cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topological character of hydrodynamic screening in suspensions of hard spheres: An example of universal phenomenon

Although in the case of polymer solutions the existence of hydrodynamic screening was theoretically established some time ago, use of the same methods for suspensions of hard spheres thus far have failed to produce similar results. In this work we reconsider this problem. Using superposition of topological and London-style qualitative arguments we prove the existence of screening in hard sphere suspensions. Even though some of these arguments were employed initially for treatments of superconductivity and superfluidity, we find analogs of these phenomena in non-traditional settings such as in colloidal suspensions, turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics, etc. In particular, in suspensions, we demonstrate that the hydrodynamic screening is an exact analog of Meissner effect in superconductors. The extent of screening depends on the volume fraction of hard spheres. The zero volume fraction limit corresponds to the normal state. The case of finite volume fractions-to the mixed state typical for superconductors of the second kind with such a state becoming fully “superconducting” at the critical volume fraction φ∗ for which the (zero frequency) relative viscosity η(relative) diverges. Brady and, independently, Bicerano et al using scaling-type arguments predicted that for φ close to φ∗ the viscosity η(relative) behaves as C(1−φ/φ∗)−2 with C being some constant. Their prediction is well supported by experimental data. In this work we explain such a behavior of viscosity in terms of a topological-type transition which, mathematically can be made isomorphic to the more familiar Bose–Einstein condensation transition. Because of this, the results and methods of this work are not limited to suspensions. In the concluding section we describe other applications ranging from turbulence and magnetohydrodynamics to high temperature superconductors and QCD, etc.
Impact of marital status and race on outcomes of patients enrolled in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group prostate cancer trials

Previous studies by our group and others have demonstrated the importance of sociodemographic factors in cancer-related outcomes. The identification of these factors has led to novel approaches to the care of the high-risk cancer patient, specifically in the adoption of clinical interventions that convey similar benefits as favorable sociodemographic characteristics. This study examined the importance of marital status and race as prognostic indicators in men with prostate cancer. This report is a meta-analysis of 3,570 patients with prostate cancer treated in three prospective RTOG clinical trials. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the survival rate and the cumulative incidence method was used to analyze biochemical failure rate. Hazard ratios were calculated for all covariates using either the Cox or Fine and Gray’s proportional hazards model or logistic regression model with associated 95% confidence intervals and p values. Hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) for single status compared to married status was 1.36 (95% CI, 1.2 to 1.53). OS HR for non-White compared to White patients was 1.05 (CI 0.92 to 1.21). In contrast, the disease-free survival (DFS) HR and biochemical failure (BF) HR were both not significantly different neither between single and married patients nor between White patients and non-White patients. Median time to death for married men was 5.68 years and for single men was 4.73 years. Median time for DFS for married men was 7.25 years and for single men was 6.56 years. Median time for BF for married men was 7.81 years and for single men was 7.05 years. Race was not associated with statistically significant differences in this analysis. Congruent with our previous work in other cancer sites, marital status predicted improved prostate cancer outcomes including overall survival. Prostate cancer is the most common visceral cancer in men in the USA. The stratification of prostate cancer risk is currently modeled solely on pathologic prognostic factors including PSA and Gleason Score. Independent of these pathologic prognostic factors, our paper describes the central sociodemographic factor of being single as a negative prognostic indicator. Single men are at high risk of poorer outcomes after prostate cancer treatment. Intriguingly, in our group of patients, race was not a significant prognostic factor. The findings in this paper add to the body of work that describes important sociodemographic prognostic factors that are currently underappreciated in patients with cancer. Future steps will include the validation of these findings in prospective studies, and the incorporation of clinical strategies that identify and compensate for sociodemographic factors that predict for poorer cancer outcomes.
SU-FF-J-76: Minimally-Invasive Intraoperative Radiotherapy (MIR): Technique Development for Treatment of Canine Bladder Cancer

Purpose: To develop, model, and quantify the dose reduction on critical structures using Minimally-Invasive Intraoperative Radiotherapy (MIR) for the treatment of canine bladder cancer, and develop the technique for laparoscopic placement of the custom tissue expander. Method and Materials: A custom tissue expander was constructed and implanted between the bladder and descending colon of three Beagle cadavers. Two of the implants were placed via laparotomy, and one was laparoscopically placed. The cadavers were positioned in a body fix mold, and CT scanned with the custom tissue expander inflated with saline solution and deflated. A radiation therapy treatment plan was constructed on the tomotherapy treatment planning system for the inflated and deflated CT scans of each cadaver. TLD chips were placed on the bladder and colon side of the laparoscopically placed tissue expander. Pre-treatment target localization was accomplished by using the onboard MVCT of tomotherapy. Both inflated and deflated treatment plans for one fraction of the laparoscopically placed cadaver were delivered. Results: Keeping the dose to the bladder fixed, the average dose reduction when the tissue expander is inflated for the colon is 42.7%, spine is 38.7%, left kidney is 50.52%, and right kidney is 31.9%. A significant maximum dose reduction to these structures is also achieved. TLD chip measurements on either side of the inflated tissue expander showed a dose reduction of 55.1%. Conclusion: The cadaver studies evaluated indicate the potential for a clinically significant dose reduction to the colon, spine, left and right kidneys using MIR. An effective laparoscopic technique was developed to allow for the quick placement of the custom tissue expander in the abdominal cavity with minimal incisions. Conflict of Interest: This work was partially supported by a grant from the NIH (P01 CA088960) and a contract from TomoTherapy Inc.
Free Dermal Fat Graft Reconstruction of the Head and Neck: A Cosmetically Appealing Reconstructive Option

Methods: Patients who underwent FDFG reconstruction of the head and neck between 1997 and 2010 were identified. Of 205 patients identified, 62 met inclusion criteria. The pathology, surgical technique, long term imaging, cosmetic outcome, and complications were analyzed. Postoperative cosmetic results were assessed by a novel patient based numerical grading scale. Three of 62 patients with extensive photographs and imaging are presented in greater detail.
Reflections on the Presidential Commission on World Hunger: Discussion

I will organize my remarks around the following broad questions: First, has the Commission diagnosed the malady of hunger correctly and reasonably accurately estimated its dimensions? Second, has it arrived at appropriate policy recommendations, based on currently available knowledge? Third, are the recommendations balanced in terms of relative emphasis on policies to be pursued by individual countries versus international policies, on production versus distribution, on self-sufficiency versus dependence on international markets, and indeed, on reliance on markets in general versus government interventions?1 The Commission was misled in its diagnosis by its adoption of the analytical framework of Reutlinger-Selowsky. This and the earlier studies in India by Ojha, and Dandekar and Rath are based on improper use of the protein and calorie requirements put together by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for assessing undernutrition. Of course FAO had clearly warned that comparisons of recommended intakes with food consumption "cannot in themselves justify statements that undernutrition or overnutrition is present in a community or group as such conclusions must always be supported by clinical or biochemical evidence" (FAO 1973). I have discussed some of these issues in a paper published last March (Srinivasan). The essential point is that an individual, while remaining in good health, maintaining body weight, and performing activities that require the same energy expenditure, is nevertheless found to vary his energy intake over a wide range. In addition, individuals adapt to sustained heavy or low intakes by adjustment in body weight and/or physical activity. Further, as Sukhatme has shown, the daily energy balance, i.e., the difference between energy intake and energy ex enditure, appears to follow an autoregressive stochastic process. Because of this autocorrelation, even the average of intakes over a week, or even a month, does not adequately dampen the variation in intake. In such a situation, comparing average intakes with the average "requirements" to determine the nutritional status of a group of individuals is dubious even if the group is homogenous in age, sex, body weight, and energy expenditure on physical activities. Indeed, available studies, such as those of Ferro-Luzzi et al., show that clinical evidence of undernutrition and nutri-
Surface and bulk electronic structure of Ge(111) c (2×8) and Ge(111):As 1×1

The surface band dispersion of the annealed (111) surface of germanium has been determined experimentally using angle-resolved photoemission. The c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}8) symmetry seen in low-energy electron diffraction is not seen in the surface-state dispersion, which exhibits a 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 periodicity. This result is interpreted as indicating that the Ge(111) c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}8) surface unit cell contains 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 subunits. The surface-state dispersion and bandwidth are consistent with a 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 adatom model for the surface. An examination is made of the effect of the surface on the near-surface electronic structure. Results for the heavily reconstructed Ge(111) c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}8) surface are compared with those for the Ge(111):As 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 surface. This latter surface was chosen for comparison because the arsenic termination removes the reconstruction and leads to an extremely stable surface with a geometry close to that of an ideal (111) surface. Spectral features corresponding to bulk initial states were compared with calculated values and found to agree throughout most of the surface Brillouin zone. Discrepancies were found near K\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} and attributed to the effect of back-bond formation. At finite values of ${k}_{?}$, a free-electron parabola with its zero at 9.70 eV below the top of the bulk valence band is the final state which best explains the bulk data. At normal emission, on the other hand, a Bloch conduction-band state was found to be more appropriate. The effect of secondary cone emission on the photoemission is discussed.
The Kinetics of Gel Formation for PEO−PPO−PEO Triblock Copolymer Solutions and the Effects of Added Methylparaben

We have measured the thermophysical properties of a series of amphiphilic copolymeric F127 solutions (10−30% w/w) as they have been heated between 15 and 65 °C using ramp rates of 0.1−10 °C/min to ...
Immersive 3DUI on one dollar a day

A convergence between consumer electronics and virtual reality is occurring. We present an immersive head-mounted-display-based, wearable 3D user interface that is inexpensive (less than $900 USD), robust (sourceless tracking), and portable (lightweight and untethered). While the current display has known deficiencies, the user tracking quality is within the constraints of many existing applications, while the portability and cost offers opportunities for innovative applications that are not currently feasible.
Undernutrition and recovery from brain damage: a preliminary investigation

Rats undernourished early in life did not differ from control animals in acquiring a light-dark discrimination. Posterior cortical lesions impaired retention in both nutritional groups, but the relearning scores of the undernourished animals with lesions were significantly worse than those of the lesion group that had been well fed. Amphetamine was found to enhance recovery, especially in the undernourished group. These data thus show that early nutritional history can be an important factor in accounting for differences in performance following later, focal brain damage, but that pharmacological intervention still can be of great value in these cases.
Purification and autophosphorylation of insulin receptors from rat skeletal muscle.

Abstract Insulin receptors of rat skeletal muscle were purified by first extracting a plasma membrane-enriched pellet obtained from a muscle homogenate with Triton X-100, followed by WGA-Sepharose and insulin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Routinely, 4–5 μg of purified receptor were obtained from 15 g of tissue. The purified receptors are composed of two major polypeptides with molecular weights of 130 000 and 95 000, respectively. The binding of [125I]insulin by the purified receptors was analyzed by a Scatchard plot. There are at least two binding components. The high-affinity component, with an apparent association constant (Ka) of 2.0·109 M−1, comprises 10% of the total insulin binding sites; while the low-affinity component, with a Ka value of 1.4·108 M−1, represents 90% of the binding sites. Assuming the insulin receptor to have a molecular weight of 300 000, the receptor binds 1.7 mol of insulin per mol at saturation. Insulin is capable of stimulating the autophosphorylation of the β-subunit of the muscle insulin receptor (Mr 95 000) by 5–10-fold. The stoichiometry of this phosphorylation reaction was determined as 0.8 phosphate per insulin binding site after a 10 min incubation with 100 nM insulin. In a previous report, I showed that the insulin stimulation of glucose transport in diaphragms from neonatal rats was small, even although the diaphragms had normal levels of insulin receptors and glucose transporters (Wang, C. (1985). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82, 3621–3625). To determine whether or not receptor autophosphorylation might be related to this insensitivity to insulin, the level of receptor phosphorylation was quantitated in diaphragms from rats at different stages of development. Autophosphorylation remains unchanged from birth to 21 days of age, suggesting that the lower insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by diaphragms at early stages of postnatal development as compared to that by diaphragms of older rats, is not due to a difference in receptor kinase.
Low-Complexity Pattern-Eliminating Codes for ISI-Limited Channels

This paper introduces low-complexity block codes, termed pattern-eliminating codes (PEC), which achieve a potentially large performance improvement over channels with residual inter-symbol interference (ISI). The codes are systematic, require no decoding and allow for simple encoding. They operate by prohibiting the occurrence of harmful symbol patterns. On some discrete-time communication channels, the (n, n - 1) PEC can prohibit all occurrences of symbol patterns causing worst- case ISI. The effectiveness of a PEC is shown to be uniquely determined by the sign-signature of the channel response, and a simple criterion is given for identifying channels for which the (n, n - 1) code is effective. It is also shown that for most channel signatures, the (n, n - 1) PEC can be augmented by a (O, n - 1) runlength-limiting (RLL) code at no additional coding overhead. This paper also explores properties of the (n, n-b) PEC for b > 1. The simulation results show that the (n, n - 1) PEC can provide error-rate reductions of several orders of magnitude, even with rate penalty taken into account. It is also shown that channel conditioning, such as equalization, can have a large effect on the code performance and potentially large gains can be derived from optimizing the equalizer jointly with a pattern-eliminating code.
On-the-fly tunable liquid microlenses capable of both in situ integration within microfluidics and real-time tuning

We demonstrate an in situ fabricated tunable microlens through a relatively simple process by manipulating fluids in microchannel networks. The microlens is formed via a surface tension-bounded liquid droplet that is generated and pinned at the corners of a microchannel junction. Wide focal length tuning range from hundreds of micrometers to +infin is realized by changing the pneumatic pressure across the microlens. The in situ fabrication with fluids can produce instant, reconfigurable, tunable liquid microlenses without using sophisticated microfabrication techniques, different substrate materials, and time-consuming optical alignment. By varying its focal length, the microlens can scan through the fluorescence detection areas and enhance the fluorescent emission at the focused area by up to four times compared to without the microlens, and can optimize the fluorescence output for a shifted laminar stream containing fluorescein. This technique can find applications in on-chip optical detections of low- concentration biomolecular analytes, such as laser- induced fluorescence detection.
Radiation resistant magnet R&D at the NSCL

Proposed high radiation environment projects like the Rare Isotope (RIA) and the Neutrino Factory (NF) require magnetic elements that are radiation resistant. Development of radiation resistant magnets at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Lab (NSCL) has been underway for several years. The focus has been on superconducting devices, as resistive solutions have been know for two decades, but have relatively small current densities. Higher current density options than can be commercially manufactured have been examined. Several solutions for superconducting versions use radiation resistant epoxies, for medium level hardness, and variations on Cable-in-Conduit-Conductor (CICC) for high-radiation areas. These allow engineering current densities of more than 100 A/mm/sup 2/.
Sources and Syntheses of Prebiotic Amphiphiles

A source of amphiphilic molecules that had the capacity to self-assemble into membranous boundary structures would be required for the first forms of cellular life. It is likely that early membrane structures resembled the bilayer membranes of contemporary cells but were composed of simpler amphiphilic molecules. The requirements for such amphiphiles would include hydrocarbon chains 12 carbons or longer and hydrophilic head groups with ionic character. The experiments described here were designed to establish possible sources of such molecules. Mixtures of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons simulating those found in carbonaceous meteorites were found to undergo a photochemical oxidation that produces two amphiphilic derivatives, 1-hexadecanol and 2-hexadecanone. The reaction required water and could proceed under conditions in which only trace molecular oxygen were available. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons acted as photosensitizers in the reaction. It follows that near-UV wavelengths of sunlight can drive the synthesis of amphiphiles from hydrocarbons, thereby providing a plausible self-generating source of such compounds on the early Earth. However, polar amphiphiles such as hexadecanol cannot assemble into stable bilayers, but must be mixed with ionized amphiphiles to form vesicular membranes. Furthermore, no prebiotic source of medium- to long-chain hydrocarbons has yet been established. Until plausible synthetic pathways for long-chain hydrocarbons and their ionized amphiphilic derivatives are available, the self-assembly of membrane structures required for the earliest cells cannot be completely understood.
Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Temperature Using Smoothing Spline ANOVA

A new method, smoothing spline ANOVA, for combining station records of surface air temperature to get the estimates of regional averages as well as gridpoint values is proposed. This method is closely related to the optimal interpolation (also optimal averaging) method. It may be viewed as a generalization of these methods from spatial interpolation methods to a method interpolating in both spatial and temporal directions. The connection of this method to the commonly used anomaly approach is discussed in the context of correcting biases resulting from incomplete sampling. A main strength of this new method is its ability to borrow information across both space and time just like optimal interpolation does across space. This increases not only the accuracy of estimates but also the ability to correct various biases resulting from incomplete sampling. Some of these biases are ignored by the anomaly approach.
Building predictive human performance models of skill acquisition in a data entry task

This paper presents a predictive model of a simple, but important, data entry task. The task requires participants to perceive and encode information on the screen, locate the corresponding keys for the information on different layouts of the keyboard, and enter the information. Since data entry is a central component in most human-machine interaction, a predictive model of performance will provide useful information that informs interface design and effectiveness of training. We created a cognitive model of the data entry task based on the ACT-R 5.0 architecture. The same model provided good fits to three existing data sets, which demonstrated the effects of fatigue with prolonged work, repetition priming, depth of processing, and the suppression of subvocal rehearsal. The model also makes predictions on how performance deteriorates with different delays after training, how different amounts of rehearsal during training affect retention, and how re-training helps retention of skills.
A Bayes-maximum entropy method for multi-sensor data fusion

The author introduces a Bayes-maximum entropy formalism for multisensor data fusion, and presents an application of this methodology to the fusion of ultrasound and visual sensor data as acquired by a mobile robot. In the approach the principle of maximum entropy was applied to the construction of priors and likelihoods from data. Distances between ultrasound and visual points of interest in a dual representation were used to define Gibbs likelihood distributions. Both one- and two-dimensional likelihoods are presented and cast into a form which makes explicit their dependence on the mean. The Bayesian posterior distributions were used to test a null hypothesis, and maximum entropy maps used for navigation were updated using the resulting information from the dual representation. >
Distributed backlog-based control of frequency-hopped slotted ALOHA

Dynamic transmission control procedures are identified for single-hop slotted ALOHA networks using frequency-hopped spread spectrum for both code division multiple access and anti-interference. These control procedures are implemented by varying the probability of transmission as a function of the estimated network backlog. The backlog process is estimated by sensing activity on the receiver-based code while the user is not transmitting. Half-duplex operation is assumed. The noise/jamming level is assumed to be stationary, and an estimate of this level is assumed. A description of the system model is given. The backlog estimation procedure is defined. Numerical results are presented, with graphs portraying the system performance under different parametric settings. >
An Evaluation of the Effect of DC's Voucher Program on Public School Achievement and Racial Integration after One Year.

This study evaluates the initial effect of Washington, DC’s Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) on the academic performance of public schools and its effects on the opportunities that District students have to attend integrated schools. The OSP is a federally sponsored school voucher program that provides vouchers worth up to $7,500 for an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 students in the District of Columbia. The authors measure whether a public school’s test-score gains are related to its distance to the nearest voucher-accepting private school or the number of voucher schools within a one-mile radius of a public school. The evaluation finds that the OSP has had no academic effect, positive or negative, on the District’s public schools after its first year. The study also compares rates of racial integration in DC’s public schools and private schools participating in the voucher program. This is part of the first-year evaluation of the OSP. The authors plan to continue evaluating the OSP using a variety of approaches.
A CROSS‐NATIONAL COMPARISON OF ACADEMIC AND AFFECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF PROSPECTIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

This research report deals with the measurement of nine groups of prospective secondary teachers; five from the British Isles and four from the United States. The sample of 839 final year, teacher education students was measured on academic achievement, professional education achievement, and affective measures. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze differences between the groups. The analysis resulted in six statistically significant canonical variates. There was a clear country separation on only the first canonical variate, which indicated the British groups high on achievement in English composition and fine arts, and United States groups high on achievement in guidance and measurement. The canonical variates are described in the context of the real variables, as well as the separation of the groups on the canonical variates.
The Caloplaca squamosa group in North and Central America

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study of the C. squamosa group in North and Central America. The group as understood here includes C. squamosa, C. subsoluta, and two new species—C. parviloba and C. phyllidizans. This group is common and variable, and C. squamosa and C. subsoluta have been described several times. Several new synonyms are given and lectotypes are selected for C. irrubescens and C. squamosa. Color photographs and distribution maps are presented along with a discussion of the variability. The most constant features are the subsquamulose thallus and the paraplectenchymatous layer below the hypothecium and in the upper proper margin.
The projection of intolerance: A comparison of males, females and transsexuals

This paper reports some of the findings of a study comparing 17 feminized transsexuals with equal numbers of natural males and females on a large number of variables. Because I had access to data on public opinion about transsexualism, it was felt that it might be 1lseful to ask my own sample to guess haw others felt about transsexualism. The underlying hypothesis was that the accuracy of these guesses would vary significantly avith ses, i.e., between males, females and transsexuals. Significant inter-sex variation was indeed found. However, at least two interpretations could be given to these findings: ( 1 ) either males, females and transsexuals have guessed others' tolerance toward transsexualism with different degrees of accuracy because their levels of insight or empathy differ, or (2) the differences express the different feelings that each group has projected. If the former interpretation is correct, then the accuracy cf the guesses should vary not only by sex of the guesser but also by sex of the group being judged: males for exampleG should be able to empathize best with males and females with females. No evidence was found to support this. All the evidence presented in this paper will show that the guesses made by males, females and transsexuals about others' tolerance of transsexualism represent the projection of their own feelings. rrs 1 1 neory This study, then, examines a guessing process and relates its accuracy to sex. Initially, it was believed that this was a study in communication. However, the basic realization that emerged from the findings is that it is a study of attitudes. Respondents had been asked to guess other people's attitudes. It was believed that the accuracy of these guesses could be interpreted as the respondents' role-taking accuracyn empathy, insight, social sensitivity, identification with certain others, interpersonal perception 225
Circulating Plasma Cell Leukemia

© Case Study A retired, 70-year-old male was sailing around the world for several months. He sustained a fall on his yacht during a storm off the coast of New Caledonia. When examined at a local hospital, a rib fracture, a monoclonal gammopathy, and pneumonia were found. He had been in good health and had no previous significant history of illness. He decided to return home to the United States for a full work-up. Laboratory results performed in the United States are seen in T1. The peripheral blood revealed moderately large cells with round eccentric nuclei, coarse chromatin, abundant cytoplasm, and were basophilic [I1]. The red blood cells showed marked rouleaux [I2].
An AOA critical issue. Should there be a minimal surgical experience for a graduating orthopaedic surgery resident

According to the Graduate Medical Education Directory, published by the American Medical Association, “the mission of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is to improve health care in the United States by ensuring and improving the quality of graduate medical education experience for physicians in training. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education establishes national standards for graduate medical education by which it approves and continually assesses educational programs.”1 The Directory also states that “the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is a separately incorporated organization, responsible for the accreditation of approximately 8,000 allopathic graduate medical education programs. It has five member organizations: the American Board of Medical Specialties, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Council of Medical Specialty Societies. Each member organization nominates four individuals to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's Board of Directors. In addition, the Board of Directors includes three public representatives, a resident representative, and the chair of the Residency Review Committee Council. A representative for the federal government and the chair of the Residency Review Committee Resident Council also serve on the Board in a non-voting capacity.”1 The accreditation of graduate medical education programs is carried out by twenty-seven residency review committees. The orthopaedic surgery Residency Review Committee has ten members; nine are appointed for six-year terms each from three organizations (the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), and one resident is selected for a two-year term. Through the accreditation process, the objective of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is to assure the public of the high-quality education and training of physicians for improving health care in the United States. It would be implicit in its mandate that, if physician education …
Yeast Spheroplasts Formed by Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes from Oerskovia sp

Oerskovia sp. produces inducible extracellular enzymes which degrade the walls of various yeasts. Yeast spheroplasts are formed from both log- and stationary-phase cells.
Inclusion of South African adolescents in HIV vaccine trials.

South Africa has more people living with HIV than any other nation. The HIV epidemic in South Africa is being driven by new infections among adolescents. Inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials is essential for successful vaccine development, however, recruitment and retention of at-risk South African adolescents into these trials poses a number of legal, ethical and operational challenges. This article discusses the South African ethico-legal context in which future adolescent HIV vaccine trials would be conducted followed by a review of available data regarding strategies for recruitment into these trials and retention of trial participants. Key words: Adolescent, HIV vaccine trial, South Africa, recruitment, retention.
Imaging the Cell's Third Dimension

Shape and size are among the most basic and obvious characteristics of a cell (or of any physical object, for that matter). When a cell is observed through a microscope, one only sees its projection onto the image plane. Rather paradoxically, there are no easy techniques to visualize and measure cell's third dimension—thickness. For example, confocal microscopy requires fluorescent labeling, multiple scanning with a high-power objective, possibly correction for the refractive index mismatch, and even then, generation of a complete three-dimensional profile is not very straightforward or precise. Other techniques for imaging the cell vertical profile, such as ion conductance, digital holographic, or atomic force microscopy, are rather complex and not available to most users.
Processing of first- and second-order motion signals by neurons in area MT of the macaque monkey

Extrastriate cortical area MT is thought to process behaviorally important visual motion signals. Psychophysical studies suggest that visual motion signals may be analyzed by multiple mechanisms, a “first-order” one based on luminance, and a “second-order” one based upon higher level cues (e.g. contrast, flicker). Second-order motion is visible to human observers, but should be invisible to first-order motion sensors. To learn if area MT is involved in the analysis of second-order motion, we measured responses to first- and second-order gratings of single neurons in area MT (and in one experiment, in area V1) in anesthetized, paralyzed macaque monkeys. For each neuron, we measured directional and spatio-temporal tuning with conventional first-order gratings and with second-order gratings created by spatial modulation of the flicker rate of a random texture. A minority of MT and V1 neurons exhibited significant selectivity for direction or orientation of second-order gratings. In nearly all cells, response to second-order motion was weaker than response to first-order motion. MT cells with significant selectivity for second-order motion tended to be more responsive and more sensitive to luminance contrast, but were in other respects similar to the remaining MT neurons; they did not appear to represent a distinct subpopulation. For those cells selective for second-order motion, we found a correlation between the preferred directions of first- and second-order motion, and weak correlations in preferred spatial frequency. These cells preferred lower temporal frequencies for second-order motion than for first-order motion. A small proportion of MT cells seemed to remain selective and responsive for second-order motion. None of our small sample of V1 cells did. Cells in this small population, but not others, may perform “form-cue invariant” motion processing (Albright, 1992).
A learning-based evolution of concept descriptions for an adaptive object recognition

An approach is presented to the invariant recognition of objects under dynamic perceptual conditions. In this approach, images of a sequence are used to adapt object descriptions to perceived online variabilities of object characteristics. This adaptation is made possible by the closed-loop integration of recognition processes of computer vision together with an incremental machine learning process. The experiments presented were run for the texture recognition problem and were limited to a partially supervised evolution of concept descriptions (models) rather than utilizing a fully autonomous model evolution. Obtained results are evaluated using the criteria of system recognition effectiveness and recognition stability. >
The Bully Pulpit and Media Coverage Power without Persuasion

Though modern presidents seem to be less persuasive in their public campaigns for policy, they are more likely to go public. In addition, they publicly campaign for policies that they could enact w...
Data-Driven Optimization of Ambiguous Reward-Risk Ratio Measures

We investigate a class of distributionally robust optimization problems that have direct applications in finance. They are semi-infinite programming problems with ambiguous expectation constraints in which fractional functions represent reward-risk ratios. We develop a reformulation and algorithmic data-driven framework based on the Wasserstein metric to model ambiguity and to derive probabilistic guarantee that the ambiguity set contains the true probability distribution. The reformulation phase involves the derivation of the support function of the ambiguity set and the concave conjugate of the ratio function, and yields a mathematical programming problem in a finite dimensional constraint space. We design modular bisection algorithms with finite convergence property. We specify new ambiguous portfolio optimization models for the Sharpe, Sortino, Sortino-Satchel, and Omega ratios. The computational study shows the applicability and scalability of the framework to solve large, industry-relevant size problems.
Perfecting Parliament: Suffrage without Democracy

Before the nineteenth century, medieval parliaments represented the interests of major landholders: the church, nobility, and relatively wealthy merchants and farmers. Those sitting in parliament gained their seats through a mixture of heredity, appointments, and elections based on narrow suffrage. The subset of the members that were elected to their offices often ran unopposed and represented, for the most part, locally powerful families. Those eligible to run for office often had to be relatively wealthy men, both as a formal condition of eligibility, and in order to be able to afford to attend meetings of parliament, because those holding seats in parliament were not directly paid for their services. There were no professional members of parliament, per se, although members with jobs in the capital city often invested considerable time and energy in parliamentary activities.
Responsibility, control, and omissions

Previously, I have argued that moral responsibility for actions is associated with guidance control. This sort of control does not necessarily involve the freedom to do otherwise. In this paper I extend the view to apply to omissions. That is, moral responsibility for an omission is associated with guidance control of that omission. This helps to provide a systematic, unified account of moral responsibility.
Salt Solutions in Carbon Nanotubes: The Role of Cation−π Interactions

Understanding the structure of aqueous electrolytes at interfaces is essential for predicting and optimizing device performance for a wide variety of emerging energy and environmental technologies. In this work, we investigate the structure of two common salt solutions, NaCl and KCl, at a hydrophobic interface within narrow carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Using a combination of first-principles and classical molecular dynamics simulations in conjunction with molecular orbital analysis, we find that the solvation structure of the cations in the CNTs can deviate substantially from the conventional weakly interacting hydrophobic picture. Instead, interactions between solvated ions and π orbitals of the CNTs are found to play a critically important role. Specifically, the ion solvation structure is ultimately determined by a complex interplay between cation−π interactions and the intrinsic flexibility of the solvation shell. In the case of K+, these effects result in an unusually strong propensity to partially desol...
Some actions of mercury compounds on the heart.

Discussion and SummaryThe various mercurials studied show both quantitative and qualitative differences in their cardiac action. In the case of the mercurial diuretics the aminophylline containing compounds produce an increase in the sinus rate as well as ventricular tachycardia while the free mercurials produce only a ventricular tachycardia (Fig. 2). The evidence presented makes it probable that the differences in response of the heart rate are due to the theophylline content of these preparations.The ST and T wave changes described occurred somewhat prior to the QRS changes. ST and T wave changes are probably related to alterations in the process of repolarization of cardiac muscle while the QRS changes probably indicate mainly changes in intraventricular conduction. The mercurials studied are powerful inhibitors of enzymes containing essential SH groups(4, 5). Thus the biochemical processes responsible for repolarization of cardiac muscle seem to be more sensitive to these SH inhibitors than the proce...
Someone to Look Up to: Effect of Role Models on Delinquent Peer Selection and Influence

This study tested the hypothesis that male role models inhibit delinquent peer selection but not delinquent peer influence in adolescent boys, whereas female role models inhibit delinquent peer selection but not delinquent peer influence in adolescent girls. On analyzing longitudinal data from 425 boys and 425 girls, it was discovered that a role model index (1 = biological parent, 2 = other role model, 3 = no role model) correlated significantly with subsequent offending in both sexes. After controlling for the effects of age, race, parental marital status, and caregiver deviance, male and female versions of the role model index—male role model (MRM) and female role model (FRM)—predicted peer selection but not peer influence in boys and girls, respectively. These results suggest that same-sex role models are capable of protecting youth against peer selection but have little apparent impact on peer influence or socialization.
Universality of wave transport in absorbing random media

Applicability of self-consistent theory of Anderson localization is established in absorbing random media. Position dependent diffusion coefficient is shown to exhibit universal size scaling property.
Maternal age and trajectories of marijuana use over 17 years

hospital discharges. Linear regression was used to evaluate applications for medical marijuana over time. The application analysis was followed with an analysis exploring population growth as a confounder. Autocorrelation was evaluated and an AR1 structure was used as necessary. Finally, the association between monthly medical marijuana applications and monthly discharges coded as dependence was tested with linear regression to explore an ecologic dose response relationship. Results: From 2009 to 2013, both applications and discharges increased, where 4205 (p<0.001) additional applications were received per month, and a 0.9% (p<0.001) increase in population rate per month was detected in hospital discharges. This was not confounded by population growth. The association between applications and discharges was significant (p<0.001) but modest with only 1 discharge per 3159 applicants. Conclusions: Although statistically significant increases were detected over time, the relation between applications and discharges was small in the time period preceding the legalization of recreational sales. Other states considering the legalization of medical marijuana can use this report to assist in the evaluation of public health related outcomes of policy change. Financial support: NIH/NIDA, 5R01DA031816-04, The Impact of Medical Marijuana in Metropolitan Denver.
Beyond miRNAs: Role of Other Noncoding RNAs in Cancer

Noncoding RNAs are by definition RNA molecules with a short open reading frame that are not translated into proteins. With hundreds of publications yearly, these new players have emerged as master regulators of multiple biological processes. One specific subset of ncRNAs, namely, microRNAs, received prevalent attention over the past decade, yet it forms only the tip of the iceberg. The noncoding RNA world is constantly expanding, whether it is by exploring novel classes of ncRNAs or by gaining further insight into their function. Noncoding RNAs are split in two main classes according to their size: short ncRNAs and long ncRNAs, each class encompassing various subclasses. In this chapter we focus on the most important subclasses of ncRNAs (e.g., piRNAs, snoRNAs, lincRNAs, T-UCRs), highlighting the illustrative examples. Furthermore, we discuss their potential involvement in therapy and diagnostics and what the future might reserve for these key regulators.
Requirements for Thermodynamic Property Formulations

The importance of accurate experimental data in the development of a thermodynamic property correlation is well established. Systematic errors in experimental data sets affect the quality of the correlation that is based on such data. To minimize the effects of such errors, care is taken to analyze each data set used in a correlation for consistency with independent measurements and with data forms in the same and adjacent regions of the thermodynamic surface. It is best to avoid using experimental data that contain large systematic errors in the fitting process. Large random errors may be tolerated when no alternative data sets are available, but the use of such data increases the uncertainty of the formulation. If data are not available for a particular region of the thermodynamic surface, it is often helpful to use predicted values in the fitting process. Such predictions can be verified later or discarded when experimental data become available.
Intelligent control of industrial robotic three degree of freedom crane using Artificial Neural Network

Cranes are widely used all over the world in industrial sector to reduce the man hours and increase efficiency. It is used for carrying load from one place to another, during this movement there are often undesired vibrations and fluctuations of lifted payload which needs to be controlled. Conventional PID techniques such as tuning of PID gains through Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller can be used to control these undesired vibrations. These techniques also result in some undesired overshoot and undershoot causing the payload to swing prior to system getting stable. However if these gains are further tuned by Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) then this undesired overshoot and undershoot can also be controlled.
Genetic compatibility in long-term intimate relationships: partner similarity at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes may reduce in-pair attraction

Abstract Theoretical models from evolutionary biology predict that individual mate choice will be influenced by the extent of similarity between potential mates at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. A number of studies have sought to uncover an effect of MHC similarity on mate choice in humans, but the extent to which MHC similarity influences attraction within existing human relationships has been relatively under-explored. We investigated this question in a sample of 168 heterosexual couples that were typed and matched at 3 classical MHC markers. Findings were mixed with respect to the prediction that higher levels of MHC similarity would be linked to a reduction of in-pair attraction. In the full sample, there were no effects of MHC similarity on any of the dependent variables used to measure in-pair attraction, but there were strong and consistent effects of MHC similarity on these measures in couples with two Asian partners ( N couples=44). In sum, our findings are consistent with an effect of MHC similarity on in-pair attraction within existing relationships, but they also suggest that this effect may be moderated by additional factors, particularly the ancestral background of the individual relationship partners.