cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Network sensing for security against link disruption attacks

We consider the problem of detecting security failures caused by a resource-constrained attacker using randomized sensing strategies. We propose a game-theoretic model in which the objective of the attacker (resp. defender) is to maximize the number of undetected attacks (resp. detections) on the network. Our game is strategically equivalent to a zero-sum game. Thus, the Nash Equilibria (NE) solution can be found by solving two linear programming (LP) problems. Still, characterization of equilibrium strategies is not tractable for large-scale networks. We assume that the defender's (resp. attacker's) detection (resp. attack) budget is limited relative to the size of the network. Under this assumption, we provide structural results on the equilibrium payoffs based on the players' resources and the size of the minimum set covers. We show that an equilibrium strategy of the defender is to choose a randomized sensing strategy that spans a minimum set cover. This result significantly improves the tractability of NE computation, and provides some practical insights on network sensing in adversarial environments.
Nonpharmacologic Pain Interventions: A Review of Evidence-Based Practices for Reducing Chronic Cancer Pain

Background Pain is a common issue for patients with cancer and can be challenging to manage effectively. Healthcare professionals need to be knowledgeable about evidence-based nonpharmacologic interventions. . Objectives This systematic review critically appraises the strength and quality of the empirical evidence for nonpharmacologic interventions in reducing chronic cancer pain. . Methods Intervention studies were critically appraised and summarized by an Oncology Nursing Society Putting Evidence Into Practice team of RNs, advanced practice nurses, and nurse scientists. A level of evidence and a practice recommendation was assigned to each intervention. . Findings Based on evidence, recommended interventions to reduce chronic cancer pain are celiac plexus block for pain related to pancreatic and abdominal cancers and radiation therapy for bone pain. Although psychoeducational interventions are considered likely to be effective, the effective components of these interventions and their dose and duration need to be determined through additional research.
Structure/functional aspects of the human riboflavin transporter-3 (SLC52A3): role of the predicted glycosylation and substrate-interacting sites

The human riboflavin (RF) transporter-3 (hRFVT-3; product of the SLC52A3 gene) plays an essential role in the intestinal RF absorption process and is expressed exclusively at the apical membrane do...
Data Wisdom in Computational Genomics Research

All fields of science are now inundated with massive amounts of data, which have the potential to answer fundamental questions. Genomics is one particular example, exploring questions like: How does the human genome work? What genome variants make us more prone to diseases? To find answers to these questions, it is crucial to develop statistical and machine learning methods that can scale up, particularly through efficient data storage and communication. Equally crucial, but less emphasized, is the possession of data wisdom—a rebranding of the best elements of applied statistics in a recent note at ODBMS.org (http://www.odbms.org/2015/04/data-wisdom-for-data-science/). The note at ODBMS.org contains ten sets of questions a practitioner can ask to cultivate data wisdom. Although there has been much recent excitement about big data, having enough data relevant to the problem is the key to gaining meaningful answers in genomics. Data wisdom gives us the insight into how these data would look, how much information a dataset really contains, and how to extract it. In this paper, we expand on the ten sets of questions and illustrate where and how data wisdom can be integrated into computational genomics research.
Recent advances in systemic targeted therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Amaral and Garbe discuss the impressive developments in targeted therapy for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma [1]. Systemic targeted therap...
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry: Physical Principles and User-Selected Parameters

As illustrated in Fig. 16.1, the physical basis of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) with a semiconductor detector begins with photoelectric absorption of an X-ray photon in the active volume of the semiconductor (Si). The entire energy of the photon is transferred to a bound inner shell atomic electron, which is ejected with kinetic energy equal to the photon energy minus the shell ionization energy (binding energy), 1.838 keV for the Si K-shell and 0.098 keV for the Si L-shell. The ejected photoelectron undergoes inelastic scattering within the Si crystal. One of the consequences of the energy loss is the promotion of bound outer shell valence electrons to the conduction band of the semiconductor, leaving behind positively charged “holes” in the valence band. In the conduction band, the free electrons can move in response to a potential applied between the entrance surface electrode and the back surface electrode across the thickness of the Si crystal, while the positive holes in the conduction band drift in the opposite direction, resulting in the collection of electrons at the anode on the back surface of the EDS detector. This charge generation process requires approximately 3.6 eV per electron hole pair, so that the number of charge carriers is proportional to the original photon energy, Ep: $$ n={E}_p/3.6\ eV $$ For a Mn K-L3 photon with an energy of 5.895 keV, approximately 1638 electron–hole pairs are created, comprising a charge of 2.6 × 10−16 coulombs. Because the detector can respond to any photon energy from a threshold of approximately 50 eV to 30 keV or more, the process has been named “energy dispersive,” although in the spectrometry sense there is no actual dispersion such as occurs in a diffraction element spectrometer.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea Secondary to Right Ventricular Myxoma: A Novel Presentation of an Unusual Tumor

A 14-month-old male presented with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and grade III/VI systolic ejection murmur at the upper left sternal border with an S4 gallop and was subsequently found to have a right ventricular cardiac myxoma. Prior presentations of these tumors have been with exertional syncope and murmur, asymptomatic murmur, or exertional dyspnea; the presentation of such a tumor with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is novel.
A novel approach for estimating geopressure in unconventional shale play

This paper presents the results of the application of a novel approach to estimate geopressure in an unconventional shale play using the diffusivity theory and information from well logs. Some of the most recurred post-drill methods to estimate pore pressures use empirical approaches carrying with them the drawbacks that it implies. Pore pressure is computed along the depth of investigation in a well located in the Southwest part of the Eagle Ford. The recorded rock properties from well logging are introduced into the solution of the diffusivity equation as 'normalised values' and a 'non-strict inverse method' is implemented to obtain the pore pressure distribution. The results documented here demonstrate that our approach is effective and reliable when comparing estimated pore pressure values against calibration data. The methodology provides a valuable tool to identify sources of abnormal pressures other than disequilibrium compaction such as secondary compaction or diagenesis. [Received: December 21, 2015; Accepted: October 5, 2016]
Behandlung der lebensbedrohlichen Blasenblutung nach Bestrahlung oder Cyclophosphamidtherapie mit Formalininstillationen

Verschiedentlich sind katastrophale Blasenblutungen mit letalem Ausgang bei Tumoren, Strahlenblasen oder Cyclophosphamid-Zystitis beschrieben worden [1, 2, 3]. Speziell zur Stillung der Blasenmassenblutung wurde die lokale und systemische Anwendung von Kortikosteroiden [4] und Vitamin E [5] ohne grosen Erfolg versucht. Das gilt auch fur die Versuche durch transurethrale Elektrokoagulation [6], hydrostatische Blasen-tamponade mit Hilfe eines transurethral eingelegten Ballons [7] oder beidseitige Hypo-gastrika-Unterbindungen, so das die Situation oft nur durch eine Zystektomie mit supra-vesikaler Harnableitung zu beherrschen war [8,9]. Von Bedeutung ist zweifellos die prophylaktische Diuresesteigerung und Alkalisierung des Urins unter der Cyclophosphamid-behandlung und die wiederholte oder dauernde Blasenspulung mit Reducdyn® sofort bei Auftreten einer Erythrozyturie, mit der Vahlensieck und Mitarbeiter [10] die Haufigkeit der schweren Blasenblutung dramatisch senken konnten. Kommt es trotzdem zu einer akuten schweren Blasenblutung, bietet sich eine Formalininstillation als Behandlungsmethode der Wahl an, wie Brown [2] 1969 berichtete, der erstmals eine schwere Blutung bei einem inoperablen Karzinom mit 10% Formalin coupierte, und wie es dann auch spater von anderen Autoren bestatigt wurde.
Training of health professionals in adolescent health care. Study group report.

Abstract Although there are multiple barriers that impede the successful training of entry-level professionals in adolescent health related issues, the need for such training is great. It is evident that, currently, few feel equipped to manage many of the major morbidities of the adolescent population. In turn, many adolescents with significant concerns shun the health care system, even though they would like someone with whom to discuss their problems. What emerges clearly is that professional school training is not producing graduates able to meet the health care needs of youth. Additionally, it is evident that if such training is not provided, or at least legitimized in professional schools, then it is unlikely that clinicians will seek such training later while in practice. What is needed is a training program that provides a mix of knowledge acquisition, skill building, and attitude assessment and evaluation. Also needed is an understanding of normal physiologic and mental processes so as to both depathologize the behaviors and actions of youth and enable interventions when appropriate.
Role of Wood Products in the Economy of Adams, Dauphin, and York Counties

The wood products industry is an important part of the history and economy of Adams, Dauphin, and York counties in Pennsylvania. The industry creates jobs and compensation for workers throughout these counties and influences tax revenues in the counties.
Global Status of Coral Reefs: In Combination, Disturbances and Stressors Become Ratchets

Abstract Although there are still many local coral-reef communities that display remarkably rapid recovery, numerous surveys have indicated that the average living coral cover is decreasing circumtropically. This is partly because disturbance is nearly always faster than recovery, damaged or stressed corals tend to produce fewer larvae, reef community recovery times become longer when fast-growing branching corals are more vulnerable to stresses and disturbances and are replaced by more tolerant slow-growing corals, disturbances become more frequent and do not allow sufficient time for recovery, combinations of local and global disturbances and stresses result in positive feedbacks that accelerate reef degradation, and degraded reefs decrease the proportion of habitat acceptable to recruiting larvae. In the recent past, many reefs had time to largely recover before the next disturbance; otherwise, the reefs at the sites would not have developed as well as they had. As more reefs are disturbed and become less favorable for survival of recruits, connectivity is reduced by fewer larvae produced, more areas become unattractive to larvae for settlement, distances between fewer favorable sites become longer, and larval pelagic duration sometimes becomes shorter with increasing temperature. The processes listed above determine that prevention is more efficient and effective than repair. Marine reserves and fixing local problems are important to continue, but they are not buying time. The time has arrived and we have to act directly on the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Designing a Path to an Economically, Socially and Environmentally Sustainable Plan for Accessible Storage at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Created by Henry Francis du Pont and opened to the public in 1951, Winterthur is a multifaceted institution with extensive research, educational and exhibit programming. Physically, it is a 1000-ac...
Machine Learning Methods Uncover Radiomorphologic Dose Patterns in Salivary Glands that Predict Xerostomia in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

Abstract Purpose Patients with head-and-neck cancer (HNC) may experience xerostomia after radiation therapy (RT), which leads to compromised quality of life. The purpose of this study is to explore how the spatial pattern of radiation dose (radiomorphology) in the major salivary glands influences xerostomia in patients with HNC. Methods and materials A data-driven approach using spatially explicit dosimetric predictors, voxel dose (ie, actual radiation dose in voxels in parotid glands [PG] and submandibular glands [SMG]) was used to predict whether patients would develop xerostomia 3 months after RT. Using planned radiation dose data and other nondose covariates including baseline xerostomia grade of 427 patients with HNC in our database, the machine learning methods were used to investigate the influence of dose patterns across subvolumes in PG and SMG on xerostomia. Results Of the 3 supervised learning methods studied, ridge logistic regression yielded the best predictive performance. Ridge logistic regression was also preferred to evaluate the influence pattern of highly correlated dose on xerostomia, which showed a discriminative pattern of influence of doses in the PG and SMG on xerostomia. Moreover, the superior–anterior portion of the contralateral PG and medial portion of the ipsilateral PG were determined to be the most influential regions regarding dose effect on xerostomia. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve from a 10-fold cross-validation was 0.70 ± 0.04. Conclusions Radiomorphology, combined with machine learning methods, is able to suggest patterns of dose in PG and SMG that are the most influential on xerostomia. The influence pattern identified by this data-driven approach and machine learning methods may help improve RT treatment planning and reduce xerostomia after treatment.
Where the private meets the public: Results of a survey of library professionals’ observed student use of academic library spaces for prayer

Reports of college students using the library for spiritual practices, including prayer and meditation, consist mainly of anecdotal observations, news stories, or press releases about the creation ...
Malicious Attacks on Physical Unclonable Function Sensors of Internet of Things

In internet of things (IoT), ring oscillator physical unclonable functions (ROPUFs) are utilized for designing the wireless sensors against malicious invasive-attacks. However, the ROPUF sensors are not sufficiently secure since there are strong linear relationships between the supply voltage and the oscillating frequencies of the ring oscillators of the ROPUFs. In order to demonstrate the vulnerability of the ROPUF sensors, in this paper, a hardware Trojan attack is performed by inserting a sequential Trojan circuit into the ROPUF sensors to leak the critical oscillating frequency. As shown in the result, analyzing about 200,000 number of leaked data with machine learning techniques are sufficient to crack a 128-bit Trojan-infected ROPUF sensor. Ultimately, so as to combat the hardware Trojan attack, a Trojan detection methodology is proposed by monitoring the statistical distribution of sensed data in real-time.
Rashes and other hypersensitivity reactions associated with antiepileptic drugs: A review of current literature

This article provides an overview of the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with antiepileptic drug (AED) hypersensitivity reactions, provides prescribing guidelines that may minimize the risk of antiepileptic induced rashes, and discusses treatment options for rashes. Articles indexed in PubMed, Science Citation, and Google Scholar (January 1946-March 2019) were systematic searched using the following key terms: hypersensitivity, rash, antiepileptic, epilepsy, cross-sensitivity, desensitization, patch testing and supplemented with our clinical experiences. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. AEDs are associated with cutaneous adverse reactions. Aromatic AEDs and higher titration rates are associated with increased risk of hypersensitivity reaction. Patient characteristics, underlying health conditions, and genetic variations may increase the likelihood of a hypersensitivity reaction. Once a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the likelihood of cross sensitivity to another AED increases, especially among other aromatic AEDs. Withdrawal of the causal agent and initiation of a lower risk agent usually leads to resolution of symptoms. Desensitization protocols may be an option for patients whose seizures only respond to the AED causing the rash.
Retrospective Study: Association of Chronic Sphenoid Rhinosinusitis With Community Acquired Pneumonia:

ObjectivesOur objective in this study is to examine the association between chronic sphenoid rhinosinusitis and community acquired pneumonia (CAP).Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA li...
It’s Not So Secret Anymore: Shifts in the Study of Christian Apocrypha

Editor's introduction to the issue on the special theme "The Study of Christian Apocrypha". Offers an overview of recent trends in the study of Christian apocrypha, brief summary of each article in the issue, and sets forth several recommendations for future research. The editorial introduction closes with a personal farewell and notes of appreciation, as this is his final editorial introduction as editor of the journal.
Abstract 2173: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of inhibitory receptor signaling pathways improves CAR T cell activity against glioblastoma

Early clinical trials have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells against glioblastoma (GBM), but also highlighted the obstacles that need to be addressed to improve their anti-tumor activity. GBM is highly immunosuppressive and thus necessitates endowing adoptively transferred CAR T cells with resistance mechanisms to achieve sustained treatment responses. This is, in part, due to the effect of immune-inhibitory receptors, including PD1, CTLA4, LAG3 and BTLA, that antagonize the tumor-directed T cells. A common mechanism of T cell inhibition involves the recruitment of Src homology region 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) to the immune synapse upon engagement of multiple co-inhibitory receptors. SHP2, in turn, de-phosphorylates key signaling proteins involved in T cell activation. We hypothesized that disrupting SHP2 expression will offset multiple co-inhibitory pathways, thereby improving the anti-tumor activity of CAR T cells. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we disrupted the SHP2-encoding gene locus, PTPN11, in primary human T cells by generating and testing a library of single-guide RNA (sgRNA). We selected the top candidate that reproducibly reduced the SHP2 protein expression to Citation Format: Khaled Sanber, Zeid Nawas, Vita Salsman, Ahmed Gad, Pretty Rose Matthew, Daniel Landi, Ciaran Lee, Amel Sengal, Rikhia Chakraborty, Sujith Joseph, Ahmed Nabil, Meenakshi Hegde. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of inhibitory receptor signaling pathways improves CAR T cell activity against glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2173.
Covid-19 Molecular Diagnostic Testing - Lessons Learned.

Covid-19 Molecular Diagnostic Testing As the FDA has adapted its policies to the changing circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has learned lessons about approaches to streamlining and improvi...
Exploring How Role and Background Influence Through Analysis of Spatial Dialogue in Collaborative Problem-Solving Games

This study examines how different roles and background knowledge transform players’ dyadic conversations into spatial dialogues in a virtual cellular biology game. Cellverse is a collaborative virtual reality (VR) game designed to teach cell biology. Players work in pairs, assuming the role of either a Navigator, with reference material and a global view through a tablet, or an Explorer, with a more detailed interactive view of the cell through a VR headset and hand controllers. The game is designed so players must collaborate in order to complete the game. Our results show that roles influenced their reference perspectives at a level of statistical significance. Furthermore, players with high prior knowledge tried to reduce their partner’s mental effort by giving spatial information from their point of view, thus producing fewer occurrences of spatial unawareness. Results of this study suggest that designers can build in different roles and leverage different background knowledge to prompt effective partnerships during collaborative games.
Sleep among gender minority adolescents.

Study objectives Stigmatized youth experience poorer sleep than those who have not experienced stigma. However, no studies have examined the sleep of gender minority adolescents (GMAs). Examining sleep disparities between GMAs and non-gender minority adolescents (non-GMAs) is critical, since poor sleep is associated with mental health outcomes experienced disproportionately by GMAs. We examined sleep duration, sleep problems, and sleep quality among our sample and compared these parameters between GMAs and non-GMAs. Methods Adolescents aged 14-18 (n=1027 GMA, n=329 heterosexual non-GMA, n=415 sexual minority non-GMA; mean age=16y; 83% female sex at birth) completed a cross-sectional online survey, reporting sex assigned at birth and current gender identity, sleep duration, sleep problems (too much/too little sleep, and inadequate sleep), sleep quality, and depressive symptoms. Results Accounting for demographic covariates, GMAs were more likely to report inadequate sleep and shorter sleep duration and had higher odds of reporting poor sleep quality and getting too little/too much sleep than heterosexual non-GMAs. After also adjusting for depressive symptoms, the finding that GMAs more often reported poor sleep quality remained significant. Conclusions This first large, nationwide survey of sleep among GMAs suggests that GMAs may be more likely to have poor sleep than non-GMAs. The significance of our results was reduced when adjusting for depressive symptoms, suggesting that poorer sleep may occur in the context of depression for GMAs. Future work should include objective measures of sleep, examine the emergence of sleep disparities among GMAs and non-GMAs, and explore pathways that increase risk for poor sleep among GMAs.
Jacobian Mapping Reveals Converging Brain Substrates of Disruption and Repair in Response to Ethanol Exposure and Abstinence in 2 Strains of Rats.

BACKGROUND In a previous study using Jacobian mapping to evaluate the morphological effects on the brain of binge (4-day) intragastric ethanol (EtOH) on wild-type Wistar rats, we reported reversible thalamic shrinkage and lateral ventricular enlargement, but persistent superior and inferior colliculi shrinkage in response to binge EtOH treatment. METHODS Herein, we used similar voxel-based comparisons of Magnetic Resonance Images collected in EtOH-exposed relative to control animals to test the hypothesis that regardless of the intoxication protocol or the rat strain, the hippocampi, thalami, and colliculi would be affected. RESULTS Two experiments [binge (4-day) intragastric EtOH in Fisher 344 rats and chronic (1-month) vaporized EtOH in Wistar rats] showed similarly affected brain regions including retrosplenial and cingulate cortices, dorsal hippocampi, central and ventroposterior thalami, superior and inferior colliculi, periaqueductal gray, and corpus callosum. While most of these regions showed significant recovery, volumes of the colliculi and periaqueductal gray continued to show response to each proximal EtOH exposure but at diminished levels with repeated cycles. CONCLUSIONS Given the high metabolic rate of these enduringly affected regions, the current findings suggest that EtOH per se may affect cellular respiration leading to brain volume deficits. Further, responsivity greatly diminished likely reflecting neuroadaptation to repeated alcohol exposure. In summary, this unbiased, in vivo-based approach demonstrating convergent brain systems responsive to 2 EtOH exposure protocols in 2 rat strains highlights regions that warrant further investigation in both animal models of alcoholism and in humans with alcohol use disorder.
An examination of eating misalignment: The discrepancy between preferred and actual timing of food intake.

Both internal (e.g., preferences) and external (e.g., social) factors guide chrononutrition (i.e., the timing of food intake), but the nature and variability of chrononutrition preferences (i.e., p...
Quantum Lightning Never Strikes the Same State Twice. Or: Quantum Money from Cryptographic Assumptions

Public key quantum money can be seen as a version of the quantum no-cloning theorem that holds even when the quantum states can be verified by the adversary. In this work, we investigate quantum lightning, a formalization of “collision-free quantum money” defined by Lutomirski et al. [ICS’10], where no-cloning holds even when the adversary herself generates the quantum state to be cloned. We then study quantum money and quantum lightning, showing the following results: Thus, we provide the first constructions of public key quantum money from several cryptographic assumptions. Along the way, we develop several new techniques including a new precise variant of the no-cloning theorem.
A Chronology of School Reform

Formal education, and the opportunity to learn how to read, write, and do basic mathematics, since before the founding of America, has long been considered the great equalizer, the best chance for movement up from the bottom of the social and economic class structure. While that assumption remains as true as ever, some have faced greater challenges than others accessing and succeeding in schools. For decades, race, religion, and gender impacted ability to access schools. Today, where one lives can have an equally significant impact on the quality of schools. The focus of this chapter is a broad overview of efforts to improve schools in America. Starting in the American colonies, this process includes efforts to expand access to free schools, first in colonial New England, and, later as the nation grows, efforts to increase access and quality of schools by improving the curriculum and other elements within the existing local educational system primarily through first-order process-driven change.
A Training Program for Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided Catheterization of the Subclavian Vein:

Purpose To develop and implement a comprehensive program to train providers to place subclavian central venous catheters (CVCs) using real-time ultrasound guidance. Study design Simulation-based prospective study at an academic medical center. Of 228 anesthesia providers and intensivists eligible to participate, 106 participants voluntarily enrolled. The training program consisted of a didactic module, hands-on instruction and practice using a CVC simulator and a standardized patient. The success of the program was measured by pre and post knowledge tests and direct observation during the hands-on sessions. Results Of 106 participants who enrolled, 70 successfully completed the program. Out of 20 possible procedure steps, an average of 17.8 ± 2.9 were correctly performed in the simulated environment. The average time to needle insertion, defined by positive aspiration of stained saline, was 3.35 ± 3.02 min and the average time to wire insertion with ultrasound confirmation was 3.85 ± 3.12 min. Conclusions Participants learned how to successfully perform ultrasound-guided catheterization of the subclavian vein. Since ultrasound-guided subclavian CVC placement is a useful clinical skill that many practitioners are unfamiliar with, increasing competence and comfort with this procedure is an important goal. Other centers could consider adopting an approach similar to ours to train their providers to perform this technique.
Three Dimensions Versus Two Dimensions in Fracture Mechanics

This study shows that modern-day fracture mechanics has strictly two-dimensional origins. Certain difficulties arise, for example, in meeting fatigue crack-front straightness requirements. Some insight into this problem is available from an analytical study of an elastic thick plate with a central crack, the M(T) specimen. The study found that modest changes in the crack-front shape have a dramatic effect on the distribution of G, the elastic energy release rate. Further examination of the internal stress distribution shows that there is no region in the vicinity of the crack front that can be credibly described as plane stress, whereas an interior region sensibly replicates plane strain. Finally, a call is issued for the development of a three-dimensional fracture mechanics.
Determination of uranium isotopes in environmental samples by alpha-spectrometry

A new and accurate method for the determination of uranium isotopes (238U, 234U and 235U) in environmental samples by alpha-spectrometry has been developed. Uranium is preconcentrated from filtered water samples by coprecipitation with iron(III) hydroxide at pH 9-10 using an ammonia solution and the precipitate is dissolved in HNO3 and mineralized with H2O2 and HF; uranium in biological samples is ashed at 600 °C, leached with Na2CO3 solution and mineralised with HNO3, HF and H2O2; uranium in soil samples is fused with Na2CO3 and Na2O2 at 600 °C and leached with HCl, HNO3 and HF. The mineralized or leaching solution in 2M HNO3 is passed through a Microthene-TOPO (tri-octyl-phosphine oxide) column; after washing, uranium is directly eluted into a cell with ammonium oxalate solution, electrodeposited on a stainless steel disk and measured by alpha-spectrometry. The lower limits of detection of the method is 0.37 Bq.kg-1 (soil) and 0.22 mBq.l-1 (water) for 238U and 234U and 0.038 Bq.kg-1 (soil) and 0.022 mBq.l-1 (water) for 235U if 0.5 g of soil and 1 litre of water are analyzed. Five reference materials supplied by the IAEA have been analyzed and reliable results are obtained. Sample analyses show that, the 238U, 234U and 235U concentrations are in the ranges of 0.30-103, 0.49-135 and 0.02-4.82 mBq.l-1 in waters, of 1.01-7.14, 0.85-7.69 and 0.04-0.32 Bq.kg-1 in mosses and lichens, and of 25.6-53.1, 26.4-53.8 and 1.18-2.48 Bq.kg-1 in sediments. The average uranium yields for waters, mosses, lichens and sediments are 74.5±9.0%, 80.5±8.3%, 77.8±4.9% and 89.4±9.7%, respectively.
Automated Verification = Graphs, Automata, and Logic

In automated verification one uses algorithmic techniques to establish the correctness of the design with respect to a given property. Automated verification is based on a small number of key algorithmic ideas, tying together graph theory, automata theory, and logic. In this self-contained talk I will describe how this "holy trinity" gave rise to automated-verification tools.
ATUAÇÃO DO ENFERMEIRO A VÍTIMAS DE TRAUMATISMO CRANIOENCEFÁLICO: uma revisão

Introducao: O traumatismo cranioencefalico (TCE) e uma das causas mais frequentes de morbimortalidade no mundo, refletindo em um grande problema de saude publica no Brasil. Objetivo: O presente estudo tem por finalidade analisar as caracteristicas da atuacao do enfermeiro a vitimas de TCE, alem disso, abordar a fisiopatologia do TCE e demonstrar os beneficios da atuacao do enfermeiro as vitimas desta patologia. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisao bibliografica, realizada atraves de busca eletronica na Base de Dados em Enfermagem, SCIELO, livros on-line e contidos no acervo da biblioteca da Faculdade de Ceres Goias, referentes ao periodo de 2000 a 2014. Resultados e discussao: O conhecimento das causas do traumatismo cranioencefalico facilita a implantacao de medidas para prevencao primaria, visando a reducao do numero de traumas, sequelas e o alto indice de morbimortalidade. No entanto, para que o enfermeiro seja capaz de avaliar e prestar um atendimento de emergencia adequado torna-se imprescindivel conhecimento significativo, tendo em praxis treinamento intensivo e habilidades. Conclusao: Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que o exercicio efetivo liderado pelo enfermeiro e essencial para conduzir a equipe de enfermagem em locais onde a tomada de decisao deve ser rapida e o atendimento sincronizado, requerendo deste profissional conhecimento cientifico e competencia clinica. Palavras Chave: Atuacao do enfermeiro. Traumatismo cranioencefalico.
Late toxicity rates following definitive radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION Most patients survive many years following external beam radiotherapy (RT) for nonmetastatic prostate cancer and are therefore at risk for late treatment sequelae. The relationships between RT dose, treatment technique, and late toxicity rates are incompletely understood. Here we perform a meta-analysis and systematic review to characterize those effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a review of published series that report late gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity rates following definitive RT for prostate cancer using the RTOG Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Schema. Univariate analyses were performed to test RT technique, RT dose, pelvic irradiation, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as predictors of moderate (grade ≥ 2) and severe (grade ≥ 3) GI and GU toxicity. To isolate the effect of radiotherapy dose on late toxicity, we also performed a meta-analysis restricted to randomized trials that tested RT dose escalation. Statistical analyses were repeated using the subset of studies that utilized escalated RT doses. RESULTS Twenty published reports detailing the treatment techniques and toxicity outcomes of 35 patient series including a total of 11,835 patients were included in this analysis. Median rates of moderate late toxicity were 15% (GI) and 17% (GU). For severe effects, these values were 2% (GI) and 3% (GU). Meta-analysis of five randomized trials revealed that an 8-10 Gy increase in RT dose increases the rate of both moderate (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: [1.44 to 1.82], p < 0.001) and severe (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: [1.64 to 2.42], p < 0.001) late GI toxicity. Among 17 series where doses of at least 74 Gy were utilized, use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or proton beam radiotherapy (PBRT) was associated with a significant decrease in the reported rate of severe GI toxicity compared to 3-D RT. CONCLUSION Meta-analysis of randomized dose escalation trials demonstrates that late toxicity rates increase with RT dose. Series where dose escalated RT is delivered using IMRT or PBRT have relatively short follow up but report lower late GI toxicity rates than those employing 3-D RT.
An Analysis of Head Injuries in Real world Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian injuries are examined using the PICS data file for effects of pedestrian age, vehicle speed, and source of the injury. It is shown that the more severe injuries are caused by contact with the vehicle, and that a stiff structure becomes increasingly more dangerous, not only as speed increases, but as the pedestrian's age increases.
Lithium-associated Mobitz II block: case series and review of the literature.

We report two cases of lithium-associated Mobitz II block. Both patients required placement of a permanent pacemaker due to persistent block and symptoms despite attempts at lowering the daily dose of lithium. We then reviewed the literature on this rare complication. Chronic lithium therapy may be associated with development of conduction block at or below the level of the atrioventricular node. Patients taking lithium should be monitored closely for development of cardiovascular complications. (PACE 2011; 34:e47–e51)
Training Vouchers and Labor Market Outcomes in Chile

This paper evaluates the impact of the Bono Trabajador Activo, a training voucher program in Chile, on workers' labor market outcomes. Using detailed administrative datasets of the National Employment Service and the Unemployment Insurance System, we apply difference-in-difference and IV estimators to measure these effects. Our main results indicate that the voucher program has an overall negative impact on employment and earnings, particularly among individuals who expect to change economic sector. In contrast, we find that the program improves labor outcomes for females, particularly for those with lower education. The voucher program also improves employment duration and mobility across economic sectors.
Separation and Identification of Urinary Constituents by Use of Multiple-Analytical Techniques

High-pressure anion-exchange chromatography with gradient elution has been used to resolve ultraviolet-absorbing constituents from normal and pathologic specimens of human urine. We have identified 50 of these constituents by using multiple-analytical techniques. Ultraviolet spectral maxima, gas chromatographic methylene unit (MU) retention values (for trimethylsilyl derivatives), and the major mass spectral peaks are reported for each of the identified compounds.
3D Printing of Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration Applications

The current need for organ and tissue replacement, repair, and regeneration for patients is continually growing such that supply is not meeting demand primarily due to a paucity of donors as well as biocompatibility issues leading to immune rejection of the transplant. In order to overcome these drawbacks, scientists have investigated the use of scaffolds as an alternative to transplantation. These scaffolds are designed to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) by providing structural support as well as promoting attachment, proliferation, and differentiation with the ultimate goal of yielding functional tissues or organs. Initial attempts at developing scaffolds were problematic and subsequently inspired an interest in 3D printing as a mode for generating scaffolds. Utilizing three-dimensional printing (3DP) technologies, ECM-like scaffolds can be produced with a high degree of complexity, where fine details can be included at a micrometer level. In this Review, the criteria for printing viable and functional scaffolds, scaffolding materials, and 3DP technologies used to print scaffolds for tissue engineering are discussed. Creating biofunctional scaffolds could potentially help to meet the demand by patients for tissues and organs without having to wait or rely on donors for transplantation.
Alloying of thin palladium films with single crystal and amorphous silicon

Alpha-particle backscattering techniques have been used to investigate interdiffusion and compound formation of thin palladium films on crystalline and amorphous layers of silicon. The amorphous layers were produced by 80 keV ion implantation of 2 × 1015 cm−2 phosphorus ions. No detectable reaction between the palladium and silicon was observed after a 90 °C vacuum anneal. The compound Pd2Si, however, formed readily at 200 °C on both crystalline and amorphous silicon, and in each case preferred orientation of the Pd2Si layer was revealed by the channeling effect method. Further vacuum annealing to 310 °C showed only minor changes with no recrystallization of the ion implanted amorphous region. Mittels α-Strahlenruckwartsstreuung wurde die Interdiffusion und die Verbindungsbildung an dunnen Palladiumschichten auf kristallinen und amorphen Siliziumschichten untersucht. Die amorphen Schichten wurden durch Implantation mit 2 × 1015 cm−2 Phosphorionen von 80 keV erzeugt. Nach einer 90 °C-Vakuumtemperung wurde keine nachweisbare Reaktion zwischen Palladium und Silizium beobachtet. Die Verbindung Pd2Si bildet sich jedoch bei 200 °C schnell sowohl auf kristallinem und amorphem Silizium; in jedem Falle wurde die bevorzugte Orientierung der Pd2Si-Schicht durch den Channelingeffekt gefunden. Weitere Vakuumtemperung bei 310 °C zeigte nur geringe Anderungen ohne Rekristallisation des ionenimplantierten amorphen Bereichs.
On the distribution of wildfire sizes

A variety of models for the wildfire size distribution are examined using data on Los Angeles County wildfires greater than 100 acres between 1950 and 2000. In addition to graphs and likelihood criteria, Kolmogorov–Smirnoff and Cramer–von Mises statistics are used to compare the models. The tapered Pareto distribution appears to fit the data quite well and offers some advantages over the untapered Pareto distribution, while alternatives including the lognormal, half-normal, exponential and extremal distributions fit poorly. The size distribution appears to be quite stable over the examination period, though inspection of the transformed wildfire sizes for the tapered Pareto reveals some limited trend in the residuals, indicating a very slight gradual decrease in the average fire size in Los Angeles County over these 50 years. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Racial Trends and Differences in the United States 30 Years after the Civil Rights Decade

In the 30 years since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, racial diversity in the United States has increased through high nonwhite birth rates and, for Asians and Hispanics, increased immigration. Demographic and survey data reveal differences in age distribution, fertility, mortality, and family structure. The races are stratified in education, employment, and earnings, with Asians at the top and blacks, Hispanics, and Indians at the bottom, though the differences are smaller for women. Blacks in particular have benefited from legislation and changing white attitudes. However, continued negative stereotyping leads many whites, even if they endorse equal opportunity, to regard black employees, borrowers, or tenants as undesirable, limiting improvements in black economic improvement. Housing integration was the last area to be accepted by whites and is marked by especially severe obstacles. The newer racial minorities may be moving to overtake blacks as Eastern European whites did in earlier decades.
The sufficient conditions for directed forgetting in normal and educable mentally retarded adolescents

Abstract A series of studies investigated the conditions under which normal and educable mentally retarded adolescents (13 to 15 years old) would or would not disregard irrelevant information in memory. A directed forgetting task was used in which the person was required to recall short sequences of picture names. In some sequences there was a cue to forget the first few pictures (irrelevant information) and to remember only the subsequent pictures (relevant information). When normal adolescents were given no explanation of the forget cue, there was interference from the irrelevant information. A minimum explanation of the cue, however, was sufficient to eliminate interference for the normal adolescents. The same minimal explanation was not sufficient for mentally retarded adolescents. It was clear that irrelevant information in memory interfered with the performance of retarded adolescents given only a minimal explanation of the forget cue. These results are important since most naturalistic situations do not involve an elaborate explanation of the importance of disregarding irrelevant information previously stored in memory.
Simple method for continuous recording of alveolar oxygen concentration with the EEG.

Abstract Simple methods for converting the Beckman Oxygen Analyzers for continuous direct recording of the oxygen content of a gas sample are described. The principle is that a photovoltaic cell converts the light beam indicator for oscillographic recording. It can be fitted to either the Beckman D2 or E2 type of Oxygen Analyzer or to any other light beam recording device. It makes possible continuous recording of alveolar oxygen concentration with EEG and permits correlation between EEG changes and the alveolar oxygen concentration.
Ascorbic acid decreases heat shock protein 70 and plasma corticosterone response in broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus) subjected to cyclic heat stress

Abstract It is known that ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation can ameliorate the chicken's responses to heat stress. The influence of AA on heart heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) and plasma corticosterone (CS) was evaluated in young male broiler chickens fed either no AA (N-AA) or 500 mg AA /kg (AA) and exposed to cyclic high temperatures (21 to 30 to 21 °C) over a 3.5 h period on three consecutive days. Dietary AA supplementation elevated plasma AA and maintained it at high levels after heating, but in N-AA birds, only heat elevated plasma AA. In N-AA fed chickens, plasma CS was elevated and was further increased by heat stress as compared with AA-fed birds. Heart hsp70 expression was greater in N-AA-fed chickens compared to AA-fed chickens, and heat stress further elevated hsp70 in both N-AA- and AA-fed birds. The hsp70 increase after heat was two-fold greater in N-AA- vs. AA-fed birds. Plasma CS and heart hsp70 were positively correlated, plasma AA and heart hsp70 were negatively correlated, and plasma CS and AA were negatively correlated. It was concluded that chickens experience a less severe stress response after exposure to high temperatures when they are provided dietary AA.
Frames, Riesz bases, and sampling expansions in Banach spaces via semi-inner products☆

Abstract Frames in a Banach space B were defined as a sequence in its dual space B ⁎ in some recent references. We propose to define them as a collection of elements in B by making use of semi-inner products. Classical theory on frames and Riesz bases is generalized under this new perspective. We then aim at establishing the Shannon sampling theorem in Banach spaces. The existence of such expansions in translation invariant reproducing kernel Hilbert and Banach spaces is discussed.
Predictive modeling for collections of accounts receivable

It is commonly agreed that accounts receivable (AR) can be a source of financial difficulty for firms when they are not efficiently managed and are underperforming. Experience across multiple industries shows that effective management of AR and overall financial performance of firms are positively correlated. In this paper we address the problem of reducing outstanding receivables through improvements in the collections strategy. Specifically, we demonstrate how supervised learning can be used to build models for predicting the payment outcomes of newly-created invoices, thus enabling customized collection actions tailored for each invoice or customer. Our models can predict with high accuracy if an invoice will be paid on time or not and can provide estimates of the magnitude of the delay. We illustrate our techniques in the context of transaction data from multiple firms.