cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of HIV+ lung cancer cases in a large clinical population: Implications for lung cancer screening.

1569 Background: Lung cancer (LCa) accounts for ~30% of cancer deaths and 10% of non-HIV-related deaths among HIV(+)s. Compared to those in the general population, even after accounting for smoking...
Multi-Robot Human Guidance: Human Experiments and Multiple Concurrent Requests

In the multi-robot human guidance problem, a centralized controller makes use of multiple robots to provide navigational assistance to a human in order to reach a goal location. Previous work used Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) to construct a formalization for this problem [13], and evaluated this framework in an abstract setting only, i.e. without experiments using high-fidelity simulators or real humans. Additionally, it was unable to handle multiple concurrent requests and did not consider buildings with multiple floors. The main contribution of this paper is the introduction of an extended MDP framework for the multi-robot human guidance problem, and its application using a realistic 3D simulation environment and a real multi-robot system. The MDP formulation presented in this paper includes support for planning for multiple guidance requests concurrently as well as requests that require a human to traverse multiple floors. We evaluate this system using real humans controlling simulated avatars, and provide a video demonstration of the system implemented on real robots.
Estimating Standardized SEM Parameters Given Nonnormal Data and Incorrect Model: Methods and Comparison

When both model misspecifications and nonnormal data are present, it is unknown how trustworthy various point estimates, standard errors (SEs), and confidence intervals (CIs) are for standardized s...
Formation of Si/SiO2 Heterostructures by Low-Temperature, Plasma-Assisted Oxidation and Deposition Processes

A new approach to the low-temperature, < 500°C, formation of SiO2/Si heterostructures formed by plasma-assisted processing is discussed. Following an ex-situ RCA clean, Si(100) wafers are exposed to O-atoms generated in a remote plasma. This: i) eliminates residual C-atom contamination; and ii) forms a thin oxide layer, ~0.5–0.6 nm. SiO2/Si heterostructures are completed by remote PECVD deposition of an oxide film ~15 nm thick. The Si02/Si interface and bulk oxide electrical properties of MOS devices are similar to those of devices with thermal oxides grown at ~1000°C. This paper: i) compares the use of pre-deposition H-atom and O-atom treatments, prior to oxide deposition; and ii) discusses changes in electrical properties, when composite oxide/nitride dielectrics are prepared by sequential oxide and nitride remote PECVD depositions.
Interactive Web-based Hydrological Simulation Systems as an Education Platform using Augmented and Immersive Reality

Recent developments in internet technologies make it possible to manage and visualize large data on the web. Novel visualization techniques and interactive user interfaces allow users to create realistic environments, and interact with data to gain insight from simulations and environmental observations. The hydrological simulation system is a web-based 3D interactive learning environment for teaching hydrological processes and concepts. The simulation systems provides a visually striking platform with realistic terrain information, and water simulation. Students can create or load predefined scenarios, control environmental parameters, and evaluate environmental mitigation alternatives. The web-based simulation system provides an environment for students to learn about the hydrological processes (e.g. flooding and flood damage), and effects of development and human activity in the floodplain. The system utilizes latest web technologies and graphics processing unit (GPU) for water simulation and object collisions on the terrain. Users can access the system in three visualization modes including virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive reality using heads-up display. The system provides various scenarios customized to fit the age and education level of various users. This presentation provides an overview of the web-based flood simulation system, and demonstrates the capabilities of the system for various flooding and land use scenarios.
The Societalization of Social Problems: Church Pedophilia, Phone Hacking, and the Financial Crisis:

This article develops a theory of “societalization,” demonstrating its plausibility through empirical analyses of church pedophilia, media phone-hacking, and the financial crisis. Although these st...
Do barro à constelação: Octavio Paz e Haroldo de Campos, leitores da modernidade

Este texto mobiliza uma linhagem que tem Haroldo de Campos como nome mais proximo e inclui o mexicano Octavio Paz, os franceses Mallarme e Baudelaire, alem dos primeiros românticos alemaes. Em vaivens desde o “poema pos-utopico” do concretista ate as propostas de Novalis, H¶lderlin, os irmaos Schlegel e outros, vemos a poesia moderna desfazer do afa de futuro mediante a ironia, viver a implosao de qualquer pretensao pedagogica e privilegiar a linguagem.
“We Cannot Let Them Die”: Undocumented Immigrants and Media Framing of Health Deservingness in the United States:

Based on a systematic qualitative analysis of articles published by The New York Times (2009-2017), this article presents the main media frames that support the access to government-sponsored health care by undocumented immigrants, just before and after passage of the U.S. Affordable Care Act in 2010. Under the umbrella of "selective inclusion," this study highlights a "compassionate frame" that conveys sympathy toward severely ill, undocumented immigrants. This approach is reinforced by a "cost-control" frame that underlines the economic benefits of providing health care to the undocumented immigrant population in the United States. Supported by both humane and market-based approaches, these frames make a compelling case for the inclusion of particular groups into the U.S. health care safety net. Ultimately, these findings contribute to our understanding of the media framing of undocumented immigrants' right to health care on the basis of deservingness.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in children: a valuable alternative to open surgery

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgical systems have led to new minimally invasive options for complex reconstructive procedures in children including for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation has been shown to be a viable minimally invasive surgical option for children with VUR. However, higher-than-expected complication rates and sub-optimal reflux resolution rates at some centers have also been reported. This article provides a focused literature review as well as current perspectives on open reimplantation and robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation as non-endoscopic surgical options for pediatric VUR. The heterogeneity of surgical outcomes may, in part, be due to the learning curve inherent with all new technology and procedures. As a result, the current gold standard surgical option for VUR continues to be open ureteral reimplantation. While it remains to be seen if robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery will gradually replace open surgery as the most utilized surgical option for VUR in pediatric patients, robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with the current robotic surgical systems may be just one step toward an eventual minimally invasive option that all experienced surgeons can offer with the requisite high success rates and low major complication rates. Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation remains a viable minimally invasive surgical option for children with VUR, but with the expected learning curve associated with all new technologies.
Surgical Management of Complicated Paraesophageal Hernias

Acute presentations of paraesophageal hernias such as strangulation, perforation, ulceration, and hemorrhage have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Such complications are indications for emergent surgical management, with earlier interventions shown to improve postoperative outcomes. However, surgical repair of complicated paraesophageal hernias remains technically challenging for many surgeons, and options for emergent management remain poorly described in the literature. Depending on clinical stability of the patient and surgeon expertise, surgical options may include use of minimally invasive techniques or life-saving damage control strategies to temporize patients until definitive repair.
Epilogue: Contextualizing a Museum of the Bible

This chapter takes stock of the arguments posed in the book and applies their resulting methodology to the contextualization of any Museum of the Bible. When a Museum of the Bible is approached not as a repository of truth but rather as a constructed world by elite power, then the critical gaze is drawn away from the Bible as icon to the Bible as an instrument for political control. Aligned with wealthy power structures, a Museum of the Bible assumes the role of an ideological workshop that aims to reproduce the Museum’s governing power structures. Essential to this dynamic is the notion that those investing in a Museum of the Bible do so with the expectation that museum operations will in some way bolster their privileged status. In rendering such aims unseen, the Museum relies on the illusionary spectacle of objects to make present the “real world” of the Bible.
Bi-directional tuning of thermal transport in SrCoO x with electrochemically induced phase transitions.

Unlike the wide-ranging dynamic control of electrical conductivity, there does not exist an analogous ability to tune thermal conductivity by means of electric potential. The traditional picture assumes that atoms inserted into a material’s lattice act purely as a source of scattering for thermal carriers, which can only reduce thermal conductivity. In contrast, here we show that the electrochemical control of oxygen and proton concentration in an oxide provides a new ability to bi-directionally control thermal conductivity. On electrochemically oxygenating the brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 to the perovskite SrCoO3–δ, the thermal conductivity increases by a factor of 2.5, whereas protonating it to form hydrogenated SrCoO2.5 effectively reduces the thermal conductivity by a factor of four. This bi-directional tuning of thermal conductivity across a nearly 10 ± 4-fold range at room temperature is achieved by using ionic liquid gating to trigger the ‘tri-state’ phase transitions in a single device. We elucidated the effects of these anionic and cationic species, and the resultant changes in lattice constants and lattice symmetry on thermal conductivity by combining chemical and structural information from X-ray absorption spectroscopy with thermoreflectance thermal conductivity measurements and ab initio calculations. This ability to control multiple ion types, multiple phase transitions and electronic conductivity that spans metallic through to insulating behaviour in oxides by electrical means provides a new framework for tuning thermal transport over a wide range. Unlike dynamic control of electrical conductivity, tuning thermal conductivity by means of electric potential is challenging. Electrochemically induced phase transition control of oxygen and proton concentration in a SrCoOx oxide provides a way to tune bi-directionally thermal conductivity.
Behavioural variability contributes to over-staying in patchy foraging

Foragers often systematically deviate from rate-maximizing choices in two ways: accuracy and precision. That is, they use suboptimal threshold values and also show variability in their application of those thresholds. We hypothesized that these biases are related and, more specifically, that foragers' widely known accuracy bias--over-staying--could be explained, at least in part, by their imprecision. To test this hypothesis, we analysed choices made by three rhesus macaques in a computerized patch foraging task. Confirming previously observed findings, we found high levels of variability. We then showed, through simulations, that this variability changed optimal thresholds, meaning that a forager aware of its own variability should increase its leaving threshold (i.e. over-stay) to increase performance. All subjects showed thresholds that were biased in the predicted direction. These results indicate that over-staying in patches may reflect, in part, an adaptation to behavioural variability.
Diminishing Marginal Benefit of Social Distancing in Balancing COVID-19 Medical Demand-to-Supply

Abstract Social distancing has been adopted as a non-pharmaceutical intervention to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from overwhelming the medical resources across the United States (US). The catastrophic socio-economic impacts of this intervention could outweigh its benefits if the timing and duration of implementation are left uncontrolled and ill-strategized. Here we investigate the dynamics of social distancing on age-stratified US population and benchmark its effectiveness in reducing the burden on hospital and ICU beds. Our findings highlight the diminishing marginal benefit of social distancing, characterized by a linear decrease in medical demands against an exponentially increasing social distancing duration. We determine an optimal intermittent social-to-no-distancing ratio of 5:1 corresponding to ∼80% reduction in healthcare demands – beyond this ratio, benefit of social distancing diminishes to a negligible level. COVID-19 Medical Demand Forecast https://eece.wustl.edu/chakrabarty-group/covid/
Moving Toward a New Model of Sexual Consent: The Development of the Process-Based Consent Scale

Measuring attitudes and behaviors associated with sexual consent is crucial to research addressing sexual violence, as lack of consent is a defining feature thereof. This research developed and validated the Process-Based Consent Scale to address concerns associated with missing components of existing consent scales. The factor structure was supported by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The scale contains three subscales: ongoing consent, communicative sexuality, and subtle coercion. Results indicated good convergent and concurrent validity. Future research should consider using this tool to measure attitudes and behaviors related to sexual consent and coercion.
Functional Analysis of Violence–Aggression

A functional analysis is a set of procedures in which a behavior analyst uses single-case designs to systematically manipulate antecedent and consequent stimuli hypothesized to influence problem behavior and measures the effects of those manipulations using reliable, direct observation methods. The information gleaned from a functional analysis can often be used to prescribe effective treatments for violent and aggressive behavior. In this chapter, we describe the essential components of a standard functional analysis of violent and aggressive behavior and how those components can be altered to address unique or idiosyncratic functions of problem behavior. We also discuss recent advances and alterations to a standard functional analysis, provide practical suggestions for practitioners who may wish to incorporate functional analyses into their clinical work, and recommend directions for future research on functional analysis.
Bone Marrow Concentrate Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Do not Correlate With Nucleated Cell Count or Colony Forming Units

Abstract Introduction Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) is a point-of-care biologic for cartilage repair and treatment of osteoarthritis. BMC contains mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) which are technically difficult to measure, and therefore the extent to which they influence joint restoration is unknown. Nucleated cell count (NCC) and colony forming units (CFUs) have been proposed as surrogate markers to quantify MSCs in BMC. Objectives The purpose of this study was to test this assumption. We hypothesized that neither NCC nor CFUs would correlate with MSCs quantity in BMC. Methods Bone marrow was aspirated from the sternum of horses and centrifuged to obtain BMC. Aspirates were processed and automated complete blood counts were obtained on each BMC sample to obtain NCC. Samples were plated in different volumes, each in duplicate and cultured for up to 21 days when CFUs were counted. For each duplicate culture, one plate was stained with crystal violet, and adherent cells on the other plate, presumptive MSCs, were lifted, counted, and used for trilineage differentiation. Results There was none, or a very weak correlation between NCC and CFUs, NCC and MSCs, and CFUs and MSCs. These results indicate that neither NCC nor CFUs are suitable surrogate measurements of MSCs in BMC. Conclusions It is important to characterize biologics such as BMC so that success or failure can be attributed to a specific cellular or bioactive protein composition. Until a simple method to quantify MSCs in BMC is identified, more advanced laboratory techniques such as flow cytometry should be used in laboratory and clinical studies.
Common Narrative in Educational Video Games: A Design of Games to Teach Circuits

Educational games have found use in the classroom environment, and research suggests that well-designed games have motivational and educational benefits. But often games are individually crafted to fill a need in a specific assignment with no relation to other parts of the course or any other games used to assist teaching in the course. We are examining the question of whether or not educational content in a game tied more closely together through a common narrative is beneficial to student motivation to complete the educational content. To investigate this, we have developed a game with a common narrative to tie together a set of assignments in a circuitry course to then compare to the same set of assignments spread across three games containing different narratives.
Carbon export from fringing saltmarsh shoreline erosion overwhelms carbon storage across a critical width threshold

Abstract Saltmarshes are carbon storage hotspots and help to offset anthropogenic carbon emissions; however, marshes are threatened by sea-level rise, erosion, and human development. Recent efforts to constrain the saltmarsh carbon cycle have focused on the processes of carbon burial and sequestration with respect to sea-level rise and global warming. Simultaneously, many marshes that fringe the margins of estuaries and barrier islands are eroding, which releases old carbon from the saltmarsh and transports it into the estuary, and that process should be included in marsh carbon budgets. Additionally, if marshes cannot transgress the upland at a rate that balances shoreline retreat, then the marsh will narrow, thus reducing the area available for carbon storage. Here, we present the development of a box model that incorporates both carbon storage and carbon export via shoreline erosion to estimate the annual carbon budget of saltmarsh sediments. We test the model using field data collected at a fringing marsh within the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve in North Carolina. The shoreline erosion rates along the fringing marsh are variable and the model output shows that the stretch of marsh that is retreating 0.76 m yr−1 switched to a carbon source in 1930, while another portion of the marsh that is retreating more slowly (0.65 m yr−1) will switch to a source in 2021. The model indicates that the carbon budget of a saltmarsh is highly sensitive to the rate of shoreline retreat and that rapidly-eroding marshes may already be net sources of carbon. These results underscore the importance of conserving existing marshes, mitigating shoreline erosion, and considering shoreline erosion in the design of saltmarsh restoration projects.
Numerical Modeling of Diesel Engine Combustion and Emissions Under HCCI-Like Conditions With High EGR Levels

This study considers combustion processes in a heavy-duty diesel engine at various low emissions operating conditions. The start-of-injection timings varied from -20 to 5 ATDC while the EGR levels varied from 6% to 44%. At certain conditions, HCCI-like combustion characteristics were observed under which low emissions could be achieved. The numerical model used is an improved version of KIVA-3V that can simulate spray breakup and mixture autoignition over a wide range of conditions. The ignition and combustion processes were simulated using both detailed and standard (simplified) chemistry models. Model results show that engine combustion and emissions can be predicted reasonably well under the current conditions. The trends of NOx and soot emissions with respect to the injection timings and EGR levels were well captured. However, it was found that the model over-predicted the NOx emissions in certain early injection cases. The present model was also used for engine geometry design optimization in order to achieve low emissions. It was found that an open-chamber type geometry with high EGR and high swirl ratio was preferred to obtain HCCI-like combustion characteristics by creating a more homogeneous mixture in the cylinder.
Diffusion tensor imaging of formalin fixed infarcted porcine hearts

Background Diffusion is the random motion exhibited by molecules as a result of thermal agitation. In biological tissues the random motion of water molecules is anisotropic since they are restricted by the tissue structure. The application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) makes it possible to quantify the amount of diffusion in tissues. Further processing allows a 3D visualization of the fiber architecture by tracking the fiber trajectories within a tissue. Experimental evidence has shown that fiber architecture in the myocardium changes with the onset of myocardial infarction [1]. Furthermore, the myocardium undergoes remodeling as the infarction progresses over time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the remodeling of the fiber architecture in an infarcted porcine heart. Methods
Game Theory and Morality

Why do we think it’s wrong to treat people merely as a means to end? Why do we consider lies of omission less immoral than lies of commission? Why do we consider it good to give, regardless of whether the gift is effective? We use four simple game theoretic models—the Coordination Game, the Hawk–Dove game, Repeated Prisoner’s Dilemma, and the Envelope Game—to shed light on these and other puzzling aspects of human morality. We also justify the use of game theory for the study of morality and explore implications for group selection and moral realism.
Dynamics of the Eye and Head during Movement between Displays: A Qualitative and Quantitative Guide for Designers

The purpose of this paper is to provide a designer or systems analyst a guide to human performance limitations in vision when fixation must be redirected from one display to another. Perhaps the most universally appreciated example, in the United States at least, would be the visual dynamics involved when driving an automobile and merging from an on-ramp onto a busy freeway. The time required here to move visual fixation from ahead, back to a possible traffic gap, and to return will often exceed the time gap to the vehicle ahead. The focus is on large angular separation (greater than 20 deg) and on tasks wherein speed is of importance. Patterns of eye and head movements are shown, as well as quantitative data on saccades, periods of eye/head compensation, and head movement. Independent variables include interdisplay angle, display visibility, operator's knowledge of display location, and some relevant characteristics of a possible task which must be interrupted for the refixation. Intersubject and intrasubject variability are also presented.
Stress and Resilience for Parents of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Review of Key Factors and Recommendations for Practitioners

Parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities experience more stress in comparison to parents of normally developing children. Chronic stress could negatively influence parents' health while also impacting their ability to meet their child's needs. Despite this, there is a subset of parents who remain resilient in the face of significant stress in their lives. Knowledge of the factors that promote parental resilience could positively impact the services these families receive. The authors conducted a systematic review of research article databases and found support for coping style, optimism, and social support as resilience factors for parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Awareness of variables that promote resilience for parents of children with intellectual and/or development disabilities is likely to inform clinical practice through offering new avenues for clinical focus in all phases of family-centered care.
Permeation of hydrocarbon gases through polymer membranes

Experimental results are presented for the permeation of propane and ethylene through polyethylene membranes and for the permeation of propane through “Saran” in the temperature range from —10 to 20°C and the pressure range from 20.0 to 50.0 psig. The flux of propane through polyethylene exhibits a minimum as the temperature approaches the condensation temperature. No such minimum was observed either for the flux of ethylene through polyethylene or for propane through “Saran”. The permeability coefficients for propane through polyethylene are compared with those predicted on the assumption of a diffusion coefficient exponentially dependent on the concentration of permeability. On presente des resultats experimentaux relativement a la penetration du propane et de l'ethylene a travers des membranes de polyethylene et a la penetration du propane a travers le plastique “Saran”; les experiences ont ete faites a une echelle de temperature de —10 a 20°C et une echelle de pressions absolues de 20.0 a 50.0 lbs. au pouce carre. Le flux du propane a travers le polyethylene a ete minimal lorsque la temperature etait voisine de celle de la condensation; on n'a pas observe de minimum dans le cas de flux de l'ethylene a travers le polyethylene ou du flux du propane a travers le “Saran”. On compare les coefficients de permeabilite, dans le cas du flux du propane a travers le polyethylene, avec ceux qu'on avait prevus en supposant un coefficient de diffusion qui dependait d'une maniere exponentielle de la concentration de permeabilite.
Quantization Effects in Digital Chaotic Communication Systems

Recent work in developing digital chaotic communication systems has validated the potential to increase low probability of interception/detection (LPI/D) performance levels over direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) comms, but at the expense of a multi-bit resolution spreading signal with relatively high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). This paper quantifies the LPI/D and communications performance trades that come from reducing the precision of the multi-bit resolution signal, with the objective of optimizing hardware utilization via reduced-precision chaotic signals and quantifying performance trades for disadvantaged platforms. Sensitivities of the digital chaos generation process, baseband transmitter processing, and matched filter reception are considered independently, preliminary measurements for compressed HPA distortion artifacts are also provided. All analyses leverage Matlab simulations and targeted measurements from four prototype hardware digital chaotic communication systems.
Analysis of Turbofan Design Options for an Advanced Single-Aisle Transport Aircraft

The desire for higher engine efficiency has resulted in the evolution of aircraft gas turbine engines from turbojets, to low bypass ratio, first generation turbofans, to today's high bypass ratio turbofans. It is possible that future designs will continue this trend, leading to very-high or ultra-high bypass ratio (UHB) engines. Although increased bypass ratio has clear benefits in terms of propulsion system metrics such as specific fuel consumption, these benefits may not translate into aircraft system level benefits due to integration penalties. In this study, the design trade space for advanced turbofan engines applied to a single-aisle transport (737/A320 class aircraft) is explored. The benefits of increased bypass ratio and associated enabling technologies such as geared fan drive are found to depend on the primary metrics of interest. For example, bypass ratios at which fuel consumption is minimized may not require geared fan technology. However, geared fan drive does enable higher bypass ratio designs which result in lower noise. Regardless of the engine architecture chosen, the results of this study indicate the potential for the advanced aircraft to realize substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions, and noise compared to the current vehicles in this size class.
Noncontact depth-resolved micro-scale corneal elastography

Noninvasive high-resolution depth-resolved measurement of corneal biomechanics is of great clinical significance for improving the diagnosis and optimizing the treatment of various degenerated ocular diseases. Here, we report a micro-scale optical coherence elastography (OCE) method that enables noncontact assessment of the depthwise elasticity distribution in the cornea. The OCE system combines a focused air-puff device with phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT). Low-pressure short-duration air stream is used to load the cornea with the localized displacement at micron level. The phase-resolved OCT detection with nano-scale sensitivity probes the induced corneal deformation at various locations within a scanning line, providing the ultra-fast imaging of the corneal lamb wave propagation. With spectral analysis, the amplitude spectra and the phase spectra are available for the estimation of the frequency range of the lamb wave and the quantification of the wave propagation, respectively. Curved propagation paths following the top and bottom corneal boundaries are selected inside the cornea for measuring the phase velocity of the lamb wave at the major frequency components over the whole depths. Our pilot experiments on ex vivo rabbit eyes indicate the distinct stiffness of different layers in the cornea, including the epithelium, the anterior stroma, the posterior stroma, and the innermost region, which demonstrates the feasibility of this micro-scale OCE method for noncontact depth-resolved corneal elastography. Also, the quantification of the lamb wave dispersion in the cornea could lead to the measurement of the elastic modulus, suggesting the potential of this method for quantitative monitoring of the corneal biomechanics.
Intermediate Courses in Physics

If we are to improve the preparation of physics majors, in keeping with the needs of the times and with the improved preparation that students in increasing numbers will be bringing from their high schools, we must decide on what parts of physics are most important. It is suggested that our courses must pay greater attention to phenomena and less to mathematical formalism. Specific suggestions about the ways in which courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, and thermodynamics can be modified to accomplish this are given.
The Trouble with Teaching Breath with Metaphors

(2003). The Trouble with Teaching Breath with Metaphors. Voice and Speech Review: Vol. 3, Film, Broadcast and Electronic Media Coaching, pp. 12-16.
Contribution of chemical feedback loops to breath-to-breath variability of tidal volume

Abstract We tested whether chemical feedback loops contribute to the breath-to-breath correlations seen in respiratory cycle parameters. We have analyzed tidal volume (VT) of seven anesthetized, vagotomized, spontaneously breathing rats and the peaks of the ‘integrated’ phrenic neurograms (P) of another twelve anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated rats. Animals were studied while breathing 100% O2, 4% CO2 in O2 and/or room air. Our analysis consisted of fitting a first-order autoregressive (AR1) model to each measured variable in steady-state conditions. We found that: (1) breath-to-breath fluctuations of VT could be described by a first-order autoregressive model in which the fluctuation of VT on each breath from its mean level is correlated with that of the immediately preceding breath; (2) breath-to-breath fluctuations of P were not correlated with those of previous breaths, because successive values of P were uncorrelated random variables. Hypercapnia enhanced correlations in VT (3 rats) but not in P (12 rats). We propose that breath-to-breath correlations of VT in anesthetized, vagotomized and spontaneously breathing rats may reflect the effects of noise in respiratory chemical feedback loops.
Effects of posttraining epinephrine injections on retention of avoidance training in mice.

These experiments examined the effects, on retention, of posttraining epinephrine injections in mice. Mice were trained in a one-trial inhibitory (passive) avoidance task and retention performance was measured 24 hr after training. In the first experiment, animals received an immediate posttraining injection of saline or epinephrine (3–1000 μ g/kg). An intermediate epinephrine dose (30 μ g/kg) enhanced later retention performance and the high dose (1000 μ g/kg) impaired later retention performance. In a second experiment, an intermediate epinephrine dose (50 μ g/kg) again enhanced later retention if the treatment was administered immediately after training but not if delayed by 10 or 30 min after training. A higher epinephrine dose (500 μ g/kg) had no effect on retention performance if the drug was administered immediately after training or 30 min after training. However, this dose did enhance retention if administered 10 min after training. Thus, the dose—response characteristics of epinephrine enhancement of retention vary with time after training. These findings are consistent with the general view that hormonal consequences of training may modulate the storage of recent information and, furthermore, that posttraining treatments may affect memory through mechanisms which interact with the hormonal responses to training.
Studies with different types of visual analog scales for measurement of pain

We compared the sensitivity of different types of visual analog scales and of descriptive pain terms in healthy volunteers and in postoperative patients. One hundred and seven volunteers marked visual analog scales according to their perception of the descriptive pain terms--little, mild, some, moderate, severe, agonizing. Individual variation in values and preferences between the five following five different visual analog scales were analyzed: 10-cm linear horizontal and vertical scales, a curvilinear scale, and graded horizontal and curvilinear scales. Significantly more volunteers preferred the horizontal scale with gradations. Scores for the vertical linear scale had the greatest coefficient of variation and were least normally distributed. The majority of volunteers considered the phrase "agonizing pain" the best term defining the extreme limit of pain (X2(12) = 41.8, P less than 0.001). There were significant changes in the values of pain intensity measured on visual analog scales by patients using the same descriptive pain term on successive observations. However, the patients' values for pain terms in the preoperative pain-free state were not significantly different from those during postoperative pain. We conclude that graded linear horizontal scales are both more reliable and preferred by participants and that visual analog scales give a more sensitive and accurate representation of pain intensity than do descriptive pain scales.
Temperature Dependence of Photoresponse in p-Type GaAs/AlGaAs Multiple Quantum Wells: Theory and Experiment

This paper describes a study of the photoresponse of long-wavelength (LWIR) and mid-infrared (MWIR) p-type GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) as a function of temperature and QWIP parameters. Using an 8x8 envelope-function model (EFA), we designed and calculated the optical absorption of several bound-to-continuum (BC) structures, with the optimum designs corresponding to the second light hole level (LH2) coincident with the top of the well. For the temperature-dependent study, one non-optimized LWIR and one optimized MWIR samples were grown by MBE and their photoresponse and absorption characteristics measured to test the theory. The theory shows that the placement of the LH2 resonance at the top of the well for the optimized sample and the presence of light-hole-like quasi-bound states within the heavy-hole continuum for the nonoptimized sample account for their markedly different thermal and polarization characteristics. In particular, the theory predicts that, for the LWIR sample, the LH-like quasi-bound states should lead to an increased Ppolarized photoresponse as a function of temperature. Our temperature dependent photoresponse measurements corroborate most of the theoretical findings with respect to the long-wavelength threshold, shape, and polarization and temperature dependence of the spectra.
Evaluation Metrics in Classification: A Quantification of Distance‐Bias

This article provides a characterization of bias for evaluation metrics in classification (e.g., Information Gain, Gini, χ2, etc.). Our characterization provides a uniform representation for all traditional evaluation metrics. Such representation leads naturally to a measure for the distance between the bias of two evaluation metrics. We give a practical value to our measure by observing the distance between the bias of two evaluation metrics and its correlation with differences in predictive accuracy when we compare two versions of the same learning algorithm that differ in the evaluation metric only. Experiments on real-world domains show how the expectations on accuracy differences generated by the distance-bias measure correlate with actual differences when the learning algorithm is simple (e.g., search for the best single feature or the best single rule). The correlation, however, weakens with more complex algorithms (e.g., learning decision trees). Our results show how interaction among learning components is a key factor to understand learning performance.
Strategy in turbulent environments: the role of dynamic competence

It is often observed that firm survival and success have become problematic in the turbulent environments that firms face today. Resource-based theories propose that sustained competitive advantage is more a function of firm resources than of industry structure. In this paper, the nature of resources that help firms sustain (or try to sustain) a competitive advantage in turbulent environments is queried. Viewing the firm as a stock of knowledge, the argument that dynamic competence or the variety-generating capability of knowledge is an important antecedent of superior performance in such turbulent environments is developed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collision avoidance using potential fields

Control of manipulator collision avoidance by using computer‐aided potential field method is studied. A repulsive force is artificially created using the distances between the robot links and obstacles, which are generated by a distance computation algorithm. Typical approaches for definition of link coordinate frames and kinematics computations are adopted. Control gains in the potential field control model are selected with respect to the ranges of the angular velocity and angular acceleration of an industrial robot. Results on collision detection and collision avoidance control are presented. Using a high‐speed personal computer, real‐time manipulator control was achieved. From the results, changing repulsive force gain can change the safety distance. This makes the safety zone adjustable and provides greater intelligence for robotic tasks under the ever‐changing environment.
An Electron Time-of-Flight Method Applied to Charge Transport Dynamics in a Cobalt Bipyridine Redox Polyether Hybrid

An electrochemical time-of-flight technique is employed in the investigation of charge transport dynamics in a cobalt bipyridine redox polyether hybrid. Measurements of the apparent diffusion coeff...
Permeation and block of TRPV1 channels by the cationic lidocaine derivative QX-314

QX-314 (N-ethyl-lidocaine) is a cationic lidocaine derivative that blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels when applied internally to axons or neuronal cell bodies. Coapplication of external QX-314 with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 protein (TRPV1) agonist capsaicin produces long-lasting sodium channel inhibition in TRPV1-expressing neurons, suggestive of QX-314 entry into the neurons. We asked whether QX-314 entry occurs directly through TRPV1 channels or through a different pathway (e.g., pannexin channels) activated downstream of TRPV1 and whether QX-314 entry requires the phenomenon of "pore dilation" previously reported for TRPV1. With external solutions containing 10 or 20 mM QX-314 as the only cation, inward currents were activated by stimulation of both heterologously expressed and native TRPV1 channels in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. QX-314-mediated inward current did not require pore dilation, as it activated within several seconds and in parallel with Cs-mediated outward current, with a reversal potential consistent with PQX-314/PCs = 0.12. QX-314-mediated current was no different when TRPV1 channels were expressed in C6 glioma cells, which lack expression of pannexin channels. Rapid addition of QX-314 to physiological external solutions produced instant partial inhibition of inward currents carried by sodium ions, suggesting that QX-314 is a permeant blocker. Maintained coapplication of QX-314 with capsaicin produced slowly developing reduction of outward currents carried by internal Cs, consistent with intracellular accumulation of QX-314 to concentrations of 50-100 μM. We conclude that QX-314 is directly permeant in the "standard" pore formed by TRPV1 channels and does not require either pore dilation or activation of additional downstream channels for entry.
How Many Patients? How Many Doctors?

One of the fastest growing fields in medicine is the care of adults with congenital heart disease (adult CHD or ACHD). This is mainly a consequence of much longer survival due to advances in pediatric cardiology, interventional catheterization, cardiac surgery, and intensive care. Fifty years ago we could diagnose most forms of moderate and severe CHD, but some anomalies were untreatable and others had relatively low survival after treatment. Today, in-hospital mortality is low for almost all forms of CHD, and most of the survivors can be expected to reach adult life. In addition, a medical system with greater focus on CHD now detects many lesions such as coarctation of the aorta and atrial septal defects that previously went unnoticed. Patients with ACHD need adequate resources, facilities and manpower to care for them, and we in turn need accurate estimates of how many patients have each type and severity of ACHD in order to plan effectively. These estimates are moving targets, because improvements in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care occur continuously. What was good yesterday may not be adequate today. Articles see pp 2254 and 2264 The classic dilemma in studying this problem is how to obtain accurate data on a large number of patients. Studies based on registries showing the incidence of CHD at birth and mortality from CHD may show the big picture, but the details are inaccurate.1 On the other hand, following a smaller population intensively gives accurate data but runs the risk of being unrepresentative of the population as whole as well as risking excessive stochastic variation, especially for complex anomalies with a low birth incidence. Several attempts have been made to derive these data. A landmark report of Task Force I of the 32nd Bethesda Conference set up by the American College of …
Lab-on-a-chip: Continuous glucose monitoring antenna sensors

The development of a reliable continuous glucose monitoring technology, which would lessen the complications associated with diabetes through optimal glycemic control, is a key to improving the quality of lives of patients living with the disease. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in developing implantable biosensors that can continually monitor glucose levels. These biosensors rely on the interstitial fluid within the dermis to measure the interstitial glucose (IG) levels. However, to be truly beneficial, the implanted sensor must be able to function properly for an extended period of time. The biosensors developed thus far can only remain functional up several weeks after their implantation in the body. Contributing factors for this loss of functionality include the degradation and fouling of the sensor, and the changes in the tissue surrounding the sensor such as fibrosis and inflammation. While researchers explore potential solutions to improve the current implantable biosensors, there is an urgent need to investigate alternative technologies. Unless a reliable technology for long-term glucose monitoring is developed, continuous glucose monitoring is expected to remain problematic, and patients will continue to face the life-threatening complications associated with poor glycemic control. In order to provide a potential solution to this problem, in this study, we propose a lab-on-chip antenna sensor for continuous monitoring of the glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid. Unlike biosensors that require direct contact with the interstitial fluid in order to trigger necessary chemical reactions to operate, the new sensor works on an electromagnetic energy propagation principle. Thus, it does not need direct interface with the interstitial fluid and can be fabricated using biocompatible materials allowing it to remain functional in the body for years.
The principles of bony spinal fusion.

Bony fusion is frequently required for anatomical reconstruction and stabilization of the spine. This review discusses bone structure, healing after fracture, and bony fusion, including the use of autografts and allografts. Research should be done on preparation of the bed, the nature and quantity o
Traps, morphology and degradation in high efficiency polymer solar cells

Bulk heterojunction solar cells (BHJs) based on poly[N-9″-hepta-decanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) can have internal quantum efficiencies approaching 100% but require active layers that are too thin to absorb more than ∼70% of the above bandgap light.[1] In this work, we demonstrate that PCDTBT films contain a high density of hole-traps, which correlate with polymer morphology and are important for BHJ performance.
The biology of ethics or the ethics of biology? The biologist's quest for meaning.

The biologist's involvement in value issues concerning the methodology of biological sciences, in establishing the biological basis of ethics and in creating a value system based on biological knowledge is examined. It is proposed that the roots of this involvement are in the conflict of the knowledge-ethic with the established system of values and in the need for metaphysical explanation.
Gallopamil binding to human serum proteins.

We have determined the extent and variability in the binding of gallopamil to human serum proteins. Binding was determined by equilibrium dialysis in healthy volunteer serum, human serum albumin (45 g·l−1), and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AAG) (600 mg·l−1) at a pH of 7.4.