cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inventing a Biologically Inspired, Energy Efficient Micro Aerial Vehicle

In recent years, research efforts have focused on the design, development and deployment of unmanned systems for a variety of applications ranging from intelligence and surveillance to border patrol, rescue operations, etc. Micro Aerial Vehicles are viewed as potential targets that can provide agility and accurate small area coverage while being cost-effective and can be easily launched by a single operator. The small size of MAVs allows such flight operations within confined space but the control effectors must provide sufficient maneuverability, while maintaining stability, with only limited sensing capability onboard the platform. To meet these challenges, researchers have long been attracted by the amazing attributes of biological systems, such as those exhibited by birds and insects. Birds can fly in dense flocks, executing rapid maneuvers with g-loads far in excess of modern fighter aircrafts, and yet never collide with each other, despite the absence of air traffic controllers. This paper introduces a novel framework for the design and control of a Micro Air Vehicle. The vehicle's conceptual design is based on biologically-inspired principles and emulates a dragonfly (Odonata---Anisoptera). A sophisticated multi-layered Hybrid & Linear/Non-Linear controller to achieve extended flight times and improved agility compared to other Rotary and Flapping Wing MAV designs. The paper addresses the design and control features of the proposed QV design and gives an overview on the developmental efforts towards the prototyping of the flyer. The potential applications for such a high endurance vehicle are numerous, including air-deployable mass surveillance in cluster and swarm formations. The disposable nature of the vehicle would help in battle-field deployment as well, where such a MAV would be made available to soldiers for proximity sensing and threat level assessment. Other applications would include search and rescue operations and civilian law-enforcement.
Image distortion from optical scalars in nonperturbative gravitational lensing

In a previous article concerning image distortion in non-perturbative gravitational lensing theory we described how to introduce shape and distortion parameters for small sources. We also showed how they could be expressed in terms of the scalar products of the geodesic deviation vectors of the source's pencil of rays in the past lightcone of an observer. In the present work we give an alternative approach to the description of the shape and distortion parameters and their evolution along the null geodesic from the source to the observer, but now in terms of the optical scalars (the convergence and shear of null vector field of the observer's lightcone) and the associated optical equations, which relate the optical scalars to the curvature of the spacetime.
Model identification of nonlinear time variant processes via artificial neural network

This paper demonstrates that neural networks in conjunction with recursive least squares can be used effectively for model identification of nonlinear time variant processes. The developed approach updates the process model partially at any given sampling time. By updating only a subset of parameters at a given time sample, rather than all network parameters, convergence time is significantly reduced. In addition, meeting the convergence criteria and over-parametrization are less of a problem. The updating approach is applied to a nonisothermal CSTR with time varying parameters and its performance is demonstrated. The resulting approach predicts the process output extremely well and has the ability to learn on-line.
The Construction of Religious Boundaries: Culture, Identity and Diversity in the Sikh Tradition

This text lays the foundation for reinterpretation of religion and society in India. Using post-structuralist theory, the author suggests an alternative to earlier scholarly narratives that saw Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam as historically given categories encompassing well-demarcated and self-conscious units of religious identity. The theoretical advances are made through a searching examination of Sikh historical materials.
Contrived Competition: Airline Regulation and Deregulation, 1925–1988

Although many have studied regulatory policy in the United States, few have viewed it as a process, shaping markets and industries and, in turn, being affected by the structures it helped to create. By looking at the forty-year history of airline regulation and then focusing on one company's adaptations to deregulation, this article demonstrates that monocausal explanations fail to capture the complex and dynamic nature of the interaction between regulation and competition in America.
Localized density clumps generated in a magnetized nonneutral plasma

Abstract The final, nonlinear, saturated state of the diocotron instability is investigated experimentally in a magnetized, annular, nonneutral plasma. As the wave grows to large amplitude, the plasma is organized into vortices. In the limit of high magnetic fields, and moderate central conductor biases, the diocotron modes compress the plasma into dense ( n ∼ 3.5 n 0 ) localized clumps. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell computer simulations confirm the physical picture of vortex formation by resonant particle trapping.
Simulation of size reduction and enlargement processes by a modified version of the beta distribution function

Description de la distribution granulometrique beta. Simulation des changements de distribution granulometrique
Prognostic significance of AMP-activated protein kinase expression and modifying effect of MAPK3/1 in colorectal cancer.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, PRKA) has central roles in cellular metabolic sensing and energy balance homeostasis, and interacts with various pathways (e.g., TP53 (p53), FASN, MTOR and MAPK3/1 (ERK)). AMP-activated protein kinase activation is cytotoxic to cancer cells, supporting AMPK as a tumour suppressor and a potential therapeutic target. However, no study has examined its prognostic role in colorectal cancers. Among 718 colon and rectal cancers, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) and p-MAPK3/1 expression was detected in 409 and 202 tumours, respectively, by immunohistochemistry. Cox proportional hazards model was used to compute mortality hazard ratio (HR), adjusting for clinical and tumoral features, including microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, LINE-1 methylation, and KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations. Phosphorylated AMPK expression was not associated with survival among all patients. Notably, prognostic effect of p-AMPK significantly differed by p-MAPK3/1 status (Pinteraction=0.0017). Phosphorylated AMPK expression was associated with superior colorectal cancer-specific survival (adjusted HR 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.74) among p-MAPK3/1-positive cases, but not among p-MAPK3/1-negative cases (adjusted HR 1.22; 95% CI: 0.85–1.75). Phosphorylated AMPK expression in colorectal cancer is associated with superior prognosis among p-MAPK3/1-positive cases, but not among p-MAPK3/1-negative cases, suggesting a possible interaction between the AMPK and MAPK pathways influencing tumour behaviour.
Some problems regarding the implementation of a licensing procedure for computer personnel

This paper discusses some of the problems of establishing a licensing procedure for computer personnel. These problems are discussed drawing upon the author's experiences as a member of a State Engineering Registration Board. The need for a careful, precise definition of the computing field is shown to be a first step in the licensing process. This step leads naturally to the determination of the contents of the licensing examinations, and their administration by the licensing board. The handling of complaints of non-professional practice is discussed. The conclusion is drawn that a clear consensus as to the nature of the practice to be controlled, and the education and experience needed to qualify for registration, must precede the implementation of a licensing procedure.
Nutrition-related cancer prevention attitudes in low-income women.

Abstract Objective. To investigate the nutrition-related cancer prevention attitudes of low-income African American women, determine whether a nutrition education program can alter these attitudes, and determine whether these attitudes are related to diet and dietary changes. Method. One-hundred and fifty-seven African American women from Washington, D.C. public housing communities participated in a nutrition education program from 2001 to 2003. They completed questionnaires assessing their attitudes about the role of nutrition in cancer prevention at baseline, post-intervention, and 4 months later. They also completed 24-hour food recalls at baseline, post-intervention, and 4 months later. Results. Women agreed that good nutrition prevents cancer, especially women with higher literacy, women with fewer children living at home, women who had not had experience with cancer, and women who were worried about their health. Participation in the program increased agreement that good nutrition prevents cancer over 4 months. Women whose agreement increased over the intervention were able to maintain dietary changes they made over 4 months. Conclusion. Nutrition-related cancer prevention attitudes were strong and were strengthened by a nutrition education program. These attitudes may contribute to people's ability to maintain dietary changes.
Is it too late for Apple Computer? [Binary critic]

This month brought a rash of new product announcements from Apple Computer. But we have a problem here: According to the press, Apple Computer is about gone-wiped outby the Wintel fruit fly. Or is it? The following interview with longtime veteran of the PC software industry Doug Rosenberg, CEO of Iconix Software Engineering, suggests that if Apple has the willpower, there is a way to rejuvenate the company and save the computer industry from the clutches of Wintel.
Postpartum cerebral angiopathy. Is there a role for sympathomimetic drugs

Postpartum cerebral angiopathy is associated with the use of of ergot alkaloids. The exact mechanism is unclear but may be related to their sympathomimetic properties, as evidenced in patients already on other ergot derivatives who deteriorated only after taking additional sympathomimetic drugs. We postulate that sympathomimetic agents, independent of ergot alkaloids, may produce the same complication.A postpartum patient, initially presenting with headaches, subsequently manifested rapid neurological deterioration after ingesting isometheptene, a sympathomimetic drug. She was not on any ergot derivative but presented similar clinical and radiological manifestations. She experienced increased headache severity, visual disturbance, and seizures associated with multiple segmental cerebral vasoconstriction on angiography and increased T2-weighted signal in the occipital areas on magnetic resonance imaging.This case is additional evidence that sympathomimetic actions of some drugs, such as ergot derivatives a...
Fetal choroid plexus cysts: An independent risk factor for chromosomal anomalies

As a result of numerous conflicting reports, we designed a prospective controlled study to determine the inherent risk of aneuploidy with second-trimester fetal choroid plexus cysts. Our controls were patients who had ultrasonography and genetic amniocentesis, between 15 weeks and 22 weeks, menstrual age, by the same sonologist on the same day as a study subject with a choroid plexus cyst. Sixty-three cases of fetal choroid plexus cysts were detected in 3247 second-trimester examinations (1.9%). Six chromosomally abnormal fetuses [Trisomy 18 (3), Down syndrome (2), Klinefelter syndrome] were found in the cyst group (9.5%) with only one Trisomy 21 among the controls (0.5%) (p < .002). Of note, 5 of 21 (23.8%) fetuses with cysts greater than 5 mm in diameter had aneuploidy, as compared with only 1 of 42 (2.4%) chromosomal anomalies with smaller cysts (p < .02). We conclude that fetal choroid plexus cysts are an independent risk factor for chromosomal anomalies; genetic counseling and prenatal chromosomal analysis are indicated.
Differences in Pathogenicity between two Genetically Distinct Groups of Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli on Cucurbit Hosts

Using DNA fingerprinting by pulse-field gel electrophoresis and repetitive extragenic pallindromic (REP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), two distinct groups were confirmed among 64 Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli strains collected from a range of cucurbitaceous hosts in the USA, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Canada, Australia, Brazil and Israel. Eighty-two percent of the group I strains were recovered from non-watermelon hosts and the subspecies type strain was the only member of this group that utilized l-leucine as a sole carbon source. On the contrary, 94% of the group II strains were recovered from watermelon and 96% of them utilized l-leucine. Two-week-old watermelon cv. Crimson sweet, cantaloupe cv. Athena, pumpkin cv. Lumina and squash cv. Early yellow crookneck seedlings were susceptible to A. avenae subsp. citrulli strains representing each group with the exception of the subspecies type strain. Overall, seedlings of watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet were most susceptible to A. avenae subsp. citrulli infection followed by cantaloupe, pumpkin and squash. Group II strains were more aggressive watermelon than on other hosts. On the contrary, group I strains were moderately aggressive on all cucurbit hosts tested.
A formulation for the partition of free vs hemoglobin-bound 2,3-diphosphoglycerate

Abstract Formulations have been developed to describe the partition of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) between its free and hemoglobin-bound states within the red cell. The partition is defined for different total amounts of 2,3-DPG as well as for different degrees of oxygen saturation. The difference in free 2,3-DPG between zero and full oxygen saturation, is maximal when the molar ratio of 2,3-DPG/hemoglobin is unity.
Response surface model of the effect of pH, sodium chloride and sodium nitrite on growth of Yersinia enterocolitica at low temperatures

Abstract A fractional factorial design was used to measure the effects and interactions of temperature (5, 12, 19°C), pH (4.5–8.5), sodium chloride (0.5–5%) and sodium nitrite (0–200 μg/ml) on the aerobic growth of Y. enterocolitica in brain heart infusion broth. Growth curves were modeled by fitting plate count data to the Gompertz equation. Quadratic models of natural logarithm transformations of the Gompertz B and M values and the derived values for lag phase durations and generation times were obtained using response surface analysis. Predictions based on the models for B and M values were comparable to predictions based on the derived values. These models provide a means for rapidly estimating how the bacterium is likely to respond to any combination of the four variables within the specified ranges.
Caspase-cleaved tau accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases associated with tau and α-synuclein pathology

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Pick’s disease (PiD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are diseases associated with the accumulation of tau or α-synuclein. In AD, β-amyloid (Aβ)-associated caspase activation and cleavage of tau at Asp421 (ΔTau) may be an early step in neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation. To examine whether ΔTau accumulates in other diseases not characterized by extracellular Aβ accumulation, we examined PiD, PSP, and CBD cases in comparison to those without extensive tau accumulation including frontotemporal lobar degeneration without Pick bodies (FTLD) and control cases. Additionally, we studied ΔTau accumulation in DLB cases associated with intracellular α-synuclein. ΔTau was observed in all disease cases except non-PiD FTLD and controls. These results demonstrate that the accumulation of ΔTau may represent a common pathway associated with abnormal accumulation of intracellular tau or α-synuclein and may be relatively less dependent on the extracellular accumulation of Aβ in non-AD dementias.
PM: a system to support the automatic acquisition of programming knowledge

A system called partial metrics (PM) which utilizes chunking as a model for acquiring knowledge about program implementation is described. The chunking paradigm has three phases. The first phase partitions the object to be chunked into relatively independent parts called aggregates. The objects to be chunked in PM are code modules. Modules are separated into a collection of aggregates based on a model of stepwise refinement. A heuristic that generates a hierarchically structured collection of refinement steps describing how the program could have been developed as a set of independent refinement decisions (object-oriented stepwise implementation) is given. The second phase encodes (abstracts) each of the aggregates. Various techniques for symbolic learning can be applied to produce a frame-based encoding of information present in the code. This abstraction contains information about the aggregate's role in the refinement process as well as the code's functionality. The third phase inserts the chunked aggregate into a hierarchically structured library of cases based on the contents of its frame description. The storage of an aggregate enables its future use in problem-solving activities. An example of how this approach can be used to acquire knowledge from a sort module is described. >
Acute high-dose methotrexate neurotoxicity in the rat

Intravenous high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy may produce acute, subacute, or chronic neurotoxicity in patients with cancer. Acute encephalopathies following high-dose methotrexate treatment are recognized with increasing frequency. This study describes a model of acute high-dose methotrexate neurotoxicity in the rat characterized by a profound dose-dependent depression of cerebral glucose metabolism in association with behavioral and electroencephalographic abnormalities. Alterations in the amino acid profile, similar to those described in cancer patients after high-dose methotrexate treatment, were observed in the absence of biochemical evidence of systemic organ toxicity. This model facilitates the study of the biochemical mechanisms of antifolate neurotoxicity in humans and permits the evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions.
Novel treatment option for MUC16-positive malignancies with the targeted TRAIL-based fusion protein Meso-TR3

Background The targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics represents an ongoing challenge in the field of drug development. TRAIL is a promising cancer drug but its activity profile could benefit from a cancer-selective delivery mechanism, which would reduce potential side effects and increase treatment efficiencies. We recently developed the novel TRAIL-based drug platform TR3, a genetically fused trimer with the capacity for further molecular modifications such as the addition of tumor-directed targeting moieties. MUC16 (CA125) is a well characterized biomarker in several human malignancies including ovarian, pancreatic and breast cancer. Mesothelin is known to interact with MUC16 with high affinity. In order to deliver TR3 selectively to MUC16-expressing cancers, we investigated the possibility of targeted TR3 delivery employing the high affinity mesothelin/MUC16 ligand/receptor interaction.
Nitric Oxide in the Pulmonary Vasculature

Homeostasis in the pulmonary vasculature is maintained by the actions of vasoactive compounds, including nitric oxide (NO). NO is critical for normal development of the pulmonary vasculature and continues to mediate normal vasoregulation in adulthood. Loss of NO bioavailability is one component of the endothelial dysfunction and vascular pathology found in pulmonary hypertension (PH). A broad research effort continues to expand our understanding of the control of NO production and NO signaling and has generated novel theories on the importance of pulmonary NO production in the control of the systemic vasculature. This understanding has led to exciting developments in our ability to treat PH, including inhaled NO and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and to several promising directions for future therapies using nitric oxide-donor compounds, stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase, progenitor cells expressing NO synthase (NOS), and NOS gene manipulation.
Effect of temperature on the biology of Aphis spiraecola (Homoptera: Aphididae).

The temperature-dependent development, survivorship, and reproduction of the spirea aphid, Aphis spiraecola Patch, on Polyscias crispata (Bull) Merr were evaluated at eight constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 28, 30, 32, and 35°C). The population failed to survive at 35°C. Between 10–32°C, developmental periods of immature stages varied from 23.0 d at 10°C to 7.3 d at 28°C. The developmental thresholds were estimated at 2.3°C for overall immature stages and 5.0, 1.4, 1.0, and 1.3°C for first to fourth stadia, respectively. The percentage of survivorship of immature stages ranged from 78.2 to 95.0% within the range of 10–30°C. However, survivorship was reduced to 29.6% at 32°C. The average longevity of adult females ranged from 36.5 d at 10°C to 6.0 d at 32°C. The average progeny per female was 44.0 at 20°C to 5.1 at 32°C. The largest rm (0.308) occurred at 25°C. Populations reared at 32 and 10°C had the smallest rm value of 0.040 and 0.078, respectively. The mean generation time of the population ranged from 35.1 d at 10°C to 10.7 d at 32°C. The optimal range of temperature for A. spiraecola population growth was 20–30°C. Several mathematical functions were used to quantify spirea aphid development, survivorship, reproduction, and life table parameters in relation to temperatures.
Quantitative evaluation of in vivo vital-dye fluorescence endoscopic imaging for the detection of Barrett’s-associated neoplasia

Current imaging tools are associated with inconsistent sensitivity and specificity for detection of Barrett’s-associated neoplasia. Optical imaging has shown promise in improving the classification of neoplasia in vivo. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate whether in vivo vital dye fluorescence imaging (VFI) has the potential to improve the accuracy of early-detection of Barrett’s-associated neoplasia. In vivo endoscopic VFI images were collected from 65 sites in 14 patients with confirmed Barrett’s esophagus (BE), dysplasia, or esophageal adenocarcinoma using a modular video endoscope and a high-resolution microendoscope (HRME). Qualitative image features were compared to histology; VFI and HRME images show changes in glandular structure associated with neoplastic progression. Quantitative image features in VFI images were identified for objective image classification of metaplasia and neoplasia, and a diagnostic algorithm was developed using leave-one-out cross validation. Three image features extracted from VFI images were used to classify tissue as neoplastic or not with a sensitivity of 87.8% and a specificity of 77.6% (AUC=0.878). A multimodal approach incorporating VFI and HRME imaging can delineate epithelial changes present in Barrett’s-associated neoplasia. Quantitative analysis of VFI images may provide a means for objective interpretation of BE during surveillance.
A LONGITUDINAL PERSPECTIVE ON PATTERNS OF CRIME

This article addresses the possibility of prospectively identfying chronic criminal offenders using identifiers available to the criminal justice system. Data were collected as part of a longitudinal study of the lives of men who were in a delinquency prevention program in the early 1940s. For the half who were randomly assigned to the treatment group, a discriminant function correctly identified 67% of the men as recidivists or nonrecidivists. When tested on the control group, it correctly sorted 76% of the men. The author argues that although prospective identification of recidivists may be possible, legal action based on predictions would be wrong.
Comparison of short vs. Long half-life single-dose prophylactic antibiotics for cesarean section.

Objective: Numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for reducing postcesarean section infectious morbidity. The duration of therapy, however, remains controversial. Cost containment measures and the ease of single dosing have led to the introduction of"extended" half-life agents for cesarean-section chemoprophylaxis. We tested the hypothesis that there was no difference in efficacy between a single dose ofa short half-life agent (cefoxitin) and a longer half-life agent (cefotetan). Methods:A prospective, double-blind trial of375 non-elective cesarean-section cases was carried out. Study antibiotics (2 g) were administered intravenously (IV) at cord clamping only. Results: Demographic and clinical variables between the 2 study groups were similar. No significant differences were noted in major or minor morbidity or in infectious morbidities for patients receiving the 2 prophylactic regimens. The occurrence of postoperative endometritis was likewise similar for the subjects receiving cefoxitin (10%) and cefotetan (15%). When cases whose surgery lasted >60 min were evaluated separately, no differences in outcomes between the 2 groups were identified. Conclusions: These findings confirm our hypothesis that the half-life difference between these 2 agents does not impact on single-dose prophylactic efficacy in cesarean section. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Src-Mediated Phosphorylation of Dynamin and Cortactin Regulates the “Constitutive” Endocytosis of Transferrin

The mechanisms by which epithelial cells regulate clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) of transferrin are poorly defined and generally viewed as a constitutive process that occurs continuously without regulatory constraints. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that endocytosis of the transferrin receptor is a regulated process that requires activated Src kinase and, subsequently, phosphorylation of two important components of the endocytic machinery, namely, the large GTPase dynamin 2 (Dyn2) and its associated actin-binding protein, cortactin (Cort). To our knowledge these findings are among the first to implicate an Src-mediated endocytic cascade in what was previously presumed to be a nonregulated internalization process.
Complications of tympanostomy tubes in head and neck cancer patients.

Abstract Purpose To assess myringotomy plus tympanostomy tube (MTT) complication rates in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with otitis media (OM). Materials and methods We performed a retrospective review of 182 HNC patients with OM treated between January 2000 and October 2007 for demographic data and data about MTT-related complications, tumor type and outcomes following MTT. Results We identified OM in 35 nasopharyngeal (NP), 34 paranasal sinus (PNS), and 24 larynx cancer patient ears; of these, 29 (83%), 31 (91%), and 22 (92%), respectively, were treated with MTT. Of the 29 NP cancer patient ears treated with MTT, 13 (45%) received MTT before radiotherapy; complications included otorrhea in 11 ears (38%), otorrhea with perforation in 3 ears (10%), and cholesteatoma in 1 ear (3%). Of the 31 PNS cancer patient ears treated with MTT, 17 (55%) received MTT before radiotherapy; complications included otorrhea in 10 ears (32%) and otorrhea with perforation in 3 ears (10%). All 22 laryngeal cancer patient ears were treated with MTT before radiotherapy; 5 ears (23%) developed chronic otorrhea. Patients with pre-existing eustachian tube dysfunction had significantly higher rates of tympanostomy tube otorrhea (p = .009). Conclusions The complication rates of OM in the setting of NP or PNS cancer were not significantly different regardless of intervention timing in relation to radiotherapy. Laryngectomy patients had a high rate of tympanostomy sequelae after radiotherapy. MTT for OM has high complication rates in HNC patients.
The Conflict Between the General and the Particular—Theoretical Perspectives

One could give endless additional illustrations of the practical force of the perennial desire for some general principle around which to organize as much as possible of the legal universe and the subsequent retreat to a more particularized view of the law in the face of the stubborn reality of complex social conditions. From the perspective from which this book is written, the presentation of additional examples would be pointless. There are, however, some more basic observations that can be made about this recurrent phenomenon and especially about the context in which some particular manifestation of this phenomenon appears. The phenomenon has generally manifested itself in judicial decisions and scholarly work aimed at a relatively small professional legal audience. The controversy over whether there is a general right to privacy that we discussed above fits that model. The same may be said about the American cases concerning recovery for pure economic loss to which we have also referred. But, in England, the discussion of whether pure economic loss was recoverable in tort was undoubtedly influenced, as we have already indicated, by the work of Ronald Dworkin. This made a significant difference. While Dworkin himself is of course a lawyer, his work is directed at a much wider audience than the narrow professional audience of practicing lawyers and the law school professors who teach concrete legal subjects like torts or contracts. Under his prompting, questions such as whether pure economic loss should be recoverable in tort mutated from being relatively narrow legal issues into inquiries as to the nature of legal reasoning itself and even as to the nature of moral reasoning. That is, the resolution of these legal issues has raised the question of what the ideal form of legal argument addressed to an idealized universal audience would look like.
Hypertonic solutions for termination of pregnancy

Experience with the use of hypertonic solutions for the termination of 17 pregnancies has been reported. A success rate approaching 90 per cent with the use of hypertonic saline was encountered. No ill effects were seen. The precautionary measures believed to be necessary to eliminate risks have been stressed.
Equations for the Evaluation of Thermodynamic Quantities for Multicomponent Systems

Simple mathematical transformations on the Gibbs excess function GEm permit the evaluation of many important thermodynamic quantities. It is therefore of considerable interest to be able to evaluate this excess function from experimental data. We extend the methods already developed for excess functions based on mole-fractions to derive appropriate partial differential equations which relate any pair of GEm, the logarithm of an activity coefficient, or the osmotic coefficient ϕ. The derivation is general and does not depend on the experimental data conforming to any particular model. We illustrate the applications of these equations to experimental data from the literature. Equations and applications for other partial molar quantities are also discussed.
Male Program Assessment for College Excellence (M-PACE): Content Validation Summary

ABSTRACTThis article describes the development and content validation of the Male Program Assessment for College Excellence (M-PACE). The M-PACE is an outcomes based assessment tool designed to assess and improve the effectiveness of programs and initiatives serving men of color in the community college. The instrument was developed to serve as a standardized outcomes assessment tool to determine the efficacy of minority male initiative (MMI) interventions and enhance program models.
A utility analysis of dental implants.

By applying a utility (usefulness) scale termed the "Feeling Thermometer" to 111 edentulous patients, a measure of effectiveness (quality-adjusted prosthesis years) that can be compared across several treatment strategies was developed. The results suggest that the utility scale was a valid (known group, P < .05), reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient = .713) measure of patients' preferences for the three treatment strategies: (1) conventional complete dentures (controls, n = 77), (2) transosteal implant-supported prostheses (n = 19), and (3) endosseous implant-supported prostheses (n = 15). The implant-treated patients rated their prostheses as high or higher (Feeling Thermometer score of 86.3 [endosseous] and 82.3 [transosteal]) than a functional fitting, esthetic conventional denture (score of 85.0 [endosseous] and 82.0 [transosteal]). They were also younger, more educated, and had received more sets of dentures (P < .05) than conventional denture patients.
Transfer of Ultraviolet Light in the Atmosphere and Ocean: A Tutorial Review

Penetration of UV radiation through the atmosphere depends on atmospheric ozone and particulate matter in the form of clouds and aerosols. Ozone absorbs strongly in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum and weakly in the visible. Particulate clouds interact significantly with solar radiation throughout the UV and visible region. In the ultraviolet spectral range scattering by atmospheric molecules is also important because of the inverse fourth power dependence of molecular (Rayleigh) scattering on wavelength. The total amount of molecules in the atmosphere above a given location varies relatively little with time, whereas the ozone amount can vary significantly from day to day, and cloud cover varies on much shorter time scales. Thus, the amount of UV and visible radiation available at any level in the atmosphere and at the surface is to a large extent controlled by variations in column ozone amount and cloud conditions. The transfer of radiation through aquatic media is quite similar to radiation transfer in the atmosphere. The water molecules give rise to absorption, and Rayleigh (molecular) scattering arises from density fluctuations. In addition, particulate matter in the ocean, due to dissolved organic and inorganic matter, scatter and absorb radiation in much the same way aerosol and cloud ‘particles’ do in the atmosphere.
A time for play: Interstitial time, Invest/Express games, and feminine leisure style:

Games such as FarmVille and other casuals played on social networks and mobile devices have recently become increasingly popular. Research on Social Networking Games (SNGs) often focuses on the “social” aspects—how this newer style of games engenders social relationships from disparate locations. This essay examines the genre of gaming in terms of their industry category, “Invest/Express Games.” Using the Invest/Express label as a means of rethinking the role of interstitial time, this essay proposes that the gaming style taps in to what can be understood as “feminine leisure style.” In many ways, the significance of Invest/Express embodies a shift toward a feminization of popular video games.
Efficient Trajectory Planning Algorithm for Coordinately Operating Multiple Robots

An efficient trajectory planning algorithm that uses the search method to generate locally minimum time trajectories for coordinately operating multiple robots is proposed. The algorithm can be applied to non-redundant robots which operating coordinately in a three-dimensional workspace. The control sampling period of the robots is assumed to be constant. The path of the rigid object carried by the robots is specified. The generated robot trajectories satisfy the joint velocity, acceleration and torque constraints as well as the path constraints.
Managing bowel elimination problems in patients with cancer.

Purpose/objectives To provide strategies for the assessment and management of bowel elimination disorders and to standardize approaches to prevent bowel disorders. Data sources Articles, books, ongoing clinical research. Data synthesis The type and degree of bowel elimination problems vary with the type of tumor and treatment received. Prediction of potential bowel problems based on treatment given dictates a bowel management program to prevent problems and help patients deal with the outcome of the treatment. A standard care plan that includes assessment and intervention for various bowel elimination problems provides specific guidelines for nursing care. Conclusions Bowel function in the patient with cancer inevitably will be affected while going through treatment or as the disease progresses. Implications for nursing practice Nursing care to relieve these problems can significantly affect the patient's quality of life. As patients are diagnosed with cancer and undergo cancer therapy, they can hope for bowel management through nursing guidance and patient education.
Fourier series for singular measures and the Kaczmarz algorithm

Using the Kaczmarz algorithm, we obtain a Fourier series formulation for functions in the L2 space of singular measures on the unit circle. This formula is applied to the problem of finding reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces inside the classical Hardy space, where the norm is instead that of boundary integration with respect to a singular measure. We also give some conditions ensuring that these subspaces bear some essential semblances to the classical Hardy space.
Congenital Milium of the Nipple

A 12-month-old girl presented with an asymptomatic, pearly nodule on the left nipple that had been present from birth and was currently 3 mm in diameter and growing. Assuming the diagnosis of congenital primary milium of the nipple, we took a "wait and see" approach. After 3 months, the pearl disappeared without any scarring.
The Relevance of Sister Chromatid Exchange Studies to Public Health: Prevention and Intervention. Introduction to a General Discussion on the Interpretation of Sister Chromatid Exchange Data

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for the development of standards to eliminate, to the extent that is feasible, health hazards in the occupational environment. Data from a variety of sources on the toxic effects of chemical or physical agents are reviewed in order to determine the level of exposure to these agents associated with potential adverse health effects in workers. Experimental bioassays, human case reports, and/or epidemiologic studies are evaluated.
Metabolism, Biochemical Actions, and Chemical Synthesis of Anticancer Nucleosides, Nucleotides, and Base Analogs

Nucleoside, nucleotide, and base analogs have been in the clinic for decades to treat both viral pathogens and neoplasms. More than 20% of patients on anticancer chemotherapy have been treated with one or more of these analogs. This review focuses on the chemical synthesis and biology of anticancer nucleoside, nucleotide, and base analogs that are FDA-approved and in clinical development since 2000. We highlight the cellular biology and clinical biology of analogs, drug resistance mechanisms, and compound specificity towards different cancer types. Furthermore, we explore analog syntheses as well as improved and scale-up syntheses. We conclude with a discussion on what might lie ahead for medicinal chemists, biologists, and physicians as they try to improve analog efficacy through prodrug strategies and drug combinations.
Exploring tradeoffs in accommodating moral diversity

This paper explores the space of possibilities for public justification in morally diverse communities. Moral diversity is far more consequential than is typically appreciated, and as a result, we need to think more carefully about how our standard tools function in such environments. I argue that because of this diversity, public justification can (and should) be divorced from any claim of determinateness. Instead, we should focus our attention on procedures—in particular, what Rawls called cases of pure procedural justice. I use a modified form of the procedure “I cut, you choose” to demonstrate how perspectival diversity can make what looks like a simple procedure quite complex in practice. I use this to reframe disputes between classical liberal and contemporary liberal approaches to questions of public morality, arguing that classically liberal procedures, such as a reliance on the harm principle, can generate rather illiberal-looking outcomes when used in a morally diverse community. A seemingly less-principled approach, which simply balances burdens, appears to generate outcomes that look closer to what we would expect from classical liberalism. However, since both approaches are based on pure procedures that we can justify without reference to outcomes, it remains indeterminate which we ought to choose.
Curriculum network graph: relative contribution of courses

We propose a centrality and topological sort-based formulation to quantify the relative contribution of courses in a curriculum network graph (CNG). We normalise the values obtained for each centrality metric as well as the level numbers of the vertices in a topological sort of the CNG. The contribution score for a vertex is the weighted sum of the normalised values for the vertex. The relative contribution scores of the vertices could be used as a measure of the weights to be given to the courses for curriculum assessment and student ranking as well as to cluster courses with similar contribution.
We Lost our Culture with Civilization

Ci birr jemuy Njangale mu soxal nepp akit ci njangale mi ci daara yu ndaw yi di gen di nara soxal nepp, xam ni nit ni gise xam-xam yeek njangle mi lu war la. Xamle mi men naa jaadu akit dimbali ci tinki mi su fekkee akit doŋŋ su fekke te ni teralin yooyu deppoo na nu. Pacc bii mu ngi ame benn gestu bu ndaw bu nu amale ci gox bu feete ci Bundu ci Senegaal, doon sosu menn powum jangale akit seetlum po moomu ak firnde yu joge ci waxtaan yi.
A retrospective cohort study of inpatient chemotherapy utilization in hospitalized advanced lung cancer patients in the United States.

6611 Background: The administration of chemotherapy to patients with limited performance status and within 6 weeks of death is considered an indicator of poor quality care. We assessed predictors o...
Sequence Transfer Learning for Neural Decoding

A fundamental challenge in designing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) is decoding behavior from time-varying neural oscillations. In typical applications, decoders are constructed for individual subjects and with limited data leading to restrictions on the types of models that can be utilized. Currently, the best performing decoders are typically linear models capable of utilizing rigid timing constraints with limited training data. Here we demonstrate the use of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to take advantage of the temporal information present in sequential neural data collected from subjects implanted with electrocorticographic (ECoG) electrode arrays performing a finger flexion task. Our constructed models are capable of achieving accuracies that are comparable to existing techniques while also being robust to variation in sample data size. Moreover, we utilize the LSTM networks and an affine transformation layer to construct a novel architecture for transfer learning. We demonstrate that in scenarios where only the affine transform is learned for a new subject, it is possible to achieve results comparable to existing state-of-the-art techniques. The notable advantage is the increased stability of the model during training on novel subjects. Relaxing the constraint of only training the affine transformation, we establish our model as capable of exceeding performance of current models across all training data sizes. Overall, this work demonstrates that LSTMs are a versatile model that can accurately capture temporal patterns in neural data and can provide a foundation for transfer learning in neural decoding.
ELECTRON BEAM ANNEALING OF ARSENIC IMPLANTED SILICON IN WINDOWS DEFINED BY OXIDE

The defect structure of ion implanted devices after electron beam annealing was found to vary with the intensity of the electron beam and the presence of oxide layers. Deeper junctions were found to be associated with surface rippling and dislocations. Shallow junctions were found to be associated with smooth dislocation-free single crystal silicon with high electrical activity.
Bringing the Opioid Epidemic Home to Dental Education

On November 1, 2017, the final report of the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis described the opioid epidemic this way: “if this scourge has not found you or your family yet, without bold action by everyone, it soon will.”[1][1] If I had read this
Targeted Education Across Clinical Settings Improves Adherence to Evidence-Based Interventions for Bronchiolitis:

Bronchiolitis remains a leading cause of hospitalization of infants. Despite evidence-based recommendations, wide variation in practice remains. A pre-post educational intervention was implemented to improve adherence to bronchiolitis guidelines in emergency and inpatient settings. Among children meeting inclusion criteria (136 pre-intervention, 185 post-intervention), emergency department (ED) bronchodilator use decreased by 64% (P < .001). Steroid use decreased by 71% (P = .002). There was no difference in viral testing, antibiotic use, or chest radiograph acquisition. No differences were seen in the inpatient setting. There was no difference in rate of intensive care unit transfer or length of stay. Post-intervention, children were less likely to receive a bronchodilator in the ED (odds ratio [OR] = 0.15, P < .001). Children with a family history of asthma were more likely to receive a bronchodilator in the ED (OR = 4.25, P < .001). Targeted education across settings contributed to reducing bronchodilator use in the ED. Family history appeared to influence medical decision making.
On Seitz’s The Elder Testament: He Pitched a Winning Game but with Unforced Errors:

Seitz’s new book is a “Summa” of his decades-long work of theological exegesis which shows the theological “pressure” that the Old Testament inherently exerts towards the Christian doctrine of the ...
Disparities in sleep duration among discordant heterosexual adolescents

Sexual minority adolescents have worse sleep health than their peers. Adolescents who identify as heterosexual and report prior same-sex sexual contact (termed ‘discordant heterosexuals’) have elev...
The effect of fibrin formulation on cell migration in an in vitro tendon repair model

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fibrinogen concentration on cell viability and migration in a tissue culture tendon healing model. Methods Forty-eight canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were randomly divided into three groups. In each group the tendons were lacerated and repaired augmented with a canine bone marrow stromal cell seeded fibrin interposition patch using either 5 mg/ml fibrinogen and 25 U/ml thrombin (physiological as a control), 40 mg/ml fibrinogen and 250 U/ml thrombin (low adhesive), or 80 mg/ml fibrinogen and 250 U/ml thrombin (high adhesive). The sutured tendons were cultured for two or four weeks. Results Failure load was not significantly different among the groups. Cell-labeling staining showed that the stromal cells migrated across the gap in the control and low adhesive groups, but there was no cell migration in the high adhesive group at two weeks. Conclusion: A high fibrinogen concentration in a fibrin patch or glue may impede early cell migration. Level of evidence Not applicable because this study was a laboratory study.