cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Candor after Kadlec: Why, Despite the Fifth Circuit's Decision, Hospitals Should Anticipate an Expanded Obligation to Disclose Risky Physician Behavior

An anesthesiologist admitted to having been drug-impaired during a tubal ligation that left the patient with massive, incapacitating brain damage. In granting the anesthesiologist privileges, one of the items Kadlec Medical Center had relied upon was a short credentialing letter from Lakeview Regional Medical Center. That letter stated simply that the doctor had held anesthesia privileges there for several years; it did not disclose concerns about on-duty drug use, or that he could not exercise his privileges after having been terminated from his practice group for "put[ting] our patients at significant risk" by "report[ing] to work in an impaired physical, mental, and emotional state." The Fifth Circuit, applying Louisiana law and overruling the district court on this point, held that Lakeview had no affirmative duty to disclose the negative information to Kadlec. The Fifth Circuit’s decision notwithstanding, I argue that hospitals should anticipate being held to a duty of greater candor in responding to credentialing inquiries. Recognition of this obligation follows from converging trends in health law theory, institutional liability, reporting duties, accreditation standards, and hospital practice.
A model of sleep, leisure and work over the business cycle

Abstract This paper uses a single-sector dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model to analyze time use patterns over the business cycle. Using data from the American Time Use Survey, we solve and simulate a model of a utility maximizing consumer subject to a penalty function based on a biological model for sleep. We find that sleep is countercyclical with the business cycle: sleep increases as economic activity declines. We also show that our model provides a reasonable estimate of observed sleep behavior over the period from 2003 through 2016. Our results suggest that separating sleep from other non-work activities is a useful and productive exercise for these types of models.
Vulvodynia: A Review of the Literature:

Objective: To evaluate the literature and educate the pharmacy community about the different treatment options for vulvodynia. Data Sources: Searches were performed through MEDLINE (1946-May 2018) using OVID and EBSCOhost, and Excerpta Medica (1974-May 2018) using EMBASE. Search terms included vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, vestibulodynia, vulvodynia, vulvar pain, provoked vulvar vestibulitis, and vulvodynia treatment. References of all relevant articles were then used to find additional applicable articles. Study Selection and Data Extraction: This review includes articles in the English language and human trial literature. Twenty-five trials explored the use of oral and topical medications in the treatment of vulvodynia. Data Synthesis: Vulvodynia is a poorly understood disease with an unknown etiology. Oral tricyclic antidepressants and gabapentin continue to be the most commonly used treatments for vulvodynia pain. This is due to their ease of use and patient preference. Topical treatments that have efficacy data are amitriptyline, gabapentin, lidocaine, baclofen, and hormones. This route of administration avoids systemic adverse effects and interpatient variability that accompanies oral administration. Alternative therapies more commonly used include physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and surgery. Treatment length may vary due to dose titrations and potential changes in medication therapy. Conclusions: Several medication and alternative therapies may be effective in treating vulvodynia. Current studies used wide dosing ranges, making it difficult to standardize therapy. No consistent method of assessing pain was used between studies, as well as a limited number being randomized and placebo controlled. Additional research is needed to increase knowledge and further develop vulvodynia treatments.
Reading Images, Visualizing Texts: Teaching Visual Analysis through Manga

This paper explains several techniques I use to help students develop visual analysis skills in my Japanese Visual Culture class. The in-class exercises outlined here teach students to examine the media they love—manga—through the lens of context, both historical and visual. By challenging students to closely read images and various forms of media, this pedagogy works to help students expand their understanding of Japanese popular culture while also integrating universal design for learning into the classroom. This gives visually oriented students a chance to participate more fully through privileging the visual over the textual for part of the class. Finally, the pedagogical exercises discussed can be done with manga whether on paper or online, bridging the oft – perceived divide between digital and analog experiences in the classroom.
El suicidio como forma de resistencia: Las niñas Quispe, de Sebastián Sepúlveda

La pelicula Las ninas Quispe , de Sebastian Sepulveda, recrea la muerte de las hermanas Justa, Luciana y Lucia Quispe, evento ocurrido hacia fines de 1974, cuando Chile llevaba poco mas de un ano bajo la dictadura de Augusto Pinochet. Pastoras trashumantes y habitantes de la precordillera en el norte de Chile, las hermanas Quispe eran miembros de la etnia colla. El regimen habia promulgado una ley que prohibia la ganaderia caprina en la zona, lo que forzo a los pastores a vender sus animales a un precio infimo y a mudarse a la ciudad. Las hermanas Quispe se negaron a obedecer esta ley aun sabiendo que la fuerza militar se haria presente para aniquilar todos sus animales. Optaron por sacrificar su ganado y por el suicidio colectivo como una respuesta extrema a la agresion de las medidas autoritarias de un gobierno que, entre otras cosas, impuso un modelo economico que violento las diversas etnias y sus modos ancestrales de relacionarse con la naturaleza. Este trabajo analiza el modo como Sebastian Sepulveda representa a las hermanas, su relacion con el entorno, su aislamiento y soledad, y los diversos tipos de violencia que debieron enfrentar hasta llegar a su decision final.
Development of a Short Form for the DSM-5 Levels of Personality Functioning Questionnaire.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. [DSM–5]; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) introduced the Alternative DSM–5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD). Criterio...
Angle Random Walk Minimization for Frequency Modulated Gyroscopes

Compared to amplitude modulated gyroscopes, frequency modulated (FM) gyroscopes have demonstrated excellent long-term stability. A notable limitation with FM gyroscopes is FM operation can decrease short-term stability. Short-term stability is typically quantified via angle random walk (ARW). This work presents an FM gyroscope ARW minimization method. As the measured and predicted values of minimized ARW are in agreement, this work provides a means to account for the competing effects associated with amplitude and frequency stability.
Structural and functional evidence that lipoprotein LpqN supports cell envelope biogenesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The mycobacterial cell envelope is crucial to host–pathogen interactions as a barrier against antibiotics and the host immune response. In addition, cell envelope lipids are mycobacterial virulence factors. Cell envelope lipid biosynthesis is the target of a number of frontline tuberculosis treatments and has been the focus of much research. However, the transport mechanisms by which these lipids reach the mycomembrane remain poorly understood. Many envelope lipids are exported from the cytoplasm to the periplasmic space via the mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) family of proteins. In other bacteria, lipoproteins can contribute to outer membrane biogenesis through direct binding of substrates and/or protein–protein associations with extracytoplasmic biosynthetic enzymes. In this report, we investigate whether the lipoprotein LpqN plays a similar role in mycobacteria. Using a genetic two-hybrid approach, we demonstrate that LpqN interacts with periplasmic loop domains of the MmpL3 and MmpL11 transporters that export mycolic acid–containing cell envelope lipids. We observe that LpqN also interacts with secreted cell envelope biosynthetic enzymes such as Ag85A via pulldown assays. The X-ray crystal structures of LpqN and LpqN bound to dodecyl-trehalose suggest that LpqN directly binds trehalose monomycolate, the MmpL3 and Ag85A substrate. Finally, we observe altered lipid profiles of the ΔlpqN mutant during biofilm maturation, pointing toward a possible physiological role for the protein. The results of this study suggest that LpqN may act as a membrane fusion protein, connecting MmpL transporters with periplasmic proteins, and provide general insight into the role of lipoproteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell envelope biogenesis.
Synthesis of Neural Network Architecture for Recognition of Sea-Going Ship Images

Purpose of research . The current task is to monitor ships using video surveillance cameras installed along the canal. It is important for information communication support for navigation of the Moscow Canal. The main subtask is direct recognition of ships in an image or video. Implementation of a neural network is perspectively. Methods . Various neural network are described. images of ships are an input data for the network. The learning sample uses CIFAR-10 dataset. The network is built and trained by using Keras and TensorFlow machine learning libraries. Results . Implementation of curving artificial neural networks for problems of image recognition is described. Advantages of such architecture when working with images are also described. The selection of Python language for neural network implementation is justified. The main used libraries of machine learning, such as TensorFlow and Keras are described. An experiment has been conducted to train swirl neural networks with different architectures based on Google collaboratoty service. The effectiveness of different architectures was evaluated as a percentage of correct pattern recognition in the test sample. Conclusions have been drawn about parameters influence of screwing neural network on showing its effectiveness. Conclusion . The network with a single curl layer in each cascade showed insufficient results, so three-stage curls with two and three curl layers in each cascade were used. Feature map extension has the greatest impact on the accuracy of image recognition. The increase in cascades' number has less noticeable effect and the increase in the number of screwdriver layers in each cascade does not always have an increase in the accuracy of the neural network. During the study, a three-frame network with two buckling layers in each cascade and 128 feature maps is defined as an optimal architecture of neural network under described conditions. operability checking of architecture's part under consideration on random images of ships confirmed the correctness of optimal architecture choosing.
Deployment of Object Detection Enhanced with Multi-label Multi-classification on Edge Device

This paper presents a method that enables detecting multiple mutually exclusive features of each class using the same convolutional neural network (CNN). This method proposes the design of a Multi-Label Multi-Classification (MLMC) deep learning model on resource-constrained edge devices. The proposed technique is also extended to utilizing the same CNN for classifying heterogeneous datasets. The MLMC model is used in conjunction with object detection techniques that leverage on a cropping system. The combined model used in conjunction with Intel’s Neural Compute Stick (NCS) achieves the detection of an object of interest at the rate of 10.51FPS out-performing conventional object detection speed on edge devices.
Designing AI systems that make organizational knowledge actionable

This forum provides a space to engage with the challenges of designing for intelligent algorithmic experiences. We invite articles that tackle the tensions between research and practice when integrating AI and UX design. We welcome interdisciplinary debate, artful critique, forward-looking research, case studies of AI in practice, and speculative design explorations. --- Juho Kim and Henriette Cramer, Editors
Diurnal variability of glucose tetrasaccharide (Glc4) excretion in patients with glycogen storage disease type III.

Aim The urinary glucose tetrasaccharide, Glcα1-6Glcα1-4Glcα1-4Glc (Glc4), is a glycogen limit dextrin that is elevated in patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD) type III. We evaluated the potential of uncooked cornstarch therapy to interfere with Glc4 monitoring, by measuring the diurnal variability of Glc4 excretion in patients with GSD III. Methods Voids were collected at home over 24 hours, stored at 4°C and frozen within 48 hours. Glc4 was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and normalized to creatinine. Results Subjects with GSD III (median age: 13.5 years, range: 3.7-62; n = 18) completed one or more 24-hour urine collection, and 28/36 collections were accepted for analysis. Glc4 was elevated in 16/18 subjects (median: 13 mmol/mol creatinine, range: 2-75, reference range: 25%) was not consistently observed in repeat collections by the same subject. Conclusions The extent and variability of Glc4 excretion relative to creatinine was not correlated with cornstarch dose. A majority of collections showed low variability over 24 hours. These findings support the use of single time-point collections to evaluate Glc4 in patients with GSD III treated with cornstarch. However, repeat sampling over short time-periods will provide the most accurate assessment of Glc4 excretion, as intraday variability may be increased in patients with high Glc4 excretion.
Conclusion: Mapping for a Better World

In this chapter DeWitt and Langran look at the value of purposeful, authentic learning that comes with well-designed critical place-based inquiry. While this pedagogy has the potential to be deeply meaningful, the design process must also take into account ethical considerations associated with the use of location-based data, the need for community partnerships, and the assumptions we make regarding students’ use of spatial technologies. Finally, the authors conclude with a discussion of the ever-changing social context of place-based pedagogy. Events such as COVID-19 or the public outcry over racism and police brutality add a sense of urgency to the call for a critical place-based pedagogy that is more inclusive and offers an understanding of the communities and the environments in which we live, work, and play.
#OculoplasticsandSocialMedia: a review of social media in oculoplastics and relevant subspecialties

The permeation of social media into life almost goes without bounds and medicine is no exception. While social media holds great potential for physicians and medicine, it also comes with concurrent spread of disinformation. This increases the importance of evidence-based information from qualified physicians on social media.Although the definition of social media is broad, in general, it refers to the use of web-based platforms to connect one human to another. In oculoplastic surgery, these relationships can be physician to physician, physician to patient, patient to patient, and vendor to physician. These relationships mostly involve education, social support, and advertising, but can also include research and government advocacy. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current utilization of social media in oculoplastic surgery and relevant subspecialties.
The Great Theme of American History is Liberty not Racism

The Great Theme of American History is the struggle to uphold liberty and give it fully to all. The idea that racism is the central theme of American History is a false idea that takes a major problem and twists into the main theme in order to discredit the great principles of the Founding Fathers.
High Rates of Vitamin D Deficiency in Acute Rehabilitation Patients.

Objective To determine the prevalence of low vitamin D (<30 ng/mL), including vitamin D insufficiency (20-29.9 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL), in an acute rehabilitation setting. Design Cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study. Setting University-affiliated inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) at a metropolitan county hospital. Participants Patients (N=100; 64 men/36 women), aged 19-92 years (mean, 62±18.9y), who were admitted to and discharged from an IRF over a 6-month study period. The most frequent admitting diagnoses included stroke (n=11), brain injury (n=36), spinal cord injury (n=14), and polytrauma (n=10). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Serum vitamin-25 (OH)D level at admission to the IRF. Results Of 100 patients, 76% had low vitamin D (<30 ng/mL), with 29% demonstrating vitamin D insufficiency (20-29.9 ng/mL) and 47% demonstrating vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Younger patients demonstrated higher rates of vitamin D deficiency compared with older patients (P<.0001). Conclusions Low vitamin D is common in patients admitted to the IRF, with rates more than double those reported in the general population among individuals younger than 45 years. The current results suggest that the IRF setting may be a favorable checkpoint to screen for and initiate treatment of low vitamin D and optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
In Situ Interprofessional Simulation in the Congenital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Using the PEARLS Framework for Systems Integration

We developed an in-situ interprofessional simulation program to study system factors to establish a congenital cardiac arrest activation tree and test it using human factors engineering principles....
Variable ß RF SQUID

Variable s rf SQUIDs have been designed and fabricated by replacing the single Josephson junction (JJ) of the standard rf SQUID by a small inductance dc SQUID. The important characteristics, such as the small oscillation frequencies at the bottom of the potential well and the barrier height of the symmetric double well are in situ tunable. The potential associated with the device is derived and the techniques used to determine the parameters of the device are described.
Analysis of Concurrent Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (P1.008)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate presenting clinical features and characteristics of concurrent dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF) and cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). BACKGROUND: The features of patients diagnosed with concurrent dAVF and CVT remains poorly described. DESIGN/METHODS: Concurrent dAVF and CVT were retrospectively characterized in 24 patients. Data was collected using ICD 9 codes (2004-2014) as well as searching the University of Virginia radiology database (2010-2014) using (venous + thrombosis) or (sinus + thrombosis) or (fistula). Inclusion criteria was evidence of CVT and dAVF on initial angiogram after symptom onset. Traumatic dAVF was excluded. Presenting clinical features and imaging characteristics were obtained from the medical record. RESULTS: Of 24 patients, 7 had a single vein thrombosed, 14 had 蠅2 CVT and 3 patients had isolated cortical vein involvement. The transverse sinus was the most commonly thrombosed (48[percnt]) followed by the sigmoid (24[percnt]) and inferior petrosal (16[percnt]). Mean age was 51y with 57[percnt] female. Only 5/24 (21[percnt]) had sudden clinical onset (3 with cerebellar hemorrhage). 19/24 (79[percnt]) endorsed progressive symptoms ~1month. Symptoms most commonly reported were pulsatile tinnitus (63[percnt]), new onset headache (46[percnt]), mastoid, neck or ear pain (38[percnt]) and diplopia (13[percnt]). 3/24 patients had prior headache diagnosis (pseudotumor, trigeminal neuralgia or migraines) but all described a different quality headache. Only 2/24 were hypercoagulable (Factor V Leiden/Prothrombin gene mutation). Exam findings included bruits (4/24), proptosis (2/24) and papilledema (1/24). None were on hormone therapy at time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: CVT and dAVF occur concurrently without age/sex preference or association with prior CVT/dAVF. Majority present with pulsatile tinnitus, headaches or facial pain of month(s) duration with 蠅1 venous occlusion favoring the transverse sinus. High clinical suspicion and further research on outcomes is warranted. Disclosure: Dr. Johansen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Southerland has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Neurology Podcast. Dr. Worrall has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Neurology. Dr. Worrall has received royalty payments from Merritt9s Neurology.
Neural innervation of engineered musculoskeletal tissues

Despite the inherent capacity for regeneration, the majority of serious nerve injuries do not regenerate with limited options to promote repair motivating research in the field of neural tissue engineering. In this chapter, both the peripheral nerve anatomy and changes to the local milieu are described following traumatic injury and loss of function. Current surgical methods to treat short or long-gap injuries including autographs, nerve transfer, and nerve conduits, and limitations motivating on-going research to further promote repair by the inclusion of novel conduits, controlled-release growth permissive factors, cell transplantation, and application of biophysical stimuli such as exogenous electrical stimulation are described.
Hydrogen Production in Anaerobic Biofilms

Anaerobic syntrophic associations and microbially-induced hydrogen damage to metals depend on production and consumption of hydrogen. In both instances, hydrogen-producing bacteria such as homoacetogens and other fermentors are present. In syntrophy, hydrogen is directly transferred to bacteria such as methanogens which, by the consumption of hydrogen, permit the otherwise thermodynamica1ly unfavorable hydrogen production reaction to occur. Hydrogen damage to metal results from entry of atomic hydrogen into the metal lattice. The atomic hydrogen recombines at irregularities in the metal to form gaseous molecular hydrogen. Cracks then propagate, leading to loss of ductility and premature failure of metal structures. In both cases, gaseous and dissolved hydrogen concentrations are found to be lower than predicted by rates of methanogenesis1 and metal corrosion. To our knowledge, no techniques have yet been developed to measure hydrogen production within the tightly coupled community of anaerobic biofilms.
Thermal cycling reliability of aged PBGA assemblies - comparison of Weibull failure data and finite element model predictions

Isothermal aging causes detrimental changes in the microstructure, mechanical response, and failure behavior of lead free solder joints in electronic assemblies. These material changes also degrade the reliability of solder joints in assemblies subjected to aging prior to field use. In the current work, we have extended our previous research on the effects of aging on lead free solder material behavior to explore the effects of prior aging on solder joint (board level) reliability in actual assemblies. Our overall objective was to develop new reliability prediction procedures that incorporate aging effects, and then to validate the new approaches through correlation with thermal cycling accelerated life testing experimental data for pre-aged assemblies.
Expression of Personality through Avatars: Analysis of Effects of Gender and Race on Perceptions of Personality

Avatars and virtual agents are used in social, military, educational, medical, training, and other applications. Although there is a need to develop avatars with human-like characteristics, many applications include avatars based on stereotypes. Prabhala and Gallimore (2007) conducted research to develop collaborative computer agents with personality. Using the Big Five Factor Model of personality they investigated how people perceive personality based on actions, language, and behaviors of two voice-only computer agents in a simulation. However, these computer agents included no visual features in order to avoid stereotypes. The objective of the current research extends the work of Prabhala and Gallimore by investigating the effects of personality, race, and gender on perceived personality of avatars with animated faces. Results showed that subjects were able to distinguish the different personalities and race and gender significantly affected perceptions on a trait-by-trait basis.
Origin and Evolution of X-Ray Binaries in Globular Clusters

The relative numbers of low luminosity to high luminosity X-ray sources in globular clusters may be understood if the neutron stars in the latter were formed from high mass transfer onto the white dwarfs in a fraction of the former. That fraction is related to the ratio of cluster giants to main sequence stars, or about 1%. Optical observations of the fields of low luminosity sources in several globulars, particularly NGC 5824, as well as the optical candidate for the high luminosity source in M15 are consistent with this picture. Subsequent evolution of these compact X-ray binaries in the high density cluster cores in which they are formed by tidal capture will lead to the formation of hierachical triple systems (but probably not higher order systems). The fact that such systems may have been detected via long X-ray periods in a number of X-ray burst sources in and out of globular clusters argues that the burst sources apparently outside globular clusters and in the galactic bulge may be the remnants of disrupted globular clusters. Such a model may be required for the origin of the peculiarly high luminosity X-ray burster GX17+2 (one of several bursters previously suggested to be a globular cluster remnant) which has been recently found to exhibit the QPO phenomena and which may be a triple system with inner period 1.3 hours and outer period 6.4 days.
Race, Rat Bites and Unfit Mothers: How Media Disclosure Informs Welfare Legislation Debate

This article exposes and critiques the media images of poor women and children that drive legislative debate in social assistance, or welfare public policy issues in the United States. It explores the impact of media images on law-making by focusing on three statutory time periods: 1935, when the Aid to Dependent Children program was initially enacted as part of the Social Security Act; 1967, when the first mandatory work requirements were added to the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program, and the mid-1990s, when states began implementing widely divergent categorical eligibility requirements that restrict benefits in an attempt to change behavior. The author argues that the uni-dimensional, non-normative and racially-defined lens of the images allows the public to devalue and distance themselves from poor women, and encourages politicians to develop policy based on gender, race and class stereotypes.
The t(15;17) breakpoint in acute promyelocytic leukemia cluster within two different sites of the myl gene : targets for the detection of minimal residual disease by the polymerase chain reaction

The retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR alpha) and the myl gene are involved in the translocation breakpoint t(15;17)(q22;q21) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The majority of the breakpoint sites have been mapped within the second intron of the RAR alpha gene; however, the breakpoint sites on the myl gene are variable. Using primer sets derived from exon 2 or exon 3 of the RAR alpha gene and a primer derived from the myl cDNA, we were able to amplify the breakpoint sites of the fusion transcripts of all six APL RNA samples by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A DNA fragment of 290 bp (breakpoint A) was amplified using RNA samples from three patients, whereas two DNA fragments of 630 and 774 bp (breakpoint B) were amplified using RNA samples from the other three APL patients. DNA sequence analysis of the amplified fragments suggests that the APL breakpoints clustered within two different introns of the myl gene. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that fusion transcripts RAR alpha/myl and myl/RAR alpha of varying sizes were detected in patients with different breakpoint sites on the myl gene. In addition, we analyzed five APL samples in complete remission and detected t(15;17)- positive cells. We conclude that the t(15;17) breakpoints in APL can be amplified by PCR using a single primer set and that minimal residual disease can be demonstrated in APL using RT-PCR.
Solving the Inheritance Anomaly in Concurrent Object-Oriented Programming

The inheritance anomaly [23] refers to the serious difficulty in combining inheritance and concurrency in a simple and satisfactory way within a concurrent object-oriented language. The problem is closely connected with the need to impose synchronization constraints on the acceptance of a message by an object. In most concurrent object-oriented languages this synchronization is achieved by synchronization code controlling the acceptance of messages by objects. Synchronization code is often hard to inherit and tends to require extensive redefinitions. The solutions that have appeared so far in the literature to alleviate this problem seem to implicitly assume that better, more reusable, mechanisms are needed to create and structure synchronization code. The approach taken in this paper is to consider the inheritance anomaly as a problem caused by the very presence of synchronization code. The goal is then to completely eliminate synchronization code. This is achieved by using order-sorted rewriting logic, an abstract model of concurrent computation that is machine-independent and extremely fine grain, and that can be used directly to program concurrent object-oriented systems. Our proposed solution involves a distinction between two different notions of inheritance, a type-theoretic one called class inheritance, and a notion called module inheritance that supports reuse and modification of code. These two different notions address two different ways in which the inheritance anomaly can appear; for each of them we propose declarative solutions in which no explicit synchronization code is ever used.
Real-time experiments in neural identification and control of disturbance

Designs have been proposed for neural identification and control of dynamic systems with unknown disturbance. These neural designs have been implemented in real-time experiments using a DC motor system with friction as the plant and additive disturbance at the input. The experimental results reveal the capability of neural networks to identify bounded, unknown, periodic disturbance. It also shows the improved performance of the dynamic neural control design as compared to other schemes found in the literature. This control design incorporates a better gradient estimation scheme using a disturbance identification network.
Optimal design in irregular BIBD settings

Abstract When the necessary conditions for a balanced incomplete block design (BIBD) are satisfied, but no BIBD exists, there is no simple answer for the optimal design problem. In such an irregular BIBD setting, identification of an A-optimal or D-optimal design requires a delicate interplay of combinatorics and optimality tools. Here the known theory is extended, giving a more comprehensive picture of the set of potentially optimal designs and affording a better understanding of the relationship between optimality and simple combinatorial measures of symmetry. The theory in conjunction with an intricate search leads to the A- and D-optimal design for D ( 15 , 21 , 5 ) ; this is the first known optimal design for an irregular BIBD setting. Insight is also gained on resolvable members of D ( 15 , 21 , 5 ) .
The makings of a good human norovirus surrogate

Norovirus is undoubtedly a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. A large limitation to the study of human norovirus is the lack of consensus research using norovirus surrogates. Over two decades of research have included vast comparisons of norovirus surrogates within the Calicivirus family. A discussion on the continued use of norovirus surrogates includes use of surrogates to adequately assess environmental persistence and food preservation technologies. Choice of proper surrogate may be influenced by a myriad of issues, including ease of propagation, genetic similarities, and binding properties. While it remains impossible to routinely culture human norovirus in vitro the continued use of a variety of norovirus surrogates remains crucial to facilitate an understanding of norovirus in order to reduce the public health impact of the disease.
The radiolysis of poly(4-vinylpyridine) quaternary salt ion exchange resins

Abstract The radiation chemical yields of gaseous products, especially molecular hydrogen (H 2 ), have been determined in the radiolysis of different poly(4-vinylpyridine) quaternary salt ion exchange resins with up to about 30 wt% of absorbed water. Irradiations were performed with 5 MeV 4 He ions to simulate α-particle radiolysis and with γ-rays for comparison. The resins were quaternary salts of chloride and nitrate that are commonly used as matrixes in anion exchange and in plutonium recovery processes. An increase in H 2 yields with increasing water loading was observed for both types of ionizing radiation in all of the resins. The yield of H 2 for the nitrate-form was lower than that for the chloride and the yield of H 2 was lower when the pyridinium nitrogen atom is coordinated to a methyl group rather than to atomic hydrogen. Spectroscopic studies included UV/vis, IR, and Raman and suggested that all the resins exhibit a high radiolytic stability.
The place and value of documentation in end-user computing

Abstract A central problem in the management of end-user computing is providing quality support in a cost effective manner for a variety of application needs and different levels of expertise and motivation. The end-user computing literature has emphasized training and consultation mechanisms whose nature and purpose are much the same in end-user computing as they are in a traditional data processing environment. In the end-user environment, documentation has assumed a new role as a “point-of-need” support mechanism that merits serious attention. This paper identifies the characteristics of early adopters and reluctant users, describes the diversity of their support needs, discusses the advantages of particular support mechanisms for meeting specific end-user needs, and examines the relationship between user documentation and end-user satisfaction using a sample of 326 end-users. Apparently, quality user documentation is an important determinant of end-user satisfaction, especially satisfaction with the information content of decision support applications.
The Effects of Relative Angular Motions on Friction at Rough Planar Contacts

Changes in friction due to angular motions at rough planar contacts are investigated using a compliant contact model that isolates an angular degree-of-freedom. Expressions are developed that relate the real area of contact, the contact forces and the line-of-action of the resultant normal contact force to the angular displacement for both periodic and random rough surfaces. We assume that the friction force is proportional to the real area of (elastic) contact. For a periodic rough surface, consisting of an array of hemispherical asperities of equal height and radius, the friction force is shown to be independent of angular displacement. The normal force increases and its line-of-action shifts away from the center of the contact as angular displacements increase. Therefore, the coefficient of friction decreases with angular displacement. In contrast, for a randomly rough surface, the contact area and normal contact force are shown to be non-linearly dependent on angular displacement, but remain proportional to each other in the presence of relative angular motion. Therefore, for the randomly rough surfaces the coefficient of friction is independent of angular motion.
Analysis of acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) hyperspectral imagery

This paper reports results from an analysis of polarimetric hyperspectral imagery collected using a prototype acousto-optic tunable filter instrument in an outdoor environment. Spectra, derivative spectra, and polarization spectra in the image cube form were studied. The issue concerns spectral and polarization signatures of vegetation, contributions due to aerosol, and man- made object detection. The result illustrates potentials of the technology for a variety of remote sensing applications.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An Antenna Array for Ultra-Short Pulse and Ultra-Wideband Communication Systems

We propose a new antenna array concept called Independently Center-fed Dipole Array (ICDA) for Ultra- Wideband (UWB) and Ultra-Short Pulse (USP) communication systems. Such antenna array is capable of minimizing non-linear phase characteristics, while maintaining flat amplitude. The characteristics of a 13- element ICDA array were numerically analyzed. By using Finite-Difference Time Domain (FDTD), we show that the workable frequency range of ICDA is the sum of all its elements' bandwidth. The transmission coefficient is linear, for both amplitude and phase, from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz.
Mechanical, thermal, and electrical conducting properties of CNTs/bio-degradable polymer thin films

The objective of this study is to increase mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of plasticizer free thermoplastic bio poly- mer, BIOPLAST GS 2189 (BP), a blend of poly lactic acid (PLA) and potato starch. This polymer is highly suitable for sheet molding, film processing; blown film extrusion and injection molding and fully biodegradable. Structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of these films were manipulated by reinforcement of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in BP. Thin films of various (1-5 wt %) percen- tages of CNTs/BP were prepared by using a high-speed spin coating technique. These as-prepared films are � 60-100 m mi n thickness. The thickness measurements of these films were carried out using micrometry and optical microscopy. The maximum tensile strength (200%) and modulus (150%) was observed for 4 wt % loading of CNTs in BP as compared with the neat BP thin film. The X-ray diffraction results show that the addition of CNTs in BP increases the crystallinity of BP. Electrical conductivity of this film also increased by 48% as compared with the neat BP polymer films. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 129: 1249-1255, 2013
Disk scrubbing versus intra-disk redundancy for high-reliability raid storage systems

Two schemes proposed to cope with unrecoverable or latent media errors and enhance the reliability of RAID systems are examined. The first scheme is the established, widely used disk scrubbing scheme, which operates by periodically accessing disk drives to detect media-related unrecoverable errors. These errors are subsequently corrected by rebuilding the sectors affected. The second scheme is the recently proposed intradisk redundancy scheme which uses a further level of redundancy inside each disk, in addition to the RAID redundancy across multiple disks. Analytic results are obtained assuming Poisson arrivals of random I/O requests. Our results demonstrate that the reliability improvement due to disk scrubbing depends on the scrubbing frequency and the workload of the system, and may not reach the reliability level achieved by a simple IPC-based intra-disk redundancy scheme, which is insensitive to the workload. In fact, the IPC-based intra-disk redundancy scheme achieves essentially the same reliability as that of a system operating without unrecoverable sector errors. For heavy workloads, the reliability achieved by the scrubbing scheme can be orders of magnitude less than that of the intra-disk redundancy scheme.
A temporary external DDD pacing unit

A device for temporary external DDD pacing was developed using a modified permanent pulse generator, and temporary atrial and ventricular electrode catheters were inserted pervenously. The atrial lead was a J type and the ventricular lead had a remote anode in the superior vena cava. With a special clamp and appropriate connectors the permanent DDD pulse generator provided unipolar external DDD pacing. The device was evaluated in 13 patients to control bradyarrhythmias or for overdrive pacing in an attempt to control tachyarrhythmias. Nine patients were ambulatory; all had continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. The device was used for 1 to 12 days (mean 4.9). Eight patients benefited from temporary DDD pacing and 7 had permanent DDD pacemakers implanted. In 1 patient, atrial fibrillation developed, 2 patients had brief episodes of ventricular lead displacement and another required reprogramming because of loss of ventricular capture. Results suggest that the device is applicable for a clinical trial of DDD pacing before possible permanent implantation when attempting to improve cardiac output or control arrhythmias.
Surface superconductivity and anomalous flux jumps in organic superconductors

Abstract A model is proposed to explain the recently reported anomalous flux jumps in the organic superconductor K-(BEDT-TTF) 2 Cu(N(CN) 2 )Br. The model is based on the nature of the soft lattice in the organic materials and the plastic energy of interaction between dislocation fields and defects. During the cooling processes, point defects will be set in motion when the static interaction energy between dislocation field and a defect exceeds the plastic energy of the lattice. The motion of defects leads to breaking up of the flux line lattice and the onset of an inhomogeneous plastic flow. This motion will contribute to the formation of regions in the elastic medium where defects may form chunks or domains. These domains are determined by the stress field and are characterized by a length scale of the order of the lattice constant a 0 . At each domain and within distances of the order of a 0 , the time average magnetization due to surface superconductivity at the edge of each defect in that domain are correlated. As a result, the magnetic moments of a defect or chunk of defects will have extra contributions to the magnetization of the sample and, consequently, the observed rapid fluctuation in the magnetization, M . The predictions of the model are in excellent agreement with the recently reported experimental measurements.
Distinct roles of Broad isoforms in regulation of the 20-hydroxyecdysone effector gene, Vitellogenin, in the mosquito Aedes aegypti

We investigated the role of the mosquito broad (br) gene in regulating the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) effector Vitellogenin (Vg) gene. Injection of double-stranded RNA corresponding to the BR isoform Z2 led to a significant decrease in expression of the Vg gene at 8 and 24 h post-blood meal. Knockdown of Z1 or Z4 resulted in enhanced Vg expression beyond its normal expression time. In vitro studies suggested that the effects of BR require its direct binding to the Vg promoter, as well as protein-protein interaction between BR and the ecdysone receptor complex. The BR isoforms are therefore essential for a proper stage-specific biological response to 20E in the adult female mosquito. In particular, the isoform Z2 is required for 20E-mediated activation of Vg, while isoforms Z1 and Z4 serve as repressors to ensure appropriate termination of Vg expression.
A survey of the coccidia of some Wisconsin Sciuridae with descriptions of three new species.

SYNOPSIS. Examination of intestinal contents and feces of Wisconsin red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) revealed two coccidia, Eimeria tamiasciuri and E. toddi n.sp. In the Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), two species, E. vilasi n.sp. and E. wisconsinensis n.sp. occurred. In the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), a coccidium resembling E. sciurorum was found.
An Unorthodox Paradigm of a Relaxational Self-oscillator and Some Classes of Nonlinear One-ports

Abstract The design of components with a pregiven nonlinear current-voltage characteristic is presented. On this basis, hardware realization of self-oscillators capable of functioning in different periodical regimes, without change of internal parameters, is described along with analysis of these new types of oscillators. A new aspect of connections between quasilinear and relaxational oscillations is considered with concrete examples.
The Association in Young Mice of Intestinal Inflammation and the Loss of Adult Worms Following an Initial Infection with Trichinella Spiralis

As far as known, there are no reports of studies comparing directly the longevity of adult Trichinella spiralis in the intestinal tract of young and old mice. However, it is known: (1) that there is no significant difference in the adult worm burdens of young and old mice 5 days after an initial infection (Larsh and Hendricks, 1949), (2) that in old mice there is a sudden and significant loss of adult worms between 11 and 14 days after infection (Larsh et al, 1952), and (3) that at 15 days following infection young mice harbor more worms than old mice (Riedel, 1950). At first thought, the latter observation may suggest the operation of age immunity in the old mice as demonstrated in several host-parasite combinations. However, recent studies in old mice have revealed evidence that the immune phenomena have begun to develop during the course of the initial infection (Larsh and Race, 1954). Circulating antibodies in low titer were detected, and an inflammatory response was observed, which differed only in the time of its appearance and its severity from that observed in strongly immunized mice. It is important to add that in both the immunized and nonimmunized mice
OUTBREAK OF COXSACKIE A1 GASTROENTERITIS: A COMPLICATION OF BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

In a three-week period 7 of 14 transplant recipients were infected with coxsackie A1 virus. Diarrhoea and mortality were significantly associated with infection (7 of 7 infected compared with 0 of 7 non-infected, and 6 of 7 infected compared with 1 of 7 non-infected, respectively). Early in the outbreak, the diarrhoea was presumed to be due to acute graft-versus-host disease (AGVHD). However, the distribution of AGVHD among infected and non-infected patients was nearly equal, and at necropsy 3 of 6 infected patients who had had diarrhoea showed no evidence of gastrointestinal involvement with AGVHD. Infection with viral enteric pathogens may be an important factor in the clinical course of transplant recipients.
Levels of maternal care

In the 1970s, studies demonstrated that timely access to risk-appropriate neonatal and obstetric care could reduce perinatal mortality. Since the publication of the Toward Improving the Outcome of Pregnancy report, more than 3 decades ago, the conceptual framework of regionalization of care of the woman and the newborn has been gradually separated with recent focus almost entirely on the newborn. In this current document, maternal care refers to all aspects of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care of the pregnant woman. The proposed classification system for levels of maternal care pertains to birth centers, basic care (level I), specialty care (level II), subspecialty care (level III), and regional perinatal health care centers (level IV). The goal of regionalized maternal care is for pregnant women at high risk to receive care in facilities that are prepared to provide the required level of specialized care, thereby reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States.
Amyloidosis presenting as priapism

A sixty-five-year-old white man presented with sudden onset of painful, priapism. Review of pathologic specimens at the time of surgical decompression revealed massive amyloid infiltration. Purpura, organ enlargement, gastrointestinal bleeding, and congestive heart failure developed subsequently. Postmortem examination revealed widespread amyloidosis. To our knowledge this is the first report of amyloidosis presenting with priapism.