cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validating Mixed-Phase Cloud Optical Depth Retrieved From Infrared Observations With High Spectral Resolution Lidar

Single-layer mixed-phase clouds are prevalent in the Arctic atmosphere. The properties of mixed-phase clouds, including the optical depth of both the liquid and ice components, can be retrieved from spectrally resolved infrared radiance observations that are made in both the 8-13-mum and 17-24-mum windows. The accuracy of the retrieved properties from this algorithm has been established in single-phase clouds (i.e., clouds that contain only liquid or only ice) but not in mixed-phase clouds. A polarization-sensitive high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) was deployed to the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program's Barrow, Alaska site during the fall of 2004. The HSRL measures optical depth directly, and the phase can be discriminated using the depolarization ratio measured by the lidar. Comparisons of the infrared retrieved optical depths with the optical depths directly observed by the lidar in clouds that consist of supercooled liquid layers precipitating ice are in good agreement, with the slope and correlation being 1.055 and 0.65 for the ice portion of the mixed-phase cloud and 0.954 and 0.82 for the liquid portion.
Ethical Considerations of the Legitimacy Lie

This article draws upon prior research and theory on the legitimacy threshold that suggests entrepreneurs in start-up ventures will likely employ proactive strategies to gain initial legitimacy with key stakeholders. We argue that these strategies may sometimes include questionable ethical behaviors, including telling legitimacy lies—intentional misrepresentations of the facts. Based on a review of literature on ethical decision making, we then apply two common ethical frameworks to explore the ethical boundaries of what may or may not be acceptable behavior in seeking legitimacy. We conclude the article with some specific guidelines for start-up entrepreneurs.
Animal models of myositis

Current animal models of human myositis include spontaneous, induced, and transgenic models. Although it is clear that none of these models possesses all the features of the human diseases, they may provide insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms, and possibly the therapy, of inflammatory muscle disease. Because the human IIMs are phenotypically heterogeneous, but may be divided into more homogeneous subgroups based upon clinical or serologic features, it is possible that different pathogeneses are involved in different subgroups. It is unlikely that any single model would reproduce all features of the human disease. It may be possible, however, to gain insight into some subgroups of the human disease if certain animal models faithfully reproduce one or more subtypes or aspects of the IIMs. Because immunogenetic risk factors, and exposure to certain environmental agents important in triggering myositis in genetically susceptible persons, may be necessary components for human disease induction, transgenic approaches to humanizing murine immune systems and a better understanding of environmental risk factors will be productive avenues for future research. Additional investigations into the molecular basis of the human myositis syndromes and the pathogenesis of the spontaneous, induced, and transgenic animal models should ultimately allow for better understanding and therapy of these diseases.
Routing in overlay multicast networks

Multicast services can be provided either as a basic network service or as an application-layer service. Higher level multicast implementations often provide more sophisticated features, and can provide multicast services, where no network layer support is available. Overlay multicast networks offer an intermediate option, potentially combining the flexibility and advanced features of application layer multicast with the greater efficiency of network layer multicast. Overlay multicast networks play an important role in the Internet. Indeed, since Internet service providers have been slow to enable IP multicast in their networks, Internet multicast is only widely available as an overlay service. This paper introduces several routing algorithms that are suitable for overlay multicast networks and evaluates their performance. The algorithms seek to optimize the end-to-end delay and the interface bandwidth usage at the routing sites within the overlay network. The interface bandwidth is typically a key resource for an overlay network provider, and needs to be carefully managed in order to maximize the number of sessions that can be served. The simultaneous optimization of both delay and bandwidth is an NP-hard problem. We propose several heuristic algorithms and simulate their performance under various traffic conditions and on various network topologies.
Microstructure of Silica Based Aerogel Using High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy

The microstructure of silica based aerogel was studied by high resolution electron microscopy. The aerogel investigated was prepared by acid catalysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate processed at 270 °C and 12 MPa. The finished aerogel was studied using the JEOL 200CX electron microscope with high resolution pole piece exhibiting point to point resolution of 0.26 nm. As a result of this investigation it was found that the aerogel structure consists of particles within the 10.0nm size range forming a random network. High magnification showed very little interparticle bonding and attempts to lattice image showed a lack of long-range order in the aerogel. Under very short electron irradiation times the aerogel exhibited instability in the microscope, much of which is due to the high electrical and thermal resistance of the material. The effects of transformation and sintering in the microscope will be discussed.
A low power charge-redistribution ADC with reduced capacitor array

This paper presents a novel design of low power charge redistribution successive approximation analog to digital converter(CR-SAR ADC). During its conversion, the voltage swing of the capacitor array is reduced to half of the voltage reference without decreasing the ADC dynamic range. The reduced voltage swing results in a significant reduction of ADC power consumption. Also, the proposed design requires only half of the total capacitance that is used in a traditional CR-SAR ADC with the same resolution. MATLAB simulations are performed to compare the power consumption due to charging the capacitor array in the proposed and previous low power CR-SAR ADC'S. The proposed circuit is implemented using a 0.13µ CMOS technology. Post-layout simulation shows that the proposed converter consumes 63% less energy compared to a traditional CR-SAR ADC.
Student performances on the science processes of recording data, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and providing evidence

The National Committee on Science Education Standards and Assessment (1994 draft) viewed several science processes as important to an understanding of science as inquiry: formulating usable questions, planning experiments, conducting systematic observations, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, communicating, and coordinating and implementing a full investigation. This study is one of three undertaken to develop research rubrics for a performance assessment of science processes and to evaluate seventh-grade science students' ability to perform them. Specifically, this article focuses on the processes of recording data, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and providing evidence. A total of 364 students field tested the Alternative Assessment of Science Process Skills. Their responses were used to develop a research rubric, and then this rubric was used to determine response patterns that could inform both instruction and assessment of science process skills. Only 61% of students performed the activity and recorded data successfully. Sixty-nine percent of students did not attend to the hypothesis in drawing their conclusions. Eighty-one percent did not provide specific evidence for their conclusions. These results were discussed in light of relevant theories and models as well as their implications for instruction and assessment. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tie-dyed2 Functions with Tie-dyed1 to Promote Carbohydrate Export from Maize Leaves

Regulation of carbon partitioning is essential for plant growth and development. To gain insight into genes controlling carbon allocation in leaves, we identified mutants that hyperaccumulate carbohydrates. tie-dyed2 (tdy2) is a recessive mutant of maize (Zea mays) with variegated, nonclonal, chlorotic leaf sectors containing excess starch and soluble sugars. Consistent with a defect in carbon export, we found that a by-product of functional chloroplasts, likely a sugar, induces tdy2 phenotypic expression. Based on the phenotypic similarities between tdy2 and two other maize mutants with leaf carbon accumulation defects, tdy1 and sucrose export defective1 (sxd1), we investigated whether Tdy2 functioned in the same pathway as Tdy1 or Sxd1. Cytological and genetic studies demonstrate that Tdy2 and Sxd1 function independently. However, in tdy1/+; tdy2/+ F1 plants, we observed a moderate chlorotic sectored phenotype, suggesting that the two genes are dosage sensitive and have a related function. This type of genetic interaction is referred to as second site noncomplementation and has often, though not exclusively, been found in cases where the two encoded proteins physically interact. Moreover, tdy1; tdy2 double mutants display a synergistic interaction supporting this hypothesis. Additionally, we determined that cell walls of chlorotic leaf tissues in tdy mutants contain increased cellulose; thus, tdy mutants potentially represent enhanced feedstocks for biofuels production. From our phenotypic and genetic characterizations, we propose a model whereby TDY1 and TDY2 function together in a single genetic pathway, possibly in homo- and heteromeric complexes, to promote carbon export from leaves.
Radiative Corrections to the Ratio of $Z$ and $W$ Boson Production

We calculate the order-..cap alpha../sub s-italic/ /sup 2/ corrections to Z-boson production in p-italicp-bar collisions for which there are no corresponding corrections to W-boson production. These corrections affect the ratio of Z- and W-boson production, a quantity which is useful for counting the number of species of neutrinos. We find that these corrections are much smaller than the uncertainty in the ratio stemming from the quark and gluon distribution functions and the value of ..lambda../sub QCD/.
A weighted generalized score statistic for comparison of predictive values of diagnostic tests.

Positive and negative predictive values are important measures of a medical diagnostic test performance. We consider testing equality of two positive or two negative predictive values within a paired design in which all patients receive two diagnostic tests. The existing statistical tests for testing equality of predictive values are either Wald tests based on the multinomial distribution or the empirical Wald and generalized score tests within the generalized estimating equations (GEE) framework. As presented in the literature, these test statistics have considerably complex formulas without clear intuitive insight. We propose their re-formulations which are mathematically equivalent but algebraically simple and intuitive. As is clearly seen with a new re-formulation we present, the generalized score statistic does not always reduce to the commonly used score statistic in the independent samples case. To alleviate this, we introduce a weighted generalized score (WGS) test statistic which incorporates empirical covariance matrix with newly proposed weights. This statistic is simple to compute, it always reduces to the score statistic in the independent samples situation, and it preserves type I error better than the other statistics as demonstrated by simulations. Thus, we believe the proposed WGS statistic is the preferred statistic for testing equality of two predictive values and for corresponding sample size computations. The new formulas of the Wald statistics may be useful for easy computation of confidence intervals for difference of predictive values. The introduced concepts have potential to lead to development of the weighted generalized score test statistic in a general GEE setting.
Software security: Application-level vulnerabilities in SCADA systems

In this paper we study the security threats to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems via intentional and unintentional software errors. We claim that current programming practices and security mechanisms for the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), that are fundamental components of all SCADA systems, do not provide adequate protection against unintentional errors or malicious, code-level attacks. We focus on software vulnerabilities in ladder logic; a popular graphical language for PLCs. We show how intentional or unintentional errors in the ladder logic code can lead to integrity and availability violations. We propose methods to support secure PLC code development and to detect vulnerable applications.
Problems in measuring micron size beams

Measurements of the beam sizes at the SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Center) linear collider are made using probes of carbon filament; the beams are also used to probe each other. Some of the difficulties encountered in implementing these techniques are discussed. The principal difficulty with the weak beamstrahlung signal lies in its low average critical energy. It is emphasized that the width of the beamstrahlung emission peak is controlled in good approximation only by the transverse dimensions of the beams. >
Effects of two gravity inversion methods on heart rate, systolic brachial pressure, and ophthalmic artery pressure.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two static gravity inversion methods with either ankle or thigh suspension on heart rate (HR), systolic brachial pressure (SBP), and ophthalmic artery pressure (OAP). Twenty healthy subjects were assigned randomly to one of two treatment groups of 10 subjects each. Each group completed a 25-minute protocol with two 5-minute inversion periods. The research attempted to control for treatment anxiety and for the effects of ocular plethysmography (the procedure used to measure OAP). A 2 × 2 multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to analyze the differences of cardiovascular change between the two inversion methods. The hypothesis that the subjects' HRs, SBPs, and OAPs would not differ between ankle and thigh suspension methods for five minutes of inversion was not rejected. Leg position did not affect the HR or arterial responses during full static inversion. Gravity inversion produced no significant changes in HR and SBP between 2.5 and 5 minutes of inversion. Arterial pressures measured at 5 minutes of static inversion did not differ from arterial pressures measured between 2.5 and 5 minutes, but because of increases in OAP during inversion, ocular safeguards are recommended for subjects during inversion.
Pediatric Palliative Care: In Reply

We agree with and appreciate the comments made by Ms Howell, written from her vantage point as a nurse with experience in the care of dying children in the NICU setting. We particularly want to expand on a point she emphasized regarding the importance of …
Assessing Multiple Medication Use With Probabilities of Benefits and Harms

Objective: A quantitative framework to assess harms and benefits of candidate medications in the context of drugs that a patient is already taking is proposed. Method: Probabilities of harms and benefits of a given medication are averaged to yield a utility value. The utility values of all medications under consideration are combined as a geometric mean to yield an overall measure of favorability. The grouping of medications yielding the highest favorability value is chosen. Results: Five examples of choosing between widely used candidate medications demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed framework. Discussion: The framework proposed provides a simple method for considering the trade-offs involved in prescribing multiple medications. It can be adapted to include additional parameters representing severity of condition, prioritization of outcomes, patient preferences, dosages, and medication interactions. Inconsistent reporting in the medical literature of data about benefits and harms of medications,...
A Runtime Adaptation Framework for Native C and Bytecode Applications

The need for self-healing software to respond with a reactive, proactive or preventative action as a result of changes in its environment has added the non-functional requirement of adaptation to the list of facilities expected in self-managing systems. The adaptations we are concerned with assist with problem detection, diagnosis and remediation. Many existing computing systems do not include such adaptation mechanisms, as a result these systems either need to be re-designed to include them or there needs to be a mechanism for retro-fitting these mechanisms. The purpose of the adaptation mechanisms is to ease the job of the system administrator with respect to managing software systems. This paper introduces Kheiron, a framework for facilitating adaptations in running programs in a variety of execution environments without requiring the re-design of the application. Kheiron manipulates compiled C programs running in an unmanaged execution environment as well as programs running in Microsoft's Common Language Runtime and Sun Microsystems' Java Virtual Machine. We present case-studies and experiments that demonstrate the feasibility of using Kheiron to support self-healing systems. We also describe the concepts and techniques used to retro-fit adaptations onto existing systems in the various execution environments.
The Politics of Presidential Speeches

Speeches are vital to modern presidential governance. We know that speeches inform others of presidents’ policy preferences and allow them to meet public expectations; yet we do not know precisely what influences presidents’ tendencies to deliver them. This article argues that presidents consider the potential benefit or cost of delivering speeches. Deteriorating conditions in the political environment should cause a change in presidential behavior, while improvements may encourage presidents to continue their current course of action. Using time series analysis, I find that this is indeed the case. Typically, low presidential approval ratings and a poor economy encourage presidents to deliver more and fewer policy-based speeches, respectively. Even though the “golden age” of presidential politics also matters to presidential speechmaking, individual presidents do not significantly explain speechmaking over time.
Improved hydrogeophysical characterization and monitoring through parallel modeling and inversion of time-domain resistivity andinduced-polarization data

Electrical geophysical methods have found wide use in the growing discipline of hydrogeophysics for characterizing the electrical properties of the subsurface and for monitoring subsurface processes in terms of the spatiotemporal changes in subsurface conductivity, chargeability, and source currents they govern. Presently, multichannel and multielectrode data collections systems can collect large data sets in relatively short periods of time. Practitioners, however, often are unable to fully utilize these large data sets and the information they contain because of standard desktop-computer processing limitations. These limitations can be addressed by utilizing the storage and processing capabilities of parallel computing environments. We have developed a parallel distributed-memory forward and inverse modeling algorithm for analyzing resistivity and time-domain induced polar-ization (IP) data. The primary components of the parallel computations include distributed computation of the pole solutions in forw...
Communist successor parties and government survival in Central Eastern Europe

This article analyses coalition survival in eleven post-Communist, Central and Eastern European democracies. Survival analysis demonstrates that Communist Successor Parties (CSPs) are central to understanding government dissolution processes in post-communism. Coalitions spanning the ‘regime divide’ between CSPs and parties not affiliated with the ancien regime last longer than governments that do not. Regime divide governments also are more likely to fall during periods of positive economic performance, while other governments fall during periods of negative economic performance. The reason lies in parties’ incentives to prolong their regime divide coalition with the CSP, especially in the face of adverse conditions.
Toward a Genetic Understanding of Glaucoma-Breakthroughs and Challenges from Studies of Exfoliation Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a complex group of diseases causing progressive degeneration of the optic nerve. Despite strong evidence of hereditary contributions to glaucoma, relatively few genetic mutations associated with glaucoma risk have thus far been identified. Glaucoma likely represents a complex genetic trait influenced by multiple loci and many confounding factors, increasing the challenge in identifying glaucoma’s hereditary basis. In this article, a brief history of the search for glaucoma-causing mutations is presented, highlighting recent breakthroughs that have identified lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) as a major genetic risk factor contributing to exfoliative glaucoma. In considering challenges that remain ahead, our central tenet is that the search for glaucoma’s genetic elements will continue to require experimental ingenuity and synergistic approaches involving animal models that render the complexity of glaucoma more tractable.
From an 'Offspring of Revolution' to an 'Offspring of Law': The Invention of a Law of Constitutional Conventions and the Transformation of American Democracy

In 1867, John A. Jameson published the first legal treatise on constitutional conventions ever written. His primary objective was to bring the constitutional convention within law's domain, challenging earlier constructions of the convention as sovereign or extra-constitutional. By the 20th century, the reexamination of convention authority sparked by Jameson's treatise was largely successful. Conventions were no longer seen as sovereign, but merely as another branch of government with a specific delegated task: constitution-drafting. In the process, however, Jameson fundamentally reconceptualized American notions of popular sovereignty. By embodying 'the people' the convention had given them the capacity to both act and reason. By reading the people out of the convention, the very institution that had made popular sovereignty viable, Jameson stripped them of the capacity to reason, vesting it instead in the courts. Constitutionalism would no longer be centrally concerned with constitution-making, with enacting; now it would be centered around interpretation. No longer a popular endeavor, it was now the domain of courts.
Circadian characteristics of Djungarian hamsters: effects of photoperiodic pretreatment and artificial selection

Bidirectional artificial selection for (High Line) and against (Low Line) photoresponsiveness altered the percent of photoresponsive hamsters within lines and affected circadian function of hamsters identical in photoresponsiveness. For example, free-running period was shorter in responsive relative to nonresponsive hamsters. Between-line differences for responders and nonresponders were also found: hamsters from the High Line had a shorter free-running period relative to Low Line hamsters. However, phase angle of entrainment to long and short days was not affected. In general, expression of circadian rhythmicity was extraordinarily inflexible in photononresponsive hamsters from both lines: 1) phase angle of entrainment to lights on was similar under short and long day; 2) activity duration was similar under long and short days, although some decompression occurred in constant dark; 3) aftereffects on the free-running period were absent; and 4) amplitude of the phase-response curve was small (+/- 1 h) and present only at circadian times 10-24. We propose that selection for or against photoresponsiveness may have affected the interaction of component oscillators underlying circadian rhythmicity.
Re-envisioning Why Fathers Matter Beyond the Gender Binary: A Case for Gay Fathers

The task of differentiating the effects of fathering from mothering is an important one that spans across disciplines and decades. While recognizing the importance of this research area, this chapter intervenes in research on parenthood and child well-being by pointing out the heteronormative logic underlying the assumption that motherhood and fatherhood have distinct effects on child well-being. The chapter first offers a gendered perspective to complicate the idea that fatherhood and motherhood are distinct constructs. Second, it presents a case study of how fathers matter in same-sex families. Third, it argues for conceptualizing the long arm of parenthood, wherein parenting in the early life course of the child has cumulative consequences for parenting the child later in life—impacting the well-being of both children and parents. The aim of this chapter is to raise questions and innovative ideas for researchers who work in this area.
Epidemiology and Outcome of Patients Hospitalized With Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: A Population-Based Study

Objectives Population-based data on the epidemiology and outcome of patients hospitalized with acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage (ALGIH) are lacking. This survey of the incidence, etiology, therapy, and long-term outcome of patients with ALGIH was conducted in a defined population. Methods In a large health maintenance organization, discharge data and colonoscopy records were used to identify adults hospitalized with ALGIH from 1990 to 1993. Data were collected by record review and telephone calls. Results Two hundred nineteen patients had 235 hospitalizations, yielding an estimated annual incidence rate of 20.5 patients/100,000 (24.2 in males versus 17.2 in females, p 200-fold from the third to the ninth decades of life. Diagnoses were: colonic diverticulosis, 91 (41.6%); colorectal malignancy, 20 (9.1%); ischemic colitis, 19 (8.7%); miscellaneous, 63 (28.8%); and unknown, 26 (11.9%). Eight (3.6%) patients died in the hospital (5 of 206 (2.4%) with hemorrhage before admission versus 3 of 13 (23.1%) with hemorrhage after admission, p Conclusions Hospitalization with ALGIH is related to age and male gender. After hemorrhage from colonic diverticulosis, the leading cause, rates of ALGIH recurrence and unrelated death are similar during the next 4 years.
Sequential Experimental Design and Model Calibration for Targeted Events

Model calibration is often performed with a limited number of data points due to the significant cost of high fidelity simulations or experiments. To capture specific events, such as failure, optimal data collection methods can aid in achieving globally accurate models that can also predict targeted events. In this research, the expected information gain criterion for experimental design is used to determine the most informative designs for sequential calibration of uncertain model parameters. For accurate prediction of events of interest, the Targeted Information Gain for Error Reduction (TIGER) method is introduced to balance the placement of exploration points in the design space based on model accuracy and capturing the event of interest. This approach was compared to using sequential and all-at-once random data collection methods. The comparison of global and local prediction errors indicated that this is a feasible approach based on an analytical two-dimensional example. The method was also successful in a classification problem for flutter and critical limit cycle oscillation amplitude for a panel in hypersonic flow.
The contribution of transplantation and dialysis to a hospital laboratory.

In a one-year period 48 transplantation and dialysis patients accounted for 44,504 tests or 9.9% of all laboratory work in a 525-bed hospital that served a total of 7,052 patients. Each kidney transplant recipient and donor received between 1,407 and 2,048 tests in 122 to 127 hospital days. One liver recipient had 1,039 tests in 50 days, and one recipient of both a heart and a kidney had 4,056 tests in 231 days. Each patient given hospital chronic dialysis treatments had 5.8 to 8.5 tests per day in an average hospitalization of 243 days. Patients with acute renal failure had 4.0 to 16.5 tests per day in an average hospitalization of 107 clays. All other patients, not receiving dialysis or organ transplantation, had an average of 58 tests in a 22.6-day hospital stay, or an average of 2.6 tests per clay.
A Brief Study of the Relationship Between Mothers and Daughters in Morrison's Novels

What occurs between mother and daughter during the daughter’s emergent consciousness most often determines the daughter’s attitude toward her mother and motherhood.The relationship between mothers and daughters in Morrison’s novels is marked with tenderness and tension,love and resentment,sacrifice and emotional distance,and even ‘cruelty’and it is ellaborated in these three aspects.
Analyze Clinical Data of Children's First Episode Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Which Combined with Intracranial Hemorrhage

Objective Analyze clinical data of children's first episode idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP) which combined with intracranial hemorrhage(ICH),discuss the paediatric characteristics and provide experience for further clinical work.Method Prospectively collect the clinical data of ITP which combine with ICH during January 2006 to July 2008 in hematology center,Beijing children's hospital.ResultsThere are total 663 patients diagnosis as first episode ITP,included of them 6 ICH cases,the incidence is 0.90%.Male:female=2:1,age between 1.3 month to 2 years old(mean 6 months);the course of disease from 1 to 15 days(mean 4.5 days);all with the vaccination before disease episode;all the patients with mucocutaneous hemorrhage;but less ICH symptoms,all the patients diagnosised by routine head CT exam;the number of platelet are decreased severely;after routine therapy,all of them recovered rapidly during 2～6 days(mean 3.5 days) and reach to complete responde,haven't found recurrent case.Short-term Absorption of ICH when callbacked with CT,no sequelae is discovered.Conclusion① Low incidence of ITP with ICH in children(less than 1%);② The infant patients with vaccination record before the disease episode,the blood platelet decreased severely,symptom with serious mucocutaneous hemorrhage are vulnerable to ICH;③ Routine head CT examination is the excellent method to find ICH;④ This kind of patients have a good prognosis and an active routine therapy can help them pass through crisis period in a short time.
Regression of cardiac hypertrophy after closing an aortocaval fistula in rats

To determine whether the series addition of sarcomeres observed during eccentric hypertrophic growth is reversible upon removal of the initiating stimulus, an aortocaval fistula was created and myocyte geometry evaluated at 2 and 12 wk after shunt occlusion. A 76% cardiac enlargement was produced in rats with an aortocaval fistula. This enlargement was reduced to 22 and 18% at 2 and 12 wk of fistula reversal, respectively. Hemodynamic performance was altered as a result of fistula induction as evidenced by a 28% increase in peak rate of pressure rise. This pressure increase remained elevated by 30% 2 wk after fistula reversal but was not different from sham-operated control animals at 12 wk of reversal. Significant increases in overall myocyte length were detected as a result of the creation of the fistula [left ventricle (LV), 20%; right ventricle (RV), 29%; septum, 23% greater than shams]. Although these increases diminished only slightly 2 wk after closure of the fistula (LV, 12%; RV, 17%; septum, 12% greater than shams), linear measurements of myocyte length in two of three regions had reverted to values that were not significantly different from those of age-matched, sham-operated controls at 12 wk after fistula closure (LV, 8%; RV, 10%; septum, 7%). Myocyte cross-sectional area and cell volume followed a similar pattern. Thus myocytes possess the necessary machinery to remove recently added series sarcomeres, returning altered pump function and dilated ventricular chamber geometry toward control values. In addition, it appears that cardiac hypertrophic growth with this experimental model of volume overload is largely, but not completely, reversible.
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans displays a chemotaxis behavior to tuberculosis-specific odorants

A simple, affordable diagnostic test for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is urgently needed to improve detection of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Recently, it has been suggested that animal behavior can be used as a biosensor to signal the presence of human disease. For example, the giant African pouched rats can detect tuberculosis by sniffing sputum specimens while trained honeybees respond to three of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detected in the breath of TB positive patients by proboscis extension. However, both rats and honeybees require animal housing facilities and professional trainers, which are outside the scope of most disease testing facilities. Here, we report that the innate olfactory behavioral response of the roundworm nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can be used to detect the TB-specific VOCs methyl p-anisate, methyl nicotinate, methyl phenylacetate and o-phenylanisole, in chemotaxis assays. Dauer larvae, a long-lived stress resistant alternative development state of C. elegans in which the animals can survive for extended periods of time in dry conditions with no food, were also demonstrated to detect the VOCs. We propose that exposing naive dauer larvae to TB-related VOCs and recording their response in this behavioral assay could lead to the development of a new method for TB diagnostics using breath as the sample type.
Relativistic Dirac–Fock atom properties for Z=121 to Z=138

Abstract We present relativistic Dirac–Fock calculations of atomic properties for atomic numbers Z = 121 – 138 , extending a previous tabulation of Desclaux. The calculations assume a single LS ground state configuration and include a correction for finite nuclear size, with an approximation for the mean nuclear mass A ( Z ) based on the liquid-drop model.
Revealed Preference and Model Theory

In this book, we have studied the concept of empirical content in disparate environments. To conclude our study, we wish to suggest that there is a unifying theme behind these exercises. The idea of the empirical content of a theory as the set of all falsifiable predictions of the theory is generally applicable, and subject to formal study. A theory can make predictions which are non-falsifiable. A case in point is the theory of representation by a utility function. Recall Theorem 1.1. The theorem implies that if a preference relation over R + n possesses a utility representation, then there is a countable set Z ⊆ R + n such that for all x , y ∈ X for which, there exists z ∈ Z for which. This implication of the theory of utility is not falsifiable. To demonstrate that the theory has been falsified, one would need to establish the non-existence of such a set Z . Doing so involves checking, one-by-one, every possible countable subset Z of R + n , a task which can never be completed. A first and basic issue in understanding empirical content has to do with universal vs. existential axiomatizations. The idea was already introduced in Chapters 9 and 12, where we saw the removal of existential quantifiers as a source of testable implications. The issue of universal and existential axioms goes back to Popper (1959), who thought that a theory with a universal description is falsifiable, while an existential theory is not. Popper offers the example of the theory that claims “all swans are white.” This theory is universal, in the sense that it states a property of all swans, or “universally quantifies over swans.” It is easy to see that, in principle, such a theory can be falsified by finding a single swan that is not white. Contrast with Popper's example of an existential theory: that “there exists a black swan.” The existential theory cannot be falsified. Falsifying the theory would involve collecting all possible swans and verifying that each one is not black.We could only do this if we could somehow be sure to have exhaustively checked all the swans in the universe.
The Impact of Mental Health Services in a Pediatric Emergency Department: The Implications of Having Trained Psychiatric Professionals.

ObjectivesThis study assessed improvement in the emergency department (ED) length of stay and costs after implementation of an ED program which added board-certified psychiatrists and trained psychiatric social workers to the pediatric ED.MethodsA retrospective medical record and administrative data
Failure analysis of a composite insulation system under impulse excitation

Breakdown occurred in an impulsively excited, composite insulation system in the region of the output spark gap and peaking capacitor of a Marx bank generator, The spark gap system contained 8 gaps in parallel operating in pressurized SFG. Systematic differences were observed in the damage morphology from module to module of the spark gap insulating system. These data were supplemented with voltage waveforms and a knowledge of the history of the system, The analysis yields a reconstruction of the sequence of events associated with growth of breakdown paths, an explanation of distinctive features of the damage configuration, and an estimate of average conduction properties of the gaseous breakdown plasma during two stages of channel development.
T Cells Exacerbate Lyme Borreliosis in TLR2-Deficient Mice.

Infection of humans with the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, causes Lyme borreliosis and can lead to clinical manifestations such as, arthritis, carditis and neurological conditions. Experimental infection of mice recapitulates many of these symptoms and serves as a model system for the investigation of disease pathogenesis and immunity. Innate immunity is known to drive the development of Lyme arthritis and carditis, but the mechanisms driving this response remain unclear. Innate immune cells recognize B. burgdorferi surface lipoproteins primarily via Toll-like receptor (TLR)2; however, previous work has demonstrated TLR2-/- mice had exacerbated disease and increased bacterial burden. We demonstrate increased CD4 and CD8 T cell infiltrates in B. burgdorferi-infected joints and hearts of C3H TLR2-/- mice. In vivo depletion of either CD4 or CD8 T cells reduced Borrelia-induced joint swelling and lowered tissue spirochete burden, while depletion of CD8 T cells alone reduced disease severity scores. Exacerbation of Lyme arthritis correlated with increased production of CXCL9 by synoviocytes and this was reduced with CD8 T cell depletion. These results demonstrate T cells can exacerbate Lyme disease pathogenesis and prolong disease resolution possibly through dysregulation of inflammatory responses and inhibition of bacterial clearance.
The Determination of The Chilling Requirements of Some Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Cultivars and Types

This study was conducted on 8 different walnut genotypes (Bilecik, Kaman-1, Maras-18, Sutyemez-1, Sebin, Sen-1, Maras-12 and Sutyemez-2) between 2013 and 2014 years. Chilling requirements of terminal buds, lateral buds and male flowers of walnut genotypes were determined based on separate standard and chill unit methods. The results suggest that chilling requirement of the walnut genotypes was the lowest for Sutyemez-2 (809 H - 644 CU) and highest for Bilecik (1570 H - 1755.5 CU). The chilling requirement of lateral buds was the lowest for Sebin (1016 H - 956 CU) and highest for Bilecik (1571 H - 1769.5 CU). When it comes to male flowers, the lowest chilling requirement was that of Sutyemez-2 (915 H - 770 CU) while the highest was for Bilecik (1407 H - 1416.5 CU). It was observed that terminal buds required the lowest chilling duration while lateral buds required the highest chilling duration. Additionally, accumulated chilling was calculated as 1645 H and 1753 CU in Kahramanmaras province of Turkey where this study was conducted.
Oxidation of Automotive Primary Reference Fuels at Elevated Pressures

Automotive engine knock limits the maximum operating compression ratio and ultimate thermodynamic efficiency of spark-ignition (SI) engines. In compression-ignition (CI) or diesel cycle engines, the premixed burn phase, which occurs shortly after injection, determines the time it takes for autoignition to occur. In order to improve engine efficiency and to recommend more efficient, cleaner-burning alternative fuels, we must understand the chemical kinetic processes that lead to autoignition in both SI and CI engines. These engines burn large molecular-weight blended fuels, a class to which the primary reference fuels (PRF) n -heptane and iso-octane belong. In this study, experiments were performed under enginelike conditions in a high-pressure flow reactor using both the pure PRF fuels and their mixtures in the temperature range 550–880 K and at 12.5 atm pressure. These experiments not only provide information on the reactivity of each fuel but also identify the major intermediate products formed during the oxidation process. A detailed chemical kinetic mechanism is used to simulate these experiments, and comparisons of experimentally measured and model predicted profiles for O 2 , CO, CO 2 , H 2 O and temperature rise are presented. Intermediates identified in the flow reactor are compared with those present in the computations, and the kinetic pathways leading to their formation are discussed. In addition, autoignition delay times measured in a shock tube over the temperature range 690–1220 K and at 40 atm pressure were simulated. Good agreement between experiment and simulation was obtained for both the pure fuels and their mixtures. Finally, quantitative values of major intermediates measured in the exhaust gas of a cooperative fuels research engine operating under motored engine conditions are presented together with those predicted by the detailed model.
MyoLearn: Using a multimodal armband sensor for vocational safety problem identification

This project looks at using the Myo armband and machine learning techniques to detect irregularities when performing a vocational assembly task. A Lego car assembly task is performed while Myo data are collected, which include accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and EMG. Principal Component Analysis is then used to reduce dimensionality and discover if long-term deviations from the assembly task can be detected, indicating a potential health and safety risk.
Determining the effect of BMP signaling on thymus fate specification and differentiation of the third pharyngeal pouch in the mouse. (HEM7P.235)

The third pharyngeal pouch is an endodermally derived epithelium that differentiates into thymus and parathyroid cells. Foxn1 (transcription factor) is a thymus-specific marker, which is required for thymic epithelial cell (TEC) proliferation and differentiation. Gcm2 is a parathyroid-specific marker, which is essential for parathyroid survival and differentiation. Loss of function genetic analysis of BMP4 showed that BMP4 is required for organ morphogenesis but not initial thymus fate; however, repression of BMP signaling by transgenic expression of ectopic Noggin inhibitor suppressed Foxn1expression. Based on these data, we hypothesize that BMP signaling is necessary for normal thymus fate specification during initial organogenesis with BMP signaling promoting thymus fate while inhibiting parathyroid fate. We are testing this hypothesis using inducible Gremlin transgenic mice in a tissue-specific Cre-Lox induction system, as well as gain and loss of function experiments in embryo cultures. Current data suggest delayed expression of Foxn1 when Gremlin is ectopically expressed. Explant cultures with dorsomorphin, a BMP inhibiting drug, showed a reduction of both Gcm2 and Foxn1 . Also, cultured embryos with a BMP4 bead implant showed a reduction of Gcm2 . Surprisingly, these data suggest inhibition of BMP signaling is suppressing Gcm2, while supporting the hypothesis that BMP signaling is necessary for initial thymus fate specification.
Application of the CC(P;Q) Hierarchy of Coupled-Cluster Methods to the Beryllium Dimer

The performance of coupled-cluster approaches with higher-than-doubly excited clusters, including the CCSD(T), CCSD(2)T, CR-CC(2,3), CCSD(TQ), and CR-CC(2,4) corrections to CCSD, the active-space CCSDt, CCSDtq, and CCSDTq methods, and the CC(t;3), CC(t,q;3), CC(t,q;3,4), and CC(q;4) corrections to CCSDt, CCSDtq, and CCSDTq resulting from the CC(P;Q) formalism, in reproducing the CCSDT and CCSDTQ potential energy curves and vibrational term values characterizing Be2 in its electronic ground state is assessed. The correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVnZ and aug-cc-pCVnZ (n = T and Q) basis sets are employed. Among the CCSD-based corrections, the completely renormalized CR-CC(2,3) and CR-CC(2,4) approaches perform the best. The CC(t;3), CC(t,q;3), CC(t,q;3,4), and CC(q;4) methods, especially CC(t;3) and CC(q;4), outperform other employed approaches in reproducing the CCSDT and CCSDTQ data. Composite schemes combining the all-electron CCSDT calculations extrapolated to the complete basis set limit with the frozen-core CC(q;4) and CCSDTQ computations using the aug-cc-pVTZ basis to account for connected quadruple excitations reproduce the latest experimental vibrational spectrum of Be2 to within 4-5 cm-1, when the vibrational spacings are examined, with typical errors being below 1-2 cm-1. The resulting binding energies and equilibrium bond lengths agree with their experimentally derived counterparts to within ∼10 cm-1 and 0.01 A.
Coccygeal Vascular Catheterization in Lizards and Crocodilians

ABSTRACT Maintenance of fluid support is an important aspect of care in the critical lizard or crocodilian patient. However, obtaining and maintaining vascular access in reptilian species has previously been reported to be challenging. A technique is described for vascular catheter placement in the tail of lizards and crocodilians. The practitioner should be aware that drugs and other therapeutics administered through this route may be affected by the renal portal system.
Bladder cancer treatment response assessment in CT urography using two-channel deep-learning network.

We are developing a CAD system for bladder cancer treatment response assessment in CT. We trained a 2- Channel Deep-learning Convolution Neural Network (2Ch-DCNN) to identify responders (T0 disease) and nonresponders to chemotherapy. The 87 lesions from 82 cases generated 18,600 training paired ROIs that were extracted from segmented bladder lesions in the pre- and post-treatment CT scans and partitioned for 2-fold cross validation. The paired ROIs were input to two parallel channels of the 2Ch-DCNN. We compared the 2Ch-DCNN with our hybrid prepost- treatment ROI DCNN method and the assessments by 2 experienced abdominal radiologists. The radiologist estimated the likelihood of stage T0 after viewing each pre-post-treatment CT pair. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) and the partial AUC at sensitivity <90% (AUC0.9) were compared. The test AUCs were 0.76±0.07 and 0.75±0.07 for the 2 partitions, respectively, for the 2Ch-DCNN, and were 0.75±0.08 and 0.75±0.07 for the hybrid ROI method. The AUCs for Radiologist 1 were 0.67±0.09 and 0.75±0.07 for the 2 partitions, respectively, and were 0.79±0.07 and 0.70±0.09 for Radiologist 2. For the 2Ch-DCNN, the AUC0.9s were 0.43 and 0.39 for the 2 partitions, respectively, and were 0.19 and 0.28 for the hybrid ROI method. For Radiologist 1, the AUC0.9s were 0.14 and 0.34 for partition 1 and 2, respectively, and were 0.33 and 0.23 for Radiologist 2. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using a 2Ch-DCNN for the estimation of bladder cancer treatment response in CT.