cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum supremacy in constant-time measurement-based computation: A unified architecture for sampling and verification

While quantum speed-up in solving certain decision problems by a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer has been promised, a timely research interest includes how far one can reduce the resource requirement to demonstrate a provable advantage in quantum devices without demanding quantum error correction, which is crucial for prolonging the coherence time of qubits. We propose a model device made of locally interacting multiple qubits, designed such that simultaneous single-qubit measurements on it can output probability distributions whose average-case sampling is classically intractable, under similar assumptions as the sampling of noninteracting bosons and instantaneous quantum circuits. Notably, in contrast to these previous unitary-based realizations, our measurement-based implementation has two distinctive features. (i) Our implementation involves no adaptation of measurement bases, leading output probability distributions to be generated in constant time, independent of the system size. Thus, it could be implemented in principle without quantum error correction. (ii) Verifying the classical intractability of our sampling is done by changing the Pauli measurement bases only at certain output qubits. Our usage of random commuting quantum circuits in place of computationally universal circuits allows a unique unification of sampling and verification, so they require the same physical resource requirements in contrast to the more demanding verification protocols seen elsewhere in the literature.
Adoniram Judson: A dialectical missionary who brought the Gospel (not God) and gave the Bible to the Burmese:

Adoniram Judson (1788–1850) was an American Baptist missionary. His Burmese name was Yuhdathan. His coming to Myanmar “was not originally intentional, but it was providentially accidental” (America...
Infraslow Electroencephalographic and Dynamic Resting State Network Activity.

Abstract A number of studies have linked the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal to electroencephalographic (EEG) signals in traditional frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β, and γ), but the relationship between BOLD and its direct frequency correlates in the infraslow band (<1 Hz) has been little studied. Previously, work in rodents showed that infraslow local field potentials play a role in functional connectivity, particularly in the dynamic organization of large-scale networks. To examine the relationship between infraslow activity and network dynamics in humans, direct current (DC) EEG and resting state magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired simultaneously. The DC EEG signals were correlated with the BOLD signal in patterns that resembled resting state networks. Subsequent dynamic analysis showed that the correlation between DC EEG and the BOLD signal varied substantially over time, even within individual subjects. The variation in DC EEG appears to reflect the time-varying contribution of ...
The Mycobiome: Impact on Health and Disease States.

The term “microbiome” refers to microorganisms (microbiota) and their genomes (metagenome) coexisting with their hosts. Some researchers coined the term “second genome” to underscore the importance of the microbiota and its collective metagenome on their host’s health and/or disease. It is now undeniable that the commensal fungal microorganisms, alongside the other components of the microbiota, play a central role in association with the human host. In recognition, projects were launched nationally and internationally to unify efforts to characterize the microbiome and elucidate the functional role of the microbiota and the mechanism(s) by which these organisms and their metabolites (metabolome) may affect health and disease states. In this article, we will highlight the role of the fungal community as an indispensable component of the microbiome.
Phonon Hydrodynamic Heat Conduction and Knudsen Minimum in Graphite

In the hydrodynamic regime, phonons drift with a nonzero collective velocity under a temperature gradient, reminiscent of viscous gas and fluid flow. The study of hydrodynamic phonon transport has spanned over half a century but has been mostly limited to cryogenic temperatures (∼1 K) and more recently to low-dimensional materials. Here, we identify graphite as a three-dimensional material that supports phonon hydrodynamics at significantly higher temperatures (∼100 K) based on first-principles calculations. In particular, by solving the Boltzmann equation for phonon transport in graphite ribbons, we predict that phonon Poiseuille flow and Knudsen minimum can be experimentally observed above liquid nitrogen temperature. Further, we reveal the microscopic origin of these intriguing phenomena in terms of the dependence of the effective boundary scattering rate on momentum-conserving phonon–phonon scattering processes and the collective motion of phonons. The significant hydrodynamic nature of phonon transpo...
Xenograft models of relapsing and chemoresistant human small cell lung cancer

2208 Relapsing small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an incurable condition. To develop more effective therapeutic approaches for this condition, clinically relevant SCLC animal models are needed. We have developed in vivo SCLC models that have the potential of fitting this important need. Methods: Human SCLC cell lines were inoculated into nude mice subcutaneously (sc) or intravenously (iv). When the tumors were established (5~7 mm), mice were treated with cisplatin using an optimized schedule until the tumors were invisible or reduced in size by >90%. Tumor regrew in >80 % of mice about 5-7 weeks later. Relapsing tumors were resected and reimplanted in tumor-naive mice to develop chemoresistant in vivo models of SCLC. Results: Adherent cells from cultures of cell lines H69 AR and H446 grow rapidly when inoculated sc, but induce a low number of lung metastases after iv inoculation. Cells in suspension from cultures of cell lines H69, H82, H345 and H660 grow rapidly when inoculated sc and also induce a large number of lung metastases in close to 100% of mice after iv inoculation. Expression of the anti-apoptotic genes of the Bcl-2 family is inversely related to initial in vivo cisplatin sensitivity. Most tumors regrow upon discontinuation of initial cisplatin therapy. All relapsed tumors are highly resistant to cisplatin therapy (average resistance index increased >2.4-fold). Relapsed tumors can be implanted to other tumor-naive nude mice with a 100% taking rate. Detailed molecular characterization of these resistant tumor models is ongoing and will be presented. Summary: The tumor models develop retain the basic characteristics of human SCLC: high hematogenous metastatic potential, high responsiveness to initial chemotherapy, high relapsing potential, and early development of resistance to chemotherapy. The models are currently been used to test new therapeutic modalities for this disease. Acknowledgement: Supported by NIH grant 1 R21 CA104297 to Y Zou.
THE WOMAN AT HIGH RISK FOR BREAST CANCER: Importance of Hyperplasia

Risk is a difficult concept for most care-giving settings and can be understood in epidemiologic/statistical terms only when comparability with well-studied groups is considered formally. Like so many other elements, the many gray zones, known and unknown, may be reduced to a simplistic, dichotomous consideration of risk or no risk. Unfortunately, in the case of breast cancer there is no way to identify a group of women at any certain degree of reduced risk from that identified in the general population. The title of this article includes the term high risk, thus, our first challenge is to establish some practical definition of high risk for breast cancer as opposed to lesser levels. The relevance of these groups with regard to patient management and counseling is presented. First, familial and genetic-based risk of breast cancer is covered in the first article of this issue. We limit our discussion of that subject to the interactions between anatomic risk indicators and family history of breast cancer.
Bacteriophage Therapy: Past and Present

Bacteriophage – viruses that can only replicate in bacteria – have been discussed in much detail in Bacteriophage (overview).
The Role of the Phenomenologist in Social Science

The role of the phenomenologist in social science is critical to the understanding of the reflexive production of knowledge. When one explores the phenomenologist’s role in social science, one realizes that social science is thoroughly social and cannot be compared or analogued as another instance of the hermeneutics of texts. This position is totally inadequate and phenomenological social science needs a thorough understand of social texts in order to understand its critics as well as its interpretive foundations and methodological shortcomings.
Electrically detecting infrared light.

Researchers have developed a graphene plasmonics detector that is suitable for fast-response and high-resolution detection of infrared photons at room temperature.
Putting Complex Older Persons First: How the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2019 Payment Proposal Fails Older Americans

In July 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule for calendar year 2019 (MPFS2019). The proposal sets forth CMS‐recommended updates to Medicare payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services provided in the next calendar year. From year to year, the rule also can serve as a vehicle for soliciting input on new payment proposals and changes to existing policies. Among the payment and quality proposals in the MPFS2019 proposal, CMS proposed extensive changes to Current Procedural Terminology codes that are the framework for documentation and payment for office‐based evaluation and management (E/M) services. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) believes the proposed payment methodology changes for E/M services would have had a significant negative impact on care for older Americans. On September 10, 2018, the AGS submitted its comments on this proposal and other aspects of the rule, and the AGS also submitted a comment letter signed by 41 organizations from an AGS‐led multispecialty coalition. The coalition also worked collaboratively on outreach to Congress, which included visits to Capitol Hill and a coalition letter stressing our collective support for reducing the burden of documentation for clinicians and our opposition to the proposed changes in payment methodology. In all letters, we noted that the AGS and members of our coalition hoped to work collaboratively with CMS and other stakeholders to develop a refined approach that would achieve the best possible outcomes for patients, particularly frail older Americans with multiple chronic conditions. In releasing their final MPFS2019, CMS postponed the E/M coding collapse for at least two years, a decision that speaks to the hard work of the AGS, its members, and the multi‐specialty coalition, and which opens the door for further discussions about the future of payment for E/M services so critical to older people. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:145–150, 2019.
Microvascular volume visualization utilizing computed tomographic angiography data facilitates resection of a complicated massive congenital hemangioma.

Abstract CT angiography (CTA) can be used for planning procedural and operative therapies for neonatal vascular lesions, such as congenital hemangiomas (CH), that are too morbid for medical therapy. Neonatal anatomy can be displayed within a small enough field-of-view that the nominal resolution of a modern CT scanner can be realized with a standard 512 × 512 storage matrix, yielding isometric ultrahigh resolution data and allowing for microvascular volume visualization. This case report details the creation and use of microvascular volume visualizations of CTA data during pre-procedural planning for treatment of this pathological entity.
Nicotine-like discriminative stimulus effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and a muscarinic receptor agonist in Rhesus monkeys.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and positive allosteric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulators are potential pharmacotherapies for nicotine dependence. Because some smoking cess...
Modeling effective local government climate policies that exceed state targets

Abstract This study investigates how local governments can be effective and strategic in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It examines Community Choice Aggregation in California, a policy through which counties and cities are affecting significant changes to the state's electricity system. The study finds that by 2025, counties and cities that adopt the policy are forecasted to exceed the state's ambitious renewable energy goals by 4748 to 7625 GWh, reducing emissions equivalent to 1.14 to 2.04 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, in addition to other energy and community effects. The policy diffuses along political and social grounds, particularly in communities with higher levels of support for the environment, Democratic and Green party voters, and more education. These findings underscore the opportunity presented by targeted policymaking approaches, showing the capacity of local governments to affect statewide changes. Local government policymakers should seek to move beyond “low-hanging fruit” policies and enact difficult, effective policies. Strategy in policy adoption and diffusion is discussed related to the potential to enhance local government participation with high-impact policies.
Game Theory: The Art of Making Joint Decisions

When you put a dollar in the bank at 10% interest you will get $1.10 at the end of the year. Since you know the consequences of your action in advance your decision—to invest or not— is simple enough.
Immersive Three-Dimensional Modeling and Virtual Reality for Enhanced Visualization of Operative Neurosurgical Anatomy

Learning the endless intricacies of operative neurosurgical anatomy requires that surgeons complement their intraoperative experiences with a variety of educational resources. In the past 2 decades, rapid improvements in digital graphics and computing power have enabled a new generation of 3-dimensional (3D) virtual resources that overcome limitations of more traditional 2-dimensional materials. Today, dozens of immersive 3D visualization platforms exist for applications such as learning neuroanatomy, simulating operative techniques, and planning surgical interventions with patient-specific models. The purpose of this article is to identify current applications of 3D digital modeling and virtual reality in neurosurgery. In addition, we showcase a new series of freely available 3D virtual-reality models created to assist in learning complex cranial anatomy. We anticipate these models to have a wide range of educational, clinical, and research applications. Three-dimensional visualization is poised to modernize the ways we learn and teach neurosurgical anatomy outside of the operating room. Future generations of neurosurgeons are expected to benefit from these technologies from the earliest stages of training.
Augmentation of Doppler Radar Data Using Generative Adversarial Network for Human Motion Analysis.

Objectives Human motion analysis can be applied to the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases, rehabilitation therapies, fall detection, and estimation of energy expenditure. To analyze human motion with micro-Doppler signatures measured by radar, a deep learning algorithm is one of the most effective approaches. Because deep learning requires a large data set, the high cost involved in measuring large amounts of human data is an intrinsic problem. The objective of this study is to augment human motion micro-Doppler data employing generative adversarial networks (GANs) to improve the accuracy of human motion classification. Methods To test data augmentation provided by GANs, authentic data for 7 human activities were collected using micro-Doppler radar. Each motion yielded 144 data samples. Software including GPU driver, CUDA library, cuDNN library, and Anaconda were installed to train the GANs. Keras-GPU, SciPy, Pillow, OpenCV, Matplotlib, and Git were used to create an Anaconda environment. The data produced by GANs were saved every 300 epochs, and the training was stopped at 3,000 epochs. The images generated from each epoch were evaluated, and the best images were selected. Results Each data set of the micro-Doppler signatures, consisting of 144 data samples, was augmented to produce 1,472 synthesized spectrograms of 64 × 64. Using the augmented spectrograms, the deep neural network was trained, increasing the accuracy of human motion classification. Conclusions Data augmentation to increase the amount of training data was successfully conducted through the use of GANs. Thus, augmented micro-Doppler data can contribute to improving the accuracy of human motion recognition.
Computational science in a liberal arts college

The field of computational science combines simulation, visualization, mathematical modeling, programming, data structures, networking, database design, symbolic computation, and high performance computing with various scientific disciplines. Although there is a critical shortage of computational scientists, as noted in a study by Charles Swanson supported by the Krell Institute, few undergraduates programs exist [6].Liberal arts colleges can help alleviate the shortage of computational scientists and can provide a solid education for students in an area that is intellectually and financially rewarding. Such institutions are ideally suited for computational science programs because their curricula expose students to a wide variety of subjects and their smaller sizes contribute to communication among departments.Wofford College has successfully implemented an Emphasis in Computational Science for interested students majoring in science or mathematics. With few undergraduate textbooks available in the field, on-line, application rich course modules serve as the textbooks for the computational science courses. [4].
Baseline Immune Status Predicts Response to Adoptive Therapy with CMV Cytotoxic T-Cells for Refractory CMV

Background Adoptive cell therapy using CMV-specific cytotoxic T-cells (CMV CTLs) has demonstrated efficacy in treating CMV in the post HCT setting. However, little is known about the mechanism by which adoptively transferred CTLs exert durable responses. Therefore, we studied the relationship between response and recipient factors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed pediatric and adult patients (pts) who received primary or 3rd party donor CMV CTLs for the treatment of CMV viremia/disease after HCT between 9/2009 and 1/2018. Outcomes of interest were response to CMV CTLs and death from CMV. We evaluated these in relationship to time to start of CMV CTLs and IR using a CD4 count of 50 × 106/L and of 200 × 106/L as markers of IR. Pts whose CMV response was not attributable to CMV CTLs were excluded from analysis. Results Pts (n=102) were transplanted for malignant (n=83) and non-malignant (n=19) disease at a median age of 51.8 (range 0.3-73). Pts were treated with primary (n=25), 3rd party (n=74) and both (n=3) type of donor CMV CTLs. The median time from HCT to treatment was 127 days (range 29-2763). There was no difference in time to IR (p=0.4) or response to CMV CTLs between donor types (p=0.17). However, recipients with a baseline CD4>50 × 106/L were significantly (p=0.015) more likely to respond to CMV CTLs (26/29, 90%) vs those with a baseline CD4 50 × 106/L in responding vs non-responding recipients. Using a conventional measure of IR as CD4>200 × 106/L there was no evidence of difference in time to achieve IR between responders and non-responders. Responders (n=5) died less frequently from CMV than non-responders (n=12) (p= Conclusion We demonstrate that adoptive therapy with CMV CTLs may rely on recipient immune components to mediate durable response to therapy. Irrespective of the time from HCT, pts with a baseline CD4
Re-membering actors and stories of the civil rights movement in Jorge J. Santos Jr.’s graphic memories of the civil rights movement : Graphic memories of the civil rights movement: reframing history in comics, by Jorge J. Santos Jr., University of Texas Press, June 15th, 2019, 256 pp., $29.95 (paperback)

Jorge J. Santos Jr’s book, Graphic Memories of the Civil Rights Movement: Reframing History in Comics, offers a compelling argument of the prominence of graphic narratives in understanding the civi...
Reflection for Recovery: Exam Wrappers in an Object-Oriented Software Development Course Help Struggling Students Improve Future Exam Scores

Can student reflection play a beneficial role in pursuit of a career in software development? In this paper, we report on a study of the effectiveness of one reflective tool, “exam wrappers,” for teaching a software engineering (SE) and computer science (CS) fundamentals course focused on object-oriented design and programming. In general, reflection is an area of growing interest in SE. We see it, for example, in the use of retrospectives in Scrum. Reflection is increasingly being used in the science and engineering college courses, after a long history in liberal arts. We collected exam scores for nearly a thousand (957) students who took the course. This relatively large sample of exam scores allows us to perform statistical analysis to measure effects otherwise challenging to detect. Because exam wrappers are used toward a specific, measurable end, this is one case where statistics can be used to judge the effectiveness of a type of reflection. Having a way to measure the results of this effort contributes to the science of education. We compare student performance on assessments in several ways, focusing our analysis mainly on comparisons between the terms (quarters) where these wrappers were used, and prior years when they were not used. In terms when an exam wrapper was present, our results show a greater relative improvement from the first exam to the final exam for low-scoring students than in terms when the exam wrapper was absent. This result is statistically significant and lends support to the hypothesis that exam wrappers can improve student outcomes. We discuss potential confounding factors and also the implications of this work for SE and CS course development.
Composition of the metabolomic bio-coronas isolated from Ocimum sanctum and Rubia tinctorum.

Nanoharvesting from intact plants, organs, and cultured cells is a method in which nanoparticles are co-incubated with the target tissue, which leads to the internalization of nanoparticles. Internalized nanoparticles are coated in situ with specific metabolites that form a dynamic surface layer called a bio-corona. Our previous study showed that metabolites that form the bio-corona around anatase TiO2 nanoparticles incubated with leaves of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana are enriched for flavonoids and lipids. The present study focused on the identification of metabolites isolated by nanoharvesting from two medicinal plants, Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) and Rubia tinctorum (common madder). To identify metabolites that form the bio-corona, Tulsi leaves and madder roots were incubated with ultra-small anatase TiO2 nanoparticles, the coated nanoparticles were collected, and the adsorbed molecules were released from the nanoparticle surface and analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics approach. Similar to the results in which Arabidopsis tissue was used as a source of metabolites, TiO2 nanoparticle bio-coronas from Tulsi and madder were enriched for flavonoids and lipids, suggesting that nanoharvesting has a wide-range application potential. The third group of metabolites enriched in bio-coronas isolated from both plants were small peptides with C-terminal arginine and lysine residues.
Determinants of the Outcome of the Transition of Children with Sickle Cell Disease to Adult Programs.

Transition of adolescents with sickle cell disease to adult programs is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The reasons for this poor outcome are not well known. This report describe...
Integrated simultaneous chemical, surface potential, mechanical, and topographic Imaging at < 10 nm spatial resolution

Multimodal measurements of chemical composition, electrical properties, mechanical properties, and topography by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) deliver correlations across properties at the nanoscale, and provide clues to the structure-function relationship of materials. In the past, measurements with these modalities are operated separately with different operational modes of SPM. At the conference, we will present our invention of peak force infrared-Kelvin probe force microscopy (PFIR-KPFM), which is an integrated SPM mode that can simultaneously provide chemical, surface potential, mechanical, and topographic imaging at < 10 nm spatial resolution under the ambient conditions. As an initial demonstration, we measured amyloid fibrils and observed the correlations between surface potentials and infrared response. The residual charges of the fibrils are associated with the anti-parallel beta stacking.
Does order backlog matter for financial reporting quality? Evidence from revenue restatements

Abstract In this study, we investigate the relationship between revenue recognition restatements and order backlog. Order backlog, a leading indicator of future earnings, is defined as the monetary value of unfilled orders at year-end. The presence of an order backlog can be economically significant and can have positive or negative implications. However, it is not clear whether there is an association between order backlog and financial reporting quality and, if there is, whether the relationship is negative or positive. Our results suggest that revenue recognition restatements are more likely to occur when order backlogs or changes in order backlogs are significant. Additionally, firms just meeting an earnings target when they have greater order backlog changes, and firms with a higher deferred-revenue-to-order-backlog ratio, are more likely to restate revenue. Finally, audit firms with more experience auditing companies with average backlogs above the median mitigate the association between backlogs and revenue restatements. Hence, financial statement users and auditors should use more skepticism in reviewing financial statements when firms have order backlogs.
Effects of an articular cartilage lubrication with a viscosupplement in vitro and in vivo following osteochondral fractures in horses.

OBJECTIVE To assess whether the combination of hyaluronan, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (HCSG) lubricates articular cartilage in vitro and modulates joint lubrication in v...
The Ganser Syndrome

In 1897 Dr. Sigbert J. M. Ganser delivered a lecture reporting upon “A Peculiar Hysterical State” In this lecture and its subsequent publication (Ganser, 1898/1965) he attached clinical significance to a constellation of symptoms and signs that came to bear his name. Since his report, the Ganser syndrome has become one of a group of “rare” psychiatric illnesses, and it is discussed, or referred to in passing, in most psychiatric textbooks (Sim, 1968; Curran and Partridge, 1963; Kolb, 1977; Meyer-Gross et al, 1960; Lehmann, 1975; Arieti and Bemporad, 1974).
Predicting the onset of Addison's disease: ACTH, renin, cortisol and 21-hydroxylase autoantibodies

Context Autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase (21OH-AA) precede onset of autoimmune Addison's disease (AD). Progression to AD can take months to years, and early detection of metabolic decompensation may prevent morbidity and mortality.
Menstrual disorders. Amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea, or the absence of menses, is common during adolescence. Finding the underlying cause presents a diagnostic challenge and requires an understanding of normal menstrual function during the pubertal years. The differential diagnosis is broad, ranging from endocrine and genetic disorders to environmental and psychologic stresses to structural anomalies of the genital tract. Most importantly, any disturbance of menstruation should alert clinicians to the possibility of pregnancy. Clinical evaluation begins with the completion of a thorough history and physical examination. Because amenorrhea and underlying pathologies can cause considerable physical and emotional morbidity, evaluation should begin promptly and proceed in a logical, stepwise manner. The most common causes of amenorrhea do not require referral and can be managed by primary care providers.
Discriminative Accuracy of Novel and Traditional Biomarkers in Children With Suspected Appendicitis Adjusted for Duration of Abdominal Pain

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:568–574 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: The objective was to assess the accuracy of novel and traditional biomarkers in patients with suspected appendicitis as a function of duration of symptoms. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, conducted in a tertiary care emergency department (ED). The authors enrolled children 3 to 18 years old with acute abdominal pain of less than 96 hours and measured serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Final diagnosis was determined by histopathology or telephone follow-up. Trends in biomarker levels were examined based on duration of abdominal pain. The accuracy of biomarkers was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Optimal cut-points and test performance characteristics were calculated for each biomarker. Results: Of 280 patients enrolled, the median age was 11.3 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 8.6 to 14.8), 57% were male, and 33% had appendicitis. Median IL-6, median CRP, mean WBC count, and mean ANC differed significantly (p < 0.001) between patients with nonperforated appendicitis and those without appendicitis; median IL-8 levels did not differ between groups. In nonperforated appendicitis, median IL-6, WBC, and ANC levels were maximal at less than 24 hours of pain, while CRP peaked between 24 and 48 hours. In perforated appendicitis, median IL-8 levels were highest by 24 hours, WBC count and IL-6 by 24 to 48 hours, and CRP after 48 hours of pain. The WBC count appeared to be the most useful marker to predict appendicitis in those with fewer than 24 or more than 48 hours of pain, while CRP was the most useful in those with 24 to 48 hours of pain. Conclusions: In this population, the serum levels and accuracy of novel and traditional biomarkers varies in relation to duration of abdominal pain. IL-6 shows promise as a novel biomarker to identify children with appendicitis.
Minimal offsets that guarantee maximal or minimal connectivity of digital curves in nD

In this paper we investigate an approach of constructing a digital curve by taking the integer points within an offset of a certain radius of a continuous curve. Our considerations apply to digitizations of arbitrary curves in arbitrary dimension n. As main theoretical results, we first show that if the offset radius is greater than or equal to √n/2,then the obtained digital curve features maximal connectivity. We also demonstrate that the radius value √n/2 is the minimal possible that always guarantees such a connectivity. Moreover, we prove that a radius length greater than or equal to √n - 1/2 guarantees 0-connectivity, and that this is the minimal possible value with this property. Thus, we answer the question about the minimal offset size that guarantees maximal or minimal connectivity of an offset digital curve.
Circuit design and performance for large area electronics

The performance of both digital and analog CMOS circuit elements fabricated using polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFTs) are discussed. The emphasis is on structures which are expected to play major roles in large-area electronics. Conventional CMOS designs are shown to be successful for digital circuits. However, special designs are required to overcome device limitations in implementing analog functions, and a simple operational amplifier designed specifically for TFTs is reported. A high-voltage CMOS buffer exploiting the structure of polysilicon TFTs is also reported. >
Growth Kinetics of the Endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola in the Aphid Schizaphis graminum

The aphid Schizaphis graminum is dependent on its prokaryotic endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola. As a means of determining B. aphidicola numbers during the growth cycle of the aphid we have used the quantitative PCR to measure the number of copies of rrs (the gene coding for 16S rRNA, which is present as one copy in the B. aphidicola genome). In addition we have measured the aphid wet weight and the DNA and protein content. The results indicate an approximately parallel (23- to 31-fold) increase of these properties during the period of aphid growth. A 1-day-old aphid (24 mug [wet weight]) has 0.2 x 10 copies of rrs, while a 9-day-old aphid (497 mug [wet weight]) has 5.6 x 10 copies. The coupling of endosymbiont and aphid growth is consistent with the requirement of the endosymbiont for growth and reproduction of the aphid.
Using Productive Disposition to Differentiate Between Students' Level of Precision When Critiquing a Peer's Work

This study examined the productive disposition of pre-algebra students who demonstrated similar knowledge of the focal content but varied in other academic behaviors expected in the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). Specifically, the study considered students' attention to precision when critiquing a peer's work. The comprehensive definition of productive disposition used included task values (interest, utility), an ability belief (efficacy), three personal achievement goals, and negative emotions. As hypothesized, the 61 students who provided a more precise critique reported higher productive disposition (in particular, significantly higher mastery-approach personal achievement goals and less frequent negative emotions) than the 79 students who provided a basic critique. These findings illustrate how productive disposition can inform assessments of mathematical competence within the CCSSM recently implemented across the United States.
Computer Animation Techniques

Computer animation of three-dimensional objects and figures consists of modeling, rendering, and control problems. This survey discusses the state of the art in motion control of complex, articulated figures. The major approaches to animation control are parametric interpolation schemes, kinetics, inverse kinematics, constraints, dynamics, simulation, and Artificial Intelligence techniques. The particular problems of human figure and character animation and an architecture for task animation are presented. Besides computer graphics animation for its own sake, ergonomics, human factors research and extensions to task level control of multiple figures are target applications.
Reduction in intensity of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in mice by aerosol administration of gamma interferon.

Abstract Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with AIDS may result from impaired local release of gamma interferon from lung lymphocytes and subsequent failure of macrophage activation. We tested this hypothesis with mice rendered immunodeficient by selective depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes and inoculated intratracheally with P. carinii. After aerosol administration of recombinant murine gamma interferon, the intensity of P. carinii infection in these mice was reduced in comparison with that in mice not treated with gamma interferon. Histologic scoring of lung tissue did not reveal additional pulmonary inflammation attributable to gamma interferon. Aerosol administration of gamma interferon may reduce the intensity of P. carinii infection by augmentation of host defense, despite persistent CD4+ lymphocyte depletion.
Process Energy Conservation

Increased energy conservation comes from broadscale technological progress such as a mix of better hardware, improved catalysts, computer process control, and optimized design. These cause energy efficiency to improve in times of both rising and falling energy prices. In times of rising energy prices, the trade of capital for energy is also important. Principal elements of energy efficient design are optimization of separation systems, including distillation and other techniques; heat-exchange technology; refrigeration; pressure drop; and steam and condensate systems. An overall process energy balance serves as a framework during design and after start-up to optimize energy usage. A more fundamental analysis stresses minimizing the loss of work potential. In separation, efficiency results from low driving forces achieved by multistage processes, hence distillation is dominant. Special separations are usually only economical when removing a relatively dilute component. Heat interchanger capital, together with ΔT and ΔP costs, dominates many process. ΔT has a greater economic impact on the cost of the heat-exchange surface than does ΔP. Methods are given for ΔT and ΔP selection. Energy efficiency needs to be carefully integrated with the process to maintain reliability and safety. Keywords: Energy balance; Energy conservation; Reactor design; Design variables; Distillation; Separation; Heat exchange; Pumping; Compression; Vacuum systems; Steam; Condensate; Cooling water; Existing plants; Energy audit
GPA-Phenodynamics, a simulation model for the population dynamics and phenology of green peach aphid in potato: formulation, validation, and analysis

A model, GPA-Phenodynamics, was developed for the population dynamics and phenology of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), in potato during the summer: the model describes the interaction among the green peach aphid population, its predators, and abiotic factors (e.g. temperature). The model includes functions for population growth of the aphid and its predator complex. Developmental degree days were used for the time dimension. Model agreement with field data was good. The model precisely predicted (within 2 days) when the aphid reached its highest density. A regression analysis between observed and predicted population density showed a slope of 0.952 with a coefficient of determination equal to 0.976. Model output was sensitive to the intrinsic rates of increase for green peach aphid and its predator complex. Degree days required for the aphid and its predator complex to appear in potato were described as uniform random distributions with different means and deviations. Using 10 different sets of generated weather data, the model successfully simulated phenologies and dynamics of the aphid population. GPA-Phenodynamics can be used as a decision-making tool in integrated pest management program for green peach aphid in potato fields during the summer season.
ARF after open-heart surgery: influence of gender and race

Abstract Background: Both acute renal failure (ARF) and female sex are strongly associated with mortality after open-heart surgery. This study analyzes the effect of sex and race on the incidence of ARF after open-heart surgery and its influence on mortality. Methods: A total of 24,660 patients underwent open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Cleveland, OH) from 1993 to 2000. The primary outcome was ARF defined as ARF requiring dialysis, 50% or greater decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) not requiring dialysis, or 50% or greater decline in GFR relative to baseline or requirement of dialysis. The secondary outcome was all-cause hospital mortality. Results: The overall frequency of ARF requiring dialysis after open-heart surgery was 1.82%. The frequency was greater in women (2.36%) than men (1.60%; P
Effects of Intravenous Fluid Restriction on Postoperative Complications: Comparison of Two Perioperative Fluid Regimens:

The authors investigated whether the weight gain following fluid administration in major surgery increases postoperative complications or results in poor survival. The authors conducted a blinded, randomized, multicenter trial. Elective colorectal surgery patients (N = 141) were placed in either a standard intraoperative and postoperative intravenous fluid regimen or a restricted regimen that aimed at maintaining preoperative body weight. The restrictive intravenous fluid regimen significantly reduced postoperative complications, including cardiopulmonary and tissue-healing complications. Four deaths occurred in the group that received the standard fluid regimen, no patients died in the group that received the restricted regimen. The authors concluded that a fluid regimen that seeks to maintain an unchanged body weight reduces complications after elective colorectal surgery.
Application of a concept development process to evaluate process layout designs using value stream mapping and simulation

Purpose: We propose and demonstrate a concept development process (CDP) as a framework to solve a value stream mapping (VSM) related process layout design optimization problem. Design/methodology/approach: A case study approach was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of CDP framework in a portable fire extinguisher manufacturing company. To facilitate the CDP application, we proposed the system coupling level index (SCLI) and simulation to evaluate the process layout design concepts. Findings: As part of the CDP framework application, three process layout design concepts - current layout (CL), express lane layout (ELL) and independent zone layout (IZL) - were generated. Then, the SCLI excluded CL and simulation selected IZL as the best concept. The simulation was also applied to optimize the performance of IZL in terms of the number of pallets. Based on this case study, we concluded that CDP framework worked well. Research limitations/implications: The process layout design optimization issue has not been well addressed in the VSM literature. We believe that this paper initiated the relevant discussion by showing the feasibility of CDP as a framework in this issue. Practical implications: The CDP and SCLI are very practice-oriented approaches in the sense that they do not require any complex analytical knowledge. Originality/value: We discussed a not well-addressed issue with a systematic framework. In addition, the SCLI presented was also unique.
Complementarity in Romantic Relationships: A Self-Evaluation Maintenance Perspective

Three studies were conducted to extend the Self-Evaluation Maintenance (SEM) model to romantic relationships. Subjects in all three studies indicated the importance of sixty-eight activities to themselves and, in Studies 2 and 3, to their partners. For activities that were relevant to subjects' self-definitions, a comparison effect emerged; subjects reported outperforming their partners. When self-relevance was low, a reflection effect emerged; subjects reported being outperformed by their partners. Subjects' reports also showed `empathic' comparison and reflection processes for their partners. These effects were strongest when relevance was high for one partner and low for the other; when partners' self-definitions were similar, the SEM processes were attenuated. These effects persisted even when the reports of both partners were considered (Study 3). The findings are discussed in the framework of the complementarity hypothesis, and implications for both the SEM model and the complementarity hypothesis a...
Voyage of Invention

The author responds to nine commentaries on the book Human Being: Being Human (Cromwell, 2010).
Sex differences in perception of aging among the Nigerian elderly

This study assesses sex differences in perception of aging among the Nigerian elderly in the town of Awe in Oyo state. Thirty persons over the age of sixty years were asked individually to rate the difficulty of sixteen events for themselves, other women, and other men. It was found that perception of difficulty for oneself is not as great as for others. Also, there was no difference in the perception of difficulty overall for men and women. However, both these findings must be interpreted in the light of a significant ( p < .01) interaction between sex of other persons and specific events. Change in appearance, departure of children, and decrease in time with children are seen as more difficult for other women. Increased leisure time, decreased strength, and retirement are seen as more difficult for other men. Statements regarding difficulty of aging ought to be precise as to sex and specific events of aging.
Far‐field detection of slow precursors to fast seismic ruptures

An earthquake is said to have a short-term slow precursor when there is significant moment released in an interval immediately before its high-frequency origin time t0. A method is formulated for detecting slow precursors from observations of the earth's free oscillations. It assumes that the far-field radiation at low frequencies (≲ 10 mHz) is due to a compact source of constant orientation having a moment-release function which is zero prior to some start time t* and nondecreasing for t ≥ t*. Any moment-release function for which t0 = t* (no precursor) must then satisfy the inequality is the centroid time shift, τc is the characteristic duration, and α is a dimensionless measure of the temporal skewness. A detector based on this inequality is applied to two events. Data from the shallow-focus Loma Prieta earthquake of 18 Oct 89 are consistent with no moment release prior to the high-frequency origin time, whereas the intermediate-focus Peru-Ecuador earthquake of 12 Apr 83 appears to have a significant slow precursor. The systematic analysis of large earthquakes using this detector may elucidate earthquake nucleation processes and help to assess, on a global scale, the feasibility of short-term earthquake prediction from near-field measurements.
Specificity Profiling of Dual Specificity Phosphatase Vaccinia VH1-related (VHR) Reveals Two Distinct Substrate Binding Modes

Vaccinia VH1-related (VHR) is a dual specificity phosphatase that consists of only a single catalytic domain. Although several protein substrates have been identified for VHR, the elements that control the in vivo substrate specificity of this enzyme remain unclear. In this work, the in vitro substrate specificity of VHR was systematically profiled by screening combinatorial peptide libraries. VHR exhibits more stringent substrate specificity than classical protein-tyrosine phosphatases and recognizes two distinct classes of Tyr(P) peptides. The class I substrates are similar to the Tyr(P) motifs derived from the VHR protein substrates, having sequences of (D/E/φ)(D/S/N/T/E)(P/I/M/S/A/V)pY(G/A/S/Q) or (D/E/φ)(T/S)(D/E)pY(G/A/S/Q) (where φ is a hydrophobic amino acid and pY is phosphotyrosine). The class II substrates have the consensus sequence of (V/A)P(I/L/M/V/F)X1–6pY (where X is any amino acid) with V/A preferably at the N terminus of the peptide. Site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling studies suggest that the class II peptides bind to VHR in an opposite orientation relative to the canonical binding mode of the class I substrates. In this alternative binding mode, the Tyr(P) side chain binds to the active site pocket, but the N terminus of the peptide interacts with the carboxylate side chain of Asp164, which normally interacts with the Tyr(P) + 3 residue of a class I substrate. Proteins containing the class II motifs are efficient VHR substrates in vitro, suggesting that VHR may act on a novel class of yet unidentified Tyr(P) proteins in vivo. Background: Factors that determine the in vivo substrate specificity of dual specificity phosphatases are currently unknown. Results: Specificity profiling of VHR through peptide library screening identified two distinct classes of peptide substrates, which bind to VHR in opposite orientations. Conclusion: VHR may act on a previously unrecognized class of protein substrates. Significance: The results should help identify new VHR substrates and elucidate its biological function.