cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction Algorithm Effect on Human Experience with Reinforcement Learning

A goal of interactive machine learning (IML) is to enable people with no specialized training to intuitively teach intelligent agents how to perform tasks. Toward achieving that goal, we are studying how the design of the interaction method for a Bayesian Q-Learning algorithm impacts aspects of the human’s experience of teaching the agent using human-centric metrics such as frustration in addition to traditional ML performance metrics. This study investigated two methods of natural language instruction: critique and action advice. We conducted a human-in-the-loop experiment in which people trained two agents with different teaching methods but, unknown to each participant, the same underlying reinforcement learning algorithm. The results show an agent that learns from action advice creates a better user experience compared to an agent that learns from binary critique in terms of frustration, perceived performance, transparency, immediacy, and perceived intelligence. We identified nine main characteristics of an IML algorithm’s design that impact the human’s experience with the agent, including using human instructions about the future, compliance with input, empowerment, transparency, immediacy, a deterministic interaction, the complexity of the instructions, accuracy of the speech recognition software, and the robust and flexible nature of the interaction algorithm.
Ischiorectal fossa: benign and malignant neoplasms of this “ignored” radiological anatomical space

To review the pertinent anatomy and the imaging features of common and uncommon benign and malignant neoplasms and masses of the ischiorectal fossa. The ischiorectal or ischioanal fossa is the largest space in the anorectal region. The benign neoplasms that develop in the ischiorectal originate from the different components that forms the fossa including vascular tumors such as aggressive angiomyxoma or hemangioma; neural tumors as plexiform neurofibroma or schwannoma; fat tumors as lipoma; skin/skin appendages tumors as hidradenoma papilliferum; smooth or skeletal muscle tumors as solitary fibrous tumor. The malignant neoplasms that develop in the ischiorectal fossa also originate from different components that forms the fossa including vascular tumors such as angiosarcoma, neural tumors as malignant granular cell tumor and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor; fat tumors as liposarcoma; smooth or skeletal muscle tumors as leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant PEComa, or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Additionally, the ischiorectal fossa can also harbor secondary hematogenous metastases and be affected by direct invasion from neoplasms of adjacent pelvic organs and structures. Furthermore, other miscellaneous masses can occur in the ischiorectal fossa including congenital and developmental lesions, and inflammatory and infectious processes. Knowledge of the anatomy, and the spectrum of imaging findings of common and uncommon benign and malignant neoplasms of the ischiorectal fossa is crucial for the radiologists during interpretation of images allowing them to make contributions to the diagnosis and better patient management.
The scale, governance, and sustainability of central places in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica

Examinations of the variation and relative successes or failures of past large-scale societies have long involved attempts to reconcile efforts at generalization and the identification of specific factors with explanatory value for regional trajectories. Although historical particulars are critical to understanding individual cases, there are both scholarly and policy rationales for drawing broader implications regarding the growing corpus of cross-cultural data germane to understanding variability in the constitution of human societies, past and present. Archaeologists have recently highlighted how successes and failures in communal-resource management can be studied over the long term through the material record to both engage and enhance transdisciplinary research on cooperation and collective action. In this article we consider frameworks that have been traditionally employed in studies of the rise, diversity, and fall of preindustrial urban aggregations. We suggest that a comparative theoretical perspective that foregrounds collective-action problems, unaligned individual and group interests, and the social mechanisms that promote or hamper cooperation advances our understanding of variability in these early cooperative arrangements. We apply such a perspective to an examination of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican urban centers to demonstrate tendencies for more collective systems to be larger and longer lasting than less collective ones, likely reflecting greater sustainability in the face of the ecological and cultural perturbations specific to the region and era.
The use of systematic reviews to justify orthopaedic trauma randomized controlled trials: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract Objective Orthopaedic trauma is one of the largest surgical fields in medicine, and as such, requires the latest evidence to ensure the best standard of care. Systematic reviews are an invaluable resource that compiles an exhaustive summary of the most current evidence on a given clinical question. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the use of systematic reviews as justification in conducting randomized controlled trials published in high impact orthopaedic trauma journals. Methods We analyzed randomized controlled trials published in the top three high impact orthopaedic trauma journals between 2015 and 2018. We performed data extraction blind, independent, and in duplicative manner to ensure the validity of the findings. For each trial, data was extracted by the number of systematic reviews cited in each clinical trial and whether or not the study used a systematic review as justification for conducting the trial. A subgroup of general orthopaedic clinical trials were included for comparison. Results Of 144 articles retrieved, 128 were included. Overall, 71.1% (91/128; [95% CI, 63.2–78.9]) of included orthopaedic trauma randomized controlled trials referenced a systematic review and 28.9% (37/128) of studies did not cite a systematic review. Of the 91 trials that referenced a systematic review, 33.0% (30/91; [95% CI, 23.3–42.6]) of RCTs cited a systematic review as trial justification, whether that be “verbatim” or “inferred”. “Verbatim” justifications occurred in 20.0% (6/30; [95% CI, 5.7–34.3]) of included trauma RCTs that cited a systematic review as justification for conducting the trial and “inferred” justifications occurred in 80.0% (24/30; [95% CI, 65.7–94.3]). Conclusion Systematic reviews are frequently cited in orthopaedic trauma RCTs but are not commonly cited as justification for conducting a clinical trial. Ideally, evidentiary uncertainty regarding a research question should be established by existing literature through a systematic review to reduce research waste.
A Sequence Homology and Bioinformatic Approach Can Predict Candidate Targets for Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2

Summary Effective countermeasures against the recent emergence and rapid expansion of the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) require the development of data and tools to understand and monitor its spread and immune responses to it. However, little information is available about the targets of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. We used the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB) to catalog available data related to other coronaviruses. This includes SARS-CoV, which has high sequence similarity to SARS-CoV-2 and is the best-characterized coronavirus in terms of epitope responses. We identified multiple specific regions in SARS-CoV-2 that have high homology to the SARS-CoV virus. Parallel bioinformatic predictions identified a priori potential B and T cell epitopes for SARS-CoV-2. The independent identification of the same regions using two approaches reflects the high probability that these regions are promising targets for immune recognition of SARS-CoV-2. These predictions can facilitate effective vaccine design against this virus of high priority.
Building an understanding of how winning products emerge when open and proprietary products coexist: Evidence from the RepRap community

Online innovation communities have altered the nature of collaborative innovation. Within these communities, coexistence of open and closed source offerings is becoming commonplace, though potential diffusion and product advantages from each form are not well understood. Patterns of derivative innovation within these communities affect designers' focus; thus, this work is grounded in the attention‐based view. Beyond open vs. closed source development, we find that the presence of sibling designs (designs based on the same source material) and self‐remix (iteration on material by the same designer) have notable diffusion and product effects. Diffusion effects are investigated using 354 co‐existing open and closed source 3D printers from the RepRap community, while a subset of these printers is used for an analysis of key product attributes: value and ease of use. While previous researchers have argued for an early stage open source diffusion advantage, this is not observed here. However, customers perceive open source products to have value advantages, while closed source offerings are easier to use. Sibling designs have a diffusion advantage, particularly early on. Self‐remixes have both diffusion and product advantages. By better understanding these contextual elements of derivative innovation, designers' attention can be shaped to achieve desired outcomes.
Seeing is achieving: religion, embodiment, and explanations of racial inequality in STEM

Ample research demonstrates how religious commitments influence beliefs about racial inequality within US society without considering how individuals’ explanations of inequality might differ with r...
Diterpenoids from Gutierrezia sarothrae and G. microcephala: Chemical diversity, chemophenetics and implications to toxicity in grazing livestock.

Abstract Broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) and threadleaf snakeweed (G. microcephala) are suffrutescent plants found in many parts of western US rangelands and are possibly toxic to grazing livestock. The toxic components are not known, but it has been suggested that the diterpene acids may be both toxic and abortifacient. One hundred sixty-two samples of snakeweed were collected from 55 locations in Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming and Utah and were taxonomically classified. Samples were analyzed by GC-MS in a chemophenetic analysis and grouped into individual chemotypes based on diterpene acid content. The GC-MS profiles were found to be diverse showing at least eight different chemotypes. From each of the chemotypes the major diterpene acids were isolated and characterized by IR, MS and NMR spectroscopy. Twenty-one diterpenoids were identified and found to be a mix of furano, lactone, di-acid and esters of labdane, ent-labdane and chlerodane acids and alcohols. Only four of the 21 compounds isolated had been previously reported as occurring in G. sarathorea or G. microcephala, while another eight compounds were previously reported from other Gutierrezia or related species. Nine of the isolated diterpenoids have not been previously reported and their structure elucidation is reported.
Bowling Headliners, 1948–1950: The Creation of a Spectator Sport in Television’s Emergent Years

Bowling Headliners, a television series broadcast from 1948 to 1950, played a significant role in earning the game’s acceptance as a spectator sport in the United States. Premiering in the pivotal ...
Targeting women veteran's stress-induced drinking with cognitive reappraisal: Mechanisms and moderators of change.

Abstract Emotion dysregulation mediates the effects of stress on drinking among individuals with co-occurring emotional and alcohol use disorders (AUD). The current study examined the effects of cognitive reappraisal (CR), an adaptive emotion regulation strategy, on mechanisms that contribute to drinking (alcohol craving, inhibitory control) among 50 women veterans. In session one, participants were randomized to one of two 50-min “microinterventions”, either to learn a CR coping strategy or receive non-therapeutic psychoeducation control. In session two, all participants underwent a personalized stress induction, after which women in the experimental condition were instructed to use CR to reduce stress, while those in the control group were instructed to sit quietly. Craving and inhibitory control were measured at post-stress induction and after using CR/sitting quietly. Moderating effects of AUD, depression, and PTSD severity were assessed. Craving and inhibitory control improved among women in both conditions (CR or sitting quietly), with no main effect of condition. Condition by AUD severity had a significant interaction effect (b = 0.018, p = .013), whereby women with more severe AUD had greater decreases in craving after sitting quietly, and women with less severe AUD had greater decreases in craving after CR. The opposite pattern was observed for inhibitory control (b = 6.45, p = .004), with women with less severe AUD having greater decreases in inhibitory control after sitting quietly, and women with more severe AUD having greater decreases in inhibitory control after CR. Results highlight CR's immediate effects on alcohol-related outcomes and the important role of symptom severity.
The Carbon Cycle: With a Brief Introduction to Global Biogeochemistry

Carbon (C) is the major building block of all known life, is chemically versatile, and can form a diverse array of organic and inorganic compounds. This chapter examines the C cycle, starting at the global scale and several time frames, and then focuses on the C cycle in a few exemplar ecosystems to illustrate certain aspects. First, however, the chapter reviews the biogeochemistry of C, and what a biogeochemical cycle is.
Resource Allocation Decision in Audit Engagements

We examine the empirical relationship between auditor's resource allocations and selected engagement characteristics. Our measure of resources is hours of grades of labor (partner, manager, etc.) "charged" to audit activities (planning, internal control evaluation, etc.). Engagement characteristics examined are client size, industry affiliation, client complexity, risk, auditor provision of management advisory services to the auditee, and degree of control reliance. The data were obtained from publicly available sources and a survey developed and administered by an international public accounting firm. We find the cross-sectional variation in the labor charged to various audit activities can be explained by engagement characteristics found to be important in prior studies on audit fees, total labor inputs, and the mix of labor inputs. Measures of client size, industry, complexity, risk, and services provided are associated with changes in the allocation of labor among audit activities. We find no substitution of internal control review/testing for substantive testing on reliance audits. Task assignments vary by rank. Measures of client size, complexity, risk, and services provided are associated with activity-specific changes in the labor mix.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away: How temporal are episodic contents?

Abstract A prominent feature of mental event (i.e. ‘episodic’) simulations is their temporal orientation: human adults can generate episodic representations directed towards the past or the future. Here, we investigated how the temporal orientation of imagined events relates to the contents of these events. Is there something intrinsically temporal about episodic contents? Or does their temporality rely on a distinct set of representations? In three experiments (N = 360), we asked participants to generate and later recall a series of imagined events differing in (1) location, (2) time of day, (3) temporal orientation, and (4) weekday. We then tested to what extent successful recall of episodic content (i.e. (1) and (2)) would predict recall of temporality and/or weekday information. Results showed that recall of temporal orientation was only weakly predicted by recall of episodic contents. Nonetheless, temporal orientation was more strongly predicted by content recall than weekday recall. This finding suggests that episodic simulations are unlikely to be intrinsically temporal in nature. Instead, similar to other forms of temporal information, temporal orientation might be determined from such contents by reconstructive post-retrieval processes. These results have implications for how the human ability to ‘mentally travel’ in time is cognitively implemented.
Efficiency and preference for alternative activities during schedule thinning with functional communication training.

Functional communication training is an effective treatment for decreasing socially reinforced destructive behavior (Carr & Durand, 1985). Clinicians frequently use multiple schedules to thin the reinforcement schedule (Hanley et al., 2001). Individuals are often taught to wait for functional reinforcers without alternative programmed stimuli. However, concurrently available items and activities are often accessible in the natural environment. In this study, we taught 4 participants a functional communication response to access functional reinforcers. We implemented a multiple schedule during schedule thinning, comparing a control condition (nothing available during SΔ intervals) to separate conditions with items/activities (moderately preferred tangible items, attention, demands) noncontingently available during SΔ intervals. After reaching the terminal schedule in one condition, therapists assessed participant preference across SΔ conditions. For all participants, the terminal schedule was reached with alternative items and activities, and participant preference corresponded with the most efficient schedule thinning condition. Therapists also indicated preference for alternative items/activities.
Structures revealed in zone refined aluminum by tritium decoration

A method is described for decorating structures in solid aluminum by precipitation of hydrogen onto them. Radioactive hydrogen is employed so that the deposition sites can be revealed by the use of autoradiographic techniques. The study was conducted with zone refined aluminum, and the primary structure that was revealed was that remaining after directional solidification during the last zone pass. The tritium was added to the specimen at 600°C and its precipitation was brought about by quenching the sample. As little as 0.05 ppm of tritium was sufficient to reveal complex structures in the cast metal that are attributed to association of unidentified residual impurity atoms with low angle subgrain boundaries that are thought to have resulted from polygonization occurring immediately behind the advancing solid-liquid interface. Wide-angle grain boundaries were also decorated. New structures were introduced by various levels of strain that accompanied different upsetting operations. Grain and subgrain boundaries that developed during strain anneals were “antisites” for hydrogen deposition. This opposite behavior is attributed to the absence of impurity atoms in these “new” boundaries. An explanation for the behavior of hydrogen in aluminum is given in terms of the condensation of vacancies vs their loss to vacancy sinks. These phenomena are shown to be involved in the enlargement of hydrogen-filled pores in aluminum.
Keyhole tongue reduction

Macroglossia, although relatively uncommon, can lead to significant morbidity such as compensatory mandibular overgrowth, compromised oral competence, and chronic exposure and breakdown of tongue mucosa. Surgical debulking of the enlarged tongue is reserved for patients with significant morbidity. The methods of surgical correction of macroglossia are many, none of which are superior. Early techniques focused on reducing the tongue through nonspecific debulking, but more current techniques focus on preserving lingual mobility, maintaining adequate length and avoiding injury to the neurovascular bundles. The keyhole technique is a specific technique that incorporates both an anterior wedge resection and a central tongue reduction. This allows for protection of the lateral neurovascular bundles while performing significant debulking of the tongue. Postoperative results have demonstrated good mobility and positive effects on speech.
Bradykinin decreases K+ and increases Cl− conductances in vagal afferent neurones of the guinea pig

Bradykinin (BK) is an inflammatory mediator that can excite and sensitize primary afferent neurones. The nature of the ionic channels underlying the excitatory actions of BK is still incompletely understood. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recording from acutely dissociated nodose ganglion neurones (NGNs) we have examined the ionic mechanism responsible for BK's excitatory effect. Bath-applied BK (0.1 μm) depolarized the membrane potential (29 ± 3.1 mV, n= 7), evoked action potentials, and induced an inward ionic current (IBK) with two distinctive membrane conductances (gm). Initially, gm decreased; the ionic current associated with this gm had a reversal potential (Erev) value of −87 ± 1.1 mV (n= 26), a value close to EK (−89 mV). Subsequently, gm increased; the ionic current associated with this gm had an estimated Erev of 49 ± 4.3 mV (n= 23). When the second component was isolated from the first component, by replacing [K+]o with Cs+, Erev was 20 ± 4.7 mV (n= 10). Replacing external NaCl with NMDG-Cl or choline-Cl, or reducing [Ca2+]o did not significantly diminish IBK. After replacing external NaCl with sodium isethionate, Erev for the second component shifted to 56 ± 8.8 mV (n= 4), a value close to the ECl (66 mV). The second component was inhibited by intracellular BAPTA or by bath application of niflumic acid (100 μm), a Ca2+-activated Cl− channel blocker. These results suggest that the first and second components of IBK are produced by a decrease in K+ conductance and an increase in Ca2+-activated Cl− conductance, respectively. The BK-evoked Cl− conductance in NGNs may be the first demonstration of an inflammatory mediator exciting primary afferents via an anion channel.
Long-term performance of segmented benthic microbial fuel cells

Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFCs) are a class of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) that are an emerging technology under development for applications of persistent ocean monitoring. BMFCs function via anaerobic bacteria metabolizing organic matter in sediment and providing electrons to buried anodes. These anodes are electrically connected via an external circuit to an aerobic cathode positioned in the water column. Previous projects by this same group involved large-scale deployments that demonstrated deployment of BMFC systems via a boat-towed sled. These long carpet like anodes (termed “Magic Carpet”) have been shown to generate power densities of 5–10 mW m−2 in systems ranging from 10–40 m2 systems. A major challenge in the field remains scaling up these systems to generate practical levels of power. This paper evaluates two iterations of segmented 20 m2 Magic Carpet BMFC systems and compares their long-term performance.
Political Mergers as Coalition Formation : Evidence from Japanese Municipal Amalgamations

Political coalition formation games can describe the formation and dissolution of nations, as well as the creation of coalition governments, the establishment of political parties, and other similar phenomena. These games have been studied from a theoretical perspective, but the models have not been used extensively in empirical work. This paper presents a method of estimating political coalition formation models with many-player coalitions, and then applies this method to the recent heisei municipal amalgamations in Japan to estimate structural coecients that describe the behaviour of municipalities. The method enables counterfactual analysis, which in the Japanese case shows that the national government could increase welfare via a counter-intuitive policy involving transfers to richer municipalities conditional on their participation in a merger.
The Female Reproductive System

The Osler quote above seems both humorous and just a little cynical. Sir William had a rich sense of humor; he was the man who once published a totally fanciful case report of “penis captivus” under the pseudonym Egerton Yorrik Davis [2]. As to invasive procedures inflicted upon our female patients, today Osler might add breast augmentation, Botox injections, and facelift. Of course, Osler was a “medical doctor,” and not a surgeon.
Activating the Inactive Learner: Advance Organizers in the Secondary Content Classroom:

The success of current mainstreaming efforts for LD adolescents is dependent, in part, on the environmental supports available in regular secondary classrooms. The present study investigated the ef...
GLUT8 glucose transporter is localized to excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the rat hippocampus

Fluorescence immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize the distribution and phenotype of GLUT8-positive neurons in rat brain and to compare the cellular distribution of GLUT8 with GLUT3 in the hippocampus. Based upon the absence of co-localization with the non-neuronal markers GFAP (astroglial) and OX42 (microglial), it appears that GLUT8 is expressed exclusively in neurons. At the cellular level, GLUT8 immunofluorescence was localized to neuronal cell bodies and the most proximal dendrites of inhibitory and excitatory neurons while GLUT3 immunofluorescence was localized to the neuropil in the hippocampus. These results demonstrate that GLUT8 is a neuron-specific glucose transporter expressed in the neuronal cell bodies of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the rat hippocampus.
Automated Determination of Formaldehyde in Air Without the Use of Tetrachloromercurate(II)

An existing modified (no mercury reagent) pararosaniline method for the determination of formaldehyde in air has been adapted for continuous monitoring using a CEA Instruments, Inc. Model 555 automated wet chemical analyzer. The adapted instrument was checked for linearity of response, formaldehyde collection efficiency, and drift. The instrument response was highly linear (r = 0.9996) in the 1–10 ppm formaldehyde concentration range tested. Formaldehyde collection efficiency of the analyzer increased from 64 to 88% as sample flow rate was increased from 0.25 to 1.0 Lpm. When the analyzer was connected to a constant 4.1 ppm formaldehyde permeation tube source, with careful control of ambient temperature and sample cell liquid levels, 3% instrument drift occurred over a 7 hour period.
Bitter taste induces nausea

Summary Nausea is the most characteristic negative experience that typically accompanies toxin-induced illness. Because most plant-derived toxins taste bitter, there is a rational link between bitter tasting compounds in the mouth and nausea that often results from their ingestion. It is surprising then that there are no experimental data demonstrating this connection. There are, however, data consistent with this notion. For example, people who are the most sensitive to bitter stimuli are more prone to motion sickness [1], and bitter taste sensitivity and pregnancy associated nausea are positively related, a response postulated to protect the fetus from poisoning [2]. Moreover, we know that bitter taste slows gastric emptying, a correlate of nausea [3]. Bitter taste is strongly sensed by the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves [4], which innervate the posterior oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract, respectively. The two projection fields of these sensory nerves are immediately adjacent within the nucleus of the solitary tract as well as in other brain relays [5], thus establishing a neuro-anatomical substrate for taste inputs to influence gastrointestinal states. Here, we report the first direct demonstration that bitter taste stimulation, but not sweet, salty, or umami taste, induces nausea, showing that the body not only detects potential toxins but anticipates their ingestion by inducing a prophylactic aversive state.
Process drift and model-based control of forming operations

This work is focused on the thermoforming process, but can easily be leveraged to other discrete forming operations, such as blow moulding, composites and metal stamping. To date, little work has been done to address the control of state parameters describing the material behaviour during processing. The absence of control of state parameters has been one of the major problems plaguing the process as material property changes, environmental factors and machine operating drifts can significantly change the dynamics of the process. A hybrid process control methodology that relies on transfer functions derived from first principles is proposed in this work. This phase of the work focuses on the process model identification stage, looking at both empirically obtained deterministic transfer functions and a deterministic transfer function based on first principles. The work also analyses the drift of the process as well as the identification of the dynamic model.
A percutaneously adjustable device for banding of the pulmonary trunk

An optimal result is often difficult to obtain with conventional banding of the pulmonary trunk. Furthermore, this procedure has a significant surgical morbidity and mortality. An inflatable device has therefore been developed which consists of an inflatable band and a valve. The band is made of a silicone balloon which is covered with reinforced braid. The band is applied loosely around the pulmonary trunk through a left lateral thoracotomy. The valve is implanted subcutaneously in an intercostal space. The size of the band can be adjusted postoperatively using a needle and fluid-filled syringe percutaneously to inflate or deflate the balloon. Experiments were conducted in 5 animals and follow-up evaluation by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography was made up to 4 months after implantation of the device. The band could be effectively and reliably adjusted and no malfunction or complication occurred. This preliminary study suggests that this new technique may make banding of the pulmonary trunk a more reliable and effective procedure and may reduce surgical morbidity and mortality. It also may avoid or delay subsequent additional surgery for revision of a band which is too tight or too loose.
ENUMERATING ALL CYCLES OF A PLANAR GRAPH

We present a new and elegant cycle vector space algorithm that runs in O(n2.α) steps and needs O:lpar;nn) space for enumerating all simple cycles of a planar graph with n vertices, where α is the total number of simple cycles in the graph Unlike backtrack algorithms, cycle vector space algorithms for this problem are suitable for parallelization. A parallel version of this algorithm alone with a parallel version of Syslo's O(n.α) step algorithm for the same problem are on an exclusive-read, exclusive-write parallel RAM model with p processors. The results of an implementation of our parallel algorithm on a meshconnected SIMD computer are also presented.
A simple synthetic approach to Cbz-Phe-Ψ-(CH2)Gly-Pro-OMe and related peptide isosteres

Abstract A new approach to ketomethylene and hydroxymethylene peptide isosteres has been developed which is simple, direct, and highly convergent. A key feature is construction of the central bond of a ≥-keto ester by alkylation of a t-butyl β-keto ester with an ∠-bromo ester.
Psychological or physiological Why are tetraplegic patients content

Objective: To assess the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) on perceived health-related quality of life (QOL). Background: SCI is physically disabling, socially handicapping, and romantically limiting. Nevertheless, little is known about post-SCI neurocognitive and psychosocial life. Better understanding of the cognitive and emotional worlds of SCI patients is essential to better address and meet their needs and expectations. Methods: Twenty subjects with high-cord (T6 and above) complete (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] A) SCI (High SCI) were compared with 10 subjects with low-cord (T7 and below) ASIA A SCI (Low SCI) and with 11 Able-Bodied control subjects. Satisfaction with Life and Short Form-36 instruments were used to assess physical and emotional aspects of QOL. Analyses of variance were used to assess potential differences across groups. Results: Overall, satisfaction with life was the same among the groups. Expectedly, High SCI and Low SCI subjects reported lower physical functioning than Able-Bodied subjects ( p p = 0.004) and a trend over Low SCI subjects ( p = 0.06), better perceived emotional role in society ( p = 0.02), and greater vitality ( p = 0.01) than Low SCI subjects and Able-Bodied subjects. Conclusions: Despite severe physical impairment and disability and frequent medical complications, subjects with complete spinal cord injury at high anatomic levels report better than average quality of life, being overall content. Reasons for these findings are unclear. Psychological adaptive reactions are likely, but the possible role of physiologic and neurocognitive changes needs further exploration.
Perceptual Restoration of Missing Speech Sounds

When an extraneous sound (such as a cough or tone) completely replaces a speech sound in a recorded sentence, listeners believe they hear the missing sound. The extraneous sound seems to occur during another portion of the sentence without interfering with the intelligibility of any phoneme. If silence replaces a speech sound, the gap is correctly localized and the absence of the speech sound detected.
University supply and corporate demand for academic research

University research is an important contributor to corporate innovation, but corporate-sponsored research has lagged other forms of research expenditure since 2000 and is perceived to be sub-optimal. This paper first examines and interprets reasons given by industry participants for this relative underperformance. It next establishes the complexity of this issue by explicating different patterns of research relationships for four industry groups. University supply of research and industry demand are both affected by internal factors that create inherent limits to these activities. The paper concludes that proactive measures by universities are the most feasible steps under current conditions to enhance corporate-sponsored university research.
Differences between the functional matrices in anterior open-bite and in deep overbite

Abstract The position of the three neural foramina describing the course of the inferior alveolar nerves was studied, with the aid of a previously determined logarithmic spiral, in cases of anterior open-bite and deep overbite. In anterior open-bite, the position of the foramen ovale was shown to be characteristically lower on this spiral than it is in any other condition studied; indeed, it is a diagnostic characteristic. The significance of this finding in the discussion of the problems of mandibular size and shape in these conditions was discussed. The etiologic role of periosteal and capsular functional matrices in the development of anterior open-bite was analyzed, and capsular matrices, with their related processes of passive translative growth, were held to be developmentally primary. Finally, an associated difference in the spatial location of the oral space in anterior open-bite was discussed. In essence, anterior open-bite was found to be a condition associated with specific spatial and developmental abnormalities of the oral functioning space, acting as a capsular matrix. All observed skeletal tissue changes are but secondary, compensatory, and mechanically obligatory responses to the morphogenetically and temporally prior alterations of this capsular matrix. Clinicians should carefully differentiate between the causes of an observed deformation of the orofacial skeleton and its etiologic factors. In anterior open-bite, they are completely different.
There's a place for us: All of us

This presentation maintains that there is an important place within AABT for all its members, including practitioners, scientists, and scientist-practitioners. Data to support this position are presented from a large-scale membership survey and from a review of the unipolar depression treatment outcome data. Based on the conceptual and practical commonalities derived from these data, a heuristic model for understanding and treating depression is outlined. Within that framework some examples of the important interface between clinical practice and research (a cardinal characteristic of members of AABT) are presented.
On the Néel temperature of Ca2Fe2O5

Abstract Because of a suggestion to the contrary, additional evidence is presented here to show that Ca2Fe2O5 has a single Neel temperature, not two separate sublattice Neel temperatures.
TU‐FF‐A4‐02: Diagnostic Medical Physics Performance Evaluation of a Portable Digital Flat Detector System

Purpose: To outline a set of tests to evaluate clinical flat detector performance in terms of image quality, artifact evaluation, detector radiation exposure response and system refresh rate/throughput. Method and Materials: The tests were performed on a Canon CXDI‐50G detector associated with Siemens Axiom Sireskop SD Radiography/Fluoroscopy (R/F) system. For most tests, all image processing filters were turned off and look up table was selected to get unprocessed image data. Detector Dark noise, uniformity and distortion measurements were performed. Relationship between detector exposure, pixel value and detector exposure index was established using three different exposure levels (0.15, 1.13 & 5.7 mR) and R2 calculated. Spatial resolution was determined in four quadrants of the detector. Percent contrast was obtained at three exposure levels with 1 mm Copper filtration. The detector was evaluated for possible ghosting related artifacts between exposures. Detector exposure index (EXI) reproducibility was tested. Refresh rate was measured for the flat detector while used in table top, table bucky and wall bucky mode using all clinical organ program settings. Results: Dark noise EXI was 0 with a pixel value of 0.5. Maximum non uniformity relative to global average was 4.4%. Relationship between detectors exposure, pixel value and exposure index was linear with R2 of 0.9999 and 1 respectively. Spatial resolution was approximately 3.1 lp/mm. Percent contrast was obtained to be 1.22 corresponding to detector exposures of 0.15 mR and 1.13 mR and 0.61 for detector exposure corresponding to 5.7 mR. No ghosting was observed. EXI reproducibility was found to be within 2% of average. No artifacts or distortions were observed. Maximum time to refresh was 20 seconds for Table Top and 19 seconds for Table and Wall Bucky respectively. Conclusion: Detailed performance evaluation of digital flat detectors is an important part of a comprehensive quality assurance program.
Receding/advancing contact of structural elements simplified

Abstract An extremely simple algorithm is developed for simulation of structural elements in receding/advancing, unilateral contact with independent constraints. The theory is systematically formulated to prove that the nonlinear solution depends upon a single free variable which can be kinematically determined. A FORTRAN subroutine is given which illustrates the elementary nature of the new development. Results from its implementation tally with those given previously.
Outreach and Education to Ensure a Clean Energy Future for All

As the nuclear industry continues to grow throughout the world, we find that support from government officials, local business leaders and the general public is becoming more and more important. In order to help raise awareness and inform these various publics, AREVA expanded upon a best practice from its worldwide operations and recently established a Community Advisory Council in the United States. The member organizations represent a variety of grassroots and minority organizations from across the United States and are active in various ways in local, state and federal arenas. AREVA’s objective for the Council is simple — listen to concerns, engage in dialogue and raise awareness about the intrinsic link existing between energy, CO2 emissions, global warming, and economic growth, so these same people can make decisions when it comes to energy sources in the future. We want our members to help us better understand their communities, listen to their concerns and answer their questions openly and honestly. AREVA understands that this outreach and education are just the first steps toward helping clean energy sources grow. We must maintain regular dialog and operate in a safe manner, because in the long run, it is these community members who will ensure energy security for the country. And it is only by working together as an industry that we can ensure a safe, clean air future for generations to come, no matter where in the world we live.© 2011 ASME
Structure of free-base H2(TpivPP)·2H2O “picket-fence” porphyrin. Comparisons to H2TPP, and Fe(TpivPP) (N-Me-Imid) (O2)

Abstract The structure of meso-tetra(α,α,α,α-o-pivalamidophenyl)porphyrin, H2(TpivPP)·2H2O, was determined by x-ray crystallography: monoclinic, C2/c, a = 39.555 (13) A, b = 10.087 (4) A, c = 29.684 (10) A, β = 95.03 (3)°, V = 11798 (7) A3, Z = 8. The structure of H2(TpivPP) is compared with the previously reported structures of the free-base tetraphenyl porphyrin, defined as H2TPP, and the six-coordinate compound Fe(TpivPP) (N-Me-Imid)(O2). Of interest concerning the free-base structure is the location of the core hydrogen atoms, which we locate on opposite pyrrole rings, and the orientation of the pickets, which all face upward away from the amide linkage on one side of the core ring. The core ring of the free-base porphyrin lacks the D2d ruffling characteristic of the metallated porphyrin derivatives, and thus, it exhibits a higher degree of planarity. One of the methine carbon atoms in the free-base does deviate from true planarity by a significant amount (0.269 A); the deviation is most likely due to packing requirements. Two water molecules hydrogen bond to adjacent molecules at O ⋯ H distances of 2.80 A and 2.92 A, respectively. The bond lengths, angles, and core parameters for H2(TpivPP) are reported here to provide a comparison between the structure of this free-base “picket-fence” porphyrin, its metal derivatives, and other free-base picket-fence structures.
Runaway youths in a southern community: four critical areas of inquiry.

PROBLEM: Significant life events in runaway youth include the experience of abuse, school/legal entanglements, and sexual behavior. SUBJECTS: 78 nonurban, runaway youths. METHODS: The Structural Clinical Interview Instrument and the Coddington Life Events Scale were used for data collection. FINDINGS: The majority of respondents reported life situations replete with experiences of abuse, school/legal entanglements, high-risk sexual behavior, and significant life events. Significant gender differences were reported regarding sexual activity (p = .002). Significant positive associations exist between the use of birth control and sexual activity (p = .002), and between school suspensions and sexual activity (p = .01). A significant relationship exists between the use of birth control and the occurrence of abuse (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Much research is needed to develop programs with a focus on prevention. Language: en
Lateral Stability of Freight Cars With Axles Having Different Wheel Profiles and Asymmetric Loading

The majority of studies of rail vehicle lateral dynamic response have utilized models wherein it is assumed that the loading and geometry of the vehicles are symmetrical left and right and fore and aft. It has been observed that with use North American rail freight vehicles develop transverse wheel profiles that may be different for wheels on a given axle and that may also differ from axle to axle on a given vehicle. As the transverse wheel profiles exert a strong influence on lateral dynamic response by affecting the effective conicity and gravitational stiffness of the wheelset, models capable of having different wheel profiles on the same axle as well as on different axles were developed to investigate the stability behavior. Additionally, these models were formulated so that the effects on stability of asymmetric fore and aft loading conditions, as manifested through gravitational stiffness effects and creep coefficients, could be examined. Results of studies using these models are presented that display characteristics markedly different from those of completely symmetric models. A particularly interesting result is that, in most cases, the lateral stability of vehicles with different wheel profiles on the various axles is strongly sensitive to the direction of motion with results for each direction of motion which may differ radically from symmetric cases.
Multi-Scale Modeling of Patient-Specific Ventricular Geometry, Fiber Structure, and Biomechanics

Patient-specific image data of the heart can now be obtained through advanced medical imaging. This data combined with clinical measurements can potentially be integrated into patient-specific computational models of regional cardiac function.We have developed a pipeline for patient-specific ventricular biomechanics simulations in the failing heart. Three-dimensional ventricular geometry was segmented from CT or MRI data at end-diastole from patients with congestive heart failure. Human myofiber and sheet architecture was estimated using eigenvectors computed from Diffusion Tensor MRI obtained in an isolated, fixed human organ donor heart and mapped to the patient-specific geometric model using large-deformation diffeomorphic mapping. Passive myocardial properties were optimized using semi-automated methods while simultaneously computing the unloaded reference geometry. Active cardiac-muscle contraction properties were optimized to match ventricular pressures measured by cardiac catheterization. Finally, echocardiographic data and an adaptation algorithm (CircAdapt) were used to estimate parameters of a lumped-parameter closed-loop model of the circulation. These methods were validated in three heart failure patients who gave informed consent at the San Diego VA Medical Center by comparing simulation results with echocardiographic measurements of regional wall motion and with predictions of empirical formulas derived from previous clinical studies.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Cloning and characterization of two fructokinases from maize

Abstract Two cDNA clones ( ZmFRK1 and ZmFRK2 ) encoding fructokinases (FRKs, E.C. 2.7.1.4) were isolated from maize ( Zea mays L.). They encode polypeptides of 323 and 335 amino acids, respectively. Both of the deduced proteins contain ATP binding motif and putative substrate recognition sequences. They share 73.7% sequence identity, and have high sequence homology with previously isolated FRKs from potato, sugar beet, tomato, and Arabidopsis . The in vitro enzymatic studies of the recombinant ZmFrk1 and ZmFrk2 proteins showed that they both had fructose specific kinase activities, but ZmFrk1 had much higher turnover rate than ZmFrk2. Both ZmFrk1 and ZmFrk2 were inhibited by the substrate fructose although ZmFrk1 was less sensitive. The mRNAs of both ZmFRK1 and ZmFRK2 accumulated to high levels in roots and stems, but were barely detectable in leaves. The expression pattern of the two genes was different during seed development. The transcript of ZmFRK1 only appeared in later stages of development, whereas the ZmFRK2 mRNA was expressed in earlier time. Taken together, our results imply that ZmFRK1 and ZmFRK2 play distinct biological roles during seed development.