cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Perioperative and Postoperative Care for Pituitary Patients

Sellar masses are among the most common types of brain pathology. Many such masses, including the majority of non-prolactin producing secretory pituitary adenomas and non-secreting adenomas with mass effect, require surgical intervention, and the surgical approach taken is usually by a transsphenoidal route. In this chapter, we will review the perioperative endocrine management of patients undergoing surgery for sellar and parasellar masses. We will review the key components of preoperative assessment and the most common postoperative complications including disorders of water balance and adrenal insufficiency. Finally, we will highlight the special postoperative management needs of patients with cortisol excess secondary to Cushing’s disease.
Estimability index for volume quantification of homogeneous spherical lesions in computed tomography

Volume of lung nodules is an important biomarker, quantifiable from computed tomography (CT) images. The usefulness of volume quantification, however, depends on the precision of quantification. Experimental assessment of precision is time consuming. A mathematical estimability model was used to assess the quantification precision of CT nodule volumetry in terms of an index (e′), incorporating image noise and resolution, nodule properties, and segmentation software. The noise and resolution were characterized in terms of noise power spectrum and task transfer function. The nodule properties and segmentation algorithm were modeled in terms of a task function and a template function, respectively. The e′ values were benchmarked against experimentally acquired precision values from an anthropomorphic chest phantom across 54 acquisition protocols, 2 nodule sizes, and 2 volume segmentation softwares. e′ exhibited correlation with experimental precision across nodule sizes and acquisition protocols but dependence on segmentation software. Compared to the assessment of empirical precision, which required ∼300 h to perform the segmentation, the e′ method required ∼3 h from data collection to mathematical computation. A mathematical modeling of volume quantification provides efficient prediction of quantitative performance. It establishes a method to verify quantitative compliance and to optimize clinical protocols for chest CT volumetry.
Toward new design principles for superior gene silencing

RNA interference (RNAi) or “gene silencing” is a fascinating mechanism in which a cell utilizes a gene’s own RNA sequence to shut down expression of that gene. This process can be employed to investigate the role of genes in disease and to design therapeutic approaches involving gene silencing (1, 2). During the process of RNAi, “dicer” enzymes cut the RNA into small fragments, called small-interfering RNA (siRNA) or microRNA (miRNA), which bind to a special class of proteins called Argonaute proteins, particularly Argonaute 2 (Ago2), enabling the inhibition of target messenger RNA translation. RNAi is often used by cells as a defense mechanism against the infiltration of foreign nucleic acids from viruses and bacteria, but can be engineered in vitro to selectively silence genes. While genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, “permanently” modify a gene, “temporary” silencing of genes at the mRNA level by siRNAs is desirable in many diseases and would have fewer associated off-target effects. Since the discovery of RNAi more than 20 years ago, the approach has attracted tremendous attention, due to the sheer versatility it provides in the manipulation of specific undruggable genes, with significant implications in many indications, including viral diseases and cancer (1⇓⇓⇓–5). Unlike small-molecule inhibitors or antibodies, siRNAs can act at the specific gene level (3). The delivery of siRNA may be more desirable as it can be delivered to the cytosol and does not require transport into the nucleus or interaction with chromosomal DNA, unlike miRNA (2). A large library of siRNAs for many … [↵][1]1Email: krangar1{at}jhmi.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Anaerobic digestion of black solider fly larvae (BSFL) biomass as part of an integrated biorefinery

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) have been used in a variety of applications including composting, animal feed and biodiesel production. This paper presents the results of bio-methane potential (BMP) assays for BSFL biomass according to several hypothetical biorefinery pathways. The mean biomethane potential (BMP) of BSFL was 671 mL CH4/g VS, while mean BMP of lipid extracted BSFL (LE-BSFL) was 334 mL CH4/g VS. Mean BMP of adult flies and chitinous cuticle were 570 and 343 mL CH4/g VS, respectively. The impact of BSFL diet on bio-methane potential and the biomethane potential of BSFL residue was also investigated. This study suggests that anaerobic digestion of BSFL has potential as part of an integrated energy and waste management solution.
Prosopometamorphopsia secondary to a left splenium of the corpus callosum infarct

A 67-year-old right-handed woman with a medical history of coronary artery disease, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus presented with seeing peoples’ faces distorted on the left side. When she saw faces in person or watched images of people on television, she noted the left eye on faces appeared to be moving to the side and upwards. She did not see any distortion when looking at her own face in a mirror or when looking at photographs of faces. She had no difficulty recognising faces and nothing other than faces appeared distorted to her. Her neurological examination was normal. Her ophthalmological examination was also unremarkable. Brain …
Depth, Codimension, and Cohen-Macaulay Rings

In this chapter we shall use the tools forged in Chapter 17 to explore the basic facts about Cohen-Macaulay rings, which are rings R in which depth(I, R) = codim I for every ideal I (it is enough to assume this when I is a maximal ideal). These rings are important because they provide a natural context, broad enough to include the rings associated to many interesting classes of singular varieties and schemes, to which many results about regular rings can be generalized. The geometric meaning of the Cohen-Macaulay property is somewhat obscure but has a good expression in terms of maps to regular varieties, as we shall see in Theorem 18.16 and Corollary 18.17.
Test Problems for Computational Experiments -- Issues and Techniques

This paper compares and contrasts real world and random generated test problems as sources of standard tests for mathematical programming algorithms. Real problems are viewed as realizations from a test population of interest, and random problems are treated as models for the population. Methodological advantages and difficulties inherent in the alternatives are highlighted, and methods for dealing with the limitations discussed.
Leadership Giftedness: Is It Innate or Can It Be Developed?

This chapter describes a special form of giftedness in the domain of leadership. Although this domain has been officially recognized in the United States Office of Education definition of giftedness since 1972, the chapter will focus on understanding what makes this form of giftedness different in outcomes and hbox nurturance than for other forms of giftedness. The first section of the chapter will review the literature on giftedness in leadership. The remaining sections of the chapter will focus on specific research conducted to determine whether the innate characteristics and behaviors of leadership can be developed more fully through a Leadership Development Program. Ultimately, the chapter will discuss just what may be the “true” innate aspects of leadership and what behaviors, perceptions, and traits may be developed through concerted training to aid in leadership skill.
A Fast and Accurate Approach for Real-Time Seizure Detection in the IoMT

We propose an EEG-based seizure detection method which uses the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), Hjorth parameters and a k-NN classifier. Seizure detection is performed in three stages. In the first stage, EEG signals are decomposed by the DWT into sub-bands and Hjorth parameters are extracted from each of these sub-bands. In the second stage, a k-NN classifier is used to classify the EEG data. The results demonstrate a significant difference in Hjorth parameters between interictal and ictal EEG with ictal EEG being less complex than interictal EEG. We report an accuracy of 100% for a classification of normal vs. ictal EEG and 97.9% for normal and interictal vs. ictal EEG. We propose an Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) platform for performing seizure detection. The proposed framework accommodates the proposed scheme for seizure detection and allows communication of detection results. The IoMT framework also allows the adjustment of seizure detection parameters in response to updated performance evaluations, and possible changes in seizure and signal characteristics as well as the incorporation of other sensor signals to provide an adaptive, multi-modal framework for detecting seizures.
Law and Literature

This encyclopedia entry provides an historical overview of the law and literature movement. It discusses the involvement of lawyers in American literature in the antebellum period, interest in judicial rhetoric and philosophy of language among progressive era legal theorists, and the turn to literary theory among American constitutional theorists and critical legal scholars during the late twentieth century. The emergence of law and literature movements in the U.K. and on the continent are also briefly discussed. Authors discussed include Ronald Dworkin, Stanley Fish, Peter Goodrich, Martha Nussbaum, Richard Weisberg, Brook Thomas, Robert Weisberg, Robin West, and J.B. White.
Body Image, Assimilation, and Weight of Immigrant Adolescents in the United States: A Person-Centered Analysis.

Adolescence is a critical developmental period as youth explore their body image and work to establish an identity. The stress of identity and body image development can be exacerbated by acculturative stress faced by immigrant adolescents. Using a person-centered analysis, we investigated immigrant adolescents’ (n = 57) profiles based on assimilation to the United States (US), weight, and body image dissatisfaction. Analyses included an exploratory two-step clustering technique using maximum likelihood estimation procedures to assign class membership. Follow-up analyses then examined latent class membership by adolescent age, gender, culture of origin, and immigration generation. Results indicated several meaningful latent groups of adolescents based on their BID, acculturation, and BMI. These profiles included one in which adolescents who were underweight and more assimilated to US culture also reported more satisfaction with their body image. A second profile emerged of adolescents who were normal weight or overweight and less assimilated, who also reported higher levels of body image dissatisfaction, with a desire to be thinner. The third cluster profile included adolescents who were of normal weight, but were higher on assimilation and were among the most dissatisfied with their body image. Our findings suggest that immigrant adolescents at all levels of acculturation are internalizing the thin body ideal prominent in the US, with a variety of implications for their sense of body image and BMI. Implications for mental and physical health care for immigrant adolescents are discussed.
Ideology and Identity Among White Male Teachers in an All-Black, All-Male High School:

National data trends underscore the “problem” of Black male achievement. Beneath the causes and consequences are the ideologies used to frame the problem and its solutions. The ideology of meritocr...
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

Androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and a ligand-dependent nuclear transcription factor, mediates the action of androgens. AR mutations that inactivate its function result in androgen insensitivity, classified as either complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) or partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS). Affected 46,XY individuals with CAIS have female external genitalia, normal female breast development, absent or scanty axillary and public hair, and absent female internal genitalia. Testes are present, with levels of plasma testosterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone that are high-normal or elevated relative to those of normal males. The plasma dihydrotestosterone (DHT) level is normal or low-normal, which can sometimes result in an elevated testosterone:DHT ratio. Individuals with PAIS have a wide spectrum of phenotypic features, ranging from decreased body hair, infertility, and/or gynecomastia to severe ambiguity of the genitalia. Studies of androgen insensitivity highlight the importance of androgen–AR function in male sexual differentiation and physiology.
Differences in self-reported health-related quality of life in heterosexual and sexual minority women surviving cancer: 2013 to 2018 national health interview survey.

e19038Background: Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with excess morbidity and mortality after cancer diagnosis. While a growing body of research indicates that sexual minority wo...
Analysis of curcumin and piperine in biological samples by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with multi-wavelength detection.

Abstract Widely accessible food phytochemicals such as curcumin have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. However, curcumin has poor absorption in the gut, and piperine has been of interest as a dietary compound that can enhance curcumin bioavailability. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a technique using reversed-phase chromatography with multi-wavelength detection for the simultaneous measurement of curcumin and piperine in various biological matrices. Emodin was used as an internal standard. Protein precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction based on acetonitrile provided good recovery of these analytes. A 150 mm × 4.6 mm I.D. Luna C18 column was used under isocratic conditions to separate curcumin, piperine, and emodin with baseline resolution, and with good separation from other sample components, in as little as 4 min. The detection limits for curcumin and piperine were 3 and 7 ng/mL, respectively. This method has been used to quantitate these compounds in samples such as human intestinal epithelial cell lysates and mouse plasma or GI tissues in research aimed at examining the bioavailability of curcumin in the presence of piperine.
The Utility of Computed Tomography Angiogram in Patients with Mild Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract Background Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) differ significantly in their mortality and management. Although computed tomography angiography (CTA) is critical to guide timely interventions in aSAH, it lacks recognized benefit in assessing tSAH. Despite this, CTA commonly is included in tSAH evaluation. Objective Determine if any clinically significant cerebral aneurysms are identified on CTA in emergency department (ED) patients with a tSAH. Methods Retrospective observational study of consecutive blunt head trauma patients ages ≥ 16 years with Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) ≥ 13 who presented to an academic ED (100,000 annual visits) over a 7-year period. Those included had a CT-diagnosed SAH and underwent head CTA. The primary endpoint was the detection of any clinically significant brain aneurysms. Results There were 297 patients that met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients (8.8%) had an incidental aneurysm discovered; one underwent elective outpatient intervention. Aneurysm-positive patients were more likely to be female (69.2% vs. 46.9%, p = 0.003), age 60 years or older (80.8% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.005), and be on anticoagulation (42.3% vs. 28.0%, p = 0.03). There were no differences between the aneurysm-positive and -negative patients with respect to GCS, history of hypertension, or mechanism of injury. Conclusions In this 7-year retrospective chart review, CTA in patients with tSAH and GCS ≥ 13 did not reveal any clinically relevant cerebral aneurysms. One incidental aneurysm later underwent outpatient neurovascular intervention. In the absence of specific clinical concerns, CTA has minimal value in well-appearing patients with a tSAH.
The Geometry of Deep Generative Image Models and its Applications

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have emerged as a powerful unsupervised method to model the statistical patterns of real-world data sets, such as natural images. These networks are trained to map random inputs in their latent space to new samples representative of the learned data. However, the structure of the latent space is hard to intuit due to its high dimensionality and the non-linearity of the generator, which limits the usefulness of the models. Understanding the latent space requires a way to identify input codes for existing real-world images (inversion), and a way to identify directions with known image transformations (interpretability). Here, we use a geometric framework to address both issues simultaneously. We develop an architecture-agnostic method to compute the Riemannian metric of the image manifold created by GANs. The eigen-decomposition of the metric isolates axes that account for different levels of image variability. An empirical analysis of several pretrained GANs shows that image variation around each position is concentrated along surprisingly few major axes (the space is highly anisotropic) and the directions that create this large variation are similar at different positions in the space (the space is homogeneous). We show that many of the top eigenvectors correspond to interpretable transforms in the image space, with a substantial part of eigenspace corresponding to minor transforms which could be compressed out. This geometric understanding unifies key previous results related to GAN interpretability. We show that the use of this metric allows for more efficient optimization in the latent space (e.g. GAN inversion) and facilitates unsupervised discovery of interpretable axes. Our results illustrate that defining the geometry of the GAN image manifold can serve as a general framework for understanding GANs.
Poster: Pallet Estimation for Food Bank Logistics Management

Food banks provide communities and organizations with food for those in need. One challenge they face is properly estimating the resources needed to fulfill orders. Estimating the number of shipping pallets needed for each order is an important step in allocating these resources, and coupled with limited data, provides a challenging mental task which the food bank staff grapple with on a daily basis. We provide an algorithm to estimate the number of pallets needed for an order based on the quantity of products, the known products-per-tier, and tiers-per-pallet values, as well as a scheme for testing this algorithm with limited data from the food bank. The algorithm aids in resource allocation by reducing uncertainty in the number of pallets needed.
Spectral Analysis of Nonstationary Heart Rate of Neonates Receiving Therapeutic Hypothermia Treatment

xii Background and Introduction 1 Materials 8 Study Population 8 Clinical and Outcome Data Collection 9 Methods 10 ECG Signal Processing 10 Power Spectrum Estimation 16 Analysis of Neonatal RRi 22 Results 23
Decentralized estimation in an inhomogeneous environment

We consider the decentralized estimation of a noise-corrupted deterministic parameter by a bandwidth constrained sensor network with a fusion center. We construct a decentralized estimation scheme (DES) where each sensor compresses its observation to a small number of bits with length proportional to the logarithm of its local Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). The resulting compressed bits from different sensors are then collected and combined by the fusion center to estimate the unknown parameter. The proposed DES is universal in the sense that the local sensor compression schemes and final fusion function are independent of noise pdf. We show that its mean squared error is within a constant factor to that achieved by the classical centralized best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE).
Characterization of Certain Gram-Negative Bacteria from Surface Waters

Cultures of gram-negative bacteria with oxidative glucose metabolism were isolated from surface waters by a highly selective technique, and were classified into 11 types. The predominant type, making up about 50% of the isolated cultures, was cytochrome oxidase-positive, produced fluorescent pigment, and failed to grow at 37 C. A similar type, which differed in being cytochrome oxidase-negative, constituted about 10% of the isolates. Both types of bacteria probably were composed of more than one species. A third type, composed of purple-pigmented pseudomonads, made up approximately 30% of the isolated cultures, and probably represented the predominant species. Other bacterial types isolated constituted less than 10% of the cultures examined.
3D technology in libraries: Applications for teaching and research

As emerging technologies appear on the horizon of education every day, they are changing the world of teaching and research continuously with their adoption and integration into libraries, classrooms and research labs. Most of us are familiar with the libraries inside a lab, but hosting a lab inside a library holds tremendous potential for research and instruction. In this paper, we will feature a successful effort of integrating 3D technology and a visualization wall in the Marston Science Library at the University of Florida. We will describe how 3D printing was achieved and will highlight the benefit of the technologies related to the data visualization wall as well as recent 3D models made at the library used for research and teaching. The paper will also describe the lessons learned such as the challenges of maintaining these technologies staffing, maintenance, and environmental health and safety requirements.
Guest Editorial: Computational Vision at Brown

From the outside it may not be apparent that Brown University has a large, interdisciplinary, and vibrant computer vision community. Despite being a small school (5,674 undergraduate and 1,343 graduate students), Brown has a tightly knit community of vision researchers in various departments. This can be partly seen in this special issue which has contributions from researchers in the Division of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Computer Science, the Division of Engineering, and the Department of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences. What we find amazing and wonderful about Brown is the high degree of interaction among researchers from these different disciplines. We hope the papers in this special issue give some glimpse into the computational vision research at Brown. Any collection of this type is only a snapshot at an instant in time and cannot hope to capture the full diversity of work going on here. While there is a broad range of vision research at Brown, our focus here is specifically on conveying a sense of the breadth and depth of computational vision research at Brown. Towards that end, we briefly summarize some of the current research efforts that are not represented by articles in this issue and provide some references for the interested reader.
Hurricane Opal Induced Changes on Natural and Nourished Beaches, West-Central Florida

Twenty-six beach profiles were surveyed immediately after the passage of storm conditions and were compared with pre-storm situations. They include 1) eleven locations spread throughout the entire 60 km reach of the Pinellas County coast including wide, narrow, natural and nourished sites, with and without seawalls; and 2) 15 locations confined to three adjacent nourishment projects along 14 km of Sand Key. The overall behavior of the nourished and natural beaches along the 60 km reach of coast was similar, displaying a general trend of 1) shoreline erosion ranging from 2 to 10 m, 2) upward and landward migration of the nearshore bar, and 3) backbeach accumulation and increase in the berm height. Shoreline orientation and beach sand composition played no significant role in beach performance during the storm. The technique of dry beach replenishment using a dragline and conveyer belt may contribute to the more severe shoreline erosion at the Indian Shores nourishment project as compared to the traditional pumping technique used at Indian Rocks Beach and Redington Beach. Temporary berm accumulation and shoreline accretion were recorded at two chronically eroding locations downdrift of structures. The shoreline accretion was caused by the landward sand transport induced by the storm waves. The storm accumulation was eroded by the normal-weather longshore sediment transport within three months after the storm. The current version of SBEACH model (Larson and Kraus 1989) failed to reproduce the Opal-induced beach changes in the surf zone. The unsuccessful prediction was attributed to the uncertainties in offshore wave measurement, and morphological and computational complications caused by the exposure of hard bottom in the nearshore region.
Effective Use of Force Plates for Long Jump Studies

(1972). Effective Use of Force Plates for Long Jump Studies. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 247-252.
Further Analysis of Thermal Control Coatings on Misse for Aerospace Applications

Many different passive thermal control materials were flown as part of the Materials on International Space Station Experiment. Engineers and scientists at the Marshall Space Flight Center have analyzed a number of these materials, including Z93P zinc oxide/potassium silicate coating, YB-71P zinc orthotitanate/potassium silicate coating, NZOT, which is a low-cost alternative to YB-71P, several electrically conductive/static dissipative thermal control coatings, as well as black coatings for part marking and automated rendezvous and capture. These were exposed to the low Earth orbital environment of atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, thermal cycling, and hard vacuum, though atomic oxygen exposure was very limited for some samples. Results from the one-year exposure of MISSE-3 and MISSE-4 are compared to the four-year exposure of MISSE-1 and MISSE-2. Solar absorptance, infrared emittance, and mass measurements indicate the durability of these materials to withstand the space environment. The effect of contamination from an active space station on the performance of white thermal control coatings is discussed.
Interactive face-replacements for modeling detailed shapes

In this paper, we present a method that allows novice users to interactively create partially self-similar manifold surfaces without relying on shape grammars or fractal methods. Moreover, the surfaces created using our method are connected. The modelers that are based on traditional fractal methods or shape grammars usually create disconnected surfaces and restrict the creative freedom of users. In most cases, the shapes are defined by hard-coded schemes that provide only a few parameters that can be adjusted by the users. We present a new approach for modeling such shapes. With this approach, novice users can interactively create a variety of unusual and interesting partially self-similar manifold surfaces.
Packet communication system for a multi-beam beam switched satellite repeater

This paper presents the design of a packet-switched communication system using a multi-beam, beam switched satellite repeater. The protocol provides a combination of random access via Slotted ALOHA techniques and demand assigned access using collision requests. This allows efficient bandwidth usage and low average delays. Minimization of earth station cost was a major objective. This was achieved by transferring the bulk of the system complexity to the satellite repeater and the (ground) network controller. This centrally controlled protocol would allow greater system stability and would permit system reconfiguration in response to changes in traffic intensity. Sufficient signalling is also incorporated to allow both rate diversity to combat fading and timing corrections to account for satellite drift.
Optimization of rule-based expert systems via state transition system construction

Embedded rule-based expert systems must satisfy stringent timing constraints when applied to real-time environments. This paper describes a novel approach to reduce the response time of rule-based expert systems. Our optimization method is based on a construction of the reduced cycle-free finite state transition system corresponding to the input rule-based system. The method makes use of rule-base system decomposition, concurrency and state equivalency. The new and optimized system is synthesized from the derived transition system. Compared with the original system, the synthesized system (1) has fewer rule firings to reach the fixed point, (2) is inherently stable and (3) has no redundant rules. The synthesis method also determines the tight response time bound of the new system. The optimized system is guaranteed to compute correct results, independent of the scheduling strategy and execution environment. >
Risk factors for COPD: what do NPs know?

AbstractPurpose:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been identified as the fourth leading cause of death. The primary purpose of this article is to discuss risk factors for COPD and identify at-risk populations. A secondary purpose is to report the findings of a recent survey of nurse p
Ribosome slowed by mutation to streptomycin resistance

ALTHOUGH the basic mechanisms of protein synthesis are now rather well understood, particularly in Escherichia coli, it is less clear how the high accuracy of this process is achieved. (The error rate in protein synthesis in E. coli seems to be about one in 104 amino acid misincorporations (Edelman and Gallant, unpublished results, and our own unpublished data)). A major site determining accuracy in protein synthesis is the ribosome, and in addition to the ribosome-mediated effects on accuracy (in vivo and in vitro) of various metal ions, aminoglycoside antibiotics and organic solvents, there are ribosomal mutations which increase or decrease accuracy2. Certain mutations of the 30S ribosomal protein SI2 conferring streptomycin resistance (the strA locus) enhance accuracy3–5, whereas certain mutations in the S4 protein (the ram locus) are known to decrease accuracy6. The strA mutations are restrictive (reducing) in their effect on both missense and nonsense suppression in vivo and on miscoding in vitro3, the ram mutation, on the other hand, has the opposite effect in both cases6. It is possible that it is the kinetics of polypeptide synthesis at the ribosome that determines accuracy and that the kinetics in turn are affected by the strA and ram mutations. Because the same transfer RNA (tRNA) discrimination kinetics that may determine accuracy may also contribute to the elongation speed, we have investigated the effect of mutation to streptomycin resistance on the speed of polypeptide elongation.
Anti-Islanding for Three-Phase One-Cycle Control Grid Tied Inverter

An active anti-islanding method for three-phase grid-tied inverters is proposed in this paper. The method is based on asymmetric injection of the converter currents at a subharmonic frequency. This method allows an accurate detection of the islanding condition, thus it minimizes the perturbation to the power system. The theoretical analysis have been confirmed by simulation and by experimental tests conducted on a 40-kW one-cycle control grid tied inverter according to the test procedure outlined in the standard IEEE Std. 1547. The experiments have demonstrated negligible perturbation to the power system, with an increase in the total harmonic distortion of the current of less than 0.1% at full load.
Growth of YBa2Cu3O7-crystals with BaZrO3-coated alumina crucibles

Abstract It was discovered recently that BaZrO3 does not react with the melt during the crystal growth of high-Tc superconducting compound YBa2Cu3O7−δ. The fabrication of crucibles from bulk BaZrO3 turns out to be very costly. The bulk BaZrO3 crucibles are also very fragile. We use a polymer compound containing BaZrO3 as a coating material for regular alumina (Al2O3) crucibles. We demonstrate that after sufficient sintering at high temperatures ∼1500°C, the coated BaZrO3 layer can be used as a diffusion barrier during the crystal growth of YBa2Cu3O7−δ phase. A slight compromise in sintering condition, however, does lead to a failure in preventing crucible contamination. Further improvement of this technique is suggested.
Dysphagia Lusorum in Children

The association of difficulty in swallowing and an aberrant right subclavian artery is termed dysphagia lusorum. Dysphagia lusorum has been reported not to occur in children. We describe four children who had difficulty swallowing and aberrant right subclavian arteries. Esophageal manometry showed high pulsatile pressure in the area of the aberrant right subclavian artery in each child (12 to 100 mm Hg). Three of the four children underwent surgical correction, and their symptoms resolved. Postoperatively, esophageal manometric findings were normal. We conclude that dysphagia lusorum occurs in children and esophageal manometry shows persistently increased intraesophageal pressure, causing a functional partial obstruction in symptomatic children with dysphagia lusorum.
Collinear Relative Equilibria of the Planar N-Body Problem

The following theorem is proved. THEOREM.For any n≥2, the set of collinear relative equilibria classes of the n-body problem generates by analytical continuation a total of n!(n+3)/2 relative equilibria classes of the n+1 body problem. Together with Arenstorf's results we state a general theorem for the 4 body problem with 3 arbitrary masses and 1 inferior mass.
Inhibition of the prostaglandin receptor EP2 following status epilepticus reduces delayed mortality and brain inflammation

Prostaglandin E2 is now widely recognized to play critical roles in brain inflammation and injury, although the responsible prostaglandin receptors have not been fully identified. We developed a potent and selective antagonist for the prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype EP2, TG6-10-1, with a sufficient pharmacokinetic profile to be used in vivo. We found that in the mouse pilocarpine model of status epilepticus (SE), systemic administration of TG6-10-1 completely recapitulates the effects of conditional ablation of cyclooxygenase-2 from principal forebrain neurons, namely reduced delayed mortality, accelerated recovery from weight loss, reduced brain inflammation, prevention of blood–brain barrier opening, and neuroprotection in the hippocampus, without modifying seizures acutely. Prolonged SE in humans causes high mortality and morbidity that are associated with brain inflammation and injury, but currently the only effective treatment is to stop the seizures quickly enough with anticonvulsants to prevent brain damage. Our results suggest that the prostaglandin receptor EP2 is critically involved in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and point to EP2 receptor antagonism as an adjunctive therapeutic strategy to treat SE.
Effect of Processing on the Recovery of Recombinant β-Glucuronidase (rGUS) from Transgenic Canola

This study addresses the processing of transgenic canola seed for production of recombinant proteins by using beta-glucuronidase (rGUS) as a model protein. The major processing steps that were investigated included dry and wet grinding of the seed, solvent extraction of canola oil, and protein extraction. rGUS in canola seed was stable for at least 2 weeks of incubation at 38 degrees C and for more than 5 months at 10 degrees C. At 70 degrees C, the residual activity changed inversely to the initial moisture content of the seed. The comparison of wet and dry processing revealed no significant differences in protein recovery. rGUS was stable during the defatting of transgenic canola flakes with hexane at 66 degrees C, whereas 2-propanol extraction at the same temperature reduced the extractable enzyme activity by almost 50%. The particle size of the ground seed was important for the extraction efficiency. A faster extraction and greater protein yield was achieved by extracting particles with an average diameter equal to or smaller than 255 microm. More than 80% rGUS was extracted in one stage with sodium phosphate buffer of pH 7.5.
Validating a Selection Test, a Predictive Probability Approach.

The problem of inferring the validity of a selection test (x) as a predictor of some criterion (y) when completexy data are not available is investigated. The basic approach is to construct the predictive probability distribution of the unobservedy scores and then derive interval estimates of the least squares regression weights, the difference in averagey scores for selected and unselected cases, and the residual variance in predictingy fromx. Further, an approximation to the predictive distribution of the squared correlation betweenx andy in a future group is derived.
Molecular Mechanisms and Diagnosis of Chromosome 22q11.2 Rearrangements.

Several recurrent, constitutional genomic disorders are present on chromosome 22q. These include the translocations and deletions associated with DiGeorge and velocardiofacial syndrome and the translocations that give rise to the recurrent t(11;22) supernumerary der(22) syndrome (Emanuel syndrome). The rearrangement breakpoints on 22q cluster around the chromosome-specific segmental duplications of proximal 22q11, which are involved in the etiology of these disorders. While the deletions are the result of nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between low copy repeats or segmental duplications within 22q11, the t(11;22) is the result of rearrangement between palindromic AT-rich repeats on 11q and 22q. Here we describe the mechanisms responsible for these recurrent rearrangements, discuss the recurrent deletion endpoints that are the result of NAHR between chromosome 22q specific low copy repeats as well as present current diagnostic approaches to deletion detection.
Lipomembranous polycystic osteodysplasia (brain, bone, and fat disease): A genetic cause of presenile dementia

Progressive presenile dementia with lipomembranous polycystic osteodysplasia was first described by Jarvi and Hakola in an isolated region of Finland. We report the occurrence of this disorder in 4 of 10 siblings in an American family of Czechoslovakian ancestry. Characteristics of the disease include multiple bone cysts with pathologic fractures, progressive dementia with seizures and abnormal EEG, calcification of basal ganglia, and death in the fourth to sixth decades. Autosomal-recessive inheritance is likely. Electronmicroscopy of fat cells reveals peculiar membrane convolutions. Limited neuropathologic material has shown gliosis and demyelination of white matter, senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. Leukemia and a disorder of intestinal motility may be associated findings. Prevalence of the disorder is unknown, partly because it may be confused with Alzheimer disease and fibrous dysplasia of bone. Radiographs of hands and feet should be part of the evaluation of patients with unexplained presenile dementia.
Commentary on: Doppler ultrasound imaging of plastic surgery patients for deep venous thrombosis detection: a prospective controlled study.

The author of the preceding article has done a creditable job of presenting a prospective cohort study of Doppler ultrasound screening for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of patients undergoing cosmetic outpatient surgery procedures.1 Not surprisingly, no cases of postoperative DVT were noted among the postoperative patients. While we may wonder about the cost implications of universal Doppler screening before and after cosmetic surgery, the investigator demonstrates that the modality was feasible in their practice, albeit it was offered free of charge. However, more troubling are a number of other assertions by the author that gloss over important issues surrounding postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and prevention in plastic surgery patients. Although they are rare events, VTEs do occur after outpatient operations. In an analysis of 259,231 outpatient surgeries over a 5-year period from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, Pannucci and colleagues2 calculated an overall VTE rate of 0.15%, including cases of DVT and pulmonary embolus (PE). The investigators identified multiple risk factors for VTE, including age, body mass index (BMI), and length of surgery. A weighted risk index was calculated based on these factors. Using this index, a sub-population of high-risk patients was noted to have a 30-day VTE rate of 1.18%. While we would all like to believe that postoperative VTE poses little or no risk to our outpatients, the “never seen one” rationale does not justify ignoring preoperative VTE risk assessment or, in high-risk cases, failure to consider VTE prophylaxis. In the current article, the author asserts that “it remains impossible to accurately predict which patients will develop a postoperative deep venous thrombosis.” He goes on to dismiss the Caprini Risk Assessment Model (RAM) as lacking validity and maintains …
Long-Term Results of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy for the Treatment of High Grade Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Purpose: Transabdominal sacrocolpopexy is a definitive treatment option for vaginal vault prolapse with durable success rates. However, it is associated with increased morbidity compared with vaginal repairs. We describe a minimally invasive technique of vaginal vault prolapse repair and present our experience with a minimum of 1 year followup.Materials and Methods: The surgical technique involves 5 laparoscopic ports: 3 for the da Vinci® robot and 2 for the assistant. A polypropylene mesh is attached to the sacral promontory and vaginal apex using polytetrafluoroethylene sutures. The mesh material is then covered by peritoneum. Patient analysis focused on complications, urinary continence, patient satisfaction and morbidity with a minimum of 12 months followup.Results: A total of 30 patients with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy at our institution and 21 have a minimum of 12 months followup. Mean followup was 24 months (range 12 to 36) and me...
Light Harvesting Molecular Assemblies in the Design of Highly Luminescent Sol-Gel Derived Glasses

Sol-gel derived molecular composites exhibiting intense luminescence, induced from efficient energy transduction processes, have been prepared. The composites are comprised of an Eu3+⊂ 2.2.1 cryptate complex or native Eu3+ ion embedded in sol-gel derived titania glass films. The titania glasses contain interconnected porous networks that permit the diffusion of exogenous substrates, such as the salts of benzoic and 4-tert-butylbenzoic acids, through the film. Interaction of the substrate with the embedded lanthanide complex is indicated by enhanced luminescence from the lanthanide ion. The carboxylic acid salts whose electronic excited states are produced upon capture of incident photons, undergo facile transfer of their electronic energy to the lanthanide ion. By monitoring europium ion luminescence, the diffusion constants of the benzoate and 4-tert-butylbenzoate salts have been measured. Although the diffusion of the 4-tert-butylbenzoate is slower than that of benzoate, the overall higher sensitivity of the former is consistent with hydrophobic guest-host interactions. These new molecular composites relying on the immobilization of an absorption-energytransfer- emission molecular assembly in porous, optically transparent ceramic glasses may be useful in the design of practical sensing devices.
Identification of Regions of the SV40 Genome Which Contain Preferred SV40 T Antigen-Binding Sites

Abstract SV40 T antigen binds to SV40 DNA. Using a series of purified SV40 DNA restriction fragments, we have obtained evidence indicating that the antigen preferentially binds to three specific regions. These binding regions are contained within Endo R·Hin d(II + III) A, B, and C.
Swelling of SiC at intermediate and high irradiation temperatures

Abstract This paper presents results from a neutron irradiation campaign on CVD SiC carried out in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. Materials were irradiated in a range of temperature from 200 to 1500 °C and from a fraction of a dpa to ∼6 dpa. Data on swelling and room temperature thermal conductivity are presented. The swelling behavior below ∼800 °C agrees well with the literature values. Data in the range of 1000–1600 °C indicates that swelling increases as the dose is increased from 2 dpa to 6 dpa, at higher-swelling with increasing irradiation temperature. Any peak in void swelling apparently occurs at irradiation temperature >1500 °C (>0.6 T m ). In the 1100–1200 °C temperature range, volumetric swelling is apparently at a minimum though increases from ∼0.2% to ∼0.4% as dose increases from ∼2 dpa to ∼6 dpa. The maximum swelling was found to be ∼1.5% at the maximum dose and temperature of this study, ∼6 dpa and ∼1500 °C. Room temperature thermal conductivity data over the entire temperature range are presented and a direct correlation between the thermal defect resistance and swelling is seen for materials irradiated at temperature less than 800 °C. Above 1000 °C the correlation between swelling and thermal defect resistance breaks down indicating a changing microstructure at high temperature to a microstructure less effective at scattering phonons on a swelling-normalized basis.
Nonlinear Model Based Fault Detection of Lithium Ion Battery Using Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation

Abstract In this paper, an adaptive fault diagnosis technique is used for fault detection in Lithium ion batteries. The monitoring setup consists of multiple models representing the different degree of parameter shift due to over-discharge in the Lithium ion battery. A recursive least square estimator along with equivalent circuit methodology is used to construct the non-linear battery models. Extended Kalman filters are used to generate the estimated terminal voltages for each system. The residuals are further evaluated using the conditional probability evaluation function, to generate probabilities that determine the presence of a particular operational condition. Using experimental data, it is shown that Li-ion battery performance shift due to over-discharge can be accurately detected in real time.
Analogy between the Laser Threshold Region and a Second-Order Phase Transition

An analogy between the laser threshold region and a second-order phase transition is presented. The electric field acts as the order parameter for the laser while the atomic-population inversion plays the role of a temperature. The quantum-statistical theory of a laser including a symmetry-breaking external signal is discussed in order to establish a correspondence with the problem of a ferromagnet (treated in the molecular-field approximation) situated in an externally applied magnetic field. It is demonstrated that the results of the laser analysis may be discussed in terms of an energy function which is similar to the free energy of a thermodynamic system.
Experimental Observation of Electron-Hole Recollisions in Semiconductors

A strong quasi-cw terahertz electric field repeatedly collides electrons with holes, modulating a NIR laser to create a frequency comb with teeth separated by twice the terahertz frequency in this excitonic analog of high-order harmonic generation.