cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-resolution image reconstruction from multiple differently exposed images

Super-resolution reconstruction is the process of reconstructing a high-resolution image from multiple low-resolution images. Most super-resolution reconstruction methods assume that exposure time is fixed for all observations, which is not necessarily true. In reality, cameras have limited dynamic range and nonlinear response to the quantity of light received, and exposure time might be adjusted automatically or manually to capture the desired portion of the scene's dynamic range. In this letter, we propose a Bayesian super-resolution algorithm based on an imaging model that includes camera response function, exposure time, sensor noise, and quantization error in addition to spatial blurring and sampling.
Making humanitarian relief networks more effective: operational coordination, trust and sense making

Effective coordination of humanitarian assistance activities remains elusive. This paper briefly addresses some of the reasons for what is widely perceived as a coordination dilemma in humanitarian affairs and argues for a new conceptualisation of the issue. Rather than continue to request that more authority be vested in a single organisation to secure coordination through top-down control, it contends that it may be timely to consider whether relief agencies involved in an emergency should be reconceived as social networks and efforts made to achieve changes in their organizational cultures that encourage operational coordination across institutional lines. Since such labours imply the need to trust, this article explores what forms of trust might be employed to promote improved coordination among relief institutions and how those relationships could themselves be conceptualised. Finally, while acknowledging that coordination is not costless, it suggests that its effective pursuit may be advantageous even in scenarios where aid organisations balk at cooperating to secure it.
Range Condition and ML-EM Checkerboard Artifacts

The expectation maximization (EM) algorithm for the maximum likelihood (ML) image reconstruction criterion generates severe checkerboard artifacts in the presence of noise. A classical remedy is to impose an a priori constraint for a penalized ML or maximum a posteriori probability solution. The penalty reduces the checkerboard artifacts and also introduces uncertainty because a priori information is usually unknown in clinic. Recent theoretical investigation reveals that the noise can be divided into two components: one is called null-space noise and the other is range-space noise. The null-space noise can be numerically estimated using filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm. By the FBP algorithm, the null-space noise annihilates in the reconstruction while the range-space noise propagates into the reconstructed image. The aim of this work is to investigate the relation between the null-space noise and the checkerboard artifacts in the ML-EM reconstruction from noisy projection data. Our study suggests that removing the null-space noise from the projection data could improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the projection data and, therefore, reduce the checkerboard artifacts in the ML-EM reconstructed images. This study reveals an in-depth understanding of the different noise propagations in analytical and iterative image reconstructions, which may be useful to single photon emission computed tomography, where the noise has been a major factor for image degradation. The reduction of the ML-EM checkerboard artifacts by removing the null-space noise avoids the uncertainty of using a priori penalty.
Approximations for networks of queues with overtime

This paper presents simple approximations for networks of queues with overtime operation at some stations. This type of network is commonly encountered in several manufacturing applications. We provide bounds on the performance of the approximations for single and multiple machine stations. Our results suggest that the methods perform satisfactorily. These approximations can be used in conjunction with parametric decomposition methods to analyze queueing networks. The computational results indicate that the performance of the decomposition approach does not deteriorate when combined with the methods proposed in this paper.
Relation of Microbes to Blood‐Group Active Substances

Substances with blood-group ABH(0) specificity are not confined to human red blood cells. Rather, such substances are ubiquitous antigenic surface structures which Nature has preserved throughout the phylogenetic development from microbes to man. — It could be shown experimentally that so-called “pre-existing natural” antibodies can result from inapparent immunization by these widely distributed antigens. — The blood-group specific structures of bacteria are chemically closely related to the determinant structures of the human blood-group ABH(0) glycoproteins. The situation is more complicated for the blood-group active substances from higher plants; these give extraordinary immunochemical reactions and two of their blood-group specific monosaccharides precipitate antibodies. — Recently the nature of the M and N blood-group antigens of erythrocyte surfaces has been elucidated. They are the main antigens of the second of at least 14 human blood-group systems. These substances, which are glycoproteins, are also excellent myxovirus receptors and inhibitors. The NN antigen is the first reported physically homogeneous, chemically defined and highly blood-group active cell surface structure of human origin. As surface structures, blood-group active substances appear to be frequently endowed with receptor properties in addition to those for blood-group antibodies.
A comparison of methods for mapping species ranges and species richness

Aim Maps of species richness are the basis for applied research and conservation planning as well as for theoretical research investigating patterns of richness and the processes shaping these patterns. The method used to create a richness map could influence the results of such studies, but differences between these methods have been insufficiently evaluated. We investigate how different methods of mapping species ranges can influence patterns of richness, at three spatial resolutions. Location California, USA. Methods We created richness maps by overlaying individual species range maps for terrestrial amphibians and reptiles. The methods we used to create ranges included: point-to-grid maps, obtained by overlaying point observations of species occurrences with a grid and determining presence or absence for each cell; expert-drawn maps; and maps obtained through species distribution modelling. We also used a hybrid method that incorporated data from all three methods. We assessed the correlation and similarity of the spatial patterns of richness maps created with each of these four methods at three different resolutions. Results Richness maps created with different methods were more correlated at lower spatial resolutions than at higher resolutions. At all resolutions, point-to-grid richness maps estimated the lowest species richness and those derived from species distribution models the highest. Expert-drawn maps and hybrid maps showed intermediate levels of richness but had different spatial patterns of species richness from those derived with the other methods. Main conclusions Even in relatively well-studied areas such as California, different data sources can lead to rather dissimilar maps of species richness. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different methods for creating a richness map can provide guidance for selecting the approach that is most appropriate for a given application and region.
CREW: A Gossip-based Flash-Dissemination System

In this paper, we explore a new form of dissemination called Flash Dissemination that involves dissemination of fixed, rich information to a large number of recipients in as short a time as possible. Key characteristics of Flash Dissemination include unpredictability in its need, scalability to large number of recipients and autonomic performance in highly heterogenous and failureprone environments. Previous work either addresses large content delivery in heterogenous networks or fault-tolerant dissemination of (streaming) events. We investigate a peer-based approach using foundations from broadcast networks, gossip theory and random networks. In this paper, we propose CREW (Concurrent Random Expanding Walkers), a scalable, lightweight, and autonomic gossip-based protocol. CREW is also explicitly designed to maximize the speed of dissemination using adaptive and intelligent intra and inter node concurrency. We implemented CREW on top of a scalable middleware environment and compared it to optimized implementations of popular gossip and peer-based systems. Our experiments show that CREW outperforms both traditional gossip and current large content dissemination systems, across a wide range of comparative metrics, even though its design is counterintuitive from a systems perspective.
“Artificial mitotic spindle” generated by dielectrophoresis and protein micropatterning supports bidirectional transport of kinesin-coated beads

The mitotic spindle is a dynamic assembly of microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins that controls the directed movement of chromosomes during cell division. Because proper segregation of the duplicated genome requires that each daughter cell receives precisely one copy of each chromosome, numerous overlapping mechanisms have evolved to ensure that every chromosome is transported to the cell equator during metaphase. However, due to the inherent redundancy in this system, cellular studies using gene knockdowns or small molecule inhibitors have an inherent limit in defining the sufficiency of precise molecular mechanisms as well as quantifying aspects of their mechanical performance. Thus, there exists a need for novel experimental approaches that reconstitute important aspects of the mitotic spindlein vitro. Here, we show that by microfabricating Cr electrodes on quartz substrates and micropatterning proteins on the electrode surfaces, AC electric fields can be used to assemble opposed bundles of aligned and uniformly oriented microtubules as found in the mitotic spindle. By immobilizing microtubule ends on each electrode, analogous to anchoring at centrosomes, solutions of motor or microtubule binding proteins can be introduced and their resulting dynamics analyzed. Using this “artificial mitotic spindle” we show that beads functionalized with plus-end kinesin motors move in an oscillatory manner analogous to the movements of chromosomes and severed chromosome arms during metaphase. Hence, features of directional instability, an established characteristic of metaphase chromosome dynamics, can be reconstituted in vitro using a pair of uniformly oriented microtubule bundles and a plus-end kinesin functionalized bead.
The recursive linear identification method for ARMA model estimation

A novel recursive method for estimating the parameters of autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) models is presented. The recursive linear identification method is basically developed from an offline linear identification technique due to J. Durbin (1960). An integral part of this approach requires the fitting of a large order autoregressive model to the data. The appropriate choice of the size of this model is also discussed. Simulation results are given to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm. >
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rab-GDI displacement factor ortholog Yip3p forms distinct complexes with the Ypt1 Rab GTPase and the reticulon Rtn1p.

ABSTRACT Rab GTPases are crucial regulators of organelle biogenesis, maintenance, and transport. Multiple Rabs are expressed in all cells, and each is localized to a distinct set of organelles, but little is known regarding the mechanisms by which Rabs are targeted to their resident organelles. Integral membrane proteins have been postulated to serve as receptors that recruit Rabs from the cytosol in a complex with the Rab chaperone, GDI, to facilitate the dissociation of Rab and GDI, hence facilitating loading of Rabs on membranes. We show here that the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Golgi Rab GTPase Ypt1p can be copurified with the integral membrane protein Yip3p from detergent cell extracts. In addition, a member of the highly conserved reticulon protein family, Rtn1p, is also associated with Yip3p in vivo. However, Ypt1p did not copurify with Rtn1p, indicating that Yip3p is a component of at least two different protein complexes. Yip3p and Rtn1p are only partially colocalized in cells, with Yip3p localized predominantly to the Golgi and secondarily to the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas Rtn1p is localized predominantly to the endoplasmic reticulum and secondarily to the Golgi. Surprisingly, the intracellular localization of Rabs was not perturbed in yip3Δ or rtn1Δ mutants, suggesting that these proteins do not play a role in targeting Rabs to intracellular membranes. These data indicate that Yip3p may have multiple functions and that its interaction with Rabs is not critical for their recruitment to organelle membranes.
Metamaterial-inspired electrically small canopy antenna with active internal element for bandwidth enhancement

In this paper, a very electrically small canopy antenna is introduced. The canopy antenna radiates at ≈ 297Mhz with a Q ratio ≈ 1.75. An active internal matching network is applied to this canopy antenna; over a 10% fractional bandwidth is obtained for this ESA (a ∼ λ/137).
Over-the-counter laxative polyethylene glycol 3350: an evidence-based appraisal

AbstractObjective:To explore the clinical dimensions of chronic constipation and the role played in its treatment by laxatives in general and by polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX) in particular. * MiraLAX is a registered trade name of Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc., Memphis, TN, USA, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Research design and methods:Published reports of clinical trials involving polyethylene glycol 3350, together with published articles examining the epidemiology, demographics, etiology, evaluation, and management of chronic constipation, were identified in a literature search through November 2009 using PubMed. Congress proceedings and guideline databases of leading national and international gastroenterology associations were also explored for relevant recommendations and evaluations.Main outcome measures:Constipation, often defined differently by patients and physicians, is typically associated with excessive straining, hard stools, infrequent bowel movements, and sensations of i...
Chromospherically Active Stars. XXII. HD 18955, A Massive K Dwarf Binary

HD 18955 is a double-lined spectroscopic binary with a period of 43.3214 days and a high eccentricity of 0.761. The spectral types of the components are K0 V and K2–K3 V. The secondary is a typical early K dwarf, although its minimum mass is greater than canonical values. However, this larger mass is consistent with other early K dwarf, spectroscopic binary results. The primary is anomalous, being substantially underluminous for its radius and mass, which are equal to or slightly greater than solar values. A lack of lithium argues that the components are not pre–main-sequence stars. The large minimum masses of both components suggest that the system has a high orbital inclination. Our photometric observations around the times of conjunction show no evidence of eclipses, but considering the uncertainties in the ephemerides, there is only a 50% chance that our photometric observations would have detected the primary eclipse and almost no chance that we covered the secondary eclipse. Hence, eclipses remain a real possibility in this system. Photometric variations with an amplitude of 0.02 mag reveal a period of 7.55 days, which is assumed to be the primary star's rotation period. Thus, given the spectral types of the stars, this system is a BY Draconis type variable. With v sin i values of 5 km s-1 for both components, the two stars are rotating more rapidly than typical K dwarf field stars, but the observed rotation period is still substantially longer than the predicted pseudosynchronous rotation period of 4.6 days for the primary.
Why Did They “Choose” to Stay? Perspectives of Hurricane Katrina Observers and Survivors

Models of agency—powerful implicit assumptions about what constitutes normatively “good” action—shaped how observers and survivors made meaning after Hurricane Katrina. In Study 1, we analyzed how 461 observers perceived survivors who evacuated (leavers) or stayed (stayers) in New Orleans. Observers described leavers positively (as agentic, independent, and in control) and stayers negatively (as passive and lacking agency). Observers' perceptions reflected the disjoint model of agency, which is prevalent in middle-class White contexts and defines “good” actions as those that emanate from within the individual and proactively influence the environment. In Study 2, we examined interviews with 79 survivors and found that leavers and stayers relied on divergent models of agency. Leavers emphasized independence, choice, and control, whereas stayers emphasized interdependence, strength, and faith. Although both leavers and stayers exercised agency, observers failed to recognize stayers' agency and derogated the...
Occurrence of Histamine-Forming Bacteria in Albacore and Histamine Accumulation in Muscle at Ambient Temperature

Distribution of histamine-producing bacteria in fresh albacore and their proliferation in muscle during storage at 25 °C were monitored. Histamine formers constituted a minor portion of the barterial flora in albacore. Only weak histamine formers were detected in the gill and skin of fresh fish after enrichment. Histamine formers were isolated from the muscles when APC reached >10 7 CFU/g during storage. Hafnia alveo was most prevalent in both fresh and temperature-abused fish. The most prolific histamine former, Morganella morganii, was rarely isolated even from spoiled muscles. The prevalence of weak histamine formers resulted in low levels of histamine accumulation in muscle, 67.1 mg/100 g, for 6 d of storage.
Renal physiology of nocturia

Renal function, diurnal fluctuations in arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion, sex, and advanced age affect urine formation and may contribute to nocturia. Renal effects of AVP are mediated by AVP V2 receptors in the kidney collecting duct. Changes in AVP concentration have the greatest relative effects on urine volume when AVP levels are low; therefore small changes can have a large effect on renal water excretion. AVP is the major regulator of water excretion by the kidneys, and AVP levels have been shown to affect nocturnal voiding. Results of several studies show that patients with nocturia had no significant variation in plasma AVP, whereas patients without nocturia had significant diurnal variation in plasma AVP. The V2 receptor gene is located on the X chromosome, which has important sex-specific consequences. For example, mutations in the V2 gene can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, predominantly in men. Age-related changes in water metabolism are associated with overall body composition, kidney, and brain. Older people generally experience decreased extracellular fluid and plasma volume, which leads to increased adverse consequences from net body water gain or loss. Renal function declines with age, and the ability to concentrate urine and conserve sodium is reduced in the elderly. Thirst perception is also decreased in the elderly, who, compared with younger people, tend to hypersecrete AVP in response to higher plasma osmolality, possibly resulting in hyponatremia. These aspects of renal physiology should be considered when antidiuretic drugs are prescribed for the treatment of nocturia. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:S6–S9, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Late onset lens particle glaucoma as a consequence of spontaneous dislocation of an intraocular lens in pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Abstract PURPOSE: To report acute onset lens particle glaucoma associated with pseudoexfoliation-related dislocation of an intraocular lens implant 12 years after cataract surgery. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: An 80-year-old woman presented with acute onset of left eye pain that was associated with white fleck-like particles circulating in the anterior chamber and an intraocular pressure of 48 mm Hg. The posterior chamber intraocular lens within the capsular bag was positioned more posteriorly to the iris plane than usual, and pseudoexfoliative material was present on the lens capsule and the zonules. Anterior chamber aspirate confirmed the presence of lens cortical fibers. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous dislocation of the posterior chamber intraocular lens in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome several years after cataract surgery may liberate lens cortical material, causing lens particle glaucoma.
Perceptual and Phonetic Experiments on American English Dialect Identification

The ability to discern the use of a nonstandard dialect is often enough information to also determine the speaker’s ethnicity, and speakers may consequently suffer discrimination based on their speech. This article, detailing four experiments, shows that housing discrimination based solely on telephone conversations occurs, dialect identification is possible using the word hello, and phonetic correlates of dialect can be discovered. In one experiment, a series of telephone surveys was conducted; housing was requested from the same landlord during a short time period using standard and nonstandard dialects. The results demonstrate that landlords discriminate against prospective tenants on the basis of the sound of their voice during telephone conversations. Another experiment was conducted with untrained participants to confirm this ability; listeners identified the dialects significantly better than chance. Phonetic analysis reveals that phonetic variables potentially distinguish the dialects.
Bilayer Graphene/Copper Hybrid On-Chip Interconnect: A Reliability Study

In this paper, we investigate key reliability limiting factors of bilayer graphene (BLG)/copper hybrid interconnect system by examining its current-induced breakdown behavior and BLG/Cu contact. The results show that BLG displays an impressive current-carrying capacity (~100 times that of Cu), and dc current-induced thermal annealing helps to significantly reduce the BLG/Cu contact resistance. Breakdown occurs with two different failure modes depending on stressing current density in each material subsystem, while contact damage dominates in scaled structure. The observed linear dependence of breakdown current on graphene geometry aspect ratio suggests Joule heating as the primary breakdown mechanism in graphene.
Information Rights: Trust and Human Dignity in e-Government

The words “Rights,” “Trust,” “Human Dignity,” and even “Government” have widely varying meanings and connotations, differing across time, languages and cultures. Concepts of rights, trust, and human dignity have been examined for centuries in great depth by ethicists and other philosophers and by religious thinkers, and more recently by social scientists and, especially as related to information, by information scientists. Similarly, discussions of government are well documented in writings back to Plato and Aristotle, with investigations of electronic government (often referred to as e-government) dating back only to the early 1990s with the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web. At first e-government was described in glowing, positive terms. Little, if any, attention was paid to two critical questions: 1) Will people trust egovernment? and 2) How will cultural differences affect individuals’ trust in government and their perceptions of government’s effect of their human dignity? Examinations of trust and distrust by individuals within organizations have addressed questions of motives and intentions, expectations of behavior, protection of interests, confidence in accuracy and reliability of information, vulnerability, and reciprocity, among other complex topics. Establishing e-government services often requires going through several phases: 1) publish (using ICT to improve access to government information), 2) interact (broadening participation in government through 2-way communications, and 3) transact (making actual services available online; and 4) transform (fundamentally changing government to make it truly citizen-centric). Building and maintaining trust in e-government require developing an understanding both of the many levels of interactions where trust must be earned and of cultural differences. Another challenge in developing such a framework is that egovernment, itself, is very dynamic, changing rapidly over time. Trust in content or a system available one day may not carry over when the content and/or system changes dramatically. Components of a framework must include the following dimensions: conceptual domains, cultural dimensions, information content dimensions, and system dimensions. Of course, these dimensions must be considered within the context of rapidly changing governments, ICT services, the digital divide, and other factors. This paper provides a very brief overview of some of the notions of trust and distrust, concentrating on those concerning trust as it relates to notions of power, trust in organizations, and trust in information and information systems as one part of a framework to address the question of trust in e-government. It also makes a few recommendations for how to build citizen-centric e-government to ensure information rights through a focus on human dignity, fundamental human rights, and earning trust.
Opportunities for improving photovoltaic performance with better transparent contacts

NREL and DOE recently held a workshop to assess the challenges, opportunities and potential impacts for improved transparent contacts (TCs) to positively impact current and emerging photovoltaic conversion technologies. Here, we report on the workshop outcomes based on the collective input and participation from industry, academia, national laboratories and DOE. A primary conclusion is that new emerging materials can have significant impacts on the overall performance, reliability and cost for commercial scale PV. One key observation is that TC's should no longer be thought of as a single-layer single-purpose material but as an integrated contact layer stack that includes a charge selective interface layer, a conducting layer and sometimes layers for reliability or light management. In addition, the long standing goal of developing of high performance atmospheric-pressure-processed TCs has finally been met by the rapidly improving Ag nanowire based composites with better than ITO performance from an all ink based process. Even the more conventional metal oxide materials are improving rapidly by introducing solution processed buffer layers, and even conductor layers. This rapid evolution has opened the way to high-throughput low-cost TC processing. Key desired metrics for TCs and approaches to achieving them are discussed.
Magnetic Bead-Based Immunoassay Coupled with Tyramide Signal Amplification for Detection of Salmonella in Foods

Salmonella is the leading cause of bacteria-associated foodborne illnesses in the United States. Early detection of this pathogen by a rapid and sensitive assay is important to prevent salmonellosis. In this study, we describe a magnetic bead-based immunoassay for detection of Salmonella consisting of immunomagnetic separation for simple target concentration with tyramide signal amplification to increase the assay sensitivity. The developed immunoassay was able to detect Salmonella Typhimurium in culture with the detection limit of 280 CFU/mL in less than 3 h without any enrichment and further decreased to 70 CFU/mL with 3 h enrichment. When tested with ground beef and poultry samples artificially contaminated with S. Typhimurium and Enteritidis, the assay showed increased detection limits with 800 and 200 CFU/mL, respectively, due to the effect of complex food matrices. However, when 12 h enrichment was added, the detection limits in both food matrices decreased to 1 CFU. Practical Applications This study demonstrated that using immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and tyramide signal amplification can enhance sensitivity and specificity for the detection of Salmonella in food samples. The developed assay has great potential as a simple monitoring system for foodborne pathogens in food samples, which can improve food safety and public health. The results were also compared with sandwich type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which showed the developed assay is approximately 50 times more sensitive than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Abstract W P88: Impact of Post Stroke Isolation on Sociability and Depressive Behavior

Background and Purpose: Social isolation (SI) has been linked epidemiologically with high rates of morbidity and mortality following stroke. Clinically, social support and coping strategies have been shown to be significant factors in caregiver’s health-related quality of life. In order to discover the biological mechanisms underlying the benefits of social interaction the development of pre-clinical animal models are needed. The goal of our study was to examine the effect of post stroke pair housing and SI in different behavioral paradigms, which can be used as a validated model to assess chronic functional recovery. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice (8-12 weeks) were paired for 14 days before 60 min of transient intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or sham surgery (n=8-10/group) and randomly assigned to six different housing conditions: 1. Stroke isolated (STiso), 2. Stroke pair housed (PH) with sham, 3. Stroke PH with stroke and their respective sham controls (Gps 4, 5, and 6). Behavioral assessments (3 Chamber sociability task, tail suspension test and sucrose consumption test), were performed at 42 days (Cohort 1) or every 7Th day for 6 weeks (Cohort 2). Brain atrophy was calculated using cresyl violet staining and blood samples were collected for interleukin-6 (IL-6) measurements. Results: Post stroke PH mice, either with sham or stroke partner showed significantly higher (p<0.05) sociability after MCAO. In the 2nd cohort, a two-factor interaction ‘group versus days’ showed a significant difference between post stroke SI and PH groups (F 3,24 = 5.41; p< 0.01, RM ANOVA with Bonferroni correction). Post stroke SI mice showed reduced sucrose consumption (p<0.05) and increased immobility (p<0.05) indicating a depressive phenotype. Post stroke SI mice had significantly more tissue loss (40.8 ± 1.3% in SI vs. 17.5 ± 1.5% in PH; p<0.001) and showed higher levels of IL-6, a biomarker of social stress and inflammation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that post stroke isolation reduces sociability and exacerbates depressive behavior, whereas pair housing aids early functional recovery. Moreover, the sociability (“empathy”) task can be a useful model for chronic post stroke behavioral recovery.
Algebraic Statistics

Algebraic statistics advocates polynomial algebra as a tool for addressing problems in statistics and its applications. This connection is based on the fact that most statistical models are defined either parametrically or implicitly via polynomial equations. The idea is summarized by the phrase "Statistical models are semialgebraic sets". My tutorial will consist of a detailed study of two examples where the algebra/statistics connection has proven especially useful: in the study of phylogenetic models and in the analysis of contingency tables.
Quality cycles

A “quality cycle” is defined as an apparently self-regenerating fluctuation in the quality of manufactured products. Quality cycles have often been observed in organizations that mass produce complex products using labor intensive manufacturing processes. Based on the policies and practices observed in several large high-tech manufacturing firms, a closed-loop dynamic feedback model was developed to trace out systemic sources of such fluctuations. It represents three primary paths of information flow that 1) are present in most organizations, and 2) can influence line managers to relax quality standards to achieve goals for unit production costs and output rate. Simulation analysis of the model demonstrates that such a trade-off causes the three loops to interact to generate “quality cycles” that are not related to external pressures or product design cycles. The model articulates a clear linkage between the relaxation of product quality standards and fluctuating production rates, product reputation in the marketplace and profitability.
Major League Baseball pitch velocity and pitch type associated with risk of ulnar collateral ligament injury

Background The number of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers requiring ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstructions is increasing. Recent literature has attempted to correlate specific stresses placed on the throwing arm to risk for UCL injury, with limited results. Methods Eighty-three MLB pitchers who underwent primary UCL reconstruction were evaluated. Pitching velocity and percent of pitch type thrown (fastball, curve ball, slider, and change-up) were evaluated 2 years before and after surgery. Data were compared with control pitchers matched for age, position, size, innings pitched, and experience. Results The evaluation of pitch velocity compared with matched controls found no differences in pre-UCL reconstruction pitch velocities for fastballs (91.5 vs. 91.2 miles per hour [mph], P = .69), curveballs (78.2 vs. 77.9 mph, P = .92), sliders (83.3 vs. 83.5 mph, P = .88), or change-ups (83.9 vs. 83.8 mph, P = .96). When the percentage of pitches thrown was evaluated, UCL reconstructed pitchers pitch significantly more fastballs than controls (46.7% vs. 39.4%, P = .035). This correlated to a 2% increase in risk for UCL injury for every 1% increase in fastballs thrown. Pitching more than 48% fastballs was a significant predictor of UCL injury, because pitchers over this threshold required reconstruction ( P = .006). Conclusion MLB pitchers requiring UCL reconstruction do not pitch at higher velocities than matched controls, and pitch velocity does not appear to be a risk factor for UCL reconstruction. However, MLB pitchers who pitch a high percentage of fastballs may be at increased risk for UCL injury because pitching a higher percent of fastballs appears to be a risk factor for UCL reconstruction.
Optical Hyperdoping: Using Femtosecond Lasers to Tailor the Optoelectronic Properties of Semiconductors

Irradiating silicon and other semiconductors with intense femtosecond pulses in the presence of certain gases dramatically alters fundamental properties of the semiconductor and offers a new avenue for the development of optoelectronic devices.
Toxicity and synergism of insecticides against susceptible and pyrethroid resistant neonate larvae and adults of the tobacco budworm lepidoptera noctuidae

Toxicities of insecticides to neonate larvae of susceptible (Stoneville) and pyrethroid-resistant (ICI) strains of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), were measured using a glass liquid scintillation vial technique. Results showed that ICI neonates were resistant to all pyrethroids tested. We observed no resistance to alternate insecticides including organophosphates, carbamates, avermectin, and rotenone. Several insecticide combinations were synergistic against resistant neonates. Chlordimeform synergized almost all insecticides tested; synergism was usually greater with susceptible than with resistant neonates. Piperonyl butoxide synergized cypermethrin in susceptible and resistant neonates. In combination with chlordimeform, piperonyl butoxide was more synergistic against resistant neonates. The resistance spectrum of the ICI strain suggests that target site resistance to pyrethroids is most important in neonate larvae and that metabolic resistance is of secondary importance. Tests with adult tobacco budworms suggested that both target site and metabolic resistance were present, with target site resistance being more important. The similarity of resistance in adults and neonates confirms the validity of adult monitoring in predicting resistance in neonates, the stage at which insecticide control is usually aimed.
Argatroban Therapy in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Patients who develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality if the disorder is not recognized and treated early. Upon initial suspicion of HIT, providers should promptly discontinue all heparin products and initiate an alternative form of anticoagulation without waiting for diagnostic test results confirming the presence of HIT antibodies. The direct thrombin inhibitor, argatroban (Argatroban), is a reasonable alternative anticoagulant in patients with HIT, based on its proven safety and efficacy, ease of use, and consistent response rate between individuals. Further clinical trials are warranted to evaluate and expand the use of argatroban in other thrombotic states.
Investigation on Occupational Health Status of An Aluminium Alloy Furniture Factory

[Objective]To understand the occupational hazards of an aluminium alloy furniture factory in Qingyuan City.[Methods]According to national standards and norms of occupational health,the detections of dust concentration,noise intensity and chemical hazards concentration in workplace were performed,as well as the occupational health examination for the workers with exposure.[Results]Dust concentration was detected in 11 sites,aluminum dust concentration exceeded standard in 1 point;noise intensity detection in 10 sites,all were beyond standard;4 sites for chemical toxicants detection,benzene concentration exceeded standard in 2 sites;audiometry test results showed 19 workers suffered from high frequency hearing loss.[Conclusion]The noise hazard is serious in this aluminum alloy furniture factory,and the great potential hazards are dust and benzene.Therefore,occupational health management should be strengthened to prevent the occupational diseases.
Xenobiotics and loss of tolerance in primary biliary cholangitis

Data from genome wide association studies and geoepidemiological studies established that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stimulation is required for the loss of tolerance in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The serologic hallmark of PBC are the presence of high titer anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) that recognize the lipoyl domain of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase E2 (PDC-E2) subunit. Extensive efforts have been directed to investigate the molecular basis of AMA. Recently, experimental data has pointed to the thesis that the breaking of tolerance to PDC-E2 is a pivotal event in the initial etiology of PBC, including environmental xenobiotics including those commonly found in cosmetics and food additives, suggesting that chemical modification of the PDC-E2 epitope may render its vulnerable to become a neo-antigen and trigger an immune response in genetically susceptible hosts. Here, we will discuss the natural history, genetics and immunobiology of PBC and structural constraints of PDC-E2 in AMA recognition which makes it vulnerable to chemical modification.
Abstract 19087: Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus is not an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent predictor of mortality. It is hypothesized that an increase in mortality in patients with AF is due to the presence of a thrombus in the left atrial appendage (LAA). However, data supporting this is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine if the presence of a LAA thrombus in patients with AF is associated with an increase in all cause mortality and whether or not it is an independent predictor of mortality. Methods: A total of 2918 patients with AF underwent trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) prior to cardioversion at a tertiary care hospital from 1999 to 2012. Subjects with history of a LAA ligation or resection, rheumatic heart disease, cardiac transplant, watchman device, and prosthetic valve were excluded. Patients who had multiple TEE studies, only the first TEE study was included. Subjects were then classified based on presence or absence of a LAA thrombus and followed for all cause mortality. Results: Of the 1900 patients included, 146 (7.7%) were found to have a LAA thrombus. Kaplan Meier mortality analysis showed a significantly higher all cause mortality rate in patients with a LAA thrombus (n=67, 45.9%) compared to those without a LAA thrombus (n=458, 26.1%) (p Conclusion: In a large cohort of patients with AF undergoing TEE prior to cardioversion, we concluded that the presence of a thrombus in the LAA was associated with a higher degree of mortality. However, after adjusting for coexisting conditions it was found not to be an independent predictor of mortality.
Simplified technique for systemic hypothermia during heart operations with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Moderate systemic hypothermia is achieved with a Blanketrol cooling-heating unit connected to a Sarns heat exchanger. In 15 patients thus treated there have been no problems with arrhythmia nor any significant hemolysis.
Gut Microbiome Associates With Lifetime Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile Among Bogalusa Heart Study Participants

Rationale: Few studies have systematically assessed the influence of gut microbiota on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objective: To examine the association between gut microbiota and lifetime CVD risk profile among 55 Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS) participants with the highest and 57 with the lowest lifetime burdens of CVD risk factors. Methods and Results: 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted on microbial DNA extracted from stool samples of the BHS participants. Alpha diversity, including measures of richness and evenness, and individual genera were tested for associations with lifetime CVD risk profile. Multivariable regression techniques were employed to adjust for age, gender, and race (Model 1), along with body mass index (BMI) (Model 2) and both BMI and diet (Model 3). In Model 1, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for each standard deviation increase in richness, measured by the number of observed operational taxonomic units, Chao 1 index, and abundance-based coverage estimator, were 0.62 (0.39, 0.99), 0.61 (0.38, 0.98), and 0.63 (0.39, 0.99), respectively. Associations were consistent in Models 2 and 3. Four genera were enriched among those with high versus low CVD risk profile in all models. Model 1 p-values were: 2.12×10-3×10-5, 4.39×10-4, and 1.51×10-4 for Prevotella 2, Prevotella 7, Tyzzerella and Tyzzerella 4 , respectively. Two genera were depleted among those with high versus low CVD risk profile in all models. Model 1 P-values were: 2.96×10-6 and 1.82×10-4 for Alloprevotella and Catenibacterium , respectively. Conclusions: The current study identified associations of overall microbial richness and six microbial genera with lifetime CVD risk.
Temporal stability of P-velocity anisotropy before earthquakes in central California

An examination of P -wave travel-time residuals from small earthquakes (source events) located near three larger earthquakes (4 ≦ M ≦ 5) that occurred on the San Andreas fault, near Bear Valley in central California, shows no temporal variations in the residuals extending over broad azimuth ranges (Δ φ > ∼40°). Such variations could have resulted from changes in horizontal velocity anisotropy precursory to the larger events. The examination also shows (1) numerous azimuthal variations in the residuals within narrow azimuth bands (Δ φ < ∼30°), apparently due to spatial heterogeneity of crustal velocity, (2) a dependence of residual on magnitude for a few stations but not for most stations, and (3) trends of residual versus source event focal depth for about one-third of the 75 source region-station pairs examined. Residuals in these cases typically change by 0.1 sec, and occasionally by 0.2 to 0.3 sec, over the 2- to 12-km focal depth range sampled. The trends vary from station to station in a complex manner. The assumption that traveltime changes are reflected in the residuals is tested by modifying arrival times from some source events according to assumed forms for the travel-time change, relocating those events, and comparing the resulting residuals with those from the unmodified data.
Risk of Thromboembolism after Short-Term Interruption of Warfarin.

Background: Significant uncertainty exists for patients who must discontinue warfarin prior to an invasive procedure. In part, the controversy results from the lack of published information about the risk of thromboembolism associated with short-term warfarin interruption. The aim of this observational study was to assess the frequency of thromboembolism and bleeding among a large cohort of patients whose warfarin was temporarily withheld before and after an outpatient invasive procedure. Methods: A prospective cohort of patients taking warfarin was assembled from 101 sites with personnel designated as warfarin managers across the United States during the period August 2000 to December 2001; 98 sites were community-based physician office practices. All episodes of warfarin interruption among the 6,761 patients in the cohort were identified by investigator review of provider-generated progress notes. Surgical procedures (including cardiovascular interventions) that required hospitalization and cases in which follow-up INR values were not available for at least 30 days post-procedure were excluded. The primary outcomes (30 day follow-up) were thromboembolism and clinically significant hemorrhage. For each patient, the following data were also recorded: type of procedure, number of days warfarin was withheld, presence or absence of bridging therapy (e.g. low molecular weight heparin [LMWH]). Results: 1,024 unique patients (1,293 episodes of warfarin interruption) were included in our analysis. The mean age was 71.9 years; 43% were female. The most common procedures were colonoscopy (n=324), oral surgery (n=323), and ophthalmic surgery (116). Other common reasons for withholding warfarin were: epidural injection, prostate biopsy, breast biopsy, and dermatologic procedures. Perioperative heparin or LMWH was used in only 8.3% of cases. The duration of warfarin interruption was variable; however, more than 80% of patients had warfarin withheld for 5 days or fewer. Seven patients (0.7%) suffered post-procedure thromboembolism within 30 days (4 arterial, 3 venous). None of the 7 patients who experienced thromboembolism received peri-procedural bridging therapy; 3 of these thromboembolic events were associated with warfarin interruption ≥ 7 days. Twenty-three patients (2.3%) suffered clinically significant hemorrhage - of these, 14 had received peri-procedural heparin or LMWH. Conclusion: For many chronically anticoagulated patients who need to undergo a minor, outpatient intervention, a brief (5 or fewer days) peri-procedural interruption of warfarin is associated with a low risk of thromboembolism. The risk for clinically significant bleeding, even among outpatients undergoing minor procedures, should be considered prior to the administration of bridging therapy.