cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced teaching of screening mammography using an electronic format.

Rationale and Objectives Most mammography teaching materials provide only diagnostic images, often with obvious findings due to space constraints. In this work, we describe a method of incorporating full resolution digitized screening mammograms in text teaching file documents to enhance teaching of screening mammography. Methods Teaching cases are constructed in a word processing document with images inserted. The four view screening mammogram is presented first and may be opened in an image viewing program using an embedded hyperlink to view at high resolution, similar to using a magnifying glass. The screening study is followed by feedback and presentation of diagnostic images. Feedback is again provided, followed by diagnosis, differential diagnosis, discussion, and references. A six-question survey of residents and fellows using 5-point Likert scales was used to assess performance. Results Teaching cases in this format mimic clinical practice by separately presenting screening and diagnostic views. Mammograms may be viewed at high resolution, allowing incorporation of subtle findings to build detection skills. Inclusion of diagnostic views builds judgment and management skills. Survey results from 15 residents and 2 fellows found a mean overall rating of the teaching file of 1.6 (1 = excellent, 5 = poor). Conclusions Screening mammograms with subtle findings can be incorporated into breast teaching cases by embedding hyperlinks to open images at high resolution in an image-processing program.
Tunable wavelength dependent nanoswitches enabled by simple plasmonic core-shell particles

In this paper we demonstrate the feasibility of using a plasmonic core-shell particle to function as a wavelength dependent switch for integration into nanoantenna structures. First, a quasistatic analysis is performed and the necessary conditions are derived which allow the particle to operate in either a short- or an open-circuit state. These conditions dictate that the core and the shell permittivity values need to have opposite sign. Consequently, at optical wavelengths where noble metals are modeled as Drude dielectrics, these conditions can be easily realized. As a matter of fact, it is demonstrated that a realistic core-shell particle can exhibit both the short- and open-circuit states, albeit at different wavelengths. Our analysis is extended by examining the same problem beyond the quasistatic limit. For this task we utilize an inhomogeneous spherical transmission line representation of the core-shell particle. The conditions are derived for the particle that yield either an input admittance or impedance equal to zero. It is further demonstrated that these conditions are the short wavelength generalization of their quasistatic counterparts.
Identification of Appropriate CFD Models for Simulating Aerosol Particle and Droplet Indoor Transport

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been widely used to predict indoor particle and droplet transport and dispersion. CFD solves simplified conservative equations that describe the major characteristics of particle and droplet indoor movement, along with the flow governing equations. This paper reviews the principles of three prevalent CFD models for indoor particle and droplet simulation: the lazy particle model, isothermal particle model and vaporizing droplet model, with a focus on the disparities between these models. The study verifies that different particle and droplet models provide distinct simulation results in which size of particle and droplet is a critical factor. To justify proper application of these models for particles and droplets with different sizes, the paper theoretically analyzes the Lagrangian transport equations for particle and droplet and identifies two crucial time numbers – particle momentum response time and evaporation lifetime. Upon these numbers, two new indices have been introduced – Stokes number and evaporation effectiveness number, which can be used as simple criteria to guide the model selection. The case studies confirm the value of the indices and provide the rules of thumb for determining appropriate CFD models for particle and droplet indoor transport under typical room conditions.
Anisotropic Elastic Modulus of Oriented Regioregular Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Films

Specific morphological features of polymer semiconductors are often promoted in devices to optimize optoelectronic behavior. Less studied is the role of morphology on the mechanical properties of the film, such as elastic modulus, which is an important property for the development of flexible and stretchable devices. To gain insight into the morphological origin of elasticity in polymer semiconductors and its relationship to charge transport, we study the anisotropic in-plane elastic modulus of strain-aligned regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) films and compare the results to previously measured field effect charge mobility. The film morphology is varied through the amount of applied strain and post strain thermal annealing. Morphological characterization includes UV–vis optical spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The elastic modulus is measured using a buckling-based measurement technique. The elastic modulus of the film is found to decrease as the film is plastically strained. Thermally annealin...
Was it Really a Housing Bubble

This paper develops a dynamic general equilibrium model to study house prices over the 1995-2005 period. I find that changes in the household income process and down payment requirements combined can account for the increase in house prices and price-rent ratios. The increase in real household income and the decline in down payment requirements shift households demand toward owner-occupied housing, which, together with inelastic housing supply, causes house prices and price-rent ratios to increase. Moreover, the model also implies that house prices would drop about 19\% if down payment requirements were to be restored to the pre-1995 level.
Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Econometrics

This book interweaves inferential approaches and theory and practice in econometrics. Basic statistical and linear algebra concepts are introduced as they are needed to give life to the statistical model under study. Most econometric applications start with a tentative theory or hypothesis a sample of data and the goal of learning something about the phenomena under study from the limited set of observations. Therefore a sample of data that may be used to investigate a particular economic hypothesis is presented to motivate the analysis of each of the statistical models presented. This linkage between the economic process that is thought to have generated the data and a particular statistical model is a unifying theme throughout the book. It progresses from the special case of investigating the possibilities for determining the location and scale parameters for a population from a sample of observations to investigating a complex simultaneous system of structural equations under general stochastic assumptions. To ensure that the reader understands the basic concepts and conclusions as they relate to linear statistical models simple special case models are evaluated and then the analysis is repeated for the general case. The 1st half of book gives the student a solid introduction to the formulation and use of linear statistical models. The 2nd half introduces the student to the econometric problems that arise when it is taken into account that economic data are stochastic dynamic and simultaneous and that the optimal statistical procedure sometimes changes as we change the statistical model the amount and type of information used and the measure of performance.
Synthesis of a model triblock for novel thermoplastic elastomers

Abstract Thus far, we have been successful in preparing novel diblock and triblock copolymers comprised of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(butyl vinyl ether). Future work will focus on studying the morphology of both the diblock and triblock copolymers. Moreover, we are also interested in synthesizing triblocks with long poly(butyl vinyl ether) segments and short PMMA segments, since these polymers have the potential for exhibiting good elastomeric properties.
Elevated-temperature low-cycle fatigue behavior of different heats of type 304 stainless steel

The low-cycle fatigue results of three heats of Type 304 stainless steel have been ob-tained at 593°C under selected cyclic-loading conditions. The results are compared with those generated for a reference heat of steel for which extensive low-cycle fatigue data are available. Observation of the microstructures of specimens in the pretest condition after a given heat treatment and examination of fatigue fracture surfaces were con-ducted by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. The three heats of stainless steel, which exhibit different microstructural features, show approximately the same continuous-cycling low-cycle fatigue behavior as that of the re-ference heat. However, the three materials show improved fatigue strength during tensile hold-time conditions where significant creep occurs. The fatigue properties determined in the present study for the different heats of steel are consistent with the observed mi-crostructural features. Finally, the creep-fatigue properties of the heats as well as the microstructural observations are discussed in terms of a damage-rate approach re-cently developed by the authors.
Soil Oribatei. I. Feeding specificity among forest soil Oribatei (Acarina)

Large numbers of living soil mites were obtained efficiently through extraction with Berlese funnels, collection in water, filtration through Buchner funnels, and separation from glass saucers following moderate drying. The foods used in the tests were (1) freshly fallen wood, conifer needles, and leaves, (2) these same substances in unknown but later stages of decay, (3) known species of wood decayed by known, uncontaminated species of fungi, and (4) individual species of uncontaminated fungi. Ten oribatid species were strictly fungivorous; eight fed primarily upon decaying wood and leaf tissues; and the remainder selected samples of each of the foregoing. The oribatids displayed considerable selectivity toward 20 species of fungi. Wood feeding could take place on Pinus ponderosa inoculated with Lenzites trabea only if at least a 6-week period of decay had elapsed; leaves of sugar maple, Acer saccharum , decayed with L. trabea , were amenable to oribatid feeding within a 2-week decay period. None of the organisms tested could feed on any fresh wood, needle, or leaf tissue, and none was observed feeding on dead oribatids, aphids, Collembola, or other animals.
Initiation of Electron Transport Activity and a Decrease of Oxidative Stress Occur Simultaneously during Embryonic Heart Development

Mitochondria in early embryonic hearts are not thought to produce ATP, yet they do produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that regulate myocyte differentiation. To assess changes in ATP and ROS generation in the developing heart, we measured mitochondrial oxygen consumption, the activity of the complexes (Cx) 1 and 2 of the electron transport chain (ETC), ETC supercomplex assembly, and ROS in embryonic mouse hearts. At embryonic day (E) 9.5, mitochondrial ETC activity and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are not coupled, even though the ETC complexes are present. We show that Cx-1 is able to accept electrons from the Krebs cycle, but enzyme assays that specifically measure electron flow to ubiquinone or Cx-3 show no activity at this early embryonic stage. At E11.5, mitochondria appear functionally more mature; ETC activity and OXPHOS are coupled and respond to ETC inhibitors. In addition, the assembly of highly efficient respiratory supercomplexes containing Cx −1, −3, and −4, ubiquinone, and cytochrome c begins at E11.5, the exact time when Cx-1 becomes functional activated. At E13.5, ETC activity and OXPHOS of embryonic heart mitochondria are indistinguishable from adult mitochondria. In contrast, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as measured with Amplex Red, is high at E9.5 and drops significantly by E11.5, coinciding with activation of the ETC. In summary, our data suggest that between E9.5 and E11.5 dramatic changes occur in the mitochondria of the embryonic heart, which result in a decrease of ROS generation and an increase in OXPHOS due to the activation of Cx-1 and the formation of supercomplexes.
Changes in corticosterone levels after severe stress in the rat.

SummaryFluorometric measurement of free plasma corticosterone in rats after sustaining a burn in 70°C water indicated an increased concentration at 3 hours after stress with a gradual return toward normal by 48 hours after stress. Hematocrit values and average plasma volumes indicated the greatest hemoconcentration at 3 hours after stress. Volume of tissue fluid obtained from edematous areas was largest at 12 hours after stress. Measurements of free corticosterone in “burn tissue fluid” indicated that the maximum value occurred at 3 hours after stress.
Occupant Injury Severity and Accident Causes in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (1983-2014).

BACKGROUND: Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transport critically ill patients to/between emergency care facilities and operate in a hazardous environment: the destination site is often encumbered with obstacles, difficult to visualize at night, and lack instrument approaches for degraded visibility. The study objectives were to determine 1) HEMS accident rates and causes; 2) occupant injury severity profiles; and 3) whether accident aircraft were certified to the more stringent crashworthiness standards implemented two decades ago. METHODS: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) aviation accident database was used to identify HEMS mishaps for the years spanning 1983-2014. Contingency tables (Pearson Chi-square or Fisher's exact test) were used to determine differences in proportions. A generalized linear model (Poisson distribution) was used to determine if accident rates differed over time. RESULTS: While the HEMS accident rate decreased by 71% across the study period, the fraction of fatal accidents (36-50%) and the injury severity profiles were unchanged. None of the accident aircraft fully satisfied the current crashworthiness standards. Failure to clear obstacles and visual-to-instrument flight, the most frequent accident causes (37 and 26%, respectively), showed a downward trend, whereas accidents ascribed to aircraft malfunction showed an upward trend over time. CONCLUSION: HEMS operators should consider updating their fleet to the current, more stringent crashworthiness standards in an attempt to reduce injury severity. Additionally, toward further mitigating accidents ascribed to inadvertent visual-to-instrument conditions, HEMS aircraft should be avionics-equipped for instrument flight rules flight. Boyd DD, Macchiarella ND. Occupant injury severity and accident causes in helicopter emergency medical services (1983-2014). Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(1):26-31. Language: en
The role of surgery for treatment of low back pain: insights from the randomized controlled Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trials

Low back pain (LBP) is a common medical problem with high morbidity and healthcare costs. The optimal management strategy, including the role of surgical intervention, remains controversial. The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trials were randomized controlled studies conducted to assess the effectiveness of surgery for three of the most common conditions implicated in LBP: Intervertebral disc herniation, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. Despite challenges in data interpretation related to patient cross over, these studies support the efficacy of surgery as treatment for these three common conditions.
Highly sensitive protein detection using a plasmonic field effect transistor(Conference Presentation)

Localized surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) is a nanoscale phenomenon which presents strong resonance associated with noble metal nanostructures. This plasmon resonance based technology enables highly sensitive detection for chemical and biological applications. Recently, we have developed a plasmon field effect transistor (FET) that enables direct plasmonic-to-electric signal conversion with signal amplification. The plasmon FET consists of back-gated field effect transistor incorporated with gold nanoparticles on top of the FET channel. The gold nanostructures are physically separated from transistor electrodes and can be functionalized for a specific biological application. In this presentation, we report a successful demonstration of a model system to detect Con A proteins using Carbohydrate linkers as a capture molecule. The plasmon FET detected a very low concentration of Con A (0.006 mg/L) while it offers a wide dynamic range of 0.006-50 mg/L. In this demonstration, we used two-color light sources instead of a bulky spectrometer to achieve high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. The details of two-color based differential measurement method will be discussed. This novel protein-based sensor has several advantages such as extremely small size for point-of-care system, multiplexing capability, no need of complex optical geometry.
Test method for nominal discharge current and discharge capacity of surge protection device

This paper points out that the surge protection device (SPD) is solely a protecting element and only performs the voltage-limiting function in the five major technical measures of lightning protection for electronic information systems in buildings. Setting the nominal discharge current (I_n ) of SPD at 30 kA,40 kA,60 kA,80 kA and 100 kA is unnecessary,as setting I_n of SPD at 5 kA,10 kA,20 kA can satisfy general demands. As for the test method of the maximum discharge capacity of SPD with I_n being 5 kA,10 kA,20 kA at 8/20 μs,it is suggested that the impulse current of 10 kA,20 kA,40 kA at 8/20 μs be adopted,and the impulses be made for 4×5 times,i.e. in 4 groups and 5 times per group; the groups should be arranged at 25～30 min intervals and the impulses in each group at 1 min intervals. This method is convenient and can ensure enough accumulated thermal effect of discharge energy of SPD.
Heparan sulfate proteoglycan and FGF receptor target basic FGF to different intracellular destinations

Basic FGF is a prototype of a family of heparin binding growth factors that regulate a variety of cellular responses including cell growth, morphogenesis and differentiation. At least two families of receptors bind bFGF and could mediate its response: (1) tyrosine kinase-containing FGF receptors, designated FGFR-1 to FGFR-4, and (2) heparan sulfate proteoglycans that bind bFGF through their heparan sulfate chains. Both are known to undergo internalization and thus bFGF bound to the different receptors may be internalized via more than one pathway. It is not known whether the intracellular fate of bFGF differs depending upon which receptor binds it at the cell surface. To investigate the respective roles of these receptors in the intracellular targeting of bFGF, we utilized NMuMG cells that bind and internalize bFGF through their heparan sulfate proteoglycans, but do not express detectable levels of FGFRs nor respond to bFGF. Basic FGF conjugated to saporin (bFGF-saporin) was used as a probe to study targeting of bFGF by the different receptors. Saporin is a cytotoxin that has no effect on cells if added exogenously. However, it kills cells if it gains access to the cytoplasm. The NMuMG cells internalize bFGF-saporin but are not killed. Transfecting these cells with FGFR-1 results in bFGF-responsive cells, which bind and internalize bFGF through FGFR-1, and are killed. Removing the heparan sulfate from these cells eliminates killing by bFGF-saporin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
David Hume as a Neoclassical Historian

A rich secondary literature has developed around Hume’s History of England. In the role of historian, Hume has been described as a reformer of British political culture,1 a Baconian natural historian of morals,2 a failed scientific historian,3 a reactionary struggling with the liberalism of his early career,4 a ‘scientific’ whig who transcended political parties,5 a student of the ‘science of man,’6 a ‘practical’ moralist.7 While most recent studies of Hume have focused on his central place in the history of modern philosophy and his History as somehow a part of that philosophy, they have tended to lose sight of Hume’s ties to classical historiography,8 ties Hume as well as his original readers readily acknowledged. It is the contention of this Chapter that Hume and his audience saw the History as a neoclassical work intended to solve the weakness in English historiography. Perhaps above all other ambitions, Hume’s most ardent wish was to construct such a work. It is the task of this Chapter to show how the various philosophical and political projects just mentioned could be subsumed in a neoclassical narrative that would earn a European reputation as a literary masterpiece.
Barbatianus in Late Antiquity

This chapter explores the fifth-century world of saints and empresses in Ravenna, which served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire for three quarters of that century. The saints who came to Ravenna were both foreign and local, and many found themselves within the orbit of the empress Galla Placidia, who was recognized for her patronage both in that city and in Rome, and her relationships to the bishop of Ravenna and the pope. Highlighted are the connections between the empress and the local saints, such as Barbatianus, as well as those from further afield, especially Germanus of Auxerre.
Note: Improved heater design for high-temperature hollow cathodes

We present an improved heater design for thermionic cathodes using a rhenium filament encased in a boron nitride ceramic sleeve. This heater is relatively simple to fabricate, yet has been successfully used to reliably and repeatably light a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) hollow cathode based on a previously published design without noticeable filament degradation over hundreds of hours of operation. The high decomposition temperature of boron nitride (2800 C for inert environments) and melting point for rhenium (3180 C) make this heater especially attractive for use with LaB6, which may require operating temperatures upwards of 1700 C. While boron nitride decomposes in air above 1000 C, the heater was used only at vacuum with an inert gas discharge, and no degradation was observed. Limitations of current state of the art cathode heaters are also discussed and compared with the rhenium-boron nitride combination.
Testosterone Therapy in a Man with Intermediate-risk Prostate Cancer: Pro

The original prohibition of testosterone therapy for men with prostate cancer was based on outdated concepts developed more than 70 yr ago. Current evidence, although limited, provides consistently reassuring results that testosterone therapy may be reasonably offered to many men with prostate cancer. These men may experience valuable benefits in quality of life if they suffer from symptoms of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism).
How does short selling affect liquidity in financial markets

Abstract The paper seeks to determine whether short selling increases or decreases liquidity in U.S. equity markets. On one hand, prior research indicates that short sellers may act, at times, as liquidity providers. On the other hand, other research in market microstructure argues that spreads will widen in the presence of informed traders – a classification generally given to short sellers. Results from a series of new, multivariate time-series tests show that exogenous shocks to short selling activity generally lead to a widening of bid-ask spreads in smaller-cap stocks. The results, however, do not hold for larger-cap stocks.
Managerial Choice About the Interests of Others: Psychological and Normative Dimensions

This paper investigates the relevance of certain research in psychology to normative issues about the ascription of managerial responsibility and about the design of managerial organizations. It argues that while the discussed psychological research has significant implications, these may not be the implications claimed by psychologists. The paper examines relevant research in the psychology of heuristics and the psychology of obedience. It argues that this research tends to establish that experimental subjects take deontology seriously, and that phenomena that psychologists dismiss as irrational may be better understood as a rejection of consequentialism.
Seasonal temperature acclimatization in a semi-fossorial mammal and the role of burrows as thermal refuges

Small mammals in habitats with strong seasonal variation in the thermal environment often exhibit physiological and behavioral adaptations for coping with thermal extremes and reducing thermoregulatory costs. Burrows are especially important for providing thermal refuge when above-ground temperatures require high regulatory costs (e.g., water or energy) or exceed the physiological tolerances of an organism. Our objective was to explore the role of burrows as thermal refuges for a small endotherm, the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), during the summer and winter by quantifying energetic costs associated with resting above and below ground. We used indirect calorimetry to determine the relationship between energy expenditure and ambient temperature over a range of temperatures that pygmy rabbits experience in their natural habitat. We also measured the temperature of above- and below-ground rest sites used by pygmy rabbits in eastern Idaho, USA, during summer and winter and estimated the seasonal thermoregulatory costs of resting in the two microsites. Although pygmy rabbits demonstrated seasonal physiological acclimatization, the burrow was an important thermal refuge, especially in winter. Thermoregulatory costs were lower inside the burrow than in above-ground rest sites for more than 50% of the winter season. In contrast, thermal heterogeneity provided by above-ground rest sites during summer reduced the role of burrows as a thermal refuge during all but the hottest periods of the afternoon. Our findings contribute to an understanding of the ecology of small mammals in seasonal environments and demonstrate the importance of burrows as thermal refuge for pygmy rabbits.
Sub-cycle light bullets in the long-wavelength infrared

Carrier-resolved unidirectional pulse propagation equations are used to model mid- and long-wavelength infrared laser filamentation in ZnSe, revealing a novel propagation regime where sub-cycle light bullets propagate stably with a critical dependence on plasma.
Topographic Mapping of Brain Electrical Activity: Clinical Applications and Issues

Among those employing cartography there is universal enthusiasm, and the comment is often heard that computerized quantification and mapping will carry neurophysiology into the 21st century. The number of manufacturers offering mapping devices has moved from zero in 1984 to 14 as of early 1987. The reasons behind the general optimism are worthy of review.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Pituitary Adenomas: Imaging, Visual and Endocrine Results

To determine the endocrine, ophthalmologic, and tumor growth control responses after stereotactic radiosurgery using the gamma unit, we reviewed our experience in 35 patients with pituitary adenomas. Twenty-four females and 11 males (mean age 47 years, range 9–81 years) had radiosurgery with average follow-up of 26 months (range 6–60 months). Most patients were refractory to surgical removal.
Portable Ventilation/Perfusion Scanning is Useful for Evaluating Clinically Significant Pulmonary Embolism in the ICU Despite Abnormal Chest Radiography.

Objective:Computed tomography angiography is limited in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to renal insufficiency, hemodynamic instability, and difficulty transporting unstable patients. A portable ...
An Analysis and Calculation on the Problems of CVT Caused by Capacitor Element Breakdown

Based on the equipment problems of capacitor voltage transformer (CVT) caused by capacitor element breakdown and the analyzed situation towards these equipments, this research made tests on the CVT and calculated the tested data, capacitor element numbers, and capacitance theoretically, and finally put up with the fluctuation value range for detecting the secondary voltage of CVT and the strategies for operation and maintenance, which will improve the problem-finding probability of CVT by detecting secondary voltage.
Boris Raux, olfactory narcissism, and environmental risk

ABSTRACTThis article develops the concept of “olfactory narcissism” through an analysis of Boris Raux’s multi-media artworks. Approaching narcissism through the sense of smell, Raux frames the self in insistently material, trans-corporeal terms. His olfactory projects thus explore questions about the porous self and the ethical and environmental stakes of “deodorization” and olfactory self-fashioning. The paper explores how olfactory aesthetics can contribute to a deeper understanding of modernity’s atmospheric practices as well as their implications for subject formation, social relations, and environmental health.
Scene Induced Multi-Modal Trajectory Forecasting via Planning.

We address multi-modal trajectory forecasting of agents in unknown scenes by formulating it as a planning problem. We present an approach consisting of three models; a goal prediction model to identify potential goals of the agent, an inverse reinforcement learning model to plan optimal paths to each goal, and a trajectory generator to obtain future trajectories along the planned paths. Analysis of predictions on the Stanford drone dataset, shows generalizability of our approach to novel scenes.
A novel APOA1 mutation in a patient with renal amyloidosis: unveiling amyloid by next-generation sequencing.

Amyloidosis is a disorder characterized by the accumulation of misfolded beta-sheet structures into different organs, including kidneys and heart. Since clinical presentation and pathological morph...
Linking Gender, Language, and Partisanship: Developing a Database of Masculine and Feminine Words:

Seemingly, gender, language, and partisanship are intertwined concepts. We believe that the use of gendered language in political settings may be used strategically by political elites. The purpose...
The Autobiographical Documentary

In this chapter, I critically assess the ability of autobiographical documentary to convey an authentic portrayal of the self and analyze the cinematic means through which autobiographical documentaries may be able to do so. I compare and outline the chief differences between autobiographical documentaries and literary memoirs and assess the ways in which cognitive analysis of film and post-structuralist accounts within film theory and documentary studies have dealt with the distinction between fiction and nonfiction. I lastly consider new avenues of autobiographical expression such as the ones potentially offered by social media, blogs, video diaries, personal websites, and so on.
1 – Computational Complexity

Publisher Summary The first level of the basic computational theory specifies the task, its appropriateness, and the implementation strategy. The representation and algorithm specify the computational approach in terms of input and output representations, and the corresponding transformations. The hardware specifies the actual implementation. Vision is a sequence of transformations, some of them carried out in parallel, that captures some invariant aspects of the world. The invariance helps one to recognize and move around to perform safely, despite image variability. Computational complexity issues are broad and pervasive in the development of a perceptual theory that models perception computationally.
Seed and Planting Management

Proper seed management can significantly impact subsequent crop growth. Selecting high-quality seed is an essential first step for growing a quality potato crop. Planting certified seed will minimize seed-related problems, but growers also need to cut seed pieces to the correct size and plant them accurately and efficiently. This chapter will discuss seed selection, seed piece preparation, and effective planting protocols.
The center effect in kidney transplantation.

A "center effect," variability in outcome unrelated to case mix or chance, is a recognized determinant of outcome in kidney transplantation. Since earliest investigation, center size (volume) has been its primary surrogate. Transplantation has matured, and outcomes have progressively and uniformly improved, narrowing short-term differences between centers. Does the center effect still exist? And if so, what is its nature, beyond usual donor, transplant organ and recipient characteristics, which has been elusive?
Reducing infant catheterization in the emergency department through clean-catch urine collection.

Objective Our emergency department (ED) traditionally relied on urethral catheterization to obtain urine cultures when evaluating infants for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Catheterization is associated with adverse effects, and recent studies have demonstrated clean-catch urine methods can be successfully used to obtain urine cultures. We pursued a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed at decreasing the frequency of urethral catheterizations in our ED by using an established clean-catch technique to obtain infant urine cultures. Methods We implemented a clean-catch urine collection method, which we entitled "Bladder Massage," for infants 0-6 months of age needing a urine culture in our ED. Exclusions included critical illness, known urologic abnormality, or prior UTI diagnosis. Our primary interventions were educational initiatives. We retrospectively collected data regarding the use of bladder massage. Our balancing measure was the contamination rate of urine cultures obtained via bladder massage technique compared to catheterization. Results In our first-year post-implementation, we identified 334 eligible patients. Bladder massage was attempted on 136/334 (40.7%) eligible infants, with 87/136 (64%) successful attempts, thus avoiding catheterization in 26.1% of patients. Our baseline contamination rate from catheterization was 8/488 (1.6%), compared to 10/87 (12%) using bladder massage (P < 0.001), with 9/10 contaminants from female patients. Conclusion We successfully introduced a method for clean-catch urine cultures in our pediatric ED, averting the need for urethral catheterization in many well-appearing infants. Ongoing efforts must focus on reduction of contamination in females, increased technique usage, and electronic health record changes to facilitate documentation to continue method use.
Development of a Flexible and Wireless ECG Monitoring Device

A flexible wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) device was fabricated for monitoring physiological signals in wearable biomedical applications. The ECG device consists of dry electrodes and a readout module. The dry electrode was fabricated by depositing multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite on a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) substrate with screen printed silver (Ag) layer. The readout module with wireless data transmission capability was designed and fabricated on a flexible polyimide substrate. The ECG device was attached to a fabric, and its performance was investigated by measuring the ECG signals and comparing the signals with the results of conventional wet Ag/AgCl ECG electrode ECG signals. It was observed that the device demonstrated equal performance in terms of signal intensity and correlation when compared to the conventional wet ECG electrodes. The methodology and results of the device are analyzed and presented in this paper.
Effect of calcium content on the dissolution rate of dolomites in HCl acid

Abstract In previous dissolution studies, dolomite has been commonly assumed to have an ideal composition of CaMg(CO3)2. The objectives of this work are to determine (1) if dolomites composing hydrocarbon reservoir rocks vary in chemical composition, specifically Ca content, and (2) the effect of Ca uptake on the dissolution rate of dolomite in HCl acid. Dolomitic reservoir rocks from different sources were analyzed using several techniques, including: X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and acid solubility. Most dolomites are Fe/Mn poor and nonstoichiometric with 1.02
Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and the First Week After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

This chapter outlines the diagnosis and management of aneurysmal SAH during the first week of management. It addresses stabilization, assessment of severity, acute care, definitive treatment of the aneurysm, prevention of additional hemorrhage, and management of common complications. The chapter details grading systems for monitoring and assessing a patient’s ongoing condition. The chapter also elaborates on key recommendations for acute management, including immediate assessment and stabilization of the airway, circulation, and respiration. We discuss early treatments for these patients including addressing hydrocephalus with an EVD, strict management of blood pressure with administration of antihypertensive agents, and cessation of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy. Because the risk of acute rebleed and long-term prevention of rebleed is not completely attenuated until an unsecured aneurysm is repaired by microsurgical clipping or endovascular intervention, these interventions should be pursued as soon as possible. Treatment then focuses on prevention of delayed cerebral ischemia and management of immediate neurological and medical complications including, but not limited to, fever, hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, vasospasm, cardiac and pulmonary complications, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and anemia.
Stereotactic-EEG-guided radiofrequency multiple hippocampal transection (SEEG-guided-RF-MHT) for the treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: a minimally invasive method for diagnosis and treatment

For the treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy on the language-dominant side in patients at high risk of memory decline, we propose a minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment technique, adopting the principles of multiple hippocampal transections (MHT) using stereo-electroencephalography-guided radiofrequency (SEEG-guided-RF-MHT). This new technique allows targeting of the longitudinal fibers in the hippocampus critical for seizure spreading, while sparing the transverse circuits which are considered important for memory processing and avoiding discomfort and longer post-operatory recovery time associated with craniotomies. We report the efficacy and safety of this procedure in a preliminary observational study of cases. Five patients at high risk of memory decline, including three with non-lesional hippocampi on MRI, had temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) necessitating depth electrode implantation. A new strategy of SEEG electrode placement was used to mimic MHT. After confirming hippocampal seizure onset, all the patients had three linear ablations perpendicular to the amigdalohippocampal complex. The procedure was performed at the patient's bedside with the patient awake during the full length of the procedure. Four out of five patients were seizure-free (average follow up: 14-18 months). There were no associated complications. Visual inspection of brain MRI of patients at six months following SEEG-guided RF-MHT showed significant hippocampal volume preservation. Subjects who received the procedure in the dominant side reported no subjective memory complaints in the follow-up clinic assessments at six months. Our preliminary seizure outcome seems very promising since the majority of our patients (four out of five patients) were seizure-free. Since no lesions are made outside the amygdalo-hippocampal complex using this technique and the temporal stem remains intact, more favorable memory and language outcome is expected in patients at high risk of memory decline.
Measurements From Ears With Endolymphatic Hydrops and 2-Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Provide Evidence That Loudness Recruitment Can Have a Cochlear Origin

Background: Loudness recruitment is commonly experienced by patients with putative endolymphatic hydrops. Loudness recruitment is abnormal loudness growth with high-level sounds being perceived as having normal loudness even though hearing thresholds are elevated. The traditional interpretation of recruitment is that cochlear amplification has been reduced. Since the cochlear amplifier acts primarily at low sound levels, an ear with elevated thresholds from reduced cochlear amplification can have normal processing at high sound levels. In humans, recruitment can be studied using perceptual loudness but in animals physiological measurements are used. Recruitment in animal auditory-nerve responses has never been unequivocally demonstrated because the animals used had damage to sensory and neural cells, not solely a reduction of cochlear amplification. Investigators have thus looked for, and found, evidence of recruitment in the auditory central nervous system (CNS). While studies on CNS recruitment are informative, they cannot rule out the traditional interpretation of recruitment originating in the cochlea. Design: We used techniques that could assess hearing function throughout entire frequency- and dynamic-range of hearing. Measurements were made from two animal models: guinea-pig ears with endolymphatic-sac-ablation surgery to produce endolymphatic hydrops, and naive guinea-pig ears with cochlear perfusions of 13 mM 2-Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin (HPBCD) in artificial perilymph. Endolymphatic sac ablation caused low-frequency loss. Animals treated with HPBCD had hearing loss at all frequencies. None of these animals had loss of hair cells or synapses on auditory nerve fibers. Results: In ears with endolymphatic hydrops and those perfused with HPBCD, auditory-nerve based measurements at low frequencies showed recruitment compared to controls. Recruitment was not found at high frequencies (> 4 kHz) where hearing thresholds were normal in ears with endolymphatic hydrops and elevated in ears treated with HPBCD. Conclusions: We found compelling evidence of recruitment in auditory-nerve data. Such clear evidence has never been shown before. Our findings suggest that, in patients suspected of having endolymphatic hydrops, loudness recruitment may be a good indication that the associated low-frequency hearing loss originates from a reduction of cochlear amplification, and that measurements of recruitment could be used in differential diagnosis and treatment monitoring of Meniere's disease.
The geography problem for irreducible spin four-manifolds

We study the geography problem for smooth irreducible simplyconnected spin four-manifolds. For a large class of hoinotopy types, we exhibit both symplectic and non-symplectic representatives. We also compute the Seiberg-Witten invariants of all the four-manifolds we construct.
Implementing novel instructional techniques via the Web

There are many ways in which the World Wide Web can be used to support instruction. Web sites can serve as enhancements to traditional courses, or as the virtual settings for distance education. The challenge to educators is to make use of novel instructional techniques afforded by the Web to present material in fresh ways. Some of these techniques can be achieved through using basic HTML. Others require the use of advanced HTML features, such as frames or forms. Still other techniques involve running Java applets or JavaScript scripts, using CGI programs, or making use of plug-in software programs that enable Web browsers to run multimedia applications. In the authors' introductory computer science course for nonmajors, they have used the Web site to provide links to background materials, post homework and exam reviews. They used HTML frames and forms combined with JavaScript programs to design online study tools, quizzes and simulations.
Whispers in the hyper-space: high-speed covert channel attacks in the cloud

Information security and privacy in general are major concerns that impede enterprise adaptation of shared or public cloud computing. Specifically, the concern of virtual machine (VM) physical co-residency stems from the threat that hostile tenants can leverage various forms of side channels (such as cache covert channels) to exfiltrate sensitive information of victims on the same physical system. However, on virtualized ×86 systems, covert channel attacks have not yet proven to be practical, and thus the threat is widely considered a "potential risk". In this paper, we present a novel covert channel attack that is capable of high-bandwidth and reliable data transmission in the cloud. We first study the application of existing cache channel techniques in a virtualized environment, and uncover their major insufficiency and difficulties. We then overcome these obstacles by (1) redesigning a pure timing-based data transmission scheme, and (2) exploiting the memory bus as a high-bandwidth covert channel medium. We further design and implement a robust communication protocol, and demonstrate realistic covert channel attacks on various virtualized ×86 systems. Our experiments show that covert channels do pose serious threats to information security in the cloud. Finally, we discuss our insights on covert channel mitigation in virtualized environments.
Recent Absolute Calibration Work at Palomar Mountain

A four inch hermetically sealed reflecting telescope has been attached to the prime-focus scanner to provide an observing system for absolute calibration work. Light sources, including a platinum and a copper furnace, are observed at a distance of approximately 1200 feet. Since the telescope focal length is only 13 inches these sources look like stars. Thus bright stars such as α Lyr are compared directly with the light sources under identical instrumental conditions.
Molecular Aspects of Insulin Signaling

The sections in this article are: 1 The Insulin Receptor 2 Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 3 Role of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Sequence Polymorphisms in Humans and the Pathophysiology of Diabetes 4 Growing Family of Insulin Receptor Substrates 5 Complementary and Alternative Pathways in Insulin Signaling 6 A Polygenic Model of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus 7 Differential Subcellular Localization of Insulin Receptor Substrates 1 and 2 8 Insulin-Stimulated Insulin Receptor Substrate Interactions 8.1 Src Homology-2 Domain-Mediated Interactions 8.2 Non-Src Homology-2 Domain-Mediated Interactions 9 Serine/Threonine Protein Kinases and the Final Biological Effects of Insulin 10 Differential Regulation of Insulin Receptor Substrates 1 and 2 and Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase 11 Linking Early Steps in Insulin Action to Late Postreceptor Events 11.1 Insulin Stimulation of Glucose Transport 11.2 Coupling of Insulin Action to the Nucleus of the Cell 12 Cross-Talk Between the Insulin-Signaling Network and Other Hormonal Response Pathways 13 Future Perspectives