cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indirect encoding of neural networks for scalable go

The game of Go has attracted much attention from the artificial intelligence community. A key feature of Go is that humans begin to learn on a small board, and then incrementally learn advanced strategies on larger boards. While some machine learning methods can also scale the board, they generally only focus on a subset of the board at one time. Neuroevolution algorithms particularly struggle with scalable Go because they are often directly encoded (i.e. a single gene maps to a single connection in the network). Thus this paper applies an indirect encoding to the problem of scalable Go that can evolve a solution to 5×5 Go and then extrapolate that solution to 7×7 Go and continue evolution. The scalable method is demonstrated to learn faster and ultimately discover better strategies than the same method trained on 7×7 Go directly from the start.
Humans Really Are Different

Three Seductive Ideas . Jerome Kagan. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 1998. 240 pp. $27.50. ISBN 0-674-89033-7. Kagan offers a "brilliant and provocative" critique of a wide range of popular ideas in the behavioral sciences, including ideas from evolutionary psychology, computational neuroscience, and cognitive ethology.
Multi-scale 3-D Deformable Model Segmentation Based on Medial Description

This paper presents a Bayesian multi-scale three dimensional deformable template approach based on a medial representation for the segmentation and shape characterization of anatomical objects in medical imagery. Prior information about the geometry and shape of the anatomical objects under study is incorporated via the construction of exemplary templates. The anatomical variability is accommodated in the Bayesian framework by defining probabilistic transformations on these templates. The modeling approach taken in this paper for building exemplary templates and associated transformations is based on a multi-scale medial representation. The transformations defined in this framework are parameterized directly in terms of natural shape operations, such as thickening and bending, and their location. Quantitative validation results are presented on the automatic segmentation procedure developed for the extraction of the kidney parenchyma-including the renal pelvis-in subjects undergoing radiation treatment for cancer. We show that the segmentation procedure developed in this paper is efficient and accurate to within the voxel resolution of the imaging modality.
Parity Nonconservation in Weak Interactions

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on parity nonconservation in weak interactions. It describes the theoretical arguments advanced by Lee and Yang, concerning the situation of parity nonconservation in the weak interactions. It summarizes the essential features of the two-component theory of the neutrino. The chapter presents a discussion on various methods which have been employed to demonstrate the longitudinal polarization of the electrons and positrons from β-decay. The experiments based on the circular polarization of the bremsstrahlung emitted by the polarized electrons are discussed. A review is presented of the investigations using the Moller scattering of the β-decay electrons on polarized ferromagnetic electrons of iron in a magnetic field. Experiments using the asymmetry of the Mott scattering of the β-rays on nuclei are analyzed. The chapter also reviews various experiments to determine the longitudinal polarization of positrons from β-decay, which are based on the annihilation properties of polarized positrons.
Spectrophotometric study of the mercury(II)-Xylenol Orange chelate

Abstract The reaction between mercury(II) and Xylenol Orange has been studied in aqueous hexamine medium. The chelate is 1:1 and has an apparent stability constant of 2.4 (±0.6) × 10 6 at pH 7 (2.9 M hexamine). Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration range 0.5−2.0 × 10 −5 M mercury(II) when the hexamine concentration is 2.9 M .
Relation between serum sodium concentration and the hemodynamic and clinical responses to converting enzyme inhibition with captopril in severe heart failure

The relation between pretreatment serum sodium concentration and the early and late effects of captopril was examined in 77 consecutive patients with severe chronic heart failure, in whom cardiac catheterization was performed during initiation of treatment and after 2 to 8 weeks. Two groups of patients were defined: 37 patients had hyponatremia (serum sodium -135 mEq/liter, group B). With first doses of captopril, patients in group A showed more marked hemodynamic responses than did patients in group B (p In conclusion, patients with severe heart failure complicated by severe hyponatremia are more than 30 times more likely to develop symptomatic hypotension during initiation of therapy with captopril than are patients with a serum sodium concentration of 130 mEq/liter or greater. Patients with severe hyponatremia merit particular caution during initiation of treatment with converting enzyme inhibitors.
The "cord sign" in cerebral venous thrombosis associated with high plasma levels of factor VIII.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires acute recognition and treatment. Diagnosis of CVT is challenging and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. The finding of the “cord sign” in a non-contrast cranial CT is useful for the rapid recognition of CVT in the emergency setting. We describe a patient with CVT in whom the “cord sign” and elevated factor VIII (FVIII) plasma levels were both present. A 45-year-old Caucasian man was brought to the emergency room with headache and a focal seizure. His neurological examination was non-focal. During his evaluation in the ER, a non-contrast cranial CT showed increased density of cortical veins (“cord sign”), vein of Galen, and superior sagittal, transverse and straight sinuses. A brain MRI demonstrated a flow signal void in the superior sagittal sinus, prominent cortical veins, asymmetric flow signal in the right transverse sinus, and subarachnoid hemorrhage adjacent to the superior sagittal sinus. Laboratory work-up was unremarkable and only revealed elevation of FVIII plasma levels. We report the first case of CVT with the “cord sign” and concomitant elevated FVIII. Early recognition of the “cord sign” is warranted for the emergency diagnosis and treatment of CVT.
Neuronal and glial DNA fragmentation in Pick's disease.

Pick’s disease (PD) is characterized by severe neuronal loss and gliosis in a frontotemporal lobar distribution, often associated with Pick bodies and ballooned neurons. Abnormal tau metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD; however, the underlying mechanism of neuronal degeneration remains poorly understood. Evidence from other neurodegenerative diseases has suggested that DNA damage and apoptosis may play a major role in cellular degeneration and death. In the present study, an in situ nucleotidyl transferase assay (ISNTA) was used to identify DNA fragmentation in three cases of classical PD with Pick bodies and ballooned neurons, and two PD “variants”, one with ballooned neurons only and the other without Pick bodies or ballooned neurons. In all cases large numbers of ISNTA-positive neurons were present in anatomic regions having obvious degenerative changes (neuronal atrophy and loss, gliosis, cytoplasmic inclusions) by conventional histology. There was no clear association between neuronal DNA fragmentation and the presence of structural abnormalities such as Pick bodies or ballooned cytoplasm. ISNTA-positive glia were present in both cortex and subcortical white matter. Morphologic evidence of apoptosis was not detected in either neurons or glial cells. We suggest that DNA fragmentation in PD and probably other neurodegenerative disorders most likely specifies a population of potentially vulnerable cells in which both cell death and repair mechanisms have been activated. It is likely that only a very small number of these vulnerable cells at a given time will proceed to cell death; however, it is uncertain whether this occurs by apoptosis or some other mechanism.
Oxidation and thermolysis of methoxy-, nitro-, and hydroxy-substituted phenols in supercritical water

We have examined the oxidative decomposition of m- and p-methoxyphenol, m-, and p-nitrophenol, and resorcinol and the nonoxidative decomposition of o-, m- and p-methoxyphenol in dilute aqueous solutions at 460 °C and 25.3 MPa for residence times on the order of 5 s. The major products from methoxyphenol decomposition in the absence of added oxygen are phenol and hydroxyphenols. The thermolysis kinetics can be described by a power-law rate equation with a reaction order between 0.5 and 1.0, which is consistent with previous studies done at different reaction conditions. Comparing the thermolysis rates for methoxyphenols with those of other substituted phenols showed that the rates are sensitive to both the identity and the location of the substituent. For a given substituent location, NO2-substituted phenols reacted more rapidly than either CHO- or OCH3-substituted phenols. Additionally, the ortho isomer was always the most reactive. Phenol is a product of incomplete oxidation from the methoxyphenols and n...
The similarity and frequency of proposals to reform US medical education : constant concerns

Objectives. —To identify the values and agendas underlying reports advocating the reform of medical education and to account for their similarity and repeated promulgation. Data Sources. —Major reports regarding undergraduate medical education reform published between 1910 and 1993 were identified through a manual bibliographic search. Study Selection. —Nineteen of a total of 24 reports met the two inclusion criteria: they directly addressed undergraduate medical education and contained a coherent body of recommendations. Data Extraction. —Content analysis of 19 reports. Data Synthesis. —All the reports articulate a specifically social vision of the medical profession, in which medical schools are seen as serving society. The reports are remarkably consistent regarding the objectives of reform and the specific reforms proposed. Core objectives of reform include the following: (1) to better serve the public interest, (2) to address physician workforce needs, (3) to cope with burgeoning medical knowledge, and (4) to increase the emphasis on generalism. Proposed reforms have tended to suggest changes in manner of teaching, content of teaching, faculty development, and organizational factors. Reforms such as increasing generalist training, increasing ambulatory care exposure, providing social science courses, teaching lifelong and self-learning skills, rewarding teaching, clarifying the school mission, and centralizing curriculum control have appeared almost continuously since 1910. Conclusion. —The similarity of the reports' objectives and reforms results not only from a similar body of problems, but also from the reaffirmation of similar values. The reports have two implicit agendas that transcend the reform of medical education: the affirmation of the social nature of the medical profession and self-regulation of the profession. These agendas help account for the reports' similarity and their repeated promulgation. ( JAMA . 1995;274:706-711)
Cellular Response to Stretch by Modulation of Cytoskeletal Tension in Two Distinct Phases

External forces are increasingly recognized as major regulators of cell structure and function, yet the underlying mechanism by which cells sense force and transduce it into intracellular biochemical signals and behavioral responses (‘mechanotransduction’) is largely undetermined. To aid in the mechanistic study of mechanotransduction, we devised a novel cell stretching device that allows for quantitative control and real-time measurement of mechanical stimuli and cellular biomechanical responses. Using this device, we studied the subcellular dynamic responses of contractile force and adhesion remodeling of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to stretch. Our data showed that VSMCs could acutely enhance their contraction to resist rapid cell deformation, but they could also allow slow adaptive inelastic cytoskeletal reorganization in response to sustained cell stretch. Our study may help elucidate the mechanotransduction system in smooth muscle cells, and thus contribute to our understanding of pressure-induced vascular disease processes.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Opposing Effects of TGF-β and IL-15 Cytokines Control the Number of Short-Lived Effector CD8+ T Cells

An effective immune response against infectious agents involves massive expansion of CD8(+) T cells. Once the infection is cleared, the majority of these effector cells die through unknown mechanisms. How is expansion controlled to maximize pathogen clearance and minimize immunopathology? We found, after Listeria infection, plasma transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) titers increased concomitant with the expansion of effector CD8(+) T cells. Blocking TGF-beta signaling did not affect effector function of CD8(+) T cells. However, TGF-beta controlled effector cell number by lowering Bcl-2 amounts and selectively promoting the apoptosis of short-lived effector cells. TGF-beta-mediated apoptosis of this effector subpopulation occurred during clonal expansion and contraction, whereas interleukin-15 (IL-15) promoted their survival only during contraction. We demonstrate that the number of effector CD8(+) T cells is tightly controlled by multiple extrinsic signals throughout effector differentiation; this plasticity should be exploited during vaccine design and immunotherapy against tumors and autoimmune diseases.
EFFECT OF IRRADIATION ON CONSUMER PERCEPTION AND DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF GROUND BEEF PATTIES

This study evaluated nonirradiated and irradiated beef patties of good and poor color using descriptive analysis and consumer panels. A trained descriptive analysis panel (n = 10) evaluated samples on a 10-cm unstructured line scale anchored on both ends. Consumers (n = 94) rated patties on a nine-point hedonic scale where 1 = dislike extremely and 9 = like extremely. Irradiated patties were less gray and redder (P 0.05). There were no treatment differences for overall liking of the beef patties (P > 0.05).
Statistical measures of risk.

(1982). Statistical Measures of Risk. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 829-838.
Identification and quantitation of tryptophan and tyrosine metabolites in the banana by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

In order to understand the origin of numerous metabolites found in human urine following ingestion of bananas, a study of aromatic metabolism in the banana has been initiated. Thin-layer chromatography and reverse-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection have been combined to yield specific information about aromatic amino acid metabolites in the pulp and peel of the banana.
Suspension times of particles in the upper ocean

Abstract Diffusion theory is used to derive general formulae for the expected time that a particle with a given initial depth takes to reach a greater depth, as well as the expected total time that the particle spends in each depth interval during the process. The general formulae are evaluated for a two-layer model of the upper ocean; a surface mixed layer with high turbulent diffusivity and below this a thermocline with low turbulent diffusivity. Regardless of its shrining rate, a particle starting at the surface takes at most a few days (on average) to reach the thermocline, unless it is very deep (⩾ 100 m). Particles with slow sinking rates are shown to make many rapid excursions back and forth between the interior of the mixed layer and the top few meters of the thermocline. The number of these excursions and the total time spent in the mixed layer can be greatly increased for particles such as phytoplankton cells that substantially reduce their sinking rate in the thermocline.
Managing Complications of Anticoagulant Therapy

Understanding the frequency, risk factors, and management of anticoagulant-induced adverse events will assist clinicians in optimizing patient outcomes. The most frequent adverse event of all anticoagulants is major bleeding. Risk factors for major bleeding have been identified with the heparin compounds, the direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), fondaparinux, and warfarin therapy. Understanding these risk factors can help prevent bleeding events. For cases of clinically significant bleeding, reversal agents exist primarily for heparin and warfarin. Although less common, nonbleeding adverse events of anticoagulant therapy can also be life threatening. The heparin compounds are associated with the development of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and osteoporosis. HIT can result in life-threatening thrombosis and is usually managed with a DTI. Nonbleeding adverse events with warfarin therapy include skin reactions and the development of venous limb gangrene. Appropriate initiation of warfarin therapy may ...
A 2-PYRIDONE PHOTO-4 + 4 APPROACH TO THE TAXANES

Pyridones tethered by a four-carbon chain at the 3- and 6’-positions can undergo [4 + 4] photocycloaddition to simultaneously form three, but not four, tetrasubstituted carbons. In a study directed at the taxanes, photocycloaddition of 28 was found to be fully controlled by a (tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy group on the tether, to give a photoproduct with five stereogenic centers and both quaternary carbons found in taxol (paclitaxel). This photoproduct proved to be unstable to silica gel, but saturation of one alkene gave a stable product (30). Epoxidation of the enol ether of 30 proceeds exclusively from one face of the cyclooctene ring, demonstrating the facial bias of the polycyclic system and correctly introducing the C-2 stereogenic center of taxol. As part of this study, 4-methoxy-2-pyridones, known to be inert to [4 + 4] photodimerization, were found to undergo [4 + 4] photocycloaddition with 4-unsubstituted-2-pyridones both inter- and intramolecularly.
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

This article mainly focuses on the use made of strategic environmental assessment in the United States in the preparation of programmatic environmental impact statements (PEISs). In general, these are prepared for groups of actions related geographically or having similarities of project type, timing, media or technological character. The procedural requirements for, and the main types of PEISs which have been prepared, are described and illustrated with examples. Programmatic assessments, though undertaken less frequently than project-level assessments, are growing in number. So far, NEPA's provisions have not been applied to broad policies but this is thought likely to occur in the future.
The Chronology of the Settlement At Qumran in the Herodian Period

The chronological framework suggested by R. de Vaux for the settlement at Qumran is based almost exclusively upon the numismatic evidence, in conjunction with historical/literary considerations. De Vaux divided the settlement of the sectarian community at Qumran into three phases, which he termed "Period Ia," "Period Ib," and "Period II." These "periods" were defined on the basis of stratigraphic and architectural evidence. In approximate terms, de Vaux dated Period la to the third quarter of the second century BCE, Period Ib from the last quarter of the second century BCE to 31 BCE, and Period II from 4-1 BCE to 68 CE.' This paper reexamines the evidence for the 30-plus year occupational gap postulated by de Vaux between Periods Ib and II. According to de Vaux, the end of Period Ib was marked by an earthquake and a fire. Evidence for earthquake damage was found throughout the settlement. It is perhaps clearest in the case of one of the cisterns (locus 49), where the steps and floor were split and the eastern half had dropped. The testimony of Flavius Josephus2 enabled de Vaux to pinpoint the date of this earthquake to 31 BCE. In addition to the earthquake damage, there was evidence for a fire in the settlement. De Vaux concluded that the earthquake and fire were simultaneous, because it was the simplest solution, but he readily admitted that there was no evidence to confirm this.3 De Vaux used the numismatic evidence to support his interpretation. All ten identifiable coins of Herod the Great found at Qumran came from mixed levels, where they were associated with later coins. De Vaux noted that the Herodian coins were not dated, and cited a then recent study assigning such coins to the period after 30
Poisoning in the Elderly: Characterization of Exposures Reported to a Poison Control Center

Objective: To determine the incidence of poison center calls involving the elderly, characterize these poisonings, and compare them with poisonings that occur in people younger than 60 years of age. Design: Concurrent, observational survey. Setting: The Virginia Poison Center in Richmond, Virginia. Participants: All persons 60 years of age and older who were involved in a poison exposure reported to the Virginia Poison Center from October 1, 1991 through March 31, 1992. Measurements: Incidence, type, route, location, management site, medical outcome of exposures and reasons for these exposures. Results: Exposures in persons 60 years of age and older accounted for 2.3% of all poison center calls during the 6-month study period. These calls were most likely to involve women who unintentionally ingested extra doses of medications. The majority of these exposures occurred in the home and resulted in either no effect or minor effects. For those exposures that necessitated an emergency room visit, elderly persons were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than younger persons (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The majority of poisonings that occur in persons 60 years of age and older are unintentional and may be amenable to poison prevention education.
Enantiomeric phases in analytical gas chromatography

Abstract An improved three-step synthesis has been developed for the preparation of N-docosanoyl- D -valine tert.-butylamide. This gas chromatographic phase, and the corresponding previously described enantiomeric L -valine phase, which bring about a reversal in the elution patterns of antipodes, were found to perform with comparable accuracy and precision when used for the gas chromatographic analysis of D - and L -leucine mixtures. This reversal of the elution pattern of enantiomeric eluates offers a number of hitherto unattainable advantages in both qualitative and quantitative gas chromatographic analyses of enantiomer mixtures.
Effect on Outcome of Recurrence Patterns After Hepatectomy for Colorectal Metastases

Despite improvements in surgery and chemotherapy, most patients develop recurrence after hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Data are lacking on the effect of these patterns on outcome. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained hepatobiliary database was performed. Pattern and timing of recurrence and outcome after recurrence were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses of factors associated with outcome after recurrence were carried out. From January 1997 through May 2003, a total of 733 patients underwent hepatectomy for colorectal metastases. Of these, 637 patients (87%) were included in the analysis, and in 393 patients (62%), recurrence was documented at the time of last follow-up. Initial recurrence patterns included the following: liver only in 120 patients (31%), lung only in 107 (27%), other single sites in 49 (12%), and multiple sites in 117 (30%). Recurrence occurred within 2 years of hepatectomy in 75% of patients and after 3 years in 11%. Margins at hepatectomy, recurrence pattern, resected recurrence, and disease-free interval from time of colectomy to hepatic metastasis and from time of hepatectomy to recurrence were independently associated with survival as measured from the time of recurrence. Recurrence in the lung, resected recurrence, and time to recurrence after hepatectomy were associated with prolonged survival as measured from the time of hepatectomy and the time of recurrence. The timing and pattern of recurrence after hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer are important predictors of long-term survival.
Casina and The Comedy of Errors

This paper identifies an unrecognized third Plautine source for The Comedy of Errors. Plautus’s Casina provides the dramatic framework for Errors 2.1, a prototype for the character of Luciana, and a variation on the uxor dotata that explains some of the differences between Adriana and the Menaechmi wife. Casina is also the proximate source for the romantic triangle of husband, wife, and female dependent, Adriana’s sense of sexual rejection over a missed meal, her “venom clamors”, the complaint that her husband is “deformed, crooked, old, and sere” at the age of thirty-three, elements of her debate with Luciana, and the punitive nature of the Pinch scene. Recognizing Casina behind Errors shows that a number of Shakespeare’s supposed departures from his Roman models actually have a Roman source and provides new evidence of how the playwright handled culturally specific material attached to dramatic elements he adapted, including references to food and dining, marital grievances, and the dowered wife stock type.
Maximum likelihood estimation for geolocation in the presence of multipath

We consider the problem of estimating the location of an emitter in a multipath environment from measurements by multiple widely spaced sensors. We present a maximum likelihood approach for estimating the emitter position jointly with the positions of the reflectors, the unknown complex gains of the propagation paths, and the unknown transmitted signal. This approach provides unbiased emitter position estimates whether or not there is a direct line of sight. A variation of the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm is used to provide an iterative, computationally feasible calculation of the maximum-likelihood location estimate. Closed form solutions are developed for the unknown gains and the signal.
ECMO hospital volume and survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

Abstract Purpose This study examined survival in newborn patients after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. Methods We analyzed the Kids' Inpatient Database Years 2000, 2003, and 2006 for patients admitted at fewer than 8 d of age undergoing CDH repair. We analyzed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, socioeconomic measures, hospital type, operative case volume, and survival using Fisher's exact test and a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Results Of 847 patients identified, most were male (61%) and white (57%), were treated at urban (99.8%) and teaching (96%) hospitals, and had private insurance (57%). Survival to discharge was 95% in non-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients versus 51% for those requiring ECMO ( P versus 47%; P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis identified ECMO (hazards ratio [HR] 16.23, P 7 d of age (HR 2.70, P = 0.004), and ECMO patients repaired at hospitals performing P = 0.03) as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions We conclude that ECMO hospital volume is associated with survival in patients requiring ECMO for CDH repair.
Principles of risk management service relations in agriculture

Abstract The economic literature on risk has explained heterogeneity of behavior among agents facing uncertainty through curvature of a utility function. Many other factors, however, may account for heterogeneous decisions by actors in the same market. First, decision-makers are differentiated on the basis of their access to specific information sources. Secondly, even when information sources are available to all, the value derived by actors from the information will depend on the analytic capacity of the decision-maker to make use of specifically formatted information. We use the results of a survey to demonstrate heterogeneity in informational resources. Further, we identify the ways in which this variance is reflected in the roles and relationships of various actors (e.g. USDA, extension, private consultants, farmers) within agricultural economic information networks. We conclude that research and policy efforts to study or mitigate risk should take into account the relationship between information format and actors’ analytic capabilities.
Albuminuria, Cognitive Functioning, and White Matter Hyperintensities in Homebound Elders

Background Albuminuria, a kidney marker of microvascular disease, may herald microvascular disease elsewhere, including in the brain. Study Design Cross sectional. Setting & Participants Boston, MA, elders receiving home health services to maintain independent living who consented to brain magnetic resonance imaging. Predictor Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). Outcome Performance on a cognitive battery assessing executive function and memory by using principal components analysis and white matter hyperintensity volume on brain imaging, evaluated in logistic and linear regression models. Results In 335 participants, mean age was 73.4 ± 8.1 years and 123 participants had microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria. Each doubling of ACR was associated with worse executive function (β = −0.05; P = 0.005 in univariate and β = −0.07; P = 0.004 in multivariable analyses controlling for age, sex, race, education, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, medications, and estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), but not with worse memory or working memory. Individuals with microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria were more likely to be in the lower versus the highest tertile of executive functioning (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.32; odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.35 per doubling of ACR in univariate and multivariable analyses, respectively). Albuminuria was associated with qualitative white matter hyperintensity grade (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.25; odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.29 per doubling of ACR) in univariate and multivariable analyses and with quantitative white matter hyperintensity volume (β = 0.11; P = 0.007; β = 0.10; P = 0.01) in univariate and multivariable analyses of log-transformed data. Results were similar when excluding individuals with macroalbuminuria. Limitations Single measurement of ACR, indirect creatinine calibration, and reliance on participant recall for elements of medical history. Conclusions Albuminuria is associated with worse cognitive performance, particularly in executive functioning, as well as increased white matter hyperintensity volume. Albuminuria likely identifies greater brain microvascular disease burden.
Spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation based efficient object classification in hyperspectral imagery

The spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (SFJTC) has been used effectively for performing deterministic target detection in hyperspectral imagery. However, experiments show decreased performance when noise-corrupted spectral variability is present in the target signatures. In this paper, we propose to use a modified spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation based target detection algorithm, which employs a new real-valued filter called the logarithmic fringe-adjusted filter (LFAF). Furthermore, the maximum noise fraction (MNF) technique is used for preprocessing the hyperspectral imagery, which makes the SFJTC technique more insensitive to spectral variability in noisy environment. Test results using real life oil spill based hyperspectral image datasets show that the proposed scheme yields better performance compared to alternate techniques.
Electronic and atomic structure of the Cu/Si(111) quasi-5×5 overlayer

The quasi-5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5 layer formed by annealing a monolayer of Cu on a Si(111) surface has a so-called quasiperiodic structure that differs significantly from both transition-metal silicides and metal-induced reconstructions. We have therefore performed detailed angle-resolved uv photoemission (ARUPS) measurements and ab initio band-structure calculations to investigate the atomic structure of the quasi-5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5 layer and the unique bonding behavior it embodies. ARUPS results are dominated by two Cu 3d peaks separated by 0.7 eV. The intensity variation of these peaks with emission and incidence angles suggests an ordered planar layer, yet there is considerable inhomogeneous broadening. A Si 3p\char21{}derived surface state is also observed 1.2 eV below the Fermi level. Two atomic models are considered in light of these results: a widely cited nearly planar ${\mathrm{CuSi}}_{2}$ model with interstitial Cu atoms and a substitutional CuSi model. In electronic-structure calculations using the pseudofunction method of Kasowski et al., the CuSi model agrees much better than the ${\mathrm{CuSi}}_{2}$ model with ARUPS in the energy differences between Cu 3d states, in their energies relative to the Fermi level, and in the surface-state behavior. Computed results for the CuSi model also account for features seen in current-voltage relationships in scanning tunneling microscopy, the Cu atom height measured with x-ray standing waves, the observed nonreactivity of the quasi-5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5 surface, and a vibrational mode at 8 meV detected using helium diffraction. The band-structure calculations show that bonding in the ``5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5'' CuSi layer is different from that of transition-metal silicides. The formation of Si p\char21{}Cu d bonding hybrid orbitals appears to be important in making the CuSi structure stable, but the Cu 4s orbitals also play a significant role in hybridizing with Si 3p states. It is possible that the quasi-5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5 layer is a two-dimensional electron phase in which domain boundaries are formed to accommodate a particular [Cu]:[Si] surface stoichiometry different from unity.
The energy, lifetime, and spin of the 1611 keV level in 37Ar☆

Abstract The energy of the second excited state of 37Ar has been measured to be 1611 ± 1 keV. The half-life has been determined by a recoil-Doppler-shift method to be 5.15 ± 0.7 ns, confirming the spin and parity of this level as 7− 2 .
Workload-aware neuromorphic design of low-power supply voltage controller

A workload-aware low-power neuromorphic controller for dynamic voltage scaling in VLSI systems is presented. The neuromorphic controller predicts future workload values and preemptively regulates supply voltage based on past workload profile. Our specific contributions include: (1) implementation of a digital and analog version of the controller in 45nm CMOS technology, resulting in 3% performance hit with a power overhead in the range of 10-150 microwatts, (2) higher prediction accuracy compared to a software based OS-governed DVS scheme by 50%, reducing wasted power and improving error margins, (3) digital design has minimal power overhead and is more reconfigurable, while analog design is better suited for nonlinear and complex computational tasks.
The effect of Cu2+ and Zn2+ on the Aβ42 peptide aggregation and cellular toxicity

The coordination chemistry of Cu and Zn metal ions with the amyloid β (Aβ) peptides has attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to its implications in Alzheimer's disease. A number of reports indicate that Cu and Zn have profound effects on Aβ aggregation. However, the impact of these metal ions on Aβ oligomerization and fibrillization is still not well understood, especially for the more rapidly aggregating and more neurotoxic Aβ42 peptide. Here we report the effect of Cu2+ and Zn2+ on Aβ42 oligomerization and aggregation using a series of methods such as Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, native gel and Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cellular toxicity studies. Our studies suggest that both Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions inhibit Aβ42 fibrillization. While presence of Cu2+ stabilizes Aβ42 oligomers, Zn2+ leads to formation of amorphous, non-fibrillar aggregates. The effects of temperature, buffer, and metal ion concentration and stoichiometry were also studied. Interestingly, while Cu2+ increases the Aβ42-induced cell toxicity, Zn2+ causes a significant decrease in Aβ42 neurotoxicity. While previous reports have indicated that Cu2+ can disrupt β-sheets and lead to non-fibrillar Aβ aggregates, the neurotoxic consequences were not investigated in detail. The data presented herein including cellular toxicity studies strongly suggest that Cu2+ increases the neurotoxicity of Aβ42 due to stabilization of soluble Aβ42 oligomers.
Frost and Ice Formation in the Air Convection Pile Permafrost Protection Device

Experimental studies on frost and ice growth under simulated summer conditions were performed on a 3.0-m (10-ft) model of an air convection pile. The air convection pile is a thermosyphon-type permafrost protection device which has been considered for use in arctic construction projects. The device consists of an outer tube, usually 45.75 cm (18 in.) in diameter, extending 3.05 to 18.3 m (10 to 60 ft) into the permafrost. This outer tube contains a shorter concentric 25.4-cm- (10in.) dia inner tube. Data was taken for typical arctic temperatures and humidities and for simulated above-ground heights of 0.153, 1.373, and 2.88 m (0.5, 4.5, and 7.5 ft). The results have shown that the ice growth is governed by the concentration gradient in the annulus of the pile.
Validation of the Modified Brief Fatigue Inventory in head and neck cancer patients.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to validate the Modified Brief Fatigue Inventory (MBFI). This is the first instrument designed to measure intensity and frequency of fatigue specifically in head and neck cancer patients, potentially allowing objective measurement in addressing this common symptom in a concise yet thorough fashion.Study DesignSurvey validation.SettingAcademic tertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsThe 9-item MBFI was administered to 52 consecutive cancer patients and 57 consecutive controls. Demographics, comorbidities, cancer site, and cancer stage were recorded. Psychometric properties and predictors of the MBFI were analyzed.ResultsThe MBFI 1-week test-retest reliability was excellent (r = 0.800, P < .001). Internal consistency was also excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.938). Construct validity of the MBFI compared with the previously validated Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory–Short Form was excellent (r = 0.814, P < .001). Discriminant validity of cancer patients vs controls ...
Subcutaneous sarcoidosis: is it a specific subset of cutaneous sarcoidosis frequently associated with systemic disease?

Background Skin is involved in 25% of cases of sarcoidosis. The lesions are specific and nonspecific depending on the presence or absence of granulomas, respectively. Specific lesions are not thought to have prognostic significance and are not associated with systemic disease. Objective We sought to evaluate for the presence or absence of systemic disease in patients with subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Methods With diagnostic criteria of subcutaneous sarcoidosis, 33 cases were identified in the literature and 21 cases in our institutional database. A retrospective clinical and pathologic review of these cases was conducted. Results Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is characterized by a peak incidence during the fourth decade; female predisposition; asymptomatic to slightly tender lesions typically involving the upper extremities; cutaneous lesional clustering and multiplicity; autoimmune disease associations at time of diagnosis in a subset of cases; systemic disease associations at diagnosis in most patients, typically consisting of bilateral hilar adenopathy; and a favorable response to oral corticosteroid therapy. Limitations Retrospective analysis with inadequate documentation of therapeutic regimens and their responses in some cases is a limitation of this study. Conclusions The confirmatory diagnosis of subcutaneous sarcoidosis depends on identifying pannicular noninfectious sarcoidal or epithelioid granulomas with minimal lymphocytic inflammation. Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is the only specific subset of cutaneous sarcoidosis frequently associated with systemic disease.
Robustness of Forecasting Financial Crises in Emerging Market Economies with Data Revisions—A Note

Data revisions routinely introduced by the World Bank can lead to significant revisions in empirical results. We show this by re-estimating our aggregate indicator for predicting the 1997 Asian crisis utilizing the 1999 and 2004 updates of the 1996 World Bank data and comparing these results to those we obtained (this Journal, 2000) for predicting the same event using the original, unrevised, 1996 World Bank data. Since most data-gathering organizations routinely revise their data, this may represent a much greater problem for policy makers than might be recognized.
Effect of a steep gradient in the potential energy surface on nucleon exchange.

Mass number, atomic number, energy, and angular distributions were measured for the projectile-like fragments from the reaction /sup 238/U+/sup 40/Ca at E/sub lab/ = 340 MeV. General features of this reaction are compared to other mass asymmetric systems. Considerable attention is given to the effect of the strong static driving force of the liquid drop (with shell and proximity corrections) potential energy surface on the first and second moments of the observed charge and mass distributions, as well as on associated correlations in the measured two-dimensional probability distribution P(A,Z). Comparison with an appropriate nucleon exchange transport model is made and discrepancies are discussed.
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors augment UT-15C-stimulated ATP release from erythrocytes of humans with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Both prostacyclin analogs and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are effective treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In addition to direct effects on vascular smooth muscle, prostacyclin analogs increase cAMP levels and ATP release from healthy human erythrocytes. We hypothesized that UT-15C, an orally available form of the prostacyclin analog, treprostinil, would stimulate ATP release from erythrocytes of humans with PAH and that this release would be augmented by PDE5 inhibitors. Erythrocytes were isolated and the effect of UT-15C on cAMP levels and ATP release were measured in the presence and absence of the PDE5 inhibitors, zaprinast or tadalafil. In addition, the ability of a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor to prevent the effects of tadalafil was determined. Erythrocytes of healthy humans and humans with PAH respond to UT-15C with increases in cAMP levels and ATP release. In both groups, UT-15C-induced ATP release was potentiated by zaprinast and tadalafil. The effect of tadalaf...
A numerical experiment on the mean wind structure inside canopies of vegetation

Abstract The form of the wind profile is of concern in many problems involving exchange and diffusion in the canopy formed by vegetation. Yet, we have little quantitative information on the relationship between the wind profile and properties of the foliage because of practical difficulties in modifying existing canopies over a sufficiently large area. A numerical model based on second-order closure principles was used to calibrate three analytical canopy wind profile models and to test their response to changing foliage density and distribution of vegetation within the canopy. None of the analytical expressions reproduced the layer of very small shear typically present in the lower part of the canopy, but all adequately represented the mean wind in the upper half. When extinction coefficients were related to above-canopy profile parameters, changes due to canopy density and structure were fairly well represented. The only model with an extinction coefficient based on canopy parameters did not accommodate changes caused by restructuring the foliage, and over-reacted to changes in the density of the vegetation. Calibration curves for the three extinction coefficients are presented in graphical form.
The Effects of Mixing and Oxidant Choice on Laboratory-Scale Measurements of Supercritical Water Oxidation Kinetics

The use of laboratory-scale equipment to measure intrinsic oxidation kinetics in supercritical water environments was evaluated in this study. The objectives were two-fold: (1) to compare the use of hydrogen peroxide with dissolved oxygen as an oxidant and (2) to characterize the dynamics and intensity of mixing organic reactant and oxidant streams. Methanol was used as the model organic as the oxidation rate exhibits a first-order dependence according to extensive earlier studies. No statistically significant difference was observed in the reaction rates or product distributions for the use of either dissolved oxygen gas or hydrogen peroxide that was preheated and fully decomposed before mixing with methanol at supercritical water conditions (500 °C, 246 bar). The intensity of mixing was shown to be an important factor in determining effective mixing times for the reactant and oxidant. Although hydrodynamic effects are certainly dependent on the design and geometry of the mixing tee in the reactor syste...
Facilitation of kindling in adult rats following neonatal exposure to lindane.

Abstract Neonatal male rats were exposed to lindane or corn oil directly by gavage or indirectly by maternal exposure. All surviving offspring were implanted with amygdaloid electrodes 90 days after weaning. Amygdaloid kindling began 10 days later using standard procedures. Neonatal lindane-exposed rats kindled significantly faster (9.9 ± 0.5 days) than control groups (11.2 + 0.5 days). Lindane-exposed rats tended to have longer and more severe seizures than did non-exposed rats on each trial during kindling acquisition. These findings demonstrate that high exposures of lindane during development can lead to enduring changes in the nervous system that facilitate adult kindling.
DANCING INTO LITERACY: MULTITEXT INQUIRY OPENS DOORS FOR URBAN STUDENTS

This article describes the impact of multitext inquiry on educationally at‐risk urban students as they created a dance project. The project illustrates the research process students engaged in and the consequential connection making they accomplished during their inquiry. It also highlights students’ (a) preferences toward semiotic texts as they examined an array of resources on movement, dance, and the arts; and (b) abilities to make home‐school‐community connections during their inquiry. Research on intertextuality and inquiry is reviewed, and the benefits and implications of combining these 2 fields as “multitext inquiry” are considered.
Uncertainty in Nutritive Measures of Mixed Livestock Rations

Totally mixed rations are an increasingly popular feeding method for high producing dairy cows. Although a TMR formulation may be technically correct, many sources of variation influence the ration actually consumed by cows. To understand and to control variation among batches, uncertainty analysis was applied to TMR feeding to identify sources of error or uncertainty that contribute most to overall uncertainty in diet characteristics. A spreadsheet implementation of the uncertainty analysis allowed for rapid assessment of error sources that may reduce productivity. For a sample TMR, uncertainty in ingredient nutrient concentrations contributed most to overall uncertainty. Uncertainty in forage DM content and amounts of ingredients with high nutrient concentrations also contributed substantially to overall uncertainty.