cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fundamentals of image acquisition and processing in the digital era

Structured Abstract Author– Farman AG Objectives – To review the historic context for digital imaging in dentistry and to outline the fundamental issues related to digital imaging modalities. Context – Digital dental X-ray images can be achieved by scanning analog film radiographs (secondary capture), with photostimulable phosphors, or using solid-state detectors (e.g. charge-coupled device and complementary metal oxide semiconductor). There are four characteristics that are basic to all digital image detectors; namely, size of active area, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast resolution and the spatial resolution. To perceive structure in a radiographic image, there needs to be sufficient difference between contrasting densities. This primarily depends on the differences in the attenuation of the X-ray beam by adjacent tissues. It is also depends on the signal received; therefore, contrast tends to increase with increased exposure. Given adequate signal and sufficient differences in radiodensity, contrast will be sufficient to differentiate between adjacent structures, irrespective of the recording modality and processing used. Where contrast is not sufficient, digital images can sometimes be post-processed to disclose details that would otherwise go undetected. For example, cephalogram isodensity mapping can improve soft tissue detail. Conclusions – It is concluded that it could be a further decade or two before three-dimensional digital imaging systems entirely replace two-dimensional analog films. Such systems need not only to produce prettier images, but also to provide a demonstrable evidence-based higher standard of care at a cost that is not economically prohibitive for the practitioner or society, and which allows efficient and effective workflow within the business of dental practice.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis detection of cancer in strictures

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a significant risk factor for developing cholangiocarcinoma. Tests currently used to screen patients with PSC include serum tumor markers, invasive biliary imaging and sampling techniques, and noninvasive biliary imaging. The most commonly used serum markers are carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Invasive biliary imaging includes endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC). In addition to standard cytology, the bile can be tested for CA 19-9 levels, as well as other novel tumor markers. In addition, the brushed cells can be analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities using digital image analysis (DIA) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Nonivasive imaging techniques include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and positron emission tomography (PET).
Acute Leukemia Arising from the Myeloproliferative Disorders: Challenge and Opportunity

Abstract The classical myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) of essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and primary myelofibrosis have an increasing predisposition to transform to overt acute leukemia or MPD-blast phase (MPD-BP). Current therapies for the MPDs are limited, and no therapy other than allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) has clearly altered the natural history of these disorders. Pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to an MPD progressing to MPD-BP are incompletely understood but seem to correlate with the accumulation of additional karyotypic abnormalities as opposed to increases in MPD-associated molecular lesion burden (such as JAK2V617F). The development of MPD-BP is heralded by worsening cytopenias, constitutional symptoms, and a poor survival despite therapeutic intervention. Risk factors for developing MPD-BP include features at diagnosis (such as increased peripheral blood blasts, karyotypic abnormalities, and thrombocytopenia) and exposure to established agents that enhance leukemogenesis (ie, P-32 and alkylators). Multiple avenues of therapeutic investigation are ongoing to treat or prevent MPD-BP, including early alloSCT, hypomethylating agents, and JAK2 inhibition. An improved understanding of the pathogenetic underpinnings of MPD-BP are necessary if more effective targeted therapies are to be developed.
Shell-model calculations of 56Cr and 58Fe

Abstract The results of shell model calculations of the nuclei 56 Cr and 58 Fe are discussed. The predicted energy level spectra are in good agreement with experiment, except for the predicted first excited J = 0 + state in 56 Cr, for which the experimental analogue is missing.
NEONATAL HEART RATE VARIABILITY CORRELATES WITH CLINICAL ILLNESS SEVERITY SCORES. † 1253

Heart rate variability (HRV) increases several-fold in newborn infants who recover from severe cardiorespiratory failure. To test further the hypothesis that neonatal HRV is an index of illness severity, we measured both HRV and an illness severity score at 81 times in 45 infants in the NICU. Heart rate and HRV were measured at 32 beat intervals over a 2 hour period: HRV is represented by coefficient of variation (CV; S.D./mean) of a moving window of 2048 beats. Clinical illness severity was determined using the Score for Acute Neonatal Physiology and Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System. The plots relate heart rate and HRV to the sum of the two clinical scores. The top plot shows no correlation of heart rate with illness severity (p=NS; Pearson product moment correlation). The bottom plot, on the other hand, shows strong inverse correlation of HRV and illness severity (r=0.7; p< 10-6); as the illness severity increased, HRV decreased. We conclude that HRV correlates well with the severity of neonatal illness, while heart rate itself does not.Figure
A remote sensing and GIS-assisted landscape epidemiology approach to West Nile virus

Abstract Landscape epidemiology, sometimes called spatial epidemiology, is a sub-discipline of medical geography that uses environmental conditions as explanatory variables in the study of disease or other health phenomena. Machine learning is a sub-discipline of artificial intelligence that can be used to create predictive models from large and complex datasets. West Nile virus (WNV) is a relatively new infectious disease in the United States, and has a fairly well-understood transmission cycle that is believed to be highly dependent on environmental conditions. This study takes a remote sensing and GIS approach to the study of WNV, using both landscape epidemiology and machine learning techniques. A combination of remotely sensed and in situ variables is used to predict WNV incidence with a correlation coefficient as high as 0.86. A novel method of mitigating the effect of limited case numbers is also tested and ultimately discarded. A consistent spatial pattern of model errors is identified, indicating the chosen variables are capable of predicting WNV disease risk across most of the United States, but are inadequate in the northern Great Plains region of the US.
Fructose Induced Endotoxemia in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

In preclinical studies of fructose-induced NAFLD, endotoxin appears to play an important role. We retrospectively examined samples from three pediatric cohorts (1) to investigate whether endotoxemia is associated with the presence of hepatic steatosis; (2) to evaluate postprandial endotoxin levels in response to fructose beverage in an acute 24-hour feeding challenge, and (3) to determine the change of fasting endotoxin amounts in a 4-week randomized controlled trial comparing fructose to glucose beverages in NAFLD. We found that adolescents with hepatic steatosis had elevated endotoxin levels compared to obese controls and that the endotoxin level correlated with insulin resistance and several inflammatory cytokines. In a 24-hour feeding study, endotoxin levels in NAFLD adolescents increased after fructose beverages (consumed with meals) as compared to healthy children. Similarly, endotoxin was significantly increased after adolescents consumed fructose beverages for 2 weeks and remained high although not significantly at 4 weeks. In conclusion, these data provide support for the concept of low level endotoxemia contributing to pediatric NAFLD and the possible role of fructose in this process. Further studies are needed to determine if manipulation of the microbiome or other methods of endotoxin reduction would be useful as a therapy for pediatric NAFLD.
Synthesis and characterization of a thixotropic coal–water slurry for use as a liquid fuel

Abstract We reported here a novel approach to synthesize a low-viscosity and stable coal–water slurry for use in many practical applications. The slurry was prepared by mixing coal particles with a gelling solution containing water and 1 wt.% of cobalt-intercalated laponite. The coal particle sizes were less than 75 μm and the coal loading was 50% by weight. The slurry prepared this way was able to transform to a high-viscous and unflowable gel holding coal particles uniformly throughout its volume when it was stored at rest. When it was sheared, its gelling network structure was immediately broken down becoming a low-viscous flowable liquid. The transport and thixotropic properties of the prepared slurry were measured and they were described very well by the Bingham model and the thixotropic model proposed by Usui, respectively.
Recovery of neuromuscular junction morphology following 16 days of spaceflight

It has previously been established that spaceflight elicits alterations in the morphology of the neuromuscular system that includes expansion of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and myofiber atrophy. The purpose of this study was to determine the capacity of the neuromuscular system to recover from spaceflight-induced modifications upon return to normal gravity. Soleus muscles were obtained from rats participating in the 16-day Neurolab space shuttle mission at 1 day and 14 days after returning to Earth: solei were also taken at the same time points from ground-based control rats. Cytofluorescent techniques, coupled with confocal microscopy, were used to assess NMJ morphology. Histochemistry, in conjunction with phase contrast microscopy, was employed to examine myofiber size and type. Results indicate that 1 day after landing both pre- and postsynaptic stained areas of the NMJ were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) larger in the spaceflight group than in controls. Moreover, significant myofiber atrophy was demonstrated in animals subjected to 0 gravity. By 14 days following return to the Earth, however, NMJ stained areas and muscle fiber size were no longer different from control values at that same interval. These results suggest that the neuromuscular system possesses a robust capacity to recover from spaceflight-induced perturbations upon return to normal gravitational influences. Synapse 42:177–184, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Parental functioning and children's adjustment in families of divorce: A prospective study

This paper prospectively examined relations between marital status, predivorce parenting practices, and children's adjustment, using data from the New York Longitudinal Study (NYLS). Prospective analyses of children's predivorce adjustment indicated that neither boys nor girls showed more problematic behavior prior to parental separation, and only boys had more difficulties after divorce. However, parents of to-be-divorced families reported more difficulties in childcare practices before divorce than did parents of always-married families. Parenting difficulties in to-be-divorced families were found consistently for boys but not for girls. Results suggest that the difficulties found among boys after divorce may be linked with parenting problems that begin before divorce.
Prophylactic fluconazole in liver transplant recipients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract Background: Among persons who receive solid organ 0842 transplants, liver transplant recipients have the highest incidence of invasive fungal infection; however, no antifungal prophylaxis has been proven to be effective. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic0842 fluconazole in liver transplant recipients. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 0842 Setting: University-affiliated transplantation center.0842 Patients: 212 liver transplant recipients who received fluconazole0842 (400 mg/d) or placebo until 10 weeks after transplantation. Measurements: Fungal colonization, proven superficial 0842 or invasive fungal infection, drug-related side effects, and death. Results: Fungal colonization increased in 0842 patients who received placebo (from 60% to 90%) but decreased in patients who received fluconazole (from 70% to 28%). Proven fungal infection occurred in 45 of 104 placebo recipients (43%) but in only 10 of 108 fluconazole recipients (9%) (P 0.2), fewer deaths related to invasive fungal infection were seen in the fluconazole group (2 of 108 patients [2%]) than in the placebo group (13 of 104 patients [13%]) (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Prophylactic 0842 fluconazole after liver transplantation decreases fungal colonization, prevents superficial and invasive fungal infections, and has no appreciable hepatotoxicity. Although fluconazole prophylaxis is associated with fewer deaths from fungal infection, it does not improve overall survival. Patients receiving prophylactic fluconazole require close monitoring of serum cyclosporine levels to avoid neurologic toxicity.
Ultra-wide range in-service chromatic dispersion measurement using coherent detection and digital signal processing

We proposed an ultra-wide range chromatic dispersion (CD) measurement method using coherent detection and digital signal processing. We measured the average phase at frequency ± ƒ as a function of frequency ƒ, and estimated the total accumulated CD with polynomial fitting algorithm. The method is compatible with modern coherent optical networks and capable of measuring CD of at least ± 16000 ps/nm with an accuracy of better than ± 50 ps/nm.
SOCIAL INSIGHT AND EVALUATIVE RELIABILITY

Many theories of social development (2, 4, 5) suggest that individuals who are efficient at recognizing and understanding the attitudes and motivations of others are also effective at making social evaluations. To investigate this relationship 64 students in introductory psychology classes at Austin Peay State University, 20 males and 44 females. completed the Chapin Social Insight Test (1, 3) and also rated the "atmosphere" in their families while they were growing up on 10 bipolar semantic differential scales. Insight scores ranged from 11 to 32. Subjects were divided at the median of the insight scores (Mdn = 21.0), with the same number of males and females in each group. The measurement errors on the semantic differential scales for these groups were then compared. Although there is no single criterion for discerning effectiveness of social evaluations, at least one useful index is the individual's reliability. Subjects with high insight scores had somewhat lower reliabilities on the average than those with low scores; M = 9.62 and 12.19, respectively. Since the Bartlett test (XI' = 4.70, p < .05) indicated that the variability of measurement errors was significantly greater among subjects with low insight scores (2 = 126.23) than among subjects with high scores (2 = 63.071, a Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the data. The results indicate that the average rank of the errors for subjeces with low insight scores was significantly greater than for subjects with high scores (H = 194.95, p < .001). These findings support the hypothesis that individuals with greater social insight are more reliable judges of social situations and also suggest that the insight scale might measure role-taking among adults.
KTP Laser and Neutral Red Phototherapy of Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Neutral red (NR) is a cationic, nontoxic vital dye employed as a histologic stain for proliferating cells; it has been used clinically for photodynamic treatment of herpes simplex virus lesions. NR is selectively taken up and concentrated by mitotic cells, an important characteristic for more effective antineoplastic agents. In the present study, UCLA-SO-P3 human squamous carcinoma cells displayed minimal toxicity when incubated with up to 50 μg/ml NR in the absence of light. However, cells incubated with greater than 0.5 μg/ml NR followed by exposure to KTP laser light at 532 nm exhibited nearly 100% tumor cell death. The degree of cell toxicity was proportional to NR dose and laser light fluence. This study demonstrates that NR is an excellent cancer cell photosensitizer in vitro, and, after adding additional in vivo preclinical testing, may prove to be a useful agent in photodynamic destruction of head and neck tumors.
A numerical method for solving a Goursat-Cauchy boundary value problem

In this paper we propose a method to construct numerically the solution-pair of a second order hyperbolic partial differential equation when two types of boundary conditions on a triangular domain are imposed. Specifically, the PDE is W"x"x(x,t)-W"t"t(x,t)-q(x)W(x,t)[email protected](x)L(x,t), where the unknown functions are W(x,t) and @dq(x). One set of boundary conditions refer to one set of the triangle's boundaries (we call them Goursat type), and the other set of boundary conditions both refer to the third boundary of the triangle (we call them Cauchy type). To solve numerically this boundary value problem we make a change of dependent variables and place a mesh on the triangular domain with lines that are the characteristic curves of the hyperbolic PDE. Then we shall integrate along the characteristic curves of the hyperbolic PDE in such a way that numerical values of W(x,t) and @dq(x) will be produced at mesh nodes located on vertical lines. The calculations will proceed from the vertical boundary of the domain going backwards to the origin O of the Oxt coordinate system, from one vertical line to another. The trapezoidal formula will be used for numerical integration. Numerical examples will be provided.
Exponential Lower Bound for the Translative Kissing Numbers of d -Dimensional Convex Bodies

The translative kissing number H(K) of a d -dimensional convex body K is the maximum number of mutually nonoverlapping translates of K which touch K . In this paper we show that there exists an absolute constant c > 0 such that H(K)≥ 2 cd for every positive integer d and every d -dimensional convex body K . We also prove a generalization of this result for pairs of centrally symmetric convex bodies. 26 June, 1998 Editors-in-Chief: la href=../edboard.html#chiefslJacob E. Goodman, Richard Pollackl/al 19n3p447.pdf yes no no yes
The teratogenic effects of prenatal ethanol exposure are exacerbated by Sonic Hedgehog or GLI2 haploinsufficiency in the mouse.

Disruption of the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been implicated as an important molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of fetal alcohol syndrome. In severe cases, the abnormalities of the face and brain that result from prenatal ethanol exposure fall within the spectrum of holoprosencephaly. Single allele mutations in the Hh pathway genes Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and GLI2 cause holoprosencephaly with extremely variable phenotypic penetrance in humans. Here, we tested whether mutations in these genes alter the frequency or severity of ethanol-induced dysmorphology in a mouse model. Timed pregnancies were established by mating Shh+/− or Gli2+/− male mice backcrossed to C57BL/6J strain, with wildtype females. On gestational day 7, dams were treated with two ip doses of 2.9 g/kg ethanol (or vehicle alone), administered four hrs apart. Fetuses were then genotyped and imaged, and the severity of facial dysmorphology was assessed. Following ethanol exposure, mean dysmorphology scores were increased by 3.2- and 6.6-fold in Shh+/− and Gli2+/− groups, respectively, relative to their wildtype littermates. Importantly, a cohort of heterozygous fetuses exhibited phenotypes not typically produced in this model but associated with severe holoprosencephaly, including exencephaly, median cleft lip, otocephaly, and proboscis. As expected, a correlation between the severity of facial dysmorphology and medial forebrain deficiency was observed in affected animals. While Shh+/− and Gli2+/− mice have been described as phenotypically normal, these results illustrate a functional haploinsufficiency of both genes in combination with ethanol exposure. By demonstrating an interaction between specific genetic and environmental risk factors, this study provides important insights into the multifactorial etiology and complex pathogenesis of fetal alcohol syndrome and holoprosencephaly.
Symmetric prime factor fast fourier transform algorithms

The prime factor algorithm (PFA) is a fast algorithm for the evaluation of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), applicable when the sequence length N is a product of relative primes. PFAs are presented that take advantage of the symmetry in a real-even or real-odd sequence. These algorithms require only one-fourth the real arithmetic and storage requirements of the complex PFA. As with existing state-of-the-art PFAs, these algorithms can be performed in-place and in-order.
A new Sommerfeld-Watson transform in 3D

We consider the problem of high-frequency wave scattering by a sphere. The exact solution in the form of the partial wave expansion, which is known as a Mie series, has been long established. The number of summation terms needed to get an accurate solution increases as the frequency becomes higher, making the computational cost very expensive. A traditional way to overcome this difficulty is to use the Sommerfeld-Watson (S-W) transformation to change the summation into a residue series. Although excellent research has been done on this topic, the results for the 3D case lack the physical clarity that is obviated in the 2D case. A new solution in terms of a residue series is introduced. In order to give a better physical interpretation, the function Q~(/spl theta/) has been used as the spherical travelling wave. A new residue series using an S-W transformation based on this has been derived which exhibits symmetry in its mathematical structure. Moreover, it offers the same physical clarity in its interpretation for the 3D case as the 2D case.
Recent developments in damage detection based on system identification methods

The output error and equation error methods of system identification are compared for their effectiveness in assessing damage in structural systems. Damage is modeled on an element-by-element basis as changes in sectional properties, which then contribute to variations in the terms of the structural stiffness matrix. Both static displacements and eigenmodes of the structure are used in the damage detection process. A rational basis for the proper selection of eigenmodes and loading conditions for the identification process is also presented. Characteristics of the unconstrained optimization design space for the two approaches are discussed in context of their ability to yield the location and extent of damage.
Times to breakage versus times for shock wave reflectance in decoupled explosive rock fracturing

Abstract One result of this research showed the relationship of the crack propagation into the burden as decoupling increased from 1 to 3. The resulting data indicated that the explosive generated gas pressure was the dominate parameter for breaking rock in confined boreholes. The shock energy did not have time to play an effective role in burden breakage, for by the time the stress wave returned to the face, the burden had broken under pressure.
Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatase Type 1γ1 Is Required for the Completion of Cytokinesis in Human A549 Lung Carcinoma Cells

Abstract In lower eukaryotic organisms, the loss of serine/threonine protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) results in growth arrest after the onset of mitosis. In humans, four highly homologous isoforms of PP1 (PP1α, PP1δ, PP1γ1, and PP1γ2) have been identified. Determining the roles of these phosphatases, however, has proven difficult due to the lack of subtype-specific inhibitors. In this study, we developed chimeric antisense 2′-O-(2-methoxy)ethylphosphothioate oligonucleotides targeting human PP1γ1 that specifically inhibit PP1γ1 gene expression. Two potent antisense oligonucleotides (ISIS 14435 and 14439; IC50 ∼ 50 nm) were then employed to elucidate the cellular functions of PP1γ1 during cell cycle progression. In A549 cells, the inhibition of PP1γ1 expression resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation, with growth arrest occurring after ∼36–48 h, when PP1γ1 mRNA expression was inhibited by >85%. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed that ISIS 14435/14439-induced growth arrest was associated with an increase in the number of cells containing 4N DNA. Immunostaining of treated cells revealed that the inhibition of PP1γ1 expression had no apparent effect on the formation of mitotic spindles. However, decreased expression was associated with the failure of cell division in a late stage of cytokinesis and the formation of dikaryons.
The relationship between extraesophageal reflux (EER) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and extraesophageal reflux (EER) are common chronic diseases and share several similar risk factors. The prevalence of gastroesophogeal (GERD) in OSA patients is significantly higher than the general population; however, no temporal or causal relationship has ever been demonstrated between the two. The purpose of this review is to understand the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and extraesophageal reflux disease (EER) in the adult population. We conclude that CPAP treatment of OSA significantly reduces GERD symptoms and acidic pH exposure in the esophagus and this improvement with CPAP physiologically occurs in the presence or absence of OSA; and treatment of GERD in OSA patients improves the number of arousals during sleep, but only one study showed a significant difference in apnea.
Parameter Estimation of Auditory Saccades and Visual Saccades

Saccadic eye movements induced by visual stimuli (V-saccade), auditory stimuli (A-saccade) and auditory-visual stimuli (AV-saccade) were recorded and analyzed. SMI Hi-Speed eye tracking system was used to collect human saccade data. A FORTRAN program designed to compute parameter estimates for a 1D saccadic eye movement model was used for data analysis. The controller for saccadic eye movements in response to the three different types of stimuli were compared. System parameters of agonist pulse and post-inhibitory rebound burst (PIRB) in the antagonist motoneurons that caused post-saccade phenomena were also estimated. A-saccade exhibited lower agonist pulse magnitude and longer agonist pulse duration in large saccade amplitude. Antagonist onset delay was longer in A-saccade for saccades of the same size. There was a higher incidence of dynamic overshoot in A-saccade, while more in the abducting than adducting direction.
Time-dependent modulation of GABAA-ergic synaptic transmission by allopregnanolone in locus coeruleus neurons of Mecp2-null mice

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms starting 6–18 mo after birth, while what underlies the delayed onset is unclear. Allopregnanolone (Allop) is a metabolite of proge...
Migration of the sandworm Nereis virens during winter nights

There have been many previous reports of the sandworm Nereis virens Sars swimming in the water column. This behavior usually has been attributed to reproductive processes. Sandworms were found swimming in surface waters at night on ebb tides during many nights of January, February and March in a Maine (USA) estuary. None of the specimens examined contained gametes or possessed other characteristic spawning or pre-spawning modifications. Several age classes were found, with worms measuring 9 to 38 cm in length, weighing 0.5 to 19.8 g, and having 82 to 187 segments. The greatest numbers of worms were observed during near-average tides on evenings in which low tides occurred a few hours after sunset but prior to moonrise. Up to 83 worms per minute were observed swimming seaward through a 20 m transect, while none were observed swimming landward at any stage of the tide. It is concluded that sandworms swimming during winter nights is unrelated to reproduction and that it is an inherent behavior pattern.
Microphotoluminescence and Raman scattering study of defect formation in diamond films

Photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy are employed to explore the time evolution of defect formation in chemical vapor deposition diamond films for stages of growth spanning nucleation to continuous film formation. Our research is concentrated on three types of defects which give rise to the 1.68 eV optical band, the sp2 phase which centers at 1500 cm−1, and the broadband luminescence at 565–800 nm. The investigation of these types of defects suggests the following conclusions. Si atoms are most likely responsible for the creation of the 1.68 eV optical centers which takes place at the initial stages of growth. Plasma interactions with the Si substrate contribute to the 1.68 eV defect formation. The broad luminescence and sp2 bonding defects were not present in the isolated nuclei but were significantly present when a continuous film was formed. Two rates of diamond growth were obtained and the changes of the rates were attributed to the lowering degree of freedom available for the growth of the nuclei...
Comparison of inclusive particle production in 14.6 GeV/c proton-nucleus collisions with simulation

Abstract Inclusive charged pion, kaon, proton and deuteron production in 14.6 GeV/c proton–nucleus collisions measured by BNL experiment E802 is compared with results from the GEANT3, GEANT4 and FLUKA simulation packages. The FLUKA package is found to have the best overall agreement.
Sunscreens containing physical UV blockers can increase transdermal absorption of pesticides

People are encouraged to wear sunscreens because of their effectiveness at reducing the risk of skin cancer. The dermal penetration of the herbicide 2,4-D can be enhanced by commercial formulations containing chemical ultraviolet (UV) absorbers, the absorbers themselves and the insect repellent DEET. This work has been extended to determine whether commercially available sunscreens containing the physical UV absorbers titanium dioxide (TiO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO) enhance the transdermal absorption of pesticides. Hairless mouse skin was pretreated with either commercially available sunscreens or the UV absorbers themselves, dissolved in phenyl trimethicone. In vitro permeability studies were performed with the pesticides 2,4-D, paraquat, parathion or malathion. The data demonstrate that pretreatment with five of the nine sunscreens tested increased the transdermal absorption of 2,4-D (P<0.05). Transdermal studies using paraquat, parathion and malathion pretreated with a representative sunscreen all demonstrated significant penetration enhancement when compared to controls (P<0.05). Repeated 2,4-D and sunscreen applications resulted in either no change between pulses or an increase in absorption after the second pulse depending on the washing regimen. Examining penetration of individual UV absorbers formulated in phenyl trimethicone showed that that ZnO can impede 2,4-D penetration and TiO2 had no effect. Combining UV absorbers in the presence of trimethicone resulted in 'sunscreens' that could actually inhibit 2,4-D penetration. Inert ingredients therefore control the increased absorption seen in commercial sunscreen products and this enhancement can be eliminated by substituting phenyl trimethicone as the solvent. Sunscreen use must still be encouraged even with the undesirable side effect of increased penetration through the skin.
Calculation of local and average pressure tensors in molecular simulations

A conceptually simple method to calculate local and average pressure tensors in simulations of molecular systems with discrete particles is presented. The pressure originates from the linear momentum of the particles as well as from n-body interactions between the particles, and consists of one additive contribution for every term in the expression of the total energy. The basis for the calculation is the analysis of the velocities of the particles and of the n-body interactions between the particles at the molecular scale to obtain local pressures, and averaging of the local pressure over areas and volumes to obtain average pressures (H. Heinz, W. Paul, K. Binder, Phys. Rev. E., 72, 066704 (2005)). The explicit consideration of many-body interactions (e.g. angles, torsions, cross-terms) provides simple derivations of existing methods (method of planes, virial expression) and a straightforward extension to periodic systems. In periodic systems original particles are translated into the box in the moment o...
Risk Factors for Tunnel Infections in Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis

Little data are available about risk factors for peritoneal catheter subcutaneous tunnel infection. Therefore, we analyzed tunnel infections occurring in our program over a 10.5-year period. One hundred twenty-nine tunnel infections occurred in 92 of 411 patients (22%) on peritoneal dialysis for a mean of 19 ± 19 months. Tunnel infection rate was 0.19 per year. By 1 year, 15% of patients had a tunnel infection, and by 2 years, 23%. Tunnel infection rates decreased with increasing time on peritoneal dialysis: 2.4 per year for patients on peritoneal dialysis less than 1 year, 0.8 per year for patients on dialysis 1 to 2 years, and 0.4 per year for patients on dialysis greater than 2 years (all different at P
Climate change and our responsibilities as chemists

Abstract For almost all of 4.5 billion years, natural forces have shaped Earth’s environment. But, during the past century, as a result of the Industrial Revolution, which has had enormous benefits for humans, the effects of human activities have become the main driver for climate change. The increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide caused by burning fossil fuels for energy to power the revolution causes an energy imbalance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing planetary emission. The imbalance is warming the planet and causing the atmosphere and oceans to warm, ice to melt, sea level to rise, and weather extremes to increase. In addition, dissolution of part of the carbon dioxide in the oceans is causing them to acidify, with possible negative effects on marine biota. As citizens of an interconnected global society and scientists who have the background to understand climate change, we have a responsibility first to understand the science. One resource that is available to help is the American Chemical Society Climate Science Toolkit, www.acs.org/climatescience . With this understanding our further responsibility as citizen scientists is to engage others in deliberative discussions on the science, to take actions ourselves to adapt to and mitigate human-caused climate change, and urge others to follow our example.
A re-examination of a flood routing method comparison

Abstract The example and comparison of flood methods by Thomas even though not completed in a numerical sense has been widely cited as evidence for validity or non-validity of certain flood routing methods. Tentative Fortran II computer programs were utilized for a twofold purpose, (1) to complete the example and (2) to compare flood routing methods. Basic data were the same as that used by Thomas, except that an apparent error was corrected. Flood routing methods compared differ in the presence or absence of certain terms in the equation of motion and/or continuity. The numerical solution is based on finite differences centered on a four point rectangular grid. This is an implicit algorithm and has favorable characteristics with respect to computational stability. Computed peak reductions for each routing method are calculated for all combinations of a reach length of 25 miles and 50 miles with a time increment of 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Comparison of computed peak attenuations indicate that all methods vary significantly for various combinations of Δx and Δt. Other characteristics of the flood routing methods are pointed out.
Defining scientific misconduct. The relevance of mental state.

HARDLY a month goes by without word from the science journalists of another alleged "research scandal." The reports are a product of the increased awareness that scientists, subject to normal human frailties, sometimes place self-interest and convenience above the painstaking disinterestedness good research demands. They also reflect the growing acknowledgment that traditional safeguards of replication and peer review are insufficient in the contemporary research climate. Today, scientists, institutional administrators, and government officials subject the research process to unprecedented scrutiny in an effort to detect, For editorial comment see p 915. investigate, penalize, and prevent behavior that unacceptably departs from scientific standards. After over a decade of extensive debate and analysis, however, an adequate definition of the targeted behavior has yet to emerge. There is a disturbing lack of clarity regarding the specific conduct that ought to be the focus of professional, institutional, and government attention. This lack of clarity has
Noise Histogram Regularization for Iterative Image Reconstruction Algorithms

We derive a regularization term for iterative image reconstruction algorithms based on the histogram of the residual difference between a forward-model image of a given object estimate and noisy image data. The term can be used to constrain this residual histogram to be statistically equivalent to the expected noise histogram, preventing overfitting of noise in a reconstruction. Reconstruction results from simulated imagery are presented for the cases of Gaussian and quantization noise.
DDT residues on New York dairy farms following the gypsy moth eradication program.

Aerial-applied DDT-oil solutions for eradication to the gypsy moth. Porthetria dispar (L.). in 1957 were found to be highly persistent on forage and little affected by weathering. However, the growth of new grass with its great increase in mass and volume was found to be a very important factor in residue "loss," The use of DDT as an eradicant spray resulted in widespread contamination of milk which persisted for at least 1 year. At one poultry farm cheeked, eggs were found to be contaminated for a period of 1 month.
Recollections of parent–child relationships, attachment insecurity, and obsessive–compulsive beliefs

Abstract To adequately understand Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it is important to understand the developmental origins of obsessive beliefs and corresponding compulsive acts. Prior work has shown that having cold, neglectful parents in childhood and/or insecure attachment styles are both linked to emotional disturbances. In this study, we explored the potential contributions of early parent–child relationships to attachment styles and the severity of obsessive–compulsive beliefs in adulthood. A sample of 397 college students completed online, self-report measures of retrospective parent–child relationships, adult attachment styles, and ongoing obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Analyses revealed that attachment anxiety partially mediated the association between parent–child relationships and obsessive beliefs; attachment avoidance failed to operate as a mediating mechanism. Our findings provide support for interpersonal approaches to obsessive–compulsive symptoms and disorder, with implications for the continuity of relationship dysfunction from childhood into adulthood.
A novel foot slip detection algorithm using unscented Kalman Filter innovation

A novel slip detection algorithm is proposed using the innovation term of the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). An intentional modeling error was introduced in the dynamic model of a block resting on a slope, including tilt angle and angular velocity. The model was formulated with an assumption of no translations in x- and y- directions. This model was implemented in the UKF based on gyro and accelerometer measurements. When the block slid, the UKF innovation increased considerably due to unmodeled dynamics (i.e., translation). The smoothed innovation was used to detect slip of the block, instead of using the metrics of estimation/measurement of the translational acceleration. As proof of concept, drag-sled stick-slip experiments were conducted under dry and wet surface conditions for level and inclined surfaces. Results indicate versatility of the proposed algorithm for slip detection using boosted innovation. Because accurate metrics of estimation/measurements were not required, parameter tuning was simple, and inexpensive MEMS-based sensors provided satisfactory data quality for slip detection without further error correction.
Numerical investigation of effects of cutting conditions and cooling schemes on tool performance in up milling of Ti-6AL-4V alloy

Ti-6Al-4V is widely used in industry because of its high strength-to-weight ratio at elevated temperatures, its excellent resistance to fracture and corrosion, and biological properties. However, Ti-6Al-4V is classified as hard-to-cut material because of its high chemical reactivity with most tool materials and its low thermal conductivity that causes high temperature on the tool face. Consequently, prediction of the tool temperature distribution has great significance in predicting tool wear pattern. In this research, finite element method (FEM) is employed to conduct numerical investigation of the effects of cutting conditions (cutting speed, feed rate, and axial depth of cut) in corner up milling on temperature of the tool rake face. The tool material used is general carbide, and the behavior of the workpiece Ti-6Al-4V is described by using Johnson-Cook plastic model. Because of the computational expense, a separate heat transfer model is built to analyze the heat transfer process after the tooth disengages the workpiece and before it engages the workpiece again to predict change of temperature distribution during this cooling process while subjected to different cooling schemes. This research provides helpful guidance for selecting optimal cutting conditions and tool cooling strategies in up milling Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
Joubert syndrome is not a cause of classical autism

A previous report noted a 27% prevalence of autism in Joubert syndrome (JS), raising the question of overlapping etiologies. Family studies have shown that autism is characterized by family loading for a number of specific behavioral and psychiatric disorders and that the sib recurrence risk is around 4%. The purpose of this study is to determine whether children with Joubert and their families show behavioral or genetic characteristics similar to autism. Thirty-one volunteer Joubert families were identified. Parents completed a semi-structured family history interview and the Autism Behavioral Checklist. Rates of family loading for neuropsychiatric disorders in the JS families were compared to autism family history data and Down syndrome (DS) controls. The JS families had significantly lower rates of autism, alcoholism, cognitive, and language disorders than the autism families. Their rate of depression was lower, but not significantly different from that found in autism families. None of the JS children met the clinical cut-off for autism based on parental symptom report and the sib recurrence risk was 32% for the JS families compared to 4% for the autism and 0% for DS families. These data indicate that JS is a genetically distinct disorder from autism. Different genes with different inheritance patterns that affect neurodevelopment of the cerebellum could explain the clinical similarities previously reported in JS and autism.
APPLICATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLE OF INDUCED OSTEOGENESIS FOR CRANIOFACIAL DEFECTS

Demineralised bone implants were used for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction and construction in 34 patients, 28 with congenital deformities and 6 with acquired defects. The patients' ages ranged from 15 months to 59 years (mean 18 years). In 33 cases, the implants were obtained from cadaver femurs; in 1 case, the implant was prepared from the patient's own skull. Early healing was assessed by clinical and radiographic examination and, when appropriate, by biopsy. Longer follow-up will be required to determine whether resorption has been avoided. The clinical advantages are rapid union, healing of large defects, avoidance of harvesting procedures, and the potentially unlimited supply of banked material.
Rotation scalings and momentum confinement in neutral-beam-injected ISX-B plasmas

Scalings of the central rotation in non-gettered, co-injected ISX-B discharges have been measured as a function of beam power, electron density and plasma current. Extensive studies are made possible by exploiting charge-exchange excitation (CXE) of 0 VIII lines to measure Doppler shifts. The rotation velocity, v(0), tends to saturate at (1.0 − 1.2) × l07 cms−1 when Pb0.5 MW, showing little further increase up to the maximum input of 2 MW; v(0) is independent of ne and Ip. Momentum confinement times in quasi-steady plasmas are 10–16 ms for e = 4.5 × 1013 cm−3. Counter-injection discharges always disrupt, but before this event v(0) is the same as for co-injection plasmas. The addition of a third beam line, permitting injection of up to 2 MW of balanced neutral-beam power, has allowed comparisons of the energy and particle confinement in rotating and non-rotating plasmas with the same total neutral-beam input. In those cases where impurity buildup can be avoided, it is found that the ISX-B empirical scaling of energy confinement time is reproduced with balanced injection. Thus, the unfavourable dependence of is not the result of rotation. Studies of impurity behaviour under differing injection conditions have been extended to include fully stripped low-Z ions. The results are consistent with previous investigations of metallic elements which revealed strong dependences on the sense (co versus counter) of injection. The potentials calculated from momentum balance, using measured rotation profiles and typical plasma density and temperature profiles, are in qualitative agreement with the potentials measured directly for various combinations of co- and counter-injection.
Characterization of structural features important for T7 RNAP elongation complex stability reveals competing complex conformations and a role for the non-template strand in RNA displacement

We have characterized the roles of the phage T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) thumb subdomain and the RNA binding activity of the N-terminal domain in elongation complex (EC) stability by evaluating how disrupting these structures affects the dissociation rates of halted ECs. Our results reveal distinct roles for these elements in EC stabilization. On supercoiled or partially single-stranded templates the enzyme with a deletion of the thumb subdomain is exceptionally unstable. However, on linear duplex templates the polymerase which has been proteolytically cleaved within the N-terminal domain is the most unstable. The differences in the effects of these RNAP modifications on the stability of ECs on the different templates appear to be due to differences in EC structure: on the linear duplex templates the RNA is properly displaced from the DNA, but on the supercoiled or partially single-stranded templates an extended RNA:DNA hybrid makes a larger contribution to the conformational state of the EC. The halted EC can therefore exist either in a conformation in which the RNA is displaced from the DNA and forms an interaction with the RNAP, or in a conformation in which a more extended RNA:DNA hybrid is present and the RNA:RNAP interaction is less extensive. The partitioning between these competing conformations appears to be a function of the energetics of template reannealing and the relative strengths of the RNA:RNAP interaction and the RNA:DNA hybrid.