cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral Anticoagulants to Prevent Stroke in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With CKD Stage 5D: An NKF-KDOQI Controversies Report

Stroke risk may be more than 3-fold higher among patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5D (CKD-5D) compared to the general population, with the highest stroke rates noted among those 85 years and older. Atrial fibrillation (AF), a strong risk factor for stroke, is the most common arrhythmia and affects >7% of the population with CKD-5D. Warfarin use is widely acknowledged as an important intervention for stroke prevention with nonvalvular AF in the general population. However, use of oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with CKD-5D and nonvalvular AF continues to be debated by the nephrology community. In this National Kidney Foundation–Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-KDOQI) controversies report, we discuss the existing observational studies that examine warfarin use and associated stroke and bleeding risks in adults with CKD-5D and AF. Non–vitamin K–dependent oral anticoagulants and their potential use for stroke prevention in patients with CKD-5D and nonvalvular AF are also discussed. Data from randomized clinical trials are urgently needed to determine the benefits and risks of oral anticoagulant use for stroke prevention in the setting of AF among patients with CKD-5D.
Design optimization of GaN vertical power diodes and comparison to Si and SiC

In order to determine how material characteristics percolate up to system-level improvements in power dissipation for different material systems and device types, we have developed an optimization tool for power diodes. This tool minimizes power dissipation in a diode for a given system operational regime (reverse voltage, forward current density, frequency, duty cycle, and temperature) for a variety of device types and materials. We have carried out diode optimizations for a wide range of system operating points to determine the regimes for which certain power diode materials/devices are favored. In this work, we present results comparing state-of-the-art Si and SiC merged PiN Schottky (MPS) diodes to vertical GaN (v-GaN) PiN diodes and as-yet undeveloped v-GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). The results of this work show that for all conditions tested, SiC MPS and v-GaN PiN diodes are preferred over Si MPS diodes. v-GaN PiN diodes are preferred over SiC MPS diodes for high-voltage / moderate-frequency operation with the limits of the v-GaN PiN preferred regime, increasing with increasing forward current density. If a v-GaN SBD diode were available, it would be preferred over all other devices at low to moderate voltages, for all frequencies from 100 Hz to 1 MHz.
The Importance of Attending Patient Funerals

* Abbreviations: EB — : epidermolysis bullosa RDEB — : recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa In my career as a pediatrician, I have gone to many funerals. I have cared for 28 children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) in both primary care and hospital inpatient settings and attended 12 of their funerals. These funerals celebrated lives that had meaning, that brought great joy as well as heartache to their friends and families, and that made the world a better, more tolerant and understanding place. At 2 funerals, almost everyone wore pink, the girls’ favorite color. At another, almost everyone wore T-shirts with Batman, the boy’s favorite superhero. At another, the church was a sea of Bronco orange because of the boy’s football passion. At others, we learned about a boy’s well-delivered comedy routines, a girl’s love of horseback riding (her horse was outside greeting people as they came to the service), and a girl’s love of making lasagna. Attending these funerals provided us with a valuable perspective on the lives of chronically ill children with a terminal illness. They also helped us cope with our frustration. Why could we not have done more to alleviate our patients’ suffering and delay the deaths of these children? We gained a deeper understanding that these children, despite their terrible disease and suffering, brought enormous joy to their parents and friends. Our entire team had the satisfaction that our care and support helped to maximize … Address correspondence to Stephen Berman, MD, FAAP, 13199 E. Montview Blvd, Suite 310, A090, Aurora, CO 80045. E-mail: stephen.berman{at}childrenscolorado.org
The Association Between Statin Use After Diagnosis and Mortality Risk in Patients With Esophageal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study of United States Veterans.

OBJECTIVE:Statins may reduce mortality from esophageal cancer by both reducing incidence but also improving prognosis. However, prior studies of statin use and mortality have reported conflicting results.METHODS:We identified 7882 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and 3868 with esophagea
Building Resilience in All Children

In this chapter, we present a conceptual framework for the promotion of resilience in children that integrates concepts from the study of resilience with a public health approach to improving mental health at the population level. The chapter begins with a review of resilience and public health concepts and describes how these perspectives can be integrated within a broad framework for the promotion of health and prevention of dysfunction. We then present examples of evidence-based preventive interventions and policies that have successfully implemented components of this framework. Given our focus on promoting resilience, we limit discussion and examples of interventions to those designed to create resources for children not diagnosed with mental health disorder, although the framework could readily be extended to interventions for children with clinical levels of dysfunction. Finally, we provide an overview of how the framework might be used by planners to create resources in their communities that will promote resilience, as well as examples of tools currently available to assist planners in this process.
An architecture for vision and action

Vision systems that have successfully supported nontrivial tasks have invariably taken advantage of constraints derived from the task and environment to increase reliability and lower the complexity of perception. We propose that it is possible to build a general purpose vision system, that is, one that can support a wide variety of tasks, and take advantage of such constraints. The central idea within our proposed architecture is the reactive skill. Skills are concurrent control routines assembled at run time using instructions from a symbolic execution system. Visual modules are used as resources in the construction of these skills. Skills control the agent as continuous feedback loops but are constructed using discrete, symbolic instructions. The key to general-purpose vision is the ability to parametrize the primitive elements of the vision system and to compose visual and control routines in a variety of ways. We demonstrate the architecture in the context of an implemented example task of a robot collecting trash off a floor and depositing it in a garbage can.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PLANT NUTRIENT YIELDS IN RUNOFF FROM A MIXED LAND USE WATERSHED

Plant nutrient production was monitored during dry weather and storm flow conditions in seven sub-basins of the Occoquan Watershed. The areas monitored included land uses devoted to silviculture, agriculture, and suburban-urban development. Point source discharges were found to account for less than fifteen percent of total nutrient load during the period of minimum storm runoff. Drainage from urban land was found to export much more nitrogen and phosphorus than an equivalent amount of rural land. Log-linear relationships were observed to exist between plant nutrient loading(kg/ha) and runoff quantity (cm over the basin area) Log-linear regression models showed the effect of an impoundment at an intermediate point in the basin in reducing pollutant transport.
Geochemical characterization and renal cell toxicity of water-soluble extracts from U.S. Gulf Coast lignite

An assortment of organic material can leach from lignite (low-rank coal) in water, and the water-soluble fraction from lignite has been associated with adverse health effects in areas of the Balkans. Recent efforts have been made to evaluate this hypothesis in other areas where lignite is in contact with groundwater like in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. In this study, five Gulf Coast lignite samples were extracted with water, and the water-soluble portion of the coal was then characterized by total organic carbon, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Additionally, human kidney cells (HK-2) were exposed to water-soluble extracts of Gulf Coast lignite to assess toxicity. Cell viability was measured, and a dose–response curve was used to generate IC50 values that ranged from 490 to 3000 ppm. The most toxic extract (Dolet Hills) was from Louisiana where lignite-derived organic material has been previously linked to high incidence of renal pelvic cancer. Concentrations of nephrotoxic metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, V, Zn) were screened and were below those considered toxic to renal cells. We conclude that leachates from lignite do indeed have toxic affects on cultured human renal cells. Although the IC50 values are higher than the concentration of organic matter in the local groundwater, typically < 5 ppm, the effects of long-term low-level exposure is not known.
School Engagement in Relation to Body Mass Index and School Achievement in a High-School Age Sample

Purpose. Research has documented an inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and school achievement but has failed to empirically explain it. We tested whether this association among adolescents can be explained in part by student engagement. Methods. A self-report survey about health and school behaviors was completed by 196 high school students; BMI and achievement data were obtained from school records. Three forms of engagement were assessed: behavioral, presenteeism, and affective. Associations of engagement with BMI and achievement were examined, and mediation analyses were conducted. Results. The simple relationship between BMI and achievement was confirmed and demonstrated that BMI was negatively related to academic achievement. Higher BMI was also significantly correlated with lower classroom participation. Mediation tests showed the significant relationship between BMI and achievement was reduced after accounting for behavioral engagement but not affective engagement. Conclusions. These novel findings shed light on why heavier students often experience lower academic achievement. Intervention studies targeting barriers to classroom engagement among overweight and obese youth are needed so that their academic potential is not compromised.
DILEMMAS FACING NURSING HOMES AND ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS DURING HURRICANES

Emergency planning for vulnerable populations constitutes a major element of disaster preparedness and is an area in which guidance and policy remains controversial. Residents of long term care facilities are especially vulnerable, as they comprise a subpopulation with medical comorbidities such as dementia and significant custodial needs. Over 24,000 nursing home and assisted living residents were evacuated from Texas and Florida facilities during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We present the experiences of 303 Florida nursing homes and 1830 assisted living centers who detail the problems of sheltering in place, including electrical power loss, families evacuating residents, and multiple evacuations as the storm changed direction and projected path. The difficulties of evacuating residents highlight the dilemmas facing administrators and emergency management personnel as they make the decision to shelter in place or evacuate in the face of major hurricanes.
A CRISPR-Cas9 delivery system for in vivo screening of genes in the immune system

Therapies that target the function of immune cells have significant clinical efficacy in diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. Although functional genomics has accelerated therapeutic target discovery in cancer, its use in primary immune cells is limited because vector delivery is inefficient and can perturb cell states. Here we describe CHIME: CHimeric IMmune Editing, a CRISPR-Cas9 bone marrow delivery system to rapidly evaluate gene function in innate and adaptive immune cells in vivo without ex vivo manipulation of these mature lineages. This approach enables efficient deletion of genes of interest in major immune lineages without altering their development or function. We use this approach to perform an in vivo pooled genetic screen and identify Ptpn2 as a negative regulator of CD8+ T cell-mediated responses to LCMV Clone 13 viral infection. These findings indicate that this genetic platform can enable rapid target discovery through pooled screening in immune cells in vivo.
Heterogeneous Boomer Entrepreneurs

This chapter categorizes boomer entrepreneurship in the context of a less physically demanding US knowledge economy. The subcategories of boomer entrepreneurs include nascent versus existing boomer entrepreneurs, necessity versus opportunity boomer entrepreneurs, incorporated versus unincorporated boomer entrepreneurs, and full-time versus part-time boomer entrepreneurs. This empirical study relies on descriptive statistics and tests the hypothesis that boomer entrepreneurs are not a homogeneous group. Monthly data from the Current Population Survey are used. The study also demonstrates a method of categorizing different types of entrepreneurs using monthly employment data.
Dual-Use Chirp Spread Spectrum Waveform With Ranging Capability

Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) is modeled after frequency-hopping spread spectrum and adopted by the LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) standard. Designated as IEEE 802.15.4a, it is suited to applications requiring low power and low data rates. The use of chirps as the basic building blocks provides opportunities to adapt the waveform to radar applications. The information bearing signal in each hop is encoded as the sum of overlapping, orthogonal and circularly shifted chirps. Each chirp carries one bit with each hop carrying multiple chirps simultaneously. The composite waveform is detected by the receiver using a bank of dechirpers, each tuned to a separate chirp. The orthogonality property of the dechirping detector is used to allow the receiver to detect and decode the embedded chirps without crossterm interference. Target returns are detected by an adaptive dechirp detector, allowing dual-use.
Editors’ Introduction: Informed Historical Reveries

> “Through this book, I imagine the possibility that later generations of media feminists might not have to do this work again: putting a stop, for a while at least, to this particular feminist ‘re’-cycle.” > > —Alexandra Juhasz, Women of Vision , 20011 > “Theories and concepts help order history, but critically informed production practice, an orientation of learning, thinking, and doing might move us out of these painful historical reveries.” > > —Angela J. Aguayo, Documentary Resistance , 20192 alexandra juhasz: In October 2017 I received …
From tokens to key players: The influence of board gender and ethnic diversity on corporate discrimination lawsuits:

Does the appointment of more women and ethnic minority directors on corporate boards help combat discriminatory work environments? This empirical study addresses this question by exploring the occu...
Measuring Surgical Quality

Surgery is a high stakes area of medicine where the actual care provided (i.e., the procedure performed) places patients at risk for significant morbidity and mortality. Measuring and improving surgical care in the U.S. is increasingly the focus of various stakeholders of healthcare quality, including payers, oversight organizations, hospitals, clinicians, and most importantly patients. However, measuring surgical quality is not straightforward. In this chapter, we will define concepts underlying surgical quality measurement, and highlight many of the important considerations that should be understood and adopted when studying surgical quality. Finally, we discuss future areas that we believe are important to further move surgical quality measurement and improvement forward.
Correction to: “The Battle is on”: Lakatos, Feyerabend, and the student protests

The following correction will help establish more clearly and fully the ways in which I drew on Matteo Collodel’s work in the composition of this paper. Given that we were researching similar topics and that I was acquainted with his achievements.
Comparing Shape Categorization to Circularity Measurement in the Evaluation of Median Nerve Compression Using Sonography.

Purpose:This study aimed to develop a subjective categorization of nerve shape and to examine the relationship of shape categorizations to measurement of nerve circularity.Methods:Wrists were evalu...
Mechanisms of insulin resistance related to white, beige, and brown adipocytes.

Background The diminished glucose lowering effect of insulin in obesity, called "insulin resistance," is associated with glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, and other serious maladies. Many publications on this topic have suggested numerous hypotheses on the molecular and cellular disruptions that contribute to the syndrome. However, significant uncertainty remains on the mechanisms of its initiation and long-term maintenance. Scope of review To simplify insulin resistance analysis, this review focuses on the unifying concept that adipose tissue is a central regulator of systemic glucose homeostasis by controlling liver and skeletal muscle metabolism. Key aspects of adipose function related to insulin resistance reviewed are: 1) the modes by which specific adipose tissues control hepatic glucose output and systemic glucose disposal, 2) recently acquired understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these modes of regulation, and 3) the steps in these pathways adversely affected by obesity that cause insulin resistance. Major conclusions Adipocyte heterogeneity is required to mediate the multiple pathways that control systemic glucose tolerance. White adipocytes specialize in sequestering triglycerides away from the liver, muscle, and other tissues to limit toxicity. In contrast, brown/beige adipocytes are very active in directly taking up glucose in response to β adrenergic signaling and insulin and enhancing energy expenditure. Nonetheless, white, beige, and brown adipocytes all share the common feature of secreting factors and possibly exosomes that act on distant tissues to control glucose homeostasis. Obesity exerts deleterious effects on each of these adipocyte functions to cause insulin resistance.
Financial econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and financial technology: an overall view

Based upon my experience in research, teaching, writing textbooks, and editing handbooks and journals, this review paper discusses how financial econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and financial technology can be used in research and teaching for students majoring in quantitative finance. A major portion of this paper discusses essential content of Lee and Lee (Handbook of financial econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and machine learning, World Scientific, Singapore, 2020). Then Lee (From east to west: memoirs of a finance professor on academia, practice, and policy, World Scientific, Singapore, 2017), Lee et al. (Financial econometrics, mathematics and statistics, Springer, New York, 2019a; Machine learning for predicting default of credit card holders and success of kickstarters. Working paper, 2019b), and Lee and Lee (Handbook of financial econometrics and statistics, Springer, New York, 2015) are used to enhance the content of this paper. In addition, important and relevant papers, which have been published in different journals are also used to support the issues discussed in this paper. I have found the applications of financial econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and technology have improved drastically over the last five decades. Therefore, both practitioners and academicians need to update their skills in this area to compete in both financial market and academic research.
3 – Dimensional Analysis

Publisher Summary Dimensional analysis represents a partial solution to the engineering problems and is very useful and easily obtained. In the solution of complex problems, it can play a valuable role. This chapter discusses the use of dimensional analysis in solving various engineering problems. Dimensional analysis is used to reduce the number of variables to be studied or plotted, plan experiments, design engineering models to be built and studied, and interpret model data to emphasize the relative importance of parameters entering a problem, and enable units of measurement to be changed from one system to another. The fundamental dimensions involved in different classes of mechanical problems are as follows: geometry, statics, temporal, kinematics, work or energy, momentum or impulse, and dynamics. Dimensional units are the basic magnitudes used to specify the size of a fundamental quantity. In performing a dimensional analysis, it is important to include all quantities of importance to the problem. Otherwise, an incorrect and misleading result may be obtained.
Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: Definition and Implications

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an inflammation-based disorder that occurs in patients with underlying liver disease and is characterized by hepatic and extrahepatic organ failure. Morbidity and mortality are high in patients with ACLF, and therefore prevention and early identification are critical to improve outcome. The purpose of this article is to define ACLF, describe ways to identify the expected outcome of ACLF after development, and illustrate interventions to prevent it and when it is not preventable reduce associated morbidity and mortality.
Different as night and day: wild bats modify echolocation in complex environments when visual cues are present

Many animals rely on the integration of senses to interact with their environment. While most studies on multisensory integration focus on animals that use passive sensing, fewer studies have investigated actively sensing animals, such as animals that use echolocation. Prior work has demonstrated that bats and dolphins have the ability to perceive objects through both echolocation and vision and may integrate information across senses to improve target identification. Less is known, however, about how these animals might modify their active sensing systems when additional sensory input, such as visual cues, is available. In this study, we examine how Brazilian free-tailed bats, Tadarida brasiliensis, in the wild use their echolocation calls during night compared to day under two different sensory challenges: ground detection in an open field and roost localization in a complex and cluttered environment at a cave edge. Both location and light condition had a significant effect on call frequency and call duration. Echolocation calls had shorter durations and wider bandwidths during night compared to day, and this effect was more pronounced during roost localization at the complex cave edge. These results suggest that bats may use vision to supplement echolocation, but modifications to their sensing systems may depend on environmental complexity and/or sensorimotor challenges.
Susceptibility of Physalis longifolia (Solanales: Solanaceae) to Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'.

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), is a major pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.; Solanales: Solanaceae) as a vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', the pathogen that causes zebra chip. Management of zebra chip is challenging in part because the noncrop sources of Liberibacter-infected psyllids arriving in potato remain unknown. Adding to this challenge is the occurrence of distinct genetic haplotypes of both potato psyllid and Liberibacter that differ in host range. Longleaf groundcherry (Physalis longifolia Nutt.) has been substantially overlooked in prior research as a potential noncrop source of Liberibacter-infected B. cockerelli colonizing fields of potato. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of P. longifolia to the three common haplotypes of B. cockerelli (central, western, and northwestern haplotypes), and to two haplotypes of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' (Liberibacter A and B haplotypes). Greenhouse bioassays indicated that B. cockerelli of all three haplotypes produced more offspring on P. longifolia than on potato and preferred P. longifolia over potato during settling and egg-laying activities. Greenhouse and field trials showed that P. longifolia was also highly susceptible to Liberibacter. Additionally, we discovered that infected rhizomes survived winter and produced infected plants in late spring that could then be available for psyllid colonization and pathogen acquisition. Results show that P. longifolia is susceptible to both B. cockerelli and 'Ca. L. solanacearum' and must be considered as a potentially important source of infective B. cockerelli colonizing potato fields in the western United States.
Thalamocortical connectivity is associated with autism symptoms in high-functioning adults with autism and typically developing adults

Alterations in sensorimotor functions are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such aberrations suggest the involvement of the thalamus due to its key role in modulating sensorimotor signaling in the cortex. Although previous research has linked atypical thalamocortical connectivity with ASD, investigations of this association in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) are lacking. Here, for the first time, we investigated the resting-state functional connectivity of the thalamus, medial prefrontal, posterior cingulate, and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortices and its association with symptom severity in two matched cohorts of HFASD. The principal cohort consisted of 23 HFASD (mean[SD] 27.1[8.9] years, 39.1% female) and 20 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls (25.1[7.2] years, 30.0% female). The secondary cohort was a subset of the ABIDE database consisting of 58 HFASD (25.4[7.8] years, 37.9% female) and 51 typically developing controls (24.4[6.7] years, 39.2% female). Using seed-based connectivity analysis, between-group differences were revealed as hyperconnectivity in HFASD in the principal cohort between the right thalamus and bilateral precentral/postcentral gyri and between the right thalamus and the right superior parietal lobule. The former was associated with autism-spectrum quotient in a sex-specific manner, and was further validated in the secondary ABIDE cohort. Altogether, we present converging evidence for thalamocortical hyperconnectivity in HFASD that is associated with symptom severity. Our results fill an important knowledge gap regarding atypical thalamocortical connectivity in HFASD, previously only reported in younger cohorts.
On the use of MBPE to mitigate corrupted data in radar applications

An algorithm is developed based on Edmund K. Miller’s Model-Based Parameter Estimation (MBPE) technique to mitigate the effects of missing or corrupted data in random regions of wideband linear frequency modulated (LFM) radar signals. Two methods of applying MBPE in the spectral/frequency domain are presented that operate on either the full complex data or separated magnitude/phase data, respectively. The final algorithm iteratively applies MBPE using the latter approach to re-generate results in the corrupted regions of a windowed LFM signal until the difference is minimized relative to un-corrupted data. Several sets of simulations were conducted across many randomized gap parameters where impulse response (IPR) impacts are summarized. Conditions where the algorithm successfully improved the IPR for a single target are provided. The algorithm’s effectiveness on multiple targets, especially when the corrupted regions are relatively large compared to the overall bandwidth of the signal, are also explored.
A rational targeted therapy for platinum-resistant small-cell lung cancer

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is initially sensitive to platinum doublet chemotherapy, providing dramatic clinical benefit. Unfortunately, most SCLCs relapse and become resistant to further therapy. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Thomas et al. show that some platinum-resistant SCLCs benefit from combination therapy with topotecan plus the ATR (ataxia telangiectasia–mutated and rad3-related) inhibitor berzosertib.
Empirical Test of Pecking Order Theory for the US Listed Firms

This paper is aimed at examining the appropriateness of pecking order theory in the US financial market. One of the most popular models of firm’s capital structure driven by asymmetric information is the pecking order theory (POT) of Myers (1984). It is based on the argument that firms have preference ranking over sources of funds for financing based on the corresponding information asymmetry costs (Myers et al. 1984, p.15). In recent studies, many interesting discussions have been generated about the POT. These studies attempt to detect the extent to which POT describes the financing choices of firms. The results of relevant studies as well as recent evidence in the context of the US economy are presented in this research paper. Aggregated, disaggregated and controlled variable methods are employed for testing relevance of POT by using the sample of firms over three-year period. Results of the current research can help to understand how the US listed firms determine their optimal debt levels.
Strengthening the Distinction Between Copyright and Trademark: The Supreme Court Takes a Stand

Until recently, the question of whether § 43 of the Lanham Act prevented the unaccredited copying of an un-copyrighted work was an open one. However, in Dastar v. Twentieth Century Fox, the United States Supreme Court speaks directly on this issue, emphasizing the distinction between copyright and trademark protections and cautioning against “misuse or overextension” of trademark protections into areas traditionally covered by copyright or patent law. This iBrief assesses the importance of such line drawing and explores the implications of this decision.
Self‐Organizing Feature Maps

The sections in this article are 1 Self-Organization Principles 2 Learning Algorithms 3 Computer Simulations 4 Conclusion and Advanced Applications
DATMS: a framework for distributed assumption based reasoning

Abstract The Distributed ATMS, DATMS, is a problem solving framework for multiagent assumption based reasoning. It is based on the problem solving paradigm of result sharing rule-based expert systems using assumption based truth maintenance systems. We are implementing and experimenting with the DATMS under MATE, a Multi-Agent Test Environment, using C and Common Lisp on a network of Sun workstations. This framework was motivated by the problem of seismic interpretation for Comprehensive or Low-Yield Test Ban Treaty verification, where a widespread network of seismic sensor stations are required to monitor treaty compliance, and seismologists use assumption based reasoning in a collaborative fashion to interpret the seismic data. The DATMS framework differs from other previously designed problem solving organizations in (1) its method of reasoning, (2) its ability to support an explanation facility, and (3) its addressing of the problem of culpability.
Nonequilibrium magnetization near the reorientation phase transition of Fe/Ag(100) films.

The static and dynamic magnetic properties of ultrathin Fe/Ag(100) films are investigated in the vicinity of the reorientation transition where the magnetic easy axis changes from out-of-plane to in-plane orientation. In a certain temperature range below the reorientation transition temperature ${T}_{r}$ a time dependent decay of the remanent out-of-plane magnetization is observed. The origin of this relaxation behavior is discussed, and implications for a thermodynamic description of the reorientation phase transition are outlined.
Relativistic klystron amplifier IV: simulation studies of a coaxial-geometry RKA

A coaxial drift tube allows propagation of an ultra high power relativistic electron beam (500 keV, not less than 100 kA, 100 ns). In this paper we study the modulation of a large diameter (12.6 cm) intense relativistic electron beam (500 keV, 16 kA) by an external microwave source via particle simulation. The annular beam, enclosed within a coaxial drift tube, is found to be fully modulated by a low-power external RF source at a frequency of 1.3 GHz. We further show that the coaxial configuration is easily scaled to high power. Here, a very large diameter (26 cm) intense beam (460 keV, 100 kA) is fully modulated at 1.3 GHz to obtain 31 GW of RF beam power.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electric-field-assisted growth and assembly of carbon nanotubes for nanoelectronics and nanosensing applications

Carbon nanotubes, which have attracted a significant amount of research attention in recent years, are promising nanoscale materials as building blocks for "bottom-up" assembly of nanoelectronics and nanosensing devices. So far, the fabrication of nanotube devices has often been based on randomly growing or depositing nanotubes, and subsequently finding the ones with desired origin and direction using microscopy techniques. However, it is crucial to be able to assemble such devices in a controllable way, in order to study a large number of them systematically. In this paper, I will present our efforts to tackle this assembly problem by using physics and engineering to control the chemistry of nanotube growth. In particular, we have aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes on oxide surfaces by applying an in situ electric field across microfabricated electrodes during chemical vapor deposition growth. We have then extended this technique to two-dimensional assembly of carbon nanotubes. In particular, we have designed an electrode configuration that would give nanotube crosses in a single growth step. Using this design, we have demonstrated the feasibility of 2D assembly of carbon nanotubes using electric field engineering. These experiments also provide invaluable information about how nanotubes respond to the direction, magnitude, and polarity of external electric fields that may be present during growth. The generality, versatility, and scalability of this assembly technique make it very attractive for controlled growth and assembly of nanoelectronics and nanosensing devices.
Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C of bull and rabbit spermatozoa

Acrosomal reaction is an essential prerequisite to fertilization. The changes in lipid composition of sperm membranes cause fusion of the plasma and outer acrosomal membranes that results in the exocytosis of acrosomal contents. We report that both bull and rabbit spermatozoa contain a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) that hydrolyzes L-α-dipalmitoyl-(choline-methyl-14C-153.0 Ci/mmol and a phosphatidyl-inositol-specific phospholipase C (Pl-PLC)) that hydrolyzes L-α-(Myo)-lnositol-2-3H (N)-5.2 Ci mmol. Pl-PLC from bull sperm acrosome has been purified 568 × fold with a specific activity 6.25 ± 0.6 nmol/min/mg protein, km 0.004 mM, and Vmax 12 nmol/min/mg protein. Both enzymes had optimum at pH 7.5. The activity of PC-PLC remained unaffected by varying concentrations of Ca2+, whereas Pl-PLC activity was significantly increased. The bulk of Pl-PLC was found to be associated with inner acrosomal membrane of bull and rabbit sperm, while PC-PLC was found in the outer acrosomal membranes in the bull sperm and the plasma membrane of the rabbit sperm. Both enzymes are compartmentalized in sperm cell. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
17O and 29Si MAS NMR study of β–C2S hydration and the structure of calcium-silicate hydrates

Abstract 17O and 29Si MAS and CPMAS NMR spectroscopy has been used to study the mechanism of hydration of β–C2S and the structure of calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) formed both during hydration of β–C2S and synthesized separately. β–C2S was reacted with H217O at room temperature for up to 100 days. Synthesized CSH was made from silica gel and CaCl2 solution made with H217O. All the 17O NMR signal from the reaction products is from 17O originally in the water. The local oxygen environments detected in CSH are SiOCa, Ca OH and possibly SiOH. CaOH sites are also present in Ca(OH)2 accompanying the CSH. The hydration mechanism and CSH structure are discussed.
Hot sphere detection limits for a dual head coincidence imaging system

Phantom studies were performed to investigate detectability limits for a dual head coincidence imaging system. Spheres of 2.8, 2.2, 1.6, 1.2, 1.0, 0.8 cm inner diameter were placed at a radius of 5.75 cm in a 22 cm diameter cylindrical phantom. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of the spheres to background was used as the authors' metric of detectability. CNR values were determined for three different sphere to background ratios (10:1, 5:1, and 3:1); for three different background count densities (high, medium, and low); and for three different energy window requirements (photopeak only, photopeak and photopeak-Compton, and all combinations). Based upon the authors' visual observation, the smallest detectable spheres were 0.8 cm, 1.2 cm and 1.6 cm for a 2.5 million event photopeak-Compton image set with sphere to background ratios of 10:1, 5:1 and 3:1, respectively. The CNR values for these spheres were 5.1, 7.8, and 4.8. Over all observations, spheres with a CNR greater than 4 were detectable.
Characteristics of Precursor-Dependent Breakdown in Helium Dielectric Barrier Discharge Jet

The generation of excited species in dielectric barrier discharge jets (DBD jets) when a dielectric substrate is present is highly time dependent and complex, sensitive to precursor addition and power. Both the DBD jets fed with pure helium (He DBD jet) and helium/methyl methacrylate (He/MMA DBD jet) show the characteristics of multiple short-duration (1-2 μs) current pulses during breakdown but contain different numbers, widths, and temporal sequence of pulses. In the He DBD jet, the short-duration pulses overlap to form a single broad current pulse, 4-16 μs long, per half-cycle, whereas with MMA, several broadened current pulses, 2-4 μs long, occur. It was observed that each short-duration current pulse corresponds with a leading ionization wave (or plasma bullet) followed by the formation of a plasma channel. However, if the time between ionization waves is small enough, the propagation of the second ionization wave is less observable. In He/MMA mixtures, the propagation of multiple ionization waves is more difficult to observe with increasing power as the time between current pulses decreases. With only helium, the time between current pulses is so short that only one leading wave can be observed. As the discharge power rises, more plasma channels with a thinner and brighter structure are formed during each voltage cycle, leading to observations of a mode change from a diffuse mode to a concentrated mode in the DBD jets.
The relationship between brain weight and head circumference from birth to age 18 years

A relation between head circumference and brain weight of humans is generally believed to exist, but the literature contains only two studies which exhibit a quantitative aspect of the relation, showing that brain weight is proportional to the cube of the head circumference from birth through age 3.5 years. By assembling data from autopsy records, we have been able to show that this cubic relationship holds through brain maturation at around age 18 years.
The nanopatterning of a stimulus-responsive polymer by thermal dip-pen nanolithography

We demonstrate that poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) nanostructures can be directly and reproducibly written from the melt using thermal dip-pen nanolithography. Whereas previous research examined polymer brushes where the strands were oriented normal to the surface, here the polymer strands are aligned parallel to the surface. Alignment parallel to the surface allows ultrathin films to be formed while still completely masking the substrate from the solution. Moreover, the aligned PNIPAAm retains its unique ability to reversibly bind and release proteins when driven through a hydrophobic–hydrophilic phase transition by a change in temperature. Unlike the conventional brush form, the phase transition in the aligned form is not associated with a change in height, retaining its dimensional stability.
Mg2Si nanocomposite converted from diatomaceous earth as a potential thermoelectric nanomaterial

With recent literature demonstrating enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of nanoscale materials relative to their corresponding bulk materials, methods to synthesize low-dimensional nanomaterials in large scale at low cost are needed. We demonstrate a method for preparing nanostructured dimagnesium silicide (Mg{sub 2}Si) thermoelectric materials that are nanocomposites with MgO by the reduction of diatomaceous earth (diatoms) using a gas-displacement solid state reaction with magnesium vapor. The resulting semiconducting Mg{sub 2}Si preserves the general morphology of the original diatoms and their nanosized grains at least down to the size of 30 nm. This reaction represents a possible method for the production of large quantities of low-cost nanoscale thermoelectric materials with potential for enhanced thermoelectric performance. - Graphical abstract: A nanostructured Mg{sub 2}Si and MgO nanocomposite thermoelectric material is synthesized in the Mg gas-displacement solid state reduction of SiO{sub 2} from diatomaceous earth. The resulting semiconducting Mg{sub 2}Si nanostructures preserve the original diatom morphology, with nanosized grains at least down to the size of 30 nm.
The Church and Other Body Parts: Closing the Gap Between the Church and People with Disabilities

The Bible says all members of “the Body” serve important functions; however, persons with disabilities are noticeably absent from many congregations. This review of literature presents comprehensive research related to existing thoughts on theology and disability studies. Persons with disabilities and their families often struggle for acceptance and inclusion; pastors and congregations with limited experience, resources, and training struggle to understand how to help. Recommendations are made for further research regarding education of future clergy so they will be prepared to welcome people with disabilities as integral members of their congregations.
732 BURKITT LYMPHOMA (BL): CHROMOSOME FINDINGS IN SIBLINGS

The chromosomal change found repeatedly in BL tumor cells is a marker chromosome (chr)14q+. This is often shown to result from a translocation of part of the long arm of chr 8. For this rearrangement to occur, this location must be especially vulnerable to breaks. The case of a 10 year old boy, with BL supports the hypothesis that a fragile site on chr 8 may predispose certain lymphoid cells to malignant transformation. He presented with ileoceccal intussusception due to BL limited to terminal ileum and local mesenteric lymph nodes. The tumor was resected and he received radiotherapy and 6 months of chemotherapy.There is no evidence of disease 20 months after diagnosis.Tumor cell marker studies showed a predominance of B-cells with surface IgM kappa specificity, EBV studies were indicative of past infection. Blood and bone marrow morphology was normal.Chromosomal analysis of PHA stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes showed a 46,XY karyotype with 40% breaks, gaps and endoreduplication in the 8q22 region (20/50 cells).Bone marrow and fibroblast analysis showed no breaks in chr 8.Repeat blood studies 6 months after treatment showed 8% breaks at 8q22. Examination of peripheral blood lymphocytes from the patient's healthy 13 year old sister, showed 12% breaks at 8q22.The karyotype of the parents was normal.The similar findings in both siblings suggest that the 8q22 region in lymphoid cells may be genetically vulnerable to breaks,i.e. by a viral agent, such as EBV.The affected cell line may then be at risk to transformation into malignant lymphoma.
Contribution of molecular testing to thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology of "follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance"

BACKGROUND: “Follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance” is a heterogeneous category of cases that cannot be classified into 1 of the other established categories. The use of ancillary molecular studies has not been widely explored for this diagnosis. METHODS: All thyroid cytology cases diagnosed as follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance were retrieved from April 2007 to December 2008. During this time period, samples were collected routinely at the time of aspiration for cytologic and molecular studies. Analysis for BRAF and RAS gene mutations and RET/PTC and PAX8/PPARγ gene rearrangements were performed and correlated with the cytologic features and surgical pathology outcome. RESULTS: From a total of 513 follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance cases identified, 455 had adequate molecular results. Of these, 117 cases had cytologic-histologic correlation. In this group, 35 (29.9%) cases had a neoplastic outcome and 20 (17.1%) cases from 19 patients were carcinoma. Positive molecular results were found in 12 cases, all of which were papillary carcinoma. There were no false-positive molecular results. In correlating the molecular results with surgical pathology outcome, we found that the cancer probability for follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance cases with molecular alteration was 100%, while the probability for follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance cases without molecular alteration was 7.6% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: By cytomorphology alone, follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance specimens represent cases that are intermediate in risk between the benign and “suspicious for follicular neoplasm” categories. Although not all papillary carcinoma cases are detected by molecular testing, a positive molecular test result is very helpful in refining follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance cases into high-risk and low-risk categories. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Reliability and validity of a fruit and vegetable screening measure for adolescents

We developed and evaluated a brief measure of fruit and vegetable consumption for adolescents. The measure was reliable and significantly correlated with 3-day food record data. Correct classification rate (63%) and specificity (63%) were good. Sensitivity (33%) was lower. The measure is recommended, although improvements in classification are still needed.
Generalized frame multiresolution analysis of abstract Hilbert spaces and their applications

We define a very generic class of multiresolution analysis of abstract Hilbert spaces. Their core subspaces have a frame produced by the action of an abelian unitary group on a perhaps infinite subset of the core subspace, which we call frame multi scaling vector set. We characterize the associated frame multi wavelet vector sets by generalizing the concept of the low and high pass filters and the Quadrature Mirror filter condition. We include an extensive overview of related work of other and we conclude with some examples.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.