cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Artificial Intelligence Volumetric Assessment of Kidneys and Renal Tumors for Preoperative Assessment of Nephron Sparing Interventions.

Background Renal cell carcinoma is the most common kidney cancer and the 13th most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Partial nephrectomy and percutaneous ablation, increasingly utilized to tr...
Cognition and disease characteristics in adult onset versus late onset multiple sclerosis.

Background:Cognitive impairment is common sequelae of multiple sclerosis (MS); however, relatively little is known about cognitive impairment in late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS).Objective:To in...
Predicting 1H NMR relaxation in Gd3+-aqua using molecular dynamics simulations

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations are used to predict 1H NMR T1 relaxation of water from paramagnetic Gd3+ ions in solution at 25 °C. Simulations of the T1 relaxivity dispersion function r1 computed from the Gd3+–1H dipole–dipole autocorrelation function agree within ≃8% of measurements in the range f0 ≃ 5 ↔ 500 MHz, without any adjustable parameters in the interpretation of the simulations, and without any relaxation models. The simulation results are discussed in the context of the Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan inner-sphere relaxation model, and the Hwang-Freed outer-sphere relaxation model. Below f0 ≲ 5 MHz, the simulation overestimates r1 compared to measurements, which is used to estimate the zero-field electron-spin relaxation time. The simulations show potential for predicting r1 at high frequencies in chelated Gd3+ contrast-agents used for clinical MRI.
Intravascular Hemagglutination Studied with the Living Extracorporeal Eye

Direct and filmed observations of events during intravascular hemagglutination have been made using our Living Extracorporeal Eye preparation. Agglutinated erythrocyte masses in the arterioles are separated by plasma gaps but tied to one another in short chains by fibrin threads and have a surface deposition of fibrin. This fibrin forms under circumstances that make autocatalytic coagulation unlikely. This seems to indicate that if thrombin evolution occurs, it must be localized to the areas of exposed erythrocyte stroma and adjacent endothelial cell surfaces altered by deoxygenation. These masses plug some of the microcirculatory channels and venous many-tailed casts build from multicentric sites at the exits of venules with stilled flow. The light and electron microscopic structure of such casts shows a core of aggregated erythrocytes with surface fibrin and platelet deposition. The above events are not prevented by prothrombinopenic, leukopenic or thrombocytopenic reacting bloods but are abolished by resuspending from each of the reacting bloods, the autologous erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets in the supernate of its centrifuged heat-defibrinated plasma. Hydrocortisone, benadryl and 6 per cent clinical dextran do not alter the reaction. When calcium ion binding agents are also present, heparin abolishes the fibrin formation and sharply reduces the magnitude of erythrocyte aggregates so that vigorous perfusion of the microcirculation continues. Heparin alone is ineffective in suppressing interspecies hemagglutination and erythothrombus formation when non-anticoagulated bovine blood is intermixed with heparinized diluted human blood. The obstructing arteriolar masses and the many-tailed venous cast induced by hemagglutination, are promptly and completely disaggregated by plasma plus streptokinase or by urokinase or by 5M urea solution perfusion. Osmotically lysed erythrocytes lead to similar erythrothrombosis only when stasis is induced by interrupting arterial perfusion for a minute or more.
Identification in H/sub infinity / using Pick's interpolation

The authors consider an interpolation approach for identification in H/sub infinity /. In particular, the Nevanlinna Pick interpolation theorem is used to derive the identified model. A tuned nonlinear interpolation algorithm is proposed and the resulting error bound in the H/sub infinity / norm is derived. The proposed approach has the advantage that the identified model is in the same set of the unknown, true systems. This is different from the existing results where there is no such guarantee. >
Ultrastructural Aspects of Wood Delignification by Phlebia (Merulius) tremellosus.

Abstract Wood from aspen and birch that had been decayed for 12 weeks by Phlebia tremellosus had averages of 30 and 31% weight loss, respectively, and 70% lignin loss. Digestibility increased from averages of 21 and 13% for sound aspen and birch to 54 and 51% for decayed aspen and birch. Individual wood sugar analyses of decayed birch blocks indicated an average loss of 10% glucose, 45% xylose, and 19% mannose. Micromorphological studies demonstrated the removal of middle lamellae and separation of cells. Vessels also separated at perforation plates. Electron microscopy with OsO4-glutaraldehyde-fixed and KMnO4-fixed wood showed that lignin was progressively removed first from the secondary cell wall layers, beginning at the lumen surface, and later from the compound middle lamella. Extensive degradation of lignin was found throughout the secondary wall and middle lamella region between cells. In cells with advanced decay, the middle lamella between cells was completely degraded, but cell corner regions remained.
Alternate versions of overhead transparency projectuals designed to teach elementary statistical concepts

This study does not lend support to the assumption that sequencing of information for concept learning is superior to presenting the information as one complete whole. Transparency Versions 1 and 2 presented the concepts visually in controlled sequential order while Transparency Version 3 presented the concepts visually as a complete unit. The differences between the three transparency styles (F = 21049) were the smallest of the three main effects of the study. An equivalent set of 2 × 2 slides might have accomplished the same results as Transparency Versions 2 and 3.
Design and evaluation of an integrated flight-control system concept for manual IFR VTOL operations

An integrated flight controller, display, and power management system design, suitable for all-weather VTOL flight operations onto small ships, is described. The flight controller uncouples the aircraft's translational and attitude motions, which are then commanded by the pilot, through separate controls. A head-up display provides situation and flight director information sufficient to permit zero-zero landings. The system was applied to a VTOL transport model and simulated on moving base simulators at Ames Research Center. Presented herein are results concerning the aircraft's general handling qualities and, in particular, its handling qualities during IFR landings onto a moving ship.
Revisiting breadth vs. depth in menu structures for blind users of screen readers

Numerous studies have investigated task performance times for selection from hierarchical menus, with structures containing many choices at each of a few levels (broad, shallow structures) generally outperforming structures containing fewer choices at each of many levels (narrow, deep structures). To see if these results applied to blind users who rely on screen reader software for computer access, we replicated an earlier published study, using 19 blind screen-reader users. Consistent with earlier studies, broader, shallow hierarchies outperformed narrow, deep hierarchies. Task performance times and hypertext lostness measures were correlated. Although further work will be needed to understand specific determinants of task performance rates, these results support the use of broad, shallow menus for blind as well as sighted users.
Dysarthria and thrombocytopenia after tick bite

![Figure][1] A 63-year-old woman presented with fever, confusion, dysarthria (slurred speech), new-onset thrombocytopenia (26 × 109/L platelets) and mild transaminitis 2 weeks after a tick bite to the left thigh. Physical examination was negative for splenomegaly, rash, or any other focal
A heuristic proǵramminǵ procedure for sequencinǵ the static flowshop

Abstract This paper describes a heuristic procedure for sequencing the n job m machine static flowshop. Basically, the procedure is performed in two overall steps. In the first step, each of the n jobs is tested as a potential immediate follower to each of the other jobs. In effect, this step of the procedure asks the question, ‘how well does a particular job fit in terms of job blocking or machine idleness if it were to follow some other job?’ An overall figure of merit, or cost cij, is determined for each job j as a follower to another job i. Six different heuristics are presented for determining sets of cij values. Using these values of cij, the second step then heuristically develops a job sequence by solving the travelling salesman problem. The paper also presents computational experience with the algorithm for a variety of randomly generated test problems (up to 50 jobs and 50 machines in size), and compares its performance with other published heuristic techniques.
Grade of membership models in low dimensions

Grade of Membership (GoM) Models have always been presented by their inventors as statistical applications of fuzzy set theory. This paper develops an alternative formulation, recasting GoM as a geometric dimensionality-reduction technique in terms of an underlying family of metrics, exposing a close relationship with Principal Components. The geometric viewpoint facilitates intuitive understanding and guides an investigation into the robustness of GoM estimates to violations of assumption, with test cases drawn from the National Survey of Families and Households. Analysis is restricted to visualizable, low-dimensional cases with two pure types and 3 to 9 dichotomous variables, and to “conditional” GoM, the version more commonly used but less commonly studied. In these low-dimensional settings, I find GoM to be a successful technique for recovering an underlying gradient among individuals when such a gradient is actually present. GoM is only moderately sensitive to moderate violations in its assumptions. In the cases studied, GoM solutions turn out to be remarkably close to Principal Component solutions.
Reactions of the dirhenium(II) complexes Re2X4(μ-dppm)2 (X=Cl, Br; dppm=Ph2PCH2PPh2) with isocyanides. Part XVII. Isomerizations of triply bonded dirhenium complexes of the type [Re2X3(μ-dppm)2(CO)(CNXyl)(CNR)]+(R=Xyl or t-Bu) with open bioctahedral structures to di-μ-chloro edge-sharing bioctahedral structures with no Re–Re bond

Abstract The diamagnetic dirhenium(II) complexes [Re2X3(μ-dppm)2(CO)(CNXyl)2]O3SCF3, where dppm=Ph2PCH2PPh2, XylNC=xylyl isocyanide and X=Cl (3a) or Br(3b), in which the cations possess the Re–Re triply bonded, open bioctahedral structure [(XylNC)2XRe(μ-dppm)2ReX2(CO)]O3SCF3, convert to the paramagnetic di-μ-halo bridged complexes [(XylNC)(CO)Re(μ-X)2(μ-dppm)2ReX(CNXyl)]O3SCF3, X=Cl (4a) or Br (4b), in very high yield when their solutions in 1,2-dichloroethane are heated to reflux for ca. 24 h. This isomerization involves a switch from a ReRe bonded structure (Re–Re distance=2.383(1) A in 3a) to one in which no Re–Re bond is present (Re–Re distance=3.321(1) A in 4a). The complex cations in 4a and 4b are formulated as mixed-valence Re(I)–Re(III) species, and their formation represents the first example of the isomerization of a multiply bonded dimetal complex to one in which no metal–metal bond is present. The related thermal isomerizations of the Re–Re triply bonded, mixed-isocyanide ligand complexes [Re2X3(μ-dppm)2(CO)(CNXyl)(CN-t-Bu)]O3SCF3, X=Cl or Br, have also been examined.
On the Obscurantist Physics of “Form Drag” in Theorizing about the Circumpolar Current

Abstract The authors point out that, since the “form-drag” force balance commonly advanced for the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is really just a statement that northward Ekman transport in the circumpolar Drake Passage zone is compensated by deep southward geostrophic flow, the balance is actually irrelevant to the magnitude of the current itself. It is thus misleading to ascribe a role to form drag in its physics. Sverdrup dynamics seems to offer a more promising analysis of the real Circumpolar Current–as proposed long ago.
LISA far-field phase patterns

The Laser Interferometry Space Antenna for the detection of Gravitational Waves is a very long baseline interferometer that will measure the changes in the distance of a five million kilometer arm to pico meter accuracies. Knowledge of the phase deviations from a spherical wave and what causes these deviations are needed considerations in the design of the telescope and in determining pointing requirements. Here we present the far field phase deviations from a spherical wave for given Zernike aberrations and obscurations of the exit pupil.
Abstract 15: Phosphorylation defective mutant Bcl-xL knockin mice exhibit behavioral abnormalities linked with neurodevelopmental disorders

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Bcl-xL, a close homolog of Bcl2, is an important regulator of apoptosis and is overexpressed in many human cancers including neuroblastoma. Previously we have discovered that the regulation of phosphorylation of Bcl-xL on serine 62 residue by tubulin-binding anticancer drugs at mitosis may function as a checkpoint to permit apoptosis of cancer cells. However, the physiological significance of Bcl-xL phosphorylation still remains obscure. With a view to comprehending the functional relevance of Bcl-xL phosphorylation in vivo, we have generated knock-in mice expressing an unphosphorylable ser62 (equivalent to human ser62), by substitution with an alanine residue. Thus placing the phosphorylation-defective mutant of Bcl-xL into the germ line of mice creates opportunities to observe the effects of endogenous phosphorylation in the context of multicellular organisms. Since Bcl-xL has been shown to be maintained at high level in CNS, initially a full behavioral phenotyping battery was carried out with wild type (WT) and Bcl-xLS62A(+/+) mice. Born at Mendelian ratios, the Bcl-xLS62A(+/+) mice demonstrated reduced startle response and reduced PPI (Prepulse inhibition) at lower PPI amplitudes compared to WT mice. Moreover, cognitive deficits were noted in the passive avoidance task between Bcl-xLS62A(+/+) mice and WT littermates. These data indicate that mutation in the phosphorylation site of Bcl-xL drive a range of functional abnormalities and many of the observed behavioral abnormalities in Bcl-xLS62A(+/+) mice are consistent with neurodevelopmental disorders. In all, our findings suggest that endogenous phosphorylation of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL might play a critical role in neurodevelopment and subsequent CNS functional output. Further molecular analysis on the effect of blocking of endogenous phosphorylation of Bcl-xL on neuronal apoptosis will be discussed. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 15. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-15
Electron-detachment spectroscopy of 20-100-keV H- projectiles interacting with thin Ar targets.

Energy and transformed-velocity spectra of electrons emitted in the forward direction have been experimentally determined for 20--120-keV H/sup -/ projectiles traversing thin Ar targets. The spectra from H/sup -/ are surprisingly cusplike in shape even though single-electron loss is known to dominate. In contrast to the findings of Menendez and Duncan, who performed similar measurements at higher projectile velocities, target-induced structures in the electron loss to the continuum spectra are not pronounced in this velocity regime.
Characterization of pulse distortion and dispersion of spiral antennas

This paper demonstrates that the natural dispersion of spiral antennas can be mitigated by pulse shaping. Specifically, it is shown that the fifth derivative Gaussian pulse with σ = 51ps designed for indoor UWB systems can be used to compensate the dispersive properties of the examined spirals. Furthermore, the study shows that the planar equiangular and Archimedean spiral antenna configurations have high and almost constant fidelity factors at different observation angles and at different planes. The study demonstrated a good agreement between the three full-wave modeling methods used in this analysis. It is also shown that as expected the MOM results are more comparable to Friis theoretical transmission formula than the other partial differential equation based methods.
A numerical evaluation on the effects of impermeable faults on degasification efficiency and methane emissions during underground coal mining

Abstract Impermeable geologic faults in the coal seam can cause intermittent production problems or can cause unexpected amounts of water or gas to issue from degasification boreholes. These faults also can impact methane emissions into the mine workings, especially if they hinder proper and effective degasification of the coal bed. They may also act as barriers for methane flow in the coal seam. Although this might seem beneficial for advancing mine workings, faulting may also cause gas pressure buildups and result in compartmentalization of the gassy regions from which large quantities of water and methane may rush into mine workings. This study uses reservoir simulations to illustrate the effects of impermeable faults, with and without throws, on the production performance of vertical and horizontal degasification boreholes. These boreholes were drilled from the surface to intercept the coal layer and fault and were assumed to produce methane two years prior to mining of the coal seam. Longwall advances and face-position-related emissions and reservoir properties were characterized using sector definitions along the path of the panel grids. This work numerically evaluates water and gas productions of each borehole and presents the effects and the impacts of impermeable faults on methane emissions due to an advancing coal face. The results can be used to understand the effects of impermeable faults on borehole productions and face emissions due to these coal seam anomalies.
A New Perspective on Isomerization Dynamics Illustrated by HCN → HNC

We discuss the role of delocalized states in isomerization dynamics and illustrate the ideas by considering isomerization in HCN. We analyze results from an earlier study, where HCN was treated as a semirigid bender, and isomerization was induced by collision with an Ar atom. That analysis is applied here to three-dimensional HCN, using exact three-dimensional wave functions, obtained using a slight modification of a previous global potential based on high-quality ab initio calculations.
Relational alterity: Constructing dungan (hui), uygur, and Kazakh identities across china, central Asia, and Turkey

(1996). Relational alterity: Constructing dungan (hui), uygur, and Kazakh identities across china, central Asia, and Turkey. History and Anthropology: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 445-477.
Telecommuter intent to leave

Purpose – The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between perceived leadership styles and telecommuter intent to leave an organization. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative non-experimental design was used to examine the relationship between perceived leadership styles and telecommuter intent to leave an organization. In all, three leadership styles were examined: transactional, transformational, and laissez-faire. Telecommuters responded to a single online survey combining two validated survey instruments, the MLQ 5X Rater Form and the Staying or Leaving Index. Respondents were instructed to consider their current manager when responding to the survey. Findings – Linear regression results indicated a significant relationship between perceived transformational and telecommuter intent to leave an organization (F(1, 111)=34.36, p<0.001) suggesting the more a leader demonstrates a transformational leadership style, the more a telecommuter wants to leave the organization. Results indi...
Emotions, Decisions, and the Brain

This article presents a commentary on the Appraisal-Tendency Framework (ATF) developed by Lerner and her colleagues. The article explores ways by which the ATF can be extended including (a) incorporating elements from other frameworks, (b) incorporating the role of arousal, (c) exploring individual-difference factors, and (d) examining the neural correlates of some of the key elements of the ATF. The article concludes with a discussion of the promise that decision neuroscience offers to further enrich an already exciting and thriving area of research in emotion and decision making.
Capital Budgeting under Conditions of Uncertainty as to Project Life

(1972). Capital Budgeting under Conditions of Uncertainty as to Project Life. The Engineering Economist: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 189-199.
Dispersion Study in a Giant Intracranial Aneurysm Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Techniques

The formation and growth of intracranial aneurysms is partly attributed to various hemodynamic factors such as shear stress and pressure. This issue is further investigated in the present paper using some new insight gained from passive scalar dispersion in the blood flow. Intracranial aneurysms are best visualized using selective catheter angiogram technique where a contrast agent added to the blood flow is visualized and filmed dynamically. In the current study, the 2D threshold images produced by “3D rotational X-ray angiography technique” are used in an ‘in-house’ program to construct a 3D volumetric grid which is then used to calculate the blood flow through the aneurysm. Dispersion of a fluid material with properties similar to that of the contrast agent is also modeled in the blood flow. Unlike previous studies, we investigated the dispersion of a pulsed scalar to better understand the flow dynamics. Results from a large aneurysm are compared to those for a relative small one to show the effect of geometry. The dispersion and flow patterns show the localization of high stress in stagnation areas, which may be the potential regions for the origin and growth of aneurysms. We also investigated the dependence of flow properties on the initial and boundary conditions to calculate the pressure and the wall shear stress values for a given geometry.© 2007 ASME
Study of the Effects of Progressive Changes in Alkoxysilane Structure on Sol−Gel Reactivity

Effects of the structure of an alkoxysilane on the early reaction kinetics of sol-gel polymerization are investigated in basic and acidic conditions. Six silanes, including tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS), bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane (BTMSE), bis(trimethoxysilyl)hexane (BTMSH), and bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine (BTMSPA), are selected to examine the effects of progressive changes in the silane's structure. In basic conditions, reactivities of the silanes follow the pairwise trends TEOS MTMS, MTMS > BTMSH, and BTMSH BTMSE, BTMSE >> BTMSH, and BTMSH > BTMSPA. The condensation rate coefficients of BTMSH and BTMPA are much smaller than the others. Theses relationships can be explained mainly on the basis of the expected inductive and steric factors of the silanes. Bulky organics attached to the silane lead to low reactivity in both acidic and basic conditions. A high electron density at silicon leads to a low reactivity in basic conditions but a high reactivity in acidic conditions (pH approximately 2.3). Only BTMSPA in basic conditions defies these trends, possibly because of the effects of solvation near the reactive silicon site.
Controlled Studies with High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of Dermatomyositis, Inclusion Body Myositis, and Polymyositis

There are three major subsets of the inflammatory myopathies: polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), and inclusion-body myositis (IBM). High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been tried in controlled clinical trials in patients with DM and IBM but not with PM. In patients with DM that is resistant or partially responsive to conventional therapies. IVIg was very effective. The treated patients experienced dramatic improvement not only in muscle strength but also of their skin rash. Repeated muscle biopsies with quantitative histologic studies showed the IVIg-treated patients had a statistically significant improvement of the muscle cytoarchitecture, with resolution of the aberrant immunopathologic parameters. In two controlled clinical trials conducted in IBM patients, IVIg showed marginal improvements in muscle strength which were nonsignificant. However, a few IBM patients had a definite clinical improvement with increased activities of daily living, but when analyzed within the entire IVIg-treated group, their total gains in muscle strength did not reach statistical significance compared to the placebo-treated group. Of interest is that certain muscle groups in the IVIg-treated patients, such as the muscles of swallowing, showed significant improvement compared to those of the placebo-treated patients, implying mild regional effects. In PM, uncontrolled trials have shown improvements in muscle strength, but the controlled clinical trial is still ongoing.
Electrical impedance of electrode encapsulation tissue

The complex resistivity of the encapsulation tissue that surrounds chronically implanted electrodes was measured in vitro as a function of frequency. The value of resistivity and its frequency dependence were functions of the morphology of the tissue. The results Indicate that the encapsulation tissue will offer a significant barrier to current flow, and suggest that the encapsulation should be included when calculating the electric field induced by chronically implanted neural prosthesis electrodes.
Videoconferencing as a communications enhancement

Abstract This article offers a rationale for videoconferencing implementation and examines key capabilities, advantages, and limitations. Empowered with an understanding of videoconferencing strategies and techniques, academic librarians can facilitate the effective design and deployment of videoconferencing applications that contribute to the establishment of virtual collaborative relationships and the enrichment of library services.
Monotonicity of quadratic-approximation algorithms

It is desirable that a numerical maximization algorithm monotonically increase its objective function for the sake of its stability of convergence. It is here shown how one can adjust the Newton-Raphson procedure to attain monotonicity by the use of simple bounds on the curvature of the objective function. The fundamental tool in the analysis is the geometric insight one gains by interpreting quadratic-approximation algorithms as a form of area approximation. The statistical examples discussed include maximum likelihood estimation in mixture models, logistic regression and Cox's proportional hazards regression.
EFFECTS OF GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) PRIMING PRIOR TO FULL ENTERAL NUTRITION IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (VLBW) INFANTS

EFFECTS OF GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) PRIMING PRIOR TO FULL ENTERAL NUTRITION IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (VLBW) INFANTS
Building a software infrastructure for computational science applications: lessons and solutions

The development of high performance engineering and scientific applications is an expensive process that often requires specialized support and adequate information about the available computational resources and software development tools. The development effort is increased by the complexity of the phenomena that can be addressed by numerical simulation, along with the increase and evolution of computing resources. In this paper we discuss mechanisms implemented by the DOE Advanced Computational Software (ACTS) Collection Project to mitigate that effort. ACTS is a set of DOE-developed software tools, sometimes in collaboration with other funding agencies, that make it easier to write high performance codes for computational science applications. The paper discusses categories of problems that the tools solve, functionalities that they provide, applications that have benefited from their use, and lessons learned through interactions with users possessing different levels of expertise.
Fluorescence excitation spectrum of indole—D2O in supersonic jet

Abstract The fluorescence excitation spectra of the 1:1 complexes of indole with D2O in a cold (≈ 1 K) expansion jet are reported and compared with those of the H2O complexes. For the more red-shifted complex, the small isotope effect and the long Franck—Condon progression in the 35 cm−1 intermolecular vibration can be fit to a 0.42 ± 0.04 A displacement of the entire water molecule upon excitation. In spite of the large displacement and red-shift, the emitting state for this complex is assigned 1Lb on the basis of simulated fluorescence curves.
A Phased Development of Breed-and-Burn Reactors for Enhanced Nuclear Energy Sustainability

Several options for designing fast reactors to operate in the Breed-and-Burn (B&B) mode are compared and a strategy is outlined for early introduction of B&B reactors followed by a gradual increase in the fuel utilization of such reactors. In the first phase the fast reactor core will consist of a subcritical B&B blanket driven by a relatively small critical seed. As the required discharge burnup/radiation-damage to both driver and blanket fuel had already been proven, and as the depleted uranium fueled B&B blanket could generate close to 2/3 of the core power and will have very low fuel cycle cost, the deployment of such fast reactors could start in the near future. The second phase consists of deploying self-sustaining stationary wave B&B reactors. It will require development of fuel technology that could withstand peak burnups of ~30% and peak radiation damage to the cladding of ~550 dpa. The third phase requires development of a fuel reconditioning technology that will enable using the fuel up to an average burnup of ~50%—the upper bound permitted by neutron balance considerations when most of the fission products are not separated from the fuel. The increase in the uranium ore utilization relative to that provided by contemporary power reactors is estimated to be 20, 40 and 100 folds for, respectively, phase 1, 2 and 3. The energy value of the depleted uranium stockpiles (“waste”) accumulated in the US is equivalent to, when used in the B&B reactors, up to 20 centuries of the total 2010 USA supply of electricity. Therefore, a successful development of B&B reactors could provide a great measure of energy sustainability and cost stability.
Performance Assessment of the GenoType MTBDRplus Test and DNA Sequencing in Detection of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

To facilitate the management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, two nucleic acid sequence-based methods, the GenoType MTBDRplus test and DNA sequencing, were assessed for the rapid detection of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region. The performances of these two assays in detecting the presence of rifampin (rifampicin) (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance-associated mutations in the rpoB, katG, inhA regulatory region, inhA, and oxyR-ahpC genes were compared to that of a conventional agar proportion drug susceptibility test. A total of 242 MDR and 30 pansusceptible M. tuberculosis isolates were evaluated in this study. The sensitivities obtained for RIF-resistant detection by the GenoType MTBDRplus test and by resistance gene sequencing were 95.5% and 97.9%, respectively. The sensitivities for INH resistance detection by the GenoType MTBDRplus test and by resistance gene sequencing were 81.8% and 93.4%, respectively. Together, the sensitivity for MDR tuberculosis detection was 78.5% with the GenoType MTBDRplus test and 91.3% by resistance gene sequencing. The specificity for RIF resistance, INH resistance, and MDR detection was 100% by both methods. The GenoType MTBDRplus test has the advantage of a short turnaround time for drug-resistant M. tuberculosis detection. Overall, the two assays performed equally well in detecting RIF resistance (P = 0.13). However, DNA sequencing demonstrated superior performance in detecting INH resistance (P < 0.001) and MDR tuberculosis (P < 0.001). We suggest that new alleles of INH resistance genes should be evaluated to improve the sensitivity of the GenoType MTBDRplus test, especially for different geographic areas with genetically diverse M. tuberculosis strains.
Development of an asymmetric multiple-position neutron source (AMPNS) method to monitor the criticality of a degraded reactor core

Abstract Tne analytical/experimental method has been developed to to monitor the subcritical reactivity and unfold the k ∞ distribution of a degraded reactor core. The method uses several fixed neutron detectors and a 252 Cfneutron source placed sequentially in multiple positions in the core. Therefore, it is called the asymmetric multiple-position neutron source (AMPNS) method. The AMPNS method employs the nucleonic codes to analyze in two dimensions the neutron multiplication of a 252 Cf neutron source. An optimization program, GPM, was utilized to unfold the k ∞ distribution of the degraded core, in which the desired performance measure minimizes the error between the calculated and the measured count rates of the degraded reactor core. The analytical/experimental approach is validated by performing experiments using the Penn. State Breazeale TRIGA reactor (PSBR). A significant result of this study has been to provide a means to plan the source and detector placements and assign core cells to the damaged TMI-2 core as well as to monitor the criticality during the recovery period.
One-Way Waveguides Connected to One-Way Loads

Study of nonreciprocal devices has been the subject of research interest over the past several decades. In particular, gyrotropic waveguides have received considerable attention, owing to the fact that, under certain conditions, these waveguides may possess modes that propagate only in one direction, effectively acting as one-way conduits. We numerically investigate some of the consequences of connecting such one-way waveguides to “closed” terminal loads, such as cavities, or “open” terminal loads such as aperture antennas. We investigate how the energy is exchanged between this waveguide and its terminal loads, and how the conventional impedance mismatch may be less important in such waveguide-load interaction.
Using PhenX measures to identify opportunities for cross-study analysis†

The PhenX Toolkit provides researchers with recommended, well-established, low-burden measures suitable for human-subjects research. The database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) is the data repository for a variety of studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The dbGaP requires that investigators provide a data dictionary of study variables as part of the data submission process. Thus, dbGaP is a unique resource that can help investigators identify studies that share the same or similar variables. As a proof of concept, variables from 16 studies deposited in dbGaP were mapped to PhenX measures. Soon, investigators will be able to search dbGaP using PhenX variable identifiers and find comparable and related variables in these 16 studies. To enhance effective data exchange, PhenX measures, protocols, and variables were modeled in Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC). PhenX domains and measures are also represented in the Cancer Data Standards Registry and Repository (caDSR). Associating PhenX measures with existing standards (LOINC and caDSR) and mapping to dbGaP study variables extends the utility of these measures by revealing new opportunities for cross-study analysis.
Annulate lamellae in the adrenal cortex of the fetal rat.

The present report concerns the finding of annulate lamellae in a normally developing mammalian somatic tissue. This cytoplasmic membrane system was noted in the adrenal cortex of the fetal rat. Although the annulate lamellae observed in this tissue appear to be present in limited numbers, they are encountered most frequently in 16-day-old fetuses, the youngest stage studied. By the 19th day of gestation they are difficult to find and presumably disappear completely soon after this time. The size and number of lamellae is small as compared with most other cell types, especially the oocytes, where these structures have previously been described. There are no differences in structural organization between the individual lamellae and the nuclear envelope. On the basis of the observations and interpretations presented in this report, it is suggested that annulate lamellae may be an organelle common to the cells of all tissues during their early stages of differentiation.
In situ monitoring of sorption and drying of polymer films and coatings: self-referencing, nearly temperature-independent fluorescence sensors

Abstract Sorption and drying processes were monitored in situ in polymer films by a fluorescence rotor probe, 4-tricyanovinyl-[ N -(2-hydroxyethyl)- N -ethyl]aniline (TC1), a solvatochromatic fluorescence probe, 4-( N , N -dimethylamino)-4′-nitrostilbene (DANS), and pyrene. Taking advantage of an intensity ratio to monitor sorption, these fluorescence probes were found to serve as self-referencing sensors of water sorption in polyvinylacetate, with DANS being the most sensitive followed by TC1 and pyrene. Additionally, the shapes of the emission spectra (and thus intensity ratios) for TC1 and DANS were independent of temperature over a range of reasonable expected use temperatures. Covalent attachment of these fluorescence dyes was shown to enable the determination of sorbate levels within particular layers of multilayer films or coatings. Finally, these probes were also shown to provide sensitivity to desorption or drying of both water and organic sorbates.
On approximating optimal auctions

We study the following problem: A seller wishes to sell an item to a group of self-interested agents. Each agent i has a privately known valuation vi for the object. Given a distribution on these valuations, our goal is to construct an auction that maximizes the seller's expected revenue (optimal auction). The auction must be incentive compatible and satisfy individual rationality. We present a simple generic auction that guarantees at least half of the optimal revenue. We generalize this result in several directions, in particular, for the case of multiple copies with unit demand. Our auction requires the ability to learn (or compute) in polynomial time the conditional distribution of the agent with the maximal valuation, given the valuations of the other agents. We show that this ability is in some sense essential. Finally we suggest a generalization of our auction and argue that it will generate a revenue which is close to optimal for reasonable distributions. In particular we show this under an independence assumption
Demonstration of adrenergic catecholamine receptors in rat myometrium and their regulation by sex steroid hormones.

Abstract The molecular basis of sex steroid hormone-modulation of catecholamine-regulated smooth muscle cell contraction in the uterus was investigated at the level of the catecholamine receptor in rat myometrium. Myometrial membrane binding sites for 3H)-dihydroergocryptine bound α-but not β-adrenergic antagonists and stereospecifically bound the α-agonists (−)-norepinephrine > (−)-epinephrine > phenylephrine. Binding sites for (−) (3H)-dihydroalprenolol were specific for β-adrenergic antagonists and stereospecifically bound (−)-isoproterenol > epinephrine ⋍ norepinephrine. These results were consistent with the expected properties of the myometrial α- and β-adrenergic catecholamine receptors. Myometrial content of β- but not α-adrenergic catecholamine receptors was significantly elevated during proestrus and estrus, suggesting a role for sex steroid hormones in the regulation of these receptors. This posibility was substantiated in ovariectomized rats where castration resulted in a reduction in myometrial β-receptor content which was restored in a dose-dependent manner by estrodiol administration. We conclude: 1) rat uterus contains a substantial concentration of α- and β-adrenergic catecholamine receptors, 2) sex steroid hormones may modulated uterine contractility by regulation of these cell surface receptors; 3) modulation of cell responses to surface active hormones and agents by regulation of their cell surface receptors may be a major way in which sex steroids regulate target organ function.
Maximal operators along surfaces of revolution in Lebesgue mixed norm spaces

In this paper, we establish the boundedness of certain maximal operators along hyperspaces in Lebesgue mixed norm spaces.
The moral contours of empathy.

Morally contoured empathy is a form of “reasonable partiality” essential to the healthy care of dependents. It is critical as an epistemic aid in determining proper moral responsiveness; it is also, within certain richly normative roles and relationships, itself a crucial constitutive mode of moral connection. Yet the achievement of empathy is no easy feat. Patterns of incuriosity imperil connection, impeding empathic engagement; inappropriate “empathic” engagement, on the other hand, can result in self-effacement. Impartial moral principles and constraints offer at best meager protection against these perils, and hence serve poorly in securing morally contoured empathy. More nuanced and practical guidance should be sought in normatively substantive conceptions of our roles and relationships and their defining moral stakes. These, joined with more abstract moral tools, can facilitate rich, narratively textured interpretations of morality’s demands. While the content of our normative conceptions must be continually debated, engaging in this debate is vital to the achievement of proper empathy, and thus to effective, respectful, morally healthy care of dependents.
Testing symmetry under a skew Laplace model

Abstract We develop tests of hypothesis about symmetry based on samples from possibly asymmetric Laplace distributions and present exact and limiting distribution of the test statistics. We postulate that the test statistic derived under the Laplace model is a rational choice as a measure of skewness and can be used in testing symmetry for other, quite general classes of skew distributions. Our results are applied to foreign exchange rates for 15 currencies.
Preparation of Yttrium Phosphate and Yttrium-Doped Calcium Phosphate Microspheres via Hydrated Ions Exchange

Yttrium (Y)-based bioceramics are important materials in radiation therapy and biomedical applications. This paper describes a low-temperature method to prepare yttrium phosphate (YPO4) and Y-doped calcium phosphate (Y-CaP) microspheres using CaP microspheres as template. The as-formed microspheres were characterized using X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the formation of YPO4 and Y-CaP microspheres. The process was based on the dehydration effect of ethanol to CaP materials and hydrated ions transportation in amorphous CaP microspheres. The procedure, owing to its simplicity, may provide a new sight for the preparation of Y or rare earth elements-based bioceramic materials.
Maximum and minimum stable random packings of Platonic solids.

Motivated by the relation between particle shape and packing, we measure the volume fraction $\ensuremath{\phi}$ occupied by the Platonic solids which are a class of polyhedrons with congruent sides, vertices, and dihedral angles. Tetrahedron-, cube-, octahedron-, dodecahedron-, and icosahedron-shaped plastic dice were fluidized or mechanically vibrated to find stable random loose packing ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{rlp}=0.51,0.54,0.52,0.51,0.50$ and densest packing ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{rcp}=0.64,0.67,0.64,0.63,0.59$, respectively, with standard deviation of $\ensuremath{\simeq}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$. We find that $\ensuremath{\phi}$ obtained by all protocols peak at the cube, which is the only Platonic solid that can tessellate space, and then monotonically decrease with number of sides. This overall trend is similar but systematically lower than the maximum $\ensuremath{\phi}$ reported for frictionless Platonic solids and below ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{rlp}$ of spheres for the loose packings. Experiments with ceramic tetrahedron were also conducted, and higher friction was observed to lead to lower $\ensuremath{\phi}$.
Michael V. Pisani, Music for the Melodramatic Theatre in Nineteenth-Century London and New York

Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2014. [xxvi, 386 (388) p. ISBN: 978-1-60938-230-8. $36.00 (trade paper)] Studies in Theatre History and Culture. Illustrations, figures, musical examples, tables, and index.
Rapid detection of IgH/BCL2 rearrangement in follicular lymphoma by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization with bacterial artificial chromosome probes

Follicular lymphomas (FLs) can be difficult to diagnose on aspirated specimens since the architectural pattern is not present. FLs characteristically have rearrangements in the IgH and BCL2 genes resulting from the reciprocal t(14;18) (q32; q21) translocation. Because of the dispersed distribution of breakpoints, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using genomic probes that span or flank the breakpoints is ideal for detecting this rearrangement in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. To develop a set of probes, a bacterial artificial chromosome library was screened and the clones were mapped by fiber FISH. The probes were produced by the direct incorporation of fluorochrome-labeled nucleotides. The colocalization base FISH assay was applied to Cytospin preparations from FNA biopsies of lymph nodes from 26 patients with FL and 10 patients without FL. In those with FL, the percentage of cells with at least one IgH/BCL2 fusion signal ranged from 22% to 100% (mean, 63%), which was statistically significantly higher than that in FL-negative samples (mean, 2.7%). The probes demonstrated a significantly lower cutoff value (7%) in normal controls and effectively reduced the false-positive rate in FL-negative cases. These results were confirmed with fiber FISH assays on the same specimens. This interphase FISH assay is rapid and reliable for detecting rearrangements in the IGH/BCL2 gene, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of FL on FNA biopsy specimens.
Where are the atmospheric sciences going

The question of the direction of the atmospheric sciences is a difficult one, and it cannot be answered in a definitive way or with a high degree of certainty. I would like to try to give you my biased viewpoint on the situation in atmospheric sciences today, as far as the research aspect is concerned. The field of atmospheric sciences today is full to overflowing with top-notch scientific research programs. At the same time, funds for conducting this research are limited and much more difficult to obtain now than in previous years. To paraphrase the words of Charles Dickens in his Tale of Two Cities, “It is the best of times; it is the worst of times.”
Molecular forces for the binding and condensation of DNA molecules.

Abstract Atomic force microscopy has been used to investigate the binding between a double-stranded DNA and bilayers of cationic lipids and zwitterionic lipids in low ionic-strength solutions. The binding of a DNA molecule to freshly cleaved mica surface in solution has also been measured. The binding of DNA molecules to cationic lipid bilayers has a minimal strength of ∼45pN. On zwitterionic lipid bilayers and mica surface, the minimal binding strength is approximately twice that value. The binding also has a dynamic nature, with only a certain percentage of recorded force curves containing the binding characteristics. Divalent Mg 2+ ions enhance the binding by increasing that percentage without any effect on the binding strength. We have also observed a long-range attraction between DNA molecules and cationic lipid bilayers with a strength much larger than the minimum force and a range well over 50nm, possibly related to the driving force responsible for the two-dimensional condensation of DNA.