cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Methods for Adaptive Disorder Problems

We develop a Monte Carlo method to solve continuous-time adaptive disorder problems. An unobserved signal X undergoes a disorder at an unknown time to a new unknown level. The controller’s aim is to detect and identify this disorder as quickly as possible by sequentially monitoring a given observation process Y. We adopt a Bayesian setup that translates the problem into a two-step procedure of (1) stochastic filtering followed by (2) an optimal stopping objective. We consider joint Wiener and Poisson observation processes Y and a variety of Bayes risk criteria. Due to the general setting, the state of our model is the full infinite-dimensional posterior distribution of X. Our computational procedure is based on combining sequential Monte Carlo filtering procedures with the regression Monte Carlo method for high-dimensional optimal stopping problems. Results are illustrated with several numerical examples.
Case report 773

A case of osteochondroma of the pelvis secondary to radiation therapy after radical nephrectomy for a Wilm's tumor is reported. The occurrence of such a complication is discussed. Proof was obtained by open biopsy. The indications for surgical resection of such a tumor were considered. The differential diagnosis, although limited in scope, was discussed.
Truncated linear zero utility pricing and actuarial protection models

Based on the zero utility principle, it is shown that the excess-of-loss reserve associated to an actuarial protection model coincides with the saturation level of a truncated linear utility function. Quantitative relationships between insurance prices and their excess-of-loss reserves are given. Our emphasis is on compound Poisson risks and distribution-free methods.
C-type natriuretic peptide: a selective cardiovascular peptide

Studies were performed in three groups of anesthetized dogs to compare the structurally related peptides atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Group 1 (n = 5) and group 2 (n = 4) received intravenous infusions of CNP or ANP respectively at doses of 10 ng.kg-1.min-1 and 100 ng.kg-1.min-1. Group 3 (n = 5) received CNP intrarenally at doses of 1 ng.kg-1.min-1 and 5 ng.kg-1.min-1. Intravenous infusion of CNP resulted in a greater decrease in blood pressure when compared with ANP. This marked decrease in blood pressure observed with CNP was associated with a significantly smaller increase in guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). In contrast, neither intravenous nor intrarenal administration of CNP was associated with natriuresis as observed with ANP. The current study also demonstrates the presence of CNP immunoreactivity in canine plasma at low picomolar concentrations. Further characterization by gel permeation chromatography demonstrated that circulating CNP immunoreactivity corresponds to the 22-amino acid form of the peptide. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CNP circulates in low picomolar concentrations and is potently vasoactive in vivo, suggesting a potential role in the regulation of vascular tone.
Recent Advances in Intestinal Macromolecular Drug Delivery via Receptor-Mediated Transport Pathways

Receptor-mediated transport mechanisms provide a pathway for the trafficking of extracellular macromolecules into (endocytosis) and across (transcytosis) the cell. This comprises the binding of a ligand to a specific cell-surface receptor, clustering of the ligand-receptor complexes in endocytotic vesicles and vesicular sorting. This review focuses on recent advances in cellular and molecular biology pertaining to receptor-mediated endocytosis. A concise overview is presented of current and potential future applications of targeting to RME mechanisms to improve oral macromolecular drug delivery.
An Extremal Characterization of the Incidence Graphs of Projective Planes

Let G be a 4-cycle free, bipartite graph on 2n vertices with partitions of equal cardinality n. Let c6(G) denote the number of cycles of length 6 in G. We prove that for n ≥ 3, c6(G) ≤ \(\frac{1} {3}\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} n \\ 2 \\ \end{array} } \right)(n - r_n ) \), where \(r_n = \frac{1} {2} + \frac{{\sqrt {4n - 3} }} {2} \) , with equality if and only if G is the incidence point-line graph of a projective plane.
A Bovine Adenoviral Vector-Based H5N1 Influenza -Vaccine Provides Enhanced Immunogenicity and Protection at a Significantly Low Dose

Several human and nonhuman adenovirus (AdV) vectors including bovine AdV type 3 (BAdV-3) were developed as gene delivery vectors to supplement and/or elude human AdV (HAdV)-specific neutralizing antibodies (vector immunity). Here we evaluated the vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy of BAdV-3 vector (BAd-H5HA) expressing hemagglutinin (HA) of a H5N1 influenza virus in a dose escalation study in mice with the intranasal (IN) or intramuscular (IM) route of inoculation in comparison with the HAdV type C5 (HAdV-C5) vector (HAd-H5HA) expressing HA of a H5N1 influenza virus. Dose-related increases in the immune responses were clearly noticeable. A single IM inoculation with BAd-H5HA resulted in enhanced cellular immune responses compared with that of HAd-H5HA and conferred complete protection following challenge with a heterologous H5N1 virus at the dose of 3 × 107 plaque-forming units (PFUs), whereas a significant amount of influenza virus was detected in the lungs of mice immunized with 1 × 108 PFUs of HAd-H5HA. Similarly, compared with that of HAd-H5HA, a single IN inoculation with BAd-H5HA produced significantly enhanced humoral (HA-specific immunoglobulin [IgG] and its subclasses, as well as HA-specific IgA) and cellular immune responses, and conferred complete protection following challenge with a heterologous H5N1 virus. Complete protection with BAd-H5HA was observed with the lowest vaccine dose (1 × 106 PFUs), but similar protection with HAd-H5HA was observed at the highest vaccine dose (1 × 108 PFUs). These results suggest that at least 30-fold dose sparing can be achieved with BAd-H5HA vector compared with HAd-H5HA vaccine vector.
Middle Infrared Electroluminescence of Cr2+ ions in n-type Al:Cr:ZnSe crystal

Middle-infrared electroluminescence of n-type Cr:ZnSe single crystal induced by impact excitation is reported. Conductivity was achieved via thermal diffusion doping of ZnSe with Al. An estimation of the threshold current density for lasing was performed.
Recursive Convergence

Ideally, we would always be able to write clear, concise programs and have them run quickly. One major impediment is the redundancy which can occur in direct recursive solutions. In some cases, this means writing a loop even if the programmer is more comfortable thinking in terms of recursion. In other cases the impact on code is even more dramatic, and in these cases most programmers choose to sacrifice clarity in exchange for improved asymptotic complexity. There exist program transformation techniques that would allow us to write idiomatic recursive programs without losing efficiency. One such transformation is the "tupling" transformation, which can and has been implemented as an automatic compiler optimization. This transformation is, however, only applicable to a narrow class of problems. We are exploring related transformations, such as tabulation, which can helpfully be applied to a wider class of recursive programs, and attempting to answer the question of when these transformation techniques are most useful to programmers aiming to balance program clarity with performance.
Characteristics of the phasic intraluminal pressure waves of the stomach and duodenum; studies in normal subjects and ulcer patients.

1. The amplitude and duration of the intraluminal pressure waves from the stomach and duodenum were tabulated from 10 normal subjects and 56 patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer. Frequency-distribution histograms representing the parameters of the amplitude and duration of 4000 gastric intraluminal waves have been presented. 2. The gastric intraluminal waves could not be classified according to the system which had been used for the balloon kymograph technic. 3. Amplitude was of no value in the classification of the phasic intraluminal pressure waves from either the stomach or duodenum. The most suitable classification was that based on duration into type A (non-type III waves) and type B (type III waves). 4. In addition to the differences in the parameters of the waves, there also appears to be a difference in the incidence of the intraluminal pressure waves as compared to the phasic waves recorded by the balloon technic. 5. No qualitative differences were observed in the phasic intraluminal pressure waves from the ulcer patients as compared to the normal group.
Comparison of blockchain platforms: a systematic review and healthcare examples.

Author(s): Kuo, Tsung-Ting; Zavaleta Rojas, Hugo; Ohno-Machado, Lucila | Abstract: ObjectivesTo introduce healthcare or biomedical blockchain applications and their underlying blockchain platforms, compare popular blockchain platforms using a systematic review method, and provide a reference for selection of a suitable blockchain platform given requirements and technical features that are common in healthcare and biomedical research applications.Target audienceHealthcare or clinical informatics researchers and software engineers who would like to learn about the important technical features of different blockchain platforms to design and implement blockchain-based health informatics applications.ScopeCovered topics include (1) a brief introduction to healthcare or biomedical blockchain applications and the benefits to adopt blockchain; (2) a description of key features of underlying blockchain platforms in healthcare applications; (3) development of a method for systematic review of technology, based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement, to investigate blockchain platforms for healthcare and medicine applications; (4) a review of 21 healthcare-related technical features of 10 popular blockchain platforms; and (5) a discussion of findings and limitations of the review.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Vasopressin and Vasotocin in Health and Disease

It is now recognized that integrative central nervous system function involves not only electrophysiological phenomena and chemical neurotransmission, but also interaction between brain and endocrine hormones. With the recent upsurge in interest in “peptidergic” neurons, it has become evident that many hypothalamic and pituitary peptides occur in brain outside the boundaries of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Anterior and posterior pituitary peptides, hitherto characterized as “peripheral hormones,” have now been identified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This Chapter reviews our current knowledge about the occurrence of the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and the closely related nonapeptide hormone, arginine vasotocin (AVT), in human CSF.
Human-in-the-Middle: Increasing Security of Two-Factor Authentication.

Online security and security of personal information is an important topic in information technology. Due to the recent high-profile security breaches as a result of authentication manipulation, there has been a growing need for enhanced methods of authentication as attackers have become more skilled in defeating existing authentication mechanisms. Attackers have resulted to phishing, social engineering, token interception and other highly sophisticated attackers all to gain access to the accounts of user. These attacks have resulted in serious damages for individuals and organizations. As a result, methods, such as, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) have been introduced to. Nevertheless, loopholes major vulnerabilities in the existing two-factor authentication implementation. In this paper, This paper analyzes the. The are listed and analyzed, and the methods of manipulation explained. This paper finally suggests a solution of a web platform service which utilizes the mobile phones of users as a form of secure confirmation of the identity of the user through a dedicated mobile application. This solution hopes to eliminate the need for communication of security parameters of the traditional telephone network.
Face detection in 2- to 6-month-old infants is influenced by gaze direction and species.

Humans detect faces efficiently from a young age. Face detection is critical for infants to identify and learn from relevant social stimuli in their environments. Faces with eye contact are an especially salient stimulus, and attention to the eyes in infancy is linked to the emergence of later sociality. Despite the importance of both of these early social skills-attending to faces and attending to the eyes-surprisingly little is known about how they interact. We used eye tracking to explore whether eye contact influences infants' face detection. Longitudinally, we examined 2-, 4-, and 6-month-olds' (N = 65) visual scanning of complex image arrays with human and animal faces varying in eye contact and head orientation. Across all ages, infants displayed superior detection of faces with eye contact; however, this effect varied as a function of species and head orientation. Infants were more attentive to human than animal faces and were more sensitive to eye and head orientation for human faces compared to animal faces. Unexpectedly, human faces with both averted heads and eyes received the most attention. This pattern may reflect the early emergence of gaze following-the ability to look where another individual looks-which begins to develop around this age. Infants may be especially interested in averted gaze faces, providing early scaffolding for joint attention. This study represents the first investigation to document infants' attention patterns to faces systematically varying in their attentional states. Together, these findings suggest that infants develop early, specialized functional conspecific face detection.
Queer love in the lives of gay Latino men in college

This qualitative study employed portraiture methodology and the analytical tool of thinking with theory to comprehend how gay Latino men enrolled at a four-year university experienced heteronormati...
Does repeat synthesis in materials chemistry obey a power law

Finding examples where experimental measurements have been repeated is a powerful strategy for assessing reproducibility of scientific data. Here, we collect quantitative data to assess how often synthesis of a newly reported material is repeated in the scientific literature. We present a simple power-law model for the frequency of repeat syntheses and assess the validity of this model using a specific class of materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Our data suggest that a power law describes the frequency of repeat synthesis of many MOFs but that a small number of “supermaterials” exist that have been replicated many times more than a power law would predict. Our results also hint that there are many repeat syntheses that have been performed but not reported in the literature, which suggests simple steps that could be taken to greatly increase the number of reports of replicate experiments in materials chemistry.
Fatal prescriptions: Immigration detention, mismedication, and the necropolitics of uncare

This article focuses on detention care and its deadly consequences in the United States. Between October 2003 and October 2019, there were at least 196 deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement...
Incomplete Trifascicular Block and Mobitz Type II Atrioventricular Block in COVID-19.

A 74-year-old female with a history of diabetes presented with chest pain and shortness of breath for two days. She was hypoxic to an oxygen saturation of 60% in the emergency department, requiring bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to maintain saturations. Chest X-ray demonstrated bilateral hazy opacities suspicious for viral pneumonia. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) with left anterior fascicular block was noted on admission electrocardiogram (ECG). Cardiac enzymes and brain natriuretic peptide levels were within normal limits. After noting frequent pauses on telemetry, a repeat ECG was performed that demonstrated RBBB with left posterior fascicular block as well as second-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz type II). Transcutaneous pacing pads were placed, and atropine was placed at the bedside. Cardiac enzymes remained negative. Interleukin-6 levels were elevated at 159 pg/mL. Hydroxychloroquine was deferred due to the patient's arrhythmia and prolonged QTc. Tocilizumab was deferred due to the patient's age. The patient's oxygen requirements and mental status continued to worsen. She continued to desaturate despite maximal BiPAP therapy and eventually died. Cardiac involvement in COVID-19, whether caused primarily by the virus, secondary to its clinical sequelae, or even due to its treatment, cannot be ignored. Further high-quality research is needed to clarify the cardiac pathophysiology. Thorough cardiac exams with electrocardiographic correlation should be performed on all patients with COVID-19. Clinicians should not hesitate to consult cardiovascular services in the event of abnormality.
Temperature Dependent Sellmeier Equations for III-V Semiconductors GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InAs and InSb

Recent measurement of refractive indices of binary III-V semiconductors GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InAs and InSb over temperature range of 77 – 400 K and wavelength range spanning the transmission window of each will be presented.
Demographic characteristics of young-of-year freshwater mussel populations in ponds

We describe demographics of young-of-year (YOY) Pondmussels (Ligumia subrostrata) and Giant Floaters (Pyganodon grandis) in ponds during 2009 and 2011. YOY attained large size by approximately 6 months (Pondmussel, mean = 48.5 mm; Floater = 57.5), most individuals were sexually mature, and most females were gravid. Size and sex ratios varied among ponds. Pondmussel size was negatively related to mussel density, suggesting food competition; Floater size was not related to density. Size was not related to glochidial infestation pressure on fishes, suggesting that acquired immunity did not affect YOY performance. The percentage of gravid female Pondmussels varied between years from 27 to 100%, and 91% of female Floaters were gravid in 2011. Mean fecundity was high (Pondmussel = 34,311; Floater = 38,873). The proportion of gravid females and mean fecundity were not related to male density, showing that fertilization was efficient. Variation in size, sex ratios, and gravidity among ponds suggests that small differences in environmental conditions or demographic stochasticity can have large effects on populations. Rapid growth, early maturity, efficient fertilization, and high fecundity of YOY are contrary to traditional views of mussel life history, but these traits may allow Pondmussels and Floaters to rapidly colonize disturbed, unstable habitats.
A comprehensive analysis of outcomes between COVID-19 patients with an elevated serum lipase compared to those with pancreatitis

Background and AimsCOVID-19 patients may have asymptomatic hyperlipasemia without abdominal imaging findings or abdominal pain. In addition, primary and secondary pancreatitis have been described in COVID-19 patients. There is limited information on how the groups compare in outcomes. The aim is to compare outcomes among these groups. MethodsThis is a retrospective study from 12 hospitals within one healthcare system examining outcomes between hospitalized COVID-19 patients with a lipase 3x ULN), secondary pancreatitis (typical respiratory COVID-19 symptoms and found to have pancreatitis), and primary pancreatitis (presenting with pancreatitis). ResultsOf 11,883 patients admitted with COVID-19, 1,560 patients were included: 1,155 COVID-19 patients with a normal serum lipase (control group), 270 with an elevated lipase <3x ULN, 46 patients with asymptomatic hyperlipasemia with a lipase 3xULN, 57 patients with secondary pancreatitis, and 32 patients with primary pancreatitis. On adjusted multivariate analysis, the elevated lipase <3x ULN and asymptomatic hyperlipasemia groups had worse outcomes. The mortality was OR1.6 (95% CI 1.2-2.2) and 1.1 (95% CI 0.5-2.3), respectively. The need for mechanical ventilation was OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.2-2.1) and 2.8 (95% CI 1.5-5.2), respectively. Longer length of stay was OR 1.5 (95%CI 1.1-2.0) and 3.16 (95%CI 1.5-6.5), respectively. ConclusionCOVID-19 patients with an elevated lipase< 3x ULN and asymptomatic hyperlipasemia have generally worse outcomes than those with pancreatitis. This could be attributed to extrapancreatic causes (liver failure, renal failure, enteritis, etc), which may signify a more severe course of clinical disease.
Active Sensing for Space Habitat Environmental Monitoring and Anomaly Detection

For future crewed missions that could last years with limited ground support, the environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) will likely evolve to meet new, more stringent reliability and autonomy requirements. In this work, we focus on improving the performance of the environmental monitoring and anomaly detection systems using reinforcement learning and active sensing. We exploit actively moving sensors to develop a novel sensing architecture and supporting analytics, termed Active environmental Monitoring and Anomaly Search System (AMASS). We design a Dynamic Value Iteration policy to solve the path planning problem for the moving sensors in a dynamic environment. To test and validate AMASS, we developed a series of computational experiments for fire search, and we assessed the performance against three metrics: (1) anomaly detection time lag, (2) source location uncertainty, and (3) state estimation error. The results demonstrate that AMASS provides significant advantages over the traditional fixed sensor monitoring and detection strategy. In future work, we propose to add ventilation in the monitored environment and examine its effect on the performance of both AMASS and the traditional monitoring strategy with fixed sensors.
Commentary: My pandemic grief and the Japanese art of kintsugi.

Grief is an opportunity to offer empathy by honouring brokenness to support healing, writes Amy Price
Non-exclusive group contests: An experimental analysis

Abstract We experimentally study a non-exclusive group contest in which contestants actively participate in multiple groups simultaneously. We compare the results of this contest to those of an exclusive group contest in which each contestant belongs to a single group. In contrast to theoretical predictions, we find that the non-exclusive group contest generates less aggregate effort than the equivalent exclusive group contest. We hypothesize that groups in the non-exclusive group contest are less responsive to their rival group’s effort than those in the exclusive group contest. Likewise, on the individual level, players in the non-exclusive group contest are more likely to free-ride on their group members’ contributions. Our data indicate that non-free-riders in the non-exclusive group contest are more likely, over time, to allocate their effort toward a single group. This finding is consistent with previous findings that players facing a complex strategy space tend to focus on specific winning combinations. Moreover, given that players are affected by their group members’ contributions, they tend to exert their effort primarily toward a single group. Taken together, our findings suggest that a non-exclusive group contest may evolve, over time, into an exclusive group contest.
Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and atom-probe tomography data quantifying component-ratios of multicomponent nano-precipitates in ion-irradiated ceria.

Abstract Samples of ∼1 μm films of CeO2 doped with 2 wt% Mo, 1.5 wt% Ru, 0.75 wt% Pd, 0.5 wt% Re and 0.25 wt% Rh grown with pulsed laser deposition were irradiated with I2+ ions (610°C and 730°C, 1016 and 5 × 1016 I2+/cm2). For selected samples post-irradiation heat treatment was conducted (900°C, 1100°C). The specimens were sectioned with focused ion beam milling and characterized in a transmission electron microscope with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and with atom-probe tomography. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was used to obtain elemental maps showing the distribution of dopants in the specimen after exposure. Some of these maps are discussed in detail in our companion article “Formation of multicomponent alloy particles in doped ceria under I2+ ion irradiation and thermal annealing” in the Journal of Nuclear Materials [1]. Advanced computational analysis could be used to more accurately quantify local compositions. Data is provided for additional regions of interest and one additional irradiation condition. The doped ceria film that was heat treated at 1100°C delaminated from the substrate in most places. Samples were extracted from the underside of a delaminated piece and analyzed with atom-probe tomography. The resulting data show ceria and a Mo-rich particle and demonstrate that this approach is feasable in principle to study local compositions in a sample exposed to such extreme conditions.
The utility of high-risk human papillomavirus in situ hybridization in cytology cell block material from cystic head and neck lesions.

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) presents frequently as metastasis in a neck lymph node that may be cystic or necrotic. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies are often first-line diagnostic procedures. p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a surrogate marker for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection but can be challenging to interpret. This study evaluated the use of hrHPV in situ hybridization (ISH) in cytology cell blocks of cystic neck lesions. METHODS Twenty-four FNA cases with cell blocks and surgical correlates were evaluated. p16 IHC and hrHPV ISH were assessed on cell blocks (C-p16 and C-hrHPV ISH), and hrHPV ISH on surgical samples (S-hrHPV ISH). All results were classified as negative, positive, or equivocal. RESULTS Two cases were excluded because of insufficient tissue on recut. On the basis of C-hrHPV ISH cases, 12 were positive, 5 were negative, and 5 were equivocal. All 12 positive C-hrHPV ISH cases had concordant S-hrHPV ISH with no false positives. Of the 5 negative C-hrHPV ISH cases, 4 had concordant S-hrHPV ISH, and 1 had a discordant S-hrHPV ISH. Of the 5 equivocal C-hrHPV ISH cases, S-hrHPV ISH were both positive and negative. Fourteen cases were equivocal by C-p16; 9 cases were reliably classified by C-hrHPV ISH (5 positive, 4 negative; 64%). CONCLUSIONS C-hrHPV ISH can be reliably used, especially when positive. A negative or equivocal interpretation of C-hrHPV ISH may warrant repeat testing. Compared to C-p16, C-hrHPV ISH is more frequently diagnostic and could be helpful for HPV-OSCC diagnosis and management.
Enlightening mitosis: construction and expression of green fluorescent fusion proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the properties of green fluorescent fusion (GFP) as a fluorochrome and strategies for constructing functional biofluorescent probes and for the expression of GFP chimeras in cells. The fluorescence spectrum of GFP is obviously the key functional property of the protein and has turned out to be remarkably mutable, leading to the generation of several useful spectral variants of GFP. Wild-type GFP is maximally excited in the near UV (396 nm) and possesses a secondary excitation peak at 475 nm. Emission at 508 nm produces the characteristic bright green color. A key feature of GFP is the rate and extent of protein folding and chromophore formation, which does not take place optimally at 37° C for the wild-type protein. Many early workers reported no or low fluorescence yield with wild-type GFP in cells cultured at 37°C, which could be compensated by growth at lower temperatures. The humanized GFP coding sequence is ideal for expression in a wide variety of mammalian species. As its excitation and emission spectra are quite similar to fluorescein, special filters are not required for efficient visualization of S65T derivatives. Similarly, these GFP derivatives are ideal for confocal microscopy as they are very efficiently excited by the 488 nm argon laser line. For dual-receptor experiments, the second GFP of choice is an enhanced blue derivative as this provides the best spectral resolution from GFP.
Infrared Properties of Thin Pt/Al2O3 Granular Metal-Insulator Composite Films

The reflection of mid- and near-infrared radiation (400-15000 cm−1 by thin Pt/Al2O3 cermet films was measured using a Fourier transform spectrometer. The data were compared with predictions of three models for the effective optical constants of heterogeneous materials: Maxwell-Garnett, Bruggeman, and a simplified version of a probabilistic growth model due to Sheng. Sheng’s model provides the best description of the data over the complete range of metallic volume fraction. This result is expected based on the most likely topology of the films and is in agreement with other work on similar systems at higher frequencies.
Standard Sampling Techniques for Infrared Spectroscopy

The sections in this article are Introduction Liquid Sampling Sealed Cells The Interference Fringe Method Lambert Law Solutions Demountable Cells Internal Reflection Impurities Handling Solids Solutions Mulling5 KBr Disks6, 7 Thin Films Thin Polymer Films Cast Films Pressed Films Powder Films Low Melting Solids Pyrolysis Reflection Techniques Specular Reflection Reflection Spectrum of a Dielectric Spectrum of a Thick Coating (0.01–0.5 mm) on a Metal Surface Spectrum of a Very Thin Coating, Less than 10 nm, on a Metal Surface Internal Reflection Diffuse Reflection15 Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Which Technique Should be Used? Conclusion
Coordination Chemistry of o‐Semiquinones

o-Semiquinone (SQ) radicals are ideally suited to chelate with transition metal ions. Ligand paramagnetism results in spin-coupling interactions with paramagnetic metal ions, and complexes containing multiple SQ ligands have magnetic properties resulting from inter-ligand coupling. The unpaired SQ electron resides in a ligand-localized π orbital close in energy with the valence d orbitals of many transition metal ions. Electron transfer between ligand and metal may be observed under equilibrium conditions by monitoring the temperature-dependence of spectral and magnetic properties in a process known as valence tautomerism. The redox potentials of common SQ ligands overlap with the redox potentials of metal ions contributing to redox series that may involve reversible electron transfer steps at both the metal and SQ ligands. Multielectron redox reactions involving SQ ligands are useful in small molecule transformations that involve substrate oxidation or reduction over a narrow range in electrochemical potential. These properties are unique to complexes containing ligands capable of changing their charged state by either intramolecular electron transfer within the complex molecule or by an exchange of charge with an external redox component. Reactions and processes of this type will be the focus of this review on the coordination chemistry of o-semiquinonate ligands. Keywords: transition metal; o-semiquinonate; magnetism; paramagnetic exchange; redox reactions; valence tautomerism; redox isomerism; electron transfer
Obesity increases malignant risk in patients with branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Background Obesity is an established risk factor for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. No study has examined specifically the influence of obesity on malignant risk in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), a group at substantial risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We hypothesize that obesity is associated with a greater frequency of malignancy in IPMN. Methods Data on patients undergoing resection for IPMN between 1992 and 2012 at a high-volume university institution were collected prospectively. Clinicopathologic and demographic parameters were reviewed. Patients were classified according to World Health Organization categories of body mass index (BMI). Malignancy was defined as high-grade dysplastic or invasive IPMN. Results We collected data on 357 patients who underwent resection for IPMN. Of these, 274 had complete data for calculation of preoperative BMI and 31% had malignant IPMN. Of 254 patients with a BMI of Conclusion These findings suggest that obesity is associated with an increased frequency of malignancy in branch-duct IPMN. Obesity is a potentially modifiable risk factor that may influence oncologic risk stratification, patient counseling, and surveillance strategy.
Acid/base properties of MgO studied by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy

The acid/base properties of model MgO surfaces have been studied using various probe molecules with acid strengths ranging from those of carboxylic acids and alcohols to alkenes and alkanes. High-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS) data show that carboxylic acids, methanol and water dissociate heterolytically on MgO surfaces. Ethylene and ethane, however, are found to adsorb associatively. Thermally generated surface defect sites exhibit stronger basic character and are capable of dissociating ethane. The present studies demonstrate the capabilities of HREELS for the investigation of the chemical properties of insulating materials.
Microwave and radiofrequency Stark spectrum of ArHCN: A highly nonrigid molecule

The rotational spectrum of the weakly bound complex ArHCN has been observed using molecular beam electric resonance spectroscopy. The spectrum is superficially characteristic of that of a linear molecule with both unusually large centrifugal distortion (requiring a J6 dependent distortion term to fit the data) and an unexpectedly large bending amplitude. The spectroscopic constants are The centrifugal distortion constant DJ is remarkably large and abnormally sensitive to isotopic substitution. Using the usual model, the stretching and bending force constants obtained from these data are an order of magnitude smaller than those similarly computed for the hydrogen halide complexes of argon. The calculated stretching and bending frequencies are 10 cm−1, predicting that excited vibrational levels should be populated in the beam. Three transitions have been observed which appear to correspond to an excited vibrational level of ArDCN, but poor signal‐to‐noise has prohibited their unambiguous assignment. W...
Overview of World Space Launches

An overview of world space launches from 1957 through 1998 is presented. Space launches with small, medium, and large launch vehicles are included, launch system success rates are compared, and space launch failures that occurred in all of the space-faring nations of the world are identie ed. Particular attention is paid to the review and analysisofworld spacelaunch vehicle failures in 1983 ‐1998. Recommendations are madefor reliability enhancement of launch systems and propulsion subsystems. The purpose of the study is to provide lessons learned from the past in order to mitigate launch failures in the future.
A noise-shaped switching power supply using a delta-sigma modulator

A technique to reduce in-band tones in switch-mode power supplies is described. It takes advantage of the noise-shaping properties of the delta-sigma (/spl Delta//spl Sigma/) modulator to eliminate the spikes normally present in switching power supplies. A framework is introduced for comparing the conventional pulsewidth modulated (PWM) controller and this approach. A buck converter test circuit is constructed that is designed for a PWM controller clocked at 200 kHz and then substituted with a /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator controller clocked at 400 kHz. The RMS noise power of the PWM controller is 14.9 mW compared to the rms noise power for the /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator of 75.85 mW measured in a 2-MHz bandwidth. Although the /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator rms noise power is higher, the noise floor is below the tones seen at the output of the PWM controller. A multibit /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator controller, however, provides a significant reduction in the spectral output of the power supply. Values of 3.75 and 0.24 mW rms noise power are observed at the output of a 2-bit and 4-bit /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator controller, respectively.
Inbreeding function in small populations with an arbitrary number of linked loci.

It was attempted to extend the generalized recurrence relationships for the inbreeding function and the panmictic function for an arbitrary number of linked loci developed by Narain (1965) to monoecious populations of size N where the probabilities of selfing and outcrossing are equal. It was found that this is only simple for a single generation. The reason for this is that the step between two parental pools in successive generations will have three branching stages whenever there is more than one gene and more than one individual in the population. The number of branching stages will reduce to two when either the number of genes is one (Wright's F) or the number of individuals in the population is one (selfing). This paper defines a system of gametic states of a Markov chain where the elements are gametic classes or sets and defines the formulatiogns of the inbreeding function in terms of these transition matrices rather than in terms of a genotypic system. A computer program has also been written using the introduced Markov chain to obtain the inbreeding function for populations of size two each with two linked loci. By using the gametic technique the number of possible states can be considerably reduced and the problem becomes solvable at least for a small number of genes. An approximation is also given for the two individual-two locus case.
Surface reconstruction and representation of 3-D scenes

Abstract This paper describes a method of reconstructing and representing the surface of objects in a 3-D scene from a set of parallel planar slices or cross sections. The 3-D scene may consist of several occluding objects. Each slice may consist of a number of distinct 2-D regions defining the 2-D structure at that particular cross-section. The method described does not require that the scene description be a completely segmented one, i.e. separate object structures need not be distinguished from each other. The method can be used where only incomplete description due to missing data are available. The generation of surface description consists of three steps. First, the contours of 2-D regions are traced and an attempt to segment the 3-D scene is made by associating contours on different slices. Second, a triangulation process is performed over pairs of associated contours to generate the local bounding surface structure. Finally, a surface hierarchy is established by coalescing adjacent triangular patches of same orientation into polygonal facets; these facets are then integrated to form the object and scene description. The surface structure thus obtained is a collection of polygonal facets which bound the outer surface of the objects.
An integrated framework for decision support in corporate planning

Abstract Corporate planning and decision making is a complex but critical management process in multidivisional organizations. This process entails a determination of the objectives and operational constraints at various levels of management. The decision-making function in such large diversified corporations proceeds by assessing the decision alternatives at each level of management with reference to their mutual tradeoffs, and arriving at an equilibrium point. In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework for the design of an integrated DSS in hierarchical organizations. The proposed framework consists of five steps: Analysis of the corporate decision making process, building a model of the decision making process, configuring a DSS for this model, pilot study and implementation. We illustrate the proposed design principles by considering a three-level hierarchical organization and modeling the decision-making process within this organization. A case analysis of the proposed integrated framework is provided. The case study has been conducted with decision makers in a simulated business environment. This research has given rise to several new avenues of exploration and extensions of the proposed design. We present the conclusions from this study and directions for future research in this area. Our experience with this approach in the case analysis has been quite positive, and this suggests that similar results may be obtained in real world organizations as well. We are currently testing the proposed approach with a local organization.
Defining the course of brain structural change and plasticity in schizophrenia

Recent evidence from controlled CT and MRI longitudinal studies suggests that some cerebral ventricular enlargement and hemispheric volumetric reductions (e.g. cerebral atrophy) may have a progressive component in patients with schizophrenia. These studies vary in cohort composition, stage of illness examined, duration of follow-up interval, imaging techniques used, and specific brain regions with findings. They also conflict with earlier evidence suggesting that schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with brain pathological deviance occurring prior to the illness onset. The newer brain imaging reports may be detecting subtle brain plasticity that results from a continuing cortical disruptive process, may be epi-phenomena caused by scanning and image analysis artifacts or may possibly reflect systemic physiological fluctuations. Future longitudinal studies of subjects at all stages of illness using a variety of new technologies are needed to clarify these findings.
Stress Incontinence Diagnosed Without Multichannel Urodynamic Studies

Abstract Objective: To determine if the clinical diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence made on the basis of simple criteria correlates with the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence as determined by provocative multichannel urodynamic testing. Methods: The charts of 652 women who presented for clinical evaluation of a variety of lower urinary tract complaints were reviewed if they met all of the following criteria: 1) a predominant complaint of stress incontinence, 2) positive cough stress-test results, 3) postvoid residual urine volume no more than 50 mL, 4) a functional bladder capacity of at least 400 mL as determined by a completed 24-hour frequency-volume chart, and 5) a full multichannel urodynamic evaluation. Seventy-four patients met all these criteria. The clinical diagnosis of stress incontinence was based on the presence of factors 1–4; this diagnosis then was compared with the results of provocative multichannel urodynamic testing. Results: Genuine stress incontinence was confirmed in 72 (97%) of 74 patients meeting the aforementioned clinical criteria. In one patient, detrusor instability alone was demonstrated during urodynamic testing. In 11 patients with genuine stress incontinence (15%), an element of detrusor instability was also present at the time of urodynamic testing. One patient had normal urodynamic study findings, with no incontinence demonstrated. Conclusion: Rigorously defined clinical criteria are highly reliable in predicting the presence of genuine stress incontinence at the time of urodynamic testing. Because of the potential implications of this finding for clinical practice, further investigation is warranted.
340 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF RESISTANT(R) S PNEUMONIAE(Sp): A SIX YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Increased isolation of R-Sp have significant implications. To determine changing patterns of Sp susceptibility, all Sp isolated from 1988 to 1993 were tested. Penicillin susceptibility was defined by MICs: Sensitive (S) 1 ug/ml. Results are shown in the table: 584 Sp were isolated, 499(85.4%) S and 85(14.6%) R (66 [11.3%] RR and 19[3.3%] HR. An increase of 8 fold occured in RR-sp in 1989 and a 1.75 fold in 1990. No significant increase in HR-Sp occured in first 5 years of the study; in 1993 there was a >100% increase. Our data suggest that empiric management of serious Sp infections should include antimicrobials effective against R-Sp. This is important since Sp is a major causes of childhood meningitis.
LYSOSOMAL HYDROLASES AND NEUTRAL LIPASE OF CULTURED FIBROBLASTS AND ADIPOSE TISSUES OF MONKEYS AND CHILDREN

Monolayer cultures of normal skin fibroblasts (NSF) from 4 children, lipid storage fibroblasts (LSF) from 2 children with lipid storage diseases - a Wolman's disease and a cholesterol ester storage disease -, a subline of “lipid-storing” Swiss mouse fibroblasts (3T3-L1), human adipose tissues (HAT) obtained at surgery from 5 normal children and monkey adipose tissues (MAT) from 13 adult monkeys (Macaca mulatta), were incubated at 37°C for 2 hr. in 5% CO2 atmosphere with and without 5×10−4M isoproterenol (Iso) and 5×10−3M theophylline (Theo.) Neutral lipase (NL) at pH 7.0, lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), hexosaminidase (Hex) and B-galactosidase (Gal) each at pH 4.0, were assayed on the aqueous fractions of cell and tissue homogenates using 4-methylumbelliferyl compounds as substrates. Basal specific activity (n mole/min/mg/prot.) of NL in HAT (3.14±0.67) was highest, being 3 to S times higher than the values for LSF, 3T3-L1 or MAT. Basal activity of AL was 28.41±7.06 in NSF and 17.33±7.02 in 3T3-L1 but less than 10% of these values in LSF, HAT and MAT. Basal activities of Hex. and Gal. were higher in NSF, LSF and 3T3-L1 than in HAT and MAT. Stimulation with Iso. plus Theo. produced no effects on the activity of any of the enzymes studies with the exception of NL activity in HAT which increased by 50%.
Non-autonomous planetary 3D geostrophic equations with oscillating external force and its global attractor

Abstract In this article, we consider a non-autonomous three-dimensional planetary geostrophic model of the ocean with a singulary oscillating external force depending on a small parameter ϵ . We prove the existence of the uniform global attractor A ϵ . Furthermore, using the method of Chepyzhov and Vishik (2007) [3] in the case of the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes systems, we study the convergence of A ϵ as ϵ goes to zero.
A Model of Electrocodeposition on a Rotating Cylinder Electrode

A model of particle electrocodeposition on a rotating cylinder electrode was developed to predict the incorporated particle volume fraction in a composite film. Asymptotic solutions to the transport equations for ions within the diffusion boundary layer showed that diffusion of the reactive species in a supporting electrolyte solution is the dominant process to carry current at the cathodic surface. The ratio of the total volume of particles to that of the deposited metal was expressed as a function of two transport parameters, current density, a probability to determine the particle surface concentration, and two experimental fitting parameters.
Graphene-enabled silver nanoantenna sensors.

Silver is the ideal material for plasmonics because of its low loss at optical frequencies but is often replaced by a more lossy metal, gold. This is because of silver’s tendency to tarnish and roughen, forming Ag2S on its surface, dramatically diminishing optical properties and rendering it unreliable for applications. By passivating the surface of silver nanostructures with monolayer graphene, atmospheric sulfur containing compounds are unable to penetrate the graphene to degrade the surface of the silver. Preventing this sulfidation eliminates the increased material damping and scattering losses originating from the unintentional Ag2S layer. Because it is atomically thin, graphene does not interfere with the ability of localized surface plasmons to interact with the environment in sensing applications. Furthermore, after 30 days graphene-passivated silver (Ag–Gr) nanoantennas exhibit a 2600% higher sensitivity over that of bare Ag nanoantennas and 2 orders of magnitude improvement in peak width enduran...