phenethicillin, and mercaptomethy...
Diagnosing Pediatric Empyema with MSCT and its Implicatio for Clinical Treatment Options

Objective: To explore the value of diagnosing pediatric empyema with Multi-slice Spiral CT(MSCT),and discuss its implications for providing clinical treatment options,eliminating infection,and recovering pulmonary function.Methods:From March 2008 untill December 2011,a total of 36 pediatric patients with empyema diagnosed through MSCT,and with full clinical data were chosen for a retrospective analysis.Results:19 patients had empyema on the left side,15 patients had emyema on the right side.Empyema complicated with pneumothorax was observed in 2 patients,while 14 patients had a concominant lung abscess.9,17,and 10 patients had small,intermediate and large amounts of empyema respectively.9 children with early stage and small amount of empyema was treated with antibiotics,with 3 of them resort to pulmonary puncture after treatment failure.18 patients with fibrosis received pleural drainage and closes thoracic drainage.9 patients with chronic organized stage were given surgical treatment.Conclusion:Treatment were given according to different stages in MSCT can effectively shorten the time with infection and abscess.
Anatomic Evaluation of the Sacroiliac Joint: A Radiographic Study with Implications for Procedures.

Background Sacroiliac joint (SI) pain is increasingly being recognized as a source of low back pain. Injections and percutaneous type procedures are performed to treat symptomatic joints. However, there are limited studies available assessing the anatomy of the SI joint in vivo among patients with pain. Objectives The purpose of this study was to provide more precise information on the dimensions and orientation of the SI joint using a new technique for the radiographic evaluation of this joint. Study design Observational study. Setting Emergency department Methods Three dimensional computed tomographic (CT) reconstructions of the pelvis were formatted from 100 SI joints in 50 patients who had clinically indicated abdominal/pelvic scans. These images were manipulated to evaluate the SI joint in multiple planes and measure its dimensions, area, and relationship to anatomic landmarks such as the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Results Of the 50 patients, 23 were men and 27 women. Their mean age was 47.6 years (± 18.1). The SI joint consists of a superior limb which measures 39.7 mm (± 4.8) in length, and an inferior limb which measures 54.3 mm (± 5.1), oriented at an angle of 100.1° (± 8.1) to one another. The mean area of the joint was 1276.8 mm2 (± 189.8). The horizontal distance from the ASIS to the front of the superior SI joint is 75.4 mm (± 8.4). The horizontal distance from the PSIS to the back of the superior SI joint is 43.9 mm (± 5.6). The joint stretches 7.5 mm (± 5.9) cephalad and 38.1 mm (± 6.4) caudal to the PSIS, and 35.4 mm (± 8.8) cephalad and 10.2 mm (± 11.4) caudal to the ASIS. Limitations CT scans were performed with patients lying supine, while most SI joint procedures are performed with a patient prone. However it is doubtful that the bony anatomic landmarks would change appreciable in this largely immobile joint. These patients were seen in the emergency department for a variety of conditions related to abdominal and pelvic pain, and not exclusively for SI joint pain. Conclusions Treatment of the SI joint by surgeons and interventionalists is hampered by the limited number of anatomic studies in the literature. Our study presents the SI joint as a 2-limbed structure, sitting from slightly above the level of the PSIS rostrally to slightly below the level of the ASIS caudally. Palpation of these landmarks may assist in directing physicians to the joint. To begin an interventional pain procedure, with a patient lying prone, this data supports tilting the x-ray image intensifier 10 degrees caudal past the vertical anteroposterior (AP) view for optimal approach of the SI joint's inferior limb. The needle entry should be about 44.1 mm (1.75 inches) caudal to the PSIS. The image intensifier should have a 12 degree left lateral oblique view for injection of the right SI joint, and a 12 degree right lateral oblique view for the left SI joint.
Studies on the collectability of3H-γ-aminobutyric acid from rat cerebral cortex; Effects of lithium

La liberation de l'acide γ-aminobutyrique a la surface du cortex cerebral est augmentee par remplacement du Na+ par le Li+.
Hermann Lotze: An Intellectual Biography

As a philosopher, psychologist, and physician, the German thinker Hermann Lotze (1817–81) defies classification. Working in the mid-nineteenth-century era of programmatic realism, he critically reviewed and rearranged theories and concepts in books on pathology, physiology, medical psychology, anthropology, history, aesthetics, metaphysics, logic, and religion. Leading anatomists and physiologists reworked his hypotheses about the central and autonomic nervous systems. Dozens of fin-de-siecle philosophical contemporaries emulated him, yet often without acknowledgment, precisely because he had made conjecture and refutation into a method. In spite of Lotze's status as a pivotal figure in nineteenth-century intellectual thought, no complete treatment of his work exists, and certainly no effort to take account of the feminist secondary literature. Hermann Lotze: An Intellectual Biography is the first full-length historical study of Lotze's intellectual origins, scientific community, institutional context, and worldwide reception.
O-GlcNAcylation and neurodegeneration

O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic form of protein glycosylation which involves the addition of β-d-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) via an O-linkage to serine or threonine residues of nuclear, cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and transmembrane proteins. The two enzymes responsible for O-GlcNAc cycling are O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA); their expression and activities in brain are age dependent. More than 1000 O-GlcNAc protein targets have been identified which play critical roles in many cellular processes. In mammalian brain, O-GlcNAc modification of Tau decreases its phosphorylation and toxicity, suggesting a neuroprotective role of pharmacological elevation of brain O-GlcNAc for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Other observations suggest that elevating O-GlcNAc levels may decrease protein clearance or induce apoptosis. This review highlights some of the key findings regarding O-GlcNAcylation in models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Intact Ventral Striatal Prediction Error Signaling in Medicated Schizophrenia Patients

ABSTRACT Background Midbrain dopaminergic neurons code a computational quantity, reward prediction error (RPE), which has been causally related to learning. Recently, this insight has been leveraged to link phenomenological and biological levels of understanding in psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. However, results have been mixed, possibly due to small sample sizes. Here we present results from two studies with relatively large sample sizes to assess ventral striatum (VS) RPE in schizophrenia. Methods In the current study we analyzed data from two independent studies, involving a total of 87 chronic medicated schizophrenia patients and 61 control subjects. Subjects completed a probabilistic reinforcement-learning task in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. We fit each participant’s choice behavior to a Q-learning model and derived trialwise RPEs. We then modeled blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) signal data with parametric regressor functions using these values to determine whether patient and control groups differed in prediction error–related BOLD signal modulations. Results Both groups demonstrated robust VS RPE BOLD activations. Interestingly, these BOLD activation patterns did not differ between groups in either study. This was true when we included all participants in the analysis, as well as when we excluded participants whose data was not sufficiently fit by the models. Conclusions These data demonstrate the utility of computational methods in isolating or testing underlying mechanisms of interest in psychiatric disorders. Importantly, similar VS RPE signal encoding across groups suggests that this mechanism does not drive task deficits in these patients. Deficits may instead stem from aberrant prefrontal or parietal circuits associated with maintenance and selection of goal-relevant information.
pH of Oregon-Grown Figs and Their Acidification for Home-Canning1

The pH of locally-grown Oregon figs in three crops was determined before and after cooking, and the proportion of lemon juice which must be added to lower the pH to 4.6 or below for safe canning by the boiling water bath method was determined. The pH of figs averaged 5.51 but was higher as figs were riper. The addition of 15 ml of lemon juice per pint of figs canned in syrup was sufficient to lower the pH of the processed fruit to 4.6 or below.
Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Hypoxia and Perfusion with 18F-Fluoromisonidazole Dynamic PET in Head and Neck Cancer.

Tumor hypoxia and perfusion are independent prognostic indicators of patient outcome. We developed the methodology for, and investigated the utility of multiparametric imaging of tumor hypoxia and perfusion with 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) dynamic positron emission tomography (dPET) in head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: 120 HNC patients underwent 0-30 min FMISO dPET in a customized immobilization mask, followed by 10 min static acquisitions starting at 93±6 and 160±13 min post-injection. A total of 248 lesions (≥2 cm3) were analyzed. Voxelwise pharmacokinetic modeling was conducted using an irreversible one-plasma two-tissue compartment model to calculate surrogate biomarkers of tumor hypoxia (k3), perfusion (K1) and FMISO distribution volume (DV). The analysis was repeated with truncated dPET datasets. Results: Substantial inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity was observed for all investigated metrics. Equilibration between the blood and unbound FMISO was rapid in all tumors. FMISO distribution volume deviated from the expected value of unity, causing discrepancy between k3 maps and total FMISO uptake, and reducing the dynamic range of total FMISO uptake for quantifying the degree of hypoxia. Both positive and negative trends between hypoxia and perfusion were observed in individual lesions. All investigated metrics were reproducible when calculated from truncated 20-min dataset. Conclusion: FMISO dPET provides the data necessary to generate parametric maps of tumor hypoxia, perfusion and radiotracer distribution volume. These data clarify the ambiguity in interpreting FMISO uptake and improve the characterization of lesions. We show total acquisition times can be reduced to 20-min, facilitating the translation of FMISO dPET into the clinic.
Spectrally efficient non-binary turbo codes: Beyond DVB-RCS standard

While the DVB-RCS standard turbo code, which uses quaternary alphabet and QPSK modulation, has an excellent performance, its bandwidth efficiency is limited by the puncturing and QPSK modulation to less than 2bits/s/Hz. In order to achieve bandwidth efficiencies of 2bits/s/Hz and higher, one needs coding and modulation schemes with M-ary alphabet (M>4). We have investigated an extended non-binary turbo-coding scheme consisting of 8-ary (triple-binary) codes combined with 8PSK modulation to increase the bandwidth efficiency. A comprehensive study over AWGN channel is carried out to show the good performance of the concatenated codes, the influence of various parameters and the symbol-by-symbol Max-Log-MAP algorithm. The novel triple-binary code still has the features of circular recursive systematic convolutional (CRSC) codes, which avoid the degradation of the spectral efficiency. The circulation state and the different permutations (interleaving) are also discussed. The subject of this project is the design of nonbinary turbo codes, that is, how to choose and/or design the components in a turbo encoder to get the best possible performance and higher transmission rate. However, since turbo codes are decoded using an iterative suboptimal decoding algorithm, new design criteria arise. In fact, the success of iterative decoding proves to be related to the choice of the component codes in the turbo code encoder and the modulation scheme used. Triple-binary CRSC codes inherit most of the advantages of double-binary CRSC codes, however, they are more flexible and efficient for encoding blocks of data. Especially, the 8-ary alphabet of triple-binary turbo codes, when combined with 8PSK and puncturing, makes it possible to achieve high code rate and more than 2bits/s/Hz bandwidth efficiency while double-binary CRSC code and QPSK modulation cannot exceed this restriction. An interleaver operating on a group of bits replaces the bitwise interleaver known from classical binary turbo codes, and the equations of permutation parameters are chosen similar to the interleaver of DVB/RCS turbo codes. The structure of the iterative decoder and the symbol-by-symbol Max-Log-MAP algorithm are derived for non-binary trellises to avoid numerical problems and to reduce the decoding complexity. The study of 8-ary triple-binary CRSC codes show their potential as an alternative for more bandwidth efficient transmission of data via satellites. Triple-binary CRSC codes with 8PSK modulation give excellent performance at 2bits/s/hz. This is bandwidth efficiency not available by double-binary CRSC codes in DVB-RCS standard.
Horse F#$@ing and the Limits of Consent: What Broad City Teaches Us About Sexual Violence

Taking its points of departure from the comedy series Broad City and from the unsavory incident of a man dying from complications resulting from bestial sex, this article meditates on 3 limitations...
Family Systems Theory and Therapy

“Family Systems Theory” refers to the work of Murray Bowen, M.D., of Georgetown University. Over the past three decades Dr. Bowen has been a pioneer in the study of the human family. The product of his work is the Bowen Family Systems Theory, more simply referred to as the Bowen Theory. Consisting of eight interlocking concepts, Bowen Theory addresses the emotional forces that shape the functioning of nuclear and extended families. A methodology for work with families has developed directly from Bowen Theory and within the general framework of the methodology are a number of general techniques. The methodology and techniques are family systems therapy. Bowen Family Systems Theory and Therapy are taught primarily at the Georgetown University Family Center, where Dr. Bowen has assembled a faculty and developed a series of training programs.
Preventive Dental Checkups and Their Association With Access to Usual Source of Care Among Rural and Urban Adult Residents.

Purpose This study aimed to assess the relationship between rural or urban residence and having a usual source of care (USC), and the utilization of preventive dental checkups among adults. Methods Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2012. We performed a logit regression on the relationship between rural and urban residence, having a USC, and having at least 1 dental checkup in the past year, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health status. Findings After controlling for covariates, rural adult residents had significantly lower odds of having at least 1 dental checkup per year compared to their urban counterparts (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-0.86, P < .001). Additionally, individuals with a USC had higher odds of having at least 1 dental checkup per year (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.59-1.95, P < .001). Among both rural and urban residents, having a USC was significantly associated with an 11% (95% CI = 9%-13%) increase in the probability of having a preventive dental checkup within a year. Conclusions Individuals with a USC were more likely to obtain a preventive dental visit, with similar effects in rural and urban settings. We attributed the lower odds of having a checkup in rural regions to the lower density of oral health care providers in these areas. Integration of rural oral health care into primary care may help mitigate the challenges due to a shortage of oral health care providers in rural areas.
Neonatal Brain Care

Despite stabilization of initial physiologic processes, the smallest and highest risk Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients are likely to spend a long time in the hospital, in order to gain weight and pass through several stages of neurobehavioral development. The NICU logistically then becomes an important site for early intervention strategies to help optimize an infant’s development and a family’s adaptation.
Challenges and trade-offs of a cloud hosted phasor measurement unit-based linear state estimator

Being one of the key derivatives of phasor measurement units (PMUs), a synchrophasor-only linear state estimator (LSE) presents a reliable, high quality, and truly dynamic picture of the power grid. However, with the increase in number of buses monitored by PMUs, computational burden will become a critical constraint for the state estimation solver. Although installing additional hardware can be a possible solution, such a solution will considerably raise the cost of capital investment, operation, and maintenance. This paper proposes cloud-computing as a cost-effective alternative to the computational burden problem. This paper also presents feasibility of the cloud based solution with regards to scalability of the system and latency incurred. Our solution is designed to address the critical operational parameters such as latency and variable network sizes. Additionally, the LSE application establishes robust communication procedures to process inputs arriving at high data rates from multiple PMUs. The paper concludes by highlighting future research directions for enhancing such cloud based solutions.
Preliminary classification scheme of silicone based lubricants using DART-TOFMS

Abstract With the increased usage of condoms in sexual assault cases, the potential of collecting DNA evidence in each case becomes reduced. In the absence of biological evidence, the presence of sexual lubricants after a sexual assault can provide an additional link between a suspect, the crime scene, and/or victim. Data obtained from the comparison of known and unknown sexual lubricants may be the only actionable information available to investigators. The analysis of lubricants is a relatively new technique in sexual assault investigation. Current techniques assign lubricants a type based mostly on the major component of the sample (i.e. polydimethylsiloxane, glycerol, nonoxynol-9, etc.). In this study, 37 silicone-based personal and condom lubricants were analyzed using a direct analysis in real time–time of flight mass spectrometer. The resulting positive and negative ionization spectra detected nearly all major and minor components that are indicative of a sub-class within silicone-based lubricants. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to create a classification scheme for silicone-based lubricants. Eleven classes of silicone-based lubricants were established based on the relative intensities of the major and minor components of the model dataset. The accuracy of the classification scheme was tested by predicting the class of known test samples and true blind samples via linear discriminant analysis. The results indicated that the model developed was extremely accurate at classifying unknown samples. The classification scheme presented herein provides a foundation to the development of a lubricant database.
Atmospheric Deposition of Modified Graphene Oxide on Silicon by Evaporation-Assisted Deposition.

We present a deposition technique termed evaporation-assisted deposition (EAD). The technique is based on a coupled evaporation-to-condensation transfer process at atmospheric conditions, where gra...