cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU-C-103-03: On the Relationship of Minimum Detectable Contrast to Dose and Lesion Size in Abdominal CT

Purpose: CT dose quantification is typically guided by pixel noise or contrast‐to‐noise ratio that does not delineate low contrast details well. To optimize the dose for lesion specific diagnosis, we utilize the statistically defined minimum detectable contrast (MDC) to study it's relationship to dose and lesion size in typical abdomen CT scans. Methods: An abdomen phantom (CIRS TE‐07) simulating the medium sized patient was used. The phantom contains a cylindrical void of 4 cm diameter, filled with the low contrast insert containing six cylindrical targets (1% and 2% contrast) of 1.2 mm to 7 mm. Helical scans were conducted using a Siemens Sensation 64 (mCT) with 120 kVp and mAs ranged 35‐595 (kernel B30s, pitch 1.4 and width 5 mm). The uniform sections of the contiguous slices were subtracted and the resulted regions were divided by grids of cells sized from 1.37 mm‐6.84 mm. Standard deviations (sd) were computed from the means of all cells and scaled down by square root of 2. The MDC, quantified by the signal to background difference equal to 3.29sd, was fitted to dose D (phantom specific CTDIvol) and cell sizes (d). For validation, independent observations on the targets were made and compared with the measured contrast. MDC versus noise and lesion size was also identified. Results: MDC versus D and d was fitted to a power law (R square 0.993), with power indices of −0.537 and −1.027, respectively. The findings were validated by the independent observations on the larger targets whose contrast can be measured. The MDC was found to be proportional to noise and inversely proportional to d (R square 0.994). Conclusion: The relationships of MDC versus dose and lesion size, and MDC versus noise and lesion size were established. They can be used for task specific dose optimization.
Heavy Metal Analysis in Lens and Aqueous Humor of Cataract Patients by Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

The human eye is continuously exposed to the environment yet little is known about how much of toxins, specifically heavy metals are present in its different parts and how they influence vision and acuity. To shed light into this subject, aqueous humor and lens samples were collected from 14 cataract patients to study the presence and concentration of selected metals in the eye. Subjects undergoing routine cataract surgery were consecutively enrolled for study by simple random sampling. Prior to surgery, subject demographic were compiled. The surgical procedure involved small incision cataract removal using phacoemulsification. During the procedure, a small aliquot of aqueous humor was retained for analysis, whereas homogenized lens fragments were obtained during phacoemulsification. A balanced salt solution was used as control for each set of samples. Both ocular specimens were analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry after dilution and addition of an internal standard. The data obtained show substantial variations in elemental signature between the two media (aqueous humor and lens) and the patients themselves. Most commonly found heavy metals in both types of media were chromium and manganese. Barium was found in the lens, but not in aqueous tissue, whereas nickel was found only in the aqueous humor. Concentrations were generally higher in aqueous samples. Further study and increased sample size are required to more accurately elucidate the relationship between systemic and ocular metal accumulation and the impact of metal accumulation on measures of visual function and ocular disease.
The optical potential in the scattering of hydrogen and deuterium atoms from LiF and NaF (001)

Abstract Quantitative fitting of the specular bound state resonance structure for H and D beams scattered from LiF and NaF (001) by means of a coupled channel scattering calculation are carried out. A complex potential model is introduced to handle the effects of inelastic scattering. By varying the strength of the imaginary potential, the results can be varied continuously from the elastic resonant scattering theory of Chow and Thompson [4] to the selective adsorption hypothesis of Lennard-Jones and Devonshire [7]. Taking into account the broadening effects of the beam velocity distribution and the diminution of the elastic peaks by the Debye-Waller factor, estimates of 0.8 meV and 0.9 meV are made for the imaginary potential of LiF and NaF respectively by fitting the experimental data of Finzel et al. [1].
Subcritical crack growth in elastic-plastic material with overshoot: Part I—analytical modelling

Abstract Subcritical crack growth is associated with the situation where the driving force is sufficiently low such that the crack would arrest upon unloading. In metals, plastic deformation could further enhance the subcritical crack growth process. Analytical modelling of such behavior would necessitate discretizing the growth process into finite segments by assigning threshold levels to elements at the prospective site of failure. This gives rise to the so-called “overshoot” phenomenon because the elements nearest to the crack would be strained above and beyond the critical value due to the rapid elevation of the local stress and/or energy. The effect can be minimized by taking smaller crack growth segments but cannot be completely removed in analyses nor in experiments because increase in load occurs in finite steps. Modelled is subcritical crack growth in an elastic-plastic material with overshoot, the amount of which would depend on the fracture toughness, specimen size and loading step. Energy dissipated by plastic deformation is considered as part of the loss that is not available to drive the crack. Incremental theory of plasticity is employed where isotropic and kinematic hardening of the material are accounted for. Varied are the material type, specimen size and load steps such that their combined effects on crack growth would be reflected in the final results.
Confirmation of the structure of the bicyclic oxidation product of dehydroascorbic acid bis‐phenylhydrazone

The structure of the bicyclic oxidation product of dehydro L-ascorbic acid has been confirmed by detailed mass spectroscopy and 13C nmr spectroscopy as 3. This structure was put in doubt, when electron ionization mass spectroscopy detected a molecular peak two mass units higher than expected. Careful experiments at low temperature revealed that the molecular ion disproportionates when heated, giving ion 2 or one of its isomers.
Contrast dependence and mechanisms of masking interactions among chromatic and luminance gratings

The contrast dependence of simultaneous masking has been measured using isochromatic yellow–black luminance sinusoids and isoluminant red–green chrominance gratings. Masking functions for all four combinations of chromatic and luminance masks and tests are reported. In the two same-on-same conditions (luminance mask/luminance test and chromatic mask/chromatic test) these functions (increment threshold contrast versus mask contrast) have the typical dipper shape and are almost identical when test and mask contrasts are normalized to the unmasked contrast thresholds. The contrast dependence of the luminance mask/color test and color mask/luminance test functions are quite different. The luminance mask/color test shows facilitation over a broad range of both subthreshold and suprathreshold contrasts of the luminance mask. In the color mask/luminance test condition facilitation is never observed, but at suprathreshold contrasts a 2-cycle/degree (c/deg) chromatic grating masks a 2-c/deg luminance grating as strongly as does a luminance mask. The luminance mask/chromatic test results are invariant over the 0.25–2-c/deg spatial-frequency range, whereas the robust masking of luminance by color at 2 c/deg diminishes at lower spatial frequencies. The spatial-frequency selectivity of the luminance-facilitates-color interaction is much broader than facilitatory interactions in either the color–color or luminance–luminance conditions. Possible mechanisms of color–luminance interactions are considered. The lack of facilitation in the color mask/luminance test condition precludes a simple pedestal interpretation of this masking interaction. The data are, however, consistent with models that invoke inhibitory or more elaborate excitatory masking interactions.
Brachial-Basilic Autogenous Access

The emphasis on autogenous arteriovenous hemodialysis access has increased the focus on the brachial-basilic autogenous configuration currently recommended by the national guidelines when the cephalic vein is not suitable. The brachial-basilic autogenous access has been extensively studied and compared with both prosthetic (arteriovenous graft [AVG]) and other autogenous accesses. The literature suggests that the brachial-basilic autogenous access is superior to AVGs in terms of patency, reintervention rates, and infectious complications. However, controversy still remains with respect to its role in the treatment algorithm and the technical conduct of the operation. This review will address the ongoing issues and controversies surrounding the brachial-basilic autogenous access and define its role for the hemodialysis access surgeon.
Granulomatous lesions of the gingiva of unknown origin. A case report.

Presented is a case report of unusual painful granulomatous inflammation of the gingiva. The etiologic possibilities were explored without a definitive diagnosis being confirmed. Antibiotic therapy was unsuccessful. Empirical long term steroid therapy was successful in eliminating the disease and preventing recurrence. Diagnostic possibilities are discussed as well as treatment approaches to this type of patient.
The clinical spectrum of anti-Ro-positive cutaneous neonatal lupus erythematosus.

Abstract Background: Cutaneous neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an uncommon disease described mainly through isolated case reports. Objective: Our purpose was to examine the cutaneous spectrum, clinical associations, and course of disease in babies with anti-Ro-positive NLE. Methods: This is a retrospective case series evaluation of newborns with anti-Ro-positive NLE seen at a single ambulatory care university center over a 20-year period. Cases were drawn from a population of 3.2 million. Follow-up was at least 3 years. Results: Four boys and 14 girls were included in our evaluation. Distribution of skin lesions in 18 babies was as follows: face, 17; periorbital "owl-eye" or "eye mask" facial rash, 14; scalp, 15; arms and legs, 13; trunk and groin, 6. Crusted lesions were predominant in 3. Photosensitivity was seen in 12, and features of cutis marmorata telangiectasia congenita were observed in 4. In 17 neonatal lupus was not suspected until the dermatology consultation. Noncutaneous manifestations included thrombocytopenia in 4, cholestatic hepatitis in 3, and congenital heart block in 3. Four patients had residual telangiectasia that persisted for 3 or more years but eventually cleared in 2 patients. Three babies had dyspigmentation that spontaneously cleared within 22 months. None had atrophy or scarring. Conclusion: Periorbital, scalp, and extremity lesions are common in cutaneous NLE. Crusted lesions predominated in male infants. In children selected by cutaneous involvement, thrombocytopenia and hepatic disease were present as frequently as cardiac disease and occurred more frequently in male babies with crusted skin lesions. Children with cutaneous NLE should be evaluated for hematologic and hepatic as well as cardiac involvement.(J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:675-81.)
Pretty as a pixel: issues and challenges in developing a controlled vocabulary for video game visual styles

Despite the increase in interest in video games across commercial and academic areas, organizational systems for classifying them remain inadequate, particularly in describing the visual styles of video games. Because video games are by and large a visual medium, the ability to describe their visual "look" coherently and consistently greatly contributes to their discovery through classification. A set of controlled terms would be instrumental in complementing game recommendation engines and search applications in digital libraries to meet users' content-related information needs. In our study we examine the academic and user-generated content about video games' visual styles in order to extract potentially useful controlled vocabulary terms. These terms are then organized into facets and arranged into a classified schedule. In this poster, we discuss the challenges in our controlled vocabulary term definitions and their application.
Chemoprevention: Will it work?

Cancer chemoprevention has been a major area of inquiry in the United States for over a decade. The field originated from the confluence of developments in laboratory carcinogenesis and nutritional epidemiology. Although still owing much to other research disciplines, chemoprevention researchers have developed models and methodologies specific to the topic. Of particular importance has been the search for intermediate endpoints which might provide valid indications of cancer prevention effectiveness. Intermediate endpoints, however, suffer the limitations of the extrapolation required to the prevention of cancer per se. More direct evidence of chemoprevention effectiveness may come from trials that use actual reduction of cancer incidence as the primary endpoint. Several trials of potential chemopreventive agents are underway or have been completed in the United States or elsewhere with U.S. investigator participation. The results to date have been mixed, and unanticipated findings have raised doubts about the probability of success of primary prevention of cancer by chemoprevention. Future prospects for success may depend upon development of a better understanding of biological mechanisms before progressing to large, long-duration human population trials.
The Chinese Dream: Concept and Context

With the Chinese Dream as a new, signature ideology of the CCP comes the important and challenging task of understanding its concept. This article examines the concept and context of the Chinese Dream, especially its core concept of national rejuvenation. It focuses on tracing the background of the concept and analyzes the context of this new narrative from three closely connected aspects: historical perspectives, domestic legitimacy, and the comprehension of the concept in an international context.
Experience with an object-oriented virtual machine

The implementation of a virtual machine for X2, an object-based programming language, is presented. The X2 virtual machine, is similar to the Smalltalk-80 virtual machine, but X2 does not perform message look-up. The implementation differs from most Smalitalk-80 systems in that objects are paged and in the ability to save changes to an image instead of the whole image. These differences allow larger images to be handled.
Detection of cations separated by thin-layer chromatography by fluorescence quenching of ethidium bromide

Cations such as Cu2+, Cr3+ and Hg+ can be separated on silica gel thin layer Chromatographic plates. The developing solution contains 0.02M EDTA at pH 2.5. For visualization, the plate was pretreated with ethidium bromide, a strong fluorescer. Quenching of the red fluorescence can be observed visually even down to the 0.1 nmole range per spot.
Transduced monocyte/macrophages targeted to murine skin by UV light.

Abstract: We have selectively targeted monocyte/macrophages overexpressing an immunomodulatory molecule, latency-associated peptide (LAP), a naturally occurring antagonist for transforming growth factor-β1, to murine skin utilizing UV light to produce a cutaneous influx of transduced monocyte/macrophages. Bone marrow (BM) cells from BALB/c mice were transduced in vitro with a retroviral construct containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) for detection and human LAP (hLAP) as a test molecule. The transduced BM cells were then cultured in vitro with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to produce differentiation to monocyte/macrophages. More than 80% of transduced BM cells were CD11b-positive and MOMA-positive by fluorescence-activated cell-sorter analysis and secreted LAP by ELISA after 10 days of culture in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Transduced monocyte/macrophages containing either GFP or hLAP-GFP were then injected intravenously into BALB/c mice. One-half of recipients in each group were exposed to UVB (72 mJ) to induce monocyte/macrophage infiltration into skin. Recipients were sacrificed 60 h after UV irradiation. We found transduced cutaneous macrophages expressing GFP by examining with fluorescence microscopy frozen skin sections of recipient mice immunostained with antibodies to GFP and to macrophage marker F4/80. We identified hLAP sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of total DNA in recipient blood and UV-irradiated skin but not in unirradiated skin. LAP sequences were also detected at much lower levels in other organs (lung, spleen, and liver) by PCR. Therefore, we have shown that genetically altered monocytic cells can be injected intravenously and targeted to mouse skin by UV exposure. This macrophage-based gene-transfer method may be a potentially useful immunotherapeutic approach for delivering monocyte/macrophage-derived products to skin.
Binocularity in Kittens Reared with Optically Induced Squint

The effects of conflicting visual images were studied without the confounding influences of oculomotor abnormalities: strabismus was simulated by rearing kittens with ophthalmic prisms before the eyes. After the animals had matured, the response properties of neurons in the visual cortex were studied. The proportion of binocularly excited neurons decreased; however, the extent of the ocular dominance alterations was related to the amount and direction of the prism-induced deviation.
Robust speaker recognition system employing covariance matrix and Eigenvoice

This paper presents an original speaker recognition system that utilizes a quantized spectral covariance matrix on the input to a two-dimensional Principal Component Analysis (2DPCA) function. Eigenvoice algorithm is used as a classifying tool and is generated by the features of a group of speakers. The proposed system is selective in acquiring acoustic parameters and leads to a significant decrease in storage requirements. The system is robust in a noisy environment with recognition rates as high as 92% at 0dB SNR. Concatenated vowels that make up the speech signal are extracted from the TIMIT database and the noise environment is acquired from the NOIZEOUS database.
USING CONFUSION INFUSION AND CONFUSION REDUCTION INDICES TO COMPARE ALTERNATIVE ESSAY SCORING RULES

Observed proportion agreement as a measure of association between two ratings of essay performance can be inflated when the number of rating categories is small. Cohen's Kappa adjusts observed agreement by subtracting out what one might expect if ratings were assigned independently of each other. The matrix of proportion agreements between two sets of assignment rules can be recast as a confusion matrix in which zero confusion is the equivalent of perfect agreement. Kappa can be viewed then as a measure of confusion reduction. A complementary measure, confusion infusion is defined. Its usefulness is illustrated with live data from a large-scale testing program where e-rater®, an automatic essay-scoring algorithm, is used in place of a second reader. The confusion reduction and confusion infusion indices help make comparisons among the relative efficacy of two versions of e-rater, and two other methods of assigning scores, a second reader and assigning all candidates the mode of the first reading.
Management of Lower Vaginal Agenesis in a Patient with Unicornuate Uterus

Abstract Background Absence of the lower vagina occurs from abnormal development of the sinovaginal bulbs and vaginal plate. Case We present a case of an adolescent girl, with a history of VACTERL and VATER status post flap vaginoplasty at 8 m of age and correction of vaginal-urethral fistula, with primary amenorrhea and cyclic pelvic pain. MRI showed a right hematocolpos. On exam the obstructed vagina was deviated to the right. Given prior urologic and rectal surgery, and laterality of unicornuate system, intra-operative ultrasonography (US) was performed. A needle was used to enter the inferior aspect of the obstructed vagina. A pull-through vaginoplasty was performed. Summary and Conclusion Vaginal pull-through is the standard treatment for lower vaginal agenesis. In a unicornuate system, the use of intra-operative US is helpful to determine the appropriate angle of dissection.
Algebraicity of harmonic Maass forms

In 1947 D.H. Lehmer conjectured that Ramanujan’s tau-function never vanishes. In the 1980s, B. Gross and D. Zagier proved a deep formula expressing the central derivative of suitable Hasse–Weil L-functions in terms of the Neron–Tate height of a Heegner point. This expository article describes recent work (with J.H. Bruinier and R. Rhoades) which reformulates both topics in terms of the algebraicity of harmonic Maass forms.
Renal tubular necrosis induced by compounds structurally related to D-serine.

Abstract d -serine is nephrotoxic in rats causing acute tubular necrosis of the straight segment of the proximal tubule. In an effort to determine the mechanism of this injury, the nephrotoxic effect of eighteen compounds structurally related to d -serine was investigated. Necrosis of the proximal straight tubules of rat kidneys was not observed with compounds wherein the hydroxyl or amino group of d -serine was blocked or eliminated, a methyl group was on the same carbon atom as the hydroxyl or amino group, the hydroxyl and amino groups were reversed, or the carbon chain lengthened. Only dl -2,3-diaminopropionic acid, other than d -serine itself, consistently induced proximal straight tubular necrosis. The l -isomer was without effect. Our results suggest that the nephrotoxicity observed with d -serine and dl -diaminopropionic acid is related to their selective absorption, based, within narrow limits, upon functional groups, size, and configuration of the molecule.
Midterm Benefits of Preoperative Statin Therapy in Patients Undergoing Isolated Valve Surgery

Background Recent data have suggested that statins are associated with reduced early mortality and cardiovascular events after valvular heart surgery. The midterm effects of preoperative statin therapy in the setting of valvular heart surgery are presently unclear. Methods All patients (n = 2,120) who underwent a valvular procedure between April 2004 and April 2010 were identified. Patients undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass graft surgery were excluded. Two patient groups were studied: those who received preoperative statin therapy (n = 663; 31.3%) and those who did not (n = 1,457; 68.7%). Propensity score matching resulted in 381 matched pairs, thus addressing baseline risk imbalances. Thirty-day mortality, readmission rates, postoperative complications, and length of stay were analyzed. Late survival was ascertained by the Social Security Death Index. Results In the matched group, 30-day mortality was 1.3% (5 of 381) for statin-treated patients versus 4.2% (16 of 381) for statin-untreated patients ( p = 0.03). After a mean follow-up of 33 ± 23 months, statin therapy was associated with significantly reduced mortality (hazard ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 0.93, p = 0.019), independent of known cardiac risk factors. Weighted log rank tests revealed that the mortality difference between the two cohorts occurred early after surgery ( p = 0.015). Statin users were less likely to be readmitted to the intensive care unit (3.4% versus 8.1%, p = 0.01). There were no other significant differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications and length of stay. Conclusions Preoperative statin administration is associated with early reductions in mortality among patients undergoing isolated valvular heart surgery, leading to improved late survival. Future prospective analyses are warranted to optimize statin therapy in this patient population.
Complex syntax production of African American preschoolers.

This study examined changes in the complex syntax production of 85 3- and 4-year-old African American children and the role of child (i.e., gender, age, African American English) and family (i.e., home environment) factors. The mean percentage of utterances containing one or more complex syntax forms was 6.2% at 3 years and 11.7% at 4 years. Girls produced more complex syntax forms than did boys. Complex syntax production increased significantly between age 3 and age 4 and correlated positively with mean length of utterance in words. Children from more responsive and stimulating home environments produced more complex syntax at 4 years. African American English was not related to the amount of complex syntax used.
Predictors of future fight-related injury among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Nonfatal fight-related injuries among youths result in lost capacity and high costs of medical care and rehabilitation and constitute a major public health problem. This study identifies factors that predict the occurrence of a fight-related injury that requires medical attention among boys and girls. METHODS: We analyzed data from 14 787 adolescents who completing 2 interviews, approximately 1 year apart, in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative, school-based sample of youths. We identified time 1 factors at the community, family, and individual levels that predicted any self-reported fight-related injury that required medical treatment at time 2. RESULTS: Factors that predict future injury among both boys and girls in multivariate models were violence-related factors: witnessing or being a victim of violence (odds ratio OR.: 3.69; 95% confidence interval CI.: 1.81-7.49 for boys; OR: 5.13; 95% CI: 1.25-21.09 for girls), history of a violence-related injury (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.60-3.29 for boys; OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.87-5.41 for girls), and physical fighting (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.44-2.84 for boys; OR: 5.15; 95% CI: 3.18-8.34 for girls). Among boys, illicit drug use was also an independent predictor of future injury (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.24-2.37), whereas excellent perceived general health (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.25-0.93) and a high grade point average (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.95) were significant protective factors against fight-related injury. Girls who reported a high level of depressive symptoms were much more likely to report fight-related injury than nondepressed girls (OR: 8.98; 95% CI: 2.43-33.25). CONCLUSIONS: Factors related to violence, substance use, school achievement, and physical and mental health predicted a future fight-related injury that required medical treatment. The results could assist health and social service providers, educators, and others in identifying youths who are at high risk for fight-related injury and may benefit from appropriate intervention. Language: en
Regulation of Pituitary Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Binding Protein Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels by Restraint Stress and Adrenalectomy*

CRH is the primary hypothalamic regulator of the stress response in higher organisms, where it acts as the key mediator of ACTH release in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The 37-kDa CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) is known to bind CRH and antagonize CRH-induced ACTH release in vitro. The expression of this protein in anterior pituitary corticotrophs suggests a role for CRH-BP in modulation of the stress response. To investigate the in vivo role of rat CRH-BP, the regulation of pituitary CRH-BP gene expression by acute restraint stress and/or adrenalectomy was examined using ribonuclease protection assays. After restraint stress, steady-state levels of CRH-BP transcripts increase two to three times over basal level and remain significantly higher than basal levels for 120 min after the start of restraint. Adrenalectomy decreases CRH-BP messenger RNA steady-state levels to 8% of control levels. These results demonstrate that pituitary CRH-BP messenger RNA levels are increased in response to acute rest...
Student Mental Health Self-Disclosures in Classrooms: Perceptions and Implications:

With a move from lecture-based to interactive teaching approaches, students are encouraged in a variety of ways to share personal experiences in classroom settings. Among those self-disclosures, st...
Modeling of the interactions between forest vegetation, disturbances, and sediment yields

in the Idaho batholith are investigated through numerical modeling. The model simulates soil development based on continuous bedrock weathering and the divergence of diffusive sediment transport on hillslopes. Soil removal is due to episodic gully erosion, shallow landsliding, and debris flow generation. In the model, forest vegetation provides root cohesion and surface resistance to channel initiation. Forest fires and harvests reduce the vegetation. Vegetation loss leaves the land susceptible to erosion and landsliding until the vegetation cover reestablishes in time. Simulation results compare well with field observations of event sediment yields and long-term averages over � 10,000 years. When vegetation is not disturbed by wildfires over thousands of years, sediment delivery is modeled to be less frequent but with larger event magnitudes. Increased values of root cohesion (representing denser forests) lead to higher event magnitudes. Wildfires appear to control the timing of sediment delivery. Compared to undisturbed forests, erosion is concentrated during the periods with low erosion thresholds, often called accelerated erosion periods, following wildfires. Our modeling suggests that drainage density is inversely proportional to root cohesion and that reduced forest cover due to wildfires increases the drainage density. We compare the sediment yields under anthropogenic (harvest) and natural (wildfire) disturbances. Disturbances due to forest harvesting appear to increase the frequency of sediment delivery; however, the sediment delivery following wildfires seems to be more severe. These modeling-based findings have implications for engineering design and environmental management, where sediment inputs to streams and the fluctuations and episodicity of these inputs are of concern. INDEX TERMS: 1625 Global Change: Geomorphology and weathering (1824, 1886); 1815 Hydrology: Erosion and sedimentation; 1824 Hydrology: Geomorphology (1625); KEYWORDS: sediment yield, wildfires, forest management, hydrology
IR image parametric up-conversion

The general considerations and principles involved with IR image up-conversion are presented and discussed. The factors that limit the resolution of the up-converted image are analyzed and the merits of three types of optical systems are discussed with regard to resolution and efficiency of up-conversion. Several characteristics of six nonlinear crystals are calculated and compared.
High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in inmates from Ohio: cervical screening and biopsy follow-up.

Cervical carcinoma remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide and sexual behavior is regarded as the main contributing factor. We studied cervical cytology screening with surgical biopsy follow-up in women prisoners and compared the findings to those in the general population.
A Low-noise Low-offset Op Amp in 0.35μm CMOS Process

This paper describes a new structure for a low-noise, low-offset, high-speed operational amplifier with a bandwidth up to 10 MHz, designed in a 0.35 μm CMOS process. Design strategies are discussed for minimizing both thermal noise and flicker noise. Special techniques are investigated to maximize the unity gain bandwidth. A digital trimming method is explored to correct for a 10 mV input-referred offset.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of behavioral interventions to improve vaccination compliance in homeless adults

Aims To estimate the cost-effectiveness of three behavioral interventions provided to enhance hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) joint vaccination (HAV/HBV) compliance among homeless persons living in Los Angeles County.
Analog circuit synthesis for large, realistic cells: designing a pipelined A/D converter with ASTRX/OBLX

ASTRX/OBLX are a pair of synthesis tools that together can size high-performance analog circuit topologies to meet user supplied performance constraints. Previous approaches to cell synthesis have focused almost exclusively on small linear textbook circuits, e.g. classical op amps with 5-10 devices. In contrast, in this paper we describe our successful experiences with fully automatic synthesis of the largest analog cells automatically created to date. We design a comparator and a switched capacitor gain cell (82 devices in total), and use them to complete a realistic pipelined A/D converter. >
Integrity of III-V heterojunction interfaces under gamma irradiation

Reliability of modern III-V semiconductor heterostructure devices meant for strong radiation environment depends upon the integrity of the hetero-interfaces under radiation. In this paper, we present some results of our investigation of a variety of heterojunction structures subjected to gamma irradiation up to 40 Mrads (Si) probed by Hall, C-V and photoluminescence measurements.
Leibniz on unbaptized infant damnation

Leibniz consistently denies that unbaptized infants are condemned to hell in virtue of original sin. He is less than forthcoming, however, about where they go when they die. Scholars are divided on this issue. Some think that, according to Leibniz, they go to limbo, while others think that he is committed to the view that they go to heaven. The aim of this paper is to show that this scholarly attention is misguided and that Leibniz does not defend a position regarding the fate of unbaptized infants.
Seismic Response and Performance of a Steel MRF Building with Nonlinear Viscous Dampers under DBE and MCE

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental study of the seismic response of a 0.6-scale three-story building with nonlinear viscous dampers under the design basis earthquake (DBE) and the maximum considered earthquake (MCE). The test structure consists of a moment-resisting frame (MRF) with reduced beam sections (RBS), a frame with nonlinear viscous dampers and associated bracing (called the DBF), and a gravity load system. The paper focuses on quantifying and assessing the seismic response of the test structure under the DBE and MCE. Three MRF designs were studied for 100, 75, and 60%, respectively, of the required base shear design strength according to ASCE 7-10. The DBF with nonlinear viscous dampers was designed to control the lateral drift demands. Earthquake simulations using ensembles of ground motions were conducted using the real-time hybrid simulation method. Experimental results show that a high level of seismic performance can be achieved under DBE and MCE ground motions, even for a building...
The good, the bad, and the interactive: Evaluative concerns perfectionism moderates the effect of personal strivings perfectionism on self-esteem

Abstract Early conceptualizations of perfectionism regard it as a unidimensional and maladaptive construct. However, multiple recent studies have proposed a two-factor model of perfectionism that distinguishes between adaptive and maladaptive features of perfectionism. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction of these two factors of perfectionism on self-esteem, by partially incorporating the recently proposed 2 × 2 model of perfectionism. This objective was examined in a sample of 290 female college students. Findings showed that personal strivings perfectionism 1 (PSP) was positively associated with self-esteem, while evaluative concerns perfectionism 2 (ECP) was negatively related to self-esteem. Moreover, results demonstrated that the interaction of PSP and ECP accounted for a small but significant amount of the variance in self-esteem. Overall, these findings indicate that ECP moderates the relationship between PSP and self-esteem, such that as levels of ECP increase, the relationship between PSP and self-esteem decreases. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Megakaryocyte and hepatocyte origins of human fibrinogen biosynthesis exhibit hepatocyte-specific expression of gamma chain-variant polypeptides

The gamma chain of human fibrinogen is heterogeneous in length at the C- terminus due to differential RNA processing of the gamma chain-gene primary transcript. We have produced two specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against the gamma-chain epitopes generated by this alternative processing event: anti-gamma 57.5(408–416) (L2B), which reacts with gamma 57.5 and gamma 55 chains, and anti-gamma 50(337–411) (H9B7), which reacts preferentially with gamma 50 chains. Using these MoAbs we have studied the expression of gamma-chain polypeptides by immunofluorescence microscopy in the tissues of fibrinogen biosynthesis and have determined that gamma 57.5 polypeptide is expressed in hepatocytes but is absent or present in significantly reduced amounts in megakaryocytes. Therefore the gamma 50 chain is found in plasma, platelet, and megakaryocyte fibrinogens, but the gamma 57.5 chain is found only in plasma fibrinogen. The C-terminal amino acid sequence of gamma 55 includes the L2B epitope 57.5(408–416). Using MoAb L2B we have determined that gamma 55, which is a post-translationally modified gamma 57.5 chain, is found only in plasma fibrinogen and is absent or present in markedly reduced amounts in platelet or megakaryocyte fibrinogen. In addition, the conformation of the L2B epitope is preserved in gamma 55, as determined by Western blot analysis. The hepatocyte-specific expression of the gamma 57.5-chain polypeptide and the post-translational modification to gamma 55 result in a compartmentalization of gamma-chain polypeptide expression. This is suggestive of different mechanisms regulating human fibrinogen gamma- chain gene expression in hepatocytes v megakaryocytes that may operate in a tissue-specific manner at the level of 3′ RNA processing events.
Catalytic Coupling of Oxidative Phosphorylation, ATP Demand, and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation

Competing models of mitochondrial energy metabolism in the heart are highly disputed. In addition, the mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging are not well understood. To deepen our understanding of these processes, a computer model was developed to integrate the biophysical processes of oxidative phosphorylation and ROS generation. The model was calibrated with experimental data obtained from isolated rat heart mitochondria subjected to physiological conditions and workloads. Model simulations show that changes in the quinone pool redox state are responsible for the apparent inorganic phosphate activation of complex III. Model simulations predict that complex III is responsible for more ROS production during physiological working conditions relative to complex I. However, this relationship is reversed under pathological conditions. Finally, model analysis reveals how a highly reduced quinone pool caused by elevated levels of succinate is likely responsible for the burst of ROS seen during reperfusion after ischemia.
Delamination Behavior of Cu-Low-k Stack Under Different Slurries

Lower mechanical strength, reduced cohesive strength and lack of compatibility with other interconnect materials, are the major challenges involved in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of Cu metallization with ultra low-k materials as interlayer dielectrics. In this study we have investigated the polishing behavior of patterned Cu samples with underneath different low-k materials using two different slurries and a wide range of machine parameters. CMP micro tribometer was used to polish the samples with different rotations of platen (50 to 250 RPM) and down forces (1-6 PSI). Friction co-efficient and wear behavior were also investigated at different conditions. Optical and scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the polished surface. It was observed that the two different Cu slurries used for polishing have marked effects on the polishing of Cu-low-k stack with respect to wear and delamination.
Darier disease: candy-cane nails and hyperkeratotic papules.

A 43-year-old woman presented to our clinic with nail changes and a pruritic malodourous rash on the neck and trunk that began 27 years earlier. Her mother had similar cutaneous and nail findings. Physical examination of her fingernails revealed alternating red and white longitudinal bands, with V-shaped notches at the distal nail edges (figure 1). Clinical evaluation of the skin showed numerous hyperkeratotic papules and plaques on her neck, chest, submammary region and abdomen (figure 2). After treatment with compounded triamcinolone, Silvadene ointment and oral glycopyrrolate, her rash and symptoms were ameliorated. Genetic …
Nanopipet-Based Liquid–Liquid Interface Probes for the Electrochemical Detection of Acetylcholine, Tryptamine, and Serotonin via Ionic Transfer

A nanoscale interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) provides a unique analytical platform for the detection of ionic species of biological interest such as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, especially those that are otherwise difficult to detect directly on a carbon electrode without electrode modification. We report the detection of acetylcholine, serotonin, and tryptamine on nanopipet electrode probes with sizes ranging from a radius of ≈7 to 35 nm. The transfer of these analytes across a 1,2-dichloroethane/water interface was studied by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. Well-defined sigmoidal voltammograms were observed on the nanopipet electrodes within the potential window of artificial seawater for acetylcholine and tryptamine. The half wave transfer potential, E1/2, of acetylcholine, tryptamine, and serotonin were found to be -0.11, -0.25, and -0.47 V vs E(1/2,TEA) (term is defined later in experimental), respectively. The detection was linear in the range of 0.25-6 mM for acetylcholine and of 0.5-10 mM for tryptamine in artificial seawater. Transfer of serotonin was linear in the range of 0.15-8 mM in LiCl solution. The limit of detection for serotonin in LiCl on a radius ≈21 nm nanopipet electrode was 77 μM, for acetylcholine on a radius ≈7 nm nanopipet electrode was 205 μM, and for tryptamine on a radius ≈19 nm nanopipet electrode was 86 μM. Nanopipet-supported ITIES probes have great potential to be used in nanometer spatial resolution measurements for the detection of neurotransmitters.
Passive body heating and sleep: influence of proximity to sleep

Previous studies have found enhanced delta sleep following body heating. This study assessed the influence of body heating as a function of its proximity to sleep. Electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep patterns were compared following body heating (1 h immersion in water at 41 degrees C) at each of four times of day: morning (MO), afternoon (AF), early evening (EE), and late evening (LE), ending just prior to sleep. A delta filter/integrator system provided objective measures of delta content. Relative to baseline nights, whole-night delta sleep was increased by the two evening heating sessions only, particularly LE heating. Following LE, the increased delta occurred primarily in the first sleep cycle, whereas EE heating elicited increased delta distributed across the later sleep cycles (cycles 2-4). Effects on manually staged indices of slow wave sleep (SWS) were confined to increases in Stage 4 in the first sleep cycle following LE heating. Heating just prior to sleep also resulted in a substantial reduction in the duration of the first rapid eye movement sleep period. Sleep onset time was reduced by heating, particularly EE heating. The results indicate that body heating induces temporary changes that affect sleep propensity and both the quantity and temporal distribution of delta activity in the sleep EEG.
Prediction of severe obstruction to right ventricular outflow after repair of tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia

Cineangiograms were available for a quantitative retrospective study along with complete clinical information in 96 patients who underwent intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. Multivariate analysis determined that the risk factors for too high a ratio (greater than or equal to 1) between the peak pressure in the right ventricle and that in the left, in the operating room about 30 minutes after repair, were as follows: size of the patient, small size of the right and left pulmonary arteries, and a larger number of large aortopulmonary collateral arteries. When, according to the multivariate equation, the predicted probability of this ratio being equal to or greater than 1 is 50% or more, consideration may be given to preliminary operations before repair; when the predicted probability is 70% or more, complete repair at that stage may be unwise.
Fin-FET based low temperature coefficient current reference generator

This paper presents the design of supply, process and temperature compensated low voltage current reference generator circuit. The circuit is designed without using BJTs, Op-Amps and special diodes to minimize the production cost. The circuit provides a reference current of 19.16 μA with supply voltage of 1.2 V which varies from 1.065 V to 1.275 V. The circuit is implemented in 14nm Fin-FET technology and the temperature coefficient of the reference current is evaluated by circuit simulations. Monte Carlo Analysis is performed over a set of 100 samples which shows an average temperature coefficient of 22 ppm/°C with standard deviation of 10% for temperature range between 10 to 110° C. PSRR measured at 1 MHz and 1 GHz is −44.77 dB & −16.51 dB, respectively. The reference current shows a line sensitivity of 5%.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) in advanced well differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (WD pNETs): A study using MSK-IMPACT.

246 Background: Whole exome sequencing in WD pNETs demonstrated an increased number of mutations in chromatin modeling genes (MEN1, DAXX, and ATRX), and in the mTOR pathway. NGS brings this technology to the clinic but its relevance in practice has been questioned. In this prospective, IRB-approved study (NCT01775072), we used the MSK-IMPACT assay to perform NGS on WD pNETs in a routine practice setting. MSK-IMPACT, performed in a CLIA-compliant laboratory, is a multiplexed assay (Illumina HiSeq) providing full exon coverage of 410 cancer related genes, detecting base substitutions, small indels, copy number and select gene rearrangements. Methods: After written consent, tumor and germline DNA were analyzed. Genomic alterations were catalogued. Results: MSK-IMPACT results are available in 39 patients (pts). Actionable alterations were identified in 13/39 pts (33.3%). These actionable alterations included BRAF V600E (2 pts; 5.1%), and mutations in TSC1 (1 pt; 2.6%), TSC2 (5 pts; 12.8%), PTEN (4 pts; 10.3%)...