cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Telemedicine in Otolaryngology: A Systematic Review of Image Quality, Diagnostic Concordance, and Patient and Provider Satisfaction.

Objectives:Telemedicine allows for the remote delivery of patient care and has been found to have a wide range of uses in otolaryngology. In order to achieve best practices in telemedicine, a platf...
The use of voice in music therapy: by Kelly Meashey, Barcelona Publishers, 2020 Dallas, TX 250 $34; $27 electronic ISBN: 9781945411533 E-ISBN: 9781945411540

Kelly Meashey has maintained a lengthy and rich career as a music therapist, with nearly 20 years of experience working across a diversity of communities, and 20 years as a private practitioner of ...
Early neuropsychological markers of cognitive involvement in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment due to multiple sclerosis (MS) is common and often limits occupational functioning, contributes to disability, and reduces quality of life. Early detection of cognitive involvement in MS is critical for treatment planning and intervention, and frequent, regular cognitive monitoring may provide insight into subtle changes in disease progression. Objective To compare the sensitivity and specificity of clinical, computer-based and experimental measures to early cognitive involvement in MS. Methods Cognitive functioning was compared in MS participants early in the disease course to matched healthy controls using conventional, computer-based and functional assessments: the Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS (BICAMS); the computer-based Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB); the Attention Network Test-Interaction (ANT-I), including intra-individual variability; and the Test of Everyday Cognitive Ability (TECA), a functional measure of instrumental activities of daily living. Results MS participants (n = 25, mean disease duration= 5.82 ± 3.65 years) and demographically matched healthy controls (n = 29) completed the cognitive assessments. The Cogstate measure of choice reaction time (AUC = 0.73, p = .004), intra-individual variability on the ANT-I (AUC = 0.79, p = .001), and TECA (AUC = 0.78, p = .001) scores were the most sensitive and specific markers of cognitive involvement in MS. Conclusions Brief, repeatable, computer-based measures of reaction time and variability detect early MS associated cognitive involvement.
Automatic delineation of glacier grounding lines in differential interferometric synthetic-aperture radar data using deep learning

Delineating the grounding line of marine-terminating glaciers-where ice starts to become afloat in ocean waters-is crucial for measuring and understanding ice sheet mass balance, glacier dynamics, and their contributions to sea level rise. This task has been previously done using time-consuming, mostly-manual digitizations of differential interferometric synthetic-aperture radar interferograms by human experts. This approach is no longer viable with a fast-growing set of satellite observations and the need to establish time series over entire continents with quantified uncertainties. We present a fully-convolutional neural network with parallel atrous convolutional layers and asymmetric encoder/decoder components that automatically delineates grounding lines at a large scale, efficiently, and accompanied by uncertainty estimates. Our procedure detects grounding lines within 232 m in 100-m posting interferograms, which is comparable to the performance achieved by human experts. We also find value in the machine learning approach in situations that even challenge human experts. We use this approach to map the tidal-induced variability in grounding line position around Antarctica in 22,935 interferograms from year 2018. Along the Getz Ice Shelf, in West Antarctica, we demonstrate that grounding zones are one order magnitude (13.3 ± 3.9) wider than expected from hydrostatic equilibrium, which justifies the need to map grounding lines repeatedly and comprehensively to inform numerical models.
Concomitant treatment of atrial fibrillation during mitral valve surgery.

Introduction Surgical management of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-established method of preventing complications and late mortality in patients presenting with AF before mitral valve (MV) surgery. However, despite a substantial body of evidence and a Class I recommendation to apply surgical ablation (SA) concomitant to MV surgery, the utilization of SA remains low. Methods In this study, we sought to summarize the current trends in the SA of AF during MV surgery and update the medical community on its advantages, including perioperative mortality and morbidity, freedom from AF, as well as long-term survival and stroke rates. Results The data indicate that SA can be added with no increased risk (and perhaps a reduction in perioperative risk) and improved late survival compared to patients with AF left untreated during MV surgery. Discussion Inconsistent application of SA may be related to inaccurate perceptions regarding the complexity of the procedure itself, extended cross-clamp and bypass times with attendant increased risks, views that it is ineffective, and increased need for an early pacemaker. Conclusion Education in the proper performance of SA, including careful placement of the lesions and attainment of the full transmural effect, contributes to procedure success. Propagating the safety and positive outcomes may also address the concerns.
Likert or Not? How Using Likert Rather Than Biposlar Ratings Reveal Individual Difference Scores Using the Godspeed Scales

We examined how a revised presentation method of The Godspeed Scales affected results accruing from such tests which concern user judgments of anthropomorphism, animacy, likability, perceived intelligence, and perceived safety of robots. Through the use of Likert-type scales, rather than the original semantic- or bipolar-scale structure, we correlated results in order to determine which word pairs in the original scales were truly opposite in their meanings, where true opposites were anticipated to possess a strongly negative correlation. Results showed that individual differences in each participant’s baseline tendency to choose a rating exerted the strongest relationship with their overall scores. When those differences were accounted for the majority of the word-pairs used in the Godspeed Scale had negative correlations. These findings indicate that individual differences, rather than features of the robot per se, played the largest part in predicting how people will perceive any particular robot.
Context-Specific Interpersonal Problem-Solving and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors.

Abstract. Background: Interpersonal problem-solving difficulties constitute a suicide risk factor that may be particularly relevant among college students. Most studies have examined general interp...
Integrated Vehicle Routing and Service Scheduling Under Time and Cancellation Uncertainties with Application in Nonemergency Medical Transportation

In this paper, we consider an integrated vehicle routing and service scheduling problem for serving customers in distributed locations who need pick-up, drop-off, or delivery services. We take into...
Heidegger's Support for Deep Ecology Reexamined Once Again: Ontological Egalitarianism, or Farewell to the Great Chain of Being

In the paper, I argue that deep ecologists did not take full advantage of the potential of Martin Heidegger's philosophy to support the foundational assumptions of deep ecology. They have overlooked Heidegger's attempt to reject the idea of the great chain of being (reinforcing his critique of metaphysics as “ontotheology”), which is essential for the concept of ecospherical egalitarianism. In considering the notion of “eco-spherical egalitarianism,” I shall recognize Heidegger's ontology as an “ontological egalitarianism.” Finally, I will show that Heidegger's project seems to be even more universal than deep ecology since Heidegger is concerned with artifacts as well as natural entities.
Review paper: Chemical ecology of rotifers

One of the primary channels of sensory input for zooplankton are chemical signals. Much zooplankton behavior is triggered by chemical stimuli, including feeding, predator defense, mating, and migration. Chemically regulated zooplankton behavior affects larger scale ecosystem processes like grazing, recruitment and secondary production. Knowledge of how chemicals transmit information about location, food quality, conspecifics, competitors, and predators is critical for understanding how aquatic ecosystems function. This paper reviews the behavioral evidence that planktonic rotifers respond to a variety of chemical stimuli. Although a rich variety of rotifer behaviors are regulated by chemical signals, little progress has been made to isolate and characterize these stimuli. If aquatic ecology is to become a predictive science, knowledge of the mechanisms causing the observed interactions is necessary. Chemical signals need to be isolated, purified, and characterized, and their causal role in regulating population and community processes needs to be demonstrated. Rotifers have chemosensory neurons in their corona and electron microscopy has revealed chemoreceptive pores in the anterior integument of several species. Some rotifers use these chemoreceptors to discriminate food particles based on the flavors on the cell surface. In Asplanchna, prey are discriminated by contact chemoreception. Asplanchna releases a waterborne signal that induces spine formation in several Brachionus species, Keratella cochlearis, K. slacki, and Filinia longisecta. The colonial Sinatherina socialis is defended against fish predation by warts containing unpalatable chemicals that have yet to be identified. Larval settlement in Collotheca gracillipes is determined by the chemistry of aquatic plant surfaces. Larvae prefer the undersurface of leaves where there is a low Ca++ microhabitat due to photosynthesis. Oviposition in Euchlanis dilatata is restricted to plant surfaces familiar to the maternal female. Hydrogen peroxide and certain prostaglandins stimulate resting egg hatching even in the dark. Sexual reproduction and polymorphism in Asplanchna sieboldi is regulated by dietary tocopherol. A chemical signal that allows assessment of conspecific population density is detected in conditioned media by several rotifer species. Water soluble extracts of Brachionus plicatilis increase mictic female production 1.7 times more than controls. Unknown compounds produced by certain bacteria also increase mixis 4–10 fold over controls. Mate recognition in B. plicatilis is determined by a 29 kD surface glycoprotein called the mate recognition pheromone (MRP). The MRP has been isolated, purified, and a polyclonal antibody against it has been prepared. The structure of the oligosaccharide and protein components of the MRP are currently being characterized. Elucidation of the chemicals regulating rotifer life cycles will make important contributions to the understanding of ecological processes in aquatic communities.
Equity Security Prices, Investors' Planning H orizon, and C orporate Financial Planning

Inform ation contained in the security prices are relevant to different segm ents of the financial com m unity. G iven the m ost appropriate m ethodology, each segm ent attem pts to extract the inform ation relevant to its decision. T his paper posits that the N et P resent V alue (N P V ) (share m arket price less book value of that share) of a firm ’s equity security, contains inform ation relating to the A verage P lanning H orizon (A P H ) of the equity investors. G iven general uncertainty and volatile financial m arket conditions, this study suggests that the m essages contained in the N P V m ay be potentially useful for corporate financial planning.
Temperature-Sensitive Simian Virus 40 Mutant Defective in a Late Function

A temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (SV40) mutant, tsTNG-1, has been isolated from nitrosoguanidine-treated and SV40-infected African green monkey kidney (CV-1) cultures. Replication of virus at the nonpermissive temperature (38.7 C) was 3,000-fold less than at the permissive temperature (33.5 C). Plaque formation by SV40tsTNG-1 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) on CV-1 monolayers occurred normally at 33.5 C but was grossly inhibited at 38.7 C. The time at which virus replication was blocked at 38.7 C was determined by temperature-shift experiments. In shift-up experiments, cultures infected for various times at 33.5 C were shifted to 38.7 C. In shift-down experiments, cultures infected for various times at 38.7 C were shifted to 33.5 C. All cultures were harvested at 96 hr postinfection (PI). No virus growth occurred when the shift-up occurred before 40 hr PI. Maximum virus yields were obtained at 96 hr PI when the shift-down occurred at 66 hr, but only about 15% of the maximum yield was obtained when the shift-down occurred at 76 hr PI. These results indicate that SV40tsTNG-1 contains a conditional lethal mutation in a late viral gene function. Mutant SV40tsTNG-1 synthesized T antigen, viral capsid antigens, and viral DNA, and induced thymidine kinase activity at either 33.5 or 38.7 C. The properties of the SV40 DNA synthesized in mutant-infected CV-1 cells at 33.5 or 38.7 C were very similar to those of SV40 DNA made in parental virus-infected cells, as determined by nitrocellulose column chromatography, cesium-chloride-ethidium bromide equilibrium centrifugation, and by velocity centrifugation in neutral sucrose gradients. Mutant SV40tsTNG-1 enhanced cellular DNA synthesis in primary cultures of mouse kidney cells at 33.5 and 38.7 C and also transformed mouse kidney cultures at 36.5 C. SV40tsTNG-1 was recovered from clonal lines of transformed cells after fusion with susceptible CV-1 cells and incubation of heterokaryons at 33.5 C, but not at 38.7 C.
Popular Sovereignty: A Case Study from the Antebellum Era

For 2 days, Singleton Mercer stalked Mahlon Hutchinson Heberton through Philadelphia’s streets. Finally, late in the afternoon of Friday, February 10, 1843, Mercer tracked Heberton onto the John Finch, a steamboat that ferried people between Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. As that boat docked on the Jersey shore, Mercer walked over to the carriage carrying Heberton, pulled out a gun, and fired four shots. Only one hit his target, but that was enough. Heberton died within the hour and Mercer, who had been seized immediately after the shooting, was taken to the Woodbury County Jail, where he was held without bail for a month and a half.
Specifying child anxiety disorders not otherwise specified in the DSM-IV.

Background Anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (ADNOS) is one of the more common and impairing DSM-IV diagnoses assigned in child practice settings, but it is not clear what percentage of these assignments simply reflect poor diagnostic practices. Methods The present study evaluated patterns and correlates of child ADNOS in a large outpatient treatment seeking sample of anxious youth (N = 650), utilizing structured diagnostic interviewing procedures. Results Roughly, 15% of youth met diagnostic criteria for ADNOS. Overall, these youth exhibited comparable levels of clinical problems relative to youth with DSM-IV–specified anxiety disorders (AD), and roughly two-thirds of ADNOS cases exhibited symptom presentations closely resembling generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Among ADNOS presentations resembling GAD, those failing to meet the "worries more days than not" or "worries across multiple domains" criteria showed lower internalizing symptoms than GAD youth, but comparable anxious/depressed symptoms, somatic symptoms, social problems, externalizing problems, and total problems as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist. Conclusions Childhood ADNOS cases are prevalent and warrant clinical attention. In many cases there are only a couple, if any, clinical differences between these disorders and the ADs they closely resemble. Future work is needed to improve upon the current taxonomy of childhood ADs to specify a larger proportion of affected youth needing care.
Surviving Chernobyl in America

Abstract This paper fills an informational gap for multidisciplinary providers of services to the former Soviet Union (FSU) immigrants in the United States, highlighting the long-term medical and mental health consequences of this group's pre-migration exposure to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The international literature is selectively presented together with recent findings of Chernobyl mental health sequelae in a cohort residing in the United States. Guidelines for service providers, as well as Russian language health service resources in US cities populated by significant FSU communities, are also furnished.
X-ray, neutron-, and electron diffraction study of the incommensurate structure in single cystals of Bi2.2Sr1.9CaCu2O8+x.

We have used x-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction to study the incommensurate structure in superconducting single crystals of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2.2}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{1.9}\mathrm{Ca}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{8+x}$ at 300 K. Large differences between relative x-ray and neutron superlattice intensities imply a large oxygen contribution to the modulation. While the positions of the superlattice peaks are symmetric in ${Q}_{H}$ and ${Q}_{K}$ about the sublattice (020) reflection, the intensities are not. This probably rules out a sinusoidal one-dimensional mass density wave interpretation.
Prospect Theory and the Long-Run Performance of IPO Stocks

We offer a new explanation for the long-run underperformance of IPO stocks using prospect theory. According to this theory, uncertain outcomes enter an investor's utility function through a nonlinear transformation of their probabilities. Small probability events are given more weight than in expected utility theory, whereas median and large probability events are given less weight. IPO stocks have more extreme positive returns; hence they are valued more in prospect theory than in expected utility theory. We test our theory with Ritter's (1991) IPO sample. Using parameter values consistent with previous experimental studies, we find investors value IPOs the same as seasoned stocks in a prospective utility setting, even though the formers' long-run average returns are much lower than the latters'.
Disaster Relief Within a Collectivistic Context : Supporting Resilience After the Tsunami in South India

Abstract Until recently, most research on catastrophic events has focused on human outcomes with limited exploration of related adaptational processes. The little knowledge we have is based upon events occurring in the western world, despite the higher frequency of disasters in the nonwestern world. This study examines the cultural context of coping among survivors of the 2004 tsunami in Tamil Nadu, India. A non-probability, purposive sample of ten emergency responders, who represented a broad range of professions and were directly involved with relief efforts along the coast of South India, were interviewed individually one year after the tsunami. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview format with open-ended questions. Consistent with the collectivistic culture in India, content analysis was conducted using the Listening Guide methodology. Interpretive analysis revealed five common ways of coping: (1) returning to routine, (2) rebuilding family structures, (3) communal sharing of resources...
Ethylene oxide dose and dose‐rate effects in the mouse dominant‐lethal test

In the dose-response study, male mice were exposed by inhalation to ethylene oxide (EtO) for 4 consecutive days. Mice were exposed for 6 hr per day to 300 ppm, 400 ppm, or 500 ppm EtO for a daily total of 1,800, 2,400, or 3,000 ppm X hr (total exposures of 7,200, 9,600 and 12,000 ppm X hr), respectively. In the dose-rate study, mice were given a total exposure of 1,800 ppm X hr per day, also for 4 consecutive days, delivered either at 300 ppm in 6 hr, 600 ppm in 3 hr, or 1,200 ppm in 1.5 hr. Quantitation of dominant-lethal responses was made on matings involving sperm exposed as late spermatids and early spermatozoa, the most sensitive stages to EtO. In the dose-response study, a dose-related increase in dominant-lethal mutations was observed, the dose-response curve proved to be nonlinear. In the dose-rate study, increasing the exposure concentrations resulted in increased dominant-lethal responses.
Electrochemistry of triphenylgermanium halides

Abstract The electrochemistry of the triphenylgermanium halides in 1,2-dimethoxy-ethane has been investigated by means of DC polarography, cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential coulometry. The reduction of Ph3GeF was a pseudo-reversible process involving the transfer of only one-half a Faraday per mole. The reduction of both Ph3GeCl and Ph3GeBr were irreversible single-electron processes resulting in the formation of a germyl radical. The Ph3GeI reduction exhibited both a kinetically controlled and an irreversible diffusion-controlled process. Anodic processes were also observed for Ph3GeCl, Ph3GeBr, and Ph3GeI. These were interpreted as being mercury dissolution processes resulting in the formation of a mercurous haiide salt and the germonium ion, Ph3Ge+.
Submicron Conductor Array Fabricated from a Recrystallized Eutectic Thin Film

A submicron conductor array was fabricated without using lithography by selectively etching a recrystallized A1-A1 2 Cu eutectic alloy thin film. The 2 micron thick eutectic films were deposited on glass substrates and directionally solidified with both a quartz-iodine lamp and a scanning laser at rates between .0016 and .14 cm/sec. The resulting structure consisted of alternate parallel stripes of the two eutectic phases with a spacing between .5 and 4 microns that was controlled by the solidification rate. An array of submicron Al- rich conductors was fabricated by selectively etching away the Al 2 Cu phase. At solidification rates greater than .004 cm/sec using the lamp heater the solid-liquid interface became non-planar while with the laser the structure was well alligned at the highest rates used, .14 cm/sec. At the maximum theoretical solidification rate that produces a two phase aligned eutectic structure the width of the Al wires would be 100A.
Tertiary Care Psychiatry in Zaire: Dsm-Iii in the Developing World

In this sample of eighty consecutive admissions to the Centre-Neuro-Psycho- Pathologique (CNPP) of Kinshasa, 81% were given a DSM-III diagnosis. This demonstrates that the DSM-III is a useful tool for psychiatric research in developing sub-saharan Africa. Schizophrenia, schizophreniform psychoses, and affective disorders appeared in their familiar forms. Zairois patients tended to present with complaints of insomnia, agitation and pressured speech. The most striking observa tions were the relative paucity of depressed mood, self-reproach, and suicidal idea tion in patients with major depression. Four cases of acute transient psychosis were noted.
Gender specific developmental transformation of a cockroach bifunctional muscle

Adult male and female cockroaches, Periplaneta americana, differ in their capacity for sustained flight. Tethered 20 day adult males flap their wings about 15 min; females 12 seconds. Males are less massive and have greater total wing area than do females, with wing loading only about half that of the female. The basalar muscle, a major wing depressor in flight, is also sexually dimorphic. In males it is 1.5× more massive and has a cross sectional area 1.2× greater than the female homologue. Muscle fibers of the adult male and female basalar muscles are ultrastructurally and biochemically distinct. Female fibers have a myofilament array similar to that of other non-flight locomotory muscles, with 10–12 actin filaments surrounding each myosin filament. Adult male fibers typically have six actin filaments around each myosin filament. The male fibers also appear to be more oxidative. The volume density of mitochondria is about 3× greater and the specific activity for citrate synthase, an oxidative indicator, is 3.5× greater in male fibers than in female fibers. Male basalar muscle shows an enhanced ability to resist fatigue when its motoneurone is stimulated at flight frequency; homologues from the male terminal nymph and 20 day adult female are both highly fatiguable. The basalar muscle of both male and female terminal nymphs are similar in ultrastructural and biochemical profile and are not greatly different from the adult female. In male roaches there may be important neuronal or hormonal inputs at about the time of the terminal molt to adulthood that direct the transformation of the basalar muscle in time for the assumption of a new behavioral role—flight. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Linear Parameter Varying Control of a Robot Manipulator for Aortic Valve Implantation

In this paper, we propose a linear parameter varying (LPV) control design approach for trajectory tracking in a robotic system, intended to be involved in an image-guided teleoperated cardiac surgery. The robot is eventually aimed to guide a 3 degree-of-freedom medical tool (a catheter) inside the left ventricle (LV) and achieve the implantation of a prosthetic aortic valve. The successful delivery of the valve from the apical entrance to the aortic annulus strongly depends on the precise navigation of the catheter such that its probable collision with the LV’s changing environment is avoided. The LPV control strategy is utilized here due to its ability to capture the nonlinearities of the designed robot manipulator and adapt in real-time based on the varying end effector’s angle. The simulation studies demonstrate promising results achieved for a guaranteed safe navigation through LV.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Local icosahedral packing energetics for d-band metals

Abstract Local icosahedral order in solid environments is modelled by polytope {3, 3, 5} (a packing of atoms on S 3 , the surface of the unit sphere in four dimensions, with perfect icosahedral symmetry) and by a 147 atom extension of the Mackay icosahedron. The bonding energies of each are calculated in a one-electron d-band, tight binding model, as a function of d-band filling. The energies per site on the polytope, and on the central atom of the extended Mackay icosahedron, are then compared with those in the f.c.c. structure to reveal chemical trends in the relative stability of local icosahedral packing. The calculated structural energy differences show that even in fairly close-packed metals, local icosahedral packing is preferred only over a limited range of d-band fillings, roughly between 2 and 5 d-electrons per atom, even when frustration effects are artificially turned off by the use of the polytope. It is also observed that the magnitude of these energy differences is of the same order of magnitude as the structural energy differences between f.c.c. and b.c.c. structures and typically exceed the elastic energy differences which arise as a result of atomic size mismatches. These phase stability results are in marked contrast with those calculated in pair potential models.
Depressed guinea pig testicular microsomal cytochrome P-450 content by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Abstract Human exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) can result in hirsutism and chloracne, symptoms that suggest an alteration in endocrine regulation. Consequently, the effect of TCDD on guinea pig testicular cytochrome P-450 has been investigated. Twelve hours after a single, oral dose of TCDD (1 μg/kg), testicular microsomal cytochrome P-450 content was depressed by approximately 36%. Microsomal cytochrome P-450 content reached a maximal depression at approximately 1 day (52% of control) and remained at this level for 9 days. No appreciable alterations of testicular microsomal heme levels or activity of testicular δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase were observed.
Red shifting due to nonplanarity in alkylporphyrins: solid-state polarized UV-vis spectra and ZINDO calculations of two nickel(II)octaethylporphyrins.

We present the first demonstration of red shifting upon nonplanarity in alkylporphyrins using two pure conformations having known structures with identical substituents. The traditional view about the relationship of spectral red shifting to nonplanar deformation in porphyrins has been that the deformation from planar to nonplanar forms is in itself the cause of the shifting, but recently this view has been challenged. Among the new arguments is that the substituents required to effect conformational change also bring about nuclear rearrangements in the porphyrin complex which is the actual cause of the red shifting. Octaethylporphyrinatonickel(II), however, exists in both planar and ruffled forms which are determined only by the crystal structure, thus making the issue of different substituents moot. Using a polarized specular reflectance UV−vis microspectrophotometer, we have obtained polarized spectra of pure, solid samples of both forms of NiOEP. We find Soret band red shifting in the solid state that...
Strong coupling between free-propagating photons and electronic transition using plasmonics

Interaction of infrared photons with the electronic states of material is widely used in many fields of sensing, such as spectroscopy, thermal imaging, remote sensing, and optical tomography. However, the weak nature of this interaction is the main performance limit in many applications. For example, highly accurate single-molecule sensing could be achieved, if the interaction strength between infrared photons and the molecule could be enhanced. Similarly, we show that enhancing this interaction could lead to infrared detectors with orders of magnitude higher sensitivity (detectivity).
The diversity and distribution of fungi on residential surfaces.

The predominant hypothesis regarding the composition of microbial assemblages in indoor environments is that fungal assemblages are structured by outdoor air with a moderate contribution by surface growth, whereas indoor bacterial assemblages represent a mixture of bacteria entered from outdoor air, shed by building inhabitants, and grown on surfaces. To test the fungal aspect of this hypothesis, we sampled fungi from three surface types likely to support growth and therefore possible contributors of fungi to indoor air: drains in kitchens and bathrooms, sills beneath condensation-prone windows, and skin of human inhabitants. Sampling was done in replicated units of a university-housing complex without reported mold problems, and sequences were analyzed using both QIIME and the new UPARSE approach to OTU-binning, to the same result. Surfaces demonstrated a mycological profile similar to that of outdoor air from the same locality, and assemblages clustered by surface type. “Weedy” genera typical of indoor air, such as Cladosporium and Cryptococcus, were abundant on sills, as were a diverse set of fungi of likely outdoor origin. Drains supported more depauperate assemblages than the other surfaces and contained thermotolerant genera such as Exophiala, Candida, and Fusarium. Most surprising was the composition detected on residents’ foreheads. In addition to harboring Malassezia, a known human commensal, skin also possessed a surprising richness of non-resident fungi, including plant pathogens such as ergot (Claviceps purperea). Overall, fungal richness across indoor surfaces was high, but based on known autecologies, most of these fungi were unlikely to be growing on surfaces. We conclude that while some endogenous fungal growth on typical household surfaces does occur, particularly on drains and skin, all residential surfaces appear – to varying degrees – to be passive collectors of airborne fungi of putative outdoor origin, a view of the origins of the indoor microbiome quite different from bacteria.
Fe alloying effect on the performance of the Ni anode in hydrogen fuel

Abstract Composite materials of YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) with various Ni–Fe alloys were synthesized and evaluated as the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode using a 200-µm thick YSZ electrolyte as support and YSZ +La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) as cathode. The single cell with the YSZ + Ni0.75Fe0.25 anode exhibited the highest performance among all the investigated cells, e.g. a peak power density of 403, 337, 218 and 112 mW/cm2 was achieved with H2 fuel at 900, 850, 800 and 750 °C, respectively. The composite anode with the Ni0.75Fe0.25 alloy also had the lowest polarization resistance of 0.55 Ω·cm2 at 800 °C among all the alloy compositions, indicating that this specific alloy offered a better anode composition than pure Ni. The possible mechanism for the improved performance of Ni with the Fe alloying addition towards H2 oxidation was discussed.
Environmental periodicity and time delays in a “food-limited” population model

Abstract Sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of a globally attracting positive periodic solution of the “food-limited” population system modelled by the equation N (t) = r(t)((K(t) − N(t − mω)) (K(t) + c(t)r(t) N(t − mω))) , where m is a nonnegative integer and K, r, c are continuous positive periodic functions of period ω.
Clinical utility and patient perspectives on the use of extended half-life rFIXFc in the management of hemophilia B

Hemophilia B is an X-linked genetic disease caused by mutation of the gene for coagulation protein factor IX (FIX), with an incidence of approximately once every 30,000 male births in all populations and ethnic groups. When severe, the disease leads to spontaneous life threatening bleeding episodes. When untreated, most patients die from bleeding complications before 25 years of age. Current therapy requires frequent intravenous infusions of therapeutic recombinant or plasma-derived protein concentrates containing FIX. Most patients administer the infusions at home every few days, and must limit their physical activities to avoid abnormal bleeding when the FIX activity levels are below normal. After completing the pivotal Phase III clinical trial, a new therapeutic FIX preparation that has been engineered for an extended half-life in circulation, received regulatory approval in March 2014 in Canada and the US. This new FIX represents a major therapeutic advance for patients with hemophilia B. The half-life is prolonged due to fusion of the native FIX molecule with the normal constant region of immunoglobulin G. This fusion molecule then follows the normal immunoglobulin recirculation pathways through endothelial cells, resulting in prolonged times in circulation. In the clinical trials, over 150 patients successfully used eftrenonacog alfa regularly for more than 1 year to prevent spontaneous bleeding, to successfully treat any bleeding episodes, and to provide effective coagulation for major surgery. All infusions were well tolerated and effective, with no inhibitors detected and no safety concerns. This promising therapy should allow patients to use fewer infusions to maintain appropriate FIX activity levels in all clinical settings.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Warming Potential of SO2F2

In this work, potential atmospheric loss processes for SO2F2, a commercially used biocide (fumigant), have been studied and its global warming potential calculated. Rate coefficients for the gas-phase reactions OH + SO2F2 --> products, k1, and Cl + SO2F2 --> products, k4, were determined using a relative rate technique to be k1 300, >10000, 700, and >4700 years, respectively. The stratospheric lifetime of SO2F2 is calculated using a two-dimensional model to be 630 years. The global warming potential (GWP) for SO2F2 was calculated to be 4780 for the 100 year time horizon using infrared absorption cross sections measured in this work and a SO2F2 globally averaged atmospheric lifetime of 36 years, which is determined primarily by ocean uptake, reported by Muhle et al. (Muhle, J.; Huang, J.; Weiss, R. F.; Prinn, R. G.; Miller, B. R.; Salameh, P. K.; Harth, C. M.; Fraser, P. J.; Porter, L. W.; Greally, B. R.; O'Doherty, S.; Simonds, P. G. J. Geophys. Res., submitted for publication, 2008). Reaction channels and the possible formation of stable adducts in reactions 1 and 4 were evaluated using ab initio, CCSD(T), and density functional theory, B3P86, quantum mechanical electronic structure calculations. The most likely reaction product channels were found to be highly endothermic, consistent with the upper limits of the rate coefficients measured in this work.
The deposition of bacterial aerosol on a round-nose wedge in the interception region

Abstract The interception deposition on a round-nose wedge is investigated by the use of E. coli bacterial particles. These particles have a self-amplifying property when deposited on surfaces coated with nutrient material. Experimental data show good agreement with theoretical calculations based on boundary-layer theory. The technique is useful whenever the deposition efficiency or the available time for collecting particles on a surface is minimal, especially when the deposition surface is topographically complex.
Analysis of impact response of buckled composite laminates

The dynamic response of buckled composite plates impacted by a hard object is studied. A nine-node isoparametric finite element, developed based on the Mindlin plate theory and von Karman large deflection assumptions, is used for both postbuckling and impact analyses. In order to evaluate the contact force, an experimentally established contact law which accounts for the permanent indentation is employed. The static postbuckling problem of laminated plates is first considered. The impact responses include contact force histories, dynamic deflections, and dynamic strains in the plate for various buckling conditions. In addition, free vibration of buckled laminated plates is also solved to determine the range of natural frequencies which are needed to choose a proper time increment for time integration in the impact analysis.
Phosphorus uptake and utilization in wild and cultivated oats (avena spp.)

Abstract In a solution culture experiment, the growth and nutrient uptake of wild oat plants (Avena fatua L.) was compared with that of cultivated oat plants (Avena sativa L. cv. Pennlo) at both low (5 μM P) and high (100 μMP) levels of phosphate. Solution phosphate depletions and plant growth variables were measured through daily solution sampling and destructive tissue harvests. Wild oat produced more root mass and accumulated P more rapidly than the cultivar in both low and high P levels. Wild oat plants also produced significantly more dry matter for a given accumulation of P than the cultivated oat plants in both low and high P solutions. We conclude that wild oat is likely to be competitively superior to the Pennlo cultivar under conditions of moderate P limitation due to its greater allocation of dry matter to roots and higher P use efficiency.
Analysis of sequence patterns in ribonuclease. III. Variable-span pair-order analysis

Abstract Variable-span pair-order analysis, a new and fairly straightforward procedure for the study of sequence patterns, is illustrated by its successful application to beef pancreatic ribonuclease. Given a pair of dissimilar residues A and B that occur at least once at each of two selected separations (spans), e.g. I-2 and I-4, the basic analysis consists in comparing the mutual chain orientation (“same” or “opposite”) of two residue-pair occurrences of unequal length. The data for all such cross-matches for pairs of dissimilar residues are pooled. Several combinations of two distinct spans give statistically significant correlations. Some refinements and extensions of the analysis are described, and some predictions about the sequence are verified. Preliminary steps are taken toward reconstruction of the sequence. The results, which confirm, extend, and supplement previous observations, validate the pair-order concept once more and establish the architectural significance of certain individual spans, combinations of two spans, and local associations of residues and residue groups. A relation between sequence patterns and the conformation of the chain seems clearly indicated. The possibilities for theoretical interpretation are discussed, with major stress on considerations stemming from structural chemistry.
Experimental and Analytical Studies of Hospital Piping Assemblies Subjected to Seismic Loading

The seismic characteristics of welded and threaded hospital piping assemblies were investigated with and without seismic restrainers under various intensities of seismic loading using a biaxial sha...
Computed tomography evaluation of local and extraintestinal complications of Crohn's disease

Complications of Crohn's disease were demonstrated by computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis in 7 patients. Four patients had developed abscesses, 2 located in the psoas region and 2 involving the retroperitoneum or the liver. Other abnormalities documented on CT included inflammatory masses, fistulae, carcinoma, mesenteric thickening, and extraintestinal complications such as gallstones, renal calculi, and sacroileitis. Computed tomography was found to be useful in the detection and follow-up of abdominal complications of Crohn's disease.
Late Eocene diatomite from the Peruvian coastal desert, coastal upwelling in the eastern Pacific, and Pacific circulation before the terminal Eocene event

Previously undocumented late Eocene diatomaceous sediments are present near Fundo Desbarrancado (FD) in southern Peru. These sediments are similar to Miocene diatomite from the same area but, unlike the Miocene diatomite, the FD sediments contain cherty layers, are enriched in CaCO/sub 3/, have a diverse and abundant radiolarian fauna, and possess varved-massive and millimeter- and meter-scale biogenic-terrigenous alternations. The FD sediments are part of an Eocene sequence that includes the clastic sediments of the Paracas Formation, and they are correlative to the Chira Formation of northern Peru. The Paleogene biogenic sediments of western South America show that coastal upwelling developed in the eastern Pacific before the latest Eocene, argue for the existence of a proto-Humboldt current at this time, and suggest that the terminal Eocene event was the culmination of gradual changes and not a catastrophic event at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary.
Bioaccumulation of toxicants, element and nutrient composition, and soft tissue histology of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from New York State waters

Abstract Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were collected from three rivers and three lakes in New York State and analyzed for toxic and nutrient elements, amino acids and vitamins. The concentration of Cd and Se in soft tissues was generally high. Calcium comprised 40% by weight of the shell. Polychlorinated biphenyls were markedly higher in soft tissues of zebra mussels from the Hudson River than the other waters. Mussel soft tissues from only two waters showed detectable levels of p,p′-DDE. Significant histologic lesions or infectious agents were not observed in soft tissues.
Current challenges in personalizing warfarin therapy

In an exciting era where novel oral anticoagulants, such as the factor Xa and direct thrombin inhibitors, are beginning to emerge as therapeutic options, the vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin, which have been in clinical use for over half a century, will remain an important part of the therapeutic landscape for the foreseeable future. The optimal effectiveness and safety of the VKAs is limited by significant inter- and intra- patient variability in dose response. As such, routine laboratory monitoring with subsequent dose adjustment to achieve and maintain an international normalized ratio (INR) that falls within a narrow therapeutic range is necessary; even with frequent INR monitoring, time in therapeutic range of VKAs is generally <60% in usual care settings. Yet, personalized approaches to warfarin therapy, such as the routine incorporation of pharmacogenetic data into dose selection and adjustment, the selective use of prescribed doses of vitamin K for those patients with unstable INRs, and integration of patient self-testing /self-management, has the potential to improve the safety, efficacy and ease of use of warfarin. To date, no randomized trials have proven the benefits of routine pharmacogenetic testing for warfarin initiation; however, pivotal trials are ongoing. Through further investigative work, allowing these personalized strategies to realize their full potential, warfarin may remain a preferred therapeutic oral anticoagulant for years to come.
Chemotaxis of nonbiological colloidal rods.

Chemotaxis is the movement of organisms toward or away from a chemical attractant or toxin by a biased random walk process. Here we describe the first experimental example of chemotaxis outside biological systems. Platinum-gold rods $2.0\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ long exhibit directed movement toward higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations through ``active diffusion.'' Brownian dynamics simulations reveal that no ``temporal sensing'' algorithm, commonly attributed to bacteria, is necessary; rather, the observed chemotaxis can be explained by random walk physics in a gradient of the active diffusion coefficient.
CO adsorption on stepped Pd (112): studies by thermal and electron stimulated desorption

Abstract The adsorption of CO on a stepped Pd(112) surface, Pd(S)[3(111) × (001)], at 300 K has been studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) , electron stimulated desorption ion angular distribution (ESDIAD) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) methods. CO adsorbs molecularly on Pd (112) at 300 K, reversibly desorbing near 465 K at low coverages with first-order desorption kinetics. The activation energy and pre-exponential factor of CO thermal desorption are observed to decrease strongly with increasing CO coverage, exhibiting a logarithmic compensation effect. Evidence is presented that CO preferentially adsorbs at the step sites of Pd (112) at low coverages, and that both terrace and step sites are occupied at higher coverages. The cross-section for production of positive ions during electron bombardment of adsorbed CO depends strongly on the CO coverage. No excited-state neutral particles were detected at any CO coverage during ESD measurements. In addition, no evidence for long-range ordering of the CO adlayers on Pd (112) was observed.
Rectourethral fistula associated with two short segment urethral strictures in the anterior and posterior urethra: single-stage reconstruction using buccal mucosa and a radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap.

Abstract Introduction We report a novel surgical technique used to repair a rectourethral fistula associated with two short-segment urethral strictures located in the anterior and posterior segments of the urethra in a patient with prior unsuccessful repairs. Technical Considerations The anterior urethral stricture was reconstructed with a ventral onlay of buccal mucosa in the exaggerated lithotomy position. In a modified prone position, the rectourethral fistula was repaired using the transrectal transsphincteric (York-Mason) technique and the posterior urethral stricture with a radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap which was anastomosed to the inferior gluteal artery and vein. The coexistence of a rectourethral fistula and distal urethral stricture requires simultaneous repair, because the urethral pressure from the distal obstruction may compromise fistula closure. Reconstructive efforts should be tailored to minimize disruption of the urethral blood supply in patients with previous pelvic trauma. Rectal and urethral repairs should be separated by well-vascularized tissue to prevent fistula recurrence. Conclusions The radial fasciocutaneous flap may offer the reconstructive surgeon another surgical option for complex urethral stricture and rectourethral fistula reconstruction when the local blood supply is in question. Longer follow-up and more cases are needed to further evaluate the continued use of this technique.