cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of habitat heterogeneity on host-pathogen population dynamics

The influence of spatial heterogeneity on the population dynamics of a naturally occurring invertebrate host-pathogen system was experimentally investigated. At ten week intervals over a two year period, I quantified the spatial distribution of natural populations of the terrestrial isopod crustacean Porcellio scaber infected with the isopod iridescent virus (IIV). During the seasonally dry periods of summer and early fall in central California, isopod populations were highly aggregated and the degree of patchiness and distance between inhabited patches was greatest. Coincident with increased patchiness and patch spacing was an increase in isopod density within patches. During the wet seasons of winter and spring, isopod population patchiness, inter-patch spacing, and within-patch density was low. Seasonal changes in virus prevalence were negatively correlated with within-patch density, patchiness, and inter-patch spacing. The influence of the spatial distribution of isopods on virus prevalence was also tested in field experiments. The virus was introduced into arrays of artificial habitat patches colonized by isopods in which interpatch distance was varied. The prevalence of resulting infections was monitored at weekly intervals. In addition, dispersal rates between artificial patches and natural patches were quantified and compared. The results showed that isopods in treatments with the smallest inter-patch spacing had the highest virus prevalence, with generally lower prevalence among isopods in more widely spaced patches. The spacing of experimental patches significantly affected virus prevalence, although the experiments did not resolve a clear relationship between patch spacing and virus prevalence. Rates of dispersal between patches decreased with increased patch spacing, and these rates did not differ significantly from dispersal between natural patches. The results suggest that rates of dispersal between isopod subpopulations may be an important component of the infection dynamics in this system. I discuss the consequences of these findings for host-pathogen dynamics in fragmented habitats, and for other ecological interactions in spatially heterogeneous habitats.
Needs Assessments in Rural Areas Issues and Problems

Rural areas are popularly characterized as quiet and tranquil places where individuals can void the psychonoxious aspects of modern living. However, epidemiological studies have demonstrated that significant mental health problems exist in rural communities (Bentz, Hollister, & Edgerton, 1971; Leighton, Leighton, & Armstrong, 1964; Llewellyn- Thomas, 1960). In fact, Husaini, Neff, and Stone (1979) have suggested that a variety of physical and interpersonal problems have higher incidence rates in rural than in urban areas. Despite the apparent need for mental health services, rural communities do not have many of the services that are readily available to urban dwellers (Willie, 1972). This relative absence of mental health services is not a simple reflection of the increased poverty in rural areas. Hoagland (1978) observed that 49% of urban poverty areas had adequate mental health services, yet, only 17.5% of rural poverty areas had such services. Hence, it seems that rural residents present significant mental health needs but receive fewer services (Falcone, 1979).
Killing of Candida albicans Filaments by Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Is Mediated by sopB Effectors, Parts of a Type III Secretion System

Although bacterial-fungal interactions shape microbial virulence during polymicrobial infections, only a limited number of studies have evaluated this interaction on a genetic level. We report here that one interaction is mediated by sopB, an effector of a type III secretion system (TTSS) of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. In these studies, we screened 10 TTSS effector-related mutants and determined their role in the killing of C. albicans filaments in vitro during coinfection in planktonic environments. We found that deleting the sopB gene (which encodes inositol phosphatase) was associated with a significant decrease in C. albicans killing at 25°C after 5 days, similar to that caused by the deletion of sipB (which encodes TTSS translocation machinery components). The sopB deletion dramatically influenced the killing of C. albicans filaments. It was associated with repressed filamentation in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of C. albicans-S. Typhimurium coinfection, as well as with biofilm formation by C. albicans. We confirmed that SopB translocated to fungal filaments through SipB during coinfection. Using quantitative real-time PCR assays, we found that the Candida supernatant upregulated the S. Typhimurium genes associated with C. albicans killing (sopB and sipB). Interestingly, the sopB effector negatively regulated the transcription of CDC42, which is involved in fungal viability. Taken together, these results indicate that specific TTSS effectors, including SopB, play a critical role in bacterial-fungal interactions and are important to S. Typhimurium in order to selectively compete with fungal pathogens. These findings highlight a new role for TTSS of S. Typhimurium in the intestinal tract and may further explain the evolution and maintenance of these traits.
What Best Explains Successful Protest Cascades? ICTs and the Fuzzy Causes of the Arab Spring

It has been 15 years since the last wave of democratization. But as a region, North Africa and the Middle East were noticeably devoid of popular democracy movements—until the early months of 2011. Democratization movements had existed long before technologies like mobile phones and the Internet came to these countries. But with these technologies, people sharing an interest in democracy built extensive networks and activated collective action movements for political change. What might have made regimes more susceptible than others to these uprisings, and what might explain the relative successes of some movements over others? What role does information technology have in the modern recipe for democratization? Weighing multiple political, economic, demographic, and cultural conditions, we find that information infrastructure—especially mobile phone use—consistently appears as one of the key ingredients in parsimonious models for the conjoined combinations of causes behind regime fragility and social movement success. To understand the successes and failures of contemporary political protests, we must also assess how civil society leaders and authoritarian security forces treat communication technologies as democratically consequential.
Method of assessment and symptom reporting in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury

Objectives: We hypothesized that in a sample of veterans (1) frequency and consistency of post-concussive symptom endorsement would differ across assessment methods (detailed physician interview, brief screening interview, or self-report questionnaire checklist) and (2) that participants would endorse more symptoms on the self-report checklist than the screening interview or the physician interview. Methods: To assess the presence and severity of post-concussive symptoms, veterans and current military service members were recruited via newspaper advertisement for a research project to assess history of traumatic brain injury. Participants underwent evaluation, including a brief screening interview (the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Military Traumatic Brain Injury Screening Instrument), a detailed physician interview, and completion of a self-report questionnaire (the Rivermead Post-concussion Questionnaire). Results: Symptom reporting significantly differed across assessment methods for headaches [Q...
“Painting a picture of the client”: Implementing the Addiction Severity Index in community treatment programs

This article discusses the implementation of the Drug Evaluation Network System (DENS) version of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) among substance abuse treatment providers in Los Angeles County. Thirty-two trained and certified treatment professionals from 14 programs participated in focus group interviews about their use of and experiences with the ASI. All 14 programs were currently administering the ASI at the time of the study. Qualitative interviews revealed variation among the programs in terms of when staff administered the ASI and how they used it in clinical care. Although the ASI creates a comprehensive picture of substance-abusing patients and their functioning, the timing of its administration seems to significantly affect the usefulness of the information. The findings illustrate the importance of practicality, flexibility, and ongoing training for the successful implementation of evidence-based practices.
The danger of loose objects in the car: challenges and opportunities for ubiquitous computing

Every year, loose objects inside cars during crashes cause hundreds of serious injuries and even deaths. In this paper, we describe findings from a study of 25 cars and drivers, examining the objects present in the car cabin, the reasons for them being there, and driver awareness of the potential dangers of these objects. With an average of 4.3 potentially dangerous loose objects in a car's cabin, our findings suggest that despite being generally aware of potential risks, considerations of convenience, easy access, and lack of in-the-moment awareness lead people to continue to place objects in dangerous locations in cars. Our study highlights opportunities for addressing this problem by tracking and reminding people about loose objects in cars.
Population density effects on fecundity of Hippelates pusio Loew (Diptera: Chloropidae).

A schematic model is constructed illustrating the pathways and mechanisms of adult density effects on birth rate that have been reported to operate in various taxa of insects. With this model as a guide, experimetal data were collected from laboratory populations of Hippelates pusio Loew within the range of 0.15 to 25 flies per cm3 (sex ratio 1:1), which revealed: a) that adult density did not affect oviposition rate via competition for oviposition site, b) the rates of oviposition for virgin and mated females were not significantly different, and c) density did not affect frequency of copulation to a degree detectable in the hatchability of eggs. These data and previous knowledge on the reproductive biology of Hippelates pusio indicate that the birth rate of this species is independent of adult density, within then density range investigated.
Geometrical matching of images: potential functions and moments

A theory for computational geometry appropriate for geometrical objects specified by point sets (in effect, binary images) is developed. The theory deals with the determination of the transformation that brings two images into registration, and the similarity of optimally registered sets. Several classes of geometric transformations are considered: translation, congruence, and similarity transformations. The theory is based on 'potential functions,' which are shift- and rotation-invariant set comparison functions that are generalizations of cross-correlation and set difference. These functions have the advantage of 'action at a distance,' which facilitates matching of nonoverlapping sets. The type of set comparison function that is admissable depends on the class of transformations under consideration. A relation between potential functions and the use of moments for registration is discovered. >
Conservation in Conflict: the Tale of Two Endangered Species

With its umbrella of provisions, the U.S. Endangered Species Act ( ESA) provides critical protection to threatened or endangered wildlife. It provides minimal guidance, however, on identifying taxa worthy of conservation, lacks guidelines for resolving endangered species conflicts, and subsequent recovery programs often focus on the species rather than the ecosystem. These deficiencies are exemplified by the recovery pro- gram for the San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike ( Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi ) and the recent proposed rule to grant federal protection to one of its predators, the island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ). Recovery actions that have included euthanasia of foxes have likely contributed to a 40-60% decline in the population size of the San Clemente Island fox ( U. l. clementae ), a subspecies listed by the state of California as threatened. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to list four other subspecies of the island fox as endangered but excludes the San Clemente Island fox and the sixth and last subspecies, the San Nicolas Island fox ( U. l. dickeyi ), ignoring their evolutionary distinctness and the recent decline in population size of U. l. clementae. Using published mor- phological and genetic information, we show that the shrike's current taxonomic and legal status should be reevaluated. We also reexamine the current recovery program for the shrike and conclude that the implemen- tation of the ESA's provisions to protect the shrike was species-centric. The shrike recovery program is primar- ily centered on two approaches: the release of captive-bred shrikes and control of native and non-native pred- ators. The predator control program has contributed to the endangerment of the distinct San Clemente Island fox. Given that five of the six fox subspecies face extirpation, the proposed rule to list only four of the six as en- dangered is inadequate. This endangered-species conflict might have been avoided through a more balanced ecosystem approach that considers the ecological role of all native taxa and strives to enhance habitats critical to both the shrike and the fox.
Calibration of high frequency imaging deformable towed arrays

Using synthetic aperture arrays or flexible towed arrays for side scan sonar high frequency imaging may improve performance. Both systems are characterized by an uncertainty on sensors positions. The author presents a way to treat the array shape recovering problem for those applications. Required specifications for synthetic aperture sonar and towed array sonar are compared. The tolerances on shape distortions are considered for array calibration. Ways to calibrate the distorted towed arrays, in order to ensure well-focussed imaging, are described. Calibration and self-calibration methods are presented. >
Prey processing in Leurognathus marmoratus and the evolution of form and function in desmognathine salamanders (Plethodontidae)

Abstract Function and biological role of morphological specialization in desmognathine salamanders are analysed in the light of studies of feeding in Leurognathus marmoratus . Nine morphological features uniquely characterize the Desmognathinae as compared to its sister group, the Plethodontinae, and other salamanders: (1) heavily ossified and strongly articulated skull and mandible; (2) flat, wedgelike head profile; (3) stalked occipital condyles; (4) modified atlas; (5) modified anterior trunk vertebrae; (6) atlanto-mandibular ligaments; (7) enlarged dorsal spinal muscles; (8) enlarged quadrato-pectoralis muscles; and (9) hind limbs relatively larger than forelimbs. Dorsoventral head mobility is increased at the atlanto-occipital joint by the stalked occipital condyles which simultaneously increase the mechanical advantage of the hypertrophied axial muscles that cross the joint. During head depression the atlanto-mandibular ligaments are placed in tension. Force generated by the quadrato-pectoralis muscles is transmitted directly to the mandible, creating a powerful bite with the jaws in full occlusion. Desmognathines use an efficient static pressure system for subduing and/or killing prey items held in the jaws, not a kinetic-inertial mechanism, as previously suggested. Leurognathus exhibits a behaviour ('head-tucking') unique to desmognathines that is consistent with the static-pressure hypothesis. Several desmognathine features (1, 2, 5, 7, 9) are not explicable as adaptations for feeding; these function as locomotory specializations for burrowing, especially for wedging under rocks within and alongside streams. Desmognathines use head-tucking during such wedging and burrowing movements, thus locomotory specializations act in concert with the feeding specializations. We suggest that origin of the atlanto-mandibular ligaments can be considered a 'key innovation' in that it allowed the secondary invasion of stream habitats by adults of ancestral desmognathines.
Swallowing Function and Tracheotomy Dependence After Combined-Modality Treatment Including Free Tissue Transfer for Advanced-Stage Oropharyngeal Cancer†

Objectives/Hypothesis: There are many treatments available for advanced oropharyngeal cancer. Organ-sparing protocols reserve surgery for salvage and are thought to provide adequate rehabilitation. Surgical resection with free tissue transfer may also provide adequate functional rehabilitation. The objective was to describe swallowing status and time to decannulation in a series of patients treated with combined-modality therapy that included free flap reconstruction. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Patient data were obtained from medical records of 20 patients with stage III or IV oropharyngeal carcinoma, who were consecutively treated with surgical tumor extirpation, free flap reconstruction, and postoperative irradiation at a tertiary academic center from 1985 to 2002. The following variables were identified: patient and tumor characteristics, free flap type, irradiation data, and airway and swallowing status before and after treatment. Results: One patient underwent total laryngopharyngectomy, and the remaining 19 patients underwent tracheotomy at the time of definitive surgery. Free flap reconstructions included 1 ulnar and 15 radial forearm fasciocutaneous flaps and 4 fibula osteocutaneous flaps. Postoperatively, all 19 tracheotomized patients had successful decannulation. Average time to decannulation was 15 days (range, 3-42 d). After surgery and before irradiation, 13 patients initiated oral intake, on average, at 19.5 days (range, 7-28 d); 6 patients required no additional supplementation. By 4 months after surgery, having completed radiation therapy, 10 patients were consuming all nutrition orally; the other 10 patients still required tube-feed supplementation, although 6 of these patients were also eating by mouth. Conclusion: Combined-modality treatment that includes free flap reconstruction for advanced-stage oropharyngeal cancer may provide reasonable functional rehabilitation with respect to postoperative airway and swallowing.
Fine‐needle aspiration of dermoid cyst of the pancreas: A case report

A 53-yr-old woman presented with a left upper quadrant abdominal mass attached to the body of the pancreas. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) yielded cyst fluid containing numerous benign, mature squamous cells, keratin debris, and inflammatory cells. The diagnosis of dermoid cyst was subsequently rendered on the resected specimen. The cytologic and histologic features are presented. FNA cytology proves to be a valuable diagnostic adjunct in the preoperative evaluation of a patient with dermoid cyst of the pancreas.
Digital Dilemmas: The Transformation of Scholarly Discourse in the Humanities

The last two decades of the 20th century brought rapid and cataclysmic change to the industrialized world with the introduction and then invasion of computer technology into every aspect of life. Dissemination of scholarly research in many disciplines had migrated from journals and books produced by scholarly societies and university presses to the for-profit sector. As the corporate publishers began reaping profits from the scholarly enterprise, electronic publication and “taking back” the publication of research were solutions proposed to make the dissemination of research affordable for academe. The research library and scholarly publishing communities are collaborating in the establishment of Institutional Repositories and advocating open access to scholarly resources. These initiatives are at the heart of the “transformation of scholarly communication.” The “Digital Dilemma” is posed by need to take advantage of technological dissemination of information juxtaposed with older traditions of the academy. To survive in the “information society” the humanities need to address a broader public. The information commons of the Internet provides a broader international audience for scholarship. This paper explores the issues posed by the “Digital Dilemma” and the changes taking place in humanities scholarship that address those issues.
Autocrine cytokine signaling mediates effects of rhinovirus on airway responsiveness

The airway responses to allergen exposure in allergic asthma are qualitatively similar to those elicited by specific viral respiratory pathogens, most notably rhinovirus (RV), suggesting that the a...
Social Work and Conditional Cash Transfers in Latin America.

Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs are a recent anti-poverty strategy in Latin America. CCT programs provide cash benefits to finance basic needs and foster investment in human capital to extremely poor households. These benefits are conditioned on certain behaviors, usually related to investments in nutrition, health, and education. In the literature, there is a recognizable lack of analyses from social science disciplines related to CCT program implications. This paper contributes in this arena by analyzing the particular role of social work in CCT anti-poverty programs. The educational element of these programs and its theoretical foundation based on the human capital model, the debate around issues of conditionality and targeting, the possible role of CCT programs in a broader reform of social protection systems, and professional practice implications using the Chilean CCT program as a model will be addressed.
Amphibious hearing in ringed seals (Pusa hispida): underwater audiograms, aerial audiograms and critical ratio measurements.

Ringed seals are semi-aquatic marine mammals with a circumpolar Arctic distribution. In this study, we investigate the amphibious hearing capabilities of ringed seals to provide auditory profiles for this species across the full range of hearing. Using psychophysical methods with two trained ringed seals, detection thresholds for narrowband signals were measured under quiet, carefully controlled environmental conditions to generate aerial and underwater audiograms. Masked underwater thresholds were measured in the presence of octave-band noise to determine critical ratios. Results indicate that ringed seals possess hearing abilities comparable to those of spotted and harbor seals, and considerably better than previously reported for ringed and harp seals. Best sensitivity was 49 dB re 1 µPa (12.8 kHz) in water, and -12 dB re 20 µPa (4.5 kHz) in air, rivaling the acute hearing abilities of some fully aquatic and terrestrial species in their respective media. Critical ratio measurements ranged from 14 dB at 0.1 kHz to 31 dB at 25.6 kHz, suggesting that ringed seals—like other true seals—can efficiently extract signals from background noise across a broad range of frequencies. The work described herein extends similar research on amphibious hearing in spotted seals, the results of which were recently published in this journal [Sills et al., J. Exp. Biol. , 217, 726-734 (2014)]. These parallel studies enhance our knowledge of the auditory capabilities of ice-living seals, and inform effective management strategies for these and related species in a rapidly changing Arctic environment.
Contraindications for reparative surgery

In the hospital at Wels, an average of 5% of patients with severe mitral insufficiency receive valve replacement due to contraindications for repair based on valve pathology, e.g. panvalvular fibrosis, calcifications in both commissures or calcification of more than 1/3 of the annulus, calcification of the anterior leaflet with spiderlike stiffening of the chordae tendinae, multiple infectious destruction of the subvalvular apparatus and rupture of chordae in both papillary muscles. These patients are unsuitable for repair [5], [9], [11] (Figs. 35A.1 and 35A.2).
Prostaglandin Modulation of the Vascular Effects of Vasopressin in the Conscious Rat

AbstractExperiments were performed on conscious, male Sprague-Dawley rats to determine whether cyclooxygenase inhibition affects the pressor response to exogenous vasopressin. The rise in arterial blood pressure was tested in response to 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 12.5 mU synthetic arginine vasopressin both before and following cyclooxygenase inhibition with either meclofenamate or the structurally dissimilar inhibitor ibuprofen. In addition, time control experiments were also performed where only the saline vehicle for the drugs was administered. In all animals tested, the increase in arterial pressure in response to the highest three concentrations of vasopressin was greater following cyclooxygenase inhibition than before, while the saline vehicle had no effect. The baroreceptor-mediated bradycardia accompanying the rise in blood pressure was variable, but unaffected by meclofenamate or ibuprofen. It is concluded that vasodilator prostaglandins are released in response to pressor levels of vasopressin, which ac...
Risk Assessment in a Sensor Cloud Framework Using Attack Graphs

A sensor cloud consists of various heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (WSNs). These WSNs may have different owners and run a wide variety of user applications on demand in a wireless communication medium. Hence, they are susceptible to various security attacks. Thus, a need exists to formulate effective and efficient security measures that safeguard these applications impacted from attack in the sensor cloud. However, analyzing the impact of different attacks and their cause-consequence relationship is a prerequisite before security measures can be either developed or deployed. In this paper, we propose a risk assessment framework for WSNs in a sensor cloud that utilizes attack graphs. We use Bayesian networks to not only assess but also to analyze attacks on WSNs. The risk assessment framework will first review the impact of attacks on a WSN and estimate reasonable time frames that predict the degradation of WSN security parameters like confidentiality, integrity and availability. Using our proposed risk assessment framework allows the security administrator to better understand the threats present and take necessary actions against them. The framework is validated by comparing the assessment results with that of the results obtained from different simulated attack scenarios.
The application of computer emulating the behavior of combined force and deformation in down hole

Based on the principle of force and cross-bending,the analysis has been done for combined force and deformation of drilling tool to establish emulation model by using of computer to do computer calculation.This technology is used in oilfield to optimize combination of drilling tools and increase drilling speed.
Children of Military Personnel Missing in Action in Southeast Asia

Children of wartime prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs) experience a prolonged, ambiguous stressor that may have long-term effects on their later personal psychosocial adjustment and health—either positively or negatively. What are those effects? Several studies of children of World War II concentration camp survivors suggest there are deleterious second-generational, perhaps even third-generational, residuals of extreme parental trauma (Bergman & Jucovy, 1982; Danieli, 1985, 1988a, 1988b; Rakoff, 1966; Segal, Hunter, & Segal, 1976; Sigal, 1971). To date, no definitive study has been carried out on the long-term effects on Vietnam-era MIA children, although several preliminary efforts have been made to determine what these effects might be (Benson, McCubbin, Dahl, & Hunter, 1974; Boss, 1980, 1988, 1990; Hunter, 1980, 1982, 1983a, 1983b, 1986a, 1986b, 1988). Comparing the Vietnam War MIA situation and the Holocaust tragedy, the reader may also wonder how those two experiences differ in their future effects on surviving family members.
Private universities in Nigeria: Prevalence, course offerings, cost, and manpower development

Abstract In most countries, the universities are the centers for the production of the nation's high level manpower, knowledge generation, and the bedrock for educating the next generation of leaders. In Nigeria, universities are either owned by the federal or state governments or by private organizations, individuals, or religious groups. Private university education began fully in 1999 during the Obasanjo regime with the establishment of three universities. This has grown to 50 in 2013. This paper captures the current status of private university education in Nigeria, highlighting major issues confronting private university education. Specifically, the purpose of this study includes the following: is there a prevalence of private universities in some states, and what are the issues related to such a situation? What percentage of students is admitted into private universities for selected years? What are the current fees in private universities, how does this compare to state universities, and what are the consequences of such costs? What are the most common academic offerings in selected private universities? What is the quality of instruction based on faculty ranking, faculty qualification, information on faculty publications, and is the university home to any journal? Data was collected using the webpages of the private universities, the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, and the National Universities Commission. Results showed a prevalence of universities in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; the fees were extremely high compared to state universities, academic programs offered were limited, and the faculty qualification was very low, as measured by the number of PhDs and faculty ranking. Recommendations were made to improve the current situation to ensure that private universities play a vital role in national development.
Real time image reconstruction using GPUs for a surgical PET imaging probe system

We present an on-line list-mode image reconstruction system using GPUs for a surgical PET imaging probe system. We used the nVidia GeForce 9800GTX+ and CUDA to reconstruct images. The proposed system can generate a three-dimensional image from simulated data in 70 msec. We also compared the processing time with respect to the number of LORs per subset. We are working on optimizing the CUDA code to reduce the processing time. The data for image reconstruction were obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. The PET imaging probe system provides intermediately reconstructed 3-dimensional images online in order to detect small tumors or remnants of surgically removed tumors either during surgery or preoperatively. The on line image reconstruction requires high speed computation. Even multi-processor computers may not satisfy the requirement. Fortunately, currently available GPUs provide high speed computation. We are exploring a variant of one-pass list-mode OSEM in conjunction with GPU-based coding to provide real time image reconstruction. We present intermediately reconstructed images by consecutively applying a non-overlapping data window or an overlapping data window on data. The PET probe system itself consists of a segment of a conventional PET scanner and a small, high-resolution PET detector equipped with a position-tracker. Coincidence lines-of-response (LORs) are collected between the two detectors. The imaging probe's proximity to the lesions and the small size crystals in the probe contribute to high spatial resolution. The continuously updated 3D image is reprojected in real-time onto a plane whose orientation is driven by the tracking system. Based on the intermediate images and the preoperative PET scans, surgeons can survey suspicious regions in detail. If online reconstruction and display are achievable, the PET imaging probe can be viewed as a handheld, clinician-guided camera capable of seeing the distribution of the radiotracer. Note that the probe suffers from an inherent limited angle tomography problem. However, because we are interested in the FOV that is close to the PET imaging probe, the effect of limited angle tomography may not be so severe. The GPU based image reconstruction system will be integrated with a prototype PET imaging probe. While computation speed is not yet sufficient, it can be improved by using high-end GPUs and optimized CUDA code.
Big Science: Research Collaboration for Evidence-Based Care.

Staring at landscapes made of pill containers amidst mountains of paperwork, patients contemplate their troubling present and their uncertain future. What is best for me? What is best for my family? At least 3 challenges await those seeking an answer to this central question of medicine. The first challenge results from the paucity of trustworthy comparative effectiveness research that directly addresses patient dilemmas. The second challenge relates to what each person values and would consider best for their own situation. Fitting treatments within the context of each person’s life is the third challenge. Ongoing treatments, to work, have to fit into people’s daily routines, weaving seamlessly and constantly into their day-to-day activities.1 It is hard to predict how a new intervention will interact with the existing care plan, and how the care plan will work with each day’s plan. Clinicians cannot discover patient values, preferences, and contexts without interacting meaningfully with patients. To find what is best, clinicians must partner with patients to think, talk, and feel through their situation, use the best research evidence, and craft together the best treatment plan while minimally disrupting their lives.2,3 What sort of evidence enterprise can support that work? Here, I propose that the evidence necessary to support patient-centered care requires a fundamental change in the culture of research. Finding what is best for patients requires generous collaboration for Big Science. The available research produces evidence that clinicians and patients struggle to use to determine what is best for each patient. It is as if the research enterprise was not fit for this purpose. Consider trials determining the value of a treatment by measuring its relative impact on a primary end point. This end point is often a surrogate marker, a laboratory measurement devoid of patient experience, importance or …
Beyond The Endless Frontier

Researchers in the US have been in a state of stress, anxiety and confusion over the past decade. A steady stream of science policy works, politicians and other commentators has delivered a series of warnings to the research community, warnings that often begin with the words: "Now that the Cold War is over..."
Planning curtailment of renewable generation in power grids

The increasing penetration of renewable sources like solar energy add new dimensions in planning power grid operations. We study the problem of curtailing a subset of prosumers generating solar power with the twin goals of being close to a target collection and maintaining fairness across prosumers. The problem is complicated by the uncertainty in the amount of energy fed-in by each prosumer and the large problem size in terms of number of prosumers. To meet these challenges, we propose an algorithm based on the Combinatorial Multi-Armed Bandit problem with an approximate Knapsack based oracle. With real-data on solar panel output across multiple prosumers, we are able to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Murine models of germinal center derived-lymphomas

The germinal center (GC) reaction is an adaptive immune response to select B cells bearing high-affinity B cell receptors (BCRs) to undergo further differentiation into antibody-producing cells or memory B cells. To drive affinity maturation, (GC) B cells undergo rounds of hypermutation and rapid proliferation, which can enhance susceptibility to malignant transformation. Lymphomas frequently originate from GC B cells, but the etiology for most lymphoma subtypes is unknown. Work in the past decade has more fully documented the mutational landscape in lymphomas, but the impact of these genomic lesions is often difficult to ascertain. In addition, while mutations affecting BCR signaling are well studied, the impact of extrinsic microenvironmental factors has not been widely addressed. Murine models are useful tools to study lymphomagenesis and disease progression, as well as potential treatment in a pre-clinical setting. Herein we discuss advances in murine models of lymphoma and how they inform on key characteristics of human lymphomas.
Feasibility and acceptability of “healthy directions” a lifestyle intervention for adults with lung cancer

Objective The aims of this feasibility study of an adapted lifestyle intervention for adults with lung cancer were to (1) determine rates of enrollment, attrition, and completion of 5 nurse-patient contacts; (2) examine demographic characteristics of those more likely to enroll into the program; (3) determine acceptability of the intervention; and (4) identify patient preferences for the format of supplemental educational intervention materials. Methods This study used a single-arm, pretest and posttest design. Feasibility was defined as ≥20% enrollment and a completion rate of 70% for 5 nurse-patient contact sessions. Acceptability was defined as 80% of patients recommending the program to others. Data was collected through electronic data bases and phone interviews. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for analyses. Results Of 147 eligible patients, 42 (28.6%) enrolled and of these, 32 (76.2%) started the intervention and 27 (N = 27/32; 84.4%; 95% CI, 67.2%-94.7%) completed the intervention. Patients who were younger were more likely to enroll in the study (P = .04) whereas there were no significant differences by gender (P = .35). Twenty-three of the 24 (95.8%) participants' contacted posttest recommended the intervention for others. Nearly equal numbers of participants chose the website (n = 16, 50%) vs print (n = 14, 44%). Conclusion The intervention was feasible and acceptable in patients with lung cancer. Recruitment rates were higher and completion rates were similar as compared to previous home-based lifestyle interventions for patients with other types of cancer. Strategies to enhance recruitment of older adults are important for future research.
Inhibitors of Thrombin and Factor Xa

In medicine today, much effort is being made to develop new protease inhibitors for use as anticoagulants in multiple disease states. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, in particular, are major medical problems in the developed world. Similarly, myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease are arterial thromboses for which the addition of anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents have resulted in reduction of adverse events upon presentation and improved treatment outcomes. Therapies for both venous and arterial thrombosis represent major growth areas in the pharmaceutical industry. The basis for many of these anticoagulant agents has arisen from naturally occurring protease inhibitors in man and in other creatures. This interest arises from a need in clinical medicine to improve anticoagulant therapeutics for both naturally occurring disease processes and new medical therapeutic interventions. Characterization of nature’s inhibitors can provide for the development of important therapeutics. Development of novel anticoagulants needs to consider the major clot-forming enzymes in the hemostatic system, thrombin and factor Xa. Thus, protease inhibitors to these two enzymes have the potential to serve as anticoagulants, i.e., to inhibit hemostatic clot formation. In this manuscript, the term “anticoagulants” will be used to describe agents that interfere with proteins that participate in the plasma coagulation system which has been traditionally termed the coagulation cascade. The term “antiplatelet agents” will be used to describe entities that specifically interfere with platelet activation only. Both anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents prevent thrombosis in blood vessels. The term “antithrombotics” will be used in this manuscript to indicate combined anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity of agents.
Why Reid was no dogmatist

According to dogmatism, a perceptual experience with p as its content is always a (defeasible) source of justification for the belief that p. Thomas Reid has been an extant source of inspiration for this view. I argue, however, that, though there is a superficial consonance between Reid’s position and that of the dogmatists, their views are, more fundamentally, at variance with one another. While dogmatists take their position to express a necessary epistemic truth, discernible a priori, Reid holds that if something like dogmatism is true, it is a mere contingent truth, discernible a posteriori. Owing to Reid’s epistemological naturalism, it might have been false that a perceptual experience is, by itself, a source of justification. On account of regarding something like dogmatism as only contingently true, then, Reid accepts the demand for a meta-justification of a sort that dogmatists squarely reject, and purports to meet it. Given that dogmatism essentially involves the rejection of the demand to meet this kind of meta-justification, it would seem that Reid should not be construed as endorsing dogmatism at all. I close by briefly considering how Reid’s view fits amongst dogmatism’s competitors.
Assessment of uncertainty in the numerical simulation of solar irradiance over inclined PV panels: New algorithms using measurements and modeling tools

Abstract Development of accurate transposition models to simulate plane-of-array (POA) irradiance from horizontal measurements or simulations is a complex process mainly because of the anisotropic distribution of diffuse solar radiation in the atmosphere. The limited availability of reliable POA measurements at large temporal and spatial scales leads to difficulties in the comprehensive evaluation of transposition models. This paper proposes new algorithms to assess the uncertainty of transposition models using both surface-based observations and modeling tools. We reviewed the analytical derivation of POA irradiance and the approximation of isotropic diffuse radiation that simplifies the computation. Two transposition models are evaluated against the computation by the rigorous analytical solution. We proposed a new algorithm to evaluate transposition models using the clear-sky measurements at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL) and a radiative transfer model that integrates diffuse radiances of various sky-viewing angles. We found that the radiative transfer model and a transposition model based on empirical regressions are superior to the isotropic models when compared to measurements. We further compared the radiative transfer model to the transposition models under an extensive range of idealized conditions. Our results suggest that the empirical transposition model has slightly higher cloudy-sky POA irradiance than the radiative transfer model, but performs better than the isotropic models under clear-sky conditions. Significantly smaller POA irradiances computed by the transposition models are observed when the photovoltaics (PV) panel deviates from the azimuthal direction of the sun. The new algorithms developed in the current study have opened the door to a more comprehensive evaluation of transposition models for various atmospheric conditions and solar and PV orientations.
A Reversal of Fortunes: Daniel among the Scholars:

Scholarship on the book of Daniel has undergone a significant shift since the publication of K. Koch’s groundbreaking work, The Rediscovery of Apocalyptic, in 1972. Despite significant achievements...
The Control of Smoking

A combination of behavioral techniques such as rapid smoking and covert conditioning seem to be more effective than other methods in eliminating smoking. These procedures are described in detail.
Errors Due to Linearization in Tidal Propagation

Propagation of tidal disturbance is simulated using the St. Venant system of equations which is a partial differential, nonlinear system of hyperbolic type and can be solved by means of numerical methods. However, certain assumptions can reduce the system into the linearized form of Telegrapher’s equation, so that a closed-form solution is feasible. This linearization suppresses the tidal distortion induced by water shallowness, convectional velocities and bottom friction. Another source of error is the semi-empirical calibration of the linearized harmonic parameters.
ON THE AGGREGATIVE FRACTALS CALLED “SQUIGS”, WHICH INCLUDE RECURSIVE MODELS OF POLYMERS AND OF PERCOLATION CLUSTERS

Aggregation processes yield random fractals in non-recursive fashion. Polymers and percolation clusters are also constructed non-recursively. For various purposes, it is useful to imitate and illustrate each of the resulting fractals in a manner that is both recursive and random. The present note introduces an especially convenient class of such illustrations, using the vocabulary of aggregation, and serves as extended legend to several illustrations.
Dental Implants: A Role in Geriatric Dentistry for the General Practice?

ABSTRACT Background In the general population, the use of dental implants has become a management strategy for replacing missing teeth. As part of the treatment plan for the aging population, general dentists should consider this treatment modality in their practices. Overview This study reviews specific issues concerning the aging population and tooth replacement therapies. Older people often desire to replace missing teeth, but they have complex medical, social, economic and resource issues that must be accounted for in their treatment plan. Dentists need to give careful attention to the patient-based assessment, diagnostic criteria and diagnostic steps to help the patient and family understand the strengths and challenges of each type of tooth replacement therapy. The author emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation and assessment of fixed versus removable implant–retained prostheses in the aging population. Conclusions and Clinical Implications For many general dentists, dental implants have become an increasingly common treatment option for missing dentition. With the population becoming increasingly older worldwide, the general dentist will be confronted with patients who have complex medical and social histories who desire tooth replacement therapy. The rational delivery of this oral health care will assist in providing a high quality of life for these patients.
An Untethered Ankle Exoskeleton Improves Walking Economy in a Pilot Study of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy

The high energy cost of walking in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) contributes significantly to reduced mobility and quality of life. The purpose of this paper was to develop and clinically evaluate an untethered ankle exoskeleton with the ability to reduce the metabolic cost of walking in children and young adults with gait pathology from CP. We designed a battery-powered device consisting of an actuator-and-control module worn above the waist with a Bowden cable transmission used to provide torque to pulleys aligned with the ankle. Special consideration was made to minimize adding mass to the body, particularly distal portions of the lower-extremity. The exoskeleton provided plantar-flexor assistance during the mid-to-late stance phase, controlled using a real-time control algorithm and embedded sensors. We conducted a device feasibility and a pilot clinical evaluation study with five individuals with CP ages five through thirty years old. Participants completed an average of 130 min of exoskeleton-assisted walking practice. We observed a 19±5% improvement in the metabolic cost of transport (p = 0.011) during walking with untethered exoskeleton assistance compared to how participants walked normally. These preliminary findings support the future investigation of powered ankle assistance for improving mobility in this patient population.