cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of new generation low-complexity flood inundation mapping tools with a hydrodynamic model

Abstract The objective of this study is to compare two new generation low-complexity tools, AutoRoute and Height Above the Nearest Drainage (HAND), with a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model (Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System, HEC-RAS 2D). The assessment was conducted on two hydrologically different and geographically distant test-cases in the United States, including the 16,900 km2 Cedar River (CR) watershed in Iowa and a 62 km2 domain along the Black Warrior River (BWR) in Alabama. For BWR, twelve different configurations were set up for each of the models, including four different terrain setups (e.g. with and without channel bathymetry and a levee), and three flooding conditions representing moderate to extreme hazards at 10-, 100-, and 500-year return periods. For the CR watershed, models were compared with a simplistic terrain setup (without bathymetry and any form of hydraulic controls) and one flooding condition (100-year return period). Input streamflow forcing data representing these hypothetical events were constructed by applying a new fusion approach on National Water Model outputs. Simulated inundation extent and depth from AutoRoute, HAND, and HEC-RAS 2D were compared with one another and with the corresponding FEMA reference estimates. Irrespective of the configurations, the low-complexity models were able to produce inundation extents similar to HEC-RAS 2D, with AutoRoute showing slightly higher accuracy than the HAND model. Among four terrain setups, the one including both levee and channel bathymetry showed lowest fitness score on the spatial agreement of inundation extent, due to the weak physical representation of low-complexity models compared to a hydrodynamic model. For inundation depth, the low-complexity models showed an overestimating tendency, especially in the deeper segments of the channel. Based on such reasonably good prediction skills, low-complexity flood models can be considered as a suitable alternative for fast predictions in large-scale hyper-resolution operational frameworks, without completely overriding hydrodynamic models’ efficacy.
Solvent scaling scheme for studying solvent restructuring thermodynamics in solvation processes

Abstract We consider the solvent-solvent interaction energy change associated with the solvent restructuring in response to a progressive change in the interaction between the solute and the solvent molecules. We derive expressions for this solvent restructuring energy using a new solvent scaling scheme in which the solvent-solvent potential energy is scaled relative to its reference value. We find that we can naturally extend the familiar single-coupling parameter methodology with a second coupling parameter that controls the solvent-solvent interactions. In doing so we can not only access information about the solvent restructuring energy, but also quantify the statistical correlations between the fluctuations of the solute-solvent and the solvent-solvent interaction energies. Based on these findings we implement a molecular dynamics simulation strategy to evaluate the solvent restructuring energetics associated with turning on the electrostatic interactions between one initially uncharged water molecule dissolved in liquid water, using both the TIP4P-2005 and OPC water models. We also use the theory to explore the dependence of the solvent restructuring energy on solute-solvent coupling, both in general and in the special case in which the solute-solvent coupling is accurately described by the linear response approximation.
Generalized plan recognition

This paper outlines a new theory of plan recognition that is significantly more powerful than previous approaches. Concurrent actions, shared steps between actions, and disjunctive information are all handled. The theory allows one to draw conclusions based on the class of possible plans being performed, rather than having to prematurely commit to a single interpretation. The theory employs circumscription to transform a first-order theory of action into an action taxonomy, which can be used to logically deduce the complex action(s) an agent is performing.
Vessel connectivity using Murray's hypothesis

We describe a new method for vascular image analysis that incorporates a generic physiological principle to estimate vessel connectivity, which is a key issue in reconstructing complete vascular trees from image data. We follow Murray's hypothesis of the minimum work principle to formulate the problem as an optimization problem. This principle reflects a global property of any vascular network, in contrast to various local geometric properties adopted as constraints previously. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method using a set of microCT mouse coronary images. It is shown that the performance of our method has a statistically significant improvement over the widely adopted minimum spanning tree methods that rely on local geometric constraints.
A unified theory of edge-preserving smoothing

Abstract Two edge-preserving smoothing techniques are discussed, Mean Field Annealing, Graduated Non-convexity, and compared to a feature extraction technique known as Variable Conductance Diffusion. In previous literature, the first two techniques have been show to be equivalent. In this paper, the third technique is shown to also be equivalent. Furthermore, operations across scale space are shown to be equivalent to annealing. The demonstration of the mathematical equivalence of three independently derived and successful methods leads to conclusions concerning the fundamental nature of image analysis algorithms.
Differential Gene Expression from a Single Transcription Unit during Spermatogenesis

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of differential gene expression from a single transcription unit during spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis is a unique and continual process in mammals whereby stem cells divide mitotically to become cells that either remain quiescent or give rise to those that undergo a series of mitotic and meiotic divisions, culminating in the onset of a remarkably complicated differentiation pathway. It is this differentiation process, called spermiogenesis, that results in formation of immature spermatozoa. The frequency of stem cell division is tightly controlled in rodents. Because of the incredibly intractable nature of the process, virtually nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms that control spermatogenic stem cell renewal. Several events that occur during the life of a spermatogonium are quite unusual and are undoubtedly programmed to ensure survival of several genetically identical germ cells. The administration of exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone to immature rats decreases degenerative process, presumably due to the stimulation of production of as yet uncharacterized factors from Sertoli cells. The developing germ cells that can no longer divide mitotically, thus, become protected from the environment because of the blood–testis barrier that separates the two compartments. It is known that germ cell-specific expression is controlled by a germ cell-specific promoter/enhancer, that this regulatory DNA is sufficient to target germ cell-specific expression of a heterologous gene in transgenic mice, and that the mRNA is stored in the cells that express it to be translated at a later stage of development.
An efficient numerical approach for the stability analysis of a class of lti systems with arbitrary number of delays

Abstract A practical and numerically efficient algorithm is presented for determining the stability robustness map of a general class of higher order linear time invariant (LTI) systems in the parametric space of arbitrary number of independent delays. The stability of this class of dynamics is of particular interest in low-gain design and multi-agent control problems. The backbone of the new algorithm is inspired by a scaled frequency sweeping technique which enables the exhaustive determination of stability switching hypersurfaces in the parametric space of delays, without requiring nested loops. Two case studies are presented in order to demonstrate the strength of the new algorithm.
Steel: Simplified Development and Deployment of Edge-Cloud Applications.

The rapid growth in both the number and variety of cloud services has led to the emergence of complex applications using multiple cloud services (typically >5). Although building cloud-based applications is relatively simple, extending them to an edge-cloud environment is complicated, error-prone, and time-consuming. Effectively using the edge requires dynamic adaptation and movement of services between edges and the cloud, e.g., in presence of failures or load spikes. However, current platforms do not support this. We propose Steel, a high-level abstraction that simplifies development, enables transparent adaptation and migration, and automates deployment and monitoring across the entire edge-cloud environment. Additionally, Steel enables modular and pluggable optimizations, such as placement, load balancing, and dynamic communication, with minimal effort. Based on our evaluation, we reduce the initial development effort (1.7 x–3.5 x reduction in lines of config), support dynamic moves with minimal changes (∼2 lines of config per move, reducing 95% of the overhead), and support easy development of optimizations (e.g., a placement optimizer requires ∼500 lines of code).
Impact of positive preoperative urine cultures before pediatric lower urinary tract reconstructive surgery

Children who undergo lower urinary tract reconstruction (LUTR) often have asymptomatic bacteriuria or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). We aimed to determine the prevalence of positive preoperative urine cultures (PPUC) before LUTR and to analyze any impact on postoperative outcomes. This retrospective review included all pediatric LUTR procedures utilizing bowel segments performed by one surgeon over 2 years. Preoperative cultures were obtained 1–2 days before surgery. Baseline characteristics and 90-day infection/readmission rates between patients with and without PPUC were compared using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney tests with significance p < 0.05. 54 patients with mean age 10.1 ± 5.6 years underwent LUTR procedures using bowel including continent catheterizable channel (85%), enterocystoplasty (81%), and/or urinary diversion (9%). PPUC was present in 28 patients (52%). Postoperatively, 20% had inpatient infections, including eight UTI, four surgical site infections, and two bloodstream infections with no difference between those with or without PPUC. Within 90 days of discharge, 28% of patients were readmitted to the hospital, and there was no difference between groups. Postoperative urine cultures were positive in 83% of patients within 90 days. Half of the patients undergoing LUTR have PPUC, but it does not increase the risk of postoperative infections or hospital readmissions. We believe complex LUTR can be safely performed in patients with PPUC.
“They Make No Contribution!” versus “We Should Make Friends with Them!”—American Domestic Students’ Perception of Chinese International Students’ Reticence and Face

This project examined both quantitative and qualitative data about how American domestic undergraduates perceived Chinese international students’ (CISs) reticence and face concerns. A quasi-experimental design about American students’ ratings of a fictional CIS described in scenarios demonstrated that the reticent CIS was rated as more typical, less likable, and less socially-approved. A thematic analysis of American students’ impression about CISs suggested: 1) some Americans stigmatized CISs due to their poor English and reticence in classroom; 2) others were more open-minded to approach CISs’ reticence with intercultural communication competence by taking CISs’ perspective. The findings indicated: the stereotype that typical CISs are reticent leads to Americans’ negative evaluations of CISs; while perspective-taking skills resulted in better intercultural-communication experience.
Prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck free flap surgery: A novel protocol put to the test.

Abstract Objective Recent evidence supports the use of ampicillin-sulbactam as a favored choice for antibiotic prophylaxis following head and neck free flap reconstructive surgery. However, there is a paucity of evidence guiding the optimal duration of antibiotic prophylaxis. The aim of this study is to compare the infection rates of short courses of ampicillin-sulbactam versus extended courses of various antibiotics in head and neck free flap reconstructive surgery. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study conducted from 2012 to 2017 at a tertiary academic center on 266 consecutive patients undergoing head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction. The primary outcome measure was the rate of any infection within 30 days of surgery. Results There were 149 patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis for an extended duration of at least seven days. 117 patients received a short course of antibiotics defined as 24 h for non-radiated patients and 72 h for radiated patients. Postoperative infections occurred in 45.9% of patients, of which 92.6% occurred at surgical sites. There was no significant difference in terms of postoperative infection rate between patients receiving an extended duration of antibiotics versus a short duration (p = 0.80). This held true for subgroups of surgical site infections (p = 0.38) and distant infections (p = 0.59 for pneumonia and p = 0.76 for UTI). Risk factors for infections were identified as hypothyroidism (p = 0.047) and clean contaminated wound classification (p = 0.0002). Conclusion Shorter duration of ampicillin-sulbactam prophylaxis in free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects does not negatively affect postoperative infection rates. Level of evidence Level 2b.
Sublobar resection for node-negative lung cancer 2-5 cm in size.

OBJECTIVES Sublobar resection (SLR) is an alternative to lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Outcomes following SLR for tumours >2 cm are not well described. We sought to determine the utilization of SLR for stage I tumours >2-5 cm in size and to determine predictors of outcome. METHODS We utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER)-Medicare database to identify NSCLC patients with primary lung cancer ≥66 years old with stage I cancers >2-5 cm in size. We evaluated overall survival and cancer-specific survival among cohorts undergoing lobectomy versus SLR. Propensity score matching was performed. We compared patient characteristics and survival between groups. RESULTS For the study time period (2007-2012), among patients with tumours >2 cm and ≤5 cm (n = 4582), 3890 lobectomies (85%) and 692 SLR (15%) were performed. Patients undergoing SLR were older, had smaller tumours and more comorbidities. Patients undergoing lobectomy were much more likely to have any lymph nodes removed (95.6% vs 65.6%, P 10 nodes removed (29.6% vs 7.5%, P < 0.001). All-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.65, confidence interval (CI) 1.48-1.85] and cancer-specific (HR 1.63, CI 1.29-2.06) mortality were higher following SLR. At 3 years, overall survival (60.9%, CI 57.0-64.6% vs 54.4%, CI 50.4-58.2%) and cancer-specific survival (87.3%, CI 83.5-90.3% vs 76.5%, CI 71.0-81.1%) favoured lobectomy over SLR. In propensity-matched groups, both all-cause (HR 1.27, CI 1.10-1.47) and cancer-specific (HR 1.54, CI 1.11-2.16) mortality rates were higher with SLR. CONCLUSIONS In pathologically staged patients, SLR appears inferior to lobectomy for stage I NSCLC 2-5 cm in size. SLR is associated with less extensive lymphadenectomy and with worse survival than lobectomy in this cohort of patients. However, the 76.5% 3-year cancer-specific survival in patients undergoing SLR may exceed that of other localized treatment options for NSCLC. As such, SLR may be an appropriate option for high-risk patients with carefully staged 2-5 cm N0 tumours.
Accuracy of weighted CTDI in estimating average dose delivered to CTDI phantoms: An experimental study.

PURPOSE The concept of the weighted computed tomography dose index ( CTDIw ) was proposed in 1995 to represent the average CTDI across an axial section of a cylindrical phantom. The purpose of this work was to experimentally re-examine the validity of the underlying assumptions behind CTDIw for modern MDCT systems. METHODS To enable experimental mapping of CTDI100 in the axial plane, in-house 16 and 32 cm cylindrical phantoms were fabricated to allow the pencil chamber to reach any arbitrary axial location within the phantoms. The phantoms were scanned on a clinical MDCT with five beam collimation widths, three bowtie filters, and four kV levels. To evaluate the linearity and rotational invariance assumptions implicitly made when the weighting factors of 1/3 and 2/3 in the CTDIw formula were originally derived, CTDI100 was measured at different radial and angular locations within the phantom for different collimation, bowtie, and kV combinations. The average CTDI ( CTDIavg ) across the axial plane was calculated from the experimental two-dimensional (2D) dose distribution and was compared with the traditional CTDIw . RESULTS For both phantoms under all scan conditions, the axial dose distributions were found to have significant angular dependence, potentially due to the x-ray attenuation by the patient couch or the head holder. The radial dose profiles were also found to significantly deviate from linearity in many cases due to the presence of the bowtie filter. When only the 12 o'clock peripheral CTDI100 and the traditional weighting factors were used to calculate CTDIw , the average dose was overestimated in the 16 cm phantom by up to 8.4% at isocenter and up to 35.3% when the phantom was off-centered by 6 cm; in the 32 cm phantom at isocenter, the average dose was overestimated by up to 12.8%. Using an average of the four peripheral CTDI100 measurements at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock locations reduced the error of CTDIw to within 1.2% in the 16 cm phantom. For the 32 cm phantom, even by using the average of the peripheral measurements, the traditional CTDIw underestimated the average dose by up to 4.3% due to aggressive drop-off of the CTDI100 at the phantom periphery. CONCLUSIONS The linearity and rotational-invariance assumptions behind the traditional CTDIw formalism may not be valid for modern CT systems and thus CTDIw may not accurately represent the average dose or radiation output within a CTDI phantom. Utilizing data from all four peripheral locations always improves accuracy of CTDIw in representing the true average dose. For the large (32 cm) phantom, nonlinear models and more measurement points are needed if a more precise estimation of the average axial dose is required.
Age‐based Preferences for Risk Communication in the Fentanyl Era: “A lot of people keep seeing other people die and that's not enough for them.”

Aims To explore how people who use fentanyl and health-care providers engaged in and responded to overdose risk communication interactions, and how these engagements and responses might vary by age. Design A single-site qualitative in-depth interview study. Setting Boston, MA, United States. Participants The sample included 21 people (10 women, 11 men) who were either 18-25 or 35+, English-speaking, and reported illicit fentanyl use in the last year and 10 health-care providers who worked directly with people who use fentanyl (PWUF) in clinical and community settings. Measurements Open-ended, flexible interview questions guided by a risk communication framework were used in all interviews. Codes used for thematic analysis included deductive codes related to the risk communication framework and inductive, emergent codes from interview content. Findings We identified potential age-based differences in perceptions of fentanyl overdose, including that younger participants appeared to display more perceptions of an immunity to fentanyl's lethality, while older people seemed to express a stronger aversion to fentanyl due to its heightened risk of fatal overdose, shorter effects and potential for long-term health consequences. Providers perceived greater challenges relaying risk information to young PWUF and believed them to be less open to risk communication. Compassionate harm reduction communication was preferred by all participants and perceived to be delivered most effectively by community health workers and peers. PWUF and providers identified structural barriers that limited compassionate harm reduction, including misalignment of available treatment with preferred options and clinical structures that impeded the delivery of risk communication messages. Conclusions Among people who engage in illicit fentanyl use, fentanyl-related risk communication experiences and preferences may vary by age, but some foundational elements including compassionate, trust-building approaches seem to be preferred across the age spectrum. Structural barriers in the clinical setting such as provider-prescribing power and infrequent encounters may impede the providers' ability to provide compassionate harm reduction communication.
Factors that affect rice crops price estimation based on grain mill enterprise in Ploso Jombang

Rice is fundamental need for Indonesia and most of its citizens are occupied as farmers. In Ploso, Jombang, there are several big grain mills. The enterprises must be clever to respond many obstacles on their business, that way will minimize their loss and increase profit. Loss factor in grain mills lay on the mistake when they made calculation of price estimation, one of them is grain damage. The calculation commonly used among farmer is the price of grain is divided by damage grain. This study was descriptive qualitative research to reveal factors that affected rice price based on damage grain calculation in mill enterprise located in Ploso, Jombang Regency. The study was conducted in four months from February 2019 to May 2019 which took place in UD Santoso located in Ploso, Jombang Region. The study has resulted that grain yield must be considered by rice millers as factors in affecting rice price based on damage grain calculation. To avoid it, there must be socialization for farmer and mill owner about factors that affect grain yield, rice price expectation based on grain price and solution about how to minimize grain loss.
Inflation, gravity mediated supersymmetry breaking, and de Sitter vacua in supergravity with a Kähler-invariant Fayet-Iliopoulos term

We use a new mechanism for generating a Fayet-Iliopoulos term in supergravity, which is not associated to an R-symmetry, to construct a semirealistic theory of slow-roll inflation for a theory with the same K\"ahler potential and superpotential as the Kachru-Kallosh-Linde-Trivedi string background (without anti-D3 branes). In our model, supersymmetry must be broken at a high scale in a hidden sector to ensure that the cutoff of the effective field theory is above the Hubble scale of inflation. The gravitino has a super-EeV mass and supersymmetry breaking is communicated to the observable sector through gravity mediation. Some mass scales of the supersymmetry-breaking soft terms in the observable sector can be parametrically smaller than the SUSY breaking scale. If a string realization of the new Fayet-Iliopoulos term were found, our model could be the basis for a low energy effective supergravity description of realistic superstring models of inflation.
A 3D Advancing-Front Delaunay Mesh Refinement Algorithm.

I present a 3D advancing-front mesh refinement algorithm that generates a constrained Delaunay mesh for any piecewise linear complex (PLC) and extend this algorithm to produce truly Delaunay meshes for any PLC. First, as in my recently published 2D algorithm, I split the input line segments such that the length of the subsegments is asymptotically proportional to the local feature size (LFS). For each facet, I refine the mesh such that the edge lengths and the radius of the circumcircle of every triangular element are asymptotically proportional to the LFS. Finally, I refine the volume mesh to produce a constrained Delaunay mesh whose tetrahedral elements are well graded and have a radius-edge ratio less than some $\omega^* > 2/\sqrt{3}$ (except ``near'' small input angles). I extend this algorithm to generate truly Delaunay meshes by ensuring that every triangular element on a facet satisfies Gabriel's condition, i.e., its diametral sphere is empty. On an ``apex'' vertex where multiple facets intersect, Gabriel's condition is satisfied by a modified split-on-a-sphere (SOS) technique. On a line where multiple facets intersect, Gabriel's condition is satisfied by mirroring meshes near the line of intersection. The SOS technique ensures that the triangles on a facet near the apex vertex have angles that are proportional to the angular feature size (AFS), a term I define in the paper. All tetrahedra (except ``near'' small input angles) are well graded and have a radius-edge ratio less than $\omega^* > \sqrt{2}$ for a truly Delaunay mesh. The upper bounds for the radius-edge ratio are an improvement by a factor of $\sqrt{2}$ over current state-of-the-art algorithms.
Dry Reagent Tests in the 1880s-Dr Pavy's Pellets and Dr Oliver's Papers.

Background In the 1880s, concern over the inconvenience of hazardous chemical solutions used for bedside urinalysis sparked an interest in the development of dry reagents for a range of common urine tests. Content This article examines the history of Dr Pavy's Pellets and Dr Oliver's Papers, 2 different dry reagent systems developed in the 1880s for bedside urine testing. It sets these developments in the context of the earlier dry chemistry work (e.g., indicator papers) and the subsequent work that led to modern day reagent tablets and dipstick devices. Summary Tests based on dry reagents can be traced back to the 1st century, but active development, in the form of indicator papers, dates from the 1600s. In the 1880s, spurred by dissatisfaction with liquid-based bedside urine testing among clinicians, Dr Frederick William Pavy and Dr George Oliver developed dry reagent tests, based on pellets (Dr Pavy's Pellets) and chemically impregnated papers (Dr Oliver's Papers) for urine sugar and urine albumin. These reagents were commercialized by a number of companies and provided in convenient cases (Physician's Pocket Reagent Case). Eventually, these tests lost popularity and were replaced by the type of tablets and dipsticks developed by both Eli Lilly, and the Ames Division of Miles Laboratories (subsequently Bayer, and currently Siemens Healthineers) during the 1940s and 1950s.
Effects of brilliant green on human erythroleukemic K562 and breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cell growth and on inhibition of human topoisomerase IIα

780 Brilliant green (BG), ([4-[(4-diethylaminophenyl)-phenylmethylidene]-1-cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene]-diethylazanium; hydrogen sulfate), is a pH indicator, a topical antiseptic and a selective bacteriostatic agent in culture media. It has also been used to dye silk and wool. In this study, we showed that BG strongly inhibited the growth of human erythroleukemia K562 and breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells with IC50 values in the nanomolar concentration range. BG also inhibited the DNA decatenation activity of human topoisomerase IIα (topo II) in the micromolar concentration range. BG stabilized the DNA-topo II covalent complex, and thus may act as a topo II poison. The growth inhibitory effects of BG on K562 and K/VP.5 cells (an etoposide-resistant cell line containing one-fifth the topo II content of the parental K562 cells) were not significantly different, a result which suggested that BG acted differently than etoposide. GB induced apoptosis in K562 cells as measured by flow cytometry using annexin V-FITC and PI staining. When K562 cells were treated with GB, the fraction of cells in S phase were increased. However, cells were not able to complete the G2/M phase. BG may directly react with DNA since it increased the DNA melting temperature of sonicated calf thymus DNA. In conclusion, our results indicate that BG may have potent antitumor activity. BG may exert its action by inhibiting the decatenation activity of topo II, by acting as a topo II poison and by directly reacting with DNA. Support: CIHR and a Canada Research Chair in Drug Development to BH, and NIH RO1 CA90787 to JCY.
Examining the Validity and Reliability of Measures for Individual-Level Constructs related to Implementation of School-Based Physical Activity Approaches

Valid and reliable measures are important to understanding the implementation of physical activity approaches in schools. The study purpose is to examine the psychometric properties of measures of individual-level constructs (knowledge, attitudes, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, innovativeness, and support) in the context of implementing school-based physical activity approaches. We collected data from a sample of elementary school employees (administrators, classroom teachers, physical educators, and support staff) from an urban school district in southeast Texas. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models were used to examine structural validity. We also examined correlations between constructs to assess discriminant and convergent validity. Last, we used a CFA-based approach to examine point estimates for reliability. The analytic sample consisted of 205 employees. CFA results for each individual measure revealed good-fitting models for most measures (χ2(df)>0.05, RMSEA 0.90, TLI>0.90, SRMR≤0.07). A combined model that included all the measures also indicated good fit across indices: χ2(306)=485, p 0.30). In addition, reliability point estimates were all >0.70. The measures tested in this study were found to have good reliability, as well as good structural, discriminant, and convergent validity. These measures are useful in efforts to better understand how individual-level constructs relate to implementation behaviors for physical activity approaches in schools.
Signal Transduction by the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Is Attenuated by a COOH-terminal Domain Serine Phosphorylation Site*

It has been proposed that the acute desensitization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) function can be accounted for, in part, by the effect of EGF to increase phosphorylation of the receptor at Ser1046/7 (Countaway, J.L., Nairn, A.C., and Davis, R.J. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 1129-1140). Here, we show that the mutational removal of this phosphorylation site causes an activation of EGF-R function and a potentiation of signal transduction. The mechanism of potentiation results from 1) defective down-regulation of the EGF-R when cells are incubated with high concentrations of EGF; and 2) increased EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation. The increased EGF-stimulated phosphorylation is associated with an alteration of the apparent specificity of tyrosine phosphorylation and is independent of the down-regulation defect. Together, these data strongly support the hypothesis that Ser1046/7 is a biologically significant site of regulatory phosphorylation of the EGF-R.
Pre- and posttest evaluation of a breast cancer risk assessment program for nurse practitioners.

Purpose: Numerous studies have shown that healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners (NPs) fail to provide breast cancer risk assessment (BrCRA) in primary care settings. A potential barrier to the use of BrCRA is insufficient knowledge or training of risk assessment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of a BrCRA program developed to enhance NPs' knowledge of risk assessment and use of empiric risk assessment models. Data sources: Thirty-five NPs participated in a before-after (pretest–posttest design) study evaluating the effectiveness of a BrCRA education program conducted at a national NP conference. Demographics, pre/post knowledge, and course satisfaction measures were all examined as a part of this pilot study. Conclusion: Continuing education through the implementation of a BrCRA program significantly increased NPs knowledge in assessing breast cancer risk and the use of empiric risk assessment models. Implications for practice: Many healthcare providers, including NPs, are inadequately prepared to assess a woman's risk for breast cancer. Understanding breast cancer risk assessment is essential if NPs are to provide appropriate counseling, management, and referral strategies needed to reduce a woman's risk for developing the disease. Continuing education provides one means to enhance NP's knowledge of BrCRA.
Statistical-Based Approach for Extracting 3D Blood Vessels from TOF-MyRA Data

In this paper we present an automatic statistical intensity based-approach for extracting the 3D cerebrovascular system from time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) data. The voxels of the dataset are classified as either background tissues, which are modeled by a finite mixture of one Rayleigh and two normal distributions, or blood vessels, which are modeled by one normal distribution. We show that the proposed models fit the clinical data properly and result in fewer misclassified vessel voxels. We estimated the parameters of each distribution using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. Since the convergence of the EM is sensitive to the initial estimate of the parameters, a novel method for parameter initialization, based on histogram analysis, is provided. A new geometrical phantom motivated by a statistical analysis was designed to validate the accuracy of our method. The algorithm was also tested on 20 in-vivo datasets. The results showed that the proposed approach provides accurate segmentation, especially those blood vessels of small sizes.
Electrostrictive nonlinearity of optical fiber

Analysis of the nonlinear refractive index of optical fibers continues to draw considerable attention. We show that electrostriction has a more general influence on the nonlinear optical response of fibers; in particular we show that electrostriction can contribute an additional 15% above the nonresonant electronic nonlinearity. The influence of electrostriction is confirmed by examining the results of recent XPM experiments which use a harmonically modulated CW pump.
The Future of Nanotechnology Risk Perceptions: An Experimental Investigation of Two Hypotheses

This paper reports the results of an experiment designed to test competing conjectures about the evolution of public attitudes toward nanotechnology. The rational enlightenment hypothesis holds that members of the public will become favorably disposed to nanotechnology as balanced and accurate information about it disseminates. The cultural cognition hypothesis, in contrast, holds that members of the public are likely to polarize along cultural lines when exposed to such information. Using a between-subjects design (N = 1,862), the experiment compared the perceptions of subjects exposed to balanced information on the risks and benefits of nanotechnology to the perceptions of subjects exposed to no information. The results strongly confirmed the cultural polarization hypothesis and furnished no support for the rational enlightenment hypothesis. Data obtained in the experiment also suggested that the observed correlation in the general public between familiarity with nanotechnology and a positive view of it is spurious: familiarity does not cause a favorable view; rather other influences, including individualistic cultural values, incline certain individuals both to form a positive view and to learn about nanotechnology. The paper also discusses the implications of these findings for promoting informed public understandings of nanotechnology.
A generalized formulation for high resolution spectrometer fringes using the case of a short pulse

Historically, spectrometers are presented as: (i) gratings under diffraction chapter, (ii) Michelson's Fourier transform spectrometry under the two beam interferometry and (iii) Fabry-Perot spectrometry under multiple beam interferometry. We present a unified geometrical and mathematical presentation of all the three major, high resolution, spectrometers that facilitate the learning process and the retention of the physics behind spectrometry.
El Niño in History: Storming through the Ages.

El Nino in History: Storming through the Ages. Cesar N. Caviedes. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2001. 279 pp.
A review of RF ESD protection design [RF IC applications]

This paper reviews design and analysis of on-chip ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection circuits for RF ICs. ESD protection basics, key issues in RF ESD protection, design methods, RF ESD protection evaluation techniques and RF ESD protection solutions are discussed.
Translations of Les Misérables for Law Libraries

This article discusses the publication history of English-language translations of Les Miserables. It critically evaluates the merits of available translations and makes recommendations about acquiring and deaccessioning various editions.
Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Ancient Duplication of Estrogen Receptor Isoforms

To determine the origin and evolutionary significance of a recently discovered isoform of the estrogen receptor (ERβ), we examined the phylogenetic relationship of ERβ to the well-known α isoform (ERα) and other steroid receptors. Our phylogenetic analyses traced the origin of ERβ to a single duplication event at least 450 million years ago. Since this duplication, the evolution of both ER isoforms has apparently been constrained such that 80% of the amino acid positions in the DNA binding domain (DBD) and 53% of the ligand binding domain (LBD) have remained unchanged. Using the phylogenetic tree, we determined the amount of evolutionary change that had occurred in two ER isoforms. The DBD and the LBD had lower rates of evolutionary change compared to the NH2 terminal domain. However, even with strong selective constraints on the DBD and LBD, our phylogenetic analyses demonstrate two clearly separate phylogenetic histories for ERα and ERβ dating back several hundred million years. The ancient duplication of ER and the parallel evolution of the two ER isoforms suggest that, although ERα and ERβ share a substantial degree of sequence identity, they play unique roles in vertebrate physiology and reproduction.
A REVIEW OF QUALITY CIRCLE EFFICACY AND THE EXISTENCE OF POSITIVE‐FINDINGS BIAS

Literature on the impact of the quality circle process upon both individual and organizational outcomes was reviewed and, on average, demonstrated the intervention's effectiveness. In addition, two moderating factors were identified and their influence reported. Finally, the potential for a positive-findings bias was investigated, with no significant positive-findings bias found. It is suggested that this bias may be an artifact resulting from the inclusion of “popular-press” articles with research-oriented studies. The implications of this finding and the existence of other threats to quality circle efficacy are discussed.
Physicochemical fracture mechanics of bodies with cracks: achievements and prospects

Modern concepts for the assessment of strength and local fracture of structural metals and alloys that are under the simultaneous action of corrosive media and sustained static or cyclic loads are presented. Model schemes and methodology of investigations of a localized interaction of corrosive media with deformed metals near crack-like defects are proposed. Criteria and approaches to the determination of basic crack resistance characteristics of materials with regard to the stress-strain state of a material and physicochemical processes that occur during its interaction with a corrosive medium at its tip are formulated.
Influence of crystal structure on the lattice sites and formation energies of hydrogen in wurtzite and zinc-blende GaN

Charge-state calculations based on density-functional theory are used to study the formation energy of hydrogen in wurtzite and zinc-blende GaN as a function of Fermi level Comparison of these results reveals notable differences including a 0.56 eV lower formation energy for H2 in wurtzite, and different configurations for H2 and H- in the two crystal structures. Furthermore, H+ is found to be equally stable at bond-centered and anti-bonding sites in wurtzite, whereas it is unstable at a bond-centered site in zinc blende. These differences are due to distinct features of the two crystal structures including: the lower symmetry of wurtzite which provides a wider selection of bonding sites for H+, and the existence of extended three-fold symmetric channels oriented along the c-axis in wurtzite which provide more favorable bonding configurations for H2 and H-.N-H+ stretch-mode vibration frequencies, clustering of ?3+ in p-type material, and diffusion barriers for H" are also investigated in wurtzite GaN. A diffusion barrier of 1.6 eV is found for H- in wurtzite GaN, significantly lower than a previous estimate, and a tendency for H+ clustering in p-type material is found.
Efficient code excited linear predictor using redundant vector quantiser representations

A novel linear prediction (LP) model-based coding technique is presented, where the advantages of multiple non-orthogonal domain representations of LP coefficients and the residuals are exploited in conjunction with vector quantisation. The proposed technique is applied to speech signals and the resulting performance improvement is clearly demonstrated in terms of the reconstruction quality.
Narratives, Mindfulness, and the Implicit Audience

We argue that the self-directed attention involved in narrative writing may heighten awareness in a manner similar to other mindfulness methods. Further, narrative writing may help to transform implicit, unconscious thoughts, memories, perceptions, and emotions into more explicit and conscious processes. This transformation is facilitated by the integration of language with experience and by the connections made between different aspects of experience and identity. We also note that the question of for whom one is writing—in other words, the implicit audience—may play a contributing role in the effectiveness of the narrative task. We offer suggestions for future research to explore our ideas.
Threshold eta photoproduction.

A measurement of the total cross section for \ensuremath{\eta}-meson photoproduction from light nuclei will determine the isotopic spin dependence of 〈${\mathit{S}}_{11}$\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{j}}_{\mathit{e}\mathit{m}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}N〉. This acts as a test of models of ${\mathrm{SU}}_{6}$ breaking. Effects due to the subthreshold Roper resonance are computed and found to be small compared to an isoscalar ${\mathit{S}}_{11}$ signal.
A general duality approach to I-projections

Abstract I-projection problems arise in a myriad of situations and settings. In this paper, it is shown that under reasonable assumptions, a Fenchel type dual optimization problem exists which is equivalent to the stated I-projection problem for very general probability measures. This dual problem is often much more tractable than the original I-projection problem. I-projection problems which are equivalent to least square problems are also identified; primarily through the dual formulation. Several examples are examined to illustrate the duality structure and theorems.
A scintillation theory of fading in long distance HF ionospheric communications

Abstract Scintillation theory is used to study the fading of radio waves returned from the ionospheric F -region in the HF band at oblique incidence. For both low and high penetration frequencies calculations are made as a function of wave frequency, but emphasis is given to behaviour near the maximum usable frequency for one-hop F-transmission over distances up to 4000 km. Estimates are made of 1. (i) the fluctuations of phase both for long-term (~ 1h) and for short-term (~ the fading correlation time), 2. (ii) the fading correlation distance, 3. (iii) the quasi-period of fading, 4. (iv) the twinkling correlation distance, 5. (v) the quasi-period of twinkling, 6. (vi) the angular departure of the arrival azimuth from the mean and 7. (vii) the correlation bandwidth. The slow fluctuations often experienced in long distance HF radio communications are a manifestation of twinkling, rather than fading. Under normal conditions in the F -region the correlation bandwidth is so large that the bandwidth of transmission at HF is controlled by the dispersive properties of the ionosphere, rather than by the scattering properties. The reverse is true in the presence of spread-F. For sufficiently strong spread-F the correlation bandwidth for long distance HF radio communications is of the order of only 10 Hz, thereby creating the phenomenon known as flutter fading. Theoretical estimates of the scintillation parameters are compared with experience in long distance HF ionospheric communications over the last 60 years. Agreement is promising, but future experiments should be designed in the light of theory; existing observational data do not provide some of the information needed.
A lost work of El Lobo: Lieutenant-Colonel Charles T.R. Bohannan's unpublished study of guerrilla warfare and counterinsurgency in the Philippines, 1899–1955

Charles Ted Rutledge Bohannan (1914–1982) became an integral agent of US counterinsurgency operations during the early Cold War, contributing to both the success of the COIN effort to defeat the communist Huk insurgents in the Philippines and the stalled COIN efforts in Vietnam. In the early 1960s, he wrote a short and compact analysis of the US and Filipino experience of guerrilla warfare, from the Philippine–American war until the defeat of the Huk Rebellion. It was never published. Reprinted here, Bohannan's analysis of lessons learned makes a substantial contribution to the history of American ideas of unconventional warfare by an expert who contributed these lessons to the successful defeat of an insurgency in South East Asia.
CCN Data Interpretation Under Dynamic Operation Conditions

We have developed a new numerical model for the non-steady-state operation of the Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT) Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) counter. The model simulates the Scanning Flow CCN Analysis (SFCA) instrument mode, where a wide supersaturation range is continuously scanned by cycling the flow rate over 20–120 s. Model accuracy is verified using a broad set of data which include ammonium sulfate calibration data (under conditions of low CCN concentration) and airborne measurements where either the instrument pressure was not controlled or where exceptionally high CCN loadings were observed. It is shown here for the first time that small pressure and flow fluctuations can have a disproportionately large effect on the instrument supersaturation due to localized compressive/expansive heating and cooling. The model shows that, for fast scan times, these effects can explain the observed shape of the SFCA supersaturation-flow calibration curve and transients in the outlet droplet sizes. The...