cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NEUTRON-DEUTERON ELASTIC SCATTERING ABOVE THE BREAKUP THRESHOLD*

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the three-nucleon scattering problem, with local two-nucleon potentials, using the method of complex coordinates to calculate scattering amplitudes. The method is similar in practice to use of a Kohn variational principle but avoids the need for including complicated asymptotic terms representing three free particles, the latter being required by a Kohn principle in the energy region above the deuteron-breakup threshold. The method provides an alternative to those that first calculate the two-nucleon t-matrix, often in a separable approximation, and then apply techniques based on the Faddeev equations. The basic equation of the complex coordinate method for elastic n–d scattering is a variational expression for the elastic amplitude. The chapter explains that quartet amplitudes are relatively insensitive to the form of the nucleon–nucleon interaction. Singlet repulsion is a necessary feature in three-body calculations. The two-nucleon potentials of local and separable types, although indistinguishable in reproducing two-nucleon scattering data, give different three-nucleon results.
Child Effects on Parental Negativity: The Role of Heritable and Prenatal Factors.

This study examined two possible mechanisms, evocative gene?environment correlation and prenatal factors, in accounting for child effects on parental negativity. Participants included 561 children adopted at birth, and their adoptive parents and birth parents within a prospective longitudinal adoption study. Findings indicated child effects on parental negativity, such that toddlers? negative reactivity at 18 months was positively associated with adoptive parents? over-reactive and hostile parenting at 27 months. Furthermore, we found that child effects on parental negativity were partially due to heritable (e.g., birth mother [BM] internalizing problems and substance use) and prenatal factors (e.g., BM illicit drug use during pregnancy) that influence children?s negative reactivity at 18 months. This study provides critical evidence for ?child on parent? effects.
Limpness and Pallor in a 26-day-old Girl.

1. Talin Nora Arslanian, MD* 2. Myriam Almeida-Jones, MD† 3. Sarah Myrlee Gustafson, MD*,‡ 1. *Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 2. †Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 3. ‡Department of Pediatrics, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 1. Address correspondence to: Talin N. Arslanian, MD, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza Box 951752, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752. Email: tarslanian{at}mednet.ucla.edu A 26-day-old girl who was born at 39 weeks and 4 days’ gestational age via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery is brought in by ambulance for an episode of limpness and pallor. Her mother reports that she had been doing well until the morning of presentation when she became irritable during a diaper change, then became pale and limp. The episode was brief and had resolved by the time of paramedic arrival. This has not happened before. There are no other symptoms, no changes in feeding patterns, and review of systems is unremarkable. Prenatal, perinatal, postnatal courses are reviewed and noted to be uncomplicated, though there is no record of a prenatal anatomy ultrasound. Her temperature is 97.9oF (36.6oC), respirations are 36 breaths/min, heart rate is 160 beats/min, blood pressure is 88/63 mmHg, and oxygen saturation is 100% on room air. Physical exam reveals normal facies, regular rate and rhythm, a 2/6 holosystolic murmur at the left sternal border, and 2+ femoral pulses without brachio-femoral delay. There are also 5 well-circumscribed hypopigmented patches of varying sizes located on the chest, arm, abdomen, leg, and buttocks; the largest patch measures 2 cm by 1 cm. Labs show a white blood cell count of 8.7×103/mcL (8.7×109/L), hemoglobin of 15.2 g/dL, and platelets of 396 ×103/mcL (396×109/L). A chemistry panel reveals no electrolyte abnormalities; glucose is 103 g/dL, and total bilirubin …
Patients with Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose Disease, and Peyronie's Disease are at higher risk of arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty.

Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful treatment for patients with late stage osteoarthritis, yet arthrofibrosis remains a consistent cause of TKA failure. Dupuytren's, Ledderhose and Peyronie's Diseases are related conditions of increased fibroblast proliferation. The aim of this study was to identify whether an association exists between these conditions and arthrofibrosis following TKA. Methods Patient records were queried from 2010 to 2016 using an administrative claims database to compare the rates of arthrofibrosis, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), lysis of adhesions (LOA), and revision TKA in patients with independent chart diagnoses of Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose, or Peyronie's Diseases versus those without. Complications were queried and compared using multivariate logistic regression. Results Patients with Dupuytren's (n = 5,232) and Ledderhose (n = 50,716) had a significantly higher rate of ankylosis following TKA: 30-days (OR, 1.54; OR, 1.23), 90-days (OR, 1.20; OR, 1.24), 6-months (OR, 1.23; OR, 1.23), and 1-year (OR, 1.28; OR, 1.23), while patients with Peyronie's (n = 1,186) had a higher rate of diagnosis at 6-months (OR, 1.37) and 1-year (OR, 1.35). Patients with diagnoses of any of the fibroproliferative diseases had a statistically higher risk of MUA at 90-days, 6-month, and 1-year following primary TKA. These cohorts did not have a significantly higher rate of revision TKA. Conclusion There is an increased odds risk of arthrofibrosis and MUA in patients who have undergone TKA and have a diagnosis of Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose, or Peyronie's Diseases. Improvements to frequency and application of post-operative treatment should be considered in these cohorts to improve outcomes.
Thermoneutrality Alters Gastrointestinal Antigen Passage Patterning and Predisposes to Oral Antigen Sensitization in Mice

Food allergy is an emerging epidemic, and the underlying mechanisms are not well defined partly due to the lack of robust adjuvant free experimental models of dietary antigen sensitization. As housing mice at thermoneutrality (Tn) - the temperature of metabolic homeostasis (26–30°C) – has been shown to improve modeling various human diseases involved in inflammation, we tested the impact of Tn housing on an experimental model of food sensitization. Here we demonstrate that WT BALB/c mice housed under standard temperature (18–20°C, Ts) conditions translocated the luminal antigens in the small intestine (SI) across the epithelium via goblet cell antigen passages (GAPs). In contrast, food allergy sensitive Il4raF709 mice housed under standard temperature conditions translocated the luminal antigens in the SI across the epithelium via secretory antigen passages (SAPs). Activation of SI antigen passages and the oral challenge of Il4raF709 mice with egg allergens at standard temperature predisposed Il4raF709 mice to develop an anaphylactic reaction. Housing Il4raF709 mice at Tn altered systemic type 2 cytokine, IL-4, and the landscape of SI antigen passage patterning (villus and crypt involvement). Activation of SI antigen passages and the oral challenge of Il4raF709 mice with dietary allergens in Tn conditions led to the robust induction of egg-specific IgE and development of food-induced mast cell activation and hypovolemic shock. Similarly, Tn housing of WT BALB/c mice altered the cellular patterning of SI antigen passage (GAPs to SAPs). Activation of SI antigen passages and the oral challenge of WT BALB/c mice with egg led to systemic reactivity to egg allergens and mast cell activation. Together these data demonstrate that Tn housing alters antigen passage cellular patterning and landscape, and concurrent oral exposure of egg antigens and SAP activation is sufficient to induce oral antigen sensitization.
Mindfulness and Eating Disorders: A Network Analysis

Abstract Higher trait mindfulness may be protective against eating disorder (ED) pathology. However, little is understood about which specific mindfulness processes connect to specific ED symptoms. This study (N = 1,056 undergraduates) used network analysis at the symptom/process level to identify: (1) central nodes, or symptoms/processes with the greatest collective connection with all other symptoms/processes; and (2) bridge nodes, or symptoms/processes driving interconnection between mindfulness processes and ED symptoms. We conducted analyses both with and without food- and body-related mindfulness items. Central nodes included: describing how one feels in detail, expressing how one feels in words, and feeling guilty about eating due to shape/weight. Bridge nodes connecting higher mindfulness processes with lower ED symptoms included: the eating disorder symptom, being uncomfortable about others seeing one eat, and the mindfulness process, not criticizing oneself for having irrational/inappropriate emotions. Bridge nodes connecting higher mindfulness processes with higher ED symptoms included: noticing sensations of the body moving when walking and noticing how food/drinks affect thoughts, bodily sensations, and emotions. Findings suggest that future research should explore whether mindfulness-based interventions for EDs may be more effective by targeting mindfulness processes related to describing, expressing, and accepting emotions, accepting discomfort when eating with others, and reducing hyper-focus on and reactivity to food-and-body related sensations.
Machine learning with high-resolution aerial imagery and data fusion to improve and automate the detection of wetlands

Abstract Wetlands serve many important ecosystem services, yet the United States lacks up-to-date, high-resolution wetland inventories. New, automated techniques for developing wetland segmentation maps from high-resolution aerial imagery can improve our understanding of the location and amount of wetlands. We assembled training and testing data sets (patch sizes of 28 × 28 m2 and 56 × 56 m2) of high-resolution aerial imagery of wetlands using Illinois Natural History Survey wetland location data and National Agricultural Imagery Project data. Each patch was labeled as wetland or non-wetland. To augment these data sets with additional information, we incorporated digital surface and digital terrain models and topographic wetness index data in the same two patch sizes. Subsequently, we evaluated convolutional neural network (CNN) and Gaussian process-based machine learning methods to produce wetland segmentation maps. We developed the best performing method into a new CNN algorithm, WetSegNet. It exhibited an area under the curve of 98% when used with 56 × 56 m2 patch sizes. WetSegNet developed reliable wetland segmentation maps in test cases in which wetlands would have gone undetected using only the National Land Cover Database. The development of WetSegNet exemplifies the types of data sets and methods that are needed to accelerate the use of high-resolution aerial imagery towards an improved understanding of wetlands. This algorithm could be used by state and federal agencies or other groups to identify wetlands with higher accuracy and at a finer scale than previously possible.
A variational framework for computing Wannier functions using dictionary learning

Abstract This article introduces a data-driven variational framework for computing Wannier functions by using basis pursuit to transfer information from a general feature dictionary. General features are learned by applying dictionary learning to a dataset of Wannier functions. Our approach displays a systematically controllable energy-localization trade-off, an objective functional allowing for the use of fast numerical solvers, and is capable of being used in highly-efficient self-consistent algorithms.
Oestrogen Effects on Dopaminergic Function in Striatum

Experiments involving the use of behavioural, neurochemical and electrophysiological methods to explore the mechanisms mediating the effects of oestrogen on dopaminergic activity in the striatum on the female rat are described. Results have shown that oestrogen influences the activity of striatal dopamine terminals and dopamine-mediated behaviours in the female rat. These are rapid effects of oestrogen in the striatum, and are thought to be mediated by a novel membrane-associated receptor. How these novel effects of oestrogen may affect naturally occurring behaviours in the rat will be discussed.
Efficient learning in linearly solvable MDP models

Linearly solvable Markov Decision Process (MDP) models are a powerful subclass of problems with a simple structure that allow the policy to be written directly in terms of the uncontrolled (passive) dynamics of the environment and the goals of the agent. However, there have been no learning algorithms for this class of models. In this research, we develop a robust learning approach to linearly solvable MDPs. To exploit the simple solution for general problems, we show how to construct passive dynamics from any transition matrix, use Bayesian updating to estimate the model parameters and apply approximate and efficient Bayesian exploration to speed learning. In addition, we reduce the computational cost of learning using intermittent Bayesian updating and policy solving. We also gave a polynomial theoretical time complexity bound for the convergence of our learning algorithm, and demonstrate a linear bound for the subclass of the reinforcement learning problems with the property that the transition error depends only on the agent itself. Test results for our algorithm in a grid world are presented, comparing our algorithm with the BEB algorithm. The results showed that our algorithm learned more than the BEB algorithm without losing convergence speed, so that the advantage of our algorithm increased as the environment got more complex. We also showed that our algorithm's performance is more stable after convergence. Finally, we show how to apply our approach to the Cellular Telephones problem by defining the passive dynamics.
Poisson transforms on vector bundles

Let G be a connected real semisimple Lie group with finite center, and K a maximal compact subgroup of G. Let (r, V) be an irreducible unitary representation of K, and G x K tV the associated vector bundle. In the algebra of invariant differential operators on G XK V the center of the universal enveloping algebra of Lie(G) induces a certain commutative subalgebra Z. We are able to determine the characters of Z. Given such a character we define a Poisson transform from certain principal series representations to the corresponding space of joint eigensections. We prove that for most of the characters this map is a bijection, generalizing a famous conjecture by Helgason which corresponds to r the trivial representation. INTRODUCTION Let G be a connected real semisimple Lie group with finite center, and K a maximal compact subgroup of G. Then G/K is a Riemannian symmetric space of noncompact type. We fix an Iwasawa decomposition G = KAN. Let M be the centralizer of A in K. Let g and a be the Lie algebras of G and A, respectiarely, and S(0, a) the root system for 0, a. Let S+ (0, a) be the positiare roots in S(, a) for the ordering giaren by N. Let D(G/K) be the algebra of inarariant differential operators on G/K. It is well-known that the characters of D(G/K) are parametrized by A E a¢:, the complex dual space of a. Let £:A(G/K) denote the space of joint eigenfunctions corresponding to A. We write g-k(g) exp H(g)n(g) for each g E G according to G = KAN. For each X E C°°(K/M) we define PxX E C°°(G/K) by P>X(g)= t (k)e-(>+P)H(g-lk)dk K Here p is the half sum of S+ (0) a) (including multiplicities). It turns out that PxQ E £:v(G/K). One can easily extend the definition of Px to the space D'(K/M) (resp. A'(K/M)) of distributions (resp. analytic functionals) on K/M. In this paragraph we fix A E a¢: such that 2(A, ct)/(ct, ct) is not in-N-{0}, for each ct C S+(0, a). It is proared by Helgason [Helg2] that Pa defines a bijection from C°o(K/M)K finite onto E;<(G/K)K finite. He also proares in the rank one case P;< is a bijection from A'(K/M) onto 6,(G/K). He then conjectured this should be true for the higher rank case. The conjecture was earentually proared by six Japanese mathematicians in [KKMOOT]. It should be mentioned that a representation theoretic proof by Schmid, starting from the Kfinite result, is indicated in [Sch]. Lewis, then a student of Helgason, made the following obseraration: Let 6,(G/K) be the subspace of E;< (G/K) whereeach element increases at most exporlentially (see 02 for definition); Received by the editors September 28, 1994 and, in revised form, January 30, 1995. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 22E46; Secondary 43A85. @)1998 American Mathematical Society 857 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.198 on Fri, 17 Jun 2016 05:05:10 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
cis-acting sequences required for encapsidation of duck hepatitis B virus pregenomic RNA

Abstract Hepadnavirus reverse transcription requires that pregenomic RNA first be selectively packaged into a cytoplasmic core particle. This process presumably requires the presence of specific recognition sequences on the pregenomic RNA. To define the cis-acting sequences required for pregenome encapsidation in the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV), we assayed the packaging efficiency of a series of pregenomic RNA deletion mutants and hybrid DHBV/lacZ fusion transcripts. The 5' boundary of the packaging signal lies within the precore region, starting approximately 35 nucleotides from the cap site of pregenomic RNA; thus, the DR1 sequence required for proper viral DNA synthesis is not included in this signal. To define the 3' boundary of the encapsidation signal, fusion transcripts bearing foreign (lacZ) sequences fused to DHBV at different sites 3' to the pregenomic RNA start site were examined. A surprisingly large region of the DHBV genome proved to be required for packaging of such chimeras, which are efficiently encapsidated only when they contain the first 1,200 to 1,400 nucleotides of DHBV pregenomic RNA. However, mutant genomes bearing insertions within this region are packaged efficiently, making it likely that the actual recognition elements for encapsidation are smaller discontinuous sequences located within this region.
The Dusky Dolphins' Place in the Delphinid Family Tree

Publisher Summary Perhaps no group of cetaceans epitomizes the confused state of cetacean taxonomy at the end of the nineteenth century more than the genus Lagenorhynchus. There are currently six recognized species, all of which are distributed in temperate to cool waters in the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Southern Pacific and Indian Oceans. All species of the genus share a general body plan defined by a relatively short rostrum, a prominent falcate dorsal fin, a stocky robust body shape, and a complex pattern of body coloration, dominated by bands, stripes, and flares of multiple hues. It is clear from the molecular phylogeography that regional dusky dolphin populations are genetically isolated from each other, and for management purposes should be considered as different stocks, if not different subspecies. Prior to the Darwinian revolution, species were considered static, unchangeable entities, and it was the goal of the taxonomist to identify, name, and organize this diversity. After Darwin published his theory of Natural Selection in 1859, it was no longer satisfactory to simply group species according to similarity of features—it became important that organisms be classified into “natural groups” to reflect their shared evolutionary history.
Alteration of Cell Surface Sialylation Regulates Antigen-Induced Naive CD8+ T Cell Responses

The strength of interactions with APC instructs naive T cells to undergo programmed expansion and differentiation, which is largely determined by the peptide affinity and dose as well as the duration of TCR ligation. Although, most ligands mediating these interactions are terminally sialylated, the impact of the T cell sialylation status on Ag-dependent response remains poorly understood. In this study, by monitoring TCR transgenic CD8+ T cells, OT-I, we show that biochemical desialylation of naive OT-I T cells increases their sensitivity for agonist as well as partial agonist peptides. Desialylation enhances early activation and shortens the duration of TCR stimulation required for proliferation and differentiation, without increasing apoptosis. Moreover, desialylation of naive OT-I T cells augments their response to tumor-presented Ag. These results provide direct evidence for a regulatory role for sialylation in Ag-dependent CD8+ T cell responses and offer a new approach to sensitize or dampen Ag-specific CD8+ T cell responses.
Electromagnetic millimeter wave induced hypoalgesia: Frequency dependence and involvement of endogenous opioids

Millimeter wave treatment (MMWT) is based on the systemic biological effects that develop following local skin exposure to low power electromagnetic waves in the millimeter range. In the present set of experiments, the hypoalgesic effect of this treatment was analyzed in mice. The murine nose area was exposed to MMW of "therapeutic" frequencies: 42.25, 53.57, and 61.22 GHz. MMWT-induced hypoalgesia was shown to be frequency dependent in two experimental models: (1) the cold water tail-flick test (chronic non-neuropathic pain), and (2) the wire surface test (chronic neuropathic pain following unilateral constriction injury to the sciatic nerve). Maximum hypoalgesic effect was obtained when the frequency was 61.22 GHz. Other exposure parameters were: incident power density = 13.3 mW/cm(2), duration of each exposure = 15 min. Involvement of delta and kappa endogenous opioids in the MMWT-induced hypoalgesia was demonstrated using selective blockers of delta- and kappa-opioid receptors and the direct ELISA measurement of endogenous opioids in CNS tissue. Possible mechanisms of the effect and the perspectives of the clinical application of MMWT are discussed.
A Priori probability distribution of the cosmological constant

In calculations of the probability distribution for the cosmological constant, it has been previously assumed that the a priori probability distribution is essentially constant in the very narrow range that is anthropically allowed. This assumption has recently been challenged. Here we identify large classes of theories in which this assumption is justified.
Progesterone Augments Copper-Prostaglandin E2 Stimulation of the Release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone From Explants of the Median Eminence of Immature Female Rats: An Estrogen-Dependent Process

We have previously shown that extracellular copper (Cu) amplifies prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulation of LHRH release from explants of the median eminence area (MEA) of adult male rats, and that amplification is a post-PGE2 receptor event involving the adenylate cyclase system. We addressed the question: Is the process of Cu-amplified PGE2 stimulation of LHRH release regulated by ovarian steroids and, if so, is the regulatory steroid estrogen and/or progesterone? Immature female rats (30–32 days old) were ovariectomized and 6 days later treated with a combination of these steroids: E, sc implant of 17β-estradiol in a Silastic capsule for 3 days; EEi, E plus im injection of 17j8-estradiol (2 μg/rat) 24 h before killing; and P, either im injection of 0.08 mg/kg progesterone 1 h before killing or 10-9 M P included in the incubation buffer starting 1 h before Cu/PGE2 exposure. Controls were treated with the vehicle. MEAs were incubated for 5 min with 150 μM Cu, for 15 min with 10 μM PGE2, and then for 45 min ...
Heterotopic ossification in the setting of neuromuscular blockade

Objective. Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a disorder characterized by the formation of new bone in tissue that does not ossify under normal conditions. We report a series of 6 cases in which HO occurred in the setting of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We wished to show that HO can occur after neuromuscular blockade and that these cases might provide additional evidence that HO is influenced by neural mechanisms. Methods. Cases of HO were selected from the consultation services at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Affected patients all had ARDS and had been treated with a neuromuscular blocking agent. Patients with a history of stroke, burn, head trauma, spinal cord injury, or joint replacement were excluded from this study. Results. Heterotopic bone appeared around large joints in a pattern identical to that seen in patients with paralysis, traumatic brain injury, severe burns, or trauma. New bone formation was self-limited over a period of 1–2 years. Alkaline phosphatase and technetium bone scan were sensitive ways of detecting early disease and monitoring disease activity. Medical therapies had limited benefit. Surgical excision of mature new bone appeared to be the only definitive therapy. Conclusion. Neuromuscular blockade in the setting of ARDS appears to be an important risk factor for the development of HO. The similarity of these cases of HO occurring in patients with brain or spinal cord injury raises the possibility that neural mechanisms may be important in the pathogenesis of this disease. Whether the type of neuromuscular blocking agent and the duration of use are important determinants of disease severity remains to be determined.
Silent aspiration risk is volume-dependent.

Clinical swallow protocols cannot detect silent aspiration due to absence of overt behavioral signs, but screening with a much larger bolus volume, i.e., 90 cc vs. 1–10 cc, may elicit a reflexive cough in individuals who might otherwise exhibit silent aspiration. A swallow screen that maintains high sensitivity to identify aspiration risk while simultaneously reducing the false-negative rate for silent aspiration would be beneficial. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether silent aspiration risk was volume-dependent by using a 3-oz. (90-cc) water swallow challenge to elicit a reflexive cough when silent aspiration occurred on smaller bolus volumes. A prospective, consecutive, referral-based sample of 4102 inpatients from the acute-care setting of a large urban tertiary-care teaching hospital participated. Silent aspiration was determined first by fiberoptic endoscopy and then each participant was instructed to drink 3 oz. of water completely and without interruption. Criteria for challenge failure were inability to drink the entire amount, stopping and starting, or coughing and choking during or immediately after completion. Improved identification of aspiration risk status occurred for 58% of participants who exhibited silent aspiration on smaller volumes, i.e., an additional 48% of liquid silent aspirators and 65.6% of puree silent aspirators coughed when attempting the 3-oz. water swallow challenge. A low false-negative rate was observed for the entire population sample, i.e., ≤2.0%. A combined false-negative rate for participants who silently aspirated was 6.9%, i.e., 7.8% if silently aspirated liquid and 6.1% if silently aspirated puree consistency. Determination of silent aspiration risk was shown to be volume-dependent, with a larger volume eliciting a reflexive cough in individuals who previously silently aspirated on smaller volumes. A 3-oz. water swallow challenge’s previously reported high sensitivity for identification of aspiration risk combined with the newly reported low false-negative rate mitigates the issue of silent aspiration risk during clinical swallow screening.
Y-aromaticity: why is the trimethylenemethane dication more stable than the butadienyl dication?

Resonance energies of the trimethylenemethane dication (1) and the butadienyl dication (4) were evaluated using two independent computational methodologies to provide insight into the validity of Y-aromaticity. One methodology employed density functional theory calculations and examined the resonance contribution of the CC double bond toward the double hydride abstraction enthalpies of methylpropene (6) and 2-butene (8), yielding 1 and 4, respectively. These resonance contributions by the double bond were determined by calculating the double hydride abstraction enthalpies of both the parallel and perpendicular conformations of vinylogues of 6 and 8, in which n = 1−4 vinyl units were inserted between the central carbon−carbon double bond and each of the reaction centers. Extrapolation of the resonance contribution in each vinylogue to n = 0 yielded the resonance contribution in the respective parent molecules. The second methodology employed an orbital deletion procedure (ODP), which effectively allowed us...
Strike-slip faulting on the northern margin of the South China Sea: evidence from two earthquakes offshore of Hainan Island, China, in December 1969

In December 1969, two earthquakes (mb = 4.7and4.8) occurred in a rift basin offshore of Hainan Island, China, in a passive continental margin environment. By modeling short-period P and long-period SH waveforms recorded at WWSSN stations, we have determined the focal mechanisms and source parameters of these two events to be: strike 45 ± 7°, dip 78 ± 4°, rake −6 ± 7°, focal depth 8 ± 3 km, seismic moment (1.73 ± 0.4) × 1023 dyne cm and stress drop 56 ± 6 bar for the 17 December event; and strike 36 ± 6°, dip 60 ± 4°, rake −2 ± 7°, focal depth 8 ± 3 km, seismic moment (1.43 ± 0.13) × 1023 dyne cm and stress drop 47 ± 6 bar for the 20 December event. Results of relative location computed from differential arrival times indicate that the 20 December event is slightly deeper than the 17 December event but within the resolution limit of the waveform constraint. Analysis of the local tectonic setting, geometry of isoseismals, aftershock distribution and fault-plane solutions indicate that the 17 December event probably ruptured along a NE-SW-striking fault on the northern margin of the Songtao uplift in the Qiongdongnan basin. The 20 December event probably ruptured along another major NE-SW-striking fault on the northern margin of the Qiongdongnan basin. The fault motions of both earthquakes were almost pure left-lateral strike slip.P and T axes show that the epicentral area is subject to nearly horizontal N-S-directed compression and E-W-directed extension, consistent with previously observed stress field in the area. The two earthquakes represent reactivation of pre-existing zones of weakness in the basin by the present-day tectonic stress field. A review of earthquakes in the region indicates that strike-slip motion is characteristic of the seismotectonics of the northern margin of the South China Sea.
Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance disorders after concussion.

Background and Purpose: Management of dizziness and balance dysfunction is a major challenge after concussion. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vestibular rehabilitation in reducing dizziness and to improve gait and balance function in people after concussion. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 114 patients (67 children aged 18 years and younger [mean, 16 years; range, 8 –18 years]; 47 adults older than 18 years [mean, 41 years; range, 19 –73 years]) referred for vestibular rehabilitation after concussion was performed. At the time of initial evaluation and discharge, recordings were made of outcome measures of self-report (eg, dizziness severity, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory) and gait and balance performance (eg, Dynamic Gait Index, gait speed, and the Sensory Organization Test). A mixed-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test whether there was an effect of vestibular rehabilitation therapy and age on the outcome measures. Results: The median length of time between concussion and initial evaluation was 61 days. Of the 114 patients who were referred, 84 returned for at least 1 visit. In these patients, improvements were observed in all self-report, gait, and balance performance measures at the time of discharge (P .05). Children improved by a greater amount in dizziness severity (P .005) and conditions 1 (eyes open, fixed support) and 2 (eyes closed, fixed support) of the Sensory Organization Test (P .025). Discussion: Vestibular rehabilitation may reduce dizziness and improve gait and balance function after concussion. For most measures, the improvement did not depend on age, indicating that vestibular rehabilitation may equally benefit both children and adults.
Spatial discounting and the gravity hypothesis

Abstract One of the central hypotheses in the study of spatial interaction behavior is the diminishing effect of distance on interaction. In this paper a parallel is drawn between two forms of this hypothesis: an external gravity interaction form which focuses directly on the empirically observable diminishing effect of distance on interaction, and an internal spatial discounting form which focuses rather on the diminishing effect of distance on spatial actors' preferences among interaction opportunities. The main result of the paper is to establish a connection between these two forms of the distance hypothesis. In particular, necessary and sufficient conditions on spatial actors' interaction preferences are established under which these two forms are equivalent, i.e., under which spatial discounting behavior is indistinguishable from gravity interaction behavior.
Human Factor Risk Assessment During Emergency Condition in Harsh Environment

This paper presents a quantitative approach to human factors risk analysis during emergency conditions on an offshore petroleum facility located in a harsh environment. Due to the lack of human factors data for emergency conditions, most of the available human factors risk assessment methodologies are based on expert judgment techniques. Expert judgment is a valuable technique, however, it suffers from vagueness, subjectivity and incompleteness due to a lack of supporting empirical evidence. These weaknesses are often not accounted for in conventional human factors risk assessment. The available approaches also suffer from the unrealistic assumption of independence of the human performance shaping (HPS) factors and actions. The focus of this paper is to address the issue of handling uncertainty associated with expert judgments and to account for the dependency among the HPS factors and actions. These outcomes are achieved by integrating Bayesian Networks with Fuzzy and Evidence theories to estimate human error probabilities during different phases of an emergency. To test the applicability of the approach, results are compared with an analytical approach. The study demonstrates that the proposed approach is effective in assessing human error probability, which in turn improves reliability and auditability of human factors risk assessment.
On the electronic structure of nickel-vanadium alloys

Abstract It is shown that the heat of solution of hydrogen, and the electronic specific heat, for dilute alloys of vanadium in nickel can be accounted for on the basis that alloying with vanadium removes five holes from the d band of the metal.
Poisson Eigenvalue Statistics for Random Schrödinger Operators on Regular Graphs

For random operators it is conjectured that spectral properties of an infinite-volume operator are related to the distribution of spectral gaps of finite-volume approximations. In particular, localization and pure point spectrum in infinite volume is expected to correspond to Poisson eigenvalue statistics. Motivated by results on the Anderson model on the infinite tree we consider random Schrodinger operators on finite regular graphs. We study local spectral statistics: we analyze the number of eigenvalues in intervals with length comparable to the inverse of the number of vertices of the graph, in the limit where this number tends to infinity. We show that the random point process generated by the rescaled eigenvalues converges in certain spectral regimes of localization to a Poisson process. The corresponding result on the lattice was proved by Minami. However, due to the geometric structure of regular graphs the known methods turn out to be difficult to adapt. Therefore, we develop a new approach based on direct comparison of eigenvectors.
Imaging of the temporomandibular joint

Rencent advances in imaging technology have greatly contributed to the understanding of diseases of thetemporomandibular joint (TMJ). MRI is now the modality of choice in the evaluation of TMJ-related symptomes. This article describes normal anatomy and MRI characteristics of diseases affecting the TMJ including internal derangement, inflammation, and tumors.
omniClassifier: a desktop grid computing system for big data prediction modeling

Robust prediction models are important for numerous science, engineering, and biomedical applications. However, best-practice procedures for optimizing prediction models can be computationally complex, especially when choosing models from among hundreds or thousands of parameter choices. Computational complexity has further increased with the growth of data in these fields, concurrent with the era of "Big Data". Grid computing is a potential solution to the computational challenges of Big Data. Desktop grid computing, which uses idle CPU cycles of commodity desktop machines, coupled with commercial cloud computing resources can enable research labs to gain easier and more cost effective access to vast computing resources. We have developed omniClassifier, a multi-purpose prediction modeling application that provides researchers with a tool for conducting machine learning research within the guidelines of recommended best-practices. omniClassifier is implemented as a desktop grid computing system using the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC) middleware. In addition to describing implementation details, we use various gene expression datasets to demonstrate the potential scalability of omniClassifier for efficient and robust Big Data prediction modeling. A prototype of omniClassifier can be accessed at http://omniclassifier.bme.gatech.edu/.
Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and phorbol ester on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 messenger ribonucleic acid levels in primary cultures of rat renal cells

The renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase enzyme, which may be the starting point in the catabolic pathway for vitamin D metabolism, is markedly induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], the hormonal form of vitamin D. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation of the cytochrome P450 component of this enzyme (P450cc24) by 1,25-(OH)2D3 and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA). P450cc24 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured using the full-length rat complementary DNA probe (p108). In primary cultures of rat renal tubular cells, 1,25-(OH)2D3 produced a 26-fold increase in P450cc24 mRNA which was detectable at 4 h, maximal at 24 h, and returned almost to baseline by 48 h. The induction was inhibited by actinomycin D, 5,6-dichloro-1-b-D-ribofuranosyl benzimidazole (DRB), and cycloheximide, and it was specific for vitamin D compounds containing a 1-hydroxyl group. TPA alone had no effect, but TPA in the presence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 produced an increase in P450cc24 mRNA within 30 ...
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia presenting as a tension fecopneumothorax.

Diaphragmatic injury with accompanying hernia is a well-documented complication associated with both penetrating and blunt trauma. It occurs in approximately 3% of abdominal injuries with a 2:1 ratio of penetrating to blunt trauma. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion since diaphragmatic injury can only reliably be ruled out by direct visualization, i.e., laparoscopy. Hence, delayed presentation with complications secondary to the injury is not uncommon. We discuss a case of a young man who presented in respiratory distress six years after a stab wound to the left chest. The patient was hypoxic, with a chest X-ray (CXR) demonstrating a pneumothorax with effusion. A chest tube was placed with a rush of air and foul-smelling purulent drainage. Work-up revealed incarcerated transverse colon in a diaphragmatic hernia. Celiotomy demonstrated necrotic colon in the chest with gross fecal contamination in both the chest and abdomen. The diaphragmatic defect was closed and a Hartmann's procedure performed. The patient did well postoperatively except for the development of an empyema, which resolved with conservative management. Our patient is the eleventh reported case of a tension fecopneumothorax resulting from traumatic diaphragmatic herniation. This paper reviews all cases including the diagnostic work-up, operative approach, and expected postoperative course of this unusual condition.
The double puzzle of diabetes

Why is the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus now exploding in most populations, but not in Europeans? The genetic and evolutionary consequences of geographical differences in food history may provide the answer.
The National Synchrotron Light Source, Part II:The Bakeout

This is the second part of a two-part article about the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), the first facility designed and built specifically for producing and exploiting synchrotron radiation. The NSLS,a $24-million project conceived about 1970 and officially proposed in 1976, had its groundbreaking in 1978. Its construction was a key episode in Brookhaven’s history, in the transition of synchrotron radiation from a novelty to a commodity, and in the transition of synchrotron-radiation scientists from parasitic to autonomous researchers. In this part I cover the construction of the NSLS.The story of its construction illustrates many of the tensions and risks involved in building a large scientific facility in a highly politicized environment: risking a facility’s quality by underfunding it versus asking for more funding and risking not getting it; focusing on meeting time and budget promises that risk compromising machine performance versus focusing on performance and risking cancellation; and the pros and cons of a pragmatic versus an analytic approach to commissioning.
Gynecologic Oncology Group quality assurance audits: analysis and initiatives for improvement.

Background The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) is a multi-institution, multi-discipline Cooperative Group funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct clinical trials which investigate the treatment, prevention, control, quality of survivorship, and translational science of gynecologic malignancies. In 1982, the NCI initiated a program of on-site quality assurance audits of participating institutions. Each is required to be audited at least once every 3 years. In GOG, the audit mandate is the responsibility of the GOG Quality Assurance Audit Committee and it is centralized in the Statistical and Data Center (SDC). Each component (Regulatory, Investigational Drug Pharmacy, Patient Case Review) is classified as Acceptable, Acceptable, follow-up required, or Unacceptable.Purpose To determine frequently occurring deviations and develop focused innovative solutions to address them.Methods A database was created to examine the deviations noted at the most recent audit conducted at 57 GOG parent ins...
Compact ignition test reactor (CITR)

Design considerations have been developed for a compact ignition test reactor (CITR). The objectives of this tokamak device are to achieve ignition, to study the characteristics of plasmas that are self-heated by alpha particles, and to investigate burn control. To achieve a compact design, the toroidal field magnet consists of copper-stainless steel plates to accommodate relatively high stresses; it is inertially cooled by liquid nitrogen. No neutron shielding is provided between the plasma and the toroidal field magnet. The flat-top of the toroidal field magnet is ∼10 s. Strong auxiliary heating is employed. In one design option, adiabatic compression in major radius is employed to reduce the neutral beam energy required for adequate penetration; thiscompression boosted design option has a horizontally elongated vacuum chamber; illustrative parameters are a compressed plasma witha=0.50 m, R=1.35 m,B T =9.1 T, and a neutral beam power of ∼15 MW of 160 keVD 0 beams. A design option has also been developed for alarge bore device, which utilizes a circular vacuum chamber. Thelarge bore design provides increased margin and flexibility; both direct heating with RF or neutral beam injection and compression boosted startup are possible. The large bore design also facilitates the investigation of high-Q driven operation. Illustrative plasma parameters for full use of the large bore area=0.85 m,R=1.90 m, andB T =7.5 T.
The Optimization of Multivariate Generalizability Studies with Budget Constraints

The optimization of multivariate measurement designs when limited resources are available is not a simple task. This paper presents a method for determining the optimal number of conditions to use in measurement designs when resource constraints are imposed.
Continuous Recording of Bird Nesting Visits using Radioactive Tagging

IN view of the successful application of radioactive tagging in entomology in Central Africa, I have investigated the potentiality of the method as a tagging technique in ornithology. Because the detection range of small amounts of radioactive material is only of the order of feet, the method requires the close proximity of the labelled bird and the radiation detector. It was decided to use the method to obtain data on the bird's nesting visits, and the tests not only demonstrated the potentiality of the method but also provided useful data on behaviour. A search of the literature revealed that Barbour1 made similar studies on the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). Barbour used cobalt-60 as the radioactive tagging material, and the signal from the radiation detector was recorded on a tape recorder. Griffin2 has given a thorough discussion on the maximum permissible dose rate to be used for tagging animals under natural conditions, and mentions, without going into detail, an experiment on the semi-palmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus.
Steady, oblique, detonation waves

Normal and oblique, steady planar detonation waves have been theoretically and computationally examined using the Zeldovich, von Neumann, Doring model. Combustion is between a methane/hydrogen mixture and dry air assuming, first, complete combustion, then an equilibrium solution. Prescribed parameters are the upstream values for the pressure, temperature, and Mach number, the fuel/air equivalence ratio, a hydrogen/methane ratio, and the detonation wave angle. For a given upstream state, the angle varies from its normal wave value in increments of 10 o to non-integer wave angles that correspond to the Chapman-Jouguet state for complete combustion and for an equilibrium solution. For each solution, detailed results are provided for the upstream state, the state just downstream of the shock, and the two downstream states. Over 340 solutions in a report (Emanuel and Tuckness 2002) are provided, thereby establishing, for the first time, comprehensive tables that can be used to provide quick estimates, establish trends, and check CFD results. This paper describes the basis for the model, briefly outlines the analytical and numerical method, and discusses several insights.