cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial.

Approximately 20% of breast cancer survivors develop breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), and current therapies are limited. We compared acupuncture (AC) to usual care wait-list control (WL) for treatment of persistent BCRL. Women with moderate BCRL lasting greater than six months were randomized to AC or WL. AC included twice weekly manual acupuncture over six weeks. We evaluated the difference in circumference and bioimpedance between affected and unaffected arms. Responders were defined as having a decrease in arm circumference difference greater than 30% from baseline. We used analysis of covariance for circumference and bioimpedance measurements and Fisher’s exact to determine the proportion of responders. Among 82 patients, 73 (89%) were evaluable for the primary endpoint (36 in AC, 37 in WL). 79 (96%) patients received lymphedema treatment before enrolling in our study; 67 (82%) underwent ongoing treatment during the trial. We found no significant difference between groups for arm circumference difference (0.38 cm greater reduction in AC vs. WL, 95% CI − 0.12 to 0.89, p = 0.14) or bioimpedance difference (1.06 greater reduction in AC vs. WL, 95% CI − 5.72 to 7.85, p = 0.8). There was also no difference in the proportion of responders: 17% AC versus 11% WL (6% difference, 95% CI – 10 to 22%, p = 0.5). No severe adverse events were reported. Our acupuncture protocol appeared to be safe and well tolerated. However, it did not significantly reduce BCRL in pretreated patients receiving concurrent lymphedema treatment. This regimen does not improve upon conventional lymphedema treatment for breast cancer survivors with persistent BCRL.
Delayed Infection of Porous Polyethylene Implants After Oncologic Maxillectomy and Reconstruction: 2 Case Reports and Review of Literature.

Medpor porous polyethylene implants are commonly used for facial skeletal reconstruction due to reported biocompatibility, fibrovascularization, and durability. While uncommon, late implant infecti...
Spread and sources of information and misinformation about COVID-19 early during the pandemic in a U.S. national cohort study

BackgroundEarly in the pandemic, misinformation about COVID-19 was spread on social media. The purpose of this study was to describe trusted sources of COVID-19 information and claims seen and believed about COVID-19 early in the pandemic among U.S. adults. Then, we assessed the impact of believing such claims on engaging in personal protective actions (PPA). MethodsWe used baseline data from the CHASING COVID Cohort (n = 7,070) collected March 28, 2020 to April 20, 2020 to describe trusted sources of COVID-19 information as well as claims circulating on social media that had been seen and believed. We used Poisson regression to determine the association of believing certain claims with engaging in a higher number of PPA. ResultsThe top three trusted sources of COVID-19 information were the CDC (67.9%), the WHO (53.7%), and State Health Departments (53.0%). Several COVID-19 claims circulated on social media had been seen, e.g., that the virus was created in a laboratory (54.8%). Moreover, substantial proportions of participants indicated agreement with some of these claims. In multivariable regression, we found that belief in certain claims was associated with engaging in a higher number of PPA. For example, believing that paper masks would prevent transmission of the virus was associated with engaging in a higher number of protective actions ({beta} = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.004 - 0.046). ConclusionsResults suggest the need for public health leadership on social media platforms to combat misinformation and supports social media as a tool to further public health interventions.
Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a decision aid versus an informational website to promote clinical trial decision-making among cancer patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Objective To assess intervention feasibility and acceptability, and compare the effectiveness of the CHOICES Decision Aid (DA) versus the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Clinical Trials (CCT) website to improve knowledge about CCTs and preparedness to make an informed decision. Methods Oncology patients (n = 101) with a scheduled clinic visit were enrolled and randomized. Decision-making variables were collected at two timepoints. Post-intervention scores were examined via paired t-tests and multivariate regression analyses. Predictors of the magnitudes of the change in scores were examined in multivariable regression analyses. Results The interventions were feasible to implement and acceptable to participants. Both interventions increased objective and subjective knowledge, improved clarity of opinions, and reduced decisional conflict (p-values Conclusions Interventions were feasible to implement and acceptable. Improvements in knowledge and decision-making outcomes were observed in both arms, supporting the view that interventions to improve CCT decision making are effective and feasible. Our results suggest that the CHOICES DA may be more effective than an informational website in improving decision-making outcomes regardless of participants’ educational attainment. Practice implications CCT resources should support informed decision-making among all cancer survivors, regardless of educational attainment.
Standardization for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces: Progresses, Challenges and the Road Ahead

As a key technology of 5G advanced networks, the reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have received widespread attention in the academia and the industry. To provide insights on the application scenarios and standardization roadmap of future-oriented RISs, we analyze characteristics of RISs and summarize white papers, projects and standardization efforts related to RISs. The difficulties and challenges in RIS research and standardization are also analyzed and our forecast on the roadmap of standardization on RIS is given accordingly.
Respiratory Activity of Intact, Isolated Parenchymal Cells from Rat Liver

Abstract An enzymatic technique, with collagenase and hyaluronidase, for the preparation of isolated parenchymal cells from rat liver is described. Most of the cells (90 to 95%) appear structurally intact, but the viability of the cells varies from 75 to 95% in different preparations. The cells respire in Krebs-Ringer phosphate solution, glucose-free Hanks solution, and Medium 199, without added substrate, at rates higher than those previously described for liver cells. Furthermore, linear or near linear rates of endogenous respiration can be maintained for 2 hours. The decline of respiration which then follows is associated with certain of the cells dying off. However, after 25 hours of incubation in Medium 199, approximately 25% of the cells are still viable and respiring, and even after 3 days a few cells are still viable. Respiration is stimulated by calcium ions and by 1% albumin, but not by glucose. The results indicate that the preparative procedure for obtaining the isolated cells is far superior to those previously described.
Quasi-decadal spectral peaks of tropical western Pacific SSTs as a precursor for tropical cyclone threat

[1] A recent study identified significant spectral peaks in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) at quasi-decadal frequency bands, which were unique to the tropical western Pacific (TWP). Using the multitaper method for spectral and coherence analysis, this study finds that the TWP SSTs at these quasi-decadal time scales are coherent with western Pacific tropical cyclone threat [as measured by the power dissipation index (PDI)], but that the PDI lags TWP SSTs by about two years. Thus, the quasi-decadal peaks in TWP SSTs may be a precursor for enhanced tropical cyclone threat two years later. Composite analyses are shown to illustrate how areal tropical cyclone frequencies and relevant atmospheric fields evolve following the quasi-decadal peaks in TWP SSTs. The fields during peak PDI years strongly resemble those observed during El Nino events.
Applying Scenario Reduction Heuristics in Stochastic Programming for Phlebotomist Scheduling

Laboratory services in healthcare play a vital role in inpatient care. Studies have indicated laboratory data affect approximately 65% of the most critical decisions on admission, discharge, and medication. This research focuses on improving phlebotomist performance in laboratory facilities of large hospital systems. A two-stage stochastic integer linear programming (SILP) model is formulated to determine better weekly phlebotomist schedules and blood collection assignments. The objective of the two-stage SILP model is to balance the workload of the phlebotomists within and between shifts, as reducing workload imbalance will result in improved patient care. Due to the size of the two-stage SILP model, a scenario reduction model has been proposed as a solution approach. The scenario reduction heuristic is formulated as a linear programming model and the results indicate the scenarios with the largest likelihood of occurrence. These selected scenarios will be tested in the two-stage SILP model to determine weekly scheduling policies and blood draw assignments that will balance phlebotomist workload and improve overall performance.
Stimulation of phospholipid exchange between mitochondria and artificially prepared phospholipid aggregates by a soluble fraction from liver.

Abstract Exchange of phospholipids between chylomicrons, artificial fat emulsions, phosphatidylcholine liquid crystals (liposomes), and mitochondria was observed. Exchange of phosphatidylcholine also occurred, in the absence of a biological membrane fraction, between liposomes and a fat emulsion stabilized with phospholipid. A protein fraction in the soluble portion of a rat liver homogenate accelerated phospholipid exchange in all systems from 3- to 30-fold. Exchange of phosphatidylcholine between labeled liposomes and unlabeled mitochondria showed a roughly proportional increase with the amount of cytosol protein added. This system appears suitable and convenient for the assay of the phospholipid exchange-stimulating fraction.
Reflections of AE Waves in Finite Plates: Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Measurements

The capability of a three-dimensional dynamic finite element method for predicting far-field acoustic emission signals in thin plates of finite lateral extent, including their reflections from the plate edges, was investigated. A lead break (Hsu-Neilsen) source to simulate AE was modeled and used in the experimental measurements. For the thin plate studied, the signals were primarily composed of the lowest order symmetric (S0) and antisymmetric (A0) Lamb modes. Experimental waveforms were detected with an absolutely calibrated, wideband, conical element transducer. The conditions of lead fractures both on the surface of the plate as well as on the edge of the plate were investigated. Surface lead breaks preferentially generate the A0 mode while edge lead breaks generate the S0 mode. Reflections of developed plate waves from both normal and oblique incidence angles were evaluated. Particularly interesting for the case of the lead break on the plate edge were S0 waves produced by the interaction of a Rayleigh wave with the plate corner and by a bulk shear wave mode converting at the side edge. The Rayleigh wave, in this case, propagated along the specimen edge. For all cases considered, the experimental measurements were in good agreement with the predictions of the finite element model.
Dependence characteristics of face recognition algorithms

Nonparametric statistics for quantifying dependence between the output rankings of face recognition algorithms are described Analysis of the archived results of a large face recognition study shows that even the better algorithms exhibit significantly different behaviors. It is found that there is significant dependence in the rankings given by two algorithms to similar and dissimilar faces but that other samples are ranked independently. A class of functions known as copulas is used; it is shown that the correlations arise from a mixture of two copulas.
Observations of waves and currents near the surf zone

A major challenge in understanding nearshore wave/current systems lies in obtaining measurements that resolve both the waves and currents over appropriate spatial and temporal scales. In SandyDuck (1997), two "Phased-Array Doppler Sonars" (PADS) were deployed looking shoreward from sites 300 m apart. Each provides radial velocities over an area roughly 400 m radius by 90 degrees. Horizontal vector currents are estimated over the intersecting area. The result is analogous to CODAR, but on a finer scale: resolution of 5 to 20 m up to 400 m away, sampled every second. Deployments of current meters by collaborators at SandyDuck help in assessment of the usefulness and limitations of this approach. Correlations with these independent current measurements are very high, and the amplitude of the sonar response is consistent with a simple acoustic model for the bubble/bottom competition. Two limitations are: (1) severe breaking can fill the water column with bubbles, so the sound attenuates quickly, limiting the useful range. (2) In light conditions, there is competition between backscatter from within the water column versus the bottom. On very calm days the response can be dominated by bottom backscatter for depths less than 3 or 4 meters. In general, however, the measurements are usable over a wide range of conditions. Several compelling advantages derive from quasi-continuous coverage in both space and time, including the ability to estimate vorticity fields associated with the circulation, to locate nodes associated with edge waves and reflected waves as functions of frequency, and to estimate gradients of wave quantities.
Administration of PRN medications and use of nonpharmacologic interventions in acute geropsychiatric settings: implications for practice

Despite the known risks and the widespread administration of PRN (pro re nata or "as needed") psychotropic medications in inpatient settings, little is known about their use with hospitalized older adults. This exploratory descriptive study examined the use of PRN psychotropic medications and nonpharmacologic interventions to manage symptoms in older adults hospitalized in two acute care geropsychiatric settings. A retrospective chart audit was conducted. A major finding was the lack of documentation regarding PRN administration. In 81.3% of cases at Site A and 55.3% of cases at Site B, no reason for administration was documented. No medication response was documented in 92.4% of cases at Site A and 47.5% of cases at Site B. No nonpharmacologic interventions were documented for 69% of Site A patients or 64% of Site B patients. To ensure patient safety and to inform best clinical practice, the lack of documentation surrounding administration of PRN medications and nonpharmacologic interventions must be resolved.
Correlation of the steady-states of reduction of components of the respiratory chain with phosphorylation states of liver mitochondria.

Summary Rat liver mitochondria were incubated with glutamate plus malate in the presence of 2 mM ATP and inorganic phosphate. Respiration and the steady-state ATP/ADP ratios were altered by addition of controlled amounts of purified ATPase. The redox states of NADH and of cytoehromes b, c-c1, and a-a3 were followed at specified wavelength pairs. NADH, as well as the cytochromes, became more oxidized when electron transfer was stimulated by ATPase. In addition, all of the above components became further oxidized when the phosphorylation state ([ATP/[ADP × Pi]) was further diminished with higher levels of ATPase. The latter occurred without change in the rate of electron transfer. The data are taken to show a thermodynamic interaction between the phosphorylation steady-state and the redox state of the electron transfer carriers. It is emphasized that the state of reduction of respiratory chain carriers measured in extracts from intact tissues cannot be equated with the kinetic steady states defined by Chance and Williams (Adv. Enzymol. 17 , 65–134).
Sputtering yields for C60 and Au3 bombardment of water ice as a function of incident kinetic energy.

The total sputtering yields for water ice due to kiloelectronvolt cluster bombardment have been measured and compared to the predictions made by the mesoscale energy deposition footprint (MEDF) model. For C60 bombardment, the experimental yield varies almost linearly from 820 water molecule equivalents at an incident kinetic energy of 10 keV to 10 100 water molecule equivalents at a kinetic energy of 120 keV. For Au3 bombardment, the experimental yield varies almost linearly from 630 water molecule equivalents at an incident energy of 10 keV and rises to 1200 water molecule equivalents at 25 keV. The MEDF model is used to calculate relative yield trends with respect to incident energy using short-time molecular dynamics simulations. The results of these calculations indicate that the model can effectively predict the yield trends observed for these two clusters in experiments, although there is a consistent overestimate of the predicted induced C60 yield. It is hypothesized that this overestimate can be e...
Further study of cognitive processing models for inventory response.

An attempt was made to validate for sentence type items a mathematical model for inventory re sponse, which had previously been found to account quite well for adjective checklist responses. Data were gathered from subjects responding under can did and under faking sets. In the former case only limited support for the model was found, but in the latter it seemed highly relevant.
Topical calcipotriene for morphea/linear scleroderma.

Abstract Background: Morphea and linear scleroderma are characterized by erythema, induration, telangiectasia, and dyspigmentation. There is no universally effective treatment. Oral calcitriol has been beneficial in the treatment of localized and extensive morphea/scleroderma, but the use of topical calcipotriene has not been reported. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical calcipotriene 0.005% ointment in the treatment of localized scleroderma. Methods: In a 3-month open-label study, 12 patients aged 12 to 38 years with biopsy-documented active morphea or linear scleroderma applied calcipotriene ointment under occlusion twice daily to plaques for 3 months. The condition of each patient had previously failed to respond to potent topical corticosteroids and, for some patients, systemic medications. Efficacy was assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Levels of serum ionized calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and of random urinary calcium excretion were measured. Results: During the 3-month trial, the condition of all 12 patients showed statistically significant improvement in all studied features. No adverse effects were reported or detected through laboratory monitoring of mineral metabolism. Conclusion: Topical calcipotriene 0.005% ointment may be an effective treatment for localized scleroderma, but double-blind placebo controlled studies are needed for confirmation. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:211-5.)
Effects of V/III Ratios on the Shape and Optical Properties of InP Nanowires Grown on Si Substrates

We report the effect of varying the MOCVD gas precursor V/lll ratios on the structural and optical properties of InP nanowires grown on (111)Si susbstrates. We show record narrow photoluminescence linewidths for optimal ratios.
Enhancement of neighboring group participation in the 2-norbornyl cation

Abstract The solvolysis rates of a series of nitrile-substituted 2-norbornyl tosylates are presented along with a semi-quantitative analysis of the rates.
The epideictic character of rhetorical criticism 1

(1993). The epideictic character of rhetorical criticism. Rhetoric Review: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 339-349.
Properties and Applications of High-Temperature Superconductor/Ferroelectric Heterostructures

The properties and applications of high temperature superconductor/ferroelectric heterostructures are discussed, in particular for the case of electric-field effects and tunable microwave devices. Such epitaxially grown heterostructures provide unique platforms to study various physical phenomena in both material systems.
The kinetics of lysosomal degranulation of human neutrophils as measured by 9-aminoacridine quenching.

Abstract The basic fluorescent probe 9-aminoacridine partitioned readily into an acidic compartment of human neutrophils, a process which could be rapidly reversed with NH 4 Cl. Moreover, this compartment appeared to consist of the azurophil granules, since 9-aminoacridine could be released in response to ‘complete secretagogues’ (in the presence of cytochalasin B) with kinetics which paralleled those of secretion of the azurophil granule enzyme β-glucuronidase. An increase in fluorescence yield could be obtained when the labelled neutrophils were exposed to NH 4 Cl or were stimulated with complete secretagogues in the presence of cytochalasin B; this stimulated increase was apparently due to the alleviation of quenching of the probe secondary to secretion. Using the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe or leukotriene B 4 as stimuli, the 9-aminoacridine fluorescence response was initiated within 3–5 s and was complete by 30–60 s. Longer lag periods and greater times to maximal response were observed with the calcium ionophore A23187 and ionomycin as stimuli. The response to fMet-Leu-Phe could be inhibited by TMB-8 (an inhibitor of the mobilization of intracellular calcium), trifluoperazine (an inhibitor of calmodulin), and 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate (an anion channel blocker); however, these agents did not apparently alter the lag period for the response. The 9-aminoacridine fluorescence response could also be blocked by the fMet-Leu-Phe antagonist Boc-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe, when administered within 2 s of addition of fMet-Leu-Phe. The utility of this assay technique was enhanced by the ability of NH 4 Cl to provide rapid, complete alleviation of quenching and by the option to isolate and amplify the 9-aminoacridine fluorescence response by simple gain adjustments on the spectrofluorimeter. All of these results suggest that the alleviation of 9-aminoacridine quenching provides an easy, quantitative, continuous method for monitoring of azurophil granule secretion.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin: an immunohistochemical study of tumor markers and neuroendocrine products

Fifteen neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (Merkel cell tumors) were stained within the constraints of tissue availability by the Grimelius method and immunohistochemically for keratin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), S-100, common leukocyte antigen (CLA), met-enkephalin, bombesin, calcitonin, ACTH, gastrin, and somatostatin. Focal argyrophilia was present in 5 of 12 tumors. All tumors tested demonstrated immunoreactivity for NSE and 5 tumors were positive for keratin. One tumors appeared to demonstrate focal ACTH-like immunoreactivity, but otherwise no immunoreactivity for the above mentioned polypeptide hormones was noted in 11 completely studied tumors. One tumor contained histologically obvious areas of squamous differentiation in addition to areas of Merkel cell tumor. In various tumors, keratin immunoreactivity was present either in areas of histologically obvious squamous differentiation, in randomly scattered single cells not histologically identifiable as squamous, or in a paranuclear dot-like distribution. Immunoreactivity for CEA, S-100 and CLA was not present in any tumors. The lack of met-enkephalin and the presence of squamous differentiation in these tumors indicates multidirectional differentiation in a fashion not phenotypically typical of Merkel cells.
LIMITS OF SOLUTIONS TO THE GENERALIZED GINZBURG-LANDAU FUNCTIONAL

We discuss the convergence issue for the generalized Ginzburg-Landau functional which penalizes the Lp -energy. We prove the strong convergence for non-integer p and obtain the obstruction for stro...
UAS Collision Avoidance Algorithm Based on an Aggregate Collision Cone Approach

A collision-avoidance (CA) algorithm is developed and implemented that is applicable to many different unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ranging from a single platform with the ability to perform all collision-avoidance functions independently to multiple vehicles performing functions as a cooperative group with collision-avoidance commands computed at a ground station. The algorithm leverages advances in several theoretical fields, including robotics, homing guidance, and airspace management, and considers several approaches to conflict detection and resolution, including the collision cone approach. The collision-avoidance system is exercised and tested by using operational hardware and platforms. Novel developments by using an aggregated collision cone approach allow each unmanned aircraft to detect and avoid collisions with two or more other aircraft simultaneously. The collision-avoidance system is implemented by using a miniature unmanned aircraft with an onboard autopilot. Various simulation and flight test cases are used to demonstrate the algorithm’s robustness to different collision encounters at various engagement angles. The flight test results are compared with ideal, software-in-the-loop, and hardware-in-the-loop tests. The results presented are the first known flight tests of two or more unmanned aircraft systems equipped with the same global, three-dimensional, geometric collision-avoidance system.
Decoupling Identity Resolution from the Maintenance of Identity Information

The EIIM model for ER allows for creation and maintenance of persistent entity identity structures. It accomplishes this through a collection of batch configurations that allow updates and asserted fixes to be made to the Identity knowledgebase (IKB). The model also provides a batch IR configuration that provides no maintenance activity but instead allows access to the identity information. This batch IR configuration is limited in a few ways. It is driven by the same rules used for maintaining the IKB, has no inherent method to identity "close" matches, and can only identify and return the positive matches. Through the decoupling of this configuration and its movements into an interactive role under the umbrella of an Identity Management Service, a more robust access method can be provided for the use of identity information. This more robust access to the information improved the quality of the information along multiple Information Quality dimensions.
Hyperglycemia exacerbates brain damage in acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning

Abstract It is hypothesized that hyperglycemia naturally induced by stress and/or produced by intravenous trauma therapy adversely effects neurologic outcome following acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning, and the higher the blood glucose the greater the degree of brain dysfunction. Increased availability of glucose presumably increases cerebral glycolytic flux, and elevates intracellular and interstitial lactate level, which in turn induces acidosis and edema, resulting in brain damage. In a retrospective study of blood glucose and other data obtained from patients upon hospital admission for CO poisoning, a mean value of 409 mg/dL was associated with “brain death”, a value of 215 mg/dL with “minimal to substantial brain damage”, and a value of 165 mg/dL with “normal” recovery.
Distribution of genetic diversity in relation to chromosomal inversions in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae.

The epidemiology of malaria in Africa is complicated by the fact that its principal vector, the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, constitutes a complex of six sibling species. Each species is characterized by a unique array of paracentric inversions, as deduced by karyotypic analysis. In addition, most of the species carry a number of polymorphic inversions. In order to develop an understanding of the evolutionary histories of different parts of the genome, we compared the genetic variation of areas inside and outside inversions in two distinct inversion karyotypes of A. gambiae. Thirty-five cDNA clones were mapped on the five arms of the A. gambiae chromosomes with divisional probes. Sixteen of these clones, localized both inside and outside inversions of chromosome 2, were used as probes in order to determine the nucleotide diversity of different parts of the genome in the two inversion karyotypes. We observed that the sequence diversity inside the inversion is more than threefold lower than in areas outside the inversion and that the degree of divergence increases gradually at loci at increasing distance from the inversion. To interpret the data we present a selectionist and a stochastic model, both of which point to a relatively recent origin of the studied inversion and may suggest differences between the evolutionary history of inversions in Anopheles and Drosophila species.
Dark current in antimony-based mid-infrared interband cascade infrared photodetectors

Abstract The quantum-engineered interband cascade (IC) photodetector is a new type of infrared detectors with many unique and highly desirable features. The multi-stage design allows much flexibility in device optimization for different application environment, such as operation temperature, irradiance level, and possibly high-speed and fast frame-rate application scenarios. Many other distinctive features, such as excellent photo-carrier extraction and photovoltaic (zero-bias) operations, are also very attractive for high performance infrared imaging applications. In this paper, we report our experimental investigation on the dark current mechanisms in mid-wave infrared (MWIR) InAs/GaSb type-II superlattices based IC photodetectors. The electrical performance of MWIR IC detectors with several different designs are presented in detail. The dark current density in the MWIR IC detectors is as low as 4.26 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 (1.44 × 10 −3 A/cm 2 ) at −10 mV, with Johnson-limited D ∗ of 9.11 × 10 11 cm Hz 1/2 /W (1.58 × 10 9 cm Hz 1/2 /W) at 140 K (room temperature) and 3.6 μm. Our results indicate that the dominating dark current in IC detectors is from tunneling components at lower temperatures, and changes to diffusion current at higher operating temperatures. Furthermore, our effort also shows that the dark current performance in IC devices can be improved substantially by refining the device design and implementations.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage Resurfacing Procedures

Recent advances in imaging technology have provided clinicians with multiple options for the evaluation of patients after cartilage resurfacing procedures. These methods, primarily performed with magnetic resonance imaging, provide a noninvasive assessment of cartilage health. Novel imaging sequences can evaluate the structure of the collagen network and biochemical composition of the repair tissue, among other properties. Quantitative imaging, including T 1 ρ, T 2 T 2 star, diffusion-weighted imaging, and sodium imaging, has the potential to replace second-look arthroscopy as the gold standard for a longitudinal assessment after cartilage resurfacing. Multiple clinical studies have employed these methods after various resurfacing methods, with promising early results. The purpose of this article is to review multiple different imaging methods for quantitative evaluation of cartilage, including advantages and disadvantages of these techniques and an overview of preclinical and clinical studies of quantitative imaging after cartilage resurfacing.
Improving Patient Safety in the Heart Room through Simulation

Simulation-based training in health care has been gaining momentum recently. Simulation of cardiac surgical procedures is now becoming a reality. Rehearsal and practice of simple tasks (knot tying) and complex tasks (managing emergencies) are a hallmark of high reliability teams. Simulation allows for individuals and teams to undergo deliberate practice for these situations and many feel that this will positively impact patient outcome and safety.
Substance abuse disorder and major depression are associated with the human 5-HT1B receptor gene (HTR1B) G861C polymorphism.

The 5-HT1B receptor has been implicated in several psychopathologies, including pathological aggression, alcoholism and suicide. To test these and related potential genetic relationships in a single population, the human 5-HT1B receptor (h5-HTR1B) genotype for the G861C polymorphism was determined in 394 psychiatric patients and 96 healthy volunteers. Structured clinical interviews generated DSM III-R diagnoses. No significant association of the genotype or allele frequencies of the h5-HTR1B G861C locus was observed with diagnoses of alcoholism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or a history of a suicide attempt. Exploratory analyses indicated an association of the genotype and allele frequencies of the h5-HTR1B G861C locus with a history of substance abuse disorder (χ2=9.51, df=2, p=0.009; χ2=7.31, df=1, p=0.007, respectively) and with a diagnosis of a major depressive episode (χ2=6.83, df=2, p=0.033; χ2=5.81, df=1, p=0.016, respectively). Significant gene dose effects on the risk for substance abuse disorder and a major depressive episode were observed with the 861C allele (Armitage linearity tendency test: χ2=7.20, df=1, p=0.008; χ2=6.80, df=1, p=0.009, respectively). Substance abuse disorder and major depression appear to be associated with the h5-HTR1B G861C locus in the patient population, but other psychopathologies such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, and suicide attempts were not found to be associated with this polymorphism. This preliminary result will need replication, given the limitations of association studies.
Nanostructural organization and anion effects on the temperature dependence of the optical Kerr effect spectra of ionic liquids.

The intermolecular spectra of three imidazolium ionic liquids were studied as a function of temperature by the use of optical heterodyne-detected Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy. The ionic l...
A new modeling and solution approach for the set-partitioning problem

The set-partitioning problem (SPP) is widely known for both its application potential and its computational challenge. This NP-hard problem is known to pose considerable difficulty for classical solution methods such as those based on LP technologies. In recent years, the unconstrained binary quadratic program has proven to perform well as a unified modeling and solution framework for a variety of IP problems. In this paper we illustrate how this unified framework can be applied to SPP. Computational experience is presented, illustrating the attractiveness of the approach.
Distinguishing between lognormal and Weibull distributions [time-to-failure data]

A previous method for deciding if a set of time-to-fail data follows a lognormal distribution or a Weibull distribution is expanded upon. Pearson's s-correlation coefficient is calculated for lognormal and Weibull probability plots of the time-to-fail data. The test statistic is the ratio of the two s-correlation coefficients. When "standardized", the lognormal and Weibull variables map into 1 of 2 gamma distributions with no dependence on the shape or scaling factors, confirming earlier observations. Using a set of Monte Carlo simulations, the test statistic was found to be s-normally distributed to good approximation. Formulas for estimating the mean and standard deviation of the test statistic were derived, allowing for an estimate of the probability of hypothesis test errors. As anticipated, the test capability increases with increasing sample size, but only if a substantial fraction of the parts actually fail. If less than 10% of the parts are stressed to failure, then it is almost impossible to distinguish between lognormal and Weibull distributions. If all parts are stressed to failure, the probability of making a correct choice is fair for sample sizes as small as 10, and becomes quite good if the sample size is at least 50. The statistical technique for distinguishing lognormal from Weibull distributions is presented. Its theoretical foundation is given at a qualitative level, and the range of useful application is explored. An approximate form for the distribution of the test statistic is inferred from Monte Carlo simulation.
Nucleosynthesis problems for string models of galaxy formation

Abstract The effect of having a large density of gravitational radiation at the time of nucleosynthesis is discussed. We derive a general constraint that relates the parameterd in string models to the GUT scale.
Young Children's Interpretation of Multidigit Number Names: From Emerging Competence to Mastery

This study assessed whether a sample of two hundred seven 3- to 7-year-olds could interpret multidigit numerals using simple identification and comparison tasks. Contrary to the view that young children do not understand place value, even 3-year-olds demonstrated some competence on these tasks. Ceiling was reached by first grade. When training was provided, there were significant gains, suggesting that children can improve their partial understandings with input. Findings add to what is known about the processes of symbolic development and the incidental learning that occurs prior to schooling, as well as specifying more precisely what place value misconceptions remain as children enter the educational system.
The Diagnostic Validity of Melancholic Major Depression in a Population-Based Sample of Female Twins

Background: Although the diagnosis of melancholia is among the oldest in psychiatry, the validity of the melancholic subtype of major depression (MD) is still debated. If melancholia is a valid subtype of depression, is itquantitativelymore severe than orqualitativelydistinct from nonmelancholic depression? Methods: The lifetime history of MD and melancholia, defined byDSM-IVcriteria, was assessed at interview in 1902 female twins selected from a population-based register. Patterns of comorbidity and the relationship between melancholia and risk for MD in the co-twin were assessed by logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. Results: In those with a lifetime history of MD, melancholia was associated with the following: (1) increased comorbidity with anxiety disorders and nicotine dependence but not alcohol dependence or bulimia; (2) greater number of episodes, more impairment, and help seeking; (3) lower levels of neuroticism; and (4) an increased risk of MD in cotwins—greater in monozygotic than in dizygotic pairs. Within twin pairs concordant for MD, no resemblance was found for melancholia. A multiple threshold model in which melancholic MD represented a quantitatively more severe form of depressive illness fitted the data well. Conclusions: Melancholia, defined byDSM-IVcriteria, is a valid subtype of MD and identifies a subset of affected individuals with distinct clinical features and a particularly high familial liability to depressive illness. However, from a familial perspective, the differences between melancholic and nonmelancholic MD are quantitative, not qualitative. ie, melancholic MD is more severe than, but isnotetiologically distinct from, nonmelancholic MD.
Monetary and fiscal policy in an economically unified Europe

Abstract The economic and political advantages of a single European currency and a European central bank are closely balanced by the advantages of an extended and expanded European monetary system of fixed but adjustable exchange rates among separate national currencies. The Delors Report proposals for centralized EC control over national fiscal policies, however, lack a convincing economic rationale and could become a significant cause of political friction. Occasional ad hoc intervention, during periods of financial crisis, provides a more appropriate mechanism for centralized influence over national fiscal policies in the European Community.
Theoretical studies of N2 reduction to ammonia in Fe(dmpe)2N2.

Electronic structure calculations using density functional theory were performed on potential intermediates in the reaction of Fe(dmpe)2N2 (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) with protons. Th...
Stingray: a hands-on approach to learning information security

Teaching Information Security is a daunting task. Students have a variety of needs that must be met in order for them to learn effectively. This paper contains an analysis of a hypothetical method to help these students learn important computer and network security concepts and techniques. The student project presented here will combine distance education and the traditional lecture-based classroom system with much more emphasis on a hands-on approach to teach students about Information Security. The system is made up of three components ranging from beginner to advanced stages and will attempt to accommodate the different learning styles that are so prevalent in a diverse student body. The first component has already been used in a classroom setting and the results are presented here. Students who are able to successfully complete all three components of this student project will gain an understanding of various tools, techniques and concepts that may help them in their future endeavors in the Information Security field.
Eine neue Transformationstheorie linearer kanonischer Gleichungen

Es wird eine spezielle Gruppe der Hamiltonschen kanonsischen Gleichungen untersucht, bei denen die Hamiltonsche Funktion als quadratische Form der Veranderlichen qk, pk erscheint. Alle selbstadjungierten linearen Differentialgleichungen oder Systeme solcher Gleichungen, sowie alle Storungsprobleme der Mechanik und Astronomie gehoren unter diese Gruppe. In Analogie zur ublichen Hauptachsentransformation quadratischer Formen auf Grund orthogonaler Transformationen wird die „kanonische Hauptachsentransformation” der Hamiltonschen Funktion auf Grund linearer kanonischer Transformationen entwickelt. Im Hauptachsensystem sind die kanonischen Gleichungen separiert und direkt integrierbar. Diese Methode gibt ein sehr brauchbares sukzessives Naherungsverfahren zur Integration samtlicher fur die mathematische Physik fundamentaler Differentialgleichungen.
Conversion and optimization of the parameters from an extended form of the ion-interaction model for Ca(NO3)2(aq) and NaNO3(aq) to those of the standard Pitzer model, and an assessment of the accuracy of the parameter temperature representations

Abstract The electrolytes Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) and NaNO 3 (aq) are both extremely soluble but differ in several important respects. Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) has complex behavior at low ionic strengths and forms several thermodynamically stable and metastable solid phases, whereas NaNO 3 (aq) forms only an anhydrous solid phase. The thermodynamic properties of both have previously been modeled using extended Pitzer ion-interaction models that include higher-order virial terms, in addition to those of the standard Pitzer model. The parameters of the original Pitzer model, however, are often needed for thermodynamic modeling calculations. In this paper, we convert the parameters of the extended ion-interaction models for Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) and NaNO 3 (aq) to the standard Pitzer model using an extension of the methodology previously described by Rard and Wijesinghe [J. Chem. Thermodyn. 35 (2003) 439–473]. In this variant, the exponential coefficient α 1 P of Pitzer’s model is also optimized to yield the most accurate overall representation of the osmotic coefficients ϕ over the ionic strength and temperature ranges of interest. The optimal values of α 1 P = 0.87 kg 1 / 2 · mol - 1 / 2 for Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) and α 1 P = 1.43 kg 1 / 2 · mol - 1 / 2 for NaNO 3 (aq) are smaller than the value α 1 P = 2.00 kg 1 / 2 · mol - 1 / 2 normally used for electrolytes of these valence types. In both cases, the accuracy of the osmotic coefficients predicted by the standard Pitzer model was nearly equal to that of the extended Pitzer model up to the solubility limit for T = (298.15 to 423.15) K. This result is consistent with the findings of Rard, Wijesinghe, and Wolery [J. Chem. Eng. Data 49 (2004) 1127–1140] who obtained a substantial improvement in model accuracy for Mg(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) at T = 298.15 K by optimizing α 1 P . The use of a temperature-dependent α 1 P that is optimal at each temperature did not yield a significant improvement in accuracy over using a constant optimal value. We also investigated the impact of choosing different temperature functions to develop temperature correlations for the Pitzer parameters. Higher-order temperature functions were needed for evaluations with solubility limited maximum ionic strength compared to evaluations performed at constant maximum ionic strength over the temperature range, especially for Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) because of its more complex thermodynamic behavior. Accurate temperature correlations are presented for both Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) and NaNO 3 (aq).
Application of constant denaturant capillary electrophoresis (CDCE) to mutation detection in humans.

Abstract Constant denaturant electrophoresis is a DNA separation technique based on the principle of cooperative melting equilibrium. DNA sequences with distinct high and low melting domains can be utilized to separate and identify molecules differing by only one base pair in the lower melting domain. Combined with capillary gel electrophoresis and when coupled with high fidelity DNA amplification, this approach can detect mutants at a fraction of 10 −6 . Modifications to the capillary elecctrophoretic system have also increased DNA loading capacity which allows for analysis of rare mutations in a large, heterogeneous population such as DNA samples derived from human tissues. Employment of this technology has determined the first mutational spectrum in human cells and tissues in a mitochondrial sequence without phenotypic selection of mutants.
Amelioration of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in IL-4Rα−/− Mice Implicates Compensatory Up-Regulation of Th2-Type Cytokines

The cytokine receptor interleukin (IL)-4R, expressed by lymphocytes, is well known for its role in immunomodulatory signaling and has also been documented on oligodendrocytes, suggesting involvement in glial cell interactions. In the present study, we investigated the clinical course and pathology of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice demonstrating deletion of IL-4R and found a correlation with cytokine expression during acute and chronic disease. Wild-type (WT) littermates served as controls. Although IL-4R −/− mice displayed a milder course throughout, they showed comparable pathology to WT in the acute phase. However, during the chronic phase, IL-4R −/− mice exhibited extensive remyelination and an apparent increase in oligodendrocytes. Cytokine patterns were examined by immunocytochemistry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were strongly proinflammatory within the central nervous system during the acute phase in WT mice whereas IL-4R −/− animals expressed higher levels of IL-6 and IL-10 that became more pronounced with time. The milder experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and enhanced remyelination in IL-4R −/− mice appeared to be related to a shift toward a Th-2 pattern involving mainly IL-6 and IL-10. These data suggest that IL-4R exerts a negative regulatory role on oligodendrocytes that when deleted results in enhanced myelin repair.