cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penises not required: a systematic review of the potential for human papillomavirus horizontal transmission that is non-sexual or does not include penile penetration

The primary mode of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission is through penetrative sex; however, there is evidence of other modes of transmission. No systematic review was found that focussed on HPV horizontal transmission that is not penocentric. A systematic review of the literature by searching Medline (Ovid), PubMed (NLM) and Embase (Ovid) was conducted to retrieve articles published from 1946 to March 2014. Studies that suggested evidence of non-sexual or non-penetrative sexual transmission of α-HPV genotypes were included. After review of 2061 titles and abstracts, 51 studies were abstracted. Fifteen studies examined HPV fomites from medical settings or public environments, and 36 examined HPV in humans. Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in the genital tract of female virgins, with prevalence estimates ranging from 0% to 51.1%. HPV transmission from hands to genitals or genitals to hands was reported for both sexes and heterosexual couples. Other studies commonly found HPV on surfaces in medical settings and public environments. Further studies on non-sexual and non-penetrative sexual transmission are needed to understand the complexity of HPV transmission. Health-care policies may need to be reassessed/established to ensure the safety of medical instruments and to reduce the risk of HPV nosocomial infection.
Child Support Payment Method and Father-Child Contact

I examine whether state laws that changed the default payment method for child support affected fathers' frequency of contact with their children and their provision of in-kind support. Within-state variation in the timing of child support orders around withholding laws and the variation in implementation of state withholding laws are used to instrument for withholding status. For fathers who are not in arrears, withholding reduces the amount of time fathers spend with their children and the likelihood of providing in-kind support. Results are consistent with previous experimental work suggesting that automatic payment methods such as credit cards or automatic payments alter consumption behavior.
The role of margins in boosting and ensemble performance

Boosting refers to methods that create a sequence of classifiers that perform at least slightly better than random (weak learners) and combine them into a highly accurate ensemble model (strong learners) through weighted voting. There is sufficient empirical evidence to suggest that the performance of boosting methods is superior to that of individual classifiers. In the bias–variance decomposition framework, it has been demonstrated that boosting algorithms typically reduce bias for learning problems, and in some instances reduce the variance. In addition, even when combining a large number of weak learners, boosting algorithms can be very robust to overfitting, in most instances having lower generalization error than other competing ensemble methodologies, such as bagging and random forests. To explain the successful performance of boosting methods, Schapire et al. (Boosting the margin: a new explanation for the effectiveness of voting methods. Ann Stat 1998, 26:1651–1686) developed a bound based on the margins of the training data, from which they concluded that larger margins should lead to lower generalization error. In this article, we examine the role of margins in boosting and ensemble method performance. WIREs Comput Stat 2014, 6:124–131. doi: 10.1002/wics.1292 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
An 'add-on' method for the analysis of scattering from large planar structures

A so-called add-on procedure is proposed to deal with the data analysis problem resulting from the collection of scattering data from large planar structures. The computations (involving of the order of a few thousand unknowns) is undertaken in a gradual manner by building up the body from small patches which are added sequentially. The procedure is based on an initial expansion of the unknown current distribution into subsectional (pulse-type) basic functions. Each segment of the scatterer carries an unknown amplitude which is the response to an incident wave. However, rather than forming a matrix equation for these responses, they are computed in a gradual manner where the scatterer is built up from these segments as they are added one at a time. At the end of each addition of a segment, the result for scattering from a partial body is obtained. At each stage, the problem solved reflects the size of the small addition only, and the solution to an actual partial body is obtained. An important feature of this method is its ability to utilize a priori known information on a portion of the scatterer as an initial stage for the economic analysis of the entire structure. The process takes into account the interactions between all segments of the body. The process proves to be very efficient both in terms of computation time and storage requirements, as seen in the computed examples on of the order of 1000 to 6000 unknowns. >
A mathematical programming updating method using modified Givens transformations and applied to LP problems

An efficient and numerically stable method is presented for the problem of updating an orthogonal decomposition of a matrix of column (or row) vectors. The fundamental idea is to add a column (or row) analogous to adding an additional row of data in a linear least squares problem. A column (or row) is dropped by a formal scaling with the imaginary unit, √-1, followed by least squares addition of the column (or row). The elimination process for the procedure is successive application of the Givens transformation in modified (more efficient) form. These ideas are illustrated with an implementation of the revised simplex method. The algorithm is a general purpose one that does not account for any particular structure or sparsity in the equations. Some suggested computational tests for determining signs of various controlling parameters in the revised simplex algorithm are mentioned. A simple means of constructing test cases and some sample computing times are presented.
Peel resistance of adhesive joints with elastomer–carbon black composite as surface sensing membranes

Abstract The peel resistance of four adhesives (“J-B Weld” by J-B Weld (adhesive A), 3 M Scotch-Weld DP 125 Gy (adhesive B), Loctite PL Premium (3x) Construction Adhesive (adhesive C), and Henkel Hysol EA9394 (adhesive D)) is investigated for their bonding performance of a styrene‐ethylene/butylene‐styrene– carbon black (SEBS–CB) composite membrane used in structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. Tests are performed on membrane samples bonded on four common structural materials, namely aluminium, steel, concrete, and fiberglass, to obtain the peel resistance of adhesives. Results show that adhesive B has the highest strength for aluminium, steel, and fiberglass substrates, and that adhesive C has the highest strength for the concrete substrate. The performance is also evaluated versus adhesive cost, a critical variable in SHM applications. Here, adhesive C performed best for all substrates. Lastly, membrane residuals resulting from the peel tests are compared. Tests show that Adhesive B resulted in the highest residual percentage for aluminium, while adhesive C performed better for all other substrates. However, membrane residuals for adhesive C do not show a positive correlation with the peel resistance.
Identification of Nucleation Center Sites in Thermally Annealed Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon

Utilizing the concepts of a critical crystallite size and local film inhomogeneity, it is shown that nucleation in thermally annealed hydrogenated amorphous silicon occurs in the more well ordered spatial regions in the network, which are defined by the initial inhomogeneous H distributions in the as-grown films. Although the film H evolves very early during annealing, the local film order is largely retained in the still amorphous films even after the vast majority of the H is evolved, and the more well ordered regions which are the nucleation center sites for crystallization are those spatial regions which do not initially contain clustered H, as probed by H NMR spectroscopy. The sizes of these better ordered regions relative to a critical crystallite size determine the film incubation times (the time before the onset of crystallization). Changes in film short range order upon H evolution, and the presence of microvoid type structures in the as grown films play no role in the crystallization process. While the creation of dangling bonds upon H evolution may play a role in the actual phase transformation itself, the film defect densities measured just prior to the onset of crystallization exhibit no trends which can be correlated with the film incubation times.
The map of science collaboratory

This paper develops the idea for a program of nationwide collaboratories. It argues that now that we have completed mapping the human genome, we should begin to map its corresponding social unit—the set of instructions that generate/constitute our knowledge. This is a pressing task because of the environmental and population challenges we face in the twenty-first century, which require well-informed public policy based on scientific consensus, and because the explosive growth in research and publications makes divergence, and not consensus, more likely. The major tasks of the collaboratory would be to take stock, make accessible and synthesize existing knowledge, to develop further methods for research synthesis/meta-analysis; to integrate disciplinary research; and to develop methods to visualize scientific findings and their linkages. The paper discusses and documents the explosive growth of the use of meta-analysis in the medical and other sciences. The program calls for establishing 6–12 collaboratory centers throughout the country that would initially specialize on specific areas, substantive and methodological. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender Differences in Employer-Supported Training and Education

Abstract This study investigated the difference in opportunities for training and development for men and women among 906 MBA students working in a variety of industries, organizations, and occupations throughout the United States. Initial results indicated that women received less corporate support for training and development. When labor force attachment, work experiences, and organization size are controlled, no gender differences in corporate support for training and development are observed.
Initiation and response: The dynamics of sexual interaction

This study examines the extent to which men and women feel comfortable exercising two traditional forms of sexual power, proactive and reactive power. “Proactive power” is defined here as the ability to initiate sexual intercourse and maintain sexual autonomy and has traditionally been possessed and exercised by men. “Reactive power,” or the ability to resist or refuse sexual advances, has traditionally been possessed and exercised by women. Several studies suggest that as men and women's sexual behavior and attitudes become more permissive, a single sexual standard is more likely to exist. This study finds that men feel more comfortable than women initiating sexual intercourse and remaining sexually autonomous, while women feel more comfortable than men refusing such sexual advances. Apparently, a single sexual standard does not yet exist. This study also considers factors that affect men and women's comfortableness in using either reactive or proactive power. The implications of these findings for understanding aspects of men and women's psychological well-being and intimate relationships are discussed.
A method for the stereospecific synthesis of chiral cis-2-alkylcyclopropyllithium reagents

Abstract A general synthetic route to optically active cis -1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanes has been developed from the key intermediates 3 and 4.
The Cloud Physics Lidar: Instrument Description and Initial Measurement Results

The new Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL) has been built for use on the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft. The purpose of the CPL is to provide multiwavelength measurements of cirrus, subvisual cirrus, and aerosols with high temporal and spatial resolution. The CPL utilizes state-of-the-art technology with a high repetition rate, a low-pulse-energy laser, and photon-counting detection. The first deployment for the CPL was the Southern African Regional Science Initiative's 2000 field campaign during August and September 2000. We provide here an overview of the instrument and initial data results to illustrate the measurement capability of the CPL.
Unit Responses of the Rabbit Lateral Geniculate Nucleus to Monochromatic Light on the Retina

Seven unique wavelength responses, two inhibitory and five excitatory, with sensitivity maxima from 435 to 635 millimicrons, have been recorded from light-adapted, non-albino rabbits. Several combinations, usually one excitatory with one inhibitory response, often having characteristics suggesting mutual antagonism between them, were observed from single lateral geniculate cells.
Regeneration in youngBunodactis verrucosa Pennant (actinaria, anthozoa).

YoungBunodactis verrucosa Pennant at the 12 tentacle stage are employed to test the applicability of the polar coordinate model to coelenterate regeneration. The animals are cut along every radius into fragments of 3 to 9 segments. Most fragments are patent 3–4 weeks later, but small fragments have a higher mortality rate than large fragments. Some fragments do not regenerate and occasionally tentacles fuse, thereby reducing the number of segments. Small fragments tend to regenerate more tentacies than large fragments, but large fragments may regenerate great numbers of supernumerary tentacles. Twenty-two percent of the fragments restore the missing number of tentacles, while 76% of all fragments produce an even number of tentacles.
Bloodless evaluation of blood oxygenators.

Evaluation of blood oxygenators using whole blood is inconvenient and expensive, although it is the ultimate preclinical test. Sodium sulfite solutions have advantages over blood for studying oxygen uptake: They are inexpensive, fewer variables need control, and deoxygenation is unnecessary. Assays and interpretation of results are easy. The kinetics of sulfite oxidation must be fast and the concentration of sulfite must be low to emulate oxygen uptake by blood. The kinetics were studied yielding a first order rate constant in sulfite, zero order in oxygen, of 740/min. Limitations of the technique were evaluated using the experimental rate constant and an adaptation of Lightfoot’s approximation. While the reaction of hemoglobin is reversible and essentially instantaneous, that for sulfite is irreversible and finite. Thus if the approach to saturation is not monotonic or if the mass transfer resistance is significantly lowered, e.g., when blood film thicknesses are thinner than a few hundred microns, deviations may occur. Two TMO oxygenators and several prototypes were tested, with both sulfite and bovine blood. Uptakes of oxygen were comparable and the effect of parameter variations were similar. The use of sulfite for early evaluation of oxygenators is concluded to be very useful.
The molecular basis of hemophilia A in man.

Abstract The study of mutations in the factor VIII gene that cause hemophilia A has provided new insights into the variety and nature of mutations in man. These new insights are the relative susceptibility of CpG dinucleotides to mutation and the observation of insertions of LINE repetitive elements via retrotransposition, Using DNA polymorphisms for indirect detection of defective factor VIII genes, accurate prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection can now be performed in most families with hemophilia A.
Microscopic anatomy within the nipple: implications for nipple-sparing mastectomy

Abstract Background Precise anatomical relationships between ducts and vasculature within the nipple remain unknown. This study investigated nipple microvessels and their position relative to ducts. Methods Nipple and duct bundle cross-sectional areas were measured in 48 specimens. Vessels located within the central duct bundle or within a peripheral rim were counted in 7 non-irradiated and 5 irradiated nipples. Results Mean nipple diameter was 11.1 mm and duct bundle diameter 5.2 mm. A 2-mm and a 3-mm peripheral rim of nipple tissue would result in complete duct excision in 96% and 87% of sections, respectively. Twenty-nine percent of vessels are located in the duct bundle. A 2-mm rim contains 50%; a 3-mm rim contains 66%. Similar proportions were seen in irradiated nipples. Conclusions This study describes a strategy to balance duct removal with vascular preservation. Ducts can be excised leaving a rim of nipple tissue that contains a large proportion of microvessels.
Biology and Intrageneric Relationships of Bathyplectes stenostigma, a Parasite of the Alfalfa Weevil

Bathyplectes stenostigma (Thomson) (Ichneumonidae) females have 27 ovarioles/ovary and a fecundity of 1020 eggs/female. These values fall between those of its congeners B. anurus (Thomson) and B. curculionis (Thomson). Like B. anurus, B. stenostigma larvae emerge from their eggs and eliminate supernumerary larvae within 5 days. Larval development takes 13–14 days at 21 °C. I believe that sympatry of the 3 parasites in Europe is dependent upon hosts being available for 70–80 days in the spring allowing temporal separation. In addition, the differences in ovipositor lengths and searching behavior of the parasites allow for the creation of both host and parasite refuges.
SETting OP449 into the PP2A-Activating-Drug family

The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) tumor suppressor is inactivated in different leukemias through the activity of its endogenous inhibitors (e.g., SET), which are aberrantly regulated by oncogenic tyrosine kinases. Like other effective and nontoxic PP2A-activating drugs (PAD), OP449 inhibits SET and impairs leukemogenesis. This further supports the immediate use of PADs in patients with leukemia.
Dependence of the torsional rigidity of DNA on base composition

The Escherichia coli phage 434 repressor binds as a dimer to the operator of the DNA helix. Although the centre of the operator is not in contact with protein, the repressor binding affinity can be reduced at least 50-fold by changing the sequence there: operators with A.T base pairs near their centre bind the repressor more strongly than do operators with G.C base pairs at the same positions. To explain these observations, it has been proposed that the base composition at the centre of the operator affects the affinity of the operator for repressor by altering the ease with which operator DNA can undergo the torsional deformation necessary for complex formation. In this model, the variation in binding affinity would require the torsion constant to have specific values and to change in a sequence-dependent manner. We have now measured torsion constants for DNAs with widely different base compositions. Our results indicate that the torsion constants depend only slightly on the overall composition, and firmly delimit the range of values for each. Even the upper-limit values are much too small to account for the observed changes in affinity of the 434 repressor. These results rule out simple models that rely on substantial generic differences in torsion constant between A.T-rich sequences and G.C-rich sequences, although they do not rule out the possibility of particular sequences having abnormal torsion constants.
Differing perspectives of evaluation

It seems that evaluation means many things to many people. If Congress continues to mandate Federal agency evaluation with the intention of establishing agency accountability while agencies are instead sponsoring evaluation in order to improve program management, the outlook for the mutual satisfaction of both sets of users is something less than promising.
Review of hammershock pressures in aircraft inlets

Hammershock pressures caused by turbine engine stalls dictate the inlet duct structural design for high speed air vehicles. The initial pulse strength is defined by the inlet airflow cutoff rate, engine bypass ratio, and cycle pressure ratio. The inlet pressures are influenced by the inlet duct volume and area distribution and attenuation of the engine stall pulse by bypass or boundary-layer control air bleed from the duct. The scarcity of experimental data has inhibited in-depth hammershock analyses to date. The B-l Inlet/Engine Compatibility Test model had very extensive dynamic pressure instrumentation. Deliberate engine stalls were made with off-design inlet geometry and/or by step engine fuel pulses. Data from the Arnold Engineering Development Center Propulsion Wind Tunnels test are utilized to show hammer shock pressure propagation through the inlet duct. Test data will also be used to illustrate inlet design concepts for alleviation of transient pressure loads in the forward inlet region. The B-l inlet-engine model test data enforce existing analytical and semiempirical hammershock prediction techniques.
Lesion therapy for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders: Update and controversies

An analysis of the international literature on lesioning for movement disorders was undertaken to review lesion therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders and to highlight important controversies surrounding this surgical technique. Lesions have been placed throughout the neuraxis with varying approaches and success. Our understanding of the pathophysiological basis underlying the development of PD and other movement disorders has led to a better understanding of why lesioning certain portions of the nervous system should improve motor function. Advances in imaging technology and electrophysiological techniques used for localization of brain structures, such as microelectrode mapping, have improved the ability to accurately identify and lesion target structures deep in the brain. This improvement has led to an increase in the degree and consistency of clinical benefit. The major controversies in lesion therapy include: (1) which target for which disorder; (2) determination of the optimal lesion site and whether the external globus pallidus (GPe) should be included in the pallidotomy lesion for PD; (3) determination of the size of the lesion; (4) whether bilateral lesions can be placed without the high incidence of side effects reported by some investigators; (5) whether microelectrodes aid in the ability to improve clinical outcomes or increase the risk of side effects by making multiple microelectrode penetrations; (6) whether the subthalamic nucleus (STN) should be explored further as a lesioning target; and (7) whether lesioning should be abandoned entirely in favor of deep brain stimulation (DBS). Many important questions and controversies regarding lesion therapy remain unanswered. It is unlikely given the pro-DBS environment that these questions will be answered in the near future. We should, however, be careful not to abandon an effective therapy before fully exploring through randomized trials the relative effect of different surgical approaches for the treatment of patients with movement disorders.
Workshop: Calling Structural Variation with low-coverage sequencing data by mapping to focal region

In the problem of Structural Variations (SV) finding, split-read mapping methods which search gaps upto a pre-defined maximum deletion size can be time consuming and less accurate. In this paper, we present a split read mapping method that calls SVs with low-coverage sequencing data by mapping to focal region. Simulation results suggest that our method is more efficient and accurate than several alternative methods.
A hybrid approach to evaluate the complexity of RCA strategies in WSNs

Since radio channel allocation (RCA) is usually formulated as an NP-hard problem, most existing strategies use heuristic approaches to find sub-optimum solutions with unknown complexity. As an indicator to the complexity, computational scale (CS) is defined as the number of channel reallocations until a network reaches a convergence state. In this paper, we propose a hybrid approach to evaluate the CS of RCA strategies in WSNs. First, we propose a simple relation model to describe the interference relation between a cluster head (CH) and its neighboring CHs. Second, for one of the simplest cases in the relation, we find an analytical solution for the CS and validate it by simulations. Third, for more general cases, we combine the cases with similar CS means by using one-way ANOVA and find the upper bound of the CS with extensive simulations. It is demonstrated by simulations that the hybrid approach is simple and accurate as compared to the traditional intuitive comparison methods.
Organoelement resists for EUV lithography

EUV lithography is perhaps the most promising of the NGL technologies for sub-100nm resolution. To address needs in this area, we have designed and synthesized several types of organoelement resists using only low absorbing elements, including H, C, Si and B. One category is based on silicon-containing block and random polymers. They show high transparency according to theoretical simulations and have high oxygen reactive ion etch resistances compared to Novolac resins. In a preliminary study, we were able to image these polymers to 180 nm line/space patterns using EUV exposure. A second type of EUV transparent resist platform involves boron-containing polymers. Carborane carboxylic acid was attached to a copolymer backbone to introduce boron atoms with controlled attachment level. It was found that incorporation of a small amount of B provides remarkably high oxygen etch resistance.
The kinetics of incongruent reduction of tungsten carbide via reaction with a hafnium-copper melt

Abstract The reduction of WC into W by reaction with a Hf–Cu melt has been found to proceed by the formation of layers of W and HfC. The extent of such incongruent WC reduction has been examined after the immersion of dense, polycrystalline WC plates in a vertical orientation in Hf–Cu melts at 1150–1300 °C for 1–24 h. A W layer of uniform thickness formed adjacent to the WC, whereas an irregular, but generally continuous HfC layer formed adjacent to the W layer. The rate of WC reaction was evaluated by measuring the thickness of the W layer as a function of reaction time, temperature and vertical position along the WC surface. Such kinetic data and microstructural analyses indicated that the incongruent reduction of WC in molten Hf–Cu is likely to be controlled by the diffusion of carbon through the W and/or HfC layers.
Classroom note: A model for considering multicollinearity

In this work a simple and convenient model is proposed for studying features of the multicollinearity effect in regression analysis. Using some reasonable approximations a multivariate regression is reduced to a kind of bivariate regression by each predictor. This approach yields some criteria for identifying the cases of evident multicollinearity, and leads to a better understanding of properties of multiple regression.
Selective lead ion recovery from multiple cation waste streams using the membrane-electrode process

Abstract Selective cation recovery from dilute, aqueous, multi-cation waste streams addresses a solution method to a class of problems with worldwide implications. The absence of large scale systems to handle such waste streams and severe limitations of conventional technologies have been the motivating forces behind the development of the membrane–electrode (M–E) process. Thus far, the M–E process has been effectively demonstrated for selective recovery of Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ ions from dilute aqueous binary cation solutions [V. Gopal, G.C. April, V.N. Schrodt, Selective removal of copper from multi-cation dilute aqueous solutions using the membrane–electrode process, J. Sep. Sci. Technol. 33 (5) (1998) in press]. This paper extends coverage to Pb 2+ ion recovery from a mixture containing Pb 2+ ions and Fe 2+ ions. It is found that the applied cathodic potential is the parameter controlling the rate and selectivity of ion-exchange in the M–E process. An inverse relationship exists between the applied cathodic potential and rate of ion-exchange, while a direct relationship exists between the applied cathodic potential and Pb 2+ ion selectivity.
A system for exploring large virtual environments that combines scaled translational gain and interventions

This paper evaluates the combination of two methods for adapting bipedal locomotion to explore virtual environments displayed on head-mounted displays (HMDs) within the confines of limited tracking spaces. We combine a method of changing the optic flow of locomotion, effectively scaling the translational gain, with a method of intervening and manipulating a user's locations in physical space while preserving their spatial awareness of the virtual space. This latter technique is called resetting. In two experiments, we evaluate both scaling the translational gain and resetting while a subject locomotes along a path and then turns to face a remembered object. We find that the two techniques can be effectively combined, although there is a cognitive cost to resetting.
The Importance of Timing Muscle Contraction in Dynamic Cardiomyoplasty

This acute dynamic cardiomyoplasty (CMP) study used ten dogs (weight range 21-32 kg) and was designed to determine the importance of the train of stimuli initiation time when applied to the thoracodorsal nerve, which innervates the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle that is wrapped around the ventricles. Using the P wave of the cardiac electrogram to trigger a special delay circuit, the stimulus train could be initiated from the apex of the R wave to any time throughout and at the end of the isovolumic period, signaled by opening of the aortic valve. The cardiac electrogram (which contained the R wave), left ventricular pressure (LVP), aortic flow velocity (AFV), beat-by-beat stroke volume (SV), femoral artery pressure, and the envelope of the stimulus train were recorded as the onset of the stimulus train was varied from the R wave to the end of the isovolumic period with a pumping ratio of one LD contraction for every seven ventricular contractions. In four dogs there was a pronounced increase in the augmentation in LVP, AFV, and SV when the stimulus train was initiated later than 40 msec after the first peak of the R wave. In five dogs the augmentation in LVP, AFV, and SV was not as clearly apparent, although all of these dogs exhibited an optimal train delay. Data were not obtained on one dog due to an anomalous LD muscle blood supply. For all of the dogs, the optimum train delay from the R wave averaged 58 msec (range 40-80 msec). The average augmentation in SV was 26% (range 13%-45%). The same muscle-wrap tightness was used in all dogs. In one dog, the muscle-wrap tightness was varied, and by tightening the wrap the SV augmentation increased from 17% to 27%. For all dogs the range of augmentation in SV (13%-45%) perhaps represents variations in muscle-wrap tightness, which may be a major uncontrolled factor in dynamic CMP.
Tracheostomy after Severe Ischemic Stroke: A Population-based Study

Background: Stroke can result in varying degrees of respiratory failure. Some patients require tracheostomy in order to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation, long-term airway protection, or a combination of the two. Little is known about the rate and predictors of this outcome in patients with severe stroke. We aim to determine the rate of tracheostomy after severe ischemic stroke. Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2007 to 2009, patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke were identified based on validated International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification codes. Next, patients with stroke were stratified based on whether they were treated with or without decompressive craniectomy, and the rate of tracheostomy for each group was determined. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of tracheostomy after decompressive craniectomy. Survey weights were used to obtain nationally representative estimates. Results: In 1,550,000 patients discharged with ischemic stroke nationwide, the rate of tracheostomy was 1.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.4%), with a 1.3% (95% CI, 1.1-1.4%) rate in patients without decompressive craniectomy and a 33% (95% CI, 26-39%) rate in the surgical treatment group. Logistic regression analysis identified pneumonia as being significantly associated with tracheostomy after decompressive craniectomy (odds ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.956.91). Conclusions: Tracheostomy is common after decompressive craniectomy and is strongly associated with the development of pneumonia. Given its impact on patient function and potentially modifiable associated factors, tracheostomy may warrant further study as an important patient-centered outcome among pa
Silica-like microstructures by x-ray irradiation of polymethylsilsesquioxane spin-on glass films

A process fabricate 100 m high aspect ratio micro-optical structures by direct X-ray exposure and development of polymethylsilsesquoixane spin- on glass (GR 650) is presented. This process is an advance over the previous process of fabrication micro-optical components by molding GR 650 using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) molds patterned by deep X-ray lithography (DXRL). The process presented in this article utilizes GR 650 as a DXRL resist. The polymethylsilsesquoixane is converted to silica on the surface exposed to air, and cross linked throughout the bulk. X-ray irradiated regions are then selectively retained by development in an organic solvent. A technique to cast 100 m thick GR 650 films was established. Although the height of the structures fabricated was 100 m, this technique can be extended to larger structural heights. An alternative positive tone process was also developed in which the irradiated regions of GR 650 films are etched in buffered HF. The structural height achieved by positive tone processing, however, was limited to 15 (mu) m, which is the depth of conversion to silica. Surface and bulk compositions of the irradiated films were measured by XPS and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Adolescents and Young Adults: Patient Characteristics, Outcomes and Review of the Literature

Over the past two decades, many improvements have been made in the management of patients with leukemia. Research in this field most often focuses on the youngest and oldest patient age groups. Howeve
An Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Earth Structure

S. Stein and M. Wysession's An Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Earth Structure is the textbook I've been waiting for. It combines the pedagogical strengths of Introduction to Seismology by P. Shearer (1999) and the breadth of coverage of Modern Global Seismology by T. Lay and T. Wallace (1995). The “price” of this combination is a rather lengthy text, but it is so well written that the length can be easily forgiven. At first glance, An Introduction to Seismology Earthquakes, and Earth Structure appears to follow a very traditional path, beginning with a nice overview chapter on the relevance of seismology, followed by chapters on seismic waves that include stress and strain basics, Earth structure, earthquake sources, and seismology and plate tectonics. On closer inspection, though, the reader will find many chapter sections that are rather novel. Included among these are waves on a string, an excellent way to introduce students to the complexity of seismic waves; earthquake geodesy which establishes the important connection between seismology and deformation studies; and plate kinematics, a clearly presented “short-course” on plate motion studies. These sections, and others like them, significantly enhance the text. The latter two in particular help give the book a broader perspective that is rare in standard seismology texts.
Scalable Multi Channel RF Pulse Generator for Quantum Computing Applications

DARPA and IARPA have funded MagiQ Technologies to develop a novel scalable multi channel RF pulse generator for Quantum Computing applications. We will report on the project status and share our first experimental results.
Unlocking the clubhouse: a decade later and now what?

In the decade since Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women in Computing (MIT Press, 2002) was published, educational institutions have coalesced around the mission of increasing women's participation in computing. Yet, despite the uptick of interest in computer science majors and the surge of technology shaping all aspects of our lives, the numbers of women majoring in computer science are still abysmally small. In this talk, I will further reflect on why this is the case, and make connections to the issues raised in Stuck in the Shallow End: Education, Race, and Computing---the underrepresentation in computer science of students of color. I will examine how underrepresentation in computing relates to the larger educational crisis in this country and issues we face as world citizens. This talk is part of an overarching mission to understand how inequality is produced in this country and the types of social action required to equalize opportunities and broaden participation in computing.
A conjecture of Regev about the Capelli polynomial

Abstract Let X1,…, Xn2, Y1,…, Yn2 be generic n × n matrices over a field k of characteristic zero. If ƒ(X 1,… , X n ) is a multilinear invariant of X1,…, Xn then ∑ πϱϵSπZ 2 (sign π ) f(X 1 Y π(1) ,X 2 Y π(2) Y π(3) Y π(4) , X 3 Y π(5) …Y π(9) …X n Y π(n 2 −2n+2) …Y π(n 2 ) )=f(X 1 …X n )Δ(Y) , where Sn2 is the symmetric group of degree n2, Δ(Y) is the discriminant of Y1,…, Yn2 and \ tf(X 1,… , X n ) is a uniquely defined multilinear invariant of X1,…, Xn. Thus ƒ → \ tf defines a function from the vector space of multilinear invariants of X1,…, Xn to itself. An analysis of this function is used to prove Regev's conjecture that ∑ πϱϵSπZ 2 ( sign πϱ)X n(1) Y ϱ(1) X π(2) X π(3) X π(4) Y ϱ(2) Y ϱ(3) Y ϱ(4) X π(5) … X π(n 2 −2π+2) …X π(n 2 ) Y ϱ(n 2 −2n+2) …Y ϱ(n 2 ) is nonzero. In addition, a variant of the above function is used to evaluate the Capelli polynomial.
Nitrogen and phosphorus distribution for five plantation species in southwestern Wisconsin

Abstract Nutrient distribution was determined in the soil and vegetation for 28-year-old red oak (Quercus rubra L.), European larch (Larix decidua Miller), white pine (Pinus strobus L.), red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L) Karst.) plantations on a similar soil in southwestern Wisconsin. The concentration and content of several soil nutrients differed among the five species, but no consistent patterns were observed between deciduous and evergreen species. Current foliage nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentration for European larch and N concentration for red pine decreased down the canopy but did not differ significantly among canopy positions for the other tree species. In general, total N and P content were greatest in the upper 30 cm of soil followed by aboveground vegetation and forest floor. Total N and P content in aboveground vegetation were positively correlated to leaf longevity (r2 = 0.83, P
English and Spanish contrastive discourse markers

Abstract Discourse markers are briefly introduced. Then, using the concepts of denial and contrast, with modifications, English and Spanish contrastive discourse markers are first analyzed and then contrasted. It was found that they correspond remarkably closely in what they signal about the interpretation of the utterance they introduce.
Active and Collaborative Learning in an Undergraduate Sociological Theory Course

In this article, the author describes the use of active and collaborative learning strategies in an undergraduate sociological theory course. A semester-long ethnographic project is the foundation for the course; both individual and group participation contribute to the learning process. Assessment findings indicate that students are able, through application of theoretical concep theory and methods. Furthermore, students report that they believe the field experience and group interactions are more beneficial to their learning experience than traditional lecture alone.
Two mechanisms produce mutation hotspots at DNA breaks in Escherichia coli.

Mutation hotspots and showers occur across phylogeny and profoundly influence genome evolution, yet the mechanisms that produce hotspots remain obscure. We report that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) provoke mutation hotspots via stress-induced mutation in Escherichia coli. With tet reporters placed 2 kb to 2 Mb (half the genome) away from an I-SceI site, RpoS/DinB-dependent mutations occur maximally within the first 2 kb and decrease logarithmically to ∼60 kb. A weak mutation tail extends to 1 Mb. Hotspotting occurs independently of I-site/tet-reporter-pair position in the genome, upstream and downstream in the replication path. RecD, which allows RecBCD DSB-exonuclease activity, is required for strong local but not long-distance hotspotting, indicating that double-strand resection and gap-filling synthesis underlie local hotspotting, and newly illuminating DSB resection in vivo. Hotspotting near DSBs opens the possibility that specific genomic regions could be targeted for mutagenesis, and could also promote concerted evolution (coincident mutations) within genes/gene clusters, an important issue in the evolution of protein functions.
The effect of high antigen density on solid-phase radioimmunoassays for antibody regardless of immunoglobulin class

Human sera containing antibody to casein or to bovine serum albumin were used to assess the validity and utility of a solid-phase assay for quantitating antibody activity. Rabbit anti-human immunoglobulin radiolabeled with 125I and capable of reacting with all human immunoglobulin classes was used to detect antibody bound to antigen immobilized to polystyrene tubes by a new covalent technique. This method results in very high antigen concentrations in highly stable association with polystyrene tubes. Kinetic and absorption studies demonstrated that low avidity antibodies are better detected when antigen is immobilized by the covalent method than when passively adsorbed. Conditions are described for minimizing artifactual interactions and for obtaining results similar to those obtained with conventional, liquid-phase assays. Failure to reach equilibrium in solid-phase assays and other problems are proposed to explain, in part, the inability to obtain a better correlation between solid- and liquid-phase immunoassays.
Activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase triggers a glial-to-neuronal cell-fate switch in an insect neuroblast lineage

Background: The grasshopper median neuroblast (MNB) is a multipotent progenitor cell that produces neurons and midline glia in distinct temporal phases. The MNB generates pioneer neurons during its first few divisions, and then switches to production of midline glial precursors. After the glia have been produced, the MNB reverts to generating neurons. We have investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the transition from glia production back to neuron production in the MNB lineage. Results We report evidence that this second transition in the MNB lineage is triggered by the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). PKA is a heterodimer of a catalytic (PKA-C) and a cAMP-binding regulatory (R) subunit. The R subunit dissociates from PKA-C on binding cAMP, and free PKA-C then translocates into the nucleus. Nuclear localization of PKA-C can thus be used as an indicator of PKA activation within a cell. We have found that PKA-C is translocated into the nucleus at the time of the second switch in the MNB lineage. When PKA is prematurely activated in the MNB by microinjection of purified PKA-C, or by pharmacological agents that elevate intracellular cAMP levels, the glial-to-neuronal cell-fate switch takes place prematurely. Inhibition of PKA activity by microinjection of a peptide inhibitor, or by a non-hydrolyzable cAMP analog, blocks the glial-to-neuronal switch. Conclusion Our results imply that elevation of cAMP in the MNB, and the resultant activation of PKA, is likely to be a trigger for the glial-to-neuronal cell-fate transition within the MNB lineage.
Information economics and libraries in the digital age

Describes how technology is rapidly changing the way information is distributed and paid for. Libraries face the risk that they will be cut from the loop that includes publishers and information consumers. Libraries must take an active role in experimenting with emerging technology and trends in the economics and distribution of information. If they do so, they stand to maintain their strong position as collection builders and organizers, and to continue their tradition of excellence in providing access to information for their users. Highlights a number of issues that need to be addressed as libraries make the transition from paper to digital: funding models, fee versus free use of information, and the infrastructure of digital economy. Explores the role that electronic money may have in those libraries in more depth.
Arabidopsis Phospholipase Dα1 Interacts with the Heterotrimeric G-protein α-Subunit through a Motif Analogous to the DRY Motif in G-protein-coupled Receptors

Phospholipase D (PLD) and heterotrimeric G-protein both play important, diverse roles in cellular regulation and signal transduction. Here we have determined the physical interaction between plant PLD and the only canonical α-subunit (Gα) of the G-protein in Arabidopsis thaliana and the molecular basis for the interaction. PLDα1 expressed in either Escherichia coli or Arabidopsis was co-precipitated with Gα. PLDα1 contains a sequence motif analogous to the Gα-interacting DRY motif normally conserved in G-protein-coupled receptors. Mutation of the central Lys residue PLDK564A of this motif abolished the PLDα1-Gα binding, whereas mutation of the two flanking residues PLDE563A and PLDF565A decreased the binding. Addition of Gα to PLDα1 inhibited PLDα1 activity, whereas the PLDK564A mutation that disrupted the Gα-PLDα1 binding abolished the inhibition. GTP relieved the Gα inhibition of PLDα1 activity and also inhibited the binding between PLDα1 and Gα. Meanwhile, the PLDα1-Gα interaction stimulated the intrinsic GTPase activity of Gα. Therefore, these results have demonstrated the direct binding between Gα and PLDα1, identified the DRY motif on PLDα1 as the site for the interaction, and indicated that the interaction modulates reciprocally the activities of PLDα1 and Gα.