cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐FF‐I‐09: Minimizing Scatter Artifact in Cone‐Beam CT Reconstruction Using Both Kilovoltage and Megavoltage Beams

Purpose: To study the effect of imaging orientations on image quality of aggregated conebeam CT and to develop a strategy to minimize scatter artifact. Method and Materials: Orthogonal kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) beam projections were acquired and used to reconstruct kV/MV aggregated CTimages. With a $15$‐degree fan‐beam angle, only $105$‐degree gantry rotation s needed to obtain a minimal scan coverage. Besides its short scanning time, the new scan technique has the advantage of getting high soft‐tissue contrast from kV beams and low scatter artifacts from MV beams. The kV and MV projection images were obtained by using a kV on‐board imager and MV portal imager mounted orthogonally on a Varian‐21EX LINAC. A linear model was established to fit the kV and MV attenuation values over the 15‐degree overlap region. MV projections were then converted into kV‐equivalent ones. Aggregated CTimages were reconstructed from both kV and converted MV projections jointly, using the filter‐back projection method. Results: Using 8 different kV/MV orientations, we reconstructed 16 aggregated CTimages for two phantoms, eight for each one. Each image was registered to its corresponding simulator‐CT image from a GE LightSpeed‐RT simulator. The reconstructed images show good contrast for both bones and soft‐tissue. However some of them have relatively severe scatter artifacts. We calculated the normalized mutual information (NMI) between the aggregated CT and simulator CTimages. The NMI exhibits a sinusoidal oscillation when plotted against the gantry start angle. The two maximums correspond to the two imaging orientations with kV (or MV) beams through the thinner (or thicker) side views of the phantoms, indicating that scatter from kV beams has more impact on image quality than MV beams. Conclusion: A strategy has been developed to determine the optimal imaging orientation for aggregated kV/MV CBCT.
A Microfluidic Approach for Screening Submicroliter Volumes against Multiple Reagents by Using Preformed Arrays of Nanoliter Plugs in a Three-Phase Liquid/Liquid/Gas Flow

Plugging a gap in screening: Arrays of nanoliter-sized plugs of different compositions can be preformed in a three-phase liquid/liquid/gas flow. The arrays can be transported into a microfluidic channel to test against a target (see schematic representation), as demonstrated in protein crystallization and an enzymatic assay.
Iodine valence and local environments in borosilicate waste glasses using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The radioisotope 129 I, a fission product in spent nuclear fuel, has a long half-life, and can be highly mobile in the environment. Iodine K-edge X-ray absorption spectra were collected to characterize the iodine valence and coordination environment in simulated Hanford low activity waste glasses. Both iodine XANES and EXAFS data for eleven borosilicate glasses indicate iodide-like environments within the glass structure, where I � has Na or Li nearest-neighbors, and where the nearest-neighbor cation-type correlates to the most common network-modifying cation in the glass. This is further supported by the systematic increase of iodine incorporation with the combined Na2 O+L i 2O content in the glass. EXAFS analyses determined I–Na distances near 3.04 A with coordination numbers near 4.0 and I–Li distances near 2.80 A with coordination numbers near 3.0. I–Na environments determined for the glasses are similar to the tetrahedral INa4 coordination found in NaI-sodalite. These weakly bound iodine-alkali configurations may be the only pathways for iodine to be retained in the glass. These environments may be precursors to NaI-sodalite crystallization in Na-rich glass. Iodine also shows distinct differences from chlorine in terms of the preferred sites in the glass structure.
A multimodal MAV for situational awareness in near-earth environments

Small unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) such as AeroVironments Puma, are designed for military support at the tactical level. These miniature UAVs can be rapidly deployed via a hand or bungee launch. Most commercial unmanned aircraft currently in service are autonomous in the sense that they can be programmed to follow GPS waypoint routes and can be updated in mid-flight. Typical missions include surveillance, reconnaissance, bomb damage assessment, and search and rescue. Although most missions are carried out at extremely low altitudes (e.g. 20100 meters), the UAV flight control systems do not have collision avoidance capabilities. Furthermore, flight in these low altitude or near-Earth environments, such as urban areas and mountainous terrain, often degrade GPS signals.
Medial axis transformation with single-pixel and connectivity preservation using Euclidean distance computation

A novel medial axis transformation (MAT) algorithm extracted from the Euclidean distance transform of a binary image is presented. The extracted MAT satisfies the following properties: reconstructivity, rotation-invariance, connectivity, and single-pixel width. The preservation of properties is proved, and some experimental results are shown. The skeleton is trimmed by removing short branches to make it simpler and useful for object recognition. >
Gossip, hearsay, and the character exception in Victorian law and literature

This article contrasts the uses of gossip in fiction to legal rules against the admission of hearsay evidence, particularly as they both impinge on nineteenth-century formulations of the idea of character. Looking at Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford and the controversial decision in R v Rowton (1865), especially its discussion of the meaning of character and the best, admissible means of accessing it, I argue that the novel's more capacious rules of evidence repurpose hearsay and find other uses for it: a sociological one of creating and maintaining communal boundaries; an epistemological one of confirming, discovering or otherwise creating knowledge, and a narratological one of generating plot.
Three-dimensional prepolarized magnetic resonance imaging using rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement.

Prepolarized MRI (PMRI) with pulsed electromagnets has the potential to produce diagnostic quality 0.5- to 1.0-T images with significantly reduced cost, susceptibility artifacts, specific absorption rate, and gradient noise. In PMRI, the main magnetic field cycles between a high field (Bp) to polarize the sample and a homogeneous, low field (B0) for data acquisition. This architecture combines the higher SNR of the polarizing field with the imaging benefits of the lower field. However, PMRI can only achieve high SNR efficiency for volumetric imaging with 3D rapid imaging techniques, such as rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) (FSE, TSE), because slice-interleaved acquisition and longitudinal magnetization storage are both inefficient in PMRI. This paper demonstrates the use of three techniques necessary to achieve efficient, artifact-free RARE in PMRI: quadratic nulling of concomitant gradient fields, electromotive force cancelation during field ramping, and phase compensation of CPMG echo trains. This paper also demonstrates the use of 3D RARE in PMRI to achieve standard T1 and fat-suppressed T2 contrast in phantoms and in vivo wrists. These images show strong potential for future clinical application of PMRI to extremity musculoskeletal imaging and peripheral angiography. Magn Reason Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss.Inc.
MESSENGER: Exploring Mercury's Magnetosphere

The MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) mission to Mercury offers our first opportunity to explore this planet’s miniature magnetosphere since the brief flybys of Mariner 10. Mercury’s magnetosphere is unique in many respects. The magnetosphere of Mercury is among the smallest in the solar system; its magnetic field typically stands off the solar wind only ~1000 to 2000 km above the surface. For this reason there are no closed drift paths for energetic particles and, hence, no radiation belts. Magnetic reconnection at the day side magnetopause may erode the subsolar magnetosphere, allowing solar wind ions to impact directly the regolith. Inductive currents in Mercury’s interior may act to modify the solar wind interaction by resisting changes due to solar wind pressure variations. Indeed, observations of these induction effects may be an important source of information on the state of Mercury’s interior. In addition, Mercury’s magnetosphere is the only one with its defining magnetic flux tubes rooted beneath the solid surface as opposed to an atmosphere with a conductive ionospheric layer. This lack of an ionosphere is probably the underlying reason for the brevity of the very intense, but short-lived, ~l-2 min, substorm-like energetic particle events observed by Mariner 10 during its first traversal of Mercury’s magnetic tail. Because of Mercury’s proximity to the sun, 0.3-0.5 AU, this magnetosphere experiences the most extreme driving forces in the solar system. All of these factors are expected to produce complicated interactions involving the exchange and recycling of neutrals and ions among the solar wind, magnetosphere, and regolith. The electrodynamics of Mercury’s magnetosphere are expected to be equally complex, with strong forcing by the solar wind, magnetic reconnection, and pick-up of planetary ions all playing roles in the generation of field-aligned electric currents. However, these field-aligned currents do not close in an ionosphere, but in some other manner. In addition to the insights into magnetospheric physics offered by study of the solar wind-Mercury system, quantitative specification of the “external” magnetic field generated by magnetospheric currents is necessary for accurate determination of the strength and multipolar decomposition of Mercury’s intrinsic magnetic field. MESSENGER’S highly capable instrumentation and broad orbital coverage will greatly advance our understanding of both the origin of Mercury’s magnetic field and the acceleration of charged particles in small magnetospheres. In this article, we review what is known about Mercury’s magnetosphere and describe the MESSENGER science team’s strategy for obtaining answers to the outstanding science questions surrounding the interaction of the solar wind with Mercury and its small, but dynamic, magnetosphere.
Genetic Sequence Variants are Associated with Severity of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Prostate Cancer Susceptibility

Purpose: While a clear heritable component underlies lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia, few studies have identified specific genetic factors. In contrast, recent genome-wide association studies identified single nucleotide polymorphisms that increase prostate cancer risk. Some of these single nucleotide polymorphisms may also predispose to surgical intervention for benign prostatic hyperplasia. We determined whether these single nucleotide polymorphisms are also associated with lower urinary tract symptom severity and benign prostatic hyperplasia medication use.Materials and Methods: The genotypes of 38 single nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with prostate cancer risk were determined for 1,168 healthy white male volunteers. American Urological Association symptom index score and medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia were documented prospectively. Statistical analyses were done to compare the frequency of the single nucleotide polymorphisms with American Urol...
Mechanical Ventilation with Moderate Tidal Volumes Synergistically Increases Lung Cytokine Response to Systemic Endotoxin

Previous animal studies have identified a role for activation of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of ventilator-associated lung injury. These studies have used large tidal volume ventilation to ...
Radiation pressure dynamics in planetary exospheres. II: Closed solutions for the evolution of orbital elements

Abstract We present the exact solutions in three dimensions for the orbital elements of a satellite particle continuously exposed to weak solar radiation. The solutions are obtained from a set of auxiliary variables, which are separable and therefore integrable. We have illustrated various examples of the behavior of the elements as they evolve cyclically. In addition, there are three items worthy of note: (1) The planar case , wherein the orbital plane contains the Sun, has been solved previously; but here a near-planar orbit is shown to evolve away from its original, nearly planar orientation. This consequence of radiation pressure may be contrasted with gravitational perturbation by massive bodies in the orbital plane, which tend to stabilize such orbits. (2) In the general, three-dimensional case the orbital elements not only have components that vary with time, as expected, in a uniform sinusoidal manner. They possess, as well, nonuniform sinusoidal variations that have the same period as the uniform variations. (3) The semimajor axis, a, which is related to the total energy, may be regarded as constant in the first order, on the grounds that a particle returns essentially to its starting point after one orbit. Here we derive the actual time variation of a from the extended Laplace constant. That constant was obtained in Paper I from the separation of variables that is allowed when the perturbed Keplerian problem is formulated in parabolic coordinates, and it remains a valid constant even when the total Keplerian energy is not. The relative amplitude, Δ a ( t )/ a (0) varies as ( a / r x ) 4 , where r x is the distance from the planet where the gravitational and radiative acceleration are equal (i.e., the radius of the exosphere). Hence, the variation in a ( t ) is very small, except for orbits comparable in size to the exosphere itself.
An investigation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy versus conventional two-dimensional and 3D-conformal radiation therapy for early stage larynx cancer

Introduction: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been incorporated at several institutions for early stage laryngeal cancer (T1/T2N0M0), but its utility is controversial. Methods: In three representative patients, multiple plans were generated: 1) Conventional 2D planning, with the posterior border placed at either the anterior aspect ("tight” plan) or the mid-vertebral body ("loose” plan), 2) 3D planning, utilizing both 1.0 and 0.5 cm margins for the planning target volume (PTV), and 3) IMRT planning, utilizing the same margins as the 3D plans. A dosimetric comparison was performed for the target volume, spinal cord, arytenoids, and carotid arteries. The prescription dose was 6300 cGy (225 cGy fractions), and the 3D and IMRT plans were normalized to this dose. Results: For PTV margins of 1.0 cm and 0.5 cm, the D95 of the 2D tight/loose plans were 3781/5437 cGy and 5372/5869 cGy, respectively (IMRT/3D plans both 6300 cGy). With a PTV margin of 1.0 cm, the mean carotid artery dose was 2483/5671/5777/4049 cGy in the 2D tight, 2D loose, 3D, and IMRT plans, respectively. When the PTV was reduced to 0.5 cm, the the mean carotid artery dose was 2483/5671/6466/2577 cGy to the above four plans, respectively. The arytenoid doses were similar between the four plans, and spinal cord doses were well below tolerance. Conclusions: IMRT provides a more ideal dose distribution compared to 2D treatment and 3D planning in regards to mean carotid dose. We therefore recommend IMRT in select cases when the treating physician is confident with the GTV.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF ADULT VERTEBRATE PERIPHERAL MYELINATED NERVE FIBERS IN RELATION TO MYELINOGENESIS

Adult chameleon myelinated peripheral nerve fibers have been studied with the electron microscope in thin sections. The outer lamella of the myelin sheath has been found to be connected as a double membrane to the surface of the Schwann cell. The inner lamella is connected as a similar double membrane with the double axon-Schwann membrane. The relations of these double connecting membranes suggest that the layered myelin structure is composed of a double membrane which is closely wound about the axon as a helix. These findings support the new theory of myelinogenesis proposed recently by Geren. The possible significance of these results with respect to cell surface membranes and cytoplasmic double membranes is discussed.
Initial demonstration of a local, evanescent, array coupled biosensor concept

A concept for a novel, compact, immunoassay biosensor that can simultaneously sense multiple analytes simultaneously is being investigated. The dielectric planar waveguide sensor relies on modulation of the local evanescent field coupled into an array detector. Proof of concept experiments carried out using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) on a 17 nm thick pseudo-adlayer demonstrated high sensitivity with an optical SNR of approximately 55:1. The measured results agree with numerical simulations
5 – Intraoperative Visualization

This chapter focuses on the surgical planning which should include the generation of a 3D volumetric model, target definition, optimization of access routes and the circumvention of functionally important anatomic structures. Surgical planning is performed in a highly computerized interdisciplinary research center where radiologists, surgeons, and computer scientists combine forces to develop and implement various surgical planning methods. Surgical planning should indicate the likely changes in the anatomy during surgery which is only perceptible through simulations actualized from intraoperative data. Proper surgical approaches and repeated rehearsals can be arranged prior to the patient even entering the operating room. This allows complex and little-known surgeries to be carried out not only with more safety but also with the added benefit of training residents and fellows. The preoperative planning procedure involves an image-processing pipeline that filters the image data, classifies or segments the various tissue classes, and renders the image data in 3D. This pipehne eventually results in a 3D model of the anatomy that encompasses the entire operational volume. Three-dimensional modeling provides multiple advantages to both surgeons and radiologists. The most prevalent advantage is that of better visualization, particularly for those who are not accustomed to mental reconstruction of cross-sectional image slices.
A qualitative study of chronic pain in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans: "A burden on my soul".

ABSTRACT Objectives: Over half of the veterans returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are burdened with chronic pain. Although these young veterans may have to live with pain for the rest of their lives, little is known about the struggles this new group of veterans faces, or their perceptions of support from family, friends, and others. The purpose of this study is to understand Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans' experiences with chronic pain and social support. Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with veterans who participated in an intervention for chronic pain. Grounded theory guided data analysis. Results: Veterans described a range of emotions associated with chronic pain, including hopelessness, anger, and fear that their pain would worsen. For some, talking about their pain was helpful, but others avoided talking about their pain, often because people did not understand or overreacted. Conclusion: Although support from friends and family ...
Plasma catecholamines during E. coli bacteremia in conscious rats

Fasted, conscious male rats, prepared with arterial and venous cannulas, were given doses (10(10)-10(11) organisms/kg) of live Escherichia coli bacteria. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded, and arterial plasma samples were taken preinjection and at 30, 180, and 360 min after bacterial administration. Plasma was analyzed for lactate, glucose, norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (E). Rats given E. coli were normotensive but with significant tachycardia (P less than 0.05 vs. saline). Plasma NE and E levels increased severalfold during bacteremia (P less than 0.05 for all comparisons). Rats were euglycemic but had a sixfold increase in lactate 6 h (P less than 0.05) after E. coli treatment. Additional rats were subjected to the same protocol but had been made tolerant to bacterial endotoxin by multiple injections over the course of several days. Endotoxin-tolerant rats were also tolerant to live E. coli administration (P less than 0.05, 24 h survival) and had significantly reduced levels of E and NE at 6 h compared with nontolerant bacteremic rats (P less than 0.05). Increases in heart rate and plasma lactate were not significant in endotoxin-tolerant rats. These results suggest profound sympathetic activation during acute bacteremia with attenuated activation in endotoxin-tolerant rats. Tolerance appears to reduce the afferent stimuli that are presumably activated during the course of bacteremia.
Slow recovery of the impaired fatigue resistance in postunloading mouse soleus muscle corresponding to decreased mitochondrial function and a compensatory increase in type I slow fibers

Unloading or disuse rapidly results in skeletal muscle atrophy, switching to fast-type fibers, and decreased resistance to fatigue. The recovery process is of major importance in rehabilitation for various clinical conditions. Here we studied mouse soleus muscle during 60 days of reloading after 4 wk of hindlimb suspension. Unloading produced significant atrophy of soleus muscle with decreased contractile force and fatigue resistance, accompanied by switches of myosin isoforms from IIa to IIx and IIb and fast troponin T to more low-molecular-weight splice forms. The total mass, fiber size, and contractile force of soleus muscle recovered to control levels after 15 days of reloading. However, the fatigue resistance showed a trend of worsening during this period with significant infiltration of inflammatory cells at days 3 and 7, indicating reloading injuries that were accompanied by active regeneration with upregulations of filamin-C, αB-crystallin, and desmin. The fatigue resistance partially recovered after 30-60 days of reloading. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and mitofusin-2 showed changes parallel to that of fatigue resistance after unloading and during reloading, suggesting a causal role of decreased mitochondrial function. Slow fiber contents in the soleus muscle were increased after 30-60 days of reloading to become significantly higher than the normal level, indicating a secondary adaption to compensate for the slow recovery of fatigue resistance.
Progress on waveguide-based holographic video (Invited Paper)

This paper presents progress on the characterization of guided-wave light modulators for use in a low-cost holographic video monitor based on the MIT scanned-aperture architecture. A custom-built characterization apparatus was used to study device bandwidth, RGB operation, and linearity in an effort to identify optimal parameters for high bandwidth, GPU-driven, full-color holographic display.
How to Build a Complex, Functional Propeller Protein, From Parts

By combining ancestral sequence reconstruction and in vitro evolution, Smock et al. identified single motifs that assemble into a functional five-bladed β-propeller, and a likely route for conversion into the more complex, extant single chain fusion. Interestingly, although sequence diversification destabilized five-motif fusions, it also destabilized aggregation-prone intermediates, increasing the level of functional protein in vivo.
Evaluation of Insecticides for Suppression of Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, and Crapemyrtle Aphid, Tinocallis kahawaluokalani Kirkaldy

Crapemyrtle aphid, Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy), and Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, cause extensive damage to crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia spp., in both the landscape and the nursery. We evaluated foliar and systemic insecticides for control of these two important pests in a field trial. Aphid control was also evaluated in a separate screen house trial on five cultivars of crapemyrtle. Talstar GH (bifenthrin), Scimitar GC (lambda-cyhalothrin), Merit 75WP (imidacloprid) and Flagship (thiamethoxam) were among the most effective of eleven insecticides tested in the field trial for suppression of concurrent populations of aphids and beetles. Greatest reduction in Japanese beetle damage alone was evident with bifenthrin and lambda-cyhalothrin. Aphid numbers were lowest on plants treated with Orthene TTO (acephate), Merit 75 WP and Flagship in the field trial and Flagship, Talstar GH and Scimitar GC in the screen house trial. Aphid numbers, among the five cultivars included in the screen house evaluations, were highest on ‘Hopi’ and lowest on ‘Acoma’. Index words: crapemyrtle aphid, Japanese beetle, insecticides, pest management. Species used in this study: crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.), ‘Muskogee’, ‘Dwarf Pink’, ‘Dwarf White’, ‘Pecos’, ‘Acoma’, and ‘Hopi’. Chemicals used in this study: Azatin XL (azadirachtin ), Dursban 50W (chlorpyrifos), 0,0-diethyl 0-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl); Flagship (thiamethoxam), 4H-1,3,5-oxadiazin-4-imine, 3-[(2-chloro-5-thiazolyl) methyl] tetrahydro-5-methyl-N-nitro; Merit 75 WP, (imidacloprid), 1-6[(6-chloro-3-pyridiyl)methyl]-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine; Orthene TTO (acephate), O,S-dimethylacetylphosphoroamidothioate; Scimitar (lambda-cyhalothrin), [1 alpha(S*), 3 alpha(Z)]-(±)-cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl) methyl-3-(2-chloro3,3,3-trifluoro-1propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate; Sevin SL, Sevin 80 WSP, (carbaryl) 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate); Talstar GH (bifenthrin), ((2-methyl [1,1’-biphenyl]-3-yl) methyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylate); Tame 2.4 EC (fenpropathrin), alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl 2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopro-panecarboxylate; Tempo 20 WP (cyfluthrin), cyano(4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl) methyl 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate; Horticultural oil; Insecticidal soap.
Performance Optimization and Evaluation of a 3D CA-FVM Model for Dendritic Growth of Fe-C Alloy

Because of the tremendous computational cost of 3D (three dimensional) calculation of the dendritic growth, the parallel approach and the block-correction technique (BCT) are adopted to improve the efficiency of codes. Meanwhile, the accuracy of the codes is evaluated by comparing the present prediction with the analytical solutions to the fluid flow problem, LGK analytical results and the experimental measured columnar dendritic morphology and secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS, λ2). The results show that the parallel Jacobi code with once 2D iteration in 3D BCT is proved to be the most efficient one among the codes compiled in the present work, accordingly is employed to simulate the 3D dendritic growth of alloys. The calculated velocities agree well with the results from the analytical equations. The predicted steady growth velocities of the equiaxed dendritic tip of Fe-0.82wt%C alloy by the present CA model agree with the 3D LGK analytical model as the anisotropy parameter is 0.04. Moreover, the present CA model shows some capability to predict the columnar dendritic growth during the directional solidification process of Fe-1.48wt%C alloy.
Indirect Electrocatalytic Degradation of Cyanide at Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotube Electrodes

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (N-CNT) mat electrodes exhibit high catalytic activity toward O2 reduction, which can be exploited for the remediation of free cyanide (CN−). During the electrochemical O2 reduction process, the hydroperoxide anion (HO2−) is formed and then reacts to chemically oxidize cyanide (CN−) to form cyanate (OCN−). The proposed electrochemical−chemical (EC) mechanism for CN− remediation at N-CNTs is supported by cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis, and the formation of OCN− is confirmed via spectroscopic methods and electrochemical simulations. Our results indicate that by exploiting their catalytic behavior for O2 reduction, N-CNTs can efficiently convert toxic CN− to the nontoxic OCN−.
Citizen Involvement in Performance Measurement and Reporting: A Comparative Case Study from Local Government

Performance measurement has become a regular aspect of the management process for many local governments. Performance management systems are widely recognized as important managerial tools. By incorporating the views of citizens, they can also provide information about issues and specific programs important to citizens and external stakeholders. Understanding how or if performance issues important to citizens can be reflected, the process jurisdictions can use to accomplish this, and the impact of these efforts on the citizen-government relationship are important for both theory and practice. This article presents a comparative case study of efforts by five local governments to involve citizens in defining and reporting performance information. The findings show similarities in the approaches used to involve citizens in performance measurement and reporting efforts, but they also show a difference in perspective between administrators and citizens on how performance should be tracked and reported. In most...
Benthic algal community composition across a watershed: coupling processes between land and water

One of the main goals of ecology is to understand how the abiotic environment influences the biotic characteristics of the ecosystem. Various processes at multiple scales interact to affect the physical and chemical environments that are experienced by organisms, which ultimately influence community composition. We aimed to understand the processes that control benthic algae community composition within a watershed. We investigated the impact of both land cover and physiochemical variables on benthic algal community composition. We sampled benthic algae along with multiple habitat and water chemistry parameters within three microhabitats across eight sites along the mainstem of the Kiamichi River in southeastern Oklahoma. We used the benthic light availability model to assess the amount of light reaching the bottom of the stream. Additionally, we conducted a GIS analysis of the watershed to determine the land cover affecting each of these sites. Several of the in-stream site-scale variables that were measured (e.g., conductivity, pH and canopy cover) were strongly correlated with both position within the watershed and percent agriculture within the watershed. The physiochemical parameters that were correlated with watershed position and land cover were then used to understand the linkage with algae community composition. Algae genera composition was strongly correlated with both light reaching the bottom of the stream and conductivity. Our results suggest a hierarchy of factors that determine species composition and show the dependence of community composition on differing light regimes.
Case-control Study on Risk Factors of Esophageal Cancer in Jinshan District of Shanghai City

[Objective]To investigate the influencing factors of esophageal cancer in cidence in Jinshan District of Shanghai City,and provide relevant basic information for its prevention and treatment.[Methods]1∶2 matched case-control study was used to investigate 97 groups of cases and controls,the χ2 test was adopted,and the variables with statistical significance(P0.05) were put into equation for multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis.[Results]The χ2 test showed that weight change,body mass index,labor intensity,heavy smoking,drinking,heavy drinking,eating fast,spirit and temper were significantly associated with the incidence of esophageal cancer.Multiple conditional regression analysis demonstrated that weight loss,heavy smoking,heavy drinking,eating fast,and body mass index below 19 were the major risk factors of esophageal cancer.[Conclusion]Taking an integrated prevention and treatment measures to the above risk factors can reduce the incidence of esophageal cancer.
Research progress on allometric models

Recently,the discussion on allometric model becomes a hotspot again,with the focus on the scaling exponent and theoretical explanation.This paper summarized the related researches on WBE 97,BMR(99) model,and introduced in especial the MGL model and its deduced results.From the deduction of MGL model,the metabolic rate of whole organism has no obvious dependence on the mass of the whole organism,and the scaling exponent of mass-specific metabolic rate common to most taxa is not a fix value but in [2/3,1].There exists the value of minimal mass-specific metabolic rate,which determines the maximum size the organism could attain.A theoretical model based on the minimal mass-specific metabolic rate was presented,which can describe the relationship between organism’s body size and temperature,and was proofed by empirical justification.
Comparison of a microbicidal povidone-iodine gel and a placebo gel as catheter lubricants.

AbstractA comparison of povidone-iodine to a placebo gel as urinary catheter lubricants focused on the effects on urethral bacterial counts and on patient comfort. The 50 patients were divided into 2 parallel groups in a single blind study. Both lubricants lowered the bacterial counts, with the reduction achieved by povidone-iodine gel significantly greater than the reduction associated with the placebo (p less than 0.02). The numbers of patients experiencing discomfort from the 2 preparations did not differ nor was there any difference in the degree of discomfort, which was minimal for both groups. No other adverse side effects were reported for either lubricant.
Phycocyanin Genes in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6701 and a Potential Gene Rearrangement in a Pigment Variant

Cyanobacteria contain light-harvesting complexes, the phycobilisomes, that are composed of chromophoric phycobiliproteins and non-chromophoric linker proteins. There are two structural domains in the phycobilisome, the core and the rods (see Figure 1). The core contains the allophyco-cyanin phycobiliproteins, is attached to the thylakoid membrane, and is the energy transfer bridge between the rods and chlorophyll. Phycobilisomes in 6701 have six rods, each of which can contain four phycobilipro-tein hexamers, two of phycocyanin (PC) and two of phycoerythrin (PE). All phycobiliproteins are composed of two dissimilar subunits, alpha and beta, that form the protomer. Subsequent assembly of protomers produces trimers and, in the rods, hexamers that are associated with single copies of one of four rod linker proteins.
The Elite and Its Power

Graduate students are highly aware of the career consequences of first appointments and the importance of publications in the American Sociological Review and the American Journal of Sociology. Getting an elite appointment is nevertheless a lottery: only about one in twenty of the graduates in top-twenty departments get first appointments at this level. This produces an intense competition and strong pressure to conform. This system seems impervious to change, because of its association with the ASR/AJS journal system. There is nevertheless considerable debate over whether this hierarchy reflects genuine merit, and doubt about the kind of sociology that prospers under it.
Approaches for solving m-best 3-dimensional dynamic scheduling problems for large m

Dynamic scheduling problems arise in areas, including traveling salesman problems, vehicle routing, nuclear fuel assembly loading patterns, and asset scheduling for resource allocation problems, to name a few. A generalized 3-dimensional scheduling problem is a decision making process that involves allocating limited resources to a set of tasks over time, where the objective is to optimize a cost function subject to realistic constraints. In addition, the realistic constraints complicate the problem further due to a possibly large number of disconnected feasible solution subspaces. These 3-dimensional assignment problems are known to be NP-hard. In this paper, we investigate a 3-dimensional assignment problem widely applicable to many fields (e.g., teacher scheduling, asset routing/scheduling, nuclear fuel management, multi-target tracking). We propose a novel approach to efficiently solve an m-best 3-dimensional scheduling problem, where m may be large (up to 104), by decomposing it into two sequential phases. In phase I, we partition the original problem space into a series of subproblems via Murty's m-best search space decomposition procedure. In phase II, we solve each subproblem using a combination of relaxed 2-dimensional assignments through reformulation into either a simplex-based transportation or transauction problem. We follow this two-step approach and generate large numbers of solutions in a relatively short amount of time. We validate and compare the performance of our proposed algorithm via experimental results.
Security of neuromorphic systems: Challenges and solutions

With the rapid growth of big-data applications, advanced data processing technologies, e.g., machine learning, are widely adopted in many industry fields. Although these technologies demonstrate powerful data analyzing and processing capability, there exist some security concerns that may potentially expose the user/owner of the services to information safety risk. In particular, the adoption of neuromorphic computing systems that implement neural network and machine learning algorithms on hardware generates the need for protecting the data security in such systems. In this paper, we introduce the security concerns in the learning-based applications and propose a secured neuromorphic system design that can prevent potential attackers from replicating the learning model. Our results show that the computation accuracy of the designed neuromorphic computing system will quickly degrade when no proper authorization is given, by leveraging the drifting effect of the memristor device.
Disagreement, Diversity, and Participation: Examining the Properties of Several Measures of Political Discussion Network Characteristics

Recent advances demonstrate that individuals think and act differently depending upon the political views of their discussion partners. However, issues of both conceptualization and measurement remain. We argue that some of these issues result from conflating what are two distinct characteristics of political discussion: disagreement and diversity. The purpose of this paper is to provide clarity to this literature by more formally distinguishing these two concepts. In doing so, we recommend a preferred measure of each. Substantively, we demonstrate that although exposure to disagreement is associated negatively with political participation, including the decision to vote, exposure to diversity is unrelated to participation. The evidence supports our argument that more formally separating the concepts of disagreement and diversity will help scholars better identify how and when social networks matter for political attitudes and behavior.
In Vivo Intraocular Pressure Measurements Using A Miniaturized Nano-Photonic Sensor Implant

Purpose : We have been developing a nanophotonic pressure sensor whose optical resonance is directly related to intraocular pressure (IOP). Bench testing has demonstrated sensor near-infrared (NIR) reflectance to accurately track pressures from 0-50 mmHg. The current study examined sensor performance following implantation into rabbit eyes for up to one month.
The development and recovery of motor function in spinal cats. II. Pharmacological enhancement of recovery.

The effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist bicuculline (BCC) on hindlimb motor performance was examined in mature spinal cats with spinal cord transections made either on the day of birth or at approximately two weeks postpartum and in chronic adult cats with spinal transections made in adulthood. In those adult operates, whose pre-drug performance was poor compared to neonatal operates, treadmill locomotion and weight support were improved dramatically by BCC administration. In neonatal operates (examined as adults), BCC administration increased the force of extension to abnormal levels and this increase appeared to disrupt locomotion. Immunocytochemical localization of GABA's synthetic enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) within the spinal cords of these animals revealed an abnormal distribution of GAD reaction product only in newborn operates. The behavioral results indicate that the full extent of recovery in adult operates is prevented by inhibitory influences and this may contribute to the comparatively superior performance of neonatal operates i.e., the infant lesion effect. The anatomical results suggest that one requirement for the normal development of some intrinsic spinal circuitry is transneuronal regulation mediated by the maturation of descending systems.
Resonances in the Field-Angle-Resolved Thermal Conductivity of CeCoIn 5

The thermal conductivity measurement in a rotating magnetic field is a powerful probe of the structure of the superconducting energy gap. We present high-precision measurements of the low-temperature thermal conductivity in the unconventional heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn_{5}, with the heat current J along the nodal [110] direction of its d_{x^{2}-y^{2}} order parameter and the magnetic field up to 7 T rotating in the ab plane. In contrast to the smooth oscillations found previously for J∥[100], we observe a sharp resonancelike peak in the thermal conductivity when the magnetic field is also in the [110] direction, parallel to the heat current. We explain this peak qualitatively via a model of the heat transport in a d-wave superconductor. In addition, we observe two smaller but also very sharp peaks in the thermal conductivity for the field directions at angles Θ≈±33° with respect to J. The origin of the observed resonances at Θ≈±33° at present defies theoretical explanation. The challenge of uncovering their source will dictate exploring theoretically more complex models, which might include, e.g., fine details of the Fermi surface, Andreev bound vortex core states, a secondary superconducting order parameter, and the existence of gaps in spin and charge excitations.
Use of the NCPIG Swine Growth Model for Heat Stress Assessment

Abstract Research to develop or identify the most appropriate control variables for optimization of swine growth response under heat stress is described. Comparisons among several potential predictor variables are presented including maximum ambient temperature, THI (temperature-humidity index), 12-36 hour time-integrated temperature (TIV), and daily degree-hours above a prescribed base. Responses were simulated using the NCPIG model for high-lean-growth finishing pigs in the 95-105 kg range under summer conditions. A statistical assessment of predictive capacity of the selected variables indicated Tmax and three TIV variables provided an input set yielding two significant principal components that explained 98.6% of variance in growth response.
The Prevalence and Impact of Urinary Marker Testing in Patients With Bladder Cancer

Purpose: Novel urinary tumor markers for bladder cancer may permit early detection and improved oncologic outcomes but data on use is limited. We sought to identify trends in the application of urinary markers and long-term outcomes of urinary tumor marker use in patients with bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: Data from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare database from 2001 to 2011 were used to identify a cohort of 64,450 patients with bladder cancer who underwent urinary marker testing with UroVysion® fluorescence in situ hybridization, or the NMP22® or BTA Stat® test. We assessed the prevalence of urinary marker testing and urine cytology. Characteristics of patients who did and did not undergo urinary marker testing were analyzed by the chi-square test. Urinary marker testing predictors were analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression model and Cox proportional hazards were used to determine unadjusted cancer specific and overall mortality risks.Results: The rate of...
Defining the Model and Parameter

Targeted statistical learning from data is often concerned with the estimation of causal effects and an assessment of uncertainty for the estimator. In Chap. 1, we identified the road map we will follow to solve this estimation problem. Now, we formalize the concepts of the model and target parameter. We will introduce additional topics that may seem abstract. While we attempt to elucidate these abstractions with tangible examples, depending on your background, the material may be quite dense compared to other textbooks you have read. Do not get discouraged. Sometimes a second reading and careful notes are helpful and sufficient to illuminate these concepts. Researchers and students at UC Berkeley have also had great success discussing these topics in groups. If this is your assigned text for a course or workshop, meet outside of class with your fellow classmates. We guarantee you that the effort is worth it so you can move on to the next step in the targeted learning road map. Once you have a firm understanding of the core material in Chap. 2, you can begin the estimation steps.
Changing Paradigms in the Endovascular Management of Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND Approximately 17% of ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms were deemed unsuitable for coil embolization during the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT), most commonly due to unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio or small size. OBJECTIVE To compare patients treated by coil embolization for ruptured ACoA aneurysms during the trial to those treated after the trial to determine whether advances in endovascular techniques have allowed for effective treatment of these lesions. METHODS All cases of ruptured ACoA aneurysms treated by endovascular modalities during BRAT (2003-2007) and post-BRAT (2007-2012) were reviewed for patient and aneurysm characteristics, treatment types, and clinical and angiographic outcomes at 3-yr or last follow-up. RESULTS The BRAT ACoA cohort included 39 patients treated with coiling (excluding those crossed over to clipping). The post-BRAT cohort included 93 patients who were significantly older (mean age, 59.5 vs 52.8 yr, P = .005) than the BRAT cohort; there were no significant cohort differences in sex, Hunt and Hess grade, or mean aneurysm size. The use of balloon remodeling was significantly higher in the post-BRAT cohort (31.2% [29/93] vs 5.1% [2/39], P = .001), as was the proportion of wide-necked aneurysms treated (66.7% [62/93] vs 30.8% [12/39], P < .001). There was no significant difference in clinical outcome or retreatment rate between the 2 cohorts (P = .90 and P = .48, respectively). CONCLUSION ACoA lesions thought unamenable to endovascular therapy in an earlier randomized trial are now successfully coiled with increased use of adjunctive techniques, without sacrificing patient outcome or treatment durability.
Float, by Anne Carson.

When Lavinia Norcross Dickinson discovered the cache of forty hidden fascicles upon Emily Dickinson’s death, the body of work must have overwhelmed her. It was an oeuvre whose author was unavailabl...
Hierarchical Arrays of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals through Electrophoretic Deposition.

The suppression of halide ion exchange between CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 nanocrystals achieved through capping with PbSO4–oleate has enabled us to deposit different perovskite nanocrystals as aligned arrays on the electrode surfaces without intermixing of species. The electrophoretic deposition of PbSO4–oleate-capped CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals suspended in hexane solution on mesoscopic TiO2 films allows the design of controlled architecture with single or multiple layers of perovskite films. The hierarchy in the assembly of these nanocrystals is seen first through the linearly organized nanocrystals in hexane followed by the deposition of larger linear rods ∼500 nm in length. Since most of the photophysical properties of nanocrystals are retained in these aligned arrays, we can design films with tunable luminescence including white color. The electrophoretic deposition of layered films of perovskites in a controlled fashion opens up new ways to design tandem perovskite solar cells and tunable display de...