cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation in the learning curves of general surgery residents performing arteriovenous fistulas.

Background An arteriovenous fistula (AVF), performed for hemodialysis access, provides one of the few remaining opportunities for general surgery residents to perform an open vascular anastomosis (VA). Limited data exist regarding the learning curve of residents performing this procedure. The objective of this study was to determine how residents improve in performance of VA by implementing real-time tracking of anastomosis time as well as technical errors. Study Design From April 2012 to January 2014, we conducted a prospective intraoperative assessment of 9 postgraduate year 3 general surgery residents during the performance of AVFs using a checklist of common errors in VA. Time for AVF anastomosis completion and number and types of technical errors during anastomosis were recorded. Primary end points were the change in anastomosis time and change in technical errors over time. Results A total of 86 AVFs were performed and assessed intraoperatively. Each resident performed a median of 10 AVFs (interquartile range [IQR]: 7-11). The mean anastomosis time was 18.1 minutes. The mean number of technical errors was 13.8 per case. Overall, for every additional AVF performed, mean anastomosis time decreased by 0.63 minutes (95% CI: 0.45-0.81, p R 2 value for anastomotic time by number of AVFs performed ranged from 0.01 to 0.69. Similarly, for technical errors, the R 2 value by number of AVFs performed ranged from 0.04 to 0.62. Conclusions In novice surgical residents performing AVFs, improvement in VA skill can readily be tracked via anastomosis time and technical errors. Collectively, there is a strong association between number of cases performed and reduction in time and errors. However, individually, the number of cases completed did not correlate well with time and errors. These findings suggest that for VA skills, determining progression from novice to competence cannot rely on case volume but rather needs to be individualized.
Parametric methodologies and tools for first-order hyperspectral imaging sensor system design

Aircraft and space-based hyperspectral imaging (HSI) sensors tailored for the reflective or emissive spectral regimes are being designed and developed for a wide variety of military, civil and science applications. Key sensor-level HSI system performance requirements dictate the optical, spectrometer, focal plane and data processing design parameters for a given choice of spectral instrument design and platform altitude. A detailed understanding of the performance/sensor design trade-space that is available facilitates informed decision making and planning. We have developed a spreadsheet-based sensitivity analysis tool for dispersive HSI sensors that enables rapid and meaningful investigation of candidate sensor designs over a wide variety of parametric conditions at a level of detail consistent with the first-order specification of the instrument subsystems. Our approach also facilitates: assessment of a fixed sensor design against varied atmospheric/target phenomenology assumptions, determination of sensor design drivers, and sensor design optimization. Our parametric analysis capability is illustrated by synthesizing a relatively detailed HSI dispersive design based on optical aperture diameter of 70 cm and an orbital altitude of 690 km. These two parameters are borrowed from the IKONOS commercial remote sensing system. As part of this synthesis, sensitivity enhancement by back-scanning is analyzed for the purpose of deriving both the maximum sensor contiguous scan length and the associated precision line-of-sight pitch angle rate control requirements.
Do Primary Neuroendocrine Tumors and Metastasis Have the Same Characteristics

Background Only one tumor site is usually biopsied to determine the histologic features of that patient’s entire tumor burden. We hypothesized that there are significant histologic and functional differences in primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETS) and their nodal or organ metastases. We also hypothesized that limited tumor sampling could lead to erroneous assumptions about the tumor’s histologic characteristics and clinical behavior. Materials and Methods Thirteen patients with metastatic well differentiated midgut NETS underwent simultaneous removal of their primary tumor, nodal metastasis, and organ metastasis. Each tumor site was stained quantitatively for Ki-67, chromogranin A (CGA), synaptophysin, CD31, and Factor VIII. Samples were also evaluated with in vitro tumor angiogenesis and drug chemoresistance assays. Results Ki-67 staining was nearly identical at all sites tested. Quantitative stains for CGA, synaptophysin, cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), and Factor VIII varied considerably among the patient’s three tissue site samples. Only 6% of the tissue samples tested against a battery of chemotherapeutic agents exhibited susceptibility to a single drug at all three tumor sites. In contrast, several antiangiogenic agents exhibited uniform effectiveness across all three tissue sites in multiple patients. Conclusions Sampling only one NET tumor site may lead to erroneous assumptions about the tumor’s histologic features and functional behavior. Evaluation of primary tumors and their nodal and organ metastasis may be necessary to optimize clinical decision making.
Antigenic comparison of swine influenza virus isolates.

Cross hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase inhibition (NI) tests demonstrated strong antigenic relationship between A/Swine/Wisconsin/1/73 (SW/73) and A/Swine/Shope/15/31 (SW/31) influenza viruses. An eightyone fold purification of virus was achieved by adsorption and elution followed by differential ultracentrifugation and sedimentation through linear sucrose gradient. Radio-immunoassay using purified125I labeled viral antigens revealed antigenic variation between the two virus isolates. Neuraminidase of both viruses had pH optima between 6.5 and 7.0, and SW/31 enzyme was relatively more heat stable than SW/73.
Autoinducer-2 activity of gram-negative foodborne pathogenic bacteria and its influence on biofilm formation.

: This study evaluated whether autoinducer-2 (AI-2) activity would be associated with biofilm formation by Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains on food contact surfaces. In study I, a Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 strain and an E. coli O157:H7 strain, both AI-2 positive, were individually inoculated into 50 mL of Luria–Bertani (LB) or LB + 0.5% glucose (LBG) broth, without or with stainless steel or polypropylene (Salmonella) coupons. At 0, 14 (Salmonella), 24, 48, and 72 h of storage (25 °C), cells in suspension and detached cells from the coupons, obtained by vortexing, were enumerated on tryptic soy agar. In study II, a Salmonella Thompson AI-2-positive strain and an AI-2-negative strain, and an E. coli O157:H7 AI-2-positive strain and an AI-2-negative strain were inoculated into LB broth with stainless steel coupons. Cells were enumerated as in study I. In both studies, AI-2 activity was determined in cell-free supernatants. Cell numbers of S. Typhimurium DT104 on biofilms were higher (P < 0.05) in LB than those in LBG, while the E. coli O157:H7 strain showed no difference (P≥ 0.05) in biofilm cell counts between LB and LBG after storage for 72 h. Both S. Typhimurium DT104 and E. coli O157:H7 strains produced higher (P < 0.05) AI-2 activity in LBG than LB cell suspensions. Cell counts of AI-2-positive and-negative S. Thompson and E. coli O157:H7 strains were not different (P≥ 0.05) within suspensions or coupons (study II). The results indicated that, under the conditions of this study, AI-2 activity of the pathogen strains tested may not have a major influence on biofilm formation on food contact surfaces, which was similar between AI-2-positive and -negative strains.
Stimulation of RNA and protein synthesis in silkmoth pupal wing tissue by ecdysone in vitro.

Abstract A mince of wing tissue from pupae of the silkmoth, Hyalophora cecropia , in diapause was incubated in a physiological medium, and effects of hormones on biosynthesis were examined. Both RNA and protein synthesis, measured by incorporation of precursors for 1–2 hours, were significantly elevated after 20 hours with β-ecdysone. In stimulating RNA synthesis, β-ecdysone was effective at 1–20 μg/ml and less so at 0.2 μg/ml. At 5 μg/ml, β-ecdysone gave, on the average, 65% stimulation of RNA synthesis and was significantly more active than α-ecdysone (30% stimulation), while 22-isoecdysone had no effect.
e-Healthcare cloud computing application solutions: Cloud-enabling characteristices, challenges and adaptations

This paper focuses on the e-Healthcare application cloud-enabling characteristics and we found the close proximity of the new e-Healthcare architecture and the cloud environment. However there are still challenges in adaptation of a pure cloud solution for digital e-Healthcare. This paper documents those similar characteristics and the new challenges. It also introduces our adaptation architecture design for e-Healthcare Cloud Computing and Networking Solutions.
Borehole gravity drift correction: A new approach

Gravity meter drift is the gradual change in the gravity reading over time; this change is unrelated to actual gravity changes. Drift is caused by creep in the gravity meter mechanism and by external influences which produce a change in the physical properties of the gravity element. Previous methods of drift correction for the LaCoste and Romberg borehole gravity meter are either linear random noise filters or nonlinear techniques relying upon the judgement of an interpreter for filtering. The method presented in this paper responds to the nonlinearity of the drift signal while retaining the ability to filter out the noise. The drift rate function is defined by repeat readings, which are integrated to yield a drift correction. The drift correction data’s Fourier transform has a sharp amplitude break between the drift signal and the noise. A low‐pass filter removes the higher frequency noise, resulting in a smoothed drift correction. This drift correction method, which attenuates random errors while retai...
The Rise and Fall of the “Third Weimar”: Harry Graf Kessler and the Aesthetic State in Wilhelmian Germany, 1902–1906

In August 1891, shortly before his graduation from the University of Leipzig and his subsequent departure on a trip around the world, Harry Graf Kessler visited the city that had become an icon of German culture in the nineteenth century. Weimar, vegetating in the long twilight years of Carl Alexander's reign, made an unfavorable impression on the young aesthete. At the church cemetery, thinking no doubt of the way England and France honored their great writers, he remarked, “I do not find the idea that the coffins of our two greatest poets should serve as the antechamber for all the princely nullities of the house of Weimar especially worthy—it reminds one a little too strongly of the Geheimen Hofrat.”
Numerical evaluation of moist available energy

A numerical procedure for evaluating moist available energy (MAE), given the pressure, temperature, and relative humidity of a representative set of atmospheric “parcels”, is presented. The procedure determines a reference field by rearranging the parcels while preserving the mass and entropy of each parcel, and subsequently subtracts the enthalpy of the reference field from that of the given field to obtain the MAE. Computations using the procedure agree reasonably well with the results of a previously formulated graphical procedure. They confirm a finding of Wojcik (1977) that a small temperature increase, with no change in relative humidity, will produce a large increase in MAE. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1979.tb00901.x
Comparison of total column ozone data from ground‐based MFRSR measurements taken in the southern U.S. region with OMI satellite retrievals

[1] A study of total column ozone (TCO) measurement data taken with a network of ground-based MultiFilter Rotating Shadowband Radiometers (MFRSR) compared with data retrieved from the satellite-based Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) shows an average positive bias of 3.04% ± 1.7% under all sky days. The MFRSR station-to-station standard deviation was ±2.1%. In contrast, a recent 2-year comparison of ground-based Dobson and Brewer stations shows that OMI-TOMS TCO averages only 0.4% higher than the station average, with station-to-station standard deviation of ±0.6%. Annual seasonal variability in the TCO is manifested through an increase beginning in December and going through May before the levels decrease over the northern summer until reaching the lowest levels around October. In this study, positive biases were found for the 11 southern U.S. MFRSR monitoring sites after an analysis of 2 years of data from January 2006–December 2007. Overall, our comparisons show that there is good agreement between OMI-TOMS and MFRSR readings over the southern U.S.
Zero voltage switching Forward-Flyback Converter with efficient active LC snubber circuit

This paper describes a Boundary Mode Forward-Flyback Converter (BMFFC) with zero-voltage switching that is able to process power efficiently. The theoretical analysis and operating principle of the BMFFC are presented in detail. A non-dissipative LC snubber that recycles energy to the input source is employed in order to suppress the voltage spike caused by the leakage inductance of the transformer. The relatively large snubber capacitor also significantly reduces turn-off loss. Following a detailed design procedure, a 200W prototype with a 25-50VDC input and 230VDC output was constructed and tested in order to evaluate the performance of the BMFFC.
Project RESUN, a Radio EVLA Search for UHE Neutrinos

Abstract In the past decade there have been several attempts to detect Ultra High Energy (UHE) neutrinos via radio Ĉerenkov bursts in terrestrial ice or the lunar regolith. So far these searches have yielded no detections, but the inferred flux upper limits have started to constrain physical models for UHE neutrino generation. We report results from the Radio EVLA Search for UHE Neutrinos (RESUN) experiment, aimed at further limiting isotropic and point-source production models. RESUN uses the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) configured in multiple sub-arrays of four antennas observing at 1.4 GHz and pointed along the lunar limb to detect cm-wavelength Ĉerenkov bursts. No pulses of lunar origin exceeding a threshold of 0.017 μV m−1 MHz−1 were detected during a observing campaign totaling 200 h. The RESUN null detection implies an upper limit to the differential isotropic neutrino flux EdN/dE 1022.5 eV. The isotropic flux upper limit is the lowest published for lunar searches in the range 1020.7 eV
Structure-function unitization model of biological membranes

In 1966 Green and Perdue1,2 proposed the repeating unit model of membrane structure, the central concept of which is the postulate that membranes are built up of lipoprotein repeating units. Each such unit was assumed to be a set of proteins associated hydrophobically with phospholipid. At that time many molecular features of the membrane were unresolved. Until these molecular details were clarified further progress in developing the repeating unit model was hampered. During the past several years many of the basic molecular parameters have been satisfactorily defined both experimentally and theoretically. The predominantly lamellar or bilayer character of phospholipid in membranes has been established firmly.3–5 The characteristic features of intrinsic (integral) membrane proteins and the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic (peripheral) membrane proteins have been sharply drawn.6–11 The manner in which intrinsic proteins can associate hydrophobically with bilayer phospholipid has been more realistically evaluated. 12 The models of Vanderkooi and Green12 and of Singer and Nicolson8 rationalize in a satisfactory fashion the above mentioned molecular parameters of membrane structure. The way was thus cleared for a re-examination of the supramolecular features of membrane structure and for a more rigorous development of the lipoprotein repeating unit concept of Green and Perdue.1,2
Experience with the combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin in the long-term management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly affect older men. These bothersome symptoms can lead to a decreased quality of life. Currently, two classes of drugs – α-adrenergic blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors – are prescribed to treat LUTS secondary to BPH. Due to their different mechanisms of action, these medications work in a synergistic manner. Trials of combination therapy have been conducted to assess its effect compared with monotherapy. Current data support combination therapy in men with moderately enlarged prostates and moderate to severe symptoms.
Estimation of Skin Metabolism and Blood Flow with tcPo2 and tcPco2 Electrodes by Cuff Occlusion of the Circulation

In subjects breathing 100% O2, arterial circulation was occluded proximal to transcutaneous O2 and CO2 electrodes. The linear fall of tcPo2, ΔPo2, was used to quantitate skin metabolic rate, Vo2. At 45dC, mean ΔPo2 was 16.8 kPa/min (127.2 mmHg/min). Multiplying by solubility, 0.0219 ml ml-1atm-1, gives skin Vo2 = 0.00366 ml 02 gm-1min-1. At 37dC (after vasodilation at 45dC), Vo2 was 0.00278. Assuming skin RQ, = 0.8, the initial ΔPco2 was used to estimate skin CO2 dissociation curve slope to be 1.48 ml gm-1atm-1. tcPco2 rose two to three times more rapidly when skin became hypoxic, suggesting anaerobic titration of skin HCO-3. After release of occlusion both electrodes yielded quasi-exponential returns to control from which blood flow was estimated to be 1.2 ml gm-1min-1 from O2 rate, and 0.3 ml gm-1min-1 from CO2. Flow was also computed from the Vo2 and the (a-v)Po2> estimated to be twice the arterial to capillary Po2 difference. Capillary Po2 (cPo2) was computed from tcPo2 by adding 30 mmHg (diffusion gradient at 45dC) and correcting cPo2 to 37dC. Flow from this (a-v)02 content difference and Vo2 averaged 0.39 ± 0.10 ml gm-1min-1 at 45dC in 11 runs. Computer programs have been developed to solve four simultaneous equations after determining tcPo2 and Pao2 at high and low Po2 at two temperatures. Preliminary data in three adults gave mean blood flow values of 0.45 ml gm-1min-1. Equations also determine capillary temperature, Tc, and capillary to surface diffusion gradient, D:Tc = 0.92(Te-37) ± 37, and D = 4 kPa (30 mmHg) at 45dC, where Te is electrode temperature.
A characterization of Fourier series of Stepanov almost-periodic functions

We show by example that the classical characterization of the Fourier series of periodic functions in Lp, 1<p≤+∞, as those trigonometric series whose Abel or Fejer means are uniformly bounded in Lp does not hold for general (non-periodic) trigonometric series in relation to Stepanov-almost-periodic functions, but that it does hold under the additional hypothesis that the means are translation equicontinuous. We exhibit a bounded, infinitely differentiable function that belongs to every class of Besicovitch-almost-periodic functions but is not equivalent in the metric of Besicovitch-almost-periodic functions to any Stepanov-almost-periodic function.
Implantation of a collagen scaffold seeded with adult rat hippocampal progenitors in a rat model of penetrating brain injury

Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is a complex central nervous system injury in which mechanical damage to brain parenchyma results in hemorrhage, ischemia, broad areas of necrosis, and eventually cavitation. The permanent loss of brain tissue affords the possibility of treatment using a biomaterial scaffold to fill the lesion site and potentially deliver pharmacological or cellular therapeutic agents. The administration of cellular therapy may be of benefit in both mitigating the secondary injury process and promoting regeneration through replacement of certain cell populations. This study investigated the survival and differentiation of adult rat hippocampal neural progenitor cells delivered by a collagen scaffold in a rat model of PBI. The cell-scaffold construct was implanted 1 week after injury and was observed to remain intact with open pores upon analysis 4 weeks later. Implanted neural progenitors were found to have survived within the scaffold, and also to have migrated into the surrounding brain. Differentiated phenotypes included astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and possibly macrophages. The demonstrated multipotency of this cell population in vivo in the context of traumatic brain injury has implications for regenerative therapies, but additional stimulation appears necessary to promote neuronal differentiation outside normally neurogenic regions.
Monte Carlo simulations of the hydration of substituted benzenes with OPLS potential functions

Intermolecular potential functions have been developed for use in computer simulations of substituted benzenes. Previously reported optimized potentials for liquid simulations (OPLS) for benzene and organic functional groups were merged and tested by computing free energies of hydration for toluene, p-xylene, phenol, anisole, benzonitrile, p-cresol, hydroquinone, and p-dicyanobenzene. The calculations featured Monte Carlo simulations at 25°C and 1 atm with statistical perturbation theory. The average difference between the computed results and experimental data for the absolute free energies of hydration is 0.5 kcal/mol
Scoring field dependence: A methodological analysis of five rod-and-frame scoring systems

The most consistently used scoring system for the rod-and-frame task has been the total (or average) number of degrees in error from the true vertical, regardless of the initial or final directions of the rod and frame. Since a logical case can be made for at least four alternative scoring systems, a thorough comparison of all five systems seemed appropriate. Comparisons consisted of: (1) an inter nal consistency/reliability analysis, with split-half and test-retest reliabilities and a multitrait-multi- method matrix analysis of each scoring system, chair, frame, and man position; (2) a repeated mea ures ANOVA, with ethnic group, sex, and grade as between factors and chair, frame, and man posi tions as within factors; and (3) correlations of each scoring system with a selected set of external cri teria. Results suggest strong support for use of the natural logarithm of the sum of absolute errors as the preferred scoring system, that concern with the confounding of field dependence and the E effect is larg...
Damage Diagnosis in Semiconductive Materials Using Electrical Impedance Measurements

Recent aerospace industry trends have resulted in an increased demand for real-time, effective techniques for in-flight structural health monitoring. A promising technique for damage diagnosis uses electrical impedance measurements of semiconductive materials. By applying a small electrical current into a material specimen and measuring the corresponding voltages at various locations on the specimen, changes in the electrical characteristics due to the presence of damage can be assessed. An artificial neural network uses these changes in electrical properties to provide an inverse solution that estimates the location and magnitude of the damage. The advantage of the electrical impedance method over other damage diagnosis techniques is that it uses the material as the sensor. Simple voltage measurements can be used instead of discrete sensors, resulting in a reduction in weight and system complexity. This research effort extends previous work by employing finite element method models to improve accuracy of complex models with anisotropic conductivities and by enhancing the computational efficiency of the inverse techniques. The paper demonstrates a proof of concept of a damage diagnosis approach using electrical impedance methods and a neural network as an effective tool for in-flight diagnosis of structural damage to aircraft components.
Differential release of cardiac enzymes after percutaneous coronary intervention.

We hypothesized that using calcium channel blockers (CCBs) that dilate microvasculature during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) would result in lower postprocedural creatine phosphokinase (CPK). PCI can be complicated by elevated CPK that has been associated with impaired microvascular perfusion. Nitroglycerin (NTG), the conventional PCI vasodilator, dilates epicardial arteries but does not affect the microvasculature. We hypothesized that using CCBs that dilate the microvasculature would result in lower postprocedural CPK values. Patients (n = 816) without evidence of acute myonecrosis undergoing PCI were divided into two groups based on whether they received intracoronary NTG or CCB during PCI. Postprocedural CPK values were compared using a repeated-measures ANOVA and a random coefficient model. By repeated-measures analysis, the NTG group had CPK values of 88%, 83%, and 89% of the CCB group's CPK values at 14 hr after PCI (P = 0.0080, 0.0002, and 0.0244), respectively. In a random coefficient model, the NTG group had CPK values 84%, 84%, and 89% of the CCB group's mean CPK values at 6, 12, and 18 hr after PCI (P = 0.0003, 0.0006, and 0.0403), respectively. Peak CPK values occurred earlier with CCB, although the maximal CPK was similar in both groups. Intracoronary CCB use is associated with an accelerated release of CPK after PCI compared with NTG. This is consistent with more efficient relief of microvascular obstruction with CCB. It suggests that myonecrosis may originate with vascular trauma at the time of PCI and its enzymatic expression is modifiable with different vasodilators.
Post–liver transplantation myocardial dysfunction

Patients with end-stage liver disease usually show a hyperdynamic circulatory state. It has previously been reported that patients who develop myocardial depression in the early post–liver transplantation period are more prone to organ failure and death. We reviewed the records of 754 adult patients undergoing liver transplantation at our institution and identified 7 patients who initially showed hyperdynamic circulation, but then developed reversible dilated cardiomyopathy in the early posttransplantation period. All identifiable causes of cardiac dysfunction, such as myocardial ischemia, thyroid dysfunction, and electrolyte imbalances, were excluded. Left ventricular ejection fraction decreased from a preoperative median baseline of 60% to 20% (P = .02), with four-chamber dilatation on echocardiogram. All these patients required supportive care, including mechanical ventilation, afterload reduction, inotropic support, and monitoring in the intensive care unit. Cardiac function subsequently improved in all patients, with ejection fraction increasing to a median of 50%. All patients were discharged from the hospital. At a median follow-up of 15 months, there was no recurrence of heart failure. The increased peripheral resistance seen after successful liver transplantation may be an important causative factor.
TCIA: An information resource to enable open science

Reusable, publicly available data is a pillar of open science. The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) is an open image archive service supporting cancer research. TCIA collects, de-identifies, curates and manages rich collections of oncology image data. Image data sets have been contributed by 28 institutions and additional image collections are underway. Since June of 2011, more than 2,000 users have registered to search and access data from this freely available resource. TCIA encourages and supports cancer-related open science communities by hosting and managing the image archive, providing project wiki space and searchable metadata repositories. The success of TCIA is measured by the number of active research projects it enables (>40) and the number of scientific publications and presentations that are produced using data from TCIA collections (39).
Parallelism in fast Fourier transform hardware

The fast Fourier transform algorithm is derived by means of successive fracturing of one-dimensional data strings into two-dimensional arrays. Using this formulation, a diagrammatic representation of mixed radix and highest radix FFT algorithms is derived. Using this representation, two broad classes of FFT hard-ware are explored, from the point of view of speed, parallelism, radix number, and type of memory.
Effect of mineral salts, carbachol, and pilocarpine on nutrient digestibility and ruminal characteristics in cattle.

Abstract Fifty percent concentrate diets containing 2% sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, or no additional mineral salts were fed at a rate of 86g dry matter/kg body weight .75 /d to three barren Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas in a 3×3 Latin square design. Dietary adaptation was 14 d followed by 4 d collection. Ruminal pH, liquid volume, liquid dilution rate, and particulate rate of passage were increased with dietary mineral salts. Six Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas were administered .01mg carbochol/kg body weight/d, .10mg pilocarpine/kg body weight/d, or saline placebo via subcutaneous, osmotically controlled pumps in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design. Treatments were administered for a 14-d adaptation period followed by an 8-d collection period. Both carbachol and pilocarpine increased liquid dilution rate, particulate rate of passage, and percent cellulolytic bacteria, whereas liquid volume was reduced.
General framework for the higher-order correlation domain

A general framework that theoretically links the higher-order correlation (HOC) domain with statistical decision theory is explored. This is achieved by showing that the HOC domain provides an equivalent implementation of an average likelihood-ratio function (ALF) under certain conditions. Within this framework, statistics such as the energy of the first- and second-order correlation functions, among others, arise as terms in a power series expansion of an ALF. This ALF is associated with an AWGN-mutilated sinusoidal signal whose frequency is continuous and uniform. General analytical results on detection are produced. Special emphasis is placed on comparing the performance associated with the HOC with those achieved by the standard channelized and radiometric approaches. Receiver operating characteristic expression is also given to determine the effect on the overall performance of truncating the optimal non-linearity at different orders.
The Corps Of Engineers Military Ocean Engineering Related Program

The Corps of Engineers, CE, has a long and varied history of research and development (RD investigations of dredging requirements in coastal channels; hurricane, tsunami and storm surge flooding; and numerical directional spectral wave climatologies. Emerging technologies include development of reliable and quantitative theoretical descriptions of wave-wave interactions that result in a much improved estimation of the directional spectral wave climate. With this emerging technology, when coupled with the National Weather Service's forecast capability, it is conceptually possible to forecast wave, current, and water level conditions and the response of ships to these conditions. Although the basic technology is available; a concentrated multiyear development effort is required for such forecasts to become an operational reality. Experimental technology to accurately investigate directional spectral waves in the laboratory and to perform more advanced studies of breakwaters and harbors and their response to directional spectral waves is rapidly developing. Evolving instrumentation technology for measuring the directional spectrum, currents in the surf zone, sediment concentrations and bathymetric modifications will soon provide us a new set of prototype data from which we will gain a vastly improved comprehension of dynamic nearshore coastal processes. The last and perhaps most important emerging technology is remote sensing. Considerable research and development is required to realize the full potential of remote sensing to specific coastal/ocean engineering projects, but its potential is far-reaching. Remote sensing is the only viable method for obtaining synoptic ocean measurements worldwide. The CE program related to military ocean engineering is almost totally funded from civil works research and development programs which have no military related objectives. Recent concentrated efforts by the CE in actively promoting and successfully culminating interagency and international cooperative research and development projects is enabling us to obtain an improved quality and increased quantity of research products for a smaller investment. The emerging technological spinoffs from our civil works research and development program are an outstanding example of the synergistic benefit gained by military ocean engineering for no direct investment of funds. Conversely, the civil works ocean engineering program benefits directly from output of the Navy's military ocean engineering R&D.
Optimal rotation angles for quasi-orthogonal space-time codes with PSK modulation

Full diversity of quasi-orthogonal space-time block codes with complex signals could be achieved by constellation rotation. In this letter, we derive the optimal rotation angle in the sense of maximizing coding gain for quasi-orthogonal codes with phase-shift keying (PSK) modulation using a geometry-based approach. We also prove that the rotated PSK signals with an even constellation size have higher coding gains (or diversity products) than those with an odd constellation size.
Statistics of subpixel registration algorithms based on spatiotemporal gradients or block matching

Image registration algorithms based on piecewise linear inter- polators (spatiotemporal gradients or block matching) are analyzed to determine subpixel registration accuracy. Results reveal not only random errors due to image noise but also systematic bias present even if the images are noise free. If the displacement between the images is small, bias is small. However, if the displacement between the images is larger than about 1/25 pixel, the bias component of the registration error ex- ceeds the random component for most imaging conditions. Bias also depends on image content: it is generally larger for images with higher spatial frequency content than for images with lower spatial frequency content. We have developed a reduced-bias registration algorithm that takes advantage of the nearly linear relation between image displace- ment and bias that results for small displacements. The new algorithm is direct (noniterative), increases computational costs by approximately a factor of 4, and reduces the bias by approximately a factor of 4. This improvement is large compared to improvement obtained with averag- ing. For our applications, in which imaging noise is typically 50 dB smaller than the signal, registration errors using the new algorithm are smaller than 1/50 pixel. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(98)03804-5)
Andalusite-sillimanite-quartz veins as indicators of low-pressure-high-temperature deformation during late-stage unroofing of a metamorphic core complex, Turkey

Ductilely deformed veins consisting of quartz+andalusite, in which the andalusite is partially replaced by fibrous sillimanite, locally occur in garnet–sillimanite schist near a margin of the Nigde metamorphic core complex in south-central Turkey. Mineral assemblages, reaction textures and structural features of the veins record low-pressure–high-temperature deformation during exhumation of mid-crustal rocks. The partial replacement of andalusite by sillimanite may indicate a late-stage increase in temperature and/or fluid pressure, possibly related to Miocene magmatism, during extensional unroofing of the core complex. Aluminosilicate-bearing veins are observed at the eastern margin of the massif where metapelitic rocks were deformed during unroofing of the core complex. Veins formed in aluminous rocks where deformation-enhanced permeability allowed fluid flow during extensional shear. The cm-scale veins are typically boudinaged and form asymmetric lenses concordant with the host rock foliation and are parallel to the down-dip lineation defined by sillimanite and stretched biotite. Aluminosilicate-bearing boudins record top-to-the-east shear sense, which is compatible with the extensional shear sense displayed by structures in the host rock.
Injury to Cotton by Adult Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) of Different Gender and Reproductive States

ABSTRACT Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a key pest of cotton (Gossypium spp.) in the western United States that injures floral buds (squares) and developing fruit (bolls). However, no clear relationship between Lygus population level and plant injury has been established. Agedependent feeding activity by L. hesperus is a possible source of variation that has not been examined for its influence in studies of the impact of Lygus on cotton. Recent video-based laboratory studies indicated that feeding behaviors and trivial movement varied among L. hesperus adults of different gender and reproductive states (prereproductive; reproductive and unmated; and reproductive and mated). We compared within-plant distributions and accumulations of feeding injury to intact cotton plants corresponding to adult L. hesperus of different gender and reproductive states. Adult females, regardless of reproductive state, were observed on squares and axillary buds more often than were males. Additionally, prereprod...
Some properties of the capacity of MIMO systems with co-channel interference

The mutual information of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system with co-channel interference is considered. Perfect channel information is assumed to be available to the receiver, but the transmitter has no channel information. It is theoretically proved that the worst interference condition is when the total power is equally distributed among all available interfering antennas. Moreover, equal-power interferers give worse performance than unequal-power interferers, and a smaller number of interferers each with larger power degrades performance less than a larger number of interferers each with lower power. Finally, it is shown that, for asymptotically large interference, when the number of interfering antennas, N/sub I/, is smaller than the number of receive antennas, N/sub R/, the system is equivalent to a reduced MIMO system with N/sub R/-N/sub I/ receive antennas. When N/sub I//spl ges/N/sub R/, the mutual information approaches zero as interference becomes asymptotically large.
Light Quark Masses and Isospin Violation

Isospin-violating effects arising from a nonvanishing quark mass difference ${m}_{d}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{u}$ are discussed, in particular for the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ mass-difference question and for ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3\ensuremath{\pi}$ and $\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}+e+\ensuremath{\nu}$ decays. The role of the strong anomaly is emphasized, and exploited to bring out certain relations among heavy-quark, light-quark, and gluon operator matrix elements. The anomaly suppresses isospin-violating effects that might otherwise be substantial for the Bjorken electroproduction sum rule.
Evaluation of one-year mortality after geriatric ankle fractures in patients admitted to nursing homes.

Abstract Introduction The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures will undoubtedly increase as the population continues to grow. Many geriatric patients struggle to function independently after such injury and often require placement into nursing homes. The morbidity and mortality associated with nursing homes is well documented within the field of orthopaedic surgery. However, there is currently no study examining the mortality associated with nursing home placement following hospitalization for an ankle fracture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if geriatric patients admitted to nursing homes following an ankle fracture experience elevated mortality rates. Methods Patients were identified using diagnosis codes for ankle fractures from all 2008 part A Medicare claims, and those admitted to nursing homes were identified using a Minimum Data Set (MDS). The Medicare database was also analyzed for specific variables including over-all one year mortality, length of stay, age distribution, certain demographical characteristics, incidence of medical and surgical complications within 90 days, and the presence of comorbidities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine if patients admitted to nursing homes had elevated mortality rates. Results 19,648 patients with ankle fractures were identified, and 11,625 (59.0%) of these patients went to a nursing home after hospitalization. Patients who went to a nursing home had higher Elixhauser and Deyo–Charlson comorbidity scores ( p p p > 0.05). Discussion Although admission to nursing home was significantly associated with increased mortality in a bivariate statistical model, this significance was lost during multivariate analysis. This suggests that other patient characteristics may play a more prominent role in determining one year mortality following geriatric ankle fractures.
A sensitivity study of ray-tracing based wireless channel simulators using field measurements

Toward the goal of achieving robust ray tracing based channel models this paper compares simulation results using a 3D ray-tracing tool [F. Aryanfar and S. Safavi-Naeini, 1998] vs. field measurements in different environments. The tool has been validated for many outdoor and indoor scenes at different frequency bands and is capable of accurate prediction of wireless channel parameters. To test model robustness, we also examine the sensitivity of the predicted results on inputs such as angular resolution, material properties and detail of geometry.
Congruification: support for time scaling large phylogenetic trees

Summary 1. Approaches for efficient statistical estimation of large phylogenies are now available (Bioinformatics, 2006, 22, 2688), and yet we lack adequate tools for synthesizing information from previous analyses into large timetrees. Here, we present a cross-platform R tool that integrates with tree of life efforts by mapping divergence times from an existing timetree (a ‘reference’) to another uncalibrated phylogeny (a ‘target’) that samples from the same lineage. Leveraging existing methods for rate-smoothing phylograms, this tool enables the rapid generation of very large timetrees where direct estimation of the timing of lineage diversification is either impracticable or impossible. 2. The primary output of the tool is to return divergence times for nodes resolved as concordant between the reference and target. Given the computed set of secondary calibrations, post hoc tree transformation can be accomplished using existing resources that assume either a strict or relaxed evolutionary clock. 3. Our software is provided open source in theGEIGER package (http://cran.r-project.org/package=geiger) and is thoroughly demonstrated in the Supporting Information.
The Contribution of Social Movement Theory to Understanding Terrorism

The study of terrorism and political violence has been characterized by a lack of generalizable theory and methodology. This essay proposes that social movement theory can contribute a necessary conceptual framework for understanding terrorism and thus reviews the relevant literature and discusses possible applications. Terrorism is a form of contentious politics, analyzable with the basic social movement approach of mobilizing resources, political opportunity structure, and framing. Cultural perspectives call attention to issues of collective identity that allow for sustained militancy, and movement research recommends alternative conceptions of terrorist networks. Previous research on movement radicalization, repression, and cycles of contention has direct bearing on militancy. Emerging perspectives on transnational collective action and the diffusion of tactics and issues informs an understanding of contemporary international terrorism. Research on movement outcomes suggests broader ways of considering the efficacy of political violence. Finally, methodological debates within the study of social movements are relevant for research on terrorism. In sum, a social movement approach to terrorism has much to contribute, and research on terrorism could have important extensions and implications for social movement theory.
Determinants of endurance in well-trained cyclists

Fourteen competitive cyclists who possessed a similar maximum O2 consumption (VO2 max; range, 4.6–5.0 l/min) were compared regarding blood lactate responses, glycogen usage, and endurance during su...
Initial Treatment of Dialysis Associated Peritonitis: A Controlled Trial of Vancomycin versus Cefazolin:

ObjectiveTo determine if intraperitoneal administration of vancomycin (a slowly absorbed antibiotic) im proves the management of dialysis-associated peritonitis over that obtained by using cefazoli...
Location of the active contact within the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Background Chronic electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of medically refractory idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The clinically most relevant location of stimulation within the physiologically defined STN has not been confirmed. We reviewed the locations of active electrical contacts in 33 patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral STN deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation. Methods The location of the microelectrode-defined dorsal STN border was compared to the location of the center of the active contact(s) employed in achieving optimal clinical results 6 to 18 months postoperatively. Furthermore, the location of this optimal contact was determined with respect to each individual patient's midcommissural point. Bilateral monopolar stimulation was employed in 30 patients using quadripolar DBS electrodes. Results After a minimum follow-up period of 6 months, the motor subscores (UPDRS Part III) in the postoperative on-stimulation/off-medication state were 64 ± 18% (mean ± SD) improved as compared to the preoperative off-medication state (p < 0.01). Additionally, an improvement of 53 ± 38% was noted when comparing the postoperative on-stimulation/on-medication state to the preoperative on-medication state (p < 0.01). On average, the center of the optimal contact was 13.3 mm lateral, 0.5 mm posterior, 0.1 mm inferior to the mid-commissural point and was 0.1 ± 2.1 mm dorsal to the physiologically defined dorsal STN border. Conclusions While the achieved clinical results are comparable to those published in the literature, it appears that monopolar electrical stimulation at the anterior dorsolateral border of the STN yields optimal clinical results. Further studies are crucial in determining the precise mechanism of various modes of DBS in an effort to maximize clinical outcome.
Decoding Prejudice Toward Hispanics: Group Cues and Public Reactions to Threatening Immigrant Behavior

Consistent with theories of modern racism, we argue that white, non-Hispanic Americans have adopted a “coded,” race-neutral means of expressing prejudice toward Hispanic immigrants by citing specific behaviors that are deemed inappropriate—either because they are illegal or threatening in an economic or cultural manner. We present data from a series of nationally representative, survey-embedded experiments to tease out the distinct role that anti-Hispanic prejudice plays in shaping public opinion on immigration. Our results show that white Americans take significantly greater offense to transgressions such as being in the country illegally, “working under the table,” and rejecting symbols of American identity, when the perpetrating immigrant is Hispanic rather than White (or unspecified). In addition, we demonstrate that these ethnicity-based group differences in public reactions shape support for restrictive immigration policies. The findings from this article belie the claim of non-prejudice and race-neutrality avowed by many opponents of immigration.