cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hard X-ray emission from pulsar-wind nebulae

Pulsar-wind nebulae emit an extremely broad spectrum of continuum radiation, from low radio frequencies to TeV gamma rays. The part of the spectral energy distribution (SED) from radio through MeV gamma rays is due to synchrotron emission from a distribution of relativistic electrons (or pairs) which can be described by one or more power laws. This spectrum exhibits that particle energy distribution, responsible also for the higher-energy (GeV–TeV) part of the SED, due to inverse-Compton upscattering of one of three photon fields: the synchrotron spectrum, the cosmic microwave background, or ambient optical/infrared photons. However, in a few sources, primary hadrons may produce GeV–TeV gamma rays through the decay of neutral pions produced in inelastic cosmic-ray collisions with thermal gas. The higher-energy end of the particle spectrum, producing synchrotron photons above approximately 10 keV, holds clues to the particle acceleration process. However, its detailed study requires imaging spectroscopy in this energy range, not available until the NuSTAR mission beginning in 2012, which performs true imaging between 3 and 78 keV with angular resolution. I review NuSTAR observations of the first three pulsar-wind nebulae (PWNe) to be examined in this way: the Crab Nebula, G21.5–0.9 and MSH 15–52. All three show spectral structure not previously known: spectral steepening in certain locations and overall source shrinkage with increasing photon energy. The Crab Nebula has different shrinkage rates along the torus and along the northwest counter-jet. The latter rate is similar to that for both the other sources (FWHM with ). I discuss implications of these results for models of particle transport in PWNe.
Known orders : unusual locators in indexes

Locators are one of the required elements of index entries. While finding an index entry requires familiarity with a known order of symbols, so does the ability to follow a locator, when its form differs from that of a simple page number in Arabic numerals. This article, which is written from the perspective of the usability of indexes, describes unusual locators, including those that require knowledge of a non-Roman character set and those that assume knowledge of the order of the books of the Bible, Christian feast days, and the like.
SMART-Invest: a stochastic, dynamic planning for optimizing investments in wind, solar, and storage in the presence of fossil fuels. The case of the PJM electricity market

In this paper, we present a stochastic dynamic planning model called SMART-Invest, which is capable of optimizing investment decisions in different electricity generation technologies. SMART-Invest consists of two layers: an optimization outer layer and an operational core layer. The operational model captures hourly variations of wind and solar over an entire year, with detailed modeling of day-ahead commitments, forecast uncertainties and ramping constraints. The outer layer requires optimizing an unknown, non-convex, non-smooth, and expensive-to-evaluate function. We present a stochastic search algorithm with an adaptive stepsize rule that can find the optimal investment decisions quickly and reliably. By properly capturing the marginal cost of investments in wind, solar and storage, we feel that SMART-Invest produces a more realistic picture of an optimal mix of wind, solar and storage, resulting in a tool that can provide more accurate guidance for policy makers.
Management of a case of Mucor colonization in breast tissue expander seroma pocket

Abstract Mucormycosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening opportunistic infection with approximately 500 cases per year in the United States (Spellberg et al., 2005). There are six major presentations, which include rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, disseminated, and uncommon (e.g. osteomyelitis, endocarditis) Petrikkos et al. (2012). 2 While not a prominent pathogen in immunocompetent patients, immunocompromised patients such as those with prolonged neutropenia, organ and/or bone marrow suppression, and diabetes mellitus are prone to dissemination resulting in rapid death without prompt intervention (Spellberg et al. 2005). With a mortality rate reaching 90% (Spellberg et al. 2005), it is imperative that therapy be initiated rapidly once a diagnosis is made. Successful treatment consists of management of underlying risk factors, surgical debridement, and antifungal therapies (Spellberg et al. 2005). The dilemma whether to pursue extensive debridement presents when the wound is cultured positive but the patient is not systemically ill. We present the first reported case of successful salvage of breast reconstruction with retention of tissue extender and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) despite colonization of a recalcitrant seroma pocket by Mucor .
Abstract 423: Proteasome Priming by Protein Kinase G Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

Cardiac proteasome functional insufficiency is implicated in a large subset of heart disease and has been experimentally demonstrated to play an essential role in cardiac proteotoxicity, including desmin-related cardiomyopathy and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) via sildenafil for example, which can stabilize cGMP and thereby increase cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity, is consistently reported to protect against I-R injury; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We have recently discovered that PKG activation enhances proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins (Ranek, et al. Circulation 2013), prompting us to hypothesize that proteasome-priming may contribute to cardioprotection-induced by PDE5 inhibition. Here we used a cardiomyocyte-restricted proteasome inhibition transgenic mouse line (Tg) and non-Tg (Ntg) littermates to interrogate the action of sildenafil on I-R injury created by left anterior descending artery (LAD) ligation (30 min) and release (24 hr). Sildenafil was administered 30 min before LAD ligation. Results showed that (1) the 26S proteasome activity of the Ntg I-R hearts was significantly elevated by sildenafil but this elevation was blocked in the Tg line; (2) the infarct size reduction by sildenafil treatment in Ntg mice was completely abolished in the Tg mice with the same treatment; and (3) systolic and diastolic function impairment after I/R was markedly attenuated in sildenafil-treated Ntg mice, but not in the sildenafil-treated Tg mice. Additionally, immunoprecipitation assays show that PKG interacted with the proteasome in cultured cardiomyocytes, and this interaction appeared to be augmented by sildenafil treatment. Moreover, in vitro incubation of active PKG with purified human 26S proteasomes increased proteasome peptidase activities and the phosphorylation at specific serine residues of a 19S proteasome subunit as revealed by “gel-free” nano-LC-MS/MS. We conclude that active PKG directly interacts with, phosphorylates, and increases the activities of, the proteasome and that proteasome priming mediates to cardioprotection of PDE5 inhibition against I-R injury.
Facing the implications: Dangerous world beliefs differentially predict men and women's aversion to facially communicated psychopathy

Abstract Individuals with heightened self-protection motives demonstrate considerable perceptual acuity toward facial features connoting others' cooperative intentions, an adaptive response to mitigate vulnerability to exploitation. This sensitivity may necessarily also produce an aversion to individuals exhibiting facial features implicating them as interpersonal threats. Previous research indicates humans possess considerable accuracy at identifying psychopathy through facial features, which may suggest that individuals with heightened self-protection concerns may be particularly averse to facially communicated psychopathy. In the current study, participants reported interaction partner preferences among face pairs that were manipulated to communicate high and low levels of psychopathy. Participants then reported their dispositional belief in a dangerous world. Women with dispositionally higher dangerous world beliefs reported a stronger aversion to facially communicated high-psychopathy. Conversely, men higher in dangerous world beliefs reported reduced aversion to high psychopathy targets. Men's aversion down-regulation may be indicative of tolerance for antisocial conspecifics to facilitate action against coalitional threat. Results indicate that self-protection motives differentially predict men and women's relative aversion to psychopathy in adaptive ways.
A graph traversal attack on Bloom filter-based medical data aggregation

We present a novel cryptanalytic method based on graph traversals to show that record linkage using Bloom filter encoding does not preserve privacy in a two-party setting. Bloom filter encoding is often suggested as a practical approach to medical data aggregation. This attack is stronger than a simple dictionary attack in that it does not assume knowledge of the universe. The attack is very practical and produced accurate results when experimented on large amounts of name-like data derived from a North Carolina voter registration database. We also give theoretical arguments that show that going from bigrams to n-grams, n > 2, does not increase privacy; on the contrary, it actually makes the attack more effective. Finally, some ways to resist this attack are suggested.
Benefits of 4-hour images for solid phase gastric emptying studies

2507 Objectives This retrospective study was undertaken to determine the influence of 4 hour images on the interpretation of solid phase gastric emptying studies. Methods 752 patients were asked to ingest a meal of 4 ounces of egg beaters cooked with 1.0 millicuries of 99mTc Sulfur Colloid, 2 pieces of toast with 30 grams of jelly and 8 ounces of water, within 10 minutes. The first scan was acquired immediately (time zero) followed by scans at one, two, and four hours. All patients remained NPO (nothing by mouth) for 4 hours prior to the study. All image processing, calculation of retention values, and interpretation of results were performed using a predefined, standardized department protocol. Gastric emptying retention normal lab values are 1 hour 37-90%, 2 hour 30-60% and 4 hour 0-10%. Results Results: Number of Patients 2 hour 4 hour 50/752 (6.7%) 248 Normal 50 Abnormal 198/752 (26.3%) 248 Normal 198 Normal 104/752 (13.8%) 504 Abnormal 104 Abnormal 400/752 (53.1%) 504 Abnormal 400 Normal Conclusions The use of four hour image provides additional benefits for gastric emptying studies. Of the 752, patients studied, 53% were abnormal at 2 hours and normal at 4 hours value resembling a delay in gastric emptying. Conversely, 6.7% of the patients with normal 2 hour values were abnormal at 4 hours.
Male pressure in the decision to remain childfree

To examine the negotiations and resolutions of disagreement over childlessness (the childfree lifestyle), questionnaires were sent to 100 married couples drawn randomly from membership lists of the National Organization for Non-Parents (NON). Responses of 40 couples were analyzed, in a synthesized theoretical framework drawn from Thibaut and Kelley (1959) and sex role socialization theory. The pattern that emerged was: if it was the husband's decision to remain childfree and not the wife's at first, she was likely to come into agreement with him; if it was the wife's decision to remain childfree, only very rarely would the husband consent. The more likely result, if she remained adamant, was divorce. Because marital power was so much greater for the husbands, the childfree life-style as an alterntive marital form may not differ greatly from traditional marital patterns.
The role of international human rights law in South Korean constitutional court practice: An empirical study of decisions from 1988 to 2015

While both international human rights law and constitutional law protect fundamental rights of individuals, it remains a question to what extent and for what purpose constitutional justice uses IHR instruments. This article offers empirical research on the use of IHR instruments with a case study of South Korea. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted for all sixty-five decisions from the Constitutional Court of Korea that mentioned IHR instruments from 1988 to 2015. Findings show that IHR instruments played a supportive but limited role in those decisions. In terms of their role in revoking domestic laws, IHR instruments were supportive but not conclusive in reaching final conclusions. The CCK showed resistance in cases of labor rights and those concerning the national security threat from North Korea despite international pressure. In the same vein, it was not statistically supported that decisions mentioning IHR instruments would have a different rate of winning a case than decisions that did not mention them. IHR instruments, however, do have a positive effect on the CCK decisions. They enriched constitutional debate, providing persuasive authority in various contexts. IHR instruments were more successfully incorporated in the CCK decisions when they were indirectly applied as interpretative tools to the Korean Constitution than when they were directly applied. The findings show guidance and possibilities for the positive use of IHR instruments in national constitutional courts. Meanwhile, resistance to IHR law in deeply rooted issues suggests that we need other methods to harmonize IHR law and domestic law.
SENATORIAL EPISTOLOGRAPHY FROM CICERO TO SIDONIUS: EMERGENCE OF A GENRE

Although Cicero's letter collections were known and read throughout antiquity, traces of his influence on the style of later letter writers and on the organization of their epistolary collections seem to diminish steadily. What remains constant in the extant collections of Cicero, Pliny, Fronto, Symmachus, and Sidonius is the large number of correspondents represented, the preponderance of letters from the period of the writer's highest prestige, and the subject matter of the letters published, which highlights the familial and wider social connections of the writers and their political, financial, and literary interests. All five collections project the ethos and values of a senatorial class.
MapReduce algorithmics

From automatically translating documents to analyzing electoral voting patterns; from computing personalized movie recommendations to predicting flu epidemics: all of these tasks are possible due to the success and proliferation of the MapReduce parallel programming paradigm. Yet almost ten years after the system was introduced, we still do not have a good understanding of what problems can and cannot be efficiently computed in MapReduce. In this talk I will give an overview of the MapReduce framework, and explain its connections to both Valiant's Bulk Synchronous Parallel (BSP) model and the classical PRAM model of parallel computing. To demonstrate the power of the MapReduce model I will present the Sample and Prune approach that finds an approximate coreset of a manageable size, thereby reducing the problem from the realm of 'Big Data' to that of 'Small Data.' I will conclude by discussing other considerations that make a large difference when working with MapReduce in practice, but have so far resisted a careful theoretical analysis.
Paul Klee’s illness—a series of historical and clinical vignettes, part II:

Viewing and analyzing fine art from a medical perspective increases our appreciation of the artist’s suffering and teaches an important lesson of the human aspects of medicine. Paul Klee (1879–1940...
Improving gynecologic brachytherapy patient experience by optimizing MRI, anesthesia, and scheduling to decrease the length of time tandem and ovoid applicators are in place.

Abstract Purpose Brachytherapy requires multiple different steps and plays a critical role in treatment for gynecological cancer. In an effort to improve gynecologic patient experience, we investigated how different aspects of the procedure influence how long the patient has the brachytherapy applicator in place. Methods and Materials We prospectively recorded 145 consecutive tandem and ovoid treatments for 33 patients and determined how anesthesia vs. conscious sedation, MRI or not, and the number of procedures in the day impact applicator in time. The data were analyzed in a mixed effects linear regression model to account for the within-patient correlation. Results We found average applicator in place time was 179 minutes (range: 87–311 minutes). Patients who received anesthesia had a significant increase in length of applicator in patient time by an average of 42 minutes compared with those who received conscious sedation. Undergoing an MRI increased length of applicator in time by an average of 66 minutes, although the actual MRI performed generally took less than 30 minutes. Having three or more procedures scheduled for 1 day increased the length of time the tandem and ovoid was inserted by an average of 35 minutes. Conclusion The use of anesthesia vs. conscious sedation, MRI scans for treatment planning, and number of procedures scheduled per day have significant influence on the duration of brachytherapy treatments. This information can help us work to optimize scheduling and thereby improve patient brachytherapy experience.
Development of a Global Hydrographic Climatology with High Quality Arctic Data

Abstract : Our long-term goal is to better represent the Arctic Ocean in numerical models. In order to validate these models, we need high quality gridded fields of observed quantities such as ocean temperature and salinity. Both the historical mean and the historical variance are required. We then need to discover where and when the models diverge from the observations. Armed with this knowledge, we can proceed to make improvements that will assist the Navy with their forecasting mission.
Challenges in Measuring Poverty and Understanding its Dynamics: A South Asian Perspective

South Asia’s success at reducing poverty does not imply that the topic has become passe. Poverty rates are by now low, but this is because poverty lines are low as well. And the assessment of living standards and their dynamics are blurred by measurement and interpretation challenges. This paper relies mostly on South Asian examples to highlight four tensions: poorer versus richer households, rural versus urban locations, monetary versus non‐monetary dimensions of wellbeing, and household characteristics versus context. The discussion is conducted against the backdrop of the two analytical approaches with South Asian roots that have shaped the debate for decades. This review leads to three main recommendations: household survey data has to be exploited in a more thorough manner, data that is increasingly available from other sources needs to be incorporated more systematically in the analysis, and the multiple dimensions of wellbeing should be better integrated in a common framework.
Salient expectations? incongruence across capability and integrity signals and investor reactions to organizational misconduct

Research in signaling theory has recently begun to explore how audiences process signal sets and the incongruence across the signals within. However, prior studies have assumed homogenous compositi...
Association of Weekend Effect With Recovery After Surgery.

This cohort study assesses the association between day of the week and process measure adherence in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and identifies hospital-level factors associated with weekend adherence.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Live Interactive Virtual Explorations Involving a Hard-to-Reach Native American Earth Lodge and a Pacific Island Volcanoes Site:

For several years, National Park Service scientists, historians, and educators have been working with National Science Foundation-funded High Performance Wireless Research and Education Network (HP...
Dear dad: an homage to Laila Lalami and her Moroccan American Dream

In this article, I examine fatherhood in Laila Lalami’s first two novels, Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits and Secret Son. I trace a set of questions and literary interventions related to what I r...
A microbial metabolite remodels the gut-liver axis following bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for type 2 diabetes and is associated with changes in gut metabolites. Previous work uncovered a gut-restricted TGR5 agonist with anti-diabetic properties-cholic acid-7-sulfate (CA7S)-that is elevated following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Here, we elucidate a microbiome-dependent pathway by which SG increases CA7S production. We show that a microbial metabolite, lithocholic acid (LCA), is increased in murine portal veins post-SG and by activating the vitamin D receptor, induces hepatic mSult2A1/hSULT2A expression to drive CA7S production. An SG-induced shift in the microbiome increases gut expression of the bile acid transporters Asbt and Ostα, which in turn facilitate selective transport of LCA across the gut epithelium. Cecal microbiota transplant from SG animals is sufficient to recreate the pathway in germ-free (GF) animals. Activation of this gut-liver pathway leads to CA7S synthesis and GLP-1 secretion, causally connecting a microbial metabolite with the improvement of diabetic phenotypes.
The Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer: Risk Assessment, Genetic Screening, Chemoprevention, and Modifiable Risk Factors

To reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer, primary care providers must pay focused attention to prevention in all adult women. This chapter presents a risk stratification paradigm, starting with three basic questions, and usable tools to determine which women would benefit from risk-reducing interventions. Risk factors which are associated with a high risk of breast cancer include a history of chest radiation, a strong family history of cancer, a known genetic mutation, and a personal history of high-risk breast lesions. After risk assessment, preventive strategies are prescribed using a personalized prevention plan. Patients with an elevated risk are further evaluated and counseled, with consideration of early breast imaging with mammography and MRI, chemoprevention, specialty referral, or prophylactic surgery. The screening, counseling, treatment, and referral of all women according to breast cancer risk status by primary care providers will reduce the toll of preventable breast cancer morbidity and mortality.
Active Contour Directed by the Poisson Gradient Vector Field and Edge Tracking

This paper develops a new active contour (AC) model capable of multiple complex objects segmentation in the presence of heavy noise. The model segments images in the framework of two types of partial differential equations (PDEs): the Euler–Lagrange and Poisson PDEs. The former is used to build an evolution algorithm, while the Poisson solution gradient vector field (PGVF) directs the evolution toward the boundaries of all image objects. The AC halts on boundaries and PGVF separatrices, splits on the latter, and leaves at least one segment (called label) on every boundary. Each label tracks its boundary until the corresponding object is enveloped. The advantages of the new method are validated on a number of skin lesions, road, and aircraft images of varying sizes and in the presence of Gaussian noise. The obtained results are compared against results by contemporary and established active contours and neural networks.
Hepatitis C Virus Relapse After Ultrashort Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy Associates With Expression of Genes Involved With Natural Killer-Cell and CD8 + T-Cell Function.

To identify immunologic correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) relapse after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, we quantified select immune transcripts in whole blood from noncirrhotic HCV subjects treated with 4-6 weeks of DAAs. We identified specific markers of natural killer-cell and CD8+ T-cell function (GZMB, PRF1, NKp46) with higher expression in subjects who relapsed. These findings suggest a role for host immunity in HCV eradication with ultrashort DAA therapy. We quantified whole blood immune transcripts in noncirrhotic HCV subjects treated with shortcourse antiviral therapy. Markers of natural killer-cell and CD8+ T-cell function had higher expression in virologic relapsers, suggesting a role for host immunity in HCV eradication.
Early Stage Longitudinal Subcortical Volumetric Changes following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective: To investigate early brain volumetric changes from acute to 6 months following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in deep gray matter regions and their association with patient 6-month o...
Racial Disparities in Sexual Assault Characteristics and Mental Health Care After Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams.

Background: Sexual assault (SA) is common, but Black individuals might be at higher risk of SA and negative health sequalae. Racial differences in SA characteristics and health care utilization aft...
Active liquid crystals powered by force-sensing DNA-motor clusters

Cytoskeletal active nematics exhibit striking nonequilibrium dynamics that are powered by energy-consuming molecular motors. To gain insight into the structure and mechanics of these materials, we design programmable clusters in which kinesin motors are linked by a double-stranded DNA linker. The efficiency by which DNA-based clusters power active nematics depends on both the stepping dynamics of the kinesin motors and the chemical structure of the polymeric linker. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements reveal that the motor clusters, like filamentous microtubules, exhibit local nematic order. The properties of the DNA linker enable the design of force-sensing clusters. When the load across the linker exceeds a critical threshold, the clusters fall apart, ceasing to generate active stresses and slowing the system dynamics. Fluorescence readout reveals the fraction of bound clusters that generate interfilament sliding. In turn, this yields the average load experienced by the kinesin motors as they step along the microtubules. DNA-motor clusters provide a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism by which nanoscale molecular motors collectively generate mesoscopic active stresses, which in turn power macroscale nonequilibrium dynamics of active nematics.
Electrochemical treatment in KOH renews and activates carbon fiber microelectrode surfaces

Carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) are the standard electrodes for fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) detection of neurotransmitters. CFMEs are generally used untreated but the surface can be activated with different treatments to improve electrochemical performance. In this work, we explored electrochemical treatments to clean and activate the CFME surface. We used different solution conditions for electrochemical treatment and found that electrochemical pretreatment in KOH outperforms treatment in KCl, H2O2, or HCl by accelerating the surface renewal process. The etching rate of carbon with electrochemical treatment in KOH is 37 nm/min, which is 10 times faster than that in the other solutions. Electrochemical treatment in KOH for several minutes regenerates a new carbon surface, which introduces more oxygen functional groups beneficial for adsorption and electron transfer. The KOH-treated CFMEs improved the limit of detection (LOD) to 9 ± 2 nM from 14 ± 4 nM for untreated CFMEs, and they successfully detected stimulated dopamine release in rat brain slices, demonstrating that they are stable and sensitive enough to use in biological systems. Electrochemical treatment in KOH completely restores the electrode sensitivity after biofouling. The proposed electrochemical treatment is simple and fast and can be applied prior to using CFMEs or after use to restore the surface. Thus, the method has potential to be a standard step to clean the carbon surface, or restore the sensitivity of electrodes from biofouling.
PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of parent-engagement programs to reduce truancy and juvenile delinquency: A systematic review

This review aims to synthesize the evaluation evidence for parent‐engagement programs that focus on reducing juvenile truancy as the primary outcome. Delinquent behavior will be assessed as a secondary outcome when included. This objective is guided by the following research questions: (1) what is the effectiveness of parent‐engagement programs for children in preschool (ages 4–5) through secondary education (ages 13–19) on primarily (a) reducing student truancy (i.e., unexcused or unauthorized absence) and secondarily (and when included) (b) reducing delinquent behaviors? (2) Is there variability in the effectiveness of parent‐engagement programs across moderators such as gender, age, grade levels, settings, and contexts? (3) What factors (e.g., groups, settings, and contexts) explain the variability in the effectiveness of engagement programs in a multivariate framework?
Calculation of Ionization Coefficient in Microscale and Nanoscale Gaps Using PIC/MCC Simulations *

Applications requiring microplasmas, such as combustion and medicine, and those that require the avoidance of gas breakdown such as field emission devices and MEMS, require improved prediction of gas breakdown for microscale and smaller gaps 1 . Traditionally, gas breakdown is driven by Townsend avalanche and predicted mathematically using Paschen’s law 1 . The ionization coefficient α is an essential parameter for calculating breakdown voltage; however, the standard semi-empirical model for α is only valid for 100 < E / p < 1000 V cm -1 Torr -1 , where E is the applied electric field and p is the gas pressure. The strong electric fields required for microscale gaps cause E / p to exceed this range 1 , necessitating a correction factor for α 2 , 3 . However, a comprehensive assessment of this correction for various gap distances, pressures, and electric fields that may be incorporated into analytic theories 3 has not been developed.
Reliability of the cervical cytologic smear as a screening procedure in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery for benign disease

Abstract From 1966 to 1970, hysterectomy was performed on 845 patients with normal Papanicolaou (“Pap.”) smears at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Histologic examination of the hysterectomy specimens revealed four cases of undiagnosed carcinoma in situ of the cervix. During this time period, there were 210 patients with a tissue diagnosis of severe cervical dysplasia, 331 patients with carcinoma in situ of the cervix, 23 patients with Stage IA-1 invasive cervical cancer, and 30 patients with Stage IA-2 invasive cervical cancer. No patient had microinvasive or invasive cervical cancer in the absence of a cervical lesion which was not detected by Pap. smear. These data indicate that the Pap. smear is an effective screening technique in the diagnosis of cervical epithelial abnormality.
Thin layer of MgO as seed layer used in MgO/Co 2 FeSi Heusler alloy tunnel junctions

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) having a MgO barrier are envisioned for many important applications including magnetoresistive random access memory, hard disk read heads and magnetic sensors. Because of their high Curie temperatures, large spin polarization and small magnetic damping, half-metallic Heusler alloys integrated into MTJs may be optimal for use in low power and high output spin-electronic devices[1].
Corporate Governance Implications of the Regulation of Hedge Funds in the Aftermath of the Financial Crisis

This research paper analyzes hedge funds and discusses whether there is a need to have them regulated as part of corporate governance. Specifically, it questions whether or not hedge funds need to be regulated in the post financial crisis era and secondly, whether attempting to regulate hedge funds would curtail their activities.In addition, it attempts to build on the ongoing literature on the subject and will adopt a comparative approach by looking at the state of play of hedge funds in the US and Europe. However, emphasis will be on the situation in the U.S that has a well-developed hedge fund industry. A brief discussion of the financial crisis as well as high profile cases of hedge fund fraud would be made to set the stage for whether or not regulation of hedge fund is necessary. In addition, the new US Private Fund Investment Advisers Registration Act of 2009 will be discussed. All these would be done against the backdrop for the need to enhance corporate governance.
Slice Culture Method for Studying Migration of Neuronal Progenitor Cells Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC)

In this unit we describe an overlay brain slice culture assay for studying migration of transgenic neurospheres derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Neuronal progenitor cells were generated from hESC by derivation of embryoid bodies and rosettes. Rosettes were transfected using the PiggyBac transposon system with either control plasmids (GFP) or plasmid encoding a gene important for migration of neuronal progenitor cells, Doublecortin (DCX). Transfected cells were subsequently grown in low-adhesion plates to generate transgenic human neurospheres (t-hNS). Organotypic slice cultures were prepared from postnatal rat forebrain and maintained using the interface method, before transfected t-hNS were overlaid below the cortex of each hemisphere. After 1 to 5 days, forebrain slices were fixed and processed for immunofluorescence. The distance at which cells migrated from the center of neurospheres to the host forebrain tissue was measured using Image J software. This protocol provides details for using the slice culture method for studying migration and integration of human neuronal cells into the host brain tissue.
Comment On 'On Estimating Conditional Conservatism' by Ball, Kothari, and Nikolaev

Ball, Kothari, and Nikolaev (2011) make two major claims in their recent working paper titled “On estimating conditional conservatism.” While they agree that the effect documented in Patatoukas and Thomas (2011) biases the conditional conservatism estimate proposed in Basu (1997), they claim that the source of bias is not scale effects but a non-linear relation between expected returns and expected earnings. Second, they propose revised measures of conditional conservatism, which they claim are unbiased. Our evidence contradicts both claims.
Techno-economic assessment of biomass slow pyrolysis into different biochar and methanol concepts

Abstract Methanol is one of the fuels that are an alternative to petroleum-based liquid transport fuels. This paper assesses the feasibility of co-production of methanol and biochar from thermal treatment of pine in a two-stage process; pyrolysis or gasification to produce biochar and volatiles, and the processing of the volatiles to produce methanol using process data for large-scale conversions based on natural gas. Three concepts were studied: (i) slow pyrolysis at 300 °C; (ii) slow pyrolysis at 450 °C; and (iii) gasification at 800 °C, all of them followed by processing of the volatiles into syngas and the conversion of the syngas into methanol. Gasification was able to generate methanol at or below current (2012) prices of methanol produced from fossil fuel ($422/t) from a plant size of 100 t/h upwards. Pyrolysis is not competitive without valuing the biochar as a product. Considering both biochar and methanol as marketable products improves the viability of slow pyrolysis concepts. Their profitability is sensitive to the biochar selling price between, with a break-even at a biochar price of about $220/t for the pyrolysis at 300 °C and about $280/t for pyrolysis at 450 °C.
Acetylene metathesis by tungsten(VI) alkylidyne complexes

Abstract W(CCMe3)(OCMe3)3 reacts with acetylenes at a rate which is first order in tungsten and first order in acetylene. The rate increases by approximately an order of magnitude upon replacing a phenyl substituent in the acetylene with an alkyl substituent. The metathesis of PhCCEt is slower than either the metathesis of PhCCTol or PrCCEt because the intermediate benzylidyne complex reacts with PhCCEt in largely a degenerate fashion. W(CCMe3)(OCMe3)3 will metathesize PrCCEt in the presence of acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, phenol, and triethylamine, and so far has been used successfully to metathesize EtCCCH2NMe2 and to cross-metathesize Me3SiOCH2CCCH2OSiMe3 with 3-hexyne. W(CCMe3)-(NPr12)3 is as effective a catalyst as W(CCMe3)(OCMe3)3.
A Statistical Intelligence (STI) Approach to Discovering Spurious Correlation in a Physical Model and Resolving the Problem With an Example of Designing a Pulse Jet Mixing System at Hanford

Pulse jet mixing tests were conducted to support the design of mixing systems for the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. A physical approach (based on hydro-dynamic behavior) and two semi-empirical (SE) approaches were applied to the data to develop models for predicting two response variables (critical-suspension velocity and cloud height). Tests were conducted at three geometric scales using multiple noncohesive simulants and levels of possibly influential factors. The physical modeling approach based on hydrodynamic behavior was first attempted, but this approach can yield models with spurious correlation. To overcome this dilemma, two semi-empirical (SE) models were developed by generalizing the form of the physical model using dimensional and/or nondimensional (ND) variables. The results of applying statistical intelligence (STI) tools to resolve the spurious correlation problem via fitting the physical and SE models are presented and compared. Considering goodness-of-fit, prediction performance, spurious correlation, and the need to extrapolate, the SE models based on ND variables are recommended.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Automotive Hydraulic Valve Fluid Field Estimator Based on Non-Dimensional Artificial Neural Network (NDANN)

A conventional automatic transmission (AT) hydraulic control system includes many spool-type valves that have highly asymmetric flow geometry. An accurate analysis of their flow fields typically requires a time-consuming computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. A simplified flow field model that is based on a lumped geometry is computationally efficient. However, it often fails to account for asymmetric flow characteristics, leading to an inaccurate analysis. In this work, a new hydraulic valve fluid field model is developed based on a non-dimensional neural network (NDANN) to provide an accurate and numerically efficient tool in AT control system design applications. A “grow-and-trim” procedure is proposed to identify critical non-dimensional inputs and optimize the network architecture. A hydraulic valve testing bench is designed and built to provide data for neural network model development. NDANN-based fluid force and flow rate estimator are established based on the experimental data. The NDANN models provide more accurate predictions of flow force and flow rates under broad operating conditions compared with conventional lumped flow field models. The NDANN fluid field estimator also exhibits input-output scalability. This capability allows the NDANN model to estimate the fluid force and flow rate even when the design geometry parameters are outside the range of the training data.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
SU-E-J-25: Dosimetric Characterization of an OBI System Using Gafchromic XRQA2 Film.

Purpose: Accurate knowledge about the radiationdose due to the imaging component of an OBI supported linear accelerator is very important. Though films provide excellent spatial resolution, there are problems regarding sensitivity and energy dependence at kV energies. XRQA2 film (0.1–20 cGy) is primarily for measurements in kV range. We demonstrate their use for absolute dosimetry for an OBI system. Methods: H&D curves were generated using a kV therapy x‐ray unit in the range of 0–15 cGy. A 25‐cm diameter water‐equivalent cylindrical phantom with 2.5‐cm thick slabs was used on Varian Trilogy linac. XRQA2 films were cut into circular diameter and sandwiched between 2 slabs of the cylindrical phantom to measure the percentage depth dose of the CBCT scans. Additional film pieces were wrapped around the cylinder for surface dose. To get sufficient signal, 5 CBCT scans were taken per imaging acquisition template e.g. head standard dose. After 24 hours post‐irradiation, films were scanned using Epson V700 scanner in reflection mode. Only red channel was used for dosimetric analysis using RIT software. Results: High‐Quality head acquisition template resulted in a dose at 0.2, 1.3, 2.7, and 2.7 cGy on AP, left‐lateral, posterior and right‐lateral positions of the phantom, respectively. Low‐quality thorax acquisition resulted in 1.4, 1.6, 1.5, and 1.4 cGy. The PDD at 12.5‐cm (isocenter) was of the order of 40%. While the PDD was fairly uniform from left to right, the PDD along the AP/PA direction were showing almost continuous fall off with PDD at isocenter of ∼40%. Analysis of low‐quality head PDDs show little fall off dose with depth though the overall magnitude was less with PDD at the isocenter only marginally lower than the maximum along the medial and anterior posterior axis. Conclusions: Gafchromic XRQA2 film provides a useful tool to evaluate and characterize an OBI system.
Accommodating consortia within electronic resource management systems: Extending the ERMI specifications

Purpose – This article aims to identify areas where the ERMI specifications should extend to accommodate library consortia.Design/methodology/approach – The article notes current ERMI field definitions and their limitations vis‐a‐vis libraries wishing to share an electronic resource management system (ERMS).Findings – The article makes clear the reasons for the proposed ERMI extensions, and provides a means of effecting the extensions.Originality/value – Readers interested in purchasing an ERMS as part of a library group will be familiarized with potential pitfalls to their implementation.
Negotiating the Color Line The Gendered Process of Racial Identity Construction among Black/White Biracial Women

Using 16 in-depth interviews drawn from a larger sample of Black/white biracial individuals, this article explores how gender shapes the microlevel process of racial identity construction. Skin color stratification within the Black community, combined with a low rate of marriageable men and high rates of interracial marriages among the most educated and affluent Black men, has created a social context that differentiates the interactional experiences of biracial men and women. The findings highlight the need for more complex theoretical conceptualizations of how gender shapes the way that women negotiate their racial identities in post-Civil Rights America.
Short pulse laser damage testing on nitrocellulose and polyimide thin films in vacuum with application to laser debris shields

High intensity lasers require novel debris mitigation techniques in laser-target experiments. For a PW class system (500 J in 500 fs at 1054 nm), the debris shield thickness is limited by the accumulated B-integral that the laser acquires in transmission. In our case, this sets an upper limit of 500 micron for the debris shield thickness if the added Bintegral is to stay below 1.5. Therefore we have started to investigate the optical properties of various thin films such as Nitrocellulose, Mylar, and Polyimide with respect to their application as laser debris shields. Those results were presented during the last conference in 2007 [1] and it was shown that Nitrocellulose and Polyimide are well suited. Damage testing was not performed at this time. We now present short pulse (500 fs at 1054 nm) laser damage testing on these thin films in vacuum. Energy, pulsewidth, beamsize and phase were closely monitored during the damage testing experiments. Nitrocellulose was measured to damage at 1.33 J/cm 2 . Polyimide showed signs of damage at 133 mJ/cm 2 and began to fully penetrate the film at 670 mJ/cm 2 . Surprisingly, these films do not rupture with tens of closely spaced damage sites being present which makes them ideal candidates for short pulse laser debris shields. Damage testing procedure and apparatus as well as the damage site morphology will also be discussed.
Better Together: Usability and Security Go Hand in Hand

Securing computer systems has traditionally been the domain of system administrators using technology to protect computer systems from attack. However, in many systems, human users are critical to the security process. There's a growing realization that technology alone can't protect security if users don't properly deploy and utilize it. Ultimately, it's users who create passwords and choose whether to adhere to security procedures.
Do ionic charges in ESI MS provide useful information on macromolecular structure

Multiple charging is an intrinsic feature of electrospray ionization (ESI) of macromolecules. While multiple factors influence the appearance of protein ion charge state distributions in ESI mass spectra, physical dimensions of protein molecules in solution are the major determinants of the extent of multiple charging. This article reviews the information that can be obtained by analyzing ionic charge state distributions in ESI MS, as well as potential pitfalls and limitations of this powerful technique. We also discuss future areas of growth with particular emphasis on applications in structural biology, biotechnology (protein-polymer conjugates), and nanomedicine.
Lyellian bryozoan percentages and the fossil record of the Recent Bryozoan fauna

Although general percentages for Recent species of bryozoans in Cenozoic faunas have been published by several authors and were reviewed by Stanley (1979), we present percentages calculated from a number of post-1950 faunal studies of Cenozoic bryozoans. Variability among faunas of the same age is not great and the increase through the Cenozoic in the percentage of bryozoan species currently in the modern fauna is monotonic when calculated per million years of each Cenozoic epoch. The 12.5 % of the Recent bryozoan fauna with a fossil record is the same as recorded by Jelly (1889) over a century ago. This contrasts greatly with Valentine's (1989) data (77%) for the fossil record of recent molluscs from the Californian biogeographic province. The average duration of Recent species having a fossil record is 12.2 MY calculated from the midpoint of the earliest Cenozoic epoch in which each species occurs. INTRODUCTION
Effects of physical training on the histochemistry and morphology of ventral motor neurons.

Abstract Ventral motor neurons of sedentary and chronically exercised rats were studied histochemically for acid phosphatase (A.Pase), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), and malic acid dehydrogenase (MDH) activity. Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats, 100 days of age, were placed into three groups. The control group (A) was housed in sedentary cages. The animals of a sedentary-forced group (B) were placed into sedentary cages, but were exercised by swimming 30 min per day with a weight equalling 4% of their body weights attached to their tails. A voluntary-forced group (C) was housed in cages equipped with voluntary exercise wheels and received two 30 min forced exercise swims per day. The animals of this group swam with weights equal to 4% of their body weights. The duration of the exercise treatment was 52 days. Animals of group B, which had been subjected to a moderate, but intermittent exercise program, demonstrated a diminished glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase staining and an increased acid phosphatase reaction. This group also experienced the greatest difficulty in coping with the exercise program. The animals of group C, which had been subjected to a more severe but continuous exercise treatment, showed an intense G-6-PD reaction in their neurons along with a diminished A.Pase reaction. Malate dehydrogenase staining of motor neurons was greatest in the rats that were voluntarily active and forced to exercise, and was lowest in the sedentary animals.