cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aerodynamic focusing of particles in a carrier gas

The problem of whether a stream of microscopic particles may be concentrated into a focal point by entrainment within a carrier gas is considered for dilute particles linearly coupled to the velocity field of an incompressible gas. Typically, the dynamical behaviour of the particles is governed by a so-called Stokes number S, the product of their relaxation time and a characteristic value of the velocity gradient in the suspending fluid. An inequality due to Robinson (1956) is used to illustrate the natural tendency of potential flows to concentrate the particles. For geometries with planar or axial symmetry, with errors cubic in their initial distance to the axis, the trajectories of identical particles originating near an axis of symmetry are shown to cross it at a common focal point provided they have some initial convergence and their Stokes number is larger than a critical value S*. The position of the focal point of supercritical particles depends on their Stokes number, tending to infinity as S approaches S*. Particle trajectories originating far from the axis of symmetry are seen to cross the centreline at defocused positions, in analogy with the optical geometric aberration effect. The focusing phenomenon is illustrated numerically for two-dimensional potential flows through nozzles of several geometries and also analysed in the proximity of the axis of symmetry. For these examples, the threshold value S* of the Stokes number for focusing is of order one, over an order of magnitude larger than typical values of the familiar critical Stokes number marking the onset of particle impaction on solid surfaces. The focal width may be made over two orders of magnitude smaller than the nozzle diameter by restricting the region where particles are seeded to a moderate angle away from the axis. This angle may be higher than ¼π for the case of a jet exiting through a slit in an infinitely thin plate. There is also some discussion of the use of high-resolution focusing instruments.
Etiology of atrioventricular-conduction abnormalities following cardiac surgery.

Atrioventricular-nodal-conduction abnormalities following cardiac surgery have been attributed to the potassium ion in cardioplegic solutions. To clarify the etiology of these rhythm problems, 15 dogs were subjected to (I) 60 min 4°C potassium cardioplegic arrest; (II) 30 min normothermic ischemic arrest; or (III) cardiac hypothermia without ischemia. In sinus rhythm and during atrial pacing, A-H and H-V intervals, Wenckebach cycle length (WCL), atrial- and AV-nodal refractory periods (ARP and NRP) were measured at 37°C before and 30 min after arrest (groups I and II) and at various myocardial temperatures (group III). Following cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion, all AV-nodal-conduction properties were unchanged from preischemic values. In contrast, unprotected ischemia significantly prolonged AV-nodal-conduction time (P < 0.01) and myocardial hypothermia resulted in prolonged WCL (P < 0.01), prolonged functional NRP (P < 0.05), in addition to delayed A-H interval (P < 0.05). The data suggest that properties of AV-nodal conduction are preserved following potassium cardioplegic arrest, but impaired by ischemic injury or persistent local cardiac hypothermia.
ATOMIC PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT AT HIGH ENERGIES

Total cross sections are obtained for the photoelectric effect from the $K$ shell of an atom of arbitrary charge, in the limit of high energies. An approximate analytic formula then is deduced to cover the entire high-energy region. For heavy elements and very high energies the differences from previous predictions are large. It is noted that these results also apply to other processes, including the one photon annihilation of fast positrons.
Embolic management of rare hemorrhagic gynecologic and obstetrical conditions

Severe life-threatening hemorrhage was controlled by angiographic management in 3 patients with bleeding due to unusual gynecological abnormalities and in 1 patient with a rare obstetrically related hemorrhage. Successful management of such rare causes of bleeding emphasizes that early angiographic intervention can, in selected patients, reduce the need for an immediate or subsequent surgical procedure and allow conservative management followed by disease-specific therapy.
Assembly of α-helical Peptide Coatings on Hydrophobic Surfaces

The adsorption or covalent attachment of biological macromolecules onto polymer materials to improve their biocompatibility has been pursued using a variety of approaches, but key to understanding their efficacy is the verification of the structure and dynamics of the immobilized biomolecules. Here we present data on peptides designed to adsorb from aqueous solutions onto highly porous hydrophobic surfaces with specific helical secondary structures. Small linear peptides composed of alternating leucine and lysine residues were synthesized, and their adsorption onto porous polystyrene surfaces was studied using a combination of solid-state NMR techniques. Using conventional solid-state NMR experiments and newly developed double-quantum techniques, their helical structure was verified. Large-amplitude dynamics on the NMR time scale were not observed, suggesting irreversible adsorption of the peptides. Their association, adsorption, and structure were examined as a function of helix length and sequence periodicity, and it was found that, at higher solution concentrations, peptides as short as seven amino acids adsorb with defined secondary structures. Two-dimensional double-quantum experiments using 13 C-enriched peptide sequences allow high-resolution determination of secondary structure in heterogeneous environments where the peptides are a minor component of the material. These results shed light on how polymeric surfaces may be surface-modified by structured peptides and demonstrate the level of molecular structural and dynamic information solid-state NMR can provide.
ROOTS AND CENTRALIZERS OF ANOSOV DIFFEOMORPHISMS ON TORI

The centralizer of a group element g is the group of elements commuting with g. Powers and, if existent, roots of g are contained in the centralizer. We call a centralizer trivial if it consists of the integer powers of g, only. In the group of torus homeomorphisms, we study the centralizer of torus diffeomorphisms of hyperbolic Anosov type. As a result, the centralizer can be calculated, isomorphically, in the much smaller group of affine torus automorphisms. In particular, Anosov diffeomorphisms of the 2-torus with a unique fixed point possess trivial centralizer, up to a trivial involution. The identification of individual reactors from data on reactor cascades, for example in chemical engineering, is one source of motivation for the study of roots of diffeomorphisms. Another possible source is the study of commuting diffeomorphisms in finite-dimensional spatially or spatio-temporally chaotic systems.
Morphology of Leaf Surface Trichomes and Its Influence on Egglaying by Heliothis virescens

Structure, color, growth habit, and pubescence of plants, in addition to chemical characteristics, affect acceptability of plants as potential food, refuge, or oviposition sites for insects; however, the impact of physical characteristics of plants on egglaying by the tobacco budworm moth, Heliothis virescens (F.), is poorly understood. This study was undertaken to determine the physical attributes, especially trichome types and growth habit, that may influence oviposition by gravid H. virescens females on several species of plants. The types and densities of trichomes found on the leaves of eight plant species, pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth], crimson clover (Trifodium incarnatum L.), Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis Hooker), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), velvetleaf (Abuliton theophrasti Medikus), rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Her.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and groundcherry (Physalis angulata L.) were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy
From "Baby Barn" to the "Single Family Room Designed NICU": A Report of Staff Perceptions One Year Post Occupancy

The incorporation of the single-family room (SFR) into the design of neonatal intensive care units has been a recent paradigm shift and focuses first and foremost on the developmental needs of critically ill or extremely premature infants. This article reports the perceptions of an interdisciplinary staff one year after the move from a large open room design into an SFR neonatal intensive care unit. Staff completed a questionnaire as part of a quality improvement initiative to gain opinions about the SFR design; new unit technologies; and to find ways to make the unit a better place for patients, families, and staff, and to assist others considering building the SFR model. The results suggest that when compared to the open unit “Baby Barn” design, the SFR model was deemed to be better for patient care, less stressful for staff, and provided an improved physical environment for patients, families, and staff.
First Year Development of a Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta) Reared in Isolation

* Accepted for publication by C. J. Warden of the Editorial Board and received in the Editorial Office, March 29, 1934. 1 Acknowledgment is gratefully made to Dr. C. G. Hartman of the Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Baltimore, Maryland, for the donation of the subject of known gestation age, and to Dr. C. J. Warden, of the Laboratory of Comparative Psychology, where the investigation was carried out.
A Distant Jaguar: The Civil Society Project in Chimalapas

Civil society has become an important unit of analysis in the context of the globalization of politics and political discourse and the decentralization of nation-states. At a discursive level, it i...
An analysis of the relationship between jurors' personal attributes and decision making

Using a survey from a jury simulation study, this study examines the relationship between jurors' personal and social attributes and their decision-making behavior. The hypothesis is examined whether personal attributes and socialization of jurors have any significant effect on their decision-making behavior. The analysis suggests that personal and/or social attributes of jurors have little, if any, impact on their decision-making behavior. Instead, jury instruction and information about the matter appear to be major influence contributors. Additionally, evidence presented during the trial and knowledge of law have significant effects upon how jurors decide cases and give verdicts.
Design Dilemma: Use peak or residual strength of soil

Abstract Most design methods for geosynthetic reinforced soil structures are based on limit equilibrium analysis. The required strength and length of the reinforcement is calculated based on the shear strength of the soils through which potential slip surfaces are likely to pass. Many design guidelines require a free-draining compacted backfill. Such soil exhibits strain softening behavior and thus there is a question of whether peak or residual shear strength should be used in the limit equilibrium analysis. The end result of this selection may have significant economic consequences especially when the foundation soil is competent. This paper recognizes the potential for the development of progressive failure. To produce safe and economical structures, a hybrid approach is proposed for design analysis. The location of the critical slip surfaces is determined based on peak strength as observed in laboratory soil element testing as well as centrifugal models of reinforced slopes. Accounting for the possibility that soil strength along these surfaces will degrade to its residual plastic value, the limit equilibrium analysis is repeated to determine the required long-term reinforcement strength. A simplified analytical design methodology is presented. Parametric studies show that the hybrid approach allows for marginal reduction in strength of reinforcement as compared to the `pure’ residual strength approach. However, the required length using the hybrid approach may decrease significantly depending on the slope and soil properties. Since the economics of geosynthetics are more sensitive to its area or length than to its strength in many instances, the presented approach may have significant design implications.
Kansas City VAMC Optometry Residency Program: a survey of residents since 1975.

Background. The nation's first one-year, Council on Optometric Education accredited hospital-based optometry residency program began at the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1975. As part of the 25th anniversary review, past residents were surveyed to determine whether the residency had met their goals and influenced their postresidency activities. This is the first in-depth study of a single residency program. Methods. A 34-question survey was developed based on one previously used in a 1987 national study of Veterans Affairs residents. The survey was designed to provide data comparable to that found in other residency surveys. Results. Forty-eight of 50 former residents responded, and at least one survey was returned for every year from 1975 through 2000. One hundred percent of residents noted that the program met or exceeded expectations in patient diversity, workload, and level of responsibility. Additionally, almost 30% of residents currently or previously held Veterans Affairs staff positions, and they have collectively published 316 papers, 33 textbook chapters, and five textbooks. Conclusions. Judged by these responses, the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center Optometry Residency Program offers an exceptional clinical training program that surpasses resident expectations. Finally, former graduates of the program have made a significant contribution to patient care and to the optometric profession as demonstrated by their clinical, academic, and research accomplishments.
Implementation of interior micro-CT on a carbon nanotube dynamic micro-CT scanner for lower radiation dose

Micro-CT is a high-resolution volumetric imaging tool that provides imaging evaluations for many preclinical applications. However, the relatively high cumulative radiation dose from micro-CT scans could lead to detrimental influence on the experimental outcomes or even the damages of specimens. Interior micro-computed tomography (micro- CT) produces exact tomographic images of an interior region-of-interest (ROI) embedded within an object from truncated projection data. It holds promises for many biomedical applications with significantly reduced radiation doses. Here, we present our first implementation of an interior micro-CT system using a carbon nanotube (CNT) field-emission microfocus x-ray source. The system has two modes – interior micro-CT mode and global micro-CT mode, which is realized with a detachable x-ray beam collimator at the source side. The interior mode has an effective field-of-view (FOV) of about 10mm in diameter, while for the global mode the FOV is about 40mm in diameter. We acquired CT data in these two modes from a mouse-sized phantom, and compared the reconstructed image qualities and the associated radiation exposures. Interior ROI reconstruction was achieved by using our in-house developed reconstruction algorithm. Overall, interior micro-CT demonstrated comparable image quality to the conventional global micro-CT. Radiation doses measured by an ion chamber show that interior micro-CT yielded significant dose reduction (up to 83%).
Benzotriazole-Mediated Selective Chromium(VI) Oxidations

Abstract Complexation of chromium trioxide with benzotriazole has been found to be an effective reagent for allylic oxidation. Pyridinium chlorochromate complexed with benzotriazole was found to selectively oxidize steroidal allylic alchols in high yield.
Preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer: benefits and controversies.

The randomized study of preoperative radiotherapy for rectal adenocarcinoma by Cedermark and coworkers in this issue highlights the benefits and controversies of this important therapeutic strategy. The guiding principles of rectal cancer therapy have been maximum loco-regional and systemic control of disease. Surgical resection has been and is the primary therapeutic modality for this disease. Major improvements in loco--regional and systemic management have been made with the incorporation of adjuvant therapies such as pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Randomized studies have established that postoperative radiotherapy significantly reduces the rate of local recurrence and when 5FU-based chemotherapy is added to the radiotherapy, improved loco-regional and systemic control is achieved (1--4). Another adjuvant strategy for resectable rectal carcinoma is to administer preoperative radiotherapy or radiotherapy and 5FU-based chemotherapy. The theoretical advantages of this approach are:
Design management based on design traces

VOV is an automatic manager for VLSI design. It is based on the idea that CAD tools can leave a trace of their execution. The trace is represented as a bipartite directed and acyclic graph, in which the nodes represent either design data or CAD transactions. By managing and analyzing the traces, VOV offers a wide variety of services related to design management, such as coordination of team design, automatic execution of CAD transactions, and capture of design history and data dependencies. All of these services are provided in a nonintrusive fashion. VOV has the notion of measurement on the design data, an ingredient which is necessary to provide even more services: tracking of design specifications, validation of design data, and design estimation. >
Effects of wavefront propagation error in an optical correlator.

Theoretical and experimental analyses are presented of the effects of phase errors in the components of an optical correlator. A position dependent treatment of the wavefront phase error of the optical system is needed to determine how these errors propagate through the system and their effect on the output correlation. The empirically determined expression R = 1 − 0.5 ϕ¯2 is found to describe the loss in intensity of the correlation peak in terms of the phase error ϕ in the first transform lens.
Impact of riser reconstructions on estimation of secular variation in rates of strike-slip faulting: Revisiting the Cherchen River site along the Altyn Tagh Fault, NW China

Abstract Slip rates are heavily contested for many of the first-order strike–slip faults within the Indo–Asian collision zone. Rates determined geodetically are generally lower than those reported using reconstructions of offset landforms, and it is unclear if this discrepancy reflects true secular variation in slip history, systematic errors in interpretation, or both. Here I examine the methods used to derive slip rates from reconstructions of displaced fluvial risers, and show that such rates are subject to potentially important uncertainties that have largely been overlooked. Review of published data demonstrates that the slip rate can vary by a factor of 1.2 to 5 for the same site, depending on whether the reconstruction uses the age of the upper or lower terrace for the initiation of riser offset. To reduce this epistemic uncertainty, I have developed six geomorphic indices that can be used to identify the most accurate end-member reconstruction: (1) comparison of riser offset with inset channel width; (2) similarity of riser and tread displacements; (3) morphological analysis of the scarp profile; (4) riser deflection in plan view; (5) diachroneity of terrace abandonment; and (6) whether riser crests or bases yield the slip vector. Without the use of these geomorphic observations the epistemic uncertainty associated with current methods for determining slip rate from offset fluvial risers is likely to be so large that there is no resolvable discrepancy between the GPS and geologic rates within the Indo–Asian collision zone. Application of three of these indices to new field mapping of the Cherchen He (River) Site (∼ 86.4°E) along the central Altyn Tagh Fault yields a revised slip rate of 9.4 ± 2.3 mm/yr, equivalent within error to the rates previously derived from GPS and paleoseismic studies. Although reinterpretation of published data from the Sulamu Tagh site (∼ 87.4°) is consistent with this revised rate, additional work is needed to reconcile this result with some of the rates reported near Aksay (∼ 94°E).
Analysis of advanced flight management systems (FMS), flight management computer (FMC) field observations trials, vertical path

The differences in performance of various manufacturers' flight management systems (FMSs) and their associated flight management computers (FMCs) have the potential for significant impact on the air traffic control system. While area navigation (RNAV) and required navigation performance (RNP) procedures and routes are designed according to criteria contained in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders, FMCs are built to meet minimum aviation system performance standards (MASPS) (RTCA, 2003) and the minimum operational performance standards (MOPS) (RTCA, 2003) for area navigation systems, technical service orders and advisory circulars. The expectation is the resulting performance of the aircraft FMC will meet the procedure design requirements identified in the FAA criteria. The airspace design goal is procedures where aircraft operations result in repeatable and predictable paths. However, actual aircraft performance frequently does not match the expectations of the procedure designer. Studies referenced in this paper such as assessment of operational differences among flight management systems (Steinbach, 2004), analysis of advanced flight management systems (FMSs) (Herndon et al., 2005) and analysis of advanced flight management systems (FMSs), FMC field observations trials (Herndon et al., 2006) have shown that these differences result from variations in FMS equipment; variations and errors in data collection and processing; variations in pilot training and airline operating procedures; and variations in aircraft performance. This paper presents the hypothesis that given a standardized performance-based (RNAV/RNP) procedure with coded altitudes, variations in vertical path performance will exist among the various FMC/FMS combinations that are tested. Controlled observations were made using twelve test benches at five major FMC manufacturers and three full-motion simulators at the FAA and two airlines. This focus on vertical navigation (VNAV) path conformance follows the MITRE Corporation's analysis of lateral navigation (LNAV) path conformance described in analysis of advanced flight management systems (FMSs), FMC field observations trials (Herndon et al., 2006).
What Determines Resource Optimization in Cooperative Communications

Optimum resource allocation in cooperative networks has been studied for diverse system setups and with various optimization metrics. However, there lacks a unifying framework delineating the effects of different factors on resource optimization and its resultant benefit. In this paper, we investigate the relative effects of the optimization metric (error rate vs. outage probability), modulation type (coherent vs. differential) and the relaying protocol (amplify-and-forward (AF) vs. decode-and-forward (DF)). To facilitate such a unifying study, we provide a comprehensive set of system performance and optimization results for four commonly adopted cooperative systems: coherent amplify-and-forward (CAF), coherent decode-and-forward (CDF), differential amplify-and-forward (DAF), and differential decode-and-forward (DDF). Our analyses and simulations suggest that: i) The error rate and outage probability metrics yield similar optimization results; ii) The relaying protocol affects the optimization results more than the modulation type when the number of relays (L) is small; and iii) The CAF system is uniquely different from others when L is large.
Solving an Infinite Horizon Adverse Selection Model Through Finite Policy Graphs

This paper studies an infinite horizon adverse selection model with an underlying Markov information process. It introduces a graphic representation of continuation contracts and continuation payoff frontiers, namely finite policy graph, and provides an algorithm to approximate the optimal policy graph through iterations. The algorithm performs an additional step after each value iteration---replacing dominated points on the previous continuation payoff frontier by points on the new frontier and reevaluating the new frontier. This dominance-free reevaluation step accelerates the convergence of the continuation payoff frontiers. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of this algorithm and properties of the optimal contracts.
Calibration and verification of the pure-mode vector network analyzer

In this paper, the calibration of a pure-mode vector network analyzer (PMVNA) is presented in detail. The analyzer is intended for the measurement of mixed-mode scattering parameters (s-parameters) of differential circuits, but is also suitable for measurement of general microwave networks with up to four ports. The theory of calibration of the analyzer is developed in terms of a general n-port analyzer, including the correction of port-to-port crosstalk. The type of the standards used in calibration is examined, and the minimum number of standards are summarized for various levels of crosstalk correction. A new standard for all multiport network analyzer calibrations is introduced. A calibration is performed from 0.25 to 25.25 GHz based on standards with coaxial connectors, and verification standards are measured. The measured data is compared with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable measurements, and errors are found to be generally less than /spl plusmn/1 dB in transmission. In many cases, the error is less than the uncertainty of the NIST traceable measurements.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON LIGHT‐LIMITED GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SKELETONEMA COSTATUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

Phytoplankton growth rate in response to irradiance can be approximated by a hyperbola defined by three coefficients: i) initial slope (α); ii) asymptote (μm); and, iii) X-axis intercept or compensation irradiance (Ic). To mathematically represent the interaction of temperature and irradiance on growth rate, one must describe the relationship between these constants and temperature. The marine diatom, Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve, was grown in unialgal culture at different levels of irradiance and 2-3 photoperiods at 0, 5, 10, 16 and 22 C. The value of Ic is ca. 1.0 ly·day−1 or less at all temperatures. The initial slope (div·ly−1) is a “u-shaped” function of temperature described by the second degree polynomial, α= 0.25–0.02T+0.001T2. Within the range 0–10 C, μm (div·day−1) is an exponential function of temperature described by the equation, μm= 0.48 exp (0.126T). At each temperature and selected levels of irradiance, cell size and cellular content of C, N and chl a were determined. The C:chl a and N:chl a ratios increased with irradiance because of increases in C and decreases in chl a. At lower temperatures (0, 5, 10 C), the rate of increase of both ratios with irradiance was greater than at the higher temperatures (16, 22 C). Cellular content of N was independent of irradiance and temperature, and the C:N ratio ranged from 5 to 8 with a slight tendency to lower values at low irradiance. Cell volume was not influenced by either temperature or irradiance.
Accuracy of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Population Estimates Based on Counts of Larvae in Artificial Resting Sites

Mark/recapture surveys were carried out to evaluate the relationship between counts of caterpillars under burlap-band resting sites and gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), populations. Principal component analysis showed that rain on the day of sampling was related to decreases in numbers counted under burlap. Caterpillars did not readily move between burlap resting sites placed high in trees and those lower down, and larvae found under high burlap developed slower and had greater mortality than those under low burlap. Survival rates calculated from the mark/recapture data were higher for larvae under low burlap. Calculations of population levels from the mark/recapture data showed that the part of the population sampled by low burlap was 10-fold as large as that sampled by high burlap. Estimates of daily survival rates of the first four instars were close to the corresponding rates for large larvae. There was a correlation of 0.95 between mark/recapture log population estimates for large caterpillars and log counts over four orders of magnitude, but comparisons with independent data suggest that the relationship between log counts and log populations may be nonlinear.
Automatic Transliteration of Romanized Dialectal Arabic

In this paper, we address the problem of converting Dialectal Arabic (DA) text that is written in the Latin script (called Arabizi) into Arabic script following the CODA convention for DA orthography. The presented system uses a finite state transducer trained at the character level to generate all possible transliterations for the input Arabizi words. We then filter the generated list using a DA morphological analyzer. After that we pick the best choice for each input word using a language model. We achieve an accuracy of 69.4% on an unseen test set compared to 63.1% using a system which represents a previously proposed approach.
Rescue of stranded pollen grains by secondary transfer

Secondary transfer of pollen can occur when a second pollinator remobilizes grains that had already been transferred to a flower by a previous pollinator. We used a pollen-color dimorphism to measure components of secondary transfer by bumble bees visiting the lily Erythronium grandiflorum . Remobilization was surprisingly high, ranging from 20% of grains deposited on stigmas to 90% of grains deposited on inner tepal surfaces. Because most of the grains that are remobilized would otherwise have been stranded on nonstigmatic surfaces, secondary transfer has the beneficial effect of returning lost grains to circulation.
Introduction to Mollusca and the Class Gastropoda

Abstract This chapter is an introduction to the Phylum Mollusca and a review of freshwater gastropod systematics, evolution, regional distribution and diversity, reproduction and life history, general ecology, parasitism, biogeography, and conservation. Freshwater gastropods are abundant organisms with dominant roles in lake and stream ecosystems. The diversity of freshwater gastropods is high, and their systematics are under continual revision. Many freshwater gastropods are at risk of extinction from a variety of human impacts that are predominantly habitat destruction. The chapter concludes with details of collecting, culturing, and preparation of specimens.
Validation of a bone scan positivity risk table in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Objectives To test the external validity of a previously developed risk table, designed to predict the probability of a positive bone scan among men with non-metastatic (M0) castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), in a separate cohort. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analysed 429 bone scans of 281 patients with CRPC, with no known previous metastases, treated at three Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. We assessed the predictors of a positive scan using generalized estimating equations. Area under the curve (AUC), calibration plots and decision-curve analysis were used to assess the performance of our previous model to predict a positive scan in the current data. Results A total of 113 scans (26%) were positive. On multivariable analysis, the only significant predictors of a positive scan were log-transformed prostate-specific antigen (PSA): hazard ratio (HR) 2.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71–2.66 (P < 0.001) and log-transformed PSA doubling time (PSADT): HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.41–0.68 (P < 0.001). Among men with a PSA level <5 ng/mL, the rate of positive scans was 5%. The previously developed risk table had an AUC of 0.735 to predict positive bone scan with excellent calibration, and provided additional net benefit in the decision-curve analysis. Conclusion We have validated our previously developed table to predict the risk of a positive bone scan among men with M0/Mx CRPC. Use of this risk table may allow better tailoring of patients' scanning to identify metastases early, while minimizing over-imaging. Regardless of PSADT, positive bone scans were rare in men with a PSA <5 ng/mL.
Thiophene-Based Fluorescent Mercury-Sensors

AbstractCoordination chemistry of thiophene rings is poorly understood, despite their common use in organic electronic materials. The absorption and emission responses to transition metal ions of three thiophene-based ligands containing pyridine chelating groups are examined. These ligands, 2-(2′-thienyl)-pyridine (L1), 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)thiophene (L2), and 2,6-bis(2-thienyl)pyridine (L3), show a ratiometric fluorescence response in the presence of Hg(ClO4)2 with reasonable selectivity against many transition metal ions in acetonitrile. 1H NMR data support S,N chelation of L1 and L2 to the Hg(II) center, while L3 coordinates through cyclometalation via one carbon of thiophene. DFT calculations suggest thiophene coordinates to Hg(II) in a bent geometry. Our results indicate that thiophene could offer selectivity for Hg(II) towards the design of fluorescent sensors.
A Generalized Lattice Based Probabilistic Approach for Metagenomic Clustering

Metagenomics involves the analysis of genomes of microorganisms sampled directly from their environment. Next Generation Sequencing allows a high-throughput sampling of small segments from genomes in the metagenome to generate reads. To study the properties and relationships of the microorganisms present, clustering can be performed based on the inherent composition of the sampled reads for unknown species. We propose a two-dimensional lattice based probabilistic model for clustering metagenomic datasets. The occurrence of a species in the metagenome is estimated using a lattice of probabilistic distributions over small sized genomic sequences. The two dimensions denote distributions for different sizes and groups of words, respectively. The lattice structure allows for additional support for a node from its neighbors when the probabilistic support for the species using the parameters of the current node is deemed insufficient. We also show convergence for our algorithm. We test our algorithm on simulated metagenomic data containing bacterial species and observe more than $85\text{percent}$ precision. We also evaluate our algorithm on an in vitro -simulated bacterial metagenome and on human patient data, and show a better clustering than other algorithms even for short reads and varied abundance. The software and datasets can be downloaded from https:// github.com/lattclus/lattice-metage .
Determination Trace Elements in Nanguo Pear by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Microwave digestion to process Nanguo pear.Determine Potassium,calcium,magnesium,iron,manganese in Nanguo pear by flame atomic absorption method.Optimize the work parameter of flame atomic absorption and compare the influence of result.It indicates that treat Nanguo pear with microwave digestion can shorten digestion time and increase the veracity.The relative standard deviation(RDS) of five element were all less than 7%.Coefficient of recovery were 95.6%~103.6%.This method is adapt to determine different element in Nanguo pear.
Comparative Analysis of Dynamics Characteristics for Static and Operation State of High-speed Spindle System

There is a certain degree difference between the static and operation condition for the high-speed spindle system.Therefore,large errors will be leaded to if predicting the stability of spindle system used the frequency response function(FRF) of tool tip which are gotten from static state.On the basis of introducing the modeling method of finite element for the spindle system,a high-speed spindle system is modeled and its nature characteristics and FRF of tool tip are solved,when the spindle system is in static,low and high rotate state.Corresponding to the three conditions,nature characteristics and FRF of tool tip are compared.The results show that,at low speed state,the dynamics of the spindle system is the same as stationary state,and in high speed conditions,the dynamics is quite different with the static state.It can also provide a reference to analyze dynamics and stability for similar spindle system.
Plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in hyperfunction, suppression, and deficiency of adrenal cortical function.

Abstract Plasma 17-OHCS levels and adrenocortical capacity were greatly reduced in most patients on long-term steroid (cortisol, cortisone) therapy. In some subjects, however, the adrenal cortex showed remarkable ability in returning to normal function after abrupt cessation of steroid therapy. The rate of metabolism of intravenously administered cortisol was essentially normal in subjects following abrupt cessation of prolonged steroid therapy, although the plasma 17-OHCS concentrations tended to be higher in 2 of the patients. Four of 12 patients with Addison's disease had low levels of 17-OHCS during ACTH infusion. Two of 3 patients with Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocortical hyperplasia showed exaggerated plasma 17-OHCS levels during ACTH infusion, while the third patient had a fairly normal response. A patient with functioning carcinoma of the adrenal showed elevated 17-OHCS levels with no changes during ACTH infusion.
Crosstalk Between Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Signaling Pathways in Development and Disease

In animals, myriad chemical signals flow between and within cells to maintain life’s balancing act. The “flow” of these signals, or signaling pathways, ultimately dictates how cells respond to changes in their environment, from local tissue injury to food scarcity. During embryogenesis, the same signaling pathways function to transduce extracellular cues that guide development. Two of the most ubiquitous and evolutionarily conserved cell signaling pathways are the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) pathways. The two pathways are involved in a wide range of critical cellular functions, such as cell growth and differentiation. They are also linked together as a part of a complex signaling network that regulates embryonic development, and the disruption of this network can result in a variety of diseases like cancers. Consequently, better mechanistic understanding of the MAPK and PI3K pathways and the crosstalk between them will inform strategies for future therapy. In this chapter, we will discuss the role of the MAPK and PI3K pathways in animal development and neoplastic transformations, with a focus on the role of multiple layers of crosstalk that go on between the two pathways.
LIVESTOCK POISONING FROM NITRO-BEARING ASTRAGALUS

I. ABSTRACT Aliphatic nitro compounds were found in 263 species and varieties of North American Astragalus. Nitro compounds catabolize to 3-nitro-1-propanol (3-NPOH) and 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) in the digestive tract of ruminants. Since 3-NPOH is more readily absorbed from the digestive tract than 3-NPA, 3-NPOH is more toxic per mg of NO 2 ingested. Animals chronically poisoned by nitro-bearing Astragalus develop a general weakness in the hindquarters. Methemoglobin may reach 4 to 6% of total hemoglobin. Acutely poisoned animals die 4 to 20 hours after eating nitro-bearing Astragalus. The syndrome is characterized by general weakness, incoordination in the hindquarters, trembling, labored and audible breathing, collapse, and ultimately death from cardiac and respiratory failure. Methemoglobin usually surpasses 20% of total hemoglobin at time of death. Nitro-bearing Astragalus that are closely related tend to synthesize the same form and concentration of nitro compounds. This chemotaxonomie character can be used to predict the occurrence of nitro compounds in Astragalus, assess the potential toxicity of the species, and identify foreign nitro-bearing species that would be unsuitable for importation because of their poisonous properties.
Correction: Lumbosacral Osteomyelitis and Discitis with Phlegmon Following Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy

Title: Lumbosacral Osteomyelitis and Discitis with Phlegmon Following Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy
Cosmological Implications of Doubly-Coupled Massive Gravity

So far we have studied the cosmological solutions of massive bigravity in Chaps. 3 and 4 with matter coupled only to one metric, and discussed some of the theoretical issues with extending to a bimetric matter coupling in Chap. 5. As emphasised in the introduction of Chap. 5, the singly-coupled theory spoils the metric interchange symmetry present in vacuum; the kinetic and mass terms treat the metrics on equal footing, but this is broken when one couples matter to only one metric. It is therefore compelling to investigate other types of matter coupling that extend this metric-interchange symmetry to the entire theory. Moreover, as demonstrated in Chap. 3, cosmological background viability and linear stability rule out all but a small handful of the parameter space of the singly-coupled theory. By extending the matter coupling, we may be able to open up the space of observationally-allowed bimetric theories.
Landscapes' Lessons: Native American Cultural Geography in Nineteenth-Century Oregon and Washington

The depth and complexity of the cultural significance of physical geographic spaces to Native Americans is often underappreciated or misunderstood. For Pacific Northwest indigenous groups, landscapes contained lessons by which to live and histories of their people and their neighbors. The stories embedded in the landscapes not only augmented the oral tradition but were also crucial to the maintenance of socio-cultural values of native communities. The stories the landscape produced served as cultural reminders, but their efficacy depended upon continued contact with those locales. Knowing this helps us better understand the upheaval wrought by the US removal policy, which relocated Indians away from familiar landscapes and the lessons they imparted to remote and too often mute reservation lands.
TRENDS AND OUTCOMES OF MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC CIRRHOSIS: INSIGHT FROM NATIONAL INPATIENT SAMPLE

Background: Limited data are available on the utilization and outcomes of mitral valve replacement (MVR) in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. We sought to evaluate the national utilization trends and outcomes of MVR in hepatic cirrhosis patients. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was utilized
Reliability, Validity, and Minimal Detectable Change of Four-Step Stair Climb Power Test in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Background Stair climb power is an important clinical measure of lower-extremity power. The stair climb power test (SCPT) was validated by requiring individuals to climb a full flight of stairs. A 4-step SCPT (4SCPT) would be more clinically feasible and easier to perform, yet its reliability and validity are unknown. Objective To evaluate reliability, validity, and minimal detectable change of 4SCPT among community-dwelling older adults. Design This study is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a clinical trial. Methods Fifty older adults ≥65 years of age, at risk for mobility decline, consented to participate in this ancillary study. Test-retest reliability was derived from 2 measurements within each participant measured by a single assessor. Pearson correlation analyses among leg power measures (4SCPT, SCPT, single leg press power at 40% and 70% of the 1-repetition maximum [SLP40, SLP70]) were performed. Separate multivariate linear regressions were conducted evaluating the associations between each leg power measure and 2 mobility outcomes, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and habitual gait speed (HGS). Minimal detectable change was based on a 90% confidence interval (MDC 90 ). Results The 4SCPT had excellent test-retest reliability (ICC(2,1) = 0.951), and strong correlation with SCPT, SLP40, and SLP70 ( r = 0.85-0.96). The 4SCPT explained a greater amount of variance in the SPPB (R 2 = 0.31) than other leg power measurements (R 2 = 0.23-0.25). The 4SCPT (R 2 = 0.41) and SCPT (R 2 = 0.42) described equivalent amounts of variance in HGS, and greater than that with SLP40 (R 2 = 0.28) and SLP70 (R 2 = 0.30). The MDC 90 for 4SCPT was 44.0 watts. Limitations This was a cross-sectional analysis within a small, nonrepresentative sample. Interrater reliability was not evaluated. Conclusions The 4SCPT shows scientific promise as a valid and reliable leg power measurement among community-dwelling older adults.
Periarteritis nodosa of epididymis.

Abstract A patient with scrotal mass was found to have periarteritis nodosa of the epididymis. Review of the literature failed to reveal a similar case, despite the fact that at autopsy the gonads are frequently found to be involved.
SILVar: Single Index Latent Variable Models

A semiparametric, nonlinear regression model in the presence of latent variables is introduced. These latent variables can correspond to unmodeled phenomena or unmeasured agents in a complex networked system. This new formulation allows joint estimation of certain nonlinearities in the system, the direct interactions between measured variables and the effects of unmodeled elements on the observed system. The particular form of the model adopted is justified, and learning is posed as a regularized empirical risk minimization. This leads to classes of structured convex optimization problems with a “sparse plus low-rank” flavor. Relations between the proposed model and several common model paradigms, such as those of robust principal component analysis and vector autoregression (VAR), are established. Particularly in the VAR setting, the low-rank contributions can come from broad trends exhibited in the time series. Details of the algorithm for learning the model are presented. Experiments demonstrate the performance of the model and the estimation algorithm on simulated and real data.
Too hot to help! Exploring the impact of ambient temperature on helping

Building on the conservation of resources model, we conducted three studies to explore the link between ambient temperature and individual prosocial behavior. In study 1, analyzing the two-wave field data from a chain of retail stores in Eastern Europe, we find that, in hot, as opposed to normal temperatures, employees are less likely to act in a prosocial manner. In study 2, we replicate and extend these findings in a randomized controlled experiment by identifying mechanisms underlying the relationship between hot ambient temperature and helping behavior. Specifically, we find that heat increases fatigue that leads to reduction in positive affect and subsequently reduces individual helping. Finally, in study 3, we replicate these findings in a field experiment. Taken together, our study helps to explain how and through what mechanisms ambient temperature influences individual helping. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.