cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catheter ablation of inducible atrial flutter, in combination with atrial pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs ("hybrid therapy") improves rhythm control in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation.

Atrial flutter or tachycardia may coexist with atrial fibrillation [AF] and can be treated with ablation techniques in attempt to reduce the total AF burden. The role of ablation of latent atrial tachyarrhythmias elicited at electrophysiologic study in conjunction with atrial pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with refractory AF has not been evaluated. We evaluated the efficacy of catheter ablation of electrically induced atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia in improving rhythm control in patients with refractory AF. Methods: Consecutive patients with refractory AF, and spontaneous atrial flutter (Group 1) or without spontaneous atrial flutter (Group 2) underwent programmed stimulation in a baseline drug-free state. All patients had electrically induced atrial flutter or tachycardia. Radiofrequency ablation of the arrhythmia substrate was performed in all patients. Primary endpoints evaluated for patient outcome in both groups included maintenance of rhythm control and freedom from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias. Results: Forty-three patients, with a mean age of 66±13 years were studied. Group 1 consisted of 22 patients while Group 2 had 21 patients. Ablation of the tricuspid valve-inferior venacaval isthmus was performed in 41 patients who had common atrial flutter induced at electrophysiologic study. Ablation of other atrial sites was performed in 8 patients with induced atypical flutter and 4 patients with induced atrial tachycardia. Ten of these patients had ablation of more than one arrhythmia. 17 patients (40%) had atrial pacing instituted and 28 patients remained on a class 1/3 antiarrhythmic drug. During a mean follow-up of 26±14 months, 33 patients (82.5%) remained in rhythm control. Actuarial analysis showed 96% of patients in rhythm control at 6 months, 94% at 12 months, and 90% at 24 months. Freedom from symptomatic AF recurrence was 64% at 6 months, 58% at 12 months, and 42% at 24 months. The outcome for both of these endpoints was similar for Group 1 and Group 2 (p = NS). The AF free interval increased significantly from 7±9 days to 172±121 days (p < 0.01) after ablation. This increase was again similar in both the groups. In the 14 patients were who did not receive atrial pacing and who remained on the same class 1/3 antiarrhythmic drug, the AF free interval increased from 18±17 days to 212±102 days (p < 0.01).
Experience with crystals at Fermilab accelerators

Crystals were used at Fermilab accelerators for slow extraction and halo collimation in the Tevatron collider, and for channeling radiation generation experiments at the FAST electron linac facility. Here we overview past experience and major outcomes of these studies and discuss opportunities for new crystal acceleration R&D program.
Better than CD: Eugénie Cotton (1881-1967).

Aime Cotton is known for his invention of circular dichroism spectroscopy. In 1913, he married Eugenie Feytis, a scientist who studied physics with Marie Curie. Following the Second World War, Eugenie Cotton was determined to advance the rights and standing of women, sure in the belief that doing so was necessary not only because it was just but also because a world with women in the forefront would be more secure and less susceptible to the catastrophe worldwide military conflict. She was a cofounder of the Women's International Democratic Federation and served as its first president. In 1951, she was awarded the Stalin Peace Prize, and in 1961, the gold medal from the World Peace Council. The extraordinary life of Eugenie Cotton is reconstructed in a new biography by Loukia Efthymiou, Eugenie Cotton (1881-1967) (Editions Universitaires Europeennes, 2019) that is reviewed here. Among the contributions of Eugenie Cotton of particular interest to the Chirality readership is the biography she wrote of her husband, Aime Cotton, l'optique et magneto-optique (Editions Seghers, 1967), the most complete source of information on the founder of the science of circular dichroism. This biography is also discussed here, thereby building two reviews of books, one new and one old, one about Eugenie Cotton and one by her, into a single essay.
Climate change impacts on human health at an actionable scale: a state-level assessment of Indiana, USA

Climate change is already being felt on local levels, with historical records from the State of Indiana (USA) revealing warmer winters and more extreme precipitation events. To refine our understanding of climate change impacts on human health, we conducted a state-level assessment of future climate change impacts on human health using outputs from advanced climate model projections for this century. Future projections show a steep increase in extreme heat events, leading to greater potential vulnerability to heat disasters for Indiana communities. Additionally, a 2- to 4-fold increase in days with “uncomfortable night” conditions by the end of the century will strongly impact the cardiopulmonary health of more vulnerable populations (i.e., elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, children, and those with inadequate access to cooling). Continued trends for warmer winters and more flooding suggest a much greater risk for the expansion and virulence of a number of vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and “tropical” diseases for which the mosquito vectors will thrive. Higher temperatures will also drive more frequent and severe harmful algal blooms in lakes and reservoirs, with implications for human and animal health. Food systems will also be impacted, particularly with increased risk of contamination by bacteria and mycotoxins due to elevated heat and humidity.
Distribution and Practice Patterns of Retina Providers in the United States.

Abstract Synthesis of multiple national databases reveal significant differences in the distribution and practice patterns of retina specialists compared to non-retina specialists who provide retina care. The clinical significance of these differences is yet unclear.
Efficacy and efficiency of auditory discrimination procedures for children with autism spectrum disorder and typical development: A preliminary investigation

An auditory discrimination involves differential behavior in the presence of auditory stimuli due to a history of reinforcement. A dearth of research on the instruction of auditory discrimination i...
A technology-based information and coaching/support program and self-efficacy of Asian American breast cancer survivors.

Women's self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer is one of the key factors that lead to successful breast cancer survivorship. Due to the cultural stigma linked to breast cancer (e.g., breast cancer is a genetic disease), Asian Americans are known as a high-risk group within breast cancer survivors. However, healthcare providers are challenged to promote women's self-efficacy while considering their cultural beliefs and attitudes. In this study, the efficacy of a technology-based information and coaching/support program was examined in improving self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer among Asian American survivors. A randomized repeated measures control group study was conducted with 67 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The questions on background characteristics, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, the Perceived Isolation Scale, the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34, and the Cancer Behavior Inventory were used. The data were analyzed using repeated measurement analyses, χ2 tests, and decision tree analyses. There were significant increases in the self-efficacy scores of both control and intervention groups over time (p = .017). However, the increase in the control group's self-efficacy scores was only up to post 1 month, and there was a decrease in the scores by post 3 months. When the participants were divided into high and low-change groups based on the changes in their self-efficacy scores for 3 months, the intervention group had more participants who belonged to the high-change group (p = .036). The technology-based intervention was effective in improving self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer among Asian American breast cancer survivors.
Radiofrequency Gangliolysis of the Trigeminal Nerve for Trigeminal Neuralgia

RFL is an effective treatment for TN. Major complication rates are low. The most likely complications are related to the extent and density of lesion created and has been mitigated by the treatment strategy of minimizing the amount of hypoesthesia created during thermoablation.
Prospective Evaluation of Incidental Pituitary Imaging Findings in the Sella Turcica.

Purpose Reported rates of incidentally discovered pituitary sellar lesions vary widely, at least in part because of the inadvertent inclusion of patients with a history suspicious for a pituitary disorder. We prospectively evaluated the incidence of truly incidental sellar findings detected on imaging at a large academic medical center. Methods Deidentified data were extracted from the electronic medical record of adults who underwent diagnostic computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 1-year period for any cause unrelated to known or suspected pituitary disorder both in inpatient and outpatient settings. Patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, (ICD-9) and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes indicative of a sellar lesion and those with symptoms suggestive of sellar/parasellar mass effects were excluded. Results Of 9572 scans performed during the 1-year study period, 3840 met the inclusion criteria to comprise the study cohort; 13 were manually excluded because of findings or symptoms of sellar masses not otherwise captured. The overwhelming majority of evaluable images (n = 3782) showed no sellar lesions. Truly incidental sellar findings were detected in 45 (1.2%), most commonly among inpatients (P < .001). Partially empty sella and empty sella were the most frequent findings, and were twice as likely to be detected on MRI vs CT. All other incidentally discovered lesions, including one microadenoma and one macroadenoma, were detected only by MRI. Conclusion Frequency of incidental sellar lesions in patients with no known or suspected history of pituitary disorder is low. Given the small likelihood of aggressive behavior in these lesions, the clinical significance of truly incidentally discovered sellar lesions should not be overestimated.
Integration, Biblical Counseling, and Hermeneutics:

Some have claimed that the integration project has adopted a lower view of Biblical inspiration. Yet, both Biblical counselors and evangelical integrationists typically hold to a high view of the a...
Ambient Air Pollution: Health Hazards to Children

Ambient air pollution is produced by sources including vehicular traffic, coal-fired power plants, hydraulic fracturing, agricultural production, and forest fires. It consists of primary pollutants generated by combustion and secondary pollutants formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases. Air pollution causes and exacerbates climate change, and climate change worsens health effects of air pollution. Infants and children are uniquely sensitive to air pollution, because their organs are developing and they have higher air per body weight intake. Health effects linked to air pollution include not only exacerbations of respiratory diseases but also reduced lung function development and increased asthma incidence. Additional outcomes of concern include preterm birth, low birth weight, neurodevelopmental disorders, IQ loss, pediatric cancers, and increased risks for adult chronic diseases. These effects are mediated by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and genetic and epigenetic mechanisms across the life span. Natural experiments demonstrate that with initiatives such as increased use of public transportation, both air quality and community health improve. Similarly, the Clean Air Act has improved air quality, although exposure inequities persist. Other effective strategies for reducing air pollution include ending reliance on coal, oil, and gas; regulating industrial emissions; reducing exposure with attention to proximity of residences, schools, and child care facilities to traffic; and a greater awareness of the Air Quality Index. This policy reviews both short- and long-term health consequences of ambient air pollution, especially in relation to developmental exposures. It examines individual, community, and legislative strategies to mitigate air pollution.
Hand and Wrist Arthritis

Arthritic conditions of the hand and wrist are common in our aging population. We discuss the diagnosis and management of osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis that affect the hand and wrist. In the hand, primary osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint and the thumb carpometacarpal joint are common diagnoses. In the wrist, arthritis often occurs secondary to trauma or rheumatoid disease.
China’s International Science and Technology Trends and the US–China Relationship

The twenty-first century represents a new, dynamic period in world history in terms of the conduct of international science and technology (S&T) affairs. It is a “new era of science diplomacy”. The ability of science diplomacy to thrive has been aided by the onset of globalization. Globalization has enabled the almost unhindered movement of people, products and services, and knowledge across borders. Clearly, China has been a major beneficiary of globalization, utilizing access to the world’s leading corporations, best universities, most dynamic research institutes, and government and non-governmental international organizations and scholarly bodies as a way to support and advance its own modernization efforts. For most of the last 40 years, China has had increasingly unencumbered access to these critical repositories of know-how and information, though Chinese leaders also have felt steadily more and more anxious about the degree to which the openness of the world economy would continue to work in China’s favor. This essay analyzes China’s evolving strategy, policies, and practices regarding its international S&T relations, with special emphasis on the US–China relationship. The essay also highlights China’s strategic posture and footprint in terms of its goal of becoming a player of growing influence in the shaping of international S&T affairs.
Contemplative Aging: A Way of Being in Later Life, by Edmund Sherman

Edmund Sherman's Contemplative Aging: A Way of Being in Later Life includes the writings of older people, some with notoriety and others that are experts on aging and the aging process. Thoughts on...
Tolerance of deviations in eye and mouth position.

Structured Abstract Authors – Evans CA, Viana G, Anderson NK, Giddon DB Objective – To develop and refine a technique for measuring the tolerance for deviations in facial appearance. Design – A psychophysical method was administered using photocopies of altered facial photographs to measure tolerances for deviations in eye position and mouth angulation and judges’ reaction time. Methods – Stimulus photos were displayed as Kodachrome slides to 76 individuals grouped by their familiarity with craniofacial anomalies, i.e. dental professionals, orthodontic and craniofacial patients, also a group of normal patients. Results – (1) Tolerance for deviation of facial appearance varies inversely with the magnitude of the physical deviations from normal; (2) tolerance varies directly as a function of assumed familiarity with deviation; (3) response and reaction time varied inversely with the tolerance for facial deviation. Conclusion – Significant differences in tolerance and reaction time were found among the groups and depended on whether an isolated feature was judged or if the feature was judged in the context of the whole face.
Rapid Assessment of Plant Diversity Patterns: A Methodology for Landscapes

We present a rapid, cost-efficient methodology to link plantdiversity surveys from plots to landscapes using: (1) unbiasedsite selection based on remotely sensed information; (2) multi-scale field techniques to assess plant diversity; (3)mathematical models (species-area curves) to estimate thenumber of species in larger areas corrected for within-typeheterogeneity; and (4) mathematical techniques to estimatetotal species richness and patterns of plant diversity in alandscape. We demonstrate the methodology in a 754 ha studyarea in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, U.S.A.,using four 0.025 ha and twenty-one 0.1 ha multi-scalevegetation plots. We recorded 330 plant species (∼1/3 thenumber of plants recorded in the 1074 km2 Park) in the2.2 ha area within the plots: this represents a samplingintensity of 0.29% of the 754 ha study site. We estimated 552plant species, about half the plant species recorded in the Park,in just 0.7% of the Park‘s area. We show how this rapid,cost-efficient methodology: (1) produces a rich informationbase on the patterns of native plant diversity and thedistribution of non-native plant species and keystoneecosystems; and (2) can be easily adapted for other nationaland state parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and nature reserves.
The Growth of Coccidioides Immitis in the Granuloma Pouch of the Rat with the Development of Hyphae and Other Forms1

Coccidioides immitisgenerally occurs in a characteristic spherule form when parasitizing man and animals. These spherules were first described by Posada (1) and Wernicke (2) and are often referred to as the “parasitic,” “animal,” or “spherule” form of the fungus. They vary in size from 2/x to 80ju in diameter and as the smaller cells mature a double-contoured wall develops. Reproduction in this phase is by endosporulation. Although several reports (4-8) have stated that the animal form can be produced on artificial media, in general, true spherule formation as observed in the animal has not been consistently accomplished. When the animal form is placed on artificial media the organism rapidly converts to the “vegetative,” “saprophytic,” or “mycelial” type of growth. Ophuls and Moffit (3) first described this type of growth which is characterized by the development of hyphal elements and simple intercalary spores which under favorable conditions develop as the colony matures.
Isocratic hydrophobi interaction chromatography of dansyl amino acids

Abstract hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the dansyl derivatives of 20 common amino acids has been carried out, and the dependence of log k' (k' = capacity factor) on the ammonium sulfate concentration in the mobile phase determined. Linear relationships above 0.2 M ammonium sulfate are found. For the amino acid derivatives studied, the slopes of the equation relating retention (log k' to salt concentration (MS) in the mobile phase (log k' = mMS + b) correlate well with other measures of amino acid hydrophobicity.
A new method to optimize q-axis voltage for deep flux weakening control of IPM machines based on single current regulator

The single current regulator algorithm has been proven robust for flux weakening control of surface-mount PM (SPM) machines with active control of d-axis current and a fixed value of q-axis voltage applied. This paper proposes a new method to optimize the q-axis voltage adaptive to variable speeds and torque based on the single current regulator algorithm for the deep flux weakening control of a 50 kW interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine. The advantages of the improved single current regulator algorithm over the conventional one are analyzed and verified by computer simulations. The experimental results show that the proposed method is very robust for the deep flux weakening operation of an IPM motor in a 7:1 speed range.
Matching between physiological sensor and smartphone based on RR intervals time series

Ambient assisted living is a key enabler to increase the quality of life, and its importance is going to increase in the next decade due to a significant increment in the number and in the percentage of the elderly population. Many solutions have been proposed to compensate the age related physical limitations and to guarantee autonomy and safety to the elderly people, allowing them to continue their life in their own environment. There are several open issues to solve in order to enable the practical implementation of these solutions. One of them regards the intrinsic difficulties to create a network between a personal smartphone and the correct physiological sensors, in the presence of multiple sensor devices, where the automatic choice of the correct sensor is not obvious. In this paper we propose a solution to this problem, based on an automatic pairing that relies on the instantaneous variability of the heart rate of each subject. We evaluate the technique by collecting real data and showing some promising performance accuracy results, opening new research opportunities in this area.
Using Contract Terms to Detect Underlying Litigation Risk: An Initial Proof of Concept

This preliminary study examines whether the presence or absence of certain terms in a company’s form contracts can reveal its level of litigation risk. First, I estimate the risk of independent contractor misclassification litigation for service-based “sharing economy” businesses by measuring the amount of control they exercise over their contractors. The estimates reveal that sharing businesses exercise varying amounts of control over their independent contractors, such that some businesses are exposed to a higher level of litigation risk than others.Next, I analyze each company’s form contracts for provisions intended to mitigate misclassification-related litigation risk (“misclassification provisions”). I then test whether the presence of such provisions predict a company’s estimated litigation risk on both in sample and out-of-sample data.Results suggest that the number of misclassification provisions in a company’s form contract is generally predictive of its estimated litigation risk, although the sample used in this study was small. The regression model was predictive of risk estimates on out-of-sample data.Results tentatively support the hypothesis that the presence of certain contract provisions can signal greater underlying liability. Lawyers may inadvertently broadcast underlying liability when they add provisions intended to mitigate a perceived litigation risk.
Quantitative gait analysis in unilateral and bilateral total hip replacements

By qualitative and quantitative analysis of gait we evaluated the outcomes in 41 patients after total hip arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis. Patients with unilateral and bilateral degenerative hip disease were evaluated in an effort to characterize preoperative and postoperative gait characteristics. Patients were evaluated using a subjective hip-rating scale and a gait-evaluation mat. Data were compared with those obtained from a control group of 91 patients. All patients showed a marked improvement in both subjective ratings and measured quantitative gait parameters. Patients with unilateral hip disease improved to a greater extent than those with bilateral disease after arthroplasty. We have concluded that total hip arthroplasty can greatly improve the gait characteristics of patients with degenerative arthritis, and that this improvement can be quantified, documented, and followed by using a system of gait evaluation.
Medieval Things: Materiality, Historicism, and the Premodern Object

How do we read the premodern representation of objects? This essay surveys recent approaches to medieval literature and culture that focus attention on ‘objecthood’ and the debates that it inspired in the premodern period. This work eschews the exclusive focus on ‘subjectivity’ that was the hallmark of late twentieth-century poststructuralist accounts of medieval literature in Britain. Subjects do not disappear in these readings, however; they are instead shown to be dialogically produced, always in conversation with things. In offering a genealogy of what has come to be known as ‘thing theory,’ this survey interrogates a number of related (but not necessarily compatible) strains of materialism, including those influenced by Marxism, phenomenology, sociology, and New Historicism. Neither a return to old positivist historical models seeking ‘the thing itself’ nor a retreat from the significant questions posed by poststructuralist theory, these object-oriented studies all seek ways of approaching narrated things that do not render them merely ‘mirrors’ of human desires or just signs pointing us toward the ‘inner lives’ of literary personas. Instead, this work takes seriously the idea that premodern objects were endowed with an autonomy and agency that was largely misrecognized in the wake of Enlightenment empiricism. Taking Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales as a point of departure, this essay argues that where and how the line between human and nonhuman, subject and object, society and nature gets drawn is always an ideological process. The work surveyed here attempts to make available some of the manifold cultural pressures that influenced this permeable boundary across the Middle Ages.
How many cardiac cycles must be measured to permit accurate RR, QT, and QTc estimates in conscious dogs?

Abstract Introduction: Electrocardiography is an essential tool to assess the liability of test articles to produce torsade de pointes. The number of cardiac cycles that must be measured from a dog to accurately characterize the relationship between RR and QT intervals, and thus assess this liability, is unknown. Methods: In this study, electrocardiograms (ECGs) were obtained from 12 conscious dogs with sinus rhythm. In each dog, RR and QT intervals were measured for 12 cardiac cycles. Measurements for each were then averaged over all 12 cycles, and those results compared to the average of both the initial 6 and 3 cycles, as well as to the middle cycle alone, for 12, 6, and 4 of the dogs. QTc was calculated by dividing each QT by the cube root of the preceding RR interval. Results: We found no significant differences in the results of measurements of RR, QT, or QTc obtained from 12, 6, 3, or 1 cycle, whether from 12, 6, or 4 dogs. Intraobserver variability of ECG measurements was tested by having a single observer measure 10 copies of 12 different ECGs. The greatest coefficient of variation (S.D./mean) for the measurement of any ECG parameter was less than 2.5%. Discussion: We conclude that measurements of RR and QT intervals made by a trained observer from 1 cardiac cycle accurately reflect those that are averaged from 3, 6, or 12 cycles whether the number of dogs per group is 12, 6, or 4.
A Novel MEMS reconfigurable wideband E-shaped patch element for advanced cognitive radio base stations

Cognitive radio offers new possible enhancements through its use of dynamic spectrum access, exploiting unused spectrum bands to expand bandwidth and overall system capacity. Development of cognitive radio systems has been underway, but there have only been a few antenna designs fitting the required functionality for these dynamic systems, which could benefit from dynamic antennas as well. The functionality required in a system also depends on the network architecture being utilized, and this research focuses on cognitive radio networks using a pre-existing infrastructure such as base stations and access points. For base station applications, directional patch antenna arrays can be implemented in order to provide sectoral access for nearby users.
Gaussian cognitive interference channels with state

A Gaussian cognitive interference channel model with state is investigated, in which transmitters 1 and 2 communicate with receivers 1 and 2 via an interference channel. The two transmitters jointly send one message to receivers 1 and 2, and transmitter 2 also sends a separate message to receiver 2. The channel outputs at the two receivers are corrupted by an independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Gaussian state sequences and Gaussian noise variables. The state sequence is noncausally known at transmitter 2 only. The Gaussian channels are partitioned into two classes based on channel parameters. For each class, inner and outer bounds on the capacity region are derived, and either the partial boundary of the capacity region or capacity region is characterized for all Gaussian channels. The cognitive interference channel with state known at both transmitter 2 and receiver 2 is further studied, and the capacity region is established for a class of such channels. It is also shown that this capacity can be achieved by certain Gaussian channels with state noncausally known only at transmitter 2.
Concurrent denitrification and oxygen uptake in microbial films

Abstract Mixed microbial films were grown on the inner walls of a tubular reactor with recirculation of the reactor contents and continuous flow-through of nutrient solution. The loss of total oxidized nitrogen was correlated to the film population, the nitrite concentration and the dissolved oxygen concentration in the reactor. When film population was greater than 0.5 × 10 9 cells cm −2 , reactor dissolved oxygen concentration greater than 1 mg l −1 had little effect on the nitrate loss. Nitrate loss declined for film populations greater than 2 × 10 9 cells cm −2 . Models based on Monod and zero-order microbial kinetics were calibrated using these data and a nonlinear least squares method. There was little difference in the residual errors with these methods.
Stable Optical Pulse Generation Using Rational Harmonic Mode- Locked Fiber Laser

Stable rational harmonic mode-locked pulses with a repetition rate of 40 GHz were generated from an Er-doped fiber laser with a semiconductor optical amplifier in the cavity. By tuning the current of the semiconductor optical amplifier, significantly improved rational harmonic mode- locked pulses were obtained and the supermode noise in the RF spectrum of mode locked laser was reduced for certain current range of the semiconductor optical amplifier.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization of Si–Ge alloy nanocrystals produced in a non-thermal plasma reactor

Abstract In this paper we demonstrate the synthesis of high quality crystalline silicon–germanium alloy nanoparticles using the combination of a non-thermal plasma reactor and chlorinated precursors. The produced particles have potential applications in several fields including for the production of advanced thermoelectric materials. The use of silicon and germanium tetrachloride has clear advantages with respect of hydrogenated precursors (silane and germane) from both the cost and safety points of view. Nanocrystals smaller than 10 nm have been produced with excellent control over the alloy composition. Characterization by Raman, XRD and TEM confirm that the produced material is not composed of a mixture of silicon and germanium nanoparticles, but rather by an ensemble of crystals in which each particle is composed of an alloy of silicon and germanium.
Computational Design of a Bio Inspired Responsive Architectural Façade System

This research intends to illustrate a nonlinear relationship that could be drawn between the fundamental processes in living systems and architectural design of responsive surface. The research focuses on deriving a set of parametric relationships from the phenomenon in cell biology and generating an architectural expression of a responsive facade system. The research methods primarily investigates the cell - to - cell connection in mammary epithelial cell system and review the evident relay of communication across the entire system of cells. This thorough investigation unfolds the logical parameters of the biological system that delineates the dynamic feedback mechanism and changes in the cell surface conditions initiated from the changes in the extra - cellular environment (ECM). The research findings of this complex mechanism are further translated though parametric modeling tool (in this case Generative Components) to model the causalities of the changes in cell environment and surface condition chang...
Microarray Meta-Miner (MMM): An integrated method and a web tool to identify genes with similar expression profile

Microarray and Next-Gen Sequencing technologies have generated a huge amount of genome scale expression data. Many software tools permit extraction of expression profiles/data for a given gene or a set of genes. It has been established that genes with similar expression profiles are likely to be associated functionally. Unfortunately, there has been no simple online application for mining expression databases for genes with similar profiles. We have developed a method and an associated web tool — Microarray Meta-Miner (http://exon.niaid.nih.gov/MMM/) — to identify genes with expression profiles similar to that of the query gene. Using the microarray meta-data from the ATLAS gene expression database and the NIH Biowulf cluster computing facility, we computed eight different vector similarity metrics (Pearson/Spearman/Kendall correlation coefficients, mutual information, chi-square, Euclidean distance, purity, and cosine similarity) for every gene's expression profile against every other gene's profile. Top scoring hits from the individual metrics were integrated and scored for overlap, generating a matrix of similar expressions. The MMM web tool returns the list of similarly expressed genes for the users query, along with links to annotations, individual expression profiles, and all expression profiles. MMM also retrieves and displays the known interaction data between the similarly expressed genes from the STRING interaction database. The experiment distribution information for the set of similarly expressed genes is also displayed. The current version of MMM supports only human data. Future plans include adding support for other organisms.
Multiple directed graph large-class multi-spectral processor

Numerical analysis techniques for the interpretation of high-resolution imaging-spectrometer data are described and demonstrated. The method proposed involves the use of (1) a hierarchical classifier with a tree structure generated automatically by a Fisher linear-discriminant-function algorithm and (2) a novel multiple-directed-graph scheme which reduces the local maxima and the number of perturbations required. Results for a 500-class test problem involving simulated imaging-spectrometer data are presented in tables and graphs; 100-percent-correct classification is achieved with an improvement factor of 5.
Application of the smart portal in transportation

Under a program sponsored by the Department of Energy, the Oak Ridge complex is developed a ``Portal-of-the-Future``, or ``smart portal``. This is a security portal for vehicular traffic which is intended to quickly detect explosives, hidden passengers, etc. It uses several technologies, including microwaves, weigh-in-motion, digital image processing, and electroacoustic wavelet-based heartbeat detection. A novel component of particular interest is the Enclosed Space Detection System (ESDS), which detects the presence of persons hiding in a vehicle. The system operates by detecting the presence of a human ballistocardiographic signature. Each time the heart beats, it generates a small but measurable shock wave that propagates through the body. The wave, whose graph is called a ballistocardiogram, is the mechanical analog of the electrocardiogram, which is routinely used for medical diagnosis. The wave is, in turn, coupled to any surface or object with which the body is in contact. If the body is located in an enclosed space, this will result in a measurable deflection of the surface of the enclosure. Independent testing has shown ESDS to be highly reliable. The technologies used in the smart portal operate in real time and allow vehicles to be checked through the portal in much less time than would be required for human inspection. Although not originally developed for commercial transportation, the smart portal has the potential to solve several transportation problems. It could relieve congestion at international highway border crossings by reducing the time required to inspect each vehicle while increasing the level of security. It can reduce highway congestion at the entrance of secure facilities such as prisons. Also, it could provide security at intermodal transfer points, such as airport parking lots and car ferry terminals.
Schistosome sporocyst-killing amoebae isolated from Biomphalaria glabrata

Explants and swabs from the pericardium and mantle of three strains of Biomphalaria glabrata, two of them resistant to infection with Schistosoma mansoni, have yielded small amoebae, 3–5μm in diameter, in culture. These amoebae have been grown axenically through > 50 passages to date. The amoebae form cysts in dense cultures. When mixed with S. mansoni mother sporocysts in vitro, the amoebae adhere to and kill the trematodes within several hours. For 1–2 days thereafter, the amoebae proliferate rapidly at a generation time of about 5 hr, then return to normal growth. Sonically disrupted sporocysts also induce proliferation. Live sporocysts do not attract the amoebae or emit soluble substances which influence amoebal growth. Amoebae also adhered to and killed S. mansoni daughter sporocysts and cells derived from B. glabrata embryos; however, they did not harm S. mansoni cercariae or rediae of other trematode species. The proportion of mantle explants yielding amoebae was significantly higher (P<0.05) in one of the resistant snail strains than in the susceptible strain; however, whether amoebae contribute to snail resistance is unknown. Exposure of snails to S. mansoni miracidia did not influence the proportion of snails yielding amoebae.
Field evaluation of amitraz applied to cattle as sprays for control of Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the eradication program in Puerto Rico

Abstract Two different 12.5% emulsifiable concentrate formulations of amitraz, one containing a petroleum distillate and the second containing xylene, were applied at 3 concentrations (0.006, 0.0125 and 0.025% AI) in 3 field tests to Holstein heifers in Puerto Rico for control of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). In all 3 tests, the 3 concentrations of both formulations of amitraz gave > 98% control of ticks at 3 days post-treatment, but were less effective at 1 day post-treatment. In Test 1, in which ca. 0.5 cm of rain fell within 8 h after acaricide application, the percentage control at 1 day post-treatment was 15.6, 51.3 and 21.6 for the 0.006, 0.0125 and 0.025% concentrations, respectively. In Tests 2 and 3, in which rain did not fall soon after the amitraz application, > 77% control was achieved at all 3 concentrations at 1 day post-treatment. In Test 1, in which cattle experienced 15 cm of rain with rain every day for the first 14 days, the 3 concentrations of amitraz provided > 96% control at 24 days post-treatment; thus, providing ca. 3 days of residual protection against reinfestation by larval ticks. In the other 2 tests, sufficient residual amitraz persisted on treated cattle to provide > 76, 91, and 96% control at 28 days post-treatment for 0.006, 0.0125 and 0.025% concentrations, respectively. The additional 7 days residual protection from reinfestation by larval ticks for the 0.025% concentration, as seen in tests 2 and 3, would be beneficial in an eradication program.
Abstract 4412: Combining cytokine gene therapy with conventional cancer chemotherapyfor treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of adult malignancies and 85-90% of kidney cancer. Treatment was generally aggressive involving nephrectomy and excision of the metastatic lesion. The current study was designed to evaluate a new strategy for treatment of RCC, using combination of cytokine gene therapy with conventional cancer chemotherapy. The study established tumor metastasis in Balb/c mice using Renca cells as a model1. Treatment was performed on tumor bearing mice with hydrodynamic gene delivery of plasmids containing either mIL-2 or mIL-12 gene, separately, or in combination with or without two weekly injection of 5-flououracil (5-FU) (20 mg/kg, ip). The results showed that the lung, liver and kidney were the primary sites of tumor growth. 5-FU is capable of inhibiting tumor growth in the liver and kidney and effective in slowing down tumor growth in the lung when treatment started early and with high frequency. mIL-2 gene therapy inhibited tumor growth in the liver and kidney. The effect became more obvious if treatment started early. However, IL-2 alone is unable to eliminate all liver tumors. mIL-2 gene therapy had almost no effect on tumor growth in lung. mIL-12 gene therapy significantly blocked cancer-induced weight loss. mIL-12 inhibited tumor growth in the liver and kidney, but IL-12 alone is unable to eliminate all liver and kidney tumors. In addition, IL-12 inhibited lung swelling induced by tumor, especially when treatment was started early. Cytokine gene therapy combined with chemotherapy is effective in blocking tumor-induced weight loss, and tumor growth in the liver, lung and kidney. These results provide direct evidence in support that combined therapy of cytokine gene therapy with traditional chemotherapy is effective in treating RCC. Key words: Renal cell carcinoma, gene therapy, IL-12, IL-2, 5- flououracil 1 Jianfeng Li, Qian Yao and Dexi Liu (2011) Hydrodynamic cell delivery for simultaneous establishment of tumor growth in mouse lung, liver and kidney. Cancer Biol Ther 12:737-741. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4412. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4412
Non-equilibrium current fluctuations in finite size semiconductors

Abstract We present a method, based on the Boltzmann equation, for calculating the current noise in non- degenerate semiconductors in high electric fields. Unlike bulk methods, our method allows for spatial correlations. The method is illustrated with a simple example in which we find electron heating in long samples giving an E 2 correction to the noise and shot noise in short samples giving a linear-in-E correction to the noise.
Clinical features of left main equivalent coronary disease

Abstract The clinical presentation and hemodynamic, ventriculographic and coronary arterial findings of 70 patients with left main equivalent coronary artery disease (70 percent or greater reduction in luminal diameter of the left anterior descending and left circumflex vessels prior to any major branches) were compared with those of 75 patients with 60 percent or greater reduction in luminal diameter of the left main coronary artery. The group with left main equivalent disease did not differ significantly from the group with left main stenosis in any clinical descriptors including New York Heart Association functional class, age, sex distribution, type of presenting symptom or history of congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction. Similarly, the two groups did not differ in ejection fraction, cardiac index, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, extent of left ventricular contraction abnormality or prevalence of associated significant right coronary arterial obstruction. Of the 70 patients with left main equivalent disease, 31 were deemed to be in operable condition but did not undergo coronary bypass surgery for 1 or more months (mean 4.2 months, range 1 to 12). With the exception of four patients who underwent early operation because of unremitting symptoms, the groups undergoing early and delayed operation did not differ in symptomatic state. In the interim between cardiac catheterization and delayed operation, no patient died and one patient (3 percent) had an acute myocardial infarction. These low morbidity and mortality rates differ strikingly from those of patients with left main stenosis reported in the randomized Veterans Administration study, although the patients in the two studies manifested comparable severity of symptoms, extent of left ventricular contraction abnormality and associated right coronary disease. The results suggest that left main equivalent disease, as defined by obstruction of the left anterior descending and circumflex coronary arteries, does not carry the same short-term prognosis as left main coronary artery disease, but probably behaves more like ordinary two or, if the right coronary artery is also obstructed, three vessel coronary artery disease. In this sense, the term left main equivalent disease is a misnomer causing an unnecessary sense of urgency and alarm.
The Caribou Eskimo: General and specific disease

Reported here are two forms of skeletal pathology identified in an inclusive sample of Caribou Eskimo skeletons. Harris Lines, nonspecific indicators of stress, show marked periodicity in approximately one-half of the observable adults. This pattern is interpreted as the result of a recurrent, annual stress cycle, perhaps attributable to late winter famine. A second form of pathological change comprises resorptive lesions primarily localized in the spinal column and infrequently found on articular surfaces of the appendicular skeleton. Differential diagnosis is developed utilizing attributes of lesion form, lesion distribution, and epidemiology. Emphasis is placed upon deriving objective models which reflect disease in the absence of modern medical intervention. Major forms of pathology known to produce vertebral lesions are included. The model which best fits the Caribou Eskimo data is that of tuberculosis.
The recombination hotspot χ is a regulatory sequence that acts by attenuating the nuclease activity of the E. coli RecBCD enzyme

The RecBCD enzyme is a multifunctional enzyme that is essential for homologous recombination in E. coli. In vitro, the RecBCD enzyme degrades linear double-stranded DNA nonspecifically during the process of unwinding the double-stranded DNA. Here we demonstrate that this DNA degradation is asymmetric, with the strand that is 3' terminal at the entry site of RecBCD enzyme being degraded much more vigorously than the 5' terminal strand. Furthermore, interaction with the recombination hotspot chi causes an attenuation of the nuclease activity but not of the helicase activity and is accompanied by a pause of RecBCD enzyme at the chi site. These results demonstrate that chi is a unique regulatory element that acts by controlling the degradative function of RecBCD enzyme and, thereby, enhancing its recombination function.
Quasibound states in two- and three-dimensional open quantum systems

We derive expressions for the scattering matrix and the Wigner-Smith delay time, applicable to open systems in two and three spatial dimensions, in terms of a non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonian whose complex eigenvalues give the quasibound state energies of the system. These results are illustrated on an exactly solvable two-dimensional scattering problem and are found to be in excellent agreement with the exact solution.
Reliability-based design for automobiles in China

The level of automobile design and manufacturing is an important sign of leadership in science and technology and economic power. The achievements of theories and methods for reliability-based design of automobiles in China are reviewed. For reliability-based design, the theories and practices, optimization, sensitivity, and robustness are estimated. The techniques of reliability-based design for automobiles are developed. The techniques service to the “hollow” phenomena of kernel technology, product innovative power, and independent development power can be solved.