cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low yield of blood and wound cultures in patients with skin and soft-tissue infections

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend blood cultures in skin and soft-tissue infection (SSTI) patients only with signs of systemic toxicity and wound cultures for severe purulent infections. Our objectives were to determine: 1) blood and wound culture yields in patients admitted with SSTIs; 2) whether injection drug users (IDUs) and febrile patients had higher blood culture yields; and 3) whether blood and wound cultures grew organisms sensitive to typical SSTI empiric antibiotics. Methods We prospectively enrolled adult patients admitted from the ED with SSTIs at an urban hospital. We recorded patient characteristics, including IDU, comorbidities and temperatures, and followed admitted patients throughout their hospital course. Results Of 734 SSTI patients enrolled, 246 (33.5%) were admitted. Of 86 (35.0%) patients who had blood cultures, six had positive cultures (yield = 7.0%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 3.2–14.4); 4 were methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 2 were methicillin resistant (MRSA). Of 29 febrile patients, 1 had a positive culture (yield = 3.5%; 95% CI 0.6–17.2). Of 101 admitted IDU patients, 46 (46%) received blood cultures, and 4 had positive cultures (yield = 8.7%; 95% CI 3.4–20.3). Of 89 patients with purulent wounds, 44 (49.4%) patients had ED wound cultures. Thirteen had positive cultures (yield = 29.6%; 95% CI 18.2–44.2%). Most were MRSA, MSSA, and group A Streptococcus species — all sensitive to Vancomycin. Conclusions Febrile and IDU patients had low yields of blood cultures similar to yields in non-IDU and afebrile patients. All blood and wound culture species were adequately covered by currently recommended empiric antibiotic regimens.
Inquiry and Belief

In this paper I look at belief and degrees of belief through the lens of inquiry. I argue that belief and degrees of belief play different roles in inquiry. In particular I argue that belief is a “settling” attitude in a way that degrees of belief are not. Along the way I say more about what inquiring amounts to, argue for a central norm of inquiry connecting inquiry and belief and say more about just what it means to have an inquiry or question settled.
Cinematic rendering of cardiac CT volumetric data: Principles and initial observations.

Abstract Background Cinematic rendering (CR) a new method of 3D computed tomography (CT) volumetric visualization that produces photorealistic images. As with traditional 3D visualization methods, CR may prove to be of value in providing important information when evaluating regions of complex anatomy such as the heart. Methods The gated, IV contrast-enhanced chest CT angiogram data from three recent patients were evaluated with CR. Image comparision demonstrates the difference between CR and traditional volume rendering (VR), owing to a more complex lighting model that enhances surface detail and produces realistic shadows to add depth to 3D visualizations. Results Representative examples of normal cardiac anatomy, a coronary artery stenosis, and an intracardiac malignant neoplasm are presented with 2D multiplanar reconstruction, traditional VR and CR. A potential pitfall in CR utilization, namely the possibility of obscuring important pathology, is demonstrated and discussed. Conclusions CR is a promising method to enhance display volumetric CT data and should prove useful in diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical navigation, trainee education, and patient engagement. However, further study is needed to establish the advantaged and disadvantages of CR in comparison to other 3D methods.
Calorie Restriction-Induced Increase in Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity is not Prevented by Overexpression of the p55α Subunit of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase

Introduction: The Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway plays an important role in skeletal muscle insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. While whole-body and tissue specific knockout (KO) of individual or combinations of the regulatory subunits of PI3K (p85α, p55α, and p50α or p85β); increase insulin sensitivity, no study has examined whether increasing the expression of the individual regulatory subunits would inhibit insulin action in vivo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of the p55α regulatory subunit of PI3K impairs skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, or prevents its enhancement by caloric restriction. Methods: We developed a novel "floxed" mouse that, through the Cre-LoxP approach, allows for tamoxifen (TMX)-inducible and skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of the p55α subunit of PI3K (referred to as, 'p55α-mOX'). Beginning at 10 weeks of age, p55α-mOX mice and their floxed littermates (referred to as wildtype [WT]) either continued with free access to food (ad libitum; AL), or were switched to a calorie restricted diet (CR; 60% of AL intake) for 20 days. We measured body composition, whole-body energy expenditure, oral glucose tolerance and ex vivo skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in isolated soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles using the 2-deoxy-glucose (2DOG) uptake method. Results: p55α mRNA and protein expression was increased ∼2 fold in muscle from p55α-mOX versus WT mice. There were no differences in energy expenditure, total activity, or food intake of AL-fed mice between genotypes. Body weight, fat and lean mass, tissue weights, and fasting glucose and insulin were comparable between p55α-mOX and WT mice on AL, and were decreased equally by CR. Interestingly, overexpression of p55α did not impair oral glucose tolerance or skeletal muscle insulin signaling or sensitivity, nor did it impact the ability of CR to enhance these parameters. Conclusion: Skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of p55α does not impact skeletal muscle insulin action, suggesting that p85α and/or p50α may be more important regulators of skeletal muscle insulin signaling and sensitivity.
The effects of software quality on the adoption of computer-assisted instruction in post-secondary education

Concern about the quality of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software has dramatically increased as the number of computers on college campuses has grown. This concern is based on the belief that CAI adoption increases as software quality improves. This study investigated the relationship between the quality of one CAI software and the extent to which it was actually used for teaching. The software studied was a typical commercially published set of simulations and tutorials for introductory undergraduate psychology courses. Hypotheses predicted that adoption intensity should be positively related to the users' assessments of software quality. Quality was defined as having operations, design and content attributes. Measures were derived from the evaluation instrument used for the EDUCOM/NCRIPTAL Annual Software Awards Contest. Adoption intensity was defined on a continuum ranging from marginal to extensive use. Measures were derived from teaching routines such as the degree of student involvement and the extent that the software was integrated into the syllabus. Data were gathered from the entire population of faculty who received the software. One hundred and eleven recipients were interviewed. Twenty six faculty had adopted the software. The study found two distinctly separate user subgroups: low-intensity and high-intensity adopters. High-intensity CAI adopters were significantly sensitive to software quality and the degree of use. These users comprised half of the adopters and a fifth of all faculty capable of adoption. Differences between institutions where the software was received and where it was used were insignificant. Adoption may hold value for less empowered groups of faculty. Slightly larger percentages of women, minorities, and professors with lower rank adopted the software in comparison with all recipients. Faculty expertise with computers may not be a good predictor of adoption. The adopters were about as familiar with computing as all recipients. Faculty who did not use the software rejected it primarily because of disinterest in the technology, the nature of available resources, or the time of receipt. Rejections due to the software's assessed quality were quite rare.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH ITERATIVELY RE-WEIGHTED LEAST SQUARES?

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a number of instances in which the method of iteratively reweighted least squares exhibits deficiencies, so that these deficiencies can be avoided in practical applications. The undesirable properties are evident in the application of iteratively reweighted least squares to variance-component models. It would be slightly better to modify the iteratively reweighted least squares algorithm to bring it more closely into line with current practice in ordinary linear models. The parameters are partitioned into two sets, namely, the regression parameters, β , and the variance components, T . The idea of the modification is to use ordinary maximum likelihood to estimate β and to use conditional maximum likelihood given β to estimate the variance components. The extension of the ideas to variance-component models is entirely straightforward, at least conceptually.
Kant and the Problem of Objectivity

Kant conceived of the task of securing the objectivity of knowledge as the challenge to establish the possibility of a priori knowledge. Not indeed of a priori knowledge tout court, but of a priori knowledge of objects, i.e. so-called synthetic a priori knowledge. If there is to be room for philosophical knowledge of the real beyond empirical science, then such knowledge must be possible independently of experience. In Kant’s formulation of the problem in the Preface to the second edition of the Critique:
Chapter 13 – Thermomechanical Model Development and In Situ Experimental Validation of the Laser Powder-Bed Fusion Process✶

A three-dimensional finite element model is developed to allow for the prediction of temperature, residual stress, and distortion in multi-layer Laser Powder-bed Fusion builds. Undesirable residual stress and distortion caused by thermal gradients are a common source of failure in AM builds. A non-linear thermoelastoplastic model is combined with an element coarsening strategy in order to simulate the thermal and mechanical response of a significant volume of deposited material (38 layers and 91 mm3). It is found that newly deposited layers experience the greatest amount of tensile stress, while layers beneath are forced into compressive stress. The residual stress evolution drives the mechanical response of the workpiece. The model is validated by comparing the predicted in-situ and post-process distortion to experimental measurements taken on the same geometry. The model accurately predicts the distortion of the workpiece (5% error).
Ex Vivo Fetal Whole Ovarian Culture Model: An Essential Tool for Studies in Reproductive Toxicology and Pharmacology

Major limitations in understanding the direct effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and cell signaling events in ovarian cellular dynamics in mammals include a lack of proper and simple tools/techniques as well as gaps in knowledge regarding the critical window(s) of vulnerability. Identifying and validating such tools and evaluating the effects of EDCs on molecular dynamics and cellular events during the critical windows of ovarian development are very important to improve the fertility in women and preserve the future health of the developing fetuses. Therefore, we developed a fetal whole ovarian ex vivo culture model. Ex vivo ovary culture models allow varying culture parameters in a highly controlled manner and thus have the potential to allow a more thorough evaluation for reproductive toxicity studies and drug response. This chapter describes clear and thorough details for setting up and maintaining an ex vivo culture system from the rat ovaries and further analyses of mRNA and protein expressions and estimating follicle numbers.
Environmentally Displaced Persons

This article traces the evolution and trajectory of a new class of oppressed persons—Environmental Displaced Persons (EDP). It argues that helping cannot limit itself to one's neighborhood or even country, and that environmentally displaced persons must become a central focus of attention for social workers and other helping professionals. The causative factors forcing the displacement of millions of people are a matter of grave concern for social workers who are called upon to advocate for global justice and basic human rights. It also suggests several alternative models such as a human-rights based approach and anti-oppressive theory and practice which may prove useful as social workers struggle to come to terms with the plight of millions of environmentally displaced persons and the underlying injustices their predicament reveals.
Diagnosis and management of traumatic equine fractures

For the most part equine fractures can be divided into those of traumatic origin and those caused by repetitive stress. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of the more commonly enc...
Challenging Traditional Conceptions of English Curricula & Pedagogy: A Review of Literature on Teaching Critical Literacy through Political Music

In this review, we synthesise literature that draws on ‘political music’ as a curricular and pedagogical tool to support students’ critical literacy development. By using contextually relevant, pol...
Investigating the interplay of working memory, affective symptoms, and coping with stress in offspring of parents with Huntington's disease.

Objective The offspring of parents with Huntington's disease (HD) are faced with substantial levels of chronic uncontrollable and unpredictable stress. These stressors may place them at heightened risk of psychological distress and negative effects on executive functioning. This study investigated working memory, secondary control coping strategies (e.g., cognitive reappraisal, acceptance, distraction), and symptoms of anxiety/depression in offspring at risk for HD. Method Adolescent (ages 10-19) and young adult (ages 20-29) offspring (n = 33; mean [M] age = 19.12 years, standard deviation [SD] = 6.01 years; 61% female) of parents with HD were recruited in a Huntington Disease Society of America Level 1 Center of Excellence. Participants completed self-report measures of coping and neuropsychiatric symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression) and a standardized working memory assessment. Pearson correlations and path analyses were used to test associations. Results Participant scores on the working memory assessment were significantly lower compared with normative data, and scores on a mixed anxiety/depression scale revealed a significant elevation compared with normative data. Working memory, secondary control coping, and symptoms of anxiety/depression were significantly correlated. Analyses of the full model revealed that the total indirect effect of working memory on anxiety/depression through secondary control coping was significant (β = -0.20). Conclusion Secondary control coping skills are an important factor in understanding the relationship between working memory and symptoms of anxiety/depression in the offspring of parents with HD. Future longitudinal research is needed to establish the direction of these associations. Working memory and coping skills represent potential targets for intervention to reduce the risk of anxiety/depression in this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
A New Mixing of Nonlocal Exchange and Nonlocal Correlation with Multiconfiguration Pair-Density Functional Theory.

We propose a hybrid multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory (HMC-PDFT) that is a weighted average of complete-active-space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) and multiconfiguration pair-densi...
Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases (ERKs)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs)
Automatic Re-weighting of maximum likelihood functions for parameter regression

An inside-variance estimation method (IVEM) for regression of the kinetic parameters in kinetic models and binary interaction parameters in thermodynamic models is proposed. The new method substantially improves the model predictions when compared with traditional least squares regression methods.
Navy research into race, ethnicity, and gender issues: A historical review

Abstract During the past 20 years, researchers at the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center (NPRDC) have investigated issues relating to equal opportunity (EO). The present paper provides the first comprehensive review of past NPRDC EO research. Four main efforts are reviewed: EO climate, changing roles for Navy women, assessment of potential bias in Navy discipline, and Hispanic representation in Navy's civilian workforce. It is concluded that, in addition to their historical import, these four avenues of research remain concerns for the Navy and American society in the 1990s.
Trace Level Detection

An important component of protecting individuals from the hazards of radiation exposure is to be able to determine whether radionuclides have been taken into the body, and in what quantities. For example, a urine sample from an individual who works with plutonium can be analyzed by α spectroscopy or mass spectroscopy to determine if plutonium is present in the sample, and hence to make an inference about possible plutonium intakes in the individual's history. Often, the quantities of plutonium that one seeks to detect are comparable to the measurement uncertainties. Hence, statistical considerations are a very important aspect of the detection methodology. Keywords: hazards; exposure; bioassay; lognormal; Bayesian methods; credible interval
Photonic entangled states at telecom wavelengths

Summary form only given. Time-bins provide a practical mean to play with arbitrary dimension Hilbert spaces using photons in standard telecom fibers. Examples encompass: the simple case of quantum cryptography using qubits, entangled qubit pairs in any freely chosen state, entangled qutrit pairs, two entangled systems each of dimension chosen freely between 1 and more than 10, and the more complex scenario involving more than two photons, like quantum teleportation and entanglement swapping. After an introduction to time-bins as a basis, each of the above examples will be introduced, explained and illustrated with experimental results.
Applications of shellable complexes to distributed computing

This talk describes recent Joint work with Sergio Rajsbaum [3]. For models of concurrent computation in which processes may fail by crashing, each possible computation can be characterized as a simplicial complex, a geometric structure constructed by “gluing together” simplexes in a regular manner [6]. Informally, a complex is k-connected if it has no “holes” in dimension k or lower. It is known that if the complex corresponding to every such computation is k-connected, then one cannot solve (k+1)-set agreement [4,5,6]. A simplicial complex is shellable if it can be constructed by gluing a sequence of n-simplexes to one another along (n− 1)-faces only. Shellable complexes have been studied in the combinatorial topology literature [1,2,7] because they have many nice combinatorial properties. We can exploit these properties complexes to derive new and remarkably succinct tight (or nearly tight) lower bounds both on the connectivity of the associated complexes, and on solutions to the k-set agreement task in these models. We consider a round-by-round model of computation, where we view each round as a map carrying simplexes to complexes. The principal insight is that if the single-round complex is shellable, then multi-round compositions preserve connectivity under certain easily-checkable conditions. These are theorems of combinatorial topology, independent of any model of computation. We then show that for many classical models of computation, such as the synchronous, asynchronous, and semi-synchronous message-passing models, along with the asynchronous read-write memory model, each single-round complex is indeed shellable, so it becomes a straightforward exercise to derive tight (or nearly tight) bounds on when and if one can solve k-set agreement. For asynchronous shared-memory models in which processes have access to “black-box” objects that solve consensus or k-set agreement, matters are a little more complicated. The single-round complex, while not itself shellable, is a simple union of shellable complexes, with a shellable nerve, and the same consequences follow. Moreover, our results apply not just to the usual wait-free or t-resilient failure models, but to general adversary schedulers that can cause certain subsets of processes to fail, perhaps in a non-uniform way.
Nucleosynthesis in the Magellanic Clouds and the Galaxy.

It has been clear for many years that the bulk of the chemical elements making up the solar system and the stars in our Galaxy were not formed in a single event of nucleosynthesis but were generated in a variety of different processes (Burbidge, Burbidge, Fowler, and Hoyle, 1957 hereinafter referred to as B2FH). Only the helium could have been synthesized in a big bang, if such a cosmological event occurred, and the present evidence suggests that the bulk of the Galactic helium was not synthesized in this way (Burbidge, 1969). Thus, it appears that the elements were synthesized in a variety of normal stars at different stages in their evolution, and also probably in more massive stars which may have been present at some epoch. If the composition of our Galaxy is explained in this way, it might be reasonable to assume that a particular set of processes occurred which are unique to our Galaxy, and that therefore its element abundance curve is different from that of all other galaxies. A test of this hypothesis would be to investigate the chemical compositions of other galaxies which have not gone through the same evolutionary processes. The nearest galaxies, and thus those which are easiest to study, are the Magellanic Clouds.
Solution of the Deutsch-Josza Problem by NMR Ensemble Computing without Sensitivity Scaling

Experimental NMR implementations of the Deutsch-Josza quantum algorithm based on pesudo-pure spin states exhibit an exponential sensitivity scaling with the number of qubits. By employing truly mixed spin states in spin Liouville space, where molecules with different nuclear spin configurations represent different input states, the Deutsch-Josza problem can be solved by single function evaluation without sensitivity loss concomitant with increase of the number of bits.
Pregnancy and Heart Disease Updates: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among pregnant women and causes significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Pregnant women may have known cardiac disease, such as prosthetic heart valves, while others develop new complications, such as myocardial ischemia or cardiomyopathy. Tools for predicting the risk of adverse cardiac events during pregnancy exist. Data from international registries will improve our ability to accurately assess risks and manage and counsel patients. This review will also address the following: (1) Myocardial infarctions that occur during or after pregnancy are often related to coronary dissection and require special attention. (2) Peripartum cardiomyopathy causes heart failure, which can be severe and fatal. Women who recover need careful counseling about the risks of a subsequent pregnancy. (3) Anti-coagulation of mechanical heart valves during pregnancy involves challenging decisions about the safety of warfarin for the fetus, but low-molecular-weight heparin requires meticulous attention to anti-Xa levels.
The Caenorhabditis Elegans Unc-31 Gene Affects Multiple Nervous System-Controlled Functions

We have devised a method for selecting Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that execute feeding motions in the absence of food. One mutation isolated in this way is an allele of the gene unc-31, first discovered by S. Brenner in 1974, because of its effects on locomotion. We find that strong unc-31 mutations cause defects in four functions controlled by the nervous system. Mutant worms are lethargic, feed constitutively, are defective in egg-laying and produce dauer larvae that fail to recover. We discuss two extreme models to explain this pleiotropy: either unc-31 affects one or a few neurons that coordinately control several different functions, or it affects many neurons that independently control different functions.
Bounds and perturbation series for incompressible elastic composites with transverse isotropic symmetry

The effective elastic behavior of a transversely isotropic composite made from two incompressible elastic materials is examined. The set of all effective elasticity tensors for transversely isotropic finite rank laminar microstructures is described. The extremal property of this class of microstructures is used to derive a new more precise characterization of the set of effective shear moduli.
An analytical and computer-aided model of the AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistor

An analytical model for the AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) or MODFET has been developed. This model uses a Trofimenkoff-type relation [1] for the electron velocity and electrical field and assumes that the electron velocity saturation inside the two-dimensional electron gas channel cause current saturation. It also takes into account the parasitic conduction in the AlGaAs layer by including a MESFET operation. Based on this model, analytical current-voltage equations suitable for computer simulation have been derived. Calculated results for sub-half-micrometer HEMT's show excellent agreement with measured characteristics.
Optically thick ablation fronts

The physical characteristics of optically thick ablation fronts such as interstellar clouds are analyzed. Attention is given to cold clumps in both planar and spherical geometries and modifications caused by accelerations in a gravitational field or by evaporation of the clumps when encountered hot gas. The effects of ablation on the appearance of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability are examined in both linear and nonlinear regimes. The results of the calculations are applied to the astrophysical phenomena of cold clumps immersed in a supersonic flow, optically thick jets, and ablation in stellar envelopes. Evaporation in an optically thick front is projected to be orders of magnitude larger than evaporation in electron-conduction fronts in optically thin conditions. The optically thick processes could then be useful for modeling flows from, e.g., newly formed stars and active galactic nuclei.
Cinematic Citizenship: Developing Citizens of Character with Film

Abstract This article examines how film can be used to engage students in critical thinking, and it offers a framework for using film to build citizens of character. We argue that the use of film in the classroom can help students analyze their values and decision making for the purpose of becoming effective citizens. A brief history of character education in the United States is discussed with its connection with the development of responsible citizenship. Furthermore, the article provides a filmography of character education-related films for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. The focus is to provide teachers with an alternative approach to preparing students for responsible citizenship in the 21st century.
Prism adaptation and spatial neglect: the need for dose-finding studies.

Spatial neglect is a devastating disorder in 50-70% of right-brain stroke survivors, who have problems attending to, or making movements towards, left-sided stimuli, and experience a high risk of chronic dependence. Prism adaptation is a promising treatment for neglect that involves brief, daily visuo-motor training sessions while wearing optical prisms. Its benefits extend to functional behaviors such as dressing, with effects lasting 6 months or longer. Because one to two sessions of prism adaptation induce adaptive changes in both spatial-motor behavior (Fortis et al., 2011) and brain function (Saj et al., 2011), it is possible stroke patients may benefit from treatment periods shorter than the standard, intensive protocol of ten sessions over two weeks – a protocol that is impractical for either US inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Demonstrating the effectiveness of a lower dose will maximize the availability of neglect treatment. We present preliminary data suggesting that four to six sessions of prism treatment may induce a large treatment effect, maintained three to four weeks post-treatment. We call for a systematic, randomized clinical trial to establish the minimal effective dose suitable for stroke intervention.
Near-infrared colorimetry of J6 Himalia and S9 Phoebe: A summary of 0.3- to 2.2-μm reflectances☆

VJHK measurements of J6 Himalia and S9 Phoebe, using the new NASA IRTF telescope, show that these objects have carbonaceous chondritic type colors in the 0.5- to 2.2-micron region. For Phoebe, this is in contrast to the JHK colors published by Cruikshank (1980), which indicated that the satellite's surface was unlike the material found on asteroids and on the dark side of Iapetus. J6 is known to have a low albedo from thermal infrared studies (Cruikshank, 1977), and the new VJHK observations of S9 imply that it also has a low albedo. The H and K reflectances of S9 are slightly lower than those of J6, suggesting some slight difference in surface composition or a contamination by foreign material. The conjectured low albedo of S9 can be tested with measurements in the thermal infrared.
Recent Progress on the Development of Tomographic Models

We are at a critical time in the history of radiation protection dosimetry. The paradigm shift away from the more-than-30-years-old stylized human models is imminent with the development of 30 voxel-based tomographic models in recent years that are based on medical images. Recently, researchers gathered at an international conference to share the latest work and to establish collaborations. This invited review paper introduces various types of modelling and summarizes the latest developments including a Consortium on Computational Human Phantoms (CCHP) that is aimed at facilitating intercomparison and sharing of data for radiation protection purposes.
Applications of image metrics in dynamic scene adaptation

One of the major problems in dealing with the changes in the information contented a scene which is one of the characteristics of any dynamic scene is how adapt to these variations such that the performance of any automatic scene analyzer such as object recognizer be at its optimum. In this paper we examine the use of image and signal metrics for characterizing any scene variations and then we describe an automated system for the extraction of these quality measures and finally we will show how these metrics can be used for the automatic adaptation of an object recognition system and the resulting jump in the performance of this system.
Linear Optical Properties and Electronic Structures of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) and Poly(3-hexylselenophene) Crystals from First-principles

Linear optical properties of regio-regular-poly(3-hexythiophene) (rr-P3HT) and regio-regular-poly(3-hexyselenophene) (rr-P3HS) are investigated in relation to their anisotropic crystal structure by means of first-principles density functional calculations. The optical spectra are evaluated by calculating its dielectric functions, focusing on the frequency dependence of the imaginary part. The optical transition along the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ conjugation-connecting backbone direction is found to be the most significant at the band edges. A group-theoretical analysis of the matrix elements is given to explain the interband transitions. The optical spectra, electronic structures, and structural stabilities are calculated using the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method within the local-density approximation. We proposed several possible crystal structures of rr-P3HT and performed structural optimizations to determine a stable structure. Comparing the total energy differences among these relaxed structures, a base-centered monoclinic structure belonging to the space group $A$2 is found to be the most stable structure. In the electronic structure, C and S orbitals belonging to polythiophene backbones are the biggest contributors at the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum, but there is almost no contribution from the hexyl side chains. Last, the differences in electronic and optical properties between rr-P3HT and rr-P3HS are discussed.
The thermodynamics of SU(3) lattice gauge theory with a light isodoublet of quarks

Abstract Using hybrid differential equations with stochastic pseudo-fermion fields, we simulated SU(3) lattice gauge theory with a light isodoublet of quarks on a 4 × 8 3 lattice. The bare quark mass is 0.0125 in lattice units which corresponds to 7.75 MeV if the finite temperature chiral transition occurs at T c =155 MeV as suggested by phenomenology. The transition is first order and metastable states are found over a narrow range in temperature. Results for 4 4 lattices are also presented for 2 and 3 light flavors.
Genetic Testing of Inherited Arrhythmias

Syncope and risk of sudden death due to ventricular tachyarrhythmia are the common manifestations of several inherited disorders. Abnormalities of the genetic makeup may directly affect proteins controlling cardiac excitability in a structurally normal heart. Other diseases manifest primarily with ventricular arrhythmias even though the genetic mutations cause structural abnormalities of the myocardium. This is the case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Groundbreaking discoveries, starting from the 1990s until the beginning of the current decade, have provided fundamental knowledge on the major genes that confer an increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden death. Stems of such knowledge are the availability of genetic diagnosis, genotype–phenotype correlation, and genotype-based risk stratification schemes currently used in the clinical practice. This review provides a concise description of the known genes and key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of inherited arrhythmias. In addition, we outline possibilities, limitations, advantages, and potential threats of genetically screening for these genes.
Class A pan evaporation as affected by shelter, and a daily prediction equation☆

Abstract A study of Class A pan evaporation data at two locations on the Northern Great Plains indicated that evaporation from pans protected from the wind by tree shelterbelts was about 14% less than that from unprotected pans. An equation was developed for estimating daily Class A pan evaporation from either protected or unprotected pans.
Microcraters in glass and minerals

Abstract The morphology of craters formed in glass, oligoclase, and olivine by micron-size projectiles with velocities up to 14 km/sec changes with the velocity and angle of incidence of the projectile. An energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of the crater provides information about the projectile composition in some cases. These results are an aid in the interpretation of microcraters observed on lunar samples.
Harmonic coherent demodulation for improving sound coding in cochlear implants

The paper presents a promising application of the coherent demodulation technique to improving hearing with cochlear implants. It has been a challenge to encode temporal fine structure (TFS) in cochlear implants for better speech and music perception. We propose a pitch-synchronized coherent demodulation strategy—Harmonic Single Sideband Encoder (HSSE)—to efficiently encode TFS cues. A dynamic carrier estimation approach based on harmonic detection was chosen to enhance temporal pitch coding in cochlear implants. Acoustic analysis results showed that the HSSE strategy preserves temporal fine structure cues including fundamental frequency (F0) information as well. The coding of temporal fine structure cues in cochlear implants could be potentially improved with the F0-synchronized coherent demodulation.
Nontasters, tasters, and supertasters of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and hedonic response to sweet.

Abstract Drewnowski, A., S. Ahlstrom Henderson, A. B. Shore and A. Barratt-Fornell. Nontasters, tasters, and supertasters of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and hedonic response to sweet. Physiol Behav 62(3) 649–655, 1997.—Genetic sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) has been reported to predict hedonic response to sweet taste in both women and men. This study was based on a sample of 159 women of different ethnic backgrounds, mean age 27.0 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) 23.2. The women were classified as nontasters (n = 43), regular tasters (n = 70), or supertasters (n = 46) of PROP on the basis of their PROP detection thresholds and the scaling of 5 suprathreshold solutions of PROP and NaCl. Nontasters had thresholds > 1.8 × 10−4 mol/L PROP and PROP/NaCl ratios 1.60. Genetic sensitivity to PROP failed to predict sweetness intensity ratings or hedonic response profiles for sucrose solutions. Separating subjects into sucrose “likers” and “dislikers” failed to reveal any significant links to PROP nontaster, taster, or supertaster status in this all-female sample.
Physical studies on the ribonucleic acid of turnip yellow mosaic virus.

Abstract The ribonucleic acid of turnip yellow mosaic virus has been isolated and purified after cleavage of the virus and denaturation of the protein. This was accomplished by two methods. One involved heating to 100° for 1 minute, and the second employed treatment with 33% ethanol at room temperature for 3 hours. The isolated materials were then examined in the ultracentrifuge and by viscosity measurements. Each ribonucleic acid (RNA) sample was very heterogeneous and possessed viscosities comparable to that obtained for the nucleic acid from tobacco mosaic virus. The weight-average molecular weight of the material obtained by heat denaturation is about 105, and the corresponding value for nucleic acid liberated by ethanol treatment of the virus is about 4.6 × 104. The results indicate that there are perhaps 25 to 50 ribonucleic acid molecules in the virus particle.
The varying presuppositional nature of comparatives

The presuppositional nature of different types of comparatives was studied by obtaining subjects' judgments concerning the “synonymity” of pairs of comparative statements and the “acceptability” of single comparative statements. The results indicated that, in general, significantly greater presupposition was involved in the negative comparatives (e.g.,Bob is not as large as Fred) than in the positive comparatives (e.g.,Fred is larger than Bob), in the extreme comparatives (e.g.,Fred is more saintly than Bob) than in the regular comparatives (e.g.,Fred is better than Bob), in the ordinal comparatives (e.g.,Bob is more agile than Fred) than in the ratio comparatives (e.g.,Bob is heavier than Fred), and in the marked comparatives (e.g.,Bob is worse than Fred) than in the unmarked comparatives (e.g.,Fred is better than Bob). The results also indicated that comparative statements containing marked adjectives from a ratio scale can be interpreted neutrally. The implications of these results for the linguistic distinction between marked and unmarked adjectives are discussed. Presuppositions were found to apply equally to the subject and object terms of a comparative statement. In general, the results suggest that presuppositional effects are quite systematic and accumulative in nature.
On the origin of the compound action potentials (N1, N2) of the cochlea of the rat

The origin of N2 component of the compound action potential was studied by comparing the potential recorded at the round window with the response recorded from the cochlear nucleus, by comparing the potential recorded at the round window before and after the cochlear nucleus was removed by suction, and by comparing latencies of unit responses from auditory nerve fibers and cochlear nucleus units with the responses from the round window. The results indicated that the N2 potential, as well as the positive potential between the N1 and N2, was generated by secondary auditory neurons situated in the cochlear nucleus. The results were based on the response to click sounds and cross correlograms of the response to continuous sounds that were amplitude-modulated with pseudorandom noise.
Optimization of Annealing Conditions for ZnO-based Thin Films Grown Using MOCVD

In this work, effects of thermal annealing on the structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films grown on p-Si and GaN substrates using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are investigated. Annealing at 600 °C results in optimum crystal and optical qualities of the ZnO thin films on both substrates. Smaller lattice mismatch between grown ZnO epitaxial layer on GaN substrates results in better film morphology as compared to p-Si substrates. Higher annealing temperature along with a slower thermal ramp provides better crystal quality of ZnO thin films on both substrates. Annealing ZnO thin films at 700 °C with a slower thermal ramp results in better crystal quality as is evident from a 56% reduction in the full-width at half maximum (FWHM) of the (002) peak compared to the as-grown films. The optical quality also enhances with a slower annealing rate. The determination of the optimum annealing conditions for different substrates has important implications in fabricating optimized and efficient ZnO based electronics.
The Cinema of Kathryn Bigelow: Hollywood Transgressor edited by Deborah Jermyn and Sean Redmond (London: Wallflower, 2003)

The Cinema of Kathryn Bigelow clarifies how and why the films directed by Kathryn Bigelow can and should be understood as the work of an auteur. The volume effectively makes the case that Bigelow “...
Mobility measurements by photometric analysis of zone electrophoresis in a sucrose gradient column.

Abstract A density gradient zone electrophoresis apparatus has been designed for measuring electrophoretic mobilities on small amounts (about 10 μg) of viruses or other ultraviolet-absorbing materials. Dialysis membranes separate the gradient column from electrode chambers and eliminate the need to maintain hydrostatic equilibrium between the buffer chambers. The virus zone was located by pumping the gradient column through an ultraviolet flow cell, a procedure which did not disturb the virus zone. The apparatus was tested by measuring the mobilities of tobacco mosaic and brome mosaic viruses in different buffers, in sucrose, glucose, and glycerol gradients, at 0° and 15°, and during ascending and descending electrophoresis.
Multiplexed protein detection by proximity ligation for cancer biomarker validation

We present a proximity ligation-based multiplexed protein detection procedure in which several selected proteins can be detected via unique nucleic-acid identifiers and subsequently quantified by real-time PCR. The assay requires a 1-microl sample, has low-femtomolar sensitivity as well as five-log linear range and allows for modular multiplexing without cross-reactivity. The procedure can use a single polyclonal antibody batch for each target protein, simplifying affinity-reagent creation for new biomarker candidates.
Human genes containing polymorphic trinucleotide repeats.

Expansions of trinucleotide repeats within gene transcripts are responsible for fragile X syndrome, myotonic dystrophy and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. To identify other human genes with similar features as candidates for triplet repeat expansion mutations, we screened human cDNA libraries with repeat probes and searched databases for transcribed genes with repeats. From both strategies, 40 genes were identified and 14 characterized. Five were found to contain repeats which are highly polymorphic including the N–cadherin, BCR, glutathione–S–transferase and Na+/K+ ATPase (β–subunit) genes. These data demonstrate the occurrence of other human loci which may undergo this novel mechanism of mutagenesis giving rise to genetic disease.
Automated detection of breast tumor in MRI and comparison of kinetic features for assessing tumor response to chemotherapy

Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is used increasingly in diagnosis of breast cancer and assessment of treatment efficacy in current clinical practice. The purpose of this preliminary study is to develop and test a new quantitative kinetic image feature analysis method and biomarker to predict response of breast cancer patients to neoadjuvant chemotherapy using breast MR images acquired before the chemotherapy. For this purpose, we developed a computer-aided detection scheme to automatically segment breast areas and tumors depicting on the sequentially scanned breast MR images. From a contrast-enhancement map generated by subtraction of two image sets scanned pre- and post-injection of contrast agent, our scheme computed 38 morphological and kinetic image features from both tumor and background parenchymal regions. We applied a number of statistical data analysis methods to identify effective image features in predicting response of the patients to the chemotherapy. Based on the performance assessment of individual features and their correlations, we applied a fusion method to generate a final image biomarker. A breast MR image dataset involving 68 patients was used in this study. Among them, 25 had complete response and 43 had partially response to the chemotherapy based on the RECIST guideline. Using this image feature fusion based biomarker, the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve is AUC = 0.850±0.047. This study demonstrated that a biomarker developed from the fusion of kinetic image features computed from breast MR images acquired pre-chemotherapy has potentially higher discriminatory power in predicting response of the patients to the chemotherapy.
Optical CD metrology model evaluation and refining for manufacturing

Optical critical dimension (OCD) metrology has been well-accepted as standard inline metrology tool in semiconductor manufacturing since 65nm technology node for its un-destructive and versatile advantage. Many geometry parameters can be obtained in a single measurement with good accuracy if model is well established and calibrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, in the viewpoint of manufacturing, there is no effective index for model quality and, based on that, for model refining. Even, when device structure becomes more complicated, like strained silicon technology, there are more parameters required to be determined in the afterward measurement. The model, therefore, requires more attention to be paid to ensure inline metrology reliability. GOF (goodness-of-fitting), one model index given by a commercial OCD metrology tool, for example, is not sensitive enough while correlation and sensitivity coefficient, the other two indexes, are evaluated under metrology tool noise only and not directly related to inline production measurement uncertainty. In this article, we will propose a sensitivity matrix for measurement uncertainty estimation in which each entry is defined as the correlation coefficient between the corresponding two floating parameters and obtained by linearization theorem. The uncertainty is estimated in combination of production line variation and found, for the first time, much larger than that by metrology tool noise alone that indicates model quality control is critical for nanometer device production control. The uncertainty, in comparison with production requirement, also serves as index for model refining either by grid size rescaling or structure model modification. This method is verified by TEM measurement and, in the final, a flow chart for model refining is proposed.