cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Introduction to Organizational Dysfunction

This section uses metaphor to illustrate dysfunctional organizations, including the impact of dysfunction upon organizational trust, performance, and longevity. Defined as the abnormal functioning or unhealthy functioning within an individual or an organization, dysfunction leads to the inability of the organization to fulfill its purpose. Recognizing dysfunction is key, as it may allow organizations to build resilience or create systems which prevent or remove dysfunction, thereby building organizational strength.
Tensor Programs II: Neural Tangent Kernel for Any Architecture.

We prove that a randomly initialized neural network of *any architecture* has its Tangent Kernel (NTK) converge to a deterministic limit, as the network widths tend to infinity. We demonstrate how to calculate this limit. In prior literature, the heuristic study of neural network gradients often assumes every weight matrix used in forward propagation is independent from its transpose used in backpropagation (Schoenholz et al. 2017). This is known as the *gradient independence assumption (GIA)*. We identify a commonly satisfied condition, which we call *Simple GIA Check*, such that the NTK limit calculation based on GIA is correct. Conversely, when Simple GIA Check fails, we show GIA can result in wrong answers. Our material here presents the NTK results of Yang (2019a) in a friendly manner and showcases the *tensor programs* technique for understanding wide neural networks. We provide reference implementations of infinite-width NTKs of recurrent neural network, transformer, and batch normalization at this https URL.
Confronting Information Security’s Elephant, the Unintentional Insider Threat

It is well recognized that individuals within organizations represent a significant threat to information security as they are both common targets of external attackers and can be sources of malicious behavior themselves. Notwithstanding these facts, one additional aspect of human influence in the security domain is largely overlooked: the role of unintentional human error. Such lack of emphasis is surprising given relatively recent reports that highlight error’s central role in being the root cause for numerous security breaches. Unfortunately, efforts that recognize human error’s influence suffer from not employing a commonly accepted error framework and lexicon. We thus take this opportunity to review what the data show regarding error-based breaches across various types of organizations and create a nomenclature and taxonomy rooted in the rich history of safety research that can be applied to the information security domain. Our efforts represent a significant step in an effort to classify, monitor, and compare the myriad aspects of human error in information security in the hopes that more effective security education, training, and awareness (SETA) programs can be devised. Further, we believe our efforts underscore the importance of revisiting the daily demands placed on organizational insiders in the workplace.
Gradually learning to increase gait propulsion in young unimpaired adults.

Distorted visual feedback (DVF) may employ both implicit and explicit approaches to enhance motor learning. Our purpose was to test the effect of DVF of gait propulsion on the capacity to alter propulsive forces, and to determine the biomechanical determinants of propulsion. Seventeen young unimpaired individuals walked for three minutes of baseline (no feedback), then completed three randomly ordered, 10-minute Learning conditions: Real, 10DVF, and 20DVF. During the DVF conditions, we gradually decreased the feedback value without the participants' knowledge. For all Learning conditions, participants were instructed to maintain the propulsive force between two targets representing ±1 standard deviation as obtained from baseline. A one-minute retention trial without any feedback was performed immediately after Learning. Participants increased propulsive forces and trailing limb angle in both DVF conditions that persisted through retention; however, no change in ankle plantarflexion moment was noted. These findings offer promise of translation to clinical populations with propulsion deficits and require combined implicit and explicit learning components.
Fe Thin Film-Coated Optics for Corrosion Monitoring: Optical and Electrochemical Studies

Corrosion proxy materials integrated with an optical sensing platform enable a real-time optical corrosion sensor for natural gas pipelines to prevent methane leaks and catastrophic events. Effects of CO2, pH, and film thickness on corrosion of Fe thin films (25 nm, 50 nm, 100 nm) were studied using optical and electrochemical methods in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solutions at 30°C. An increase in light transmission (T%) corresponded to corrosion of Fe thin films. CO2 accelerated corrosion of Fe thin films because of the lower pH and the promoted corrosion reactions, resulting in a faster increase of T% than without CO2 or at higher pH. While the corrosion rate increased with increasing film thickness, electrochemical corrosion of Fe thin films was in good agreement with that of bulk carbon steel, verifying that Fe thin films can serve as a representative corrosion proxy when integrated with the optical sensing platform.
Trusted Tester Panels in Emerging Markets

User panels are a list of potential users to evaluate ideas and iterate on an early stage product development process. Trusted Tester panels are improved user panels to run multiple longitudinal trials to test product-market fit in real user environments. This workshop will discuss the approach and salient themes on how to engage such a panel considering the range of tech literacy of the users in emerging market conditions. The goal of this workshop is to identify the benefits, limitations and pitfalls of the method, discuss and solicit the experience from other HCI researchers and practitioners in conducting research in emerging markets. As an outcome of the workshop, we will collate and share the information collected back with the community.
Association between body composition and chemotherapy-related toxicity in children with lymphoma and rhabdomyosarcoma

Background Body composition is associated with chemotherapy toxicity (chemotoxicity) in adults with cancer; this association remains unexplored in children with cancer. Methods Using baseline computed tomography scans of 107 children with Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 45), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 42), or rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 20), this study examined body composition (skeletal muscle index [SMI], skeletal muscle density [SMD], and height-adjusted total adipose tissue [hTAT]) to determine its association with chemotoxicity. Clinical characteristics and chemotoxicities were abstracted from medical records. Primary outcomes included grade 4 or higher hematologic toxicities and grade 3 or higher nonhematologic toxicities within 6 months of the diagnosis. Logistic regression models accounting for repeated measures were constructed to examine the association between body composition indices and chemotoxicities; adjustments were made for age at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer type, risk group, body mass index (measured as a percentile), or body surface area. Results The median SMI was 41.0 cm2 /m2 (range, 25.8-68.6 cm2 /m2 ), the median SMD was 54.1 HU (range, 35-69.4 HU), and the median hTAT was 19.5 cm2 /m2 (range, 0-226.7 cm2 /m2 ). Grade 4 or higher hematologic toxicities and grade 3 or higher nonhematologic toxicities were observed in 74.7% and 66.3% of the chemotherapy cycles, respectively. A higher SMD at diagnosis was associated with lower odds of grade 4 or higher hematologic toxicity (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.97; P = .004). SMI (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95-1.04; P = .7) and hTAT (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.01; P = .9) were not associated with hematologic toxicities. Nonhematologic toxicities did not show any association with body composition. Conclusions The association between low SMD and hematologic toxicities in children with lymphoma or rhabdomyosarcoma could be due to body composition-based biodistribution of chemotherapeutic agents and needs further investigation. Lay summary Body composition at cancer diagnosis in children with lymphoma and rhabdomyosarcoma may provide information that could identify those at risk for serious side effects from chemotherapy. Routinely used measures such as body mass index and body surface area show poor correlations with body composition assessed via computed tomography scans.
Control of obesity in Avy/a mice by 5alpha-androstan-17-one.

Treating VY/WfL-Avy/a mice with 5α-androstan-17-one, a mammalian glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, prevented the mice from becoming obese. The weight difference between treated and controlAvy/a mice was mainly due to a decreased accumulation of triacylglycerol. The compound did not suppress appetite, had no detectable toxicity and did not affect the lipogenesis rates in the liver and carcass. The weight-controlling effect of 5α-androstan-17-one inAvy/a mice was reversible upon withdrawal of treatment.
Solving the multi-objective quadratic assignment problem using a fast messy genetic algorithm

The multiobjective quadratic assignment problem is an NP-complete problem with a multitude of real-world applications. The specific application addressed is the minimization of communication flows in a heterogenous mix of unmanned aerial vehicles. Developed is a multiobjective approach to solving the general mQAP for this UAV application. The combinatoric nature of this problem calls for a stochastic search algorithm; moreover, the multiobjective fast messy genetic algorithm (MOMGA-II) [Jesse Zydallis (2003)] is used for experimentation. Results indicate that much of the Pareto optimal points are found.
REPAIR OF DNA DAMAGE IN MYCOPLASMAS

Abstract Studies of the repair of UV induced DNA damage in mycoplasmas have examined excision repair, photore-activation, and repair of photodynamic inactivation. A. laidlawii cells were found to have all of these repair capabilities. These cells can also host cell and UV reactivate irradiated mycoplasmaviruses. M. gallisepticum cells lack both excision repair and photoreactivation mechanisms. Other Mycoplasma species may also lack repair mechanisms.
Dairy Section of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine (VDPAM)

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University has responded to the shortage of veterinarians in food animal practice by hiring new faculty in the Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine Department as well as expanding its curriculum offerings in large animal species that encompass species electives from freshman through senior year. In the past four years there has been the addition of 13 full and part-time faculty members to address the needs to teach beef, dairy, small ruminant, and swine production medicine and also embryo transfer and animal welfare.
Why Did the West Extend the Franchise? Inequality and Growth in Historical Perspective

During the nineteenth century, most Western societies extended the franchise, a decision which led to unprecedented redistributive programs. We argue that these political reforms can be viewed as strategic decisions by political elites to prevent widespread social unrest and revolution. Political transition, rather than redistribution under existing political institutions, occurs because current transfers do not ensure future transfers, while the extension of the franchise changes the future political equilibrium and acts as a commitment to future redistribution. Our theory offers a novel explanation for the Kuznets curve, whereby the fall in inequality follows redistribution due to democratization. We characterize the conditions under which an economy experiences the development path associated with the Kuznets curve, as opposed to two non-democratic paths; an `autocratic disaster', with high inequality and low output; and an `East Asian Miracle', with low inequality and high output.
Planning and Managing Water Infrastructure

Water infrastructure consists of the constructed elements that control water for water supply, wastewater service, flood control, hydropower, recreation, navigation, and environmental protection. Generally, these constructed elements involve conveyance systems, including channels, canals, pipes, and bridges; diversion structures; dams; reservoirs; locks; treatment plants for water supply and wastewater management; pumping stations; hydroelectric plants; spillways, valves, and gates; and wells. Planning and managing water system capital assets require provisions for capital investment, operations, and maintenance. Keywords: infrastructure; constructed elements; purposes; water supply; wastewater; flood control; hydropower; recreation; navigation; environmental protection; planning; management; capital investment; operations; maintenance
Mineralogy of asbestos.

The term asbestos collectively refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals which have been exploited in numerous commercial and industrial settings and applications dating to antiquity. Its myriad uses as a “miracle mineral” owe to its remarkable properties of extreme resistance to thermal and chemical breakdown, tensile strength, and fibrous habit which allows it to be spun and woven into textiles. Abundant in nature, it has been mined considerably, and in all continents save Antarctica. The nomenclature concerning asbestos and its related species is complex, owing to the interest held therein by scientific disciplines such as geology, mineralogy and medicine, as well as legal and regulatory authorities. As fibrous silicates, asbestos minerals are broadly classified into the serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole (crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite) groups, both of which may also contain allied but nonfibrous forms of similar or even identical chemical composition, nonpathogenic to humans. Recently, fibrous amphiboles, not historically classified or regulated as asbestos (winchite, richterite), have been implicated in the causation of serious disease due to their profusion as natural contaminants of vermiculite, a commercially useful and nonfibrous silicate mineral. Although generally grouped, classified, and regulated collectively as asbestos, the serpentine and amphibole groups have different geologic occurrences and, more importantly, significant differences in crystalline structures and chemical compositions. These in turn impart differences in fiber structure and dimension, as well as biopersistence, leading to marked differences in relative potency for causing disease in humans for the group of minerals known as asbestos.
Fabrication and Practical Considerations of a Flyback Transformer for Use in High Pulsed-Power Applications

The design and use of the flyback converter topology in high voltage applications is common. Most often these systems are low power units such as that found in a television electron beam circuit. However, little is recorded in the literature on the design and use of this topology for high, pulsed-power applications. These pulsed circuits have a variety of end uses, including anti-terrorism. For example, work has recently been reported on the use of high-energy, pulsed power to destroy anthrax bacteria. This paper presents details on the design and fabrication of a high voltage flyback transformer for use in high, pulsed-power circuits. Experimental data from a 4.8 kW pulsed-power flyback converter is presented which documents the efficacy of the transformer construction
Detecting HIV associated neurocognitive disorders in adolescents: what is the best screening tool?

Abstract Purpose To examine the ability of the HIV-Dementia Scale (HDS) and Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) to detect encephalopathy in adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or acquired immunodeficency syndrome (AIDS). Method The study was based on chart review (N = 71) from 1999 to 2006, extracting data from psychological testing, disease classification, and demographic variables. HDS and MMSE scores were independent. Diagnosis of encephalopathy used American Academy of Neurology Criteria. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves were plotted. Results Six patients had encephalopathy. The HDS identified five of these cases (83% sensitivity, 76% specificity). The MMSE identified three cases (50% sensitivity, 92% specificity). Conclusion Based on the study results, the HDS appears to be clinically useful.
Comparison study of temporal regularization methods for fully 5D reconstruction of cardiac gated dynamic SPECT

Temporal regularization plays a critical role in cardiac gated dynamic SPECT reconstruction, of which the goal is to obtain an image sequence from a single acquisition which simultaneously shows both cardiac motion and tracer distribution change over the course of imaging (termed 5D). In our recent work, we explored two different approaches for temporal regularization of the dynamic activities in gated dynamic reconstruction without the use of fast camera rotation: one is the dynamic EM (dEM) approach which is imposed on the temporal trend of the time activity of each voxel, and the other is a B-spline modeling approach in which the time activity is regulated by a set of B-spline basis functions. In this work, we extend the B-spline approach to fully 5D reconstruction and conduct a thorough quantitative comparison with the dEM approach. In the evaluation of the reconstruction results, we apply a number of quantitative measures on two major aspects of the reconstructed dynamic images: (1) the accuracy of the reconstructed activity distribution in the myocardium and (2) the ability of the reconstructed dynamic activities to differentiate perfusion defects from normal myocardial wall uptake. These measures include the mean square error (MSE), bias-variance analysis, accuracy of time-activity curves (TAC), contrast-to-noise ratio of a defect, composite kinetic map of the left ventricle wall and perfusion defect detectability with channelized Hotelling observer. In experiments, we simulated cardiac gated imaging with the NURBS-based cardiac-torso phantom and Tc99m-Teboroxime as the imaging agent, where acquisition with the equivalent of only three full camera rotations was used during the imaging period. The results show that both dEM and B-spline 5D could achieve similar overall accuracy in the myocardium in terms of MSE. However, compared to dEM 5D, the B-spline approach could achieve a more accurate reconstruction of the voxel TACs; in particular, B-spline 5D could achieve a much smaller bias level in the early uptake stage of the imaging period. Furthermore, it could allow better separation of the perfusion defect from the normal at both the early and the late stages of the imaging period.
Oral self-administration of triazolam, diazepam and ethanol in the baboon: drug reinforcement and benzodiazepine physical dependence.

Reinforcing and physical dependence-producing effects of oral diazepam and triazolam (0.01–1.28 mg/ml) were studied in four non-water-deprived baboons in daily 2-3-h sessions. Drinking initially was food-induced, but subsequently it was maintained for>year without the inducing procedures; drug intake>10 mg/kg per session was attained. Triazolam and diazepam reinforcement (compared to vehicle) was concluded for only one baboon for each drug under a single-spout procedure and for two baboons for each drug under a two-spout procedure. However, all baboons showed ethanol reinforcement under a two-spout procedure. When a lever-pressing requirement was imposed for each drink (one-spout procedure), ethanol maintained requirements of 128 or 256 responses/drink, and volume of ethanol consumed was greater than vehicle. Neither benzodiazepine maintained lever pressing better than vehicle at any response requirement and drinking was suppressed by requirements of 1–32. Physical dependence to triazolam and diazepam developed after approximately 1 month of daily ingestion, evidenced by a precipitated withdrawal syndrome after injection of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil. A mild spontaneous withdrawal syndrome occurred after substitution of vehicle for triazolam or diazepam. These data indicate a clear dissociation between the reinforcing and physical dependence-producing effects of triazolam and diazepam.
Supersensitive endocrine response to physostigmine in dopamine-depleted rats: a model of depression?

Depressed patients exhibit an abnormal "supersensitive" increase in the plasma concentration of several pituitary hormones following intravenous injection of the acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine (PHY). In the present study, we examined the effects of PHY treatments on the plasma concentrations of prolactin (PRL) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the rat. Physostigmine (0-0.6 mg/kg, s.c.) produced a dose-dependent increase in PRL and ACTH immunoreactivity in unoperated animals. Neurotoxin-induced depletion of brain dopamine (DA) or norepinephrine (NE) did not significantly alter baseline plasma PRL or ACTH values. Following depletion of brain DA, but not NE, animals exhibited a "supersensitive" increase in plasma ACTH values, which was evidenced by a sixfold left shift in the dose-response properties of PHY. These results suggest that there are intriguing parallels between the abnormal endocrine response to PHY demonstrated by depressed patients and that demonstrated by rats following depletion of central nervous system (CNS) DA levels.
Binocular processing in the cat's dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. III. Spatial frequency, orientation, and direction sensitivity of nondominant-eye influences.

The present experiments examined the extent to which binocular processing in the cat's dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) depends upon the spatial frequency, orientation, and direction of movement of stimuli presented to the nondominant eye. In Experiment 1, we tested the effects of varying these stimulus parameters on the responses of LGN cells to nondominant-eye stimulation. Sixteen of 34 cells tested had statistically significant responses to the nondominant eye and, in agreement with a previous study (Guido et al. 1989), the responsive cells were spatial-frequency sensitive. However, there was little evidence for orientation or direction sensitivity in responses to the nondominant eye: changes in discharge with changes in stimulus orientation and direction were small and were statistically significant in only nine of the cells. In Experiment 2, we tested the effects of varying spatial frequency, orientation, and direction of movement of stimuli presented to the nondominant eye on its ability to influence responses to the dominant eye (i.e., on binocular interactions). The dominant eye was stimulated with the optimal spatial frequency for the cell being tested. For 22 of 45 cells tested, nondominant-eye stimulation had a statistically significant effect on the response to the dominant eye. Fourteen of these cells showed band-pass spatial-frequency sensitivity in the nondominant-eye influence, and eight showed low-pass spatial-frequency sensitivity. However, only 11 of the cells had statistically significant variations in their binocular interactions that depended on the orientation or direction of stimuli presented to the nondominant eye. Furthermore, even for those cells, the effect of varying orientation and direction was only about half as strong as the effect of varying spatial frequency. We conclude that binocular processing in the LGN, including responses to the nondominant eye and nondominant-eye influences on responses to the dominant eye, are affected significantly by the spatial frequency of the nondominant-eye stimulus and relatively little by stimulus orientation or direction of movement. The significance of these findings for understanding the functions of LGN binocular processing is discussed.
Pathogenesis, Current Treatments and Future Directions for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown origin characterized by epithelial cell dysfunctions, accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and relentless deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Improved diagnostic accuracy and better trial design have provided important insights from recent clinical trials. Perhaps the most important insight was the realization that ‘standard therapy’ was actually harmful! This review summarizes the current understanding of the cell types that are altered in IPF and the pathogenic mechanisms that have been identified. It also reviews recent clinical trial results and interpretations. Finally, we highlight attractive biologic targets and therapies in development with recommendations for future therapeutic avenues.
Effect on Early Lactation of Feeding a Milk Fat—Depressing Ration Prepartum

Abstract Cows fed a milk fat—depressing ration for five to seven weeks before parturition and continued on this feed after calving exhibited a steadily declining milk fat content for the first six to eight weeks of lactation, at which time the fat tests were substantially below controls on conventional rations. These changes appeared to parallel changes in the ratio of acetate to propionate in rumen fluid. The milk fat tests were significantly (P 12 or treated with cobalt. This may have been due to the increased feed consumption observed in this group. The pattern of changes in the fatty acid composition of the milk fat accompanying reduction in milk fat synthesis during early lactation was in marked contrast with that observed in other cows, on the same feed, later in lactation.
Performance Funding in Pennsylvania

Greater accountability in public higher education systems is a fact of life in the current political climate. Increasingly, one form this accountability takes is performance funding, which arises f...
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: analysis of 62 consecutive adult patients.

OBJECTIVE To clarify the clinical presentation and course of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SP) and to determine the usefulness of diagnostic testing in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 62 consecutive adult patients (age ≥18 years) diagnosed as having SP during an 11-year period from July 1, 1997, to June 30, 2008. The study cohort included 41 men and 21 women (median age, 30 years; interquartile range, 20-69 years). RESULTS Among the 62 study patients, the most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (39 patients [63%]), cough (28 [45%]), and dyspnea (27 [44%]). Preexisting lung diseases were identified in 27 patients (44%) and included interstitial lung disease, asthma, lung malignancies, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, and cystic lung lesions. The initial diagnosis of SP was achieved by chest radiography in 52 patients (84%); the remaining cases were diagnosed by computed tomography. Forty-seven patients (76%) were hospitalized for a median duration of 2.5 days. Additional diagnostic procedures were performed in 27 patients (44%) and included contrast esophagography, bronchoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy; however, they did not yield a pathologic cause in any patient. Pneumothorax was identified in 20 patients (32%), but less than one-third of these patients underwent chest tube thoracostomy. No episodes of mediastinitis or sepsis occurred. Recurrence of SP was seen in 1 patient, and thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 1 patient for persistent air leak (pneumothorax). CONCLUSION Spontaneous pneumomediastinum was associated with a relatively benign clinical course; however, pneumothorax was seen in 32% of cases. Diagnostic testing to determine a pathologic cause yielded little clinically relevant information in these patients.
Solubility-product constant and thermodynamic properties for synthetic otavite, CdCO3(s), and aqueous association constants for the Cd(II)-CO2-H2O system

Abstract Considerable disparity exists in the published thermodynamic data for selected species in the Cd(II)-CO2-H2O system near 25°C and 1 atm pressure. Evaluation of published experimental and estimated data for aqueous cadmium-carbonate species suggests an association constant, pK, of −3.0 ± 0.4 for CdCO30, about −1.5 for CdHCO3+, and −6.4 ± 0.1 for Cd(CO3)22− (T = 298.15 K; P = 1 atm; I = 0). Examination of all available data for cadmium-hydrolysis species and β-Cd(OH)2(s)) confirms that the consistent set of constants presented by Baes and Mesmer (Hydrolysis of Cations, 1976) is the best available. The solubility of synthetic otavite, CdCO3(s), has been measured in KClO4 solutions where I ≤ 0.1 M. We calculated pKsp = 12.1 ± 0.1 (T = 25.0°C; P = 1 atm; I = 0) from measured concentrations of Cd2+, measured PC02 and pH, our selected set of equilibrium constants, and activity corrections estimated using the Davies equation. Values at 5 and 50°C were 12.4 ± 0.1 and 12.2 ± 0.1, respectively. Based on the new solubility data and the CODATA key values for Cd2+ and CO32−, a new set of thermodynamic properties is recommended for otavite: ΔGf0 = −674.7 ± 0.6 kJ/mol; ΔHf0 = −751.9 ± 10 kJ/mol; S0 = 106 ± 30 J/mol K; and ΔGr0 for the reaction Cd2+ + CO32− ⇌ CdCO3(s) is −69.08 ± 0.57 kJ/m
CO HYDROGENATION OVER CLEAN AND OXIDIZED RHODIUM FOIL AND SINGLE CRYSTAL CATALYSTS. CORRELATIONS OF CATALYST ACTIVITY, SELECTIVITY AND SURFACE COMPOSITION

Abstract CO hydrogenation at 6 atm over Rh polycrystalline foil and single crystal (111) catalysts was investigated in a system where the surface structure and composition of the catalysts could be characterized both before and after the reaction. The reaction conditions (H2:CO ratio, reaction temperature, surface pretreatment, and gas phase additives) were systematically varied to determine the conditions necessary for the formation of oxygenated hydrocarbons. Initially clean Rh catalysts showed no structure sensitivity, primarily produced methane (90 wt%) at an initial rate of 0.15 molecules site−1 sec−1 at 300 °C, and did not produce detectable amounts of oxygenated hydrocarbons. Preoxidation of the Rh (800 Torr O2, 600 °C, 30 min) resulted in dramatically increased initial rates, a larger fraction of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons in the product distribution, formation of methanol, ethanol, and acetaldehyde, and some structure sensitivity. The different Arrhenius methanation preexponential factors and activation energies over the clean and preoxidized Rh foils indicate the methanation mechanism is different on these two surfaces. Decreasing the reaction temperature or H2:CO ratio increased the C2H4 to C2H6 ratio and shifted the product distribution toward the higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. The addition of 1 mole% of CH3OH, CH3CH2OH, or C2H4 to the H2:CO reaction mixture caused a small increase in the fraction of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons.
Dry Matter Accumulation in Different Guar Genotypes Under Irrigated and Dryland Conditions

This investigation measured plant dry matter accumulation in guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] grown under water-optimal and water-stressed field conditions. Twelve guar genotypes were planted in irrigated and dryland tests at Chillicothe, TX on a Miles fine sandy loam (fine-loamy mixed, thermic Udic Paleustalf). Dry weight harvests were made at 60, 90, 120, and 150 days after planting (DAP). Significant variation was found among guar genotypes within maturity groups for plant dry matter accumulation. Percentage shoot dry weight in reproductive parts (pods) ranged from 41 to 79 % among the 12 genotypes at 150 DAP. Percentage stem weight, expressed as a percentage of shoot weight, averaged 36% at 60 DAP and 40% at 150 DAP. Percentage leaves decreased from 60% at 60 DAP to 0 at 150 DAP. Genotypic differences were found in irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). IWUE was highest for Lewis (28.3) and lowest for Hall (5.4). Medium maturing genotypes, with the exception of Lewis, had similar IWUE's ranging from 16.3 to 19.2. Early and late maturing genotypes generally had relatively low IWUE's. Genotypes differed significantly in harvest index (ratio of seed to shoot weight). Harvest indices ranged from 0.20 to 0.48. Harvest indices of the same magnitude were found in the water-optimal and the water-stressed tests.
Post-transcriptional regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression by oxygen in PC12 cells.

Post-transcriptional regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression by oxygen in PC12 cells. Reduced oxygen tension (hypoxia) leads to increased stability of mRNA for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate limiting enzyme in biosynthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters. Hypoxia increases the half life of TH mRNA from 10 to 30 hours. The increased stability of TH mRNA during hypoxia results from fast enhanced binding of a cytoplasmic protein (hypoxia inducible protein, HIP) to a pyrimidine-rich sequence within the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of TH mRNA. This novel cis -element is referred to as hypoxia-inducible protein binding site (HIPBS) and is located between bases 1551 and 1578 of the 3′UTR of TH mRNA. We identified that the (U/C)(C/U) CC CU motif within the HIPBS represents the optimum protein-binding site. Mutations within this region that abolish protein binding prevent also regulation of TH mRNA stability during hypoxia. UV-crosslinking and SDS-PAGE analysis of the HIPBS-protein complexes showed the presence of a major 50kDa complex. The formation of the complex was augmented when protein extracts were obtained from PC12 cells exposed to 5% O 2 . Importantly, formation of the 50kDa complex was also increased when protein extracts were obtained from carotid bodies or superior cervical ganglia from rats exposed to 10% hypoxia for twenty-four hours.
Natural history of grade I-II blunt traumatic aortic injury.

Background Endovascular aortic repair has revolutionized the management of traumatic blunt aortic injury (BAI). However, debate continues about the extent of injury requiring endovascular repair, particularly with regard to minimal aortic injury. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective observational analysis of our experience with these patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all BAI presenting to an academic level I trauma center over a 10-year period (2000-2010). Images were reviewed by a radiologist and graded according to Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines (grade I-IV). Demographics, injury severity, and outcomes were recorded. Results We identified 204 patients with BAI of the thoracic or abdominal aorta. Of these, 155 were deemed operative injuries at presentation, had grade III-IV injuries or aortic dissection, and were excluded from this analysis. The remaining 49 patients had 50 grade I-II injuries. We managed 46 grade I injuries (intimal tear or flap, 95%), and four grade II injuries (intramural hematoma, 5%) nonoperatively. Of these, 41 patients had follow-up imaging at a mean of 86 days postinjury and constitute our study cohort. Mean age was 41 years, and mean length of stay was 14 days. The majority (48 of 50, 96%) were thoracic aortic injuries and the remaining two (4%) were abdominal. On follow-up imaging, 23 of 43 (55%) had complete resolution of injury, 17 (40%) had no change in aortic injury, and two (5%) had progression of injury. Of the two patients with progression, one progressed from grade I to grade II and the other progressed from grade I to grade III (pseudoaneurysm). Mean time to progression was 16 days. Neither of the patients with injury progression required operative intervention or died during follow-up. Conclusions Injury progression in grade I-II BAI is rare (∼5%) and did not cause death in our study cohort. Given that progression to grade III injury is possible, follow-up with repeat aortic imaging is reasonable.
A framework for dimensioning VDL-2 air-ground networks

This paper describes a framework developed at MITRE for dimensioning a Very High Frequency (VHF) Digital Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) Air-to-Ground network. This framework was developed to support the FAA's Data Communications (Data Comm) program by providing estimates of expected capacity required for the air-ground network services that will support Controller-Pilot-Data-Link Communications (CPDLC), as well as the spectrum needed to operate the system at required levels of performance. The Data Comm program is part of the FAA's NextGen initiative to implement advanced communication capabilities in the National Airspace System (NAS).
Individual variation in susceptibility to cybersickness

We examined background characteristics of virtual reality participants in order to determine correlations to cybersickness. As 3D media and new VR display technologies from companies such as Occulus and Sony become more popular, the incidence of cybersickness is likely to increase. Understanding the impact of individual backgrounds on susceptibility can help shed light on which individuals are more likely to be impacted. Past history of motion sickness and video game play have the best predictive power of cybersickness of the factors studied. A model to estimate the likelihood of cybersickness using background characteristics is posed.
The Effect of Subsurface Oxygen on the Desorption Kinetics of Propylene from Ag(110)

Abstract The effect of subsurface oxygen on the desorption of π-bonded propylene from Ag(110) was studied using temperature programmed desorption and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The kinetic parameters for propylene desorption from Ag(110) without subsurface oxygen were compared to those for propylene desorption from Ag(110) when the subsurface region was saturated with oxygen. In the limit of zero coverage the activation energy and preexponential factor for propylene desorption from Ag(110) with subsurface oxygen is equal to the activation energy and preexponential fatter for propylene desorption from Ag(110) without subsurface oxygen ( E 0 = 12.7 ± 0.6 kcal/mol, ν = 1.2 × 10 16 s −1 ). On both Ag(110) surfaces, with and without subsurface oxygen, the activation energy for desorption decreases as the propylene coverage increases indicative of weak repulsive interactions. The difference in the lateral interaction energy for propylene on the two surfaces is within the experimental uncertainty. Subsurface oxygen apparently does not affect the kinetic parameters even for the desorption of a weakly π-bound species from Ag(110), even though surface oxygen is known to strengthen such bonds.
Effect of forward-facing jets on aerodynamic characteristics of blunt configurations at Mach 6.

Forward facing jets effect on blunt configurations aerodynamic characteristics from wind tunnel tests at Mach 6, emphasizing drag increase
Single-cue delay and trace classical conditioning in schizophrenia.

Abstract Background Classical conditioning provides a means of addressing mechanisms of learning and can therefore help understand the pathophysiology of memory alteration in schizophrenia. Methods Single cue delay and trace eyeblink conditioning were used in patients with schizophrenia and matched normal control subjects to explore, respectively, cerebellar and hippocampal integrity during learning. We measured percent of conditioned (CRs) and unconditioned responses (URs), their amplitude, and onset and peak latencies. We also accounted for spontaneous blink rates and stimulus-induced responses before learning. Results During delay conditioning, patients showed CRs with longer onset and peak latencies and improved efficiency compared to normal volunteers without there being differences between patients and normal control subjects in the percentage of CRs. During trace conditioning, neither group showed an increase in CRs as a function of conditioned stimulus–unconditioned stimulus pairings, in part because the level of spontaneous blink rates exceeded the level of CRs; however, patients with schizophrenia showed increased responding 150–400 msec after the conditioned stimulus and in the last 100–150 msec before the unconditioned stimulus, whereas normal control subjects showed only the latter type of responses. The former type of response was more frequent in patients with schizophrenia even before either trace or delay conditioning. Conclusions These results suggest integrity of cerebellar mechanisms underlying conditioning, although the altered timing of CRs in patients may indicate differences in the modulation of such responses. Both the greater CR onset latency during delay and the presence of early nonadaptive responses during trace are compatible with the pattern of responding seen in animals with hippocampal damage.
Extragenital adenosarcoma: a case report, review of the literature, and management discussion.

Abstract Background Mullerian adenosarcoma is a rare mixed epithelial–mesenchymal tumor. An extragenital site of origin and sarcomatous overgrowth are associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Case We present a rare case of extragenital adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth and coexistent endometriosis. She was treated with initial cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy. She underwent a second surgery for management of a high-grade bowel obstruction, due to pathologically confirmed recurrent intraperitoneal adenosarcoma. A complete clinical response was achieved with liposomal doxorubicin, and the patient remains disease-free eighteen months after completion of chemotherapy. Conclusion Liposomal doxorubicin appears to be an active agent for the treatment of adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth. In addition, we conclude from our review of all reported cases of extragenital adenosarcoma that concurrent endometriosis may represent a favorable prognostic factor.
Correlation of office-based cystoscopy and cytology with histologic diagnosis: how good is the reference standard?

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the accuracy of cystoscopy and cytology in predicting the histopathologic features of suspicious cystoscopic lesions. Methods We reviewed the bladder biopsy records at two institutions from July 2001 to July 2004. Intraoperative biopsies were performed for positive (papillary or sessile) (n = 155) and equivocal (n = 101) lesions found during office cystoscopy. The specimens were submitted for histopathologic analysis, and the results were correlated with the preceding office-based cystoscopy and cytology findings. Results Malignancy was found in 27 (26.7%) of 101 equivocal lesions and 128 (82.5%) of 155 sessile or papillary lesions. Of the 72 biopsies performed for equivocal lesions in patients with a history of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), 24 (33%) had malignancy compared with 3 (10.3%) of 29 biopsies performed in patients without a history of TCC. For patients with no history of TCC and equivocal lesions, cytology was able to identify all neoplasms (100% sensitivity) and negative cytology always predicted a normal biopsy result (100% negative predictive value). However, for patients with a history of TCC and equivocal lesions, cytology had a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 81.8% and 88.2%, respectively. Conclusions Our findings suggest that patients without a history of TCC who have an equivocal lesion at cystoscopy may avoid an unnecessary operation if they have normal cytology findings. A large number of patients with equivocal cystoscopic findings undergo unnecessary biopsies in the operating room, and future studies should be performed to assess the value of other bladder markers in predicting oncologic status in this setting.
Computational classification of classically secreted proteins

The ability to identify classically secreted proteins is an important component of targeted therapeutic studies and the discovery of circulating biomarkers. Here, we review some of the most recent programs available for the in silico prediction of secretory proteins, the performance of which is benchmarked with an independent set of annotated human proteins. The description of these programs and the results of this benchmarking provide insights into the most recently developed prediction programs, which will enable investigators to make more informed decisions about which program best addresses their research needs.
A high-accuracy calibration technique for thermochromic liquid crystal temperature measurements

There are a variety of phenomena which may impact the accuracy of wide-band thermochromic liquid crystal temperature measurements, including: irregularities in liquid crystal and black paint layers, reflective components from light sources, and variations in the lighting/viewing angle across the surface. A wide-band calibration technique has been developed which inherently accounts for these and other sources of uncertainty by employing a point-wise calibration of the entire test surface. Both on and off-axis lighting arrangements are assessed for ease of implementation and accuracy of color displayed under uniform temperature conditions. The technique employs a series of uniform-temperature images to construct calibration curves relating the local hue component to temperature in a point-wise manner for the entire test surface. An off-axis lighting/viewing arrangement is found to be most practical for typical experimental setups. Hysteresis effects are quantified for excursions beyond both the lower and upper clearing point of the liquid crystals. Finally, the total uncertainty of the measured temperature is determined to vary from ±1.2% to ±7.2% across the bandwidth of the liquid crystals.
Fabrication, structure and properties of MoSi2-base composites

Several techniques have been employed to consolidate MoSi2 composites reinforced with either Al2O3 or niobium. Powder injection molding was used to prepare MoSi2 with aligned short FP Al2O3 fibers. Plasma spray was used to produce lamellar MoSi2Al2O3. Niobium particles, random short fibers and continuous fibers were incorporated into MoSi2 by hot isostatic pressing. Microstructures and mechanical properties of the various composites are reported. Significant microscopic toughening was obtained with continuous niobium fibers, but at the expense of creep resistance.
Thiyl Radicals Abstract Hydrogen Atoms from the αC−H Bonds in Model Peptides: Absolute Rate Constants and Effect of Amino Acid Structure

Thiyl radicals are important intermediates in biological oxidative stress and enzymatic reactions, for example, the ribonucleotide reductases. On the basis of the homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDEs) only, the αC−H bonds of peptides and proteins would present suitable targets for hydrogen abstraction by thiyl radicals. However, additional parameters such as polar and conformational effects may control such hydrogen-transfer processes. To evaluate the potential of thiyl radicals for hydrogen abstraction from αC−H bonds, we provide the first absolute rate constants for these reactions with model peptides. Thiyl radicals react with αC−H bonds with rate constants between 1.7 × 103 M-1 s-1 (N-acetylproline amide) and 4 × 105 M-1 s-1 (sarcosine anhydride). However, the correlation of rate constants with BDEs is poor. Rather, these reactions may be controlled by conformation and dynamic flexibility around the αC−H bonds.
The visual fields of the frog and toad: a comparative study.

Perimetric mappings and quantitative behavioral observations of orienting and feeding responses were made for four species of North American frog (Rana clamitans, Rana catesbieana, Rana pipiens, Rana palustris) and three species of toad (Bufo americanus, Bufo terrestris, Bufo marinus). Differences were found between frogs and toads with respect to the configuration of binocular and monocular portions of the visual field and in the total number of orientations which preceded capture of live prey presented at different locations in the field-of-view. Frogs have a larger superior and posterior binocular field, while in toads the anterior binocular field-of-view is more extensive. Toads showed significantly more orientation movements toward prey objects than did frogs, and always struck at prey from a frontal midline position. Frogs, however, frequently struck at prey located 45° or more from the frontal midline without prior orientation. Uniocular frogs and toads were capable of capturing prey at normal accuracy levels following a brief, transient period of reduced accuracy in prey-catching which occurred immediately following monocular blinding.