cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low cost and low power silicon npn bipolar process with NMOS transistors and its wireless applications

Microwave and dc characteristics, and wireless applications of a low cost and low power silicon bipolar process with NMOS transistors are described. The process features 25-GHz double-polysilicon self-aligned npn bipolar transistors with 5.5-V BV/sub CEO/, optional 0.7-/spl mu/m NMOS transistors with p/sup +/ polysilicon gate for switch applications, lateral pnp transistors, high and low valued resistors, inductors, and p/sup +/ polysilicon-to-n/sup +/ plug capacitors. The RF and microwave capabilities of the process up to several GHz are demonstrated by fabricating and characterizing RF amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, and RF switches.
Application to Plants

One must understand, in detail, the functioning of a leaf in order to understand many ecological phenomena concerning plants. Once the mechanisms by which a leaf carries out its vital functions are recognized, one can put together a complete analysis or model relating the properties of the environment to the vital functions of a leaf. Since photosynthesis and respiration are of primary importance to a plant, we shall first look at how these processes take place.
Multipath mitigation in calibration range estimation algorithm

Range splitting algorithms are used in radar signal processing to accurately estimate the range of a detected target by “splitting” the range bin and estimating where within the range bin the target is located. One particular algorithm, calibration range estimation (CRE), calibrates the response in the mainlobe of the matched filter to incremental delays and then accurately estimates the target's range from the received signal by linear interpolation of the calibration curve. The CRE algorithm is computationally efficient and empirically proven to achieve the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) in the presence of a single scatterer. However, CRE is not inherently immune to the multipath phenomenon and its performance degrades when the received signal is corrupted by a multipath reflection. In this paper we investigate the effects of multipath on the performance of the CRE algorithm and determine how much its performance deviates from the CRLB in the presence of multipath. Moreover, we provide a solution to the multipath problem by using the CLEAN algorithm to remove the multipath signal and return the performance of CRE closer to the CRLB.
What can we learn from the edaravone development program for ALS

AbstractEdaravone’s development into an ALS therapeutic has been a process which began with preclinical studies regarding its potential in targeting ALS. Despite edaravone’s inability to show benefit in a general ALS population, an important post-hoc analysis showed that a clinical subset of patients had benefit. Most importantly, a subsequent study examining the capacity of edaravone to have benefit in this specific subset of ALS patients was successful in meeting its primary outcome measures. Questions regarding whether the dosing regimen could be simplified or improved, the duration of the effects, and the timing of the potential treatment to different stages of disease remain to be answered. However, the benefit of this compound in delivering a meaningful therapy to ALS patients and the lessons learned with regard to its development should widen interest in clinical research so that additional strategies for treating ALS may become available to patients.
Cost-Sensitive Perceptron Decision Trees for Imbalanced Drifting Data Streams

Mining streaming and drifting data is among the most popular contemporary applications of machine learning methods. Due to the potentially unbounded number of instances arriving rapidly, evolving concepts and limitations imposed on utilized computational resources, there is a need to develop efficient and adaptive algorithms that can handle such problems. These learning difficulties can be further augmented by appearance of skewed distributions during the stream progress. Class imbalance in non-stationary scenarios is highly challenging, as not only imbalance ratio may change over time, but also relationships among classes. In this paper we propose an efficient and fast cost-sensitive decision tree learning scheme for handling online class imbalance. In each leaf of the tree we train a perceptron with output adaptation to compensate for skewed class distributions, while McDiarmid’s bound is used for controlling the splitting attribute selection. The cost matrix automatically adapts itself to the current imbalance ratio in the stream, allowing for a smooth compensation of evolving class relationships. Furthermore, we analyze characteristics of minority class instances and incorporate this information during the model update process. It allows our classifier to focus on most difficult instances, while a sliding window keeps track of changes in class structures. Experimental analysis carried out on a number of binary and multi-class imbalanced data streams indicate the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Stronger connectivity of the resident gut microbiome lends resistance to invading bacteria

Bacterial infection in the gut is often due to successful invasion of the host microbiome by an introduced pathogen. Ecological theory indicates that resident community members and their interactions should be strong determinants of whether an invading taxon can persist in a community. In the context of the gut microbiome, this suggests colonization resistance against newly introduced bacteria should depend on the instantaneous bacterial community composition within the gut and interactions between these constituent members. Here we develop a mathematical model of how metabolite-dependent biotic interactions between resident bacteria mediate invasion, and find that stronger biotic connectivity from metabolite cross-feeding and competition increases colonization resistance. We then introduce a statistical method for identifying invasive taxa in the human gut, and show empirically that greater connectivity of the resident gut microbiome is related to increased resistance to invading bacteria. Finally, we examined patient outcomes after fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) for recurring Clostridium difficile infection. Patients with lower connectivity of the gut microbiome after treatment were more likely to relapse, experiencing a later infection. Thus, simulation models and data from human subjects support the hypothesis that stronger interactions between bacteria in the gut repel invaders. These results demonstrate how ecological invasion theory can be applied to the gut microbiome, which might inform targeted microbiome manipulations and interventions. More broadly, this study provides evidence that low connectivity in gut microbial communities is a hallmark of community instability and susceptibility to invasion.
Robotic Para-aortic Lymph Node Dissection

Use of the robotic surgical platform in gynecologic oncology, including para-aortic lymph node dissection, has steadily increased due to improved dexterity, better visualization, increased primary surgeon independence, and increased comfort over conventional laparoscopic equipment. With patient positioning and robotic docking techniques to improve access to the infrarenal para-aortic lymph nodes, robotic para-aortic lymph node dissection may be safely performed without diminishing the number of para-aortic lymph nodes removed. In this chapter, we review the published data on the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted para-aortic lymphadenectomy in gynecologic oncology as well as describe the procedure itself, including trocar placement, patient positioning, and robot docking.
Vulvar Melanoma with Isolated Metastasis to the Extraocular Muscles: Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

Background/aim Orbital metastasis of systemic cancer is exceedingly rare. This is a case report of a patient treated for locally recurrent vulvar melanoma who later presented with unilateral proptosis and was found to have an isolated biopsy-proven extraocular muscle metastasis. Patients and methods A 94-year-old female with locally recurrent vulvar melanoma presented with eye discomfort and blurry vision. Patient underwent histopathological, genetic, and imaging studies. Results All prior work-up, including brain MRI and PET/CT, was negative for disease elsewhere from local recurrence. Orbital MRI demonstrated a mass involving the extraocular muscle, and immunohistochemistry staining of biopsy was consistent with metastasis. The patient underwent radiation therapy and tolerated treatment well. Conclusion This is the first reported case of vulvar melanoma with extraocular muscle metastasis. The absence of findings on imaging as part of the staging work-up underscores the importance of considering extraocular muscle (EOM) metastasis as a differential for patients with vulvar melanoma who present with proptosis.
Sexual Behavior Intervention Program: An Innovative Level of Care in Male Sex Offender Treatment

The literature does not provide practical, targeted alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for sexual offenders deemed at low risk for recidivism. The Sexual Behavior Intervention Program (SBIP) is an innovative level of care in male sex offender treatment that offers communities an option for treating sexual misconduct. SBIP is a focused, psychoeducational program rooted in the restorative justice model, one that attempts to meet the needs of both individuals and the community.
SPINOR MATTER IN A GRAVITATIONAL FIELD : COVARIANT EQUATIONS A LA HEISENBERG

A fundamental tenet of general relativity is geodesic motion of point particles. For extended objects, however, tidal forces make the trajectories deviate from geodesic form. In fact Mathisson, Papapetrou, and others have found that even in the limit of very small size there exists a residual curvature-spin force. Another important physical case is that of field theory. Here the ray (WKB) approximation may be used to obtain the equation of motion. In this article I consider an alternative procedure, the proper time translation operator formalism, to obtain the covariant Heisenberg equations for the quantum velocity, momentum, and angular momentum operators for the case of spinor fields. I review the flat spacetime results for Dirac particles in Yang-Mills fields, where we recover the Lorentz force. For curved spacetime I find that the geodesic equation is modified by an additional term involving the spin tensor, and the parallel transport equation for the momentum is modified by an additional term involving the curvature tensor. This curvature term is the “Lorentz force” of the gravitational field. The main result of this article is that these equations are exactly the (symmetrized) Mathisson-Papapetrou equations for the quantum operators. Extension of these results to the case of spin-one fields may be possible by use of the KDP formalism.
Environment, Frequency and Temperature Effects on Fatigue in Engineering Plastics

In recognition of the trend toward lighter and higher strength structures, there has been growing interest in the commercial application of plastics in numerous engineering systems. These include ground and air transport vehicles and gas and water pipelines. In addition, engineering plastics have found a place in the manufacture of such exotic components as prosthetic devices. To be sure, the usage of these polymeric materials cannot precede a proper evaluation of such mechanical properties as tensile and yield strength, ductility, toughness, creep and fatigue response. At the same time, it is necessary that these mechanical properties be examined as a function of major test variables such as environment, temperature and test frequency; these variables take on major importance in polymeric solids owing to their viscoelastic character. In this brief overview, we shall attempt to highlight some theoretical and experimental results that bear on the impact of test environment, temperature and cyclic frequency on polymer fatigue behavior. In doing so, we intend to emphasize that changes in these variables affect the viscoelastic character of the polymer material itself as well as any possible surface-environment rate-activated processes.
WHAT EXPLAINS SPECIALTY COFFEE QUALITY SCORES AND PRICES: A CASE STUDY FROM THE CUP OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

This study investigates the effects of material and symbolic quality attributes on the Cup of Excellence specialty coffee quality scores and prices. The estimates from the quality score equations suggest that material attributes are important determinants, but symbolic attributes have a greater explanatory power. The hedonic price estimations show that specialty coffee prices are mainly determined by symbolic attributes and market conditions such as the number of coffees in the auction. Overall, the study reveals that fruity, floral, sweet, spice, and sour acid are cuppers' and buyers' most favorite coffee flavors and aromas.
Immunohistochemistry of p16 in nevi of pregnancy and nevoid melanomas

BACKGROUND Hormonal changes in pregnancy are known to alter melanocytic lesions, with some nevi noted to have increased mitotic figures and increased Ki-67 proliferation index. Additionally, cytomorphologic changes have also been noted, referred to as superficial micronodules of pregnancy. These changes may alarm the pathologist for malignancy, particularly nevoid melanoma. Immunohistochemistry for p16 has been recently utilized to distinguish benign nevi from melanoma. We assessed the use of p16 immunohistochemistry for distinguishing melanocytic nevi of pregnant patients from nevoid melanomas. METHODS Fourteen nevomelanocytic lesions were obtained from pregnant or postpartum patients along with 20 nevoid melanomas for comparison. Immunohistochemistry with p16 was performed on each melanocytic lesion. The percentage of nuclear p16 staining of dermal melanocytes was grouped on a scale of 25% to 50%, and >50%. RESULTS The majority of nevi from pregnant patients (81%) showed staining of >5% for p16. In contrast, the majority of nevoid melanomas (65%) had staining of <5% for p16. CONCLUSION The application of p16 as a potential immunohistochemistry diagnostic marker to distinguish nevi from pregnant patients vs nevoid melanomas may be useful.
Force-Dependent Multicolor Mechanochromism from a Single Mechanophore

We report a bis-naphthopyran mechanophore that exhibits force-dependent changes in visible absorption. A series of polymers incorporating a chain-centered bis-naphthopyran mechanophore was synthesized and mechanically activated using ultrasonication. By varying the length of the polymer chains, the force delivered to the mechanophore is modulated systematically. We demonstrate that the relative distribution of two distinctly colored merocyanine products is altered predictably with different magnitudes of applied force, resulting in gradient multicolor mechanochromism. The mechanochemical reactivity of bis-naphthopyran is supported by density functional theory calculations and described by a theoretical model that provides insight into the force–color relationship.
Increasing antibiotic resistance in Clostridioides difficile: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Decreases in clinical response of Clostridioides difficile to antibiotics used for its treatment have raised concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the resistance rates of C. difficile to various antibiotics over time. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from inception through 03/31/2017 for observational studies assessing antibiotic resistance rates in C. difficile. Weighted summary estimates were calculated using inverse variance heterogeneity models [MetaXL software (v. 5.3)]. A priori subgroup analyses were done (by study year, continent, susceptibility testing method, origin of isolates); ribotype 027 strains were analyzed separately. Results From 1982 to 2017, 60 studies (8336 isolates) were analyzed. Fifty-three studies reported vancomycin resistance; weighted pooled resistance (WPR), 2.1% (95% CI, 0%–5.1%; I2 = 95%). Fifty-five studies reported metronidazole resistance; WPR, 1.9% (95% CI, 0.5%–3.6%; I2 = 89%). Compared to the period before 2012, vancomycin resistance increased by 3.6% (95% CI, 2.9%–4.2%; P Conclusion Resistance of C. difficile to vancomycin is increasing, with a smaller, declining resistance to metronidazole; there is significant heterogeneity between studies. Ongoing monitoring of resistance to commonly used antibiotics is required.
Mechanical Properties of the Human Tibial and Peroneal Nerves Following Stretch With Histological Correlations.

Despite the extensive literature regarding peripheral nerve stretch injuries, there are few studies that compare the nerve histology with the mechanical properties in humans. There is clinical evidence suggesting that the peroneal nerve is at greater risk for injury compared to the tibial nerve following total hip arthroplasty and hip trauma. We examined the two nerves from fresh human cadavers with or without controlled stretch. The mechanical properties, stiffness, and strain were compared with light microscopic preparations in longitudinal sections stained by the trichrome method for collagen and showing the effects of structural deformation. The tibial nerve had an average failure load 1.7× that for the peroneal nerve (P = 0.0001). Although the corresponding average stiffness showed a trend toward being larger (4.39 vs. 3.81 N/mm), the difference was not significant (P = 0.126). Histologically, the perineurium along with the underlying nerve fascicle was undulated in the control specimens and straightened out in the stretched specimens. Peroneal nerves went on to failure at lower loads and exhibited a wavy pattern on pathologic slides after failure, which shows that peroneal nerves fail mechanically before they can unfold. The tibial nerve has a biomechanical and histological advantage compared to the peroneal nerve during tensile testing, which could be the reason why it is less commonly damaged. We conclude that the perineurium is especially protective against deformation changes in human nerves relative to the respective nerve size and number of fascicles. Anat Rec, 302:2030-2039, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
Prediagnostic Immune Cell Profiles and Breast Cancer

Importance Higher overall leukocyte counts in women may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer, but the association of specific leukocyte subtypes with breast cancer risk remains unknown. Objective To determine associations between circulating leukocyte subtypes and risk of breast cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants Between 2003 and 2009, the Sister Study enrolled 50 884 women who had a sister previously diagnosed with breast cancer but were themselves breast cancer free. A case-cohort subsample was selected in July 2014 from the full Sister Study cohort. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, and women were followed up through October 2016. Data analysis was performed in April 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was the development of breast cancer in women. Whole-blood DNA methylation was measured, and methylation values were deconvoluted using the Houseman method to estimate proportions of 6 leukocyte subtypes (B cells, natural killer cells, CD8+and CD4+T cells, monocytes, and granulocytes). Leukocyte subtype proportions were dichotomized at their population median value, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations with breast cancer. Results Among 2774 non-Hispanic white women included in the analysis (mean [SD] age at enrollment, 56.6 [8.8] years), 1295 women were randomly selected from the full cohort (of whom 91 developed breast cancer) along with an additional 1479 women who developed breast cancer during follow-up (mean [SD] time to diagnosis, 3.9 [2.2] years). Circulating proportions of B cells were positively associated with later breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.36;P = .04). Among women who were premenopausal at blood collection, the association between B cells and breast cancer was significant (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.05-1.82;P = .02), and an inverse association for circulating proportions of monocytes was found (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-0.99;P = .05). Among all women, associations between leukocyte subtypes and breast cancer were time dependent: higher monocyte proportions were associated with decreased near-term risk (within 1 year of blood collection, HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43-0.89;P = .01), whereas higher B cell proportions were associated with increased risk 4 or more years after blood collection (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.15-1.67;P = .001). Conclusions and Relevance Circulating leukocyte profiles may be altered before clinical diagnoses of breast cancer and may be time-dependent markers for breast cancer risk, particularly among premenopausal women.
PhIP exposure in rodents produces neuropathology potentially relevant to Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a public health crisis due to debilitating cognitive symptoms and lack of curative treatments, in the context of increasing prevalence. Thus, it is critical to identify modifiable risk factors. High levels of meat consumption may increase AD risk. Many toxins are formed during meat cooking such as heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). Our prior studies have shown that HAAs produce dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Given the mechanistic and pathological overlap between AD and dopaminergic disorders we investigated whether exposure to 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP), a prevalent dietary HAA formed during high-temperature meat cooking, may produce AD-relevant neurotoxicity. Here, C57BL/6 mice were treated with 100 or 200 mg/kg PhIP for 8 h or 75 mg/kg for 4 weeks and 16 weeks. PhIP exposure for 8 h produced oxidative damage, and AD-relevant alterations in hippocampal synaptic proteins, Amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP), and β-Site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). PhIP exposure for 4 weeks resulted in an increase in BACE1. PhIP exposure for 16 weeks resulted in increased hippocampal oxidative damage, APP, BACE1, Aβ aggregation, and tau phosphorylation. Quantification of intracellular nitrotyrosine revealed oxidative damage in cholinergic neurons after 8 h, 4 weeks and 16 weeks of PhIP exposure. Our study demonstrates that increase in oxidative damage, APP and BACE1 might be a possible mechanism by which PhIP promotes Aβ aggregation. Given many patients with AD or PD exhibit neuropathological overlap, our study suggests that HAA exposure should be further studied for roles in mediating pathogenic overlap.
Multi-level determinants of crop choice to water stress in smallholder irrigation system of Central Nepal

Change in crop choice is a common adaptation strategy for global change. However, its drivers are not well understood. We investigate the multilevel determinants of smallholders’ crop choice in irr...
Revisiting the impacts of virtual mobility on travel behavior: An exploration of daily travel time expenditures

Abstract There has been a growing interest in the association between online activities and daily activity-travel patterns. An analysis of this relationship is even more crucial considering the major disruptions to out-of-home activity participation and travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the relationships between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use (focusing on telework and online shopping) and time spent traveling using different transportation modes. Using Tobit regression models, we investigate the impacts of ICT use on three travel alternatives: (1) automobile, (2) public transit, and (3) active travel. The results show that the effects of ICT use vary across these three travel modes. For example, all else being equal, respondents with higher durations of telework tend to spend less time on auto and transit. Respondents with higher durations of online shopping spend more time walking and bicycling. This study also explores whether the effects of ICT use on travel durations vary across groups with different socio-demographics and residential location characteristics. For instance, the study finds the greater the level of land-use mixture, the stronger the association between online shopping and time spent bicycling and walking. The research findings can inform planners and decision-makers on the relationships between ICT use and overall travel behavior in order to assess travel demand under different levels of ICT use.
A Name to Blame for Trains: The Role of Attribution in Accountability∗

People use government-provided public services every day, but do they hold politicians accountable for the performance of these services? This paper uses a novel data source to assess accountability: administrative performance data from a large urban transportation authority linked to surveys of individuals’ opinions. These combined data allow me to take advantage of exogenous variation in performance in a natural experiment. In addition, I test the importance of attribution on citizens’ ability to make retrospective judgments when there is confusion about responsibility. I find that citizens connect real-world performance with evaluations of government only when provided with experimental cues about government responsibility. However, these judgments are susceptible to cognitive biases that favor recent information, stunting the ability of citizens to reflect on cumulative performance over time. Broadly, these results demonstrate that accountability is complicated by confusion of responsibility, and potentially threatened by the ease with which blame and credit can be shifted.
Disjoint subspaces for common and distinct component analysis: Application to the fusion of multi-task FMRI data

Abstract Background Data-driven methods such as independent component analysis (ICA) makes very few assumptions on the data and the relationships of multiple datasets, and hence, are attractive for the fusion of medical imaging data. Two important extensions of ICA for multiset fusion are the joint ICA (jICA) and the multiset canonical correlation analysis and joint ICA (MCCA-jICA) techniques. Both approaches assume identical mixing matrices, emphasizing components that are common across the multiple datasets. However, in general, one would expect to have components that are both common across the datasets and distinct to each dataset. New method We propose a general framework, disjoint subspace analysis using ICA (DS-ICA), which identifies and extracts not only the common but also the distinct components across multiple datasets. A key component of the method is the identification of these subspaces and their separation before subsequent analyses, which helps establish better model match and provides flexibility in algorithm and order choice. Comparison We compare DS-ICA with jICA and MCCA-jICA through both simulations and application to multiset functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task data collected from healthy controls as well as patients with schizophrenia. Results The results show DS-ICA estimates more components discriminative between healthy controls and patients than jICA and MCCA-jICA, and with higher discriminatory power showing activation differences in meaningful regions. When applied to a classification framework, components estimated by DS-ICA results in higher classification performance for different dataset combinations than the other two methods. Conclusion These results demonstrate that DS-ICA is an effective method for fusion of multiple datasets.
Computer-Controlled CO2 Laser Ablation System for Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Digital Image Guided Endodontic Access: A Pilot Study.

Abstract Introduction Ideal endodontic access provides unobstructed entry to the pulp chamber and visualization of the canal orifices while preserving the maximum amount of tooth structure. The aim of this study was to implement the use of lasers to accurately and predictably access teeth to follow the principles of minimally invasive endodontics. Methods Traditional, conservative, ultraconservative, bridge, truss, and orifice-directed accesses were performed. A computer-controlled 9.3-μm CO2 laser ablation system was assembled and coupled with custom software capable of combining cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) volumetric data with spatially calibrated digital images of teeth to provide an augmented reality environment for designing and preparing endodontic accesses. Twenty (N = 20) sound posterior teeth with fully developed root canal systems were imaged with CBCT scans and accessed via laser ablation in vitro. Results All 20 (20/20) teeth were successfully accessed without iatrogenic errors. Volumetric renderings from post-access CBCT scans were used to verify the access and determine accuracy qualitatively. The volumetric measurements of hard tissue removed were as follows: traditional = 39.41 mm3, conservative = 9.76 mm3, ultraconservative = 7.1 mm3, bridge = 11.53 mm3, truss = 19.21 mm3, and orifice directed = 16.86 mm3. Conclusions Digital image guidance based on feature recognition and registration with CBCT data is a viable method to address the challenge of dynamic navigation for accessing the pulp chamber. Modern lasers with high pulse repetition rates integrated with computer-controlled scanning systems are suitable for the efficient cutting of dental hard tissues.
TET2 Protects Against Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis and Intimal Thickening in Transplant Vasculopathy

Background: Coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a devastating sequela of heart transplant in which arterial intimal thickening limits coronary blood flow. There are currently no targeted thera...
Alternatives to Treatment with Minor Tranquilizers in Psychogeriatrics

There has been an unprecedented rapid increase in average life expectancy at birth during the past 100 years. As a result, of the three billion people living today, over 200 million are aged (Ban, 1980).
Bacteriophage Interference in Bacillus subtilis 168

Strains of Bacillus subtilis lysogenic for temperate bacteriophage SPO2 inhibit the development of bacteriophage phi1. After infection by bacteriophage phi1, DNA and RNA synthesis in the lysogenic host terminates, culminating in cell death. Bacteriophage SPO2 also prevents the production of bacteriophage phi105. Mechanisms for these two types of bacteriophage interference are discussed.
On Computing the Underlying Fiber Directions from the Diffusion Orientation Distribution Function

In this work, a novel method for determining the principal directions (maxima) of the diffusion orientation distribution function(ODF) is proposed. We represent the ODF as a symmetric high-order Cartesian tensor restricted to the unit sphere and show that the extrema of the ODF are solutions to a system of polynomial equations whose coefficients are polynomial functions of the tensor elements. In addition to demonstrating the ability of our methods to identify the principal directions in real data, we show that this method correctly identifies the principal directions under a range of noise levels. We also propose the use of the principal curvatures of the graph of the ODF function as a measure of the degree of diffusion anisotropy in that direction. We present simulated results illustrating the relationship between the mean principal curvature, measured at the maxima, and the fractional anisotropy of the underlying diffusion tensor.
Sensor selection from independence graphs using submodularity

In this paper we develop a framework to select a subset of sensors from a field in which the sensors have an ingrained independence structure. Given an arbitrary independence pattern, we construct a graph that denotes pairwise independence between sensors, which means those sensors can operate simultaneously. The set of all fully-connected subgraphs (cliques) of this independence graph can form a set of matroid constraints over which we maximize a submodular objective function. Since we choose the objective function to be submodular, the algorithm returns a near-optimal solution with approximation guarantees. We also argue that this framework generalizes to any network with a defined independence structure between sensors, and intuitively models problems where the goal is to gather information in a complex environment. We apply this framework to ping sequence optimization for active multistatic sonar arrays by maximizing sensor coverage and not only achieve significant performance gains compared to conventional round-robin sensor selection, but approach optimal performance as well.
Central Venous Access

Long-term central venous access is an essential technique in surgical oncology, required either for hyperalimentation of a malnourished patient before or after an oncologic procedure, or for periodic access to a central vein—usually the superior vena cava (SVC)—in order to infuse various chemotherapeutic agents. The latter indication is the more common one, as peripheral veins are often small and difficult to cannulate, or they become thrombosed and sclerotic after a few infusions of chemotherapeutic agents, presenting a risk of extravasation of these drugs, some of which are highly toxic to the infused tissues, with resultant necrosis and slough.
Studies of the Physicochemical and Enzymatic Properties of Papaya Lysozyme

Abstract Papaya lysozyme, purified by ion exchange chromatography on IRC-50, has been investigated with respect to physicochemical and enzymatic properties. In agreement with earlier findings, it was found that papaya lysozyme has a molecular weight of about 25,000 and that glycine is its sole amino-terminal residue. Molecular weight determinations in dissociating solvents indicate that the molecule consists of a single polypeptide chain. Papaya lysozyme lyses Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell walls at a rate one-third of that exhibited by egg white lysozyme; however, it displays a chitinase activity toward tetra-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine 400 times that of the egg white enzyme. No involvement of tryptophan residues in the active site of papaya lysozyme could be demonstrated.
Throughput and delay performance comparison for single-carrier and multicarrier networks with multiuser diversity

Channel-aware packet scheduling is investigated in this paper. Based on extreme value theory, we propose asymptotic analyses for average throughput and delay in both single-carrier and multicarrier networks. Those analyses provide accurate results and have concise expressions, which explicitly show the multiuser diversity gain inherent in channel-aware scheduling. Although multicarrier networks with channel-aware scheduling have the same throughput as single-carrier networks, multicarrier networks can provide better delay performance than single-carrier networks
Deeplinking and E-reserves: A new generation

Abstract The NCSU Libraries Reserves Department has created a model for integrating large-scale production of deeplinked E-reserve articles alongside more traditional scanned E-reserve articles. Creating stable links directly to an online article and bypassing a database or E-journal's home page produce deeplinked E-reserves. This model addresses using E-journal selection tools, the variety of procedures necessary to produce stable deeplinked E-reserves (including using DOI links), and workflow considerations for staff.
Simultaneous Stent Thrombosis In Rca and Lad Treated with Simultaneous Radial and Femoral Approaches

Staged percutaneous coronary intervention of a non-culprit vessel after treatment of the culprit vessel is common practice and has been found to be beneficial in small-randomized controlled trials and observational studies. There is a high risk of stent thrombosis within the first 30 days after stent implantation. Staged percutaneous coronary intervention of a non-culprit vessel is sometimes necessary within the first 30 days of primary percutaneous coronary intervention and is commonly performed but such procedures may be associated with a risk of simultaneous stent thrombosis in the implanted stents. Here we describe a patient who presented with inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction and had percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit vessel, the right coronary artery, followed by staged percutaneous coronary intervention of left anterior descending artery. One week later the patient presented with simultaneous stent thrombosis in both the right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery. He was then treated with simultaneous percutaneous coronary intervention of left anterior descending and right coronary artery via the right femoral and right radial approach to minimize time to restore flow in both the vessels.
Resolving the integrity/performance conflict

It is argued that future applications will require integrity of complex, persistent data in the face of hardware and program failures. We discuss Thor, a new object-oriented database, which offers a computational model that ensures data integrity in a distributed system without sacrificing expressiveness or performance. Perhaps surprisingly, compiler technology is important to make this work well. >
CONTROL OF AMINO ACID PERMEASE SORTING IN THE LATE SECRETORY PATHWAY OF SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE BY SEC13, LST4, LST7 AND LST8

The SEC13 gene was originally identified by temperature-sensitive mutations that block all protein transport from the ER to the Golgi. We have found that at a permissive temperature for growth, the sec13-1 mutation selectively blocks transport of the nitrogen-regulated amino acid permease, Gap1p, from the Golgi to the plasma membrane, but does not affect the activity of constitutive permeases such as Hip1p, Can1p, or Lyp1p. Different alleles of SEC13 exhibit different relative effects on protein transport from the ER to the Golgi, or on Gap1p activity, indicating distinct requirements for SEC13 function at two different steps in the secretory pathway. Three new genes, LST4, LST7, and LST8, were identified that are also required for amino acid permease transport from the Golgi to the cell surface. Mutations in LST4 and LST7 reduce the activity of the nitrogen-regulated permeases Gap1p and Put4p, whereas mutations in LST8 impair the activities of a broader set of amino acid permeases. The LST8 gene encodes a protein composed of WD-repeats and has a close human homologue. The LST7 gene encodes a novel protein. Together, these data indicate that SEC13, LST4, LST7, and LST8 function in the regulated delivery of Gap1p to the cell surface, perhaps as components of a post-Golgi secretory-vesicle coat.
Role of cord factor (trehalose-6,6'-dimycolate) in allergic granuloma formation in rabbits.

The role of cord factor in BCG-induced pulmonary granulomas and local pulmonary delayed hypersensitivity (DH) was evaluated. Cord factor did not induce pulmonary granulomas comparable to those induced by killed BCG. The compound did not induce pulmonary DH that could be elicited by itself, purified protein derivative, or BCG. Cord factor-injected animals did not develop an accelerated pulmonary granulomatous response after challenge with killed BCG. Finally, cord factor did not elicit local pulmonary DH in BCG-sensitized animals. These results are discussed in relation to cord factor9s role in antimicrobial immunity, granuloma formation, and antitumor immunity.
On diamond-hexagonal germanium

Diamond-hexagonal (dh) Ge has been produced by Vickers micro-indentation of a Ge single crystal and investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). The results are consistent with the mechanisms that have been proposed earlier for the generation of dh Si. The hexagonal phase of these elemental semiconductors may be produced by two related mechanisms: (a) secondary twinning or (b) the intersection of two twins. The hexagonal germanium produced by both of these mechanisms has been observed and is presented in the present paper.
Location-independent naming for virtual distributed software repositories

A location-independent naming system for network resources has been designed to facilitate organization and description of software components accessible through a virtual distributed repository. This naming system enables easy and efficient searching and retrieval, and it addresses many of the consistency, authenticity, and integrity issues involved with distributed software repositories by providing mechanisms for grouping resources and for authenticity and integrity checking. This paper details the design of the naming system, describes how the system fits into the development of the National HPCC Software Exchange, an virtual software repository that has the goal of providing access to reusable software components for high-performance computing.
Reader Imposed Structure and Prose Retention.

Abstract Two experiments investigated the impact of a reader's perspective. In Experiment 1, subjects read stories from one of two directed perspectives or with no directed perspective. While no differences were observed in sentence study time, perspectives did influence the particular sentences which were recalled and the organization of the recall. Experiment 2 investigated the value of having readers organize and familiarize themselves with a perspective before the perspective was applied to a story. This procedure increased the influence of the perspective. Suggestions were made for application and extension of the present research.
Instrumentation for measuring dynamic spinal load moment exposures in the workplace

Abstract Prior research has shown the load moment exposure to be one of the strongest predictors of low back disorder risk in manufacturing jobs. However, to extend these finding to the manual lifting and handling of materials in distribution centers, where the layout of the lifting task changes from one lift to the next and the lifts are highly dynamic, would be very challenging without an automated means of quantifying reach distances and item weights. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and validation of automated instrumentation, the Moment Exposure Tracking System (METS), designed to capture the dynamic load moment exposures and spine postures used in distribution center jobs. This multiphase process started by obtaining baseline data describing the accuracy of existing manual methods for obtaining moment arms during the observation of dynamic lifting for the purposes of benchmarking the automated system. The process continued with the development and calibration of an ultrasonic system to track hand location and the development of load sensing handles that could be used to assess item weights. The final version of the system yielded an average absolute error in the load’s moment arm of 4.1 cm under the conditions of trunk flexion and load asymmetry. This compares well with the average absolute error of 10.9 cm obtained using manual methods of measuring moment arms. With the item mass estimates being within half a kilogram, the instrumentation provides a reliable and valid means for assessing dynamic load moment exposures in dynamic distribution center lifting tasks.
A Limiting “Viscosity” Approach to the Riemann Problem for Materials Exhibiting Change of Phase

The one-dimensional isothermal motion of a compressible elastic fluid or solid can be described in Lagrangian coordinates by the coupled system $${u_{1}} + p{\left( w \right)_{x}} = 0,$$ (0.1) $${w_{1}} - {u_{x}} = 0.$$ (0.2)
Cell Docking in Double Grooves in a Microfluidic Channel

Microstructures that generate shear-protected regions in microchannels can rapidly immobilize cells for cell-based biosensing and drug screening. Here, a two-step fabrication method is used to generate double microgrooves with various depth ratios to achieve controlled double-level cell patterning while still providing shear protection. Six microgroove geometries are fabricated with different groove widths and depth ratios. Two modes of cell docking are observed: cells docked upstream in sufficiently deep and narrow grooves, and downstream in shallow, wide grooves. Computational flow simulations link the groove geometry and bottom shear stress to the experimental cell docking patterns. Analysis of the experimental cell retention in the double grooves demonstrates its linear dependence on inlet flow speed, with slope inversely proportional to the sheltering provided by the groove geometry. Thus, double-grooved microstructures in microfluidic channels provide shear-protected regions for cell docking and immobilization and appear promising for cell-based biosensing and drug discovery.
Influence of Value on Spatial Balance of Color Pairs

Abstract The spatial balance of the component colors is an important element of color harmony in a design. Munsell (1905) suggested that the area of each color in a composition be inversely proportional to the product of the color's chroma and value. Moon and Spencer (1944) proposed that both chroma and value contribute to spatial balance, but the dominant factor is the contrast of a color with the background or with the adaptation point of the eye. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the predictive power of these two rules for hues of equal chroma, varying in value. The stimuli were presented on three different achromatic backgrounds, and both complementary and adjacent pairs of hues were used. When two colors differed in value, subjects tended to avoid equal areas. With black or white backgrounds subjects seemed to prefer larger areas of the color whose value was nearer that of the background, but with a gray background, their choice was either a narrow band of light or of dark color. Th...
Error rates among clinical pharmacists in calculating the APACHE II score.

Background. The Food and Drug Administration recently advocated the use of acuity scoring to determine those patients whose mortality benefits outweigh risks of adverse effects from drotrecogin alfa (activated). Many institutions have adopted an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II cutoff score of 25 (i.e., if > 25, administer the agent) as a component in determining eligibility for treatment with this agent. Concern is increasing that errors in the acquisition of APACHE scores can lead to prescribing errors with drotrecogin alfa (activated). Objective. To determine the ability of clinical pharmacists in ascertaining APACHE II scores. Methods. Fifteen clinical pharmacists calculated APACHE II scores for the clinical scenarios of three patients. End points were the pharmacists' APACHE II score calculation, decision to start drotrecogin alfa (activated) treatment, and evaluation of individual components of the APACHE II scores. Results. Of the 15 pharmacists, correct APACHE II scores were derived by nine (60%) pharmacists for patient no. 1 (APACHE score 44), by two (13%) pharmacists for patient no. 2 (APACHE score 22), and by two (13%) pharmacists for patient no. 3 (APACHE score 19). Scoring errors occurred in 32 of the 45 (71%) derivations. The pharmacists were significantly more likely to correctly prescribe drotrecogin alfa for the two patients with true APACHE scores of 19 and 44 than for the patient whose score was 22, which was closer to the prescribing cutoff score of 25 (both p<0.001, patient no. 1 vs no. 2, and patient no. 2 vs no. 3, Fisher exact test) All individual components of the score were correctly evaluated at least 80% of the time, except for mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and Glasgow Coma Scale score. Conclusion. Caution must be used in applying results of APACHE II scores estimated by only one trained individual when deciding to administer or withhold drotrecogin alfa (activated).
Prediction of Functional Outcome in Patients With Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage The FUNC Score

Background and Purpose— Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most fatal and disabling stroke subtype. Widely used tools for prediction of mortality are fundamentally limited in that they do not ac...