cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Active Learning with Cost and Memory Awareness

Active Learning (AL) is a methodology from Machine Learning and Design of Experiments (DOE) in which the quantities of interest are measured sequentially and the corresponding surrogate models are constructed incrementally. AL provides compelling optimizations over static DOE in applications with engineering processes where the cost of individual experiments is significant. It also helps perform series of computer experiments in parameter sweeps and performance analysis studies. One of the non-trivial tasks in the design of AL systems is the selection of algorithms for cost-efficient exploration of the input spaces of interest: AL needs to balance ""exploitation"" of experiments with modest costs and careful ""exploration"" of expensive configurations. Finding this balance in an automatic and general manner is challenging yet desirable in practice. In this paper, we investigate the application of AL algorithms to Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) performed on a supercomputer. We use AL in conjunction with Gaussian Process Regression for the incremental modeling of cost and memory usage of a series of AMR simulations of a shock-bubble interaction phenomenon. In the studied 5-dimensional input parameter space – with physical, numerical, and machine parameters – we allow AL to guide experimentation across hundreds of configurations. We develop and evaluate a novel multi-objective AL experiment selection algorithm which prioritizes cost-efficient exploration of available configurations and at the same time avoids simulations that violate memory constraints.
The utility of an omni-directional photoelectronic sensor device to measure meso-scale variability in aeolian sediment transport activity

Abstract Electronic sensors (i.e., acoustic, piezoelectric, and photoelectric) have been utilized extensively and effectively in recent years for measuring aeolian transport intensity. The bulk of these studies, however, position the devices in stationary, fixed orientation during field experiments. These practices work fine for shorter, micro-scale field studies; yet, during longer experiments lasting months or even years, a fixed directional orientation is unrealistic due to shifts in wind direction. This issue has ultimately limited the use of electronic sensors for meso-scale aeolian research. In light of this constraint, this paper presents a device to measure aeolian transport activity across a 360-degree azimuthal range. The Rotating Wenglor Device (RWD) was deployed on Santa Rosa Island, Florida for a three-month field study. The data reveal that the prevailing transport activity did not align with the dominant wind direction. The implications of this finding can be further elucidated when analyzing our data using the Fryberger drift potential model. Our findings indicate that the traditional Fryberger method, constructed using our wind data, produced a resultant transport drift towards the northwest; however, the RWD illustrated a resultant transport direction towards the northeast and at a rate three times slower. These finding highlights a major benefit of the RWD as it would produce a more accurate measure of meso-scale transport activity and therefore dune development than models derived strictly from meteorological station data, such as the Fryberger method. An additional advantage of the RWD is that the device operates unattended for extended periods, yet can provide high-resolution data regarding micro-scale transport dynamics.
A MODEL SIMULATION OF THE SOLAR ENERGY IMPINGING ON THE GIZA PYRAMIDS

A simulation model of the solar energy impinging on stone blocks is made to ascertain theimpact of solar radiation on the walls of the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. The model considers thesolar radiation hitting the upper surface, and the vertical sides of stone blocks on the four walls.The calculation concerns: the solar height and azimuth; the daily total amount of solar radiation;the instantaneous values of the flux of solar radiation. The results are reported and discussed,pointing out the main features of the daily and seasonal cycles, as well as the impact on thevarious exposures.
EPPS treatment attenuates traumatic brain injury in mice by reducing Aβ burden and ameliorating neuronal autophagic flux

Abstract Beta-amyloid (Aβ) burden and impaired neuronal autophagy contribute to secondary brain injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinepropanesulphonic acid (EPPS) treatment has been reported to reduce Aβ aggregation and rescue behavioral deficits in Alzheimer's disease-like mice. Here, we investigated neuroprotective effects of EPPS in a mouse model of TBI. Mice subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) were treated with EPPS (120 mg/kg, orally) immediately after CCI and thereafter once daily for 3 or 7 days. We found that EPPS treatment profoundly reduced the accumulation of beta-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) and Aβ over a widespread area detected in the pericontusional cortex, external capsule (EC), and hippocampal CA1 and CA3 at 3 days after TBI, accompanied by significant reduction in the TBI-induced diffuse axonal injury identified by increased immunoreactivity of SMI-32 (an indicator for axonal damage). We also found that EPPS treatment ameliorated the TBI-induced synaptic damage (as reflected by enhanced postsynaptic density 95, PSD-95), and impairment of autophagy flux in the neurons as reflected by reduced autophagy markers (LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and p62/SQSTM1) and increased lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D (CTSD) in neurons detected in the cortex and hippocampal CA1. As a result, EPPS treatment significantly reduced the TBI-induced early neuronal apoptosis (assessed by active caspase-3), and eventually prevented cortical tissue loss and hippocampal neuronal loss at 28 days after TBI. Additionally, we found that inhibition of autophagic flux with chloroquine by decreasing autophagosome-lysosome fusion significantly reversed the decreased expressions of neuronal p62/SQSTM1 and apoptosis by EPPS treatment. These data suggest that the neuroprotection by EPPS is, at least in part, related to improved autophagy flux. Finally, we found that EPPS treatment significantly improved the cortex-dependent motor and hippocampal-dependent cognitive deficits associated with TBI. Taken together, these findings support the further investigation of EPPS as a treatment for TBI.
Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 Facilitates Uterine Artery Adaptation During Pregnancy in Mice

Background Decreased uterine blood flow is known to contribute to pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Previously, we showed that the loss of regulator of G protein signaling 2 ( RGS 2), a GTP ase activating protein for Gq/11 and Gi/o class G proteins, decreases uterine blood flow in the nonpregnant state in mice. Here, we examined the effects of the absence of RGS 2 and 5 on uterine blood flow and uterine vascular structure and function at early, mid, and late gestation, as well as peripartum period in mice. Methods and Results Abdominal Doppler ultrasonography was performed on adult female wild-type, Rgs2-/-, and Rgs5-/- mice at pre-pregnancy, gestational days 10, 15, and 18, and postpartum day 3. Uterine artery structure and function were also assessed by vessel myograph studies. At mid-pregnancy, uterine blood flow decreased in both Rgs2-/- and Rgs5-/- mice, whereas resistive index increased only in Rgs2-/- mice. In uterine arteries from wild-type mice, mRNA expression of RGS 2 and 4 increased, whereas RGS 5 expression remained elevated at mid-pregnancy. These changes in gene expression were unique to uterine arteries because they were absent in mesenteric arteries and the aorta of wild-type mice. In Rgs2-/- mice, uterine artery medial cross-sectional area and G protein-coupled receptor-mediated vasoconstriction increased in mid-pregnancy, implicating a role for RGS 2 in structural and functional remodeling of uterine arteries during pregnancy. In contrast, RGS 5 absence increased vasoconstriction only in the peripartum period. Conclusions These data together indicate that RGS 2 plays a critical role in the structural and functional remodeling of uterine arteries to impact uterine blood flow during pregnancy. Targeting the signaling pathway regulated by RGS 2 may therefore be a therapeutic strategy for ameliorating utero-placental perfusion disorders during pregnancy.
Management of psoriasis as a systemic disease: what is the evidence?

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic immune-mediated disease characterized by development of erythematous, indurated, scaly, pruritic and often painful skin plaques. Psoriasis pathogenesis is driven by proinflammatory cytokines and psoriasis is associated with increased risk for comorbidities, including, but not limited to, psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease compared with the general population. OBJECTIVES To explore the pathophysiological relationship between psoriasis and its common comorbidities and discuss the need for new treatment paradigms that include strategies to reduce systemic inflammation in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. METHODS This narrative review summarizes the published evidence related to the ability of biological therapies to ameliorate the consequences of systemic inflammation in patients with psoriasis. RESULTS Current evidence suggests that preventing damage associated with inflammation, and preventing development of future inflammatory damage and comorbidities, may be a potentially achievable treatment goal for many patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis when biological therapies are utilized early in the disease. Encouraging data from recent studies suggest that the loftier goal of reversing existing inflammatory damage and improving signs and symptoms of inflammatory comorbidities could also possibly be attainable. CONCLUSIONS Results from ongoing prospective studies regarding the effects of biologics on markers of systemic inflammation in patients with psoriasis will strengthen the clinical evidence base that can be used to inform treatment decisions for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. What's already known about this topic? Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease and treatments are needed to optimize patient outcomes. What does this study add? This review discusses new psoriasis treatment paradigms that may potentially reduce effects of systemic inflammation. Evidence demonstrating that biological treatment may prevent or reverse inflammatory damage associated with psoriasis comorbidities is reviewed.
Osteochondral lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge: a rare, subtle but important finding on advanced imaging in patients with elbow pain

To characterize the radiographic, CT, and MRI appearance of clinically and/or surgically proven osteochondral lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge. Ten years of medical charts with elbow radiographic, CT, and MRI studies were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with pathology isolated to the lateral trochlear ridge were included. Studies were reviewed by two radiologists. Identifiable pathology on each type of study was noted and characterized. Ten elbow studies were included, all from males aged 15 to 58 years (mean 29 years). Five elbow radiographs were normal, one showed mixed lucency and sclerosis of the lateral trochlear ridge, and four demonstrated small osseous fragments adjacent to the ridge. In all cases, CT demonstrated focal lucency at the cortical surface of the lateral trochlear ridge; 8 contained small osseous fragments, axial plane maximum width ranged from 5 to11 mm, depth from 1 to 2 mm. Focal bone marrow edema in the subchondral lateral trochlear ridge was found in the 6 cases with MR images. Two demonstrated linear high signal underlying the in situ osseous fragment, faintly visible on MRI. In 9 cases, arthroscopy was performed within 3 months of imaging. The remaining patient was treated conservatively with casting. Osteochondral lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge are rare but important, as these patients go on to arthroscopy at a high rate. If an abnormality of the lateral trochlear ridge is seen or suspected, we recommend CT as the best imaging study to define these lesions.
Fluorescent tagging for environmental surface cleaning surveillance in a veterinary hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of fluorescent tagging for environmental surface cleaning surveillance in a small animal veterinary hospital and identify factors associated with tag removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over 5.5 weeks, a commercial fluorescent dye (Glo Germ) was used to tag (mark) surfaces in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital. Twenty‐four hours after tagging, cleaning was assessed with a black light (UV‐A source). Surfaces were recorded as cleaned based on complete removal of fluorescent tagging at assessment. Proportions cleaned were calculated overall and by predictors (i.e. surface location/type, primary nature of surface contact – animal/human, week of study). RESULTS: A total of 4984 surfaces were tagged and assessed. Overall cleaning was 50%. Cleaning varied by surface/object (range: 2 to 100%) and hospital location (4 to 78%). Surfaces designated as having primarily animal contact were cleaned more frequently than those with primarily human contact (75%, 42%; P<0.001). Cleaning varied over the study period (range by week: 45 to 54%;); a significant trend was not identified. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Key surfaces in the small animal veterinary practice environment are unlikely to be adequately cleaned, posing a concern for animal and human health. Commercial products can be effectively used to asses environmental cleaning with findings used to target clinic‐specific barriers to improve cleaning and reduce hospital‐associated infections.
The Role of Urban Growth in Resilience of Communities Under Flood Risk

Flood risk to urban communities is increasing significantly as a result of the integrated effects of climate change and socioeconomic development. The latter effect is one of the main drivers of rising flood risk has received less attention in comparison to climate change. Economic development and population growth are major causes of urban expansion in flood-prone areas, and a comprehensive understanding of the impact of urban growth on flood risk is an essential ingredient of effective flood risk management. At the same time, planning for community resilience has become a national and worldwide imperative in recent years. Enhancements to community resilience require well-integrated and enormous long-term public and private investments. Accordingly, comprehensive urban growth plans should take rising flood risk into account to ensure future resilient communities through careful collaboration between engineers, geologists, socialists, economists, and urban planners within the framework of life-cycle analysis. This paper highlights the importance of including urban growth in accurate future flood risk assessment and how planning for future urbanization should include measurement science-based strategies in developing policies to achieve more resilient communities.
A Review and Psychometric Evaluation of Multidimensional Scales of Functional Impairment and Recommendations for Practice

Assessment of functional impairment provides information that is complementary to diagnostic criteria information and is critical for identifying targets for intervention and evaluating treatment o...
When the At-Risk Do Not Develop Heart Failure: Understanding Positive Deviance Among Postmenopausal African American and Hispanic Women

ABSTRACT Background African American and Hispanic postmenopausal women have the highest risk for heart failure compared with other races, but heart failure prevalence is lower than expected in some national cohorts. It is unknown whether psychosocial factors are associated with lower risk of incident heart failure hospitalization among high-risk postmenopausal minority women. Methods and Results Using the Women's Health Initiative Study, African American and US Hispanic women were classified as high-risk for incident heart failure hospitalization with 1 or more traditional heart failure risk factors and the highest tertile heart failure genetic risk scores. Positive psychosocial factors (optimism, social support, religion) and negative psychosocial factors (living alone, social strain, depressive symptoms) were measured using validated survey instruments at baseline. Adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios of developing heart failure hospitalization were determined with death as a competing risk. Positive deviance indicated not developing incident heart failure hospitalization with 1 or more risk factors and the highest tertile for genetic risk. Among 7986 African American women (mean follow-up of 16 years), 27.0% demonstrated positive deviance. Among high-risk African American women, optimism was associated with modestly reduced risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.91–0.99), and social strain was associated with modestly increased risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.12) in the initial models; however, no psychosocial factors were associated with heart failure hospitalization in fully adjusted analyses. Among 3341 Hispanic women, 25.1% demonstrated positive deviance. Among high-risk Hispanic women, living alone was associated with increased risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.06–3.63) in unadjusted analyses; however, no psychosocial factors were associated with heart failure hospitalization in fully adjusted analyses. Conclusions Among postmenopausal African American and Hispanic women, a significant proportion remained free from heart failure hospitalization despite having the highest genetic risk profile and 1 or more traditional risk factors. No observed psychosocial factors were associated with incident heart failure hospitalization in high-risk African Americans and Hispanics. Additional investigation is needed to understand protective factors among high-risk African American and Hispanic women.
The Importance of Externally Focused Self-awareness to Family Entrepreneurship

Self-awareness is not simply an internal understanding of ourselves (strengths, weaknesses, values, hopes, personality traits, etc.). There is an externally focused aspect of self-awareness that considers our ability to anticipate how others experience us (Taylor, Redefining leader self-awareness by integrating the second component of self-awareness. Journal of Leadership Studies, 3(4), 57–68, 2010). Entrepreneurial activity in a family likely occurs and is maintained over time when the nature of the family relationships is overall positive and closely connected. One of the ways to create such relationships is to invest in the development of externally focused self-awareness in the family.
Exact Timing Analysis: Algorithm

The main problem in using the analysis strategy of the previous chapter is the exponential explosion of the space requirement for storing each of the responses and response constraints at each circuit element. This in turn causes an exponential explosion in run-time necessary to generate the responses. The approach described in this chapter relies on the fact that many of the event times of responses at a given circuit element will be identical (depending on the level of quantization of delay times). These responses with identical event times are collapsed into one response and the response constraints are stored implicitly in a Response Dependency Graph (RDG). In this way, the space requirement is drastically reduced, and the major time complexity becomes searching the RDG to determine if responses are actually possible.
Preferences and Demand

Chapter 4 analyzes optimization and its implications for utility maximization subject to one or more constraints, and it develops the relationship between money income and the quantity consumed of a good. This chapter addresses the effects of changes in the good’s price. Such a change causes both the relative prices of the goods consumed and the consumer’s real income to change. Initially, analysis is based on the CES utility function. Then the analysis turns to the case of a Giffen good. A large amount of time is spent on the latter, not because of its inherent importance, but because it provides added insights into the nature of the consumer’s reaction to price and income changes.
Novel human malignancy-associated gene (MAG) expressed in various tumors and in some tumor preexisting conditions

We have identified a novel human malignancy-associated gene (MAG) expressed in various malignant tumors including glioblastomas and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and in tumor preexisting conditions such as hepatitis C virus- and hepatitis B virus-induced liver cirrhosis. The expression of MAG was characterized using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR, RNA dot blotting, RNase protection assay, and Northern blot analysis. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR yielded a 536-bp MAG fragment in HCC, macroregenerative liver nodules with dysplasia, and liver cirrhosis but not in normal liver or placenta. By RT-PCR, MAG expression was not found in 12 different normal tissues but found in 46 of 51 (90%) premalignant and malignant tissues of various sites. Embryonic liver and brain were positive for MAG expression together with tumors from the same organs, but the corresponding normal adult tissues were negative. By RNase protection assay, MAG mRNA was expressed in the HepG2 liver tumor cell line and in an ovarian carcinoma but not in normal liver. The estimated transcript size from Northern blot analysis was 8.8 kb. This novel gene may play a role in the progression of premalignant conditions and in the development of HCC and other cancers.
What Should Be Done with Equity Theory

The distribution of rewards and resources is a universal phenomenon that occurs in social systems of all sizes, from small groups to whole societies (Parsons, 1951; Parsons, Shils, & Olds, 1951). All groups, organizations, and societies deal with the question of allocating rewards, punishments, and resources. The manner in which a social system deals with these issues has great impact on its effectiveness and on the satisfaction of its members. For these reasons, it is not surprising that social scientists from many disciplines—political scientists, economists, sociologists, and psychologists—have been concerned with the problem of allocation (e.g., Jones & Kaufman, 1974; Leventhal, 1976a; Pondy, 1970).
Image processing technique for semiautomatic detection of cartilage boundaries on OCT images

We used a cartilage boundary detection technique based on adaptive filtering, edge detection, and edge linking by graph searching. The quantitative measurements of cartilage thickness on OCT images correlated well with measurements from histology.
A rare coronary anomaly: origin of the right coronary artery from the left ventricular outflow tract

A previously healthy 15-year-old male was referred for the evaluation of a murmur. His initial workup included an echocardiogram and subsequent catheter angiogram. The right coronary artery was not seen on an aortogram ( Panel A , Supplementary material online, Cine 1 ). Selective left coronary arteriograms demonstrated multiple large collaterals between the left anterior descending …
$p$-adic properties of Maass forms arising from theta series

We investigate arithmetic properties of the Fourier coefficients of certain harmonic weak Maass forms of weight $1/2$ and $3/2$. Each of the forms in question is the sum of a holomorphic function and a period integral of a theta series. In particular, for any positive integer $M$ coprime to $6$ we prove that the coefficients of the holomorphic function satisfy Ramanujan-type congruences modulo $M$, and establish sufficient conditions under which they are well-distributed modulo $\ell^j$ for primes $\ell \geq 5$. As an example we show that our results apply to Ramanujan's mock theta function $\omega(q)$.
Vehicle Iconic Surround Observer: Visualization platform for intelligent driver support applications

With the introduction of intelligent driver support systems, vehicles have become more comfortable and safer. But, these systems require new sensors and the information they contain must be efficiently presented to the driver. The cognitive demands for interpreting these signals may prove to be a distraction with negative impact on driving performance. This work describes a unified visualization scheme, the Vehicle Iconic Surround Observer, capable of introducing new surround sensors into a common display environment which quickly conveys critical surround context with minimal driver interpretation.
HIV trends in African blood donors

Abstract Objectives: To assess trends over the last 12 years in HIV-1/HIV-2 seroprevalence among blood donors in African nations and to correlate trends with national AIDS policies, with the purpose of preventing future cases. Methods: Using collated data of African seroepidemiologic studies published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, we established a best-fit linear trend, determined by regression analysis of HIV-1 and HIV-2 seroprevalence values for African blood donors against tune, with adjustments for sample size of reported studies. Results: Among 38 nations with sufficient data, 11 showed increases in HIV-1 seroprevalence, six showed decreases and 21 showed no significant changes. Decreases were seen primarily in nations with a nigh HIV-1 seroprevalence before 1989 ( P Conclusions: A great disparity exists in trends in HIV -1 seroprevalence arriong African nations. HIV-2 seroprevalence is consistently decreasing throughout most of West Africa, the exception being Nigeria. The absence of any significant correlation between HIV seroprevalence trends and healthcare policies suggests that other factors are more influential than national policy in determining such trends and, by extrapolation, trends in AIDS prevalence.
Liver polyploidy: Influence of age and dietary restriction

Abstract Polyploidy increase with age in mammalian liver. Since dietary restriction increases lifespan, the question posed in this study was whether liver polyploidy would be influenced by dietary protein restriction. Restricted mice were fed a 4% protein diet, while control mice received a 26% protein diet. Polyploidy was determined from measurements of nuclear diameter on liver of 3 week, 1 1 2 , 3, 10, 20, 20 and 24 1 2 month old Swiss albino mice. The percentage of polyploid cells increased steadily with age. The rate of increase, expressed as the polyploidization index, was greater in the fully fed control animals as compared to the animals on protein restriction. Protein restriction thus retards the age associated process of polyploidization of liver nuclei. Nuclear diameter increased slightly with age, but was not influenced by protein restriction.
Pramipexole v. levodopa as initial treatment for Parkinson's disease: a randomized clinical-economic trial.

Purpose.To determine the 2-year incremental cost effectiveness of initial pramipexole treatment compared with initial levodopa treatment in patientswith early Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods.301 subjects with early PD were randomized to either pramipexole or levodopa and followed every 3 months over a 2-year period. Costs were assigned to patient collected health utilization data using a variety of methods. Health state preferences were estimated using the EuroQol.Results.Pramipexole strategy was an estimated $2,138 (SE = $1,182) more expensive than levodopa strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness of pramipexole compared with levodopa was $106,900/QALY (EQ-5D), compared withpramipexole being dominated by levodopa using the EQVAS.Conclusions.Although considerable uncertainty exists in the 2-year cost-effectiveness of initial pramipexole compared with initial levodopa in the treatment of early PD, our estimates suggest that pramipexole may not be welfare enhancing during the first 2 years of treatment...
Pedogenesis and Cementation in Calcareous Till in Indiana

Glacial till is extensive in the north central USA. In Indiana, it is calcareous and dense and has high strength and low hydraulic conductivity. It limits root growth and water movement. Its strength has been attributed to compression by thick glacial ice resting on till during deposition. It is not known if chemical cementation also contributes to its strength. In some soils, argillans coat the large prisms in the till-derived C horizons, and in others, calcans coat the prisms. The objective of this study was to learn if the kind of cutans indicates how water moves through till and if some of the till's strength is due to chemical cementation. We sampled six pedons in Delaware County, Indiana, to a depth of 3 m. Soils with argillans in the till-derived upper C horizon had outwash strata 2 to 3 m below the surface, and those with calcans lacked outwash. We postulate that argillans indicate that water moves through planar voids in the till and into outwash strata and calcans indicate that the planar voids end in the till. To look for possible cementing agents, we extracted soil samples with add oxalate ( o ), dtrate-bicarbonate-dithionite ( d ), and NaOH ( n ) and determined Fe, Al, and Si in the extracts. We also determined soil strength with a modulus of rupture test. Strength was higher in Cd horizons than in the solum, so strength was lost during soil formation. Strength was positively correlated with extractable Si (Si 0 , Si d , and/or Si n ) and CaCO 3 equivalent and was negatively correlated with clay and extractable Fe and Al. We conclude that the strength of the glacial till C horizons is due in part to weak cementation by silica, carbonates, or both.
Anesthetic management of a morbidly obese woman with a massive ovarian cyst

Morbid obesity affects 3% to 5% of the U.S. population and poses challenging problems to the anesthesiologist during the perioperative period. We present a unique case of the management of a morbidly obese woman complicated by a massive ovarian cyst. The major cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and technical features special to this patient population are discussed.
Geochemistry of chemical weapon breakdown products on the seafloor: 1,4-thioxane in seawater.

The long-term fate of chemical weapon debris disposed of in the ocean some 50 years ago, now sinking into marine sediments and leaking into the ocean environment, is poorly known. Direct evidence exists showing chemical weapon agents actively being released on the sea floor with detrimental effects including harm to marine life. Thus there is strong interest in determining the fate and lifetime of these materials, their decomposition products, and the affected zones around these sites. Here we study the geochemical properties of a mustard gas breakdown product, 1,4-thioxane (TO), using Raman spectroscopy. We show that TO forms a hydrate with a help-gas (a second guest added to stabilize the hydrate), such as methane or hydrogen sulfide, with the hydrate stability regime some 10 °C above pure methane hydrate. The temperature, pressure, and reducing conditions required for hydrate formation commonly occur at known disposal sites. The TO solubility was measured in seawater and found to vary from 0.65 to 0.63...
A simplified analysis of transverse ply cracking in cross-ply laminates

Abstract This paper presents a method of analyzing transverse crack initiation and multiplication in symmetric cross-ply laminates. The method is based on the concept of a through-the-thickness inherent flaw and the energy balance principle. With a second-order polynomial assumed for the crack opening displacement, the perturbed stress field due to the presence of ply cracks is determined from the equilibrium conditions. The energy released as a result of ply cracking is then calculated and used to predict the increase in crack density. Based on an experimental correlation of the analytical result, a resistance curve is proposed to be used as a measure of the resistance to crack multiplication. The resistance to crack multiplication is shown to increase with the increasing crack density.
Anaphoric reference in clinical reports

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights? Annotated 180 clinical reports to indicate anaphor-antecedent pairs. ? Identity was the most frequent relation, with set/subset and part/whole too. ? Accurate resolution will require extensive domain knowledge. ? Annotations can be used to develop anaphoric resolution algorithms. MotivationExpressions that refer to a real-world entity already mentioned in a narrative are often considered anaphoric. For example, in the sentence "The pain comes and goes," the expression "the pain" is probably referring to a previous mention of pain. Interpretation of meaning involves resolving the anaphoric reference: deciding which expression in the text is the correct antecedent of the referring expression, also called an anaphor. We annotated a set of 180 clinical reports (surgical pathology, radiology, discharge summaries, and emergency department) from two institutions to indicate all anaphor-antecedent pairs. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of the corpus in terms of the frequency of anaphoric relations, the syntactic and semantic nature of the members of the pairs, and the types of anaphoric relations that occur. Understanding how anaphoric reference is exhibited in clinical reports is critical to developing reference resolution algorithms and to identifying peculiarities of clinical text that may alter the features and methodologies that will be successful for automated anaphora resolution. ResultsWe found that anaphoric reference is prevalent in all types of clinical reports, that annotations of noun phrases, semantic type, and section headings may be especially important for automated resolution of anaphoric reference, and that separate modules for reference resolution may be required for different report types, different institutions, and different types of anaphors. Accurate resolution will probably require extensive domain knowledge-especially for pathology and radiology reports with more part/whole and set/subset relations. ConclusionWe hope researchers will leverage the annotations in this corpus to develop automated algorithms and will add to the annotations to generate a more extensive corpus.
Recognizing unnecessary clauses in resolution based systems

We concentrate on the problem of unnecessary inference in the context of resolution based systems. In such systems several strategies have been developed that allow for the delection of clauses without sacrificing completeness. Unfortunately these strategies fail to recognize other frequently generated unnecessary formulas. We will present a generalized subsumption theorem that can be used to recognize such formulas and to develop new deletion methods which retain completeness.
Surface acoustic wave measurements of surface cracks in ceramics

An investigation of scattering from surface cracks has been conducted. In particular, the change in the reflection coefficient of a Rayleigh wave incident on a surface indentation crack has been measured as the sample is stressed to fracture. The acoustic measurements have been correlated with the stable crack extension that precedes final failure. The crack extension behavior of as-indented specimens was found to differ appreciably from that of annealed specimens. Cracks in the annealed samples exhibited partial crack tip closure, but little stable extension, whereas cracks in the as-indented samples displayed both crack closure and irreversible crack growth. This behavior has been rationalized by invoking concepts based upon the residual stresses created by indentation.
Frequency of prenatal loss in a macaque breeding colony

An accurate knowledge of the historical incidence of prenatal loss is essential for management of breeding colonies and for performing developmental toxicity studies in nonhuman primates. Data from the California Regional Primate Research Center indoor (timed-mated) and outdoor (random-mated) colonies of rhesus, cynomolgus, and bonnet macaques (Macaca mulatta, M. fascicularis, and M. radiata) were evaluated for a 10 year breeding period from 1984 to 1993. Pregnancy outcome data for the three species of macaques summarized in this report indicate that early pregnancy as well as term are vulnerable periods of gestation in terms of prenatal loss. Prematurity as well as twinning were additionally associated with elevated rates of loss during the prenatal or neonatal period. The incidence of pregnancy failure did not appear to be related to different housing/management conditions (i.e., indoor timed-mated vs. outdoor random-mated), parity, animal handling, shipping, or relocation. Some of the annual fluctuations in abortions could be related to disease outbreaks (e.g., measles, pneumonia) in the colony. These data will be invaluable in planning for research needs which focus on developmental biology and perinatology, and in interpreting the significance of abortions following exposure to experimental agents in small numbers of animals. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of blocking sulfhydryl groups and of reducing disulfide bonds on the acetylcholine-activated permeability system of the electroplax.

Abstract The depolarization of the single-cell preparation of the electroplax of Elecrophorus electricus by acetylcholine, carbamylcholine, and trimethylbutylammonium ion is inhibited by prior treatment of the electroplax with p- chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) or with 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT). The inhibition by either agent is characterized by an increase in the concentration of carbamylcholine eliciting a half-maximal response with no great change in the maximum response. The inhibition due to PCMB is reversed by subsequent treatment with thiol compounds, and that due to DTT is reversed by oxidizing agents and by cysteine (but not by other thiol compounds). Washing alone has no effect on the inhibition due to either agent. Treatment of the electroplax with N- ethylmaleimide (NEM) after DTT blocks the reversal of the inhibition by oxidizing agents and by cysteine, added subsequently. NEM alone under the same conditions has no direct effect on the depolarization. It is concluded that PCMB is reacting with sulfhydryl groups and DTT with disulfide bonds, present in one or more component of the acetylcholine-activated permeability system at the junctional regions of the innervated membrane of the electroplax. The evidence is taken as support for the view that some of the components of this system are proteins.
Preparation of oils for bacterial mutagenicity testing

4 procedures used to prepare fossil-derived oils for bacterial mutagenicity testing have been examined. These are, (a) dewaxing by partitioning the oil between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and cyclohexane, (b) incorporating a surfactant to increase compatibility of the oil with the bioassay media, (c) directly slurrying the oil in DMSO, and (d) computing the mutagenicity of the oil by summing the contributions of individual chemical class fractions. DMSO slurries generally exhibit higher mutagenicities than computed by summing the contributions of chemical class fractions. Results of testing DMSO-slurries correlate (r = 0.87) well, however, with those obtained by summation. Mutagenicity results agree within a factor of two for the samples tested by 4 sample preparation procedures.
Onconeural antigens and the paraneoplastic neurologic disorders: at the intersection of cancer, immunity, and the brain

Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders (PNDs) are believed to be autoimmune neuronal degenerations that develop in some patients with systemic cancer. A series of genes encoding previously undiscovered neuronal proteins have been cloned using antiserum from PND patients. Identification of these onconeural antigens suggests a reclassification of the disorders into four groups: those in which neuromuscular junction proteins, nerve terminal/vesicle-associated proteins, neuronal RNA binding proteins, or neuronal signal-transduction proteins serve as target antigens. This review considers insights into basic neurobiology, tumor immunology, and autoimmune neuronal degeneration offered by the characterization of the onconeural antigens.
Estimation of suspended-sediment rating curves and mean suspended-sediment loads

Suspended-sediment loads are often estimated from an empirical relation between suspended-sediment load (L) and streamflow (S). This relation is usually defined as a power function, L = aSb, and is referred to as a suspended-sediment rating curve. This function can be formulated as either a linear or non-linear model to find the solution of the rating-curve parameters (a and b). Formulation of the power function as a linear model requires a logarithmic transformation to linearize the function and a subsequent correction for transformation bias. Rating-curve parameter estimates for both the bias-corrected, transformed-linear or non-linear models can be obtained by the method of least squares. Each model has distinct advantages and disadvantages. A unique solution of the parameters of the transformed-linear model may be obtained algebraically. These parameter estimates have some optimal properties when certain attainable conditions are met. However, the parameter estimates must be corrected for transformation bias when obtained this way. Parameter estimates obtained for the non-linear model do not require a correction for transformation bias. However, these estimates must be obtained by iterative methods which do not always converge to a solution. In addition, the residual errors of the non-linear model typically are not identically distributed throughout the range of streamflow values. This problem adversely affects the precision of the parameter estimates. Weighted non-linear least squares can be used to improve the parameter estimates for the non-linear model, but the weights must be approximated and their appropriate form may be difficult to determine. A simulation study was done to evaluate: (1) the accuracy and precision of parameter estimates for the bias-corrected, transformed-linear and non-linear models obtained by the method of least square; (2) the accuracy of mean suspended-sediment loads calculated by the flow-duration, rating-curve method using model parameters obtained by the alternative methods. Parameter estimates obtained by least squares for the bias-corrected, transformed-linear model were considerably more precise than those obtained for the non-linear or weighted non-linear model. The accuracy of parameter estimates obtained for the bias-corrected, transformed-linear and weighted non-linear model was similar and was much greater than the accuracy obtained by non-linear least squares. The improved parameter estimates obtained by the bias-corrected, transformed-linear or weighted non-linear model yield estimates of mean suspended-sediment load calculated by the flow-duration, rating-curve method that are more accurate and precise than those obtained for the non-linear model.
A convexity-based analysis of neural networks

Abstract This investigation presents a convexity-based method for determining the class of functions realizable by a neural network. Other techniques for analyzing neural nets require that the set of networks form a linear subspace. The principal advantage of this approach is that it permits the analysis of convex sets of functions, in particular the method applies to networks that use only nonnegative weights. The interest in a network that uses unipolar weights arises from the problem of representing bipolar weights in optical neural nets. A unipolar network that has the desired approximation properties provides a simple solution to this problem. We show that nonnegative linear combinations and compositions of excitatory and inhibitory response functions uniformly approximate arbitrary nonnegative continuous functions.
The Role of Background Characteristics, Music-Listening Motives, and Music Selection on Music Discussion

People listen to music for many different reasons. However, few researchers have examined people's motives for listening to music and the potential social effects of music listening. This study addressed this gap in the communication literature, and employed a uses-and-gratifications theoretical framework. Exploratory factor analyses were used to identify 5 music-listening motives and 7 music genre preferences. In addition, hierarchical regression analysis revealed how antecedents predicted music discussion with others. Possible theoretical implications for both uses-and-gratifications and two-step flow theory were discussed.
Hazardous cargo information management via the flight object

Since 2010, The MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve the quality and availability of information on hazardous cargo transported throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). The primary focus of the effort has been development of a concept to incorporate hazardous cargo data elements in the Flight Object (FO), FAA's initiative for standardizing and facilitating access to a variety of flight data elements.
Juvenile ceratopsians from Mongolia-the smallest known dinosaur specimens

Among dinosaurs collected by the Third Asiatic Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History (New York) are two juveniles each of which is smaller than any hitherto reported dinosaur specimen. Their overall anatomy resembles that of the type specimen of Psittacosaurus mongoliensis (AMNH 6254)1, which was collected from the same horizon and locality: the Lower Cretaceous Oshih Formation, Artsa Bogdo Basin, Mongolian Peoples' Republic. The anatomy of the new specimens confirms Psittacosaurus as a ceratopsian, not an ornithopod, and their minute size precludes both post-hatching parental care and endothermy.
Fabrication of ferroelectric PZT thin film capacitors with indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes

Abstract Conductive metal oxide contacts were used in the fabrication of fatigue-resistant lead zirconate titanate (PZT) capacitors. The successful fabrication and characterization of PZT thin-film capacitors with transparent conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) contacts using a combination of metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) and rf-sputtering are described. High remnant polarization, improved fatigue resistance, and a leakage current density of 10 −4 A/cm 2 were found in ITO-PZT-ITO capacitors.
Operations on fuzzy numbers via fuzzy reasoning

Abstract The paper discusses the issue of arithmetic operations on fuzzy numbers from the point of view of fuzzy reasoning. It shows that the binary operations on fuzzy numbers via the extension principle can be represented in the spirit of fuzzy reasoning. This approach provides a link between the techniques used in fuzzy systems modeling and fuzzy arithmetic operations.
Interaction of insulin and chlorpromazine in teratogenesis.

IT has been shown that treatment of chicken embryos with insulin will produce malformations of quite different kinds according to the developmental stage at which the hormone is administered. During the earliest period of incubation rumplessness is the typical insulin-induced defect, that is, a partial or complete suppression of the tail skeleton and its related soft tissues1–3. When, however, insulin is injected after 4 or 5 days of incubation the tail structures remain intact, but the embryos are likely (incidence and severity always depending on dosage) to have disproportionately short legs (micromelia) and abnormalities of the facial skeleton, most commonly expressed as a shortening of the upper beak4. During the second period of response embryos can be effectively protected against the teratogenic activity of insulin by supplying them with supplementary nicotinamide, whereas during early stages only a limited lowering of the teratogenic activity of insulin is achieved by nicotinamide supplementation5,6.