cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques for Reducing Collision Separation in Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Calculations

One main factor governing overall accuracy of Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) calculations is the separation between particle pairs during binary collision operations. In many DSMC applications, the dependence of simulation accuracy on collision separation may be quantified through the ratio of the mean collision separation (MCS) in some principle direction to the local mean free path . This principle direction is aligned with flowfield gradients, and should, for example, be normal to the surface within boundary layer regions. In this work, a set of new techniques for collision partner selection are proposed in order to efficiently reduce unidirectional MCS/ relative to existing selection schemes. Accuracy and efficiency of the new techniques are assessed through comparison with several existing techniques, for a representative hypersonic flow over a forward facing step. Particularly favorable qualities are demonstrated for a scheme which involves gradient aligned ordering of particle information arrays through quicksort operations.
Production of 25-Hydroxycholesterol by Testicular Macrophages and Its Effects on Leydig Cells

Testicular macrophages secrete 25-hydroxycholesterol, which can be converted to testosterone by neighboring Leydig cells. The purposes of the present studies were to determine the mode of production of this oxysterol and its long-term effects on Leydig cells. Because oxysterols are produced both enzymatically and by auto-oxidation, we first determined if testicular macrophages possess cholesterol 25-hydroxylase mRNA and/or if macrophage-secreted products oxidize cholesterol extracellularly. Rat testicular macrophages had 25-hydroxylase mRNA and converted 14C-cholesterol to 14C-25-hydroxycholesterol; however, radiolabeled cholesterol was not converted to 25-hydroxycholesterol when incubated with medium previously exposed to testicular macrophages. Exposure of Leydig cells to 10 microg/ml of 25-hydroxycholesterol, a dose within the range known to result in high basal production of testosterone when tested from 1 to 6 h, completely abolished LH responsiveness after 2 days of treatment. Because 25-hydroxycholesterol is toxic to many cell types at 1-5 microg/ml, we also studied its influence on Leydig cells during 4 days in culture using a wide range of doses. Leydig cells were highly resistant to the cytotoxic effects of 25-hydroxycholesterol, with no cells dying at 10 microg/ml and only 50% of cells affected at 100 microg/ml after 2 days of treatment. Similar conditions resulted in 100% death of a control lymphocyte cell line. These results demonstrate that 1) testicular macrophages have mRNA for cholesterol 25-hydroxylase and can convert cholesterol into 25-hydroxycholesterol, 2) macrophage-conditioned medium is not capable of auto-oxidation of cholesterol, 3) Leydig cells are highly resistant to the cytotoxic influences of 25-hydroxycholesterol, and 4) long-term treatment with high doses of 25-hydroxycholesterol results in loss of LH responsiveness. These results support the concept that testicular macrophages enzymatically produce 25-hydroxycholesterol that not only is metabolized to testosterone by Leydig cells when present at putative physiological levels but also may exert inhibitory influences on Leydig cells when present for extended periods at very high concentrations that may occur under pathological conditions.
Coronary risk factor intervention: characteristics associated with change.

Predicting change in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors (cigarette smoking, hypertension, and cholesterol) was undertaken in participants randomized to the treatment group of the Harvard Center of the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. The predictor variables of interest were psychosocial characteristics, responses to the initial group sessions intervention strategy, and change in weight. The Harvard sample consists of 652 men identified at high risk of death from CHD. Fifty percent were randomized into an intervention group, and 50% were referred to their usual source of medical care. For the analyses, men were stratified by their baseline smoking status and whether they were taking medication for hypertension. The analyses revealed that there was no single model that explained changes in all three risk factors. For example, cigarette smokers were significantly more likely to stop smoking if they attended the group sessions (p less than or equal to .001). An internal locus of control predicted a lower blood pressure by the end of the first year independent of medication (p less than or equal to .05). If a participant entered the trial with serum cholesterol as the only risk factor of concern, attending the group sessions was associated with a significant decrease by the end of the first year (p less than or equal to .05).
Nutrition Knowledge and Attitudes of Former University Athletes

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME : To assess nutrition knowledge and attitudes of former collegiate athletes. participants in this study were 400 University graduates who had participated in intercollegiate athletics within the last 10 years. They were sent a survey on athletic participation and nutrition knowledge and attitudes. The response rate was 3 5%. Scores on the general nutrition knowledge questions were 57% and on the sports nutrition knowledge questions were 79%. Eighty four percent of the respondents answered the attitude questions appropriately. The five questions which were most frequently answered correctly were attitude questions on sports nutrition; the five questions which were most frequently answered incorrectly were general nutrition knowledge questions. The 40% who had taken a nutrition course had higher general knowledge scores (81% vs 77%), and total knowledge scores (66% vs. 60%) than those who had not. All of those who had not taken a nutrition course thought one would be helpful to athletes. There was no effect of type of sport or eating in the athletic dining hall on scores for questions about sports nutrition. Scores for questions about general nutrition and nutrition attitudes were better for those athletes who had participated in individual sports than for those who had participated in team sports and tended to be better for those who did not eat in the athletic dining hall.
Acceptances Sampling of Reliable Tubes

The traditional method of checking acceptability of a lot of tubes for a particular electrical characteristic has been to test a large sample and count the number of tubes beyond the minimum or maximum limits - inspection by attributes. This reduces the chances of accepting a lot with a high percentage of defectives, but gives no assurance that the lot is centered close enough to bogey or that the spread of the distribution is tight enough. The increasing complexity of circuitry and the high standards of performance required in many types of equipment have increased the need for such assurance. It is gained most simply from inspection by variables. Simply adding variables inspection criteria to the minimum and maximum limits already on the TSS will not do an efficient job of separating good lots from bad. By proper co-ordination of the two types of inspection, attributes and variables, a high degree of discrimination can be achieved with a modest amount of testing. Examples are based on recent TSS for type JAN 5744WA.
Domain adaptation with topical correspondence learning

A serious and ubiquitous issue in machine learning is the lack of sufficient training data in a domain of interest. Domain adaptation is an effective approach to dealing with this problem by transferring information or models learned from related, albeit distinct, domains to the target domain. We develop a novel domain adaptation method for text document classification under the framework of Non-negative Matrix Factorization. Two key ideas of our method are to construct a latent topic space where a topic is decomposed into common words shared by all domains and words specific to individual domains, and then to establish associations between words in different domains through the common words as a bridge for knowledge transfer. The correspondence between cross-domain topics leads to more coherent distributions of source and target domains in the new representation while preserving the predictive power. Our new method outperformed several state-of-the-art domain adaptation methods on several benchmark datasets.
Relocating Dersim: Turkish State-Building and Kurdish Resistance, 1931–1938

According to the deputy chief of the General Staff and other Turkish officers, it is hoped eventually to make the Tunceli [Tunceli] region into a “second Switzerland,” as it is extremely beautiful. It appears to me, however, that its inaccessibility and the difficulties which visitors experience while travelling in Turkey will be considerable obstacles to the realisation of this dream.A. Ross, Military attache to the British representative in Turkey, 5 September 1938
The Genetics of Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is one of the most frequent congenital abnormalities, with a recorded frequency of 3–4% among newborn males. Before sex determination, both female and male embryonic gonads are located in the same high intra-abdominal position. The developing testes migrate through a multiphase process of testicular descent (TD), first into a low abdominal position and then into the developing scrotum. A critical role in TD belongs to the gubernacular ligaments. Analysis of mouse mutants revealed a number of genes involved in this process. Insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3) controls the first abdominal phase of TD through its receptor, leucine-rich-containing repeats G protein-coupled receptor (Lgr8). The inguinoscrotal stage of TD is believed to be controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and specifically by androgens. Additionally, the targeted ablation of several transcription factors, such as Hoxa10, Hoxa11, and Desrt, causes cryptorchidism in mice, suggesting an involvement of multiple signaling pathways in TD. In this chapter, we review the mutation analysis and allele association studies for the candidate genes in human patients with cryptorchidism.
Characterization of the human pH- and PKA-activated ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel

A ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel was identified to be present in human lung and stomach, and a partial cDNA for this Cl- channel was cloned from a human fetal lung library. A full-length expressible human ClC-2G(2 alpha) cDNA was constructed by ligation of mutagenized expressible rabbit ClC-2G(2 alpha) cDNA with the human lung ClC-2G(2 alpha) cDNA, expressed in oocytes, and characterized at the single-channel level. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA) treatment increased the probability of opening of the channel (Po). After PKA activation, the channel exhibited a linear (r = 0.99) current-voltage curve with a slope conductance of 22.1 +/- 0.8 pS in symmetric 800 mM tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl; pH 7.4). Under fivefold gradient conditions of TEACl, a reversal potential of +21.5 +/- 2.8 mV was measured demonstrating anion-to-cation discrimination. As previously demonstrated for the rabbit ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel, the human analog, hClC-2G(2 alpha), was active at pH 7.4 as well as when the pH of the extracellular face of the channel (trans side of the bilayer; pHtrans) was asymmetrically reduced to pH 3.0. The extent of PKA activation was dependent on pHtrans. With PKA treatment, Po increased fourfold with a pHtrans of 7.4 and eightfold with a pHtrans of 3.0. Effects of sequential PKA addition followed by pHtrans reduction on the same channel suggested that the PKA- and pH-dependent increases in channel Po were separable and cumulative. Northern analysis showed ClC-2G(2 alpha) mRNA to be present in human adult and fetal lung and adult stomach, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed this channel to be present in the adult human lung and stomach at about one-half the level found in fetal lung. The findings of the present study suggest that the ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel may play an important role in Cl- transport in the fetal and adult human lung.
On the Relative Unimportance of Human Life

Even more popular than the opinion that human interests merit special concern relative to like animal interests is the belief that human lives are (objectively) more valuable than nonhuman animal lives; almost everyone — layperson and philosopher alike — accepts (VL). Of course, in virtue of its quite formal nature, such agreement, in and of itself, does not amount to very much, and indeed can mask rather significant differences. For those who either endorse or reject (VL), then, two reasonable demands can and should be cast.
A distributed algorithm for solving general linear equations over networks

In this paper, we develop a continuous-time distributed algorithm that allows nodes in an undirected, connected network to cooperatively solve a general system of linear equations, where the only assumption is that each equation is known to at least one node. We show that the algorithm enables the nodes to asymptotically agree on a solution when there are infinitely many solutions, determine the solution when there is exactly one, and discover that no solution exists when there are none. In addition, we prove that the algorithm is globally exponentially convergent, derive an explicit lower bound on its convergence rate, and show that under certain conditions, the larger the network's algebraic connectivity, or the further away from being singular the system of equations, the larger this lower bound.
Grazing Incidence Cross-Sectioning of Thin-Film Solar Cells via Cryogenic Focused Ion Beam: A Case Study on CIGSe

Cryogenic focused ion beam (Cryo-FIB) milling at near-grazing angles is employed to fabricate cross-sections on thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 with >8x expansion in thickness. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) on sloped cross sections showed reduction in grain boundaries potential deeper into the film. Cryo Fib-KPFM enabled the first determination of the electronic structure of the Mo/CIGSe back contact, where a sub 100 nm thick MoSey assists hole extraction due to 45 meV higher work function. This demonstrates that CryoFIB-KPFM combination can reveal new targets of opportunity for improvement in thin-films photovoltaics such as high-work-function contacts to facilitate hole extraction through the back interface of CIGS.
Energy Balance Analysis to Assess Efficiency Improvements with Low Heat Rejection Concepts Applied to Low Temperature Combustion

ABSTRACTSimultaneously decreasing diesel engine emissions while increasing engine efficiency can be a challenge. The results of recent computational and experimental studies, however, have indicated that emissions can be decreased while simultaneously increasing efficiency through the application of low heat rejection (LHR) techniques to low temperature combustion (LTC). One such recent experimental study showed simultaneous decreases in nitrogen oxides and smoke from a light-duty, multi-cylinder diesel engine and serves as motivation to the present study. The major conclusion from that study is that combining LHR with LTC substantially increases LTC brake fuel conversion efficiency through increases in both combustion efficiency (i.e., decreased hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions) and brake thermal efficiency. LTC is realized through high levels of exhaust gas recirculation and retarded injection timings while different degrees of LHR are achieved by means of higher coolant temperatures, which sho...
Relentless Assimilationist Indigenous Policy: From Invasion of Group Rights to Genocide in Mercy’s Clothing

Despite the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, assimilationist policies continue, whether official or effective. Such policies affect more than the right to group choice. The concern is whether indeed genocide or “only” ethnocide (or culturecide) — the elimination of a traditional culture — is at work. Discussions of the distinction between the two terms have been inconsistent enough that at least one commentator has declared that they cannot be used in analytical contexts. While these terms, I contend, have distinct senses, yet in cases of governmental and other institutional assimilationist policy for indigenous peoples, such ethnocide effectively entails genocide. Insofar as any people ’ s cultural practices and beliefs are essential for life and health, individuals in groups value, if tacitly, their culture as highly as their language or any artifact: Thus, attempts to eradicate a culture through assimilation in fact eradicate individuals ’ lives and health and so are effectively murderous. Acknowledgement by worldwide organizations that assimilationist ethnocide is effectively genocide should affect policy concerning indigenous peoples and thus has significance for international law.
Unilateral Discomfort Increases the Use of Contralateral Side during Sit-to-Stand Transfer

Individuals with unilateral impairment perform symmetrical movements asymmetrically. Restoring symmetry of movements is an important goal of rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of using discomfort-inducing devices on movement symmetry. Fifteen healthy individuals performed the sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver using devices inducing unilateral discomfort under the left sole and left thigh or right sole and right thigh and without them. 3D body kinematics, ground reaction forces, electrical activity of muscles, and the level of perceived discomfort were recorded. The center of mass (COM), center of pressure (COP), and trunk displacements as well as the magnitude and latency of muscle activity of lower limb muscles were calculated during STS and compared to quantify the movement asymmetry. Discomfort on the left and right side of the body (thigh and feet) induced statistically significant displacement of the trunk towards the opposite side. There was statistically significant asymmetry in the activity of the left and right Tibialis Anterior, Medial Gastrocnemius, and Biceps Femoris muscles when discomfort was induced underneath the left side of the body (thigh and feet). The technique was effective in causing asymmetry and promoted the use of the contralateral side. The outcome provides a foundation for future investigations of the role of discomfort-inducing devices in improving symmetry of the STS in individuals with unilateral impairment.
New Triassic Teleosts (Actinopterygii, Teleosteomorpha) from Northern Italy and Their Phylogenetic Relationships among the Most Basal Teleosts

ABSTRACTThis study provides new evidence of the diversity of Middle–Late Triassic teleosts with the description of new pholidophorids from Italy. The results of the phylogenetic analysis confirm the sister-group relationship [†Aspidorhynchiformes + †Pachycormiformes] as members of Teleosteomorpha and †Prohalecites as the oldest teleosteomorph. The apomorphy-based Teleostei includes a new interpretation of †Pholidophoriformes as a monophyletic group supported by numerous synapomorphies and comprising two families, †Pholidophoridae and †Eurycormidae, fam. nov. The latter is only known from the Upper Jurassic of Europe. The monophyletic family †Pholidophoridae is known by about a dozen European taxa and a Middle Triassic genus (†Malingichthys) from southern Asia, which is the oldest member of the family. The addition of new pholidophorids provides a new interpretation of the possible relationships and taxonomic arrangements within the family †Pholidophoridae. The genera †Pholidorhynchodon and †Eopholidophoru...
Featured Article: Serum [Met5]-enkephalin levels are reduced in multiple sclerosis and restored by low-dose naltrexone

Low-dose naltrexone is a widely used off-label therapeutic prescribed for a variety of immune-related disorders. The mechanism underlying low-dose naltrexone’s efficacy for fatigue, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis is, in part, intermittent blockade of opioid receptors followed by upregulation of endogenous opioids. Short, intermittent blockade by naltrexone specifically blocks the opioid growth factor receptor resulting in biofeedback events that increase production of the endogenous opioid growth factor (OGF) (chemically termed [Met5]-enkephalin) facilitating interactions between opioid growth factor and opioid growth factor receptor that ultimately, result in inhibited cell proliferation. Preclinical studies have reported that enkephalin levels are deficient in animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Our hypothesis is that serum enkephalin levels are diminished in humans with multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune enc...
Paths of Green Building Technology in China

Green building programs are essential in promoting energy efficiency and limiting the carbon footprints of cities. Construction in China has been growing rapidly, and green certifications have played a major role as businesses look to keep down operating costs and energy use. China has three major green standard systems, and each one provides builders with different incentives. However, construction trends looking for luxury and high-end amenities are cutting into the savings and effects of green programs. China benefits from an enormous construction industry that allows for the implementation of energy-efficient programs on a large scale.
DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorder: testing the trait perspective captured in Criterion B

We review the trait model (i.e., Criterion B) included as a central piece of the alternative model of personality disorder (PD) included in DSM-5. The pathological traits are organized into five domains with 25 facets that overlap substantially with basic personality models (e.g., five-factor model). These PD traits can be reliably assessed using a variety of measures; however, questions of poor discriminant validity have been raised. Concerns were raised that this model would result in the loss of clinically meaningful constructs (e.g., borderline personality disorder) but the empirical literature suggests that the traits can faithfully and adequately assess traditional PD constructs. Although personality dysfunction and pathological traits are required for this alternative model, impairment and traits largely overlap with only the latter demonstrating substantial and consistent incremental validity.
Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer: Choosing the Right Agent

See the associated article on page [789][1]. The well-recognized limitations of conventional imaging with CT, MRI, and 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate bone scans have contributed to a revolution in PET imaging of prostate cancer (PCa). A plethora of PET radiotracers has entered preclinical and early
Mapping the world: cartographic and geographic visualization by the United Nations Geospatial Information Section (formerly Cartographic Section)

Abstract. United Nations Secretariat activities, mapping began in 1946, and by 1951, the need for maps increased and an office with a team of cartographers was established. Since then, with the development of technologies including internet, remote sensing, unmanned aerial systems, relationship database management and information systems, geospatial information provides an ever-increasing variation of support to the work of the Organization for planning of operations, decision-making and monitoring of crises. However, the need for maps has remained intact. This presentation aims to highlight some of the cartographic representation styles over the decades by reviewing the evolution of selected maps by the office, and noting the changing cognitive and semiotic aspects of cartographic and geographic visualization required by the United Nations. Through presentation and analysis of these maps, the changing dynamics of the Organization in information management can be reflected, with a reminder of the continuing and expanding deconstructionist role of a cartographer, now geospatial information management experts.
Corporate Quotas and Symbolic Politics in Advanced Democracies

This article identifies trends in the adoption and implementation of quotas for corporate boards, an underresearched topic in political science. Corporate quotas—like legislative quotas—constitute ...
Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches to the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa can be a devastating illness resulting in physical impoverishment and grossly impaired psychosocial functioning. It is characterized primarily by a refusal to eat a sufficient amount of food to sustain an adequate level of nourishment (Slade, 1982). One diagnostic criterion is the maintenance of weight at least 25% below the norm for one’s age (American Psychiatric Association, 1980). Such extensive weight loss plays havoc with a body that is often already under the physiological stress of puberty. Disturbed attitudes toward eating, manifested in preoccupations with food and peculiar patterns of handling food, is another noted feature of the disorder (Cooper & Fairburn, 1984; Garner, 1986; Garner & Bemis, 1982; Halmi, 1982; McFarlane, Bellissimo, & Upton, 1982; Muuss, 1985). Other features include intense fears of weight gain, behaviors directed toward weight loss, excessive physical activity, disturbances in body image, and, in females, amenorrhea (Halmi, 1982; Kissel & Arkins, 1973; Minuchin, Rosman, & Baker, 1978; Muuss, 1985; Slade, 1982).
III-V Semiconductor Unipolar Barrier Infrared Detectors

The II-VI semiconductor HgCdTe (MCT) is the most successful infrared photodetector material to date. MCT grown on nearly lattice-matched CdZnTe (CZT) substrate offers continuous cutoff wavelength (λ cutoff ) coverage from the short-wave infrared (SWIR) to the very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR), while providing high quantum efficiency (QE) and low dark current for high-performance applications. In general III-V semiconductors are more robust than their II-VI counterparts due to stronger, less ionic chemical bonding. III-V semiconductor-based infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) excel in operability, spatial uniformity, temporal stability, scalability, producibility, and affordability. InGaAs FPAs with λ cutoff ∼1.7 μm perform at near theoretical limit and dominates the SWIR FPA market. Despite a significantly lower operating temperature than MCT, InSb FPAs (Λ cutoff ∼5.3 μm) dominate the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) market in volume due to superior manufacturability and lower cost. The limitation for traditional bulk III-V semiconductor detectors grown on (nearly) lattice-matched substrates is the lack of broad cutoff wavelength adjustability.
Outcomes after heart transplantation in sensitized patients bridged with ventricular assist devices

Objective Sensitization has been associated with worse outcomes following heart transplantation (HTx). The use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) is a risk factor for the development of sensitization. We investigated the impact of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and sensitization in HTx recipients. Methods We queried the UNOS database for all heart transplants performed from January 2000 through December 2016. Patients were considered highly sensitized and included if panel-reactive antibody (PRA) activity was 25% or higher. Patients were separated by pretransplant LVAD utilization and subgroup analysis was performed by device type (HeartMate II or HeartWare). Outcomes included Kaplan-Meier survival and episodes of rejection within 1 year of HTx. Results Of 18 009 recipients, 2434 (14%) were highly sensitized. 1055 (43.3%) were bridged with a VAD. In multivariate analysis, LVAD use did not impact 1-year (hazards ratio [HR], 1.30; P = 0.052) or 5-year survival (HR, 1.18; P = 0.112) in highly sensitized recipients. Furthermore, episodes of rejection were not affected by LVAD status (P = 0.765). Of the 1055 sensitized LVAD-bridged transplant recipients, 624 (59%) were implanted with a HeartMate II and 99 (9.4%) were bridged with a HeartWare device. In multivariate analysis, no differences were observed in 1-year survival (HR, 0.86; P = 0.664), 5-year survival (HR, 1.35; P = 0.209), or episodes of rejection (P = 0.497). Conclusions The use of ventricular assist devices did not impact survival or rejection within 1 year of HTx in highly sensitized patients. Highly sensitized recipients have similar outcomes regardless of prior LVAD support or type of LVAD used as a bridge to transplantation.
Parameterization of empirical forcefields for glassy silica using machine learning

The development of reliable, yet computationally efficient interatomic forcefields is key to facilitate the modeling of glasses. However, the parameterization of novel forcefields is challenging as the high number of parameters renders traditional optimization methods inefficient or subject to bias. Here, we present a new parameterization method based on machine learning, which combines ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and Bayesian optimization. By taking the example of glassy silica, we show that our method yields a new interatomic forcefield that offers an unprecedented agreement with ab initio simulations. This method offers a new route to efficiently parameterize new interatomic forcefields for disordered solids in a non-biased fashion.
Endotoxin and the liver

Abstract Previous work suggests that endotoxin of enteric origin may contribute to both acute and chronic liver injury by other agents. In particular, evidence exists that endotoxin tolerance modifies biochemical and histological evidence of carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether another method of modifying endotoxicity would protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) damage as well. The antibiotic polymyxin B (PB) has unique antiendotoxin properties not shared by gentamicin sulfate, an antibiotic with a similar antibacterial spectrum. In groups of rats pretreated with either PB, gentamicin, or diluent, the ld 100 of an oral dose of CCl 4 was reduced by PB to an ld 50 , but the gentamicin pretreatment was without effect. When a sublethal dose of CCl 4 was administered, both the SGOT and SGPT values were significantly lower in the PB group of rats. This biochemical protection was mirrored in the striking lack of histological liver necrosis in these animals, protection not shared by the gentamicin group or controls. The incidence of endotoxemia 24 hr after CCl 4 as detected by lead acetate enhancement was also reduced by PB pretreatment. These findings further support the contention that endotoxins from the gut may be major contributors to the extent of liver injury induced by an unrelated toxin.
Validity of Pendant-Based IMU Assessment of Postural Stability Under Varying Balance Conditions Compared to a Sensor Positioned on the Lower Back:

Body-worn inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been widely used in postural stability and balance studies because of their low cost and high level of convenience. In most studies, single IMU sens...
Transport model for a transverse electron beam-pumped semiconductor laser

A transport model for a transverse electron beam-pumped semiconductor laser has been developed. The model incorporates spatial dependencies of the power deposition from the beam as well as a three-dimensional model of the gain medium and the field intensity of the photons produced by stimulated emission in the oscillation cavity. This model accounts for spatial inhomogeneities and has been solved for a variety of pumping strengths. The model was developed so that it can be benchmarked with electron beam pumping. The dominant mechanisms for the production of electron–hole pair production within the semiconductor material is similar to the dominant mechanisms for the production of electron–hole production using ion beams. Thus, the model can be extended to fission fragment ion pumping of semiconductor lasers in order to model a nuclear-pumped laser/reactor system.
Skill-Based Contextual Sorting: How Parental Cognition and Residential Mobility Produce Unequal Environments for Children

Highly skilled parents deploy distinct strategies to cultivate their children's development, but little is known about how parental cognitive skills interact with metropolitan opportunity structures and residential mobility to shape a major domain of inequality in children's lives: the neighborhood. We integrate multiple literatures to develop hypotheses on parental skill-based sorting by neighborhood socioeconomic status and public school test scores, which we test using an original follow-up of the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey. These data include more than a decade's worth of residential histories for households with children that are linked to census, geographic information system, and educational administrative data. We construct discrete-choice models of neighborhood selection that account for heterogeneity among household types, incorporate the unique spatial structure of Los Angeles County, and include a wide range of neighborhood factors. The results show that parents' cognitive skills interact with neighborhood socioeconomic status to predict residential selection after accounting for, and confirming, the expected influences of race, income, education, housing market conditions, and spatial proximity. Among parents in the upper/upper-middle class, cognitive skills predict sorting on average public school test scores rather than neighborhood socioeconomic status. Overall, we reveal skill-based contextual sorting as an overlooked driver of urban stratification.
Particle-guided Image Registration

We present a novel image registration method based on B-spline free-form deformation that simultaneously optimizes particle correspondence and image similarity metrics. Different from previous B-spline based registration methods optimized w.r.t. the control points, the deformation in our method is estimated from a set of dense unstructured pair of points, which we refer as corresponding particles. As intensity values are matched on the corresponding location, the registration performance is iteratively improved. Moreover, the use of corresponding particles naturally extends our method to a group-wise registration by computing a mean of particles. Motivated by a surface-based group-wise particle correspondence method, we developed a novel system that takes such particles to the image domain, while keeping the spirit of the method similar. The core algorithm both minimizes an entropy based group-wise correspondence metric as well as maximizes the space sampling of the particles. We demonstrate the results of our method in an application of rodent brain structure segmentation and show that our method provides better accuracy in two structures compared to other registration methods.
Comparison of Image Classification Techniques: Binary and Multiclass using Convolutional Neural Network and Support Vector Machines

Classification is the technique applied in data mining to form groups under specified class labels. Classification is supervised type of machine learning. In this paper, two popular classification techniques, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) are compared for accuracy of classification of images. Image classification is done on the basis of feature selection and feature extraction using Tensor flow package. The two classifiers understudy are Linear (SVM) and non-linear techniques (CNN). CNN possesses a powerful feature extraction and SVM is considered as a high-end classifier. Complexity of the feature extraction and selection can be increased in CNN by adding more layers, but in SVM complexity cannot be increased. CNN processes images using matrices of weights and is called as filters or features that detect specific attributes such as vertical edges, horizontal edges, etc. As and when the image progresses through each layer, the filters can recognize more and more complex attributes. In this proposed study, graphs of training phase of CNN also show how the training results are improved image by image due to increasing knowledge of features and thus loss is decreased. This research study focuses on accuracy measure of the above mentioned methods. For the image classification studied in this paper, it has been observed that SVM gives adequate accuracy for binary classification whereas CNN gives consistent accuracy over binary as well as multi class classification problems. The recognition rate achieved by the CNN algorithm varies between 75% - 75.40 % for binary and multiclass classification. SVM accuracy rate decreases from 80.95 % for binary classification, to 50 % for multiclass classification.
The history of nasal reconstruction

Purpose of review Total nasal reconstruction is a unique plastic surgery challenge of the highest order. The history of nasal reconstruction dates back to ancient times and it remains a fundamental challenge today. This article reviews the historical context of nasal reconstruction, and highlights how the essential tenets of this art have been conserved over millennia. Recent findings The disfiguring and brutal practice of nasal amputation created a demand for 'nosemakers' in India since 1500 BC. In 600 BC, Sushruta described the use of a leaf to make a template of the wound, and a cheek flap to supply tissue. In the 1400-1500s, the Italians relied on similar flap concepts, but employed a pedicled arm flap for soft tissue coverage. Eventually, the forehead flap, or 'Indian method' of nasal reconstruction, made its way to Europe in the 1800s. Its use has been a fundamental component of nasal reconstruction to this day. Summary Knowledge of the unique history of nasal reconstruction permits appreciation of this surgical integration of art and science. The story of nasal reconstruction has been one of global contribution and creativity that has stood the test of time.
Management of Concomitant Risk

Breast cancer risk has been well-characterized for a number of genetic syndromes including carriers of BRCA1/BRCA2, TP53, and PTEN. This chapter will focus primarily on the risk of developing other malignancies in those individuals or family members with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. Screening protocols and risk reduction strategies will also be reviewed for individual malignancies where appropriate (Table 10.1).
A Decentralized Indirect Adaptive Control Scheme Applicable to Overlapping Interconnected Systems

A decentralized indirect adaptive control scheme that may be applied to both interconnected and overlapping interconnected systems is presented. With the presented scheme indirect adaptive controllers are applied at each control station of a multi-control-station system. The adaptive controller at a given control station is designed for the subsystems connected to that station, and the controlled inputs are communicated to other control stations so that subsystem interconnections may be taken into account. The scheme is unique because subsystem interconnections are identified and used in the controller design at each control station in order to reduce the possible detrimental effects of the interconnections. It is shown under what conditions the proposed control scheme guarantees system global stablility, and it is also shown that global stability limits are improved significantly by using the communicated inputs in the controller design at each control station. An example is given that demonstrates the improved stability margins of the proposed control scheme.
Potentiation Effect of Cholecystokinin-Octapeptide on Pancreatic Bicarbonate Secretion Stimulated by a Physiologic Dose of Secretin in Humans

We studied the potentiation effect of cholecystokinin-octapeptide and secretin on pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate and trypsin in humans. The pancreatic bicarbonate and trypsin outputs were determined by using a triple-lumen duodenal tube and indicator dilution technique while gastric juice was completely aspirated. When cholecystokininoctapeptide in varied doses, 2.6, 5.3, 10.9, 26.3, 52.6, and 109.4 pmol · kg−1 · h−1, was added to i.v. infusion of secretin in a physiologic dose, 0.03 clinical units (CU) · kg−1 · h−1, the bicarbonate outputs were significantly greater than those achieved by secretin or cholecystokinin-octapeptide alone or the sum of the bicarbonate outputs produced by each hormone. The potentiation effect of cholecystokinin-octapeptide occurred at the dose of 10.9 pmol · kg−1 · h−1. No further augmentation on the bicarbonate output occurred when the dose of cholecystokinin-octapeptide was increased in the dose range >10.9 pmol · kg−1 · h−1. No potentiation on pancreatic secretion of trypsin was apparent when the two hormones were given simultaneously. Thus, cholecystokininoctapeptide in a relatively small dose range potentiated the pancreatic bicarbonate secretion stimulated by a physiologic dose of secretin. The pancreatic enzyme secretion does not appear to be potentiated by two hormones.
Resident Surgeons Underrate Their Laparoscopic Skills and Comfort Level When Compared With the Rating by Attending Surgeons.

Objective The development of operative skills during general surgery residency depends largely on the resident surgeons' (residents) ability to accurately self-assess and identify areas for improvement. We compared evaluations of laparoscopic skills and comfort level of residents from both the residents' and attending surgeons' (attendings') perspectives. Design We prospectively observed 111 elective cholecystectomies at the University of Michigan as part of a larger quality improvement initiative. Immediately after the operation, both residents and attendings completed a survey in which they rated the residents' operative proficiency, comfort level, and the difficulty of the case using a previously validated instrument. Residents' and attendings' evaluations of residents' performance were compared using 2-sided t tests. Setting The University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, MI. Large academic, tertiary care institution. Participants All general surgery residents and faculty at the University of Michigan performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between June 1 and August 31, 2013. Data were collected for 28 of the institution's 54 trainees. Results Attendings rated residents higher than what residents rated themselves on a 5-point Likert-type scale regarding depth perception (3.86 vs. 3.38, p Conclusions A gap exists between residents' and attendings' perception of residents' laparoscopic skills and comfort level in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These findings call for improved communication between residents and attendings to ensure that graduates are adequately prepared to operate independently. In the context of changing methods of resident evaluations that call for explicitly defined competencies in surgery, it is essential that residents are able to accurately self-assess and be in general agreement with attendings on their level of laparoscopic skills and comfort level while performing a case.
Clustering of wireless sensor and actor networks based on sensor distribution and connectivity

Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks (WSANs) employ significantly more capable actor nodes that can collect data from sensors and perform application specific actions. To take these actions collaboratively at any spot in the monitored regions, maximal actor coverage along with inter-actor connectivity is desirable. In this paper, we propose a distributed actor positioning and clustering algorithm which employs actors as cluster-heads and places them in such a way that the coverage of actors is maximized and the data gathering and acting times are minimized. Such placement of actors is done by determining the k-hop Independent Dominating Set (IDS) of the underlying sensor network. Basically, before the actors are placed, the sensors pick the cluster-heads based on IDS. The actors are then placed at the locations of such cluster-heads. We further derive conditions to guarantee inter-actor connectivity after the clustering is performed. If inter-connectivity does not exist, the actors coordinate through the underlying sensors in their clusters to adjust their locations so that connectivity can be established. The performances of the proposed approaches are validated through simulations.
Rapid Analysis of Xanthophylls in Ethanol Extracts of Corn by HPLC

A rapid HPLC method for the identification of xanthophylls in ethanol extracts of corn was developed. This method requires only the extraction of xanthophylls using aqueous ethanol followed by injection of the microfiltered extract onto a C30 column. The solvent system consists of pure methanol and MTBE. Initial mobile phase concentration, gradient slope, and flow rate were optimized to reduce analysis times by 60% compared to the existing method while maintaining the minimum desired resolution.
Normal pressure perfusion breakthrough after resection of arteriovenous malformation

Objectives . The syndrome of normal pressure perfusion breakthrough (NPPB) follows the surgical resection of a small fraction of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Although intraoperative hyperemia occurs in NPPB, the relationship and temporal profile of vasomotor paralysis to NPPB are unknown. In the present study, serial transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies (static and stress) were correlated with clinic observations to determine the relationship and temporal profile of vasomotor paralysis to NPPB. Methods . Thirty-five patients underwent complete AVM removal with preservation of the normal arteries and veins. Serial TCD examinations were performed under static and stress conditions (CO 2 , Diamox, or blood pressure challenge). Vasomotor paralysis was considered present when CO 2 or Diamox challenge produced less than a 10% change in flow velocity or when flow velocity changed with blood pressure over physiological ranges. Results . Two of 35 patients (6%) developed NPPB immediately after AVM resection. Results of TCD studies were consistent with vasomotor paralysis. NPPB and vasomotor paralysis abated together in both patients on postoperative day 3 to 4. In one patient, NPPB and vasomotor paralysis reoccurred on postoperative day 8 after liberalization of blood pressure control. Conclusions : NPPB occurs in a small fraction of patients after AVM resection. The occurrence of NPPB correlates with vasomotor paralysis, and both are present immediately postoperatively and last several days. Improving vasomotor tone and clinical condition do not imply complete normalization of the cerebral circulation because NPPB and vasomotor paralysis can reoccur after liberalization of blood pressure control.