cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of a Four-View Mammographic Image Feature Based Fusion Model to Predict Near-Term Breast Cancer Risk

The purpose of this study was to develop and assess a new quantitative four-view mammographic image feature based fusion model to predict the near-term breast cancer risk of the individual women after a negative screening mammography examination of interest. The dataset included fully-anonymized mammograms acquired on 870 women with two sequential full-field digital mammography examinations. For each woman, the first “prior” examination in the series was interpreted as negative (not recalled) during the original image reading. In the second “current” examination, 430 women were diagnosed with pathology verified cancers and 440 remained negative (“cancer-free”). For each of four bilateral craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique view images of left and right breasts, we computed and analyzed eight groups of global mammographic texture and tissue density image features. A risk prediction model based on three artificial neural networks was developed to fuse image features computed from two bilateral views of four images. The risk model performance was tested using a ten-fold cross-validation method and a number of performance evaluation indices including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and odds ratio (OR). The highest AUC = 0.725 ± 0.026 was obtained when the model was trained by gray-level run length statistics texture features computed on dense breast regions, which was significantly higher than the AUC values achieved using the model trained by only two bilateral one-view images (p < 0.02). The adjustable OR values monotonically increased from 1.0 to 11.8 as model-generated risk score increased. The regression analysis of OR values also showed a significant increase trend in slope (p < 0.01). As a result, this preliminary study demonstrated that a new four-view mammographic image feature based risk model could provide useful and supplementary image information to help predict the near-term breast cancer risk.
Oxygenated fatty acids of isano oil

Abstract Four new oxygenated acetylenic acid—8-oxo-octadeca-9,11-diynoic ( 1a ), 8-hydroxyoctadeca-10,12-diynoic ( 3a ), 8-oxo-octadeca-9,11-diyn-17-enoic
From Computational Design to a Protein That Binds

Protein-protein interactions are critical for many biological processes, and over the past several decades, this importance has prompted researchers to investigate the physical and chemical bases of protein binding. How much do we now understand about how proteins interact? Perhaps the most rigorous way to answer this question is to endeavor to design, at an atomic level of detail, such an interaction from scratch. On page 816 of this issue, Fleishman et al. ( 1 ) take on this challenge. They used a computational method that enabled them to design two proteins that bind to a preselected surface on an influenza virus. This work demonstrates how far we have come in understanding and being able to predict protein-protein interactions, and the technique could prove useful for developing biosensors, reagents, and more effective drugs.
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase plays an important role in proliferation and chemoresistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when it is not amenable for aggressive therapies such as surgical resection or liver transplantation. Current therapeutic options achieve clinical responses in only a small percentage of cases. As a consequence, effective approaches for prevention and treatment are greatly needed. Altered lipid metabolism has been recently linked to HCC pathogenesis. The aims of this study were to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), the rate-limiting enzyme and an essential regulator of lipid homeostasis in liver cells, to carcinogenesis in HCC.
High-Level Language Tools for Reconfigurable Computing

In the past decade or so we have witnessed a steadily increasing interest in FPGAs as hardware accelerators: they provide an excellent mid-point between the reprogrammability of software devices (CPUs, DSPs, and GPUs) and the performance and low energy consumption of ASICs. However, the programmability of FPGA-based accelerators remains one of the biggest obstacles to their wider adoption. Developing FPGA programs requires extensive familiarity with hardware design and experience with a tedious and complex tool chain. For half a century, layers of abstractions have been developed that simplify the software development process: languages, compilers, dynamically linked libraries, operating systems, APIs, etc. Very little, if any, such abstractions exist in the development of FPGA programs. In this paper, we review the history of using FPGAs as hardware accelerators and summarize the challenges facing the raising of the programming abstraction layers. We survey five High-Level Language tools for the development of FPGA programs: Xilinx Vivado, Altera OpenCL, BluespecBSV, ROCCC, and LegUp to provide an overview of their tool flow, the optimizations they provide, and a qualitative analysis of their hardware implementations of high level code.
THE CHOICE OF AN INPUT-OUTPUT TABLE EMBEDDED IN REGIONAL ECONOMETRIC INPUT-OUTPUT MODELS

In this paper, we investigate the role of input-output data sources in regional econometric input-output models. While there has been a great deal of experimentation focused on the accuracy of alternative methods for estimating regional inputoutput coefficients, little attention has been directed to the role of accuracy when the input-output system is nested within a broader accounting framework. The issues of accuracy were considered in two contexts, forecasting and impact analysis focusing on a model developed for the Chicago region. We experimented with three input-output data sources: observed regional data, national input-output, and randomly generated inputoutput coefficients. The effects of different sources of input-output data on regional econometric input-output models revealed that there are significant differences in results obtained in both forecast and impact analyses. The adjustment processes inherent in the econometric input-output system did not mask the differences imbedded in input-output tables derived from different data sources. Since applications of these types of models involve both impact and forecasting exercises, there should be strong motivation for basing the syste on the most accurate set of input-output accounts.
Identification of a multifunctional domain in autonomously replicating sequence-binding factor 1 required for transcriptional activation, DNA replication, and gene silencing

Autonomously replicating sequence-binding factor 1 (ABF1) is a multifunctional, site-specific DNA binding protein that is essential for cell viability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ABF1 plays a direct role in transcriptional activation, stimulation of DNA replication, and gene silencing at the mating-type loci. Here we demonstrate that all three activities of ABF1 are conferred by the C terminus of the protein (amino acids [aa] 604 to 731). Furthermore, a detailed mutational analysis has revealed two important clusters of amino acid residues in the C terminus (C-terminal sequence 1 [CS1], aa 624 to 628; and CS2, aa 639 to 662). While both regions play a pivotal role in supporting cell viability, they make distinct contributions to ABF1 functions in various nuclear processes. CS1 specifically participates in transcriptional silencing and/or repression in a context-dependent manner, whereas CS2 is universally required for all three functions of ABF1. When tethered to specific regions of the genome, a 30-aa fragment that contains CS2 alone is sufficient for activation of transcription and chromosomal replication. In addition, CS2 is responsible for ABF1-mediated chromatin remodeling. Based on these results, we suggest that ABF1 may function as a chromatin-reorganizing factor to increase accessibility of the local chromatin structure, which in turn facilitates the action of additional factors to establish either an active or repressed chromatin state.
Children's Impact on Stress and Employability of Mothers in Poverty

This study explores the relationship between stress in the parent-child relationship and successful pursuit of education and training activities for a sample of female JOBS participants in North Carolina whose children had attained at least preschool age. Using probit regression techniques, a significant negative relationship was found to exist between parent-child stress and successful component completion for these participants. Further assessment probed the contribution of study participants' personal and social strengths and problem-child behaviors as contributors to stress: Lower levels of mastery and higher perceived levels of child problem behaviors were found to be associated with the level of stress in the parent-child relationship. Findings, although preliminary, suggest the desirability of further research examining family dynamics as potential contributors to successful employability outcomes for this and similar populations.
A Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Study of Inter-Proton Pair Order Parameters: A New Approach to StudyOrder and Dynamics in Phospholipid Membrane Systems

Abstract We report a simple new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic method to investigate order and dynamics in phospholipids in which inter-proton pair order parameters are derived by using high resolution 13 C cross-polarization/magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR combined with 1 H dipolar echo preparation. The resulting two-dimensional NMR spectra permit determination of the motionally averaged interpair second moment for protons attached to each resolved 13 C site, from which the corresponding interpair order parameters can be deduced. A spin-lock mixing pulse before cross-polarization enables the detection of spin diffusion amongst the different regions of the lipid molecules. The method was applied to a variety of model membrane systems, including 1,2-dimyristoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)/sterol and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/sterol model membranes. The results agree well with previous studies using specifically deuterium labeled or perdeuterated phospholipid molecules. It was also found that efficient spin diffusion takes place within the phospholipid acyl chains, and between the glycerol backbone and choline headgroup of these molecules. The experiment was also applied to biosynthetically 13 C-labeled ergosterol incorporated into phosphatidylcholine bilayers. These results indicate highly restricted motions of both the sterol nucleus and the aliphatic side chain, and efficient spin exchange between these structurally dissimilar regions of the sterol molecule. Finally, studies were carried out in the lamellar liquid crystalline (L α ) and inverted hexagonal (H II ) phases of 1,2-dioleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). These results indicated that phosphatidylethanolamine lamellar phases are more ordered than the equivalent phases of phosphatidylcholines. In the H II (inverted hexagonal) phase, despite the increased translational freedom, there is highly constrained packing of the lipid molecules, particularly in the acyl chain region.
The Compatibility of Complex Systems and Reduction: A Case Analysis of Memory Research

Some theorists who emphasize the complexity of biological and cognitive systems and who advocate the employment of the tools of dynamical systems theory in explaining them construe complexity and reduction as exclusive alternatives. This paper argues that reduction, an approach to explanation that decomposes complex activities and localizes the components within the complex system, is not only compatible with an emphasis on complexity, but provides the foundation for dynamical analysis. Explanation via decomposition and localization is nonetheless extremely challenging, and an analysis of recent cognitive neuroscience research on memory is used to illustrate what is involved. Memory researchers split between advocating memory systems and advocating memory processes, and I argue that it is the latter approach that provides the critical sort of decomposition and localization for explaining memory. The challenges of linking distinguishable functions with brain processes is illustrated by two examples: competing hypotheses about the contribution of the hippocampus and competing attempts to link areas in frontal cortex with memory processing.
Scalar Linear Network Coding for Networks with Two Sources

Determining the capacity of networks has been a long-standing issue of interest in the literature. Although for multi-source multi-sink networks it is known that using network coding is advantageous over traditional routing, finding the best coding strategy is not trivial in general. Among different classes of codes that could be potentially used in a network, linear codes due to their simplicity are of particular interest. Although linear codes are proven to be sub-optimal in general, in some cases such as the multicast scenario they achieve the cut-set bound. Since determining the capacity of a network is closely related to the characterization of the entropy region of all its random variables, if one is interested in finding the best linear solution for a network, one should find the region of all linear representable entropy vectors of that network. With this approach, we study the scalar linear solutions over arbitrary network problems with two sources. We explicitly calculate this region for small number of variables and suggest a method for larger networks through finding the best scalar linear solution to a storage problem as an example of practical interest.
Cross‐tolerance between spinal neostigmine and morphine in the rat

Background Direct or indirect acting cholinergic muscarinic agonists such as neostigmine, are potent antinociceptives when administered intrathecally (i.t.). This study examines whether spinal neostigmine tolerance and cross-tolerance to spinal morphine occurs. Methods Rats (32/group) were implanted with miniosmotic pumps delivering either i.t. saline 1 μl h−1 (S), morphine 10 nmol μl−1 h−1 (M), or neostigmine 3 nmol μl−1 h−1 (N). Latencies (infrared thermal withdrawal rear paw) were measured daily for 6 days after which four animals from each group were given one i.t. challenge dose of morphine (m) 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 nmol, or neostigmine (n) 0.3, 3, 10, or 30 nmol. Results Neostigmine and morphine-infused animals both developed tolerance to spinal neostigmine, but neostigmine-infused animals showed no significant cross-tolerance to spinal morphine; mean ED50 nmol (CI 95%) dose–response values were Sn 2.6 (1.9–3.5), Mn 15.6 (9.9–24.6)*, Nn 18.7 (11.7–29.8)*, Sm 0.7 (0.4–1.1), Nm 1.2 (0.8–2.0), Mm 152 (50–461)* (*significance vs saline infused control group). Conclusion Thus, unidirectional cross-tolerance from morphine to neostigmine was evident. Previous studies suggest morphine has a cholinergic mechanism of action partially accounting for its antinociceptive effect, which may explain this observed unidirectional cross-tolerance.
A Hypoxia-Controlled Cap-Dependent to Cap-Independent Translation Switch in Breast Cancer

Translational regulation is critical in cancer development and progression. Translation sustains tumor growth and development of a tumor vasculature, a process known as angiogenesis, which is activated by hypoxia. Here we first demonstrate that a majority of large advanced breast cancers overexpress translation regulatory protein 4E-BP1 and initiation factor eIF4G. Using model animal and cell studies, we then show that overexpressed 4E-BP1 and eIF4G orchestrate a hypoxia-activated switch from cap-dependent to cap-independent mRNA translation that promotes increased tumor angiogenesis and growth at the level of selective mRNA translation. Elevated levels of 4E-BP1 trigger hypoxia inhibition of cap-dependent mRNA translation at high-oxygen levels and, with eIF4G, increase selective translation of mRNAs containing internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) that include key proangiogenic, hypoxia, and survival mRNAs. The switch from cap-dependent to cap-independent mRNA translation facilitates tumor angiogenesis and hypoxia responses in animal models.
Inhibitors of cellular signalling are cytotoxic or block the budded-to-hyphal transition in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans.

The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans can grow in multiple morphological states including budded, pseudohyphal and true hyphal forms. The ability to interconvert between budded and hyphal forms, herein termed the budded-to-hyphal transition (BHT), is important for C. albicans virulence, and is regulated by multiple environmental and cellular signals. To identify small-molecule inhibitors of known cellular processes that can also block the BHT, a microplate-based morphological assay was used to screen the BIOMOL–Institute of Chemistry and Cell Biology (ICCB) Known Bioactives collection from the ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility (Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA). Of 480 molecules tested, 53 were cytotoxic to C. albicans and 16 were able to block the BHT without inhibiting budded growth. These 16 BHT inhibitors affected protein kinases, protein phosphatases, Ras signalling pathways, G protein-coupled receptors, calcium homeostasis, nitric oxide and guanylate cyclase signalling, and apoptosis in mammalian cells. Several of these molecules were also able to inhibit filamentous growth in other Candida species, as well as the pathogenic filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, suggesting a broad fungal host range for these inhibitory molecules. Results from secondary assays, including hyphal-specific transcription and septin localization analysis, were consistent with the inhibitors affecting known BHT signalling pathways in C. albicans. Therefore, these molecules will not only be invaluable in deciphering the signalling pathways regulating the BHT, but also may serve as starting points for potential new antifungal therapeutics.
Class II MHC quantitative binding motifs derived from a large molecular database with a versatile iterative stepwise discriminant analysis meta-algorithm.

Motivation: The identification of T-cell epitopes can be crucial for vaccine development. An epitope is a peptide segment that binds to both a T-cell receptor and a major histocompatibility comples (MHC) molecule. Predicting which peptide segments bind MHC molecules is the first step in epitope prediction. Results: An iterative stepwise discriminant analysis meta-algorithm explores a large molecular database to derive quantitative motifs for peptide binding. The applications presented here demonstrate the algorithm's versatility by producing four closely related models for HLA-DRI. Two models use an expert initial estimate and two do not; two models use amino acid residues as the only predictors and two use amino acid groupings as additional predictors. Each model correctly classifies >90% of the peptides in the database. Availability: Software is available commercially; data are free over the Internet. Contact: ronna@ucsfresno.edu.
Dating Scripts Revisited

Using a method different from that of past studies, first-date scripts of heterosexual college students were reexamined. As expected, the new approach did not change the findings of earlier research. Despite egalitarian claims, the initial dating practices of students consistently appear to be primarily traditionalistic. Supporting the findings of past studies, the authors found that scripts for both sexes are well-known to both men and women, making the formats of first dates highly predictable. Current popular advice from dating guides reinforces “appropriate” behaviors and attends far more to differences between the sexes than to their similarities. The contemporary “semi-egalitarian, semi-traditional” perspectives of students may not serve them well in their longer term relationships.
Performance and Behavior of Weaned Beef Cattle that Were Fed Tall Fescue Dry Hay or Haylage

The objective of this experiment was to determine if there were differences in performance and behavior of feeder calves fed Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) dry hay (hay) or haylage. Sixty weaned calves were placed into four pens (n = 15/pen, 2 pens/treatment). Haylage was wrapped at higher moisture content (50%) and stored outside. Dry hay (13% moisture) was stored under cover. Calves were fed either hay or haylage and no supplementation was provided. CP, ADF, and NDF percentages (dry mater basis) were 12.9 vs. 12.1, 41.1 vs. 36.0, and 69.4 vs. 59.6 for the hay and haylage, respectively. ADG was monitored for a 45-d feeding period. Behavioral observations were made every 5 min over 4 consecutive hours on three separate days at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the project. Performance measures were analyzed as a completely randomized design. Behavioral results were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures. The overall ADG for calves fed dry hay was 0.23 kg/d and fed haylage -0.11 kg/d (P = 0.03). There were no (P > 0.05) differences observed in the cattle behavioral repertoire for treatment or for the day by treatment interactions. Reductions in calf performance were detected when fed fescue haylage compared to dry fescue hay.
A Functional View Toward Mental Representations

The notion of representation plays an essential role for theories of learning and teaching. Without the notion of representation it seems impossible to describe how human beings are able to learn and communicate. To answer empirical questions about creating and using representations, you need a detailed analysis of the notion of representation and its functional and ontological importance. This chapter will sharpen up the notion of representation and classify several core aspects of the notion of representation. In particular, the conceptual distinction between external and mental (internal) representations is crucial to educational studies. In a further step, the relation to other nearby notions is examined, so that representations can be discriminated from notions like a pure perception, an immediate experience, a model, a schema, or a script. A student must be able to “transform” mental representations into external ones in order to provide evidence of successful learning. In addition to above questions, questions about how to operate on representations will be discussed as well. The pure “having” of representation alone does not help that much; you have to be able to search, to sort, to generalize, etc. to acquire the ability to solve problems and to learn. To say it in a nutshell, after creating a representation in your head you have to be able to get it out again.
Proof of a Sentient Knower: Utpaladeva’s Ajaḍapramātṛsiddhi with the Vṛtti of Harabhatta Shastri

Utpaladeva (c. 900–950 C.E.) was the chief originator of the Pratyabhijnā philosophical theology of monistic Kashmiri Śaivism, which was further developed by Abhinavagupta (c. 950–1020 C.E.) and other successors. The Ajaḍapramātṛsiddhi, “Proof of a Sentient Knower,” is one component of Utpaladeva’s trio of specialized studies called the Siddhitrayī, “Three Proofs.” This article provides an introduction to and translation of the Ajaḍapramātṛsiddhi along with the Vṛtti commentary on it by the nineteenth–twentieth century paṇḍit, Harabhatta Shastri. Utpaladeva in this work presents “transcendental” arguments that a universal knower (pramātṛ), the God Śiva, necessarily exists and that this knower is sentient (ajaḍa). He defends the Pratyabhijnā understanding of sentience against alternative views of both Hindu and Buddhist schools. As elsewhere in his corpus, Utpaladeva also endeavors through his arguments to lead students to the recognition (pratyabhijnā) of identity with Śiva, properly understood as the sentient knower.
Advances in parallel and distributed computing models - APDCM

The past twenty years have seen a flurry of activity in the arena of parallel and distributed computing. In recent years, novel parallel and distributed computational models have been proposed in the literature, reflecting advances in new computational devices and environments such as optical interconnects, programmable logic arrays, networks of workstations, radio communications, mobile computing, DNA computing, quantum computing, sensor networks etc. It is very encouraging to note that the advent of these new models has lead to significant advances in the resolution of various difficult problems of practical interest. The main goal of this workshop is to provide a timely forum for the exchange and dissemination of new ideas, techniques and research in the field of the parallel and distributed computational models. The workshop is meant to bring together researchers and practitioners interested in all aspects of parallel and distributed computing taken in an inclusive, rather than exclusive, sense. We are convinced that the workshop atmosphere will be conducive to open and mutually beneficial exchanges of ideas between the participants.
An Estimated Prevalence of Johne's Disease in a Subpopulation of Alabama Beef Cattle

The objective of this study was to estimate the overall prevalence of animals that were infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in a subpopulation of Alabama beef cattle. This was deter- mined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis-specific antibodies in serum. Serum was collected from 79 herds that were participating in the Alabama Brucellosis Certification program. A total of 2,073 beef cattle were randomly tested by selecting 30 animals per herd in herds greater than 30 and selecting all animals in herds 30 and less for testing. It has been estimated that the commercial ELISA test used has a 60% sensitivity and a 97% specificity. Of the 79 herds tested, 29 herds were seronegative, 24 herds had 1-2 positive animals, and 26 herds had 3 or more seropositive animals. The average number of infected animals per positive herd was 3.3. In addition, a calculated minimum of 53.5% of the herds were identified as Johne's positive herds with a 95% confidence level. Of the total number of animals tested, 8.0% (166/2,073) of them were positive by the ELISA. After adjustments for test sensitivity and specificity and the proportion of animals sampled per herd, the true prevalence was calculated to be 8.75%. These data suggest that approximately 50% of the herds are infected with M. avium ssp. Para- tuberculosis, and the overall prevalence of infection in Alabama beef cattle is approximately 8%, which cor- relates with other previously published regional estimates. Johne's disease is an infectious, granulomatous en- teritis caused by the host immune response to an in- fection with the bacterium Mycobacterium aviumssp. paratuberculosis. Clinical signs in ruminants initially may include intermittent diarrhea but progress to ex- treme diarrhea with severe weight loss resulting in death. The bacteria are generally transmitted via the fecal-oral route (through either contaminated food or water) or by the ingestion of infected dams' milk. Newborn calves under 1 month of age are the most susceptible to infection by either route. 13 Johne's dis- ease can be economically draining to beef and dairy cattle producers. 8 Johne's disease is widely distributed, having been diagnosed in beef and dairy herds throughout the Unit- ed States and on every populated continent in the world. As more is learned about its prevalence and the significant economic impact it has on infected herds, efforts are being made to understand and control this disease. 4,17 Some scientists also believe M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis may play a pathogenic role in hu- mans with Crohn's disease. 5,9,12 In the United States, recent efforts have been made to establish a control program and to educate produc- ers, concerned industry groups, involved government employees, and veterinarians about the risks and im-
Neuromuscular Complications of Cancer and Cancer Treatments

Death rates related to cancer have steadily decreased over the past few decades, and as a result, the number of survivors has exponentially increased. Increasingly, more and more secondary complications caused by cancer and its treatments are being recognized. Neuromuscular complications related to the underlying cancer itself, or caused by associated treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are common but are likely underreported. While neurologic involvement can occur in both the central and peripheral nervous systems at any level, this article focuses on the effects of cancer on the peripheral nervous system.
Fuzzy order statistics and their application to fuzzy clustering

The median and the median absolute deviation (MAD) are robust statistics based on order statistics. Order statistics are extended to fuzzy sets to define a fuzzy median and a fuzzy MAD. The fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm is defined for any p-norm (pFCM), including the l/sub 1/-norm (1FCM), The 1FCM clustering algorithm is implemented via the alternating optimization (AO) method and the clustering centers are shown to be the fuzzy median. The resulting AO-1FCM clustering algorithm is called the fuzzy c-medians (FCMED) clustering algorithm. An example illustrates the robustness of the FCMED.
Photophysical studies of local anesthetics, tetracaine and procaine: drug aggregations.

The effects of solvent and concentration on the photophysical properties of tertiary amine local anesthetics, tetracaine and procaine were studied experimentally using low temperature (77 K) emission spectroscopy and confirmed theoretically using a HAM/3 method. For tetracaine free base in methylcyclohexane, a broad fluorescence band observed at approximately 375 nm for concentrations greater than 1 x 10(-3) M is assigned to the molecular self-associated species. The disappearance of this band in ethanol (i.e. a model hydrophobic environment) indicates a greater tendency of neutral tetracaine towards molecular hetero-association. In an aqueous solution of procaine.HCl, a broad emission band centered at approximately 400 nm is detected even at a concentration as low as 1 x 10(-4) M and is attributed to the charged aggregates of procaine.HCl. Two general observations for procaine, tetracaine and dibucaine are noted: (1) the monocation and free base local anesthetics in ethanol solutions give identical photophysical properties, suggesting that the monocation drug species in ethanol is H+ dissociative, and (2) the lowest singlet excited state of neutral local anesthetics is calculated to have a charge-transfer character originating from a non-bonding electron in the N of tertiary amine group to the pi orbital of aromatic ring. The possible pharmacological implications of the deprotonation, the drug aggregations and the charge-transfer excitations of local anesthetics on the molecular basis of anesthesia are discussed.
Balzac’s Allegories of Energy in La Comédie Humaine

“We cannot speak,” CS. Lewis observes, “perhaps we can hardly think, of an ‘inner conflict’ without a metaphor; and every metaphor is an allegory in little. And as the conflict becomes more and more important, it is inevitable that these metaphors should expand and coalesce, and finally turn into the fully-fledged allegorical poem.”1 Indeed, allegory may seem as universal as conflict itself, and allegorical poems flourish well beyond the Middle Ages, although often in surprisingly altered forms. If allegory can be defined in a general way as the personification of abstract concepts, we might add that it does not disappear; even as late as the nineteenth century it can be seen to find a new and vital expression in the vast poem, which Honore de Balzac - with Dante obviously in mind — named La Comedie humaine. Like Dante, many medieval poets are predisposed toward experience “ . . . of personified beings of a supersensual nature . . . “2 and Balzac as well, through his interest in esoteric lore, often inclines naturally toward allegorical modes of expression. Moreover, in late antiquity and in the Middle Ages, allegory served to bring “ . . . poetry close to philosophy . . . ” — a rapprochement which Balzac also achieves in his philosophical novels.3
Sale of a Thing or Letting and Hiring of Industry

Purchase and sale and leasing and hiring are considered to be so nearly related to one another that in certain cases the question arises whether the contract is one of purchase and sale, or one of leasing and hiring. Letting and hiring is very close to sale and is governed by the same legal rules. For, just as sale is concluded if there be agreement on the price, so letting and hiring is deemed to be contracted if the fee (merces) be settled. And the letter has the action on letting while the hirer has the action on hiring.
Ion-Beam-Source Studies of Hydrogen Motion and Trapping in Silicon

We have investigated the “real time” diffusion and trapping of hydrogen insilicon with rapid 1 MHz capacitance and current-voltage measurements on boron and phosphorus doped Schottky-barrier and MIS structures. Hydrogen is introduced by implanting hydrogen ions into the front electrodes of these capacitors. As interpreted by numerical modeling, our data from p-type silicon indicate that the 300 K hydrogen diffusivity is ≃10−10 cm2/s, that ≃10% of the mobile hydrogen is positively charged, and that these ions are trapped at boron acceptors with a capture radius of 70 A. The behavior of the n-type capacitors was quite different; hydrogenation resulted in the appearance of a dense layer of positive charge quite near the silicon surface, and in some cases negatively charged species which compensate phosphorus donors.
Growth hormone: the effect on skeletal renewal in the adult dog. II. Mineral kinetic studies.

1. Dogs were treated with growth hormone for three months under controlled conditions, dietary calcium absorption efficiency was measured by administration of47Ca and45Ca, and calcium pool size, pool turnover, bone mineral accretion, and endogenous fecal calcium excretion were measured using the I.V.45Ca tracer. Identical studies were performed in each animal, at the end of a five-month equilibration period, and at the end of the three-month period of growth hormone administration. 2. Dietary calcium absorption efficiency increased and endogenous fecal calcium excretion decreased as a result of growth hormone administration. Urine calcium fell slightly. Although direct balances were not determined, these changes indicate a positive calcium balance shift in association with treatment. 3. Growth hormone had no effect on the size of the miscible calcium pool, but increased mineral incorporation into bone by 21–41%. Return of calcium from bone was reduced, consistent with the positive balance shift, but to an unmeasured extent. 4. Parallel kinetic and morphometric measurement of skeletal turnover performed on adjacent long bone sections indicated a consistent positive correlation between estimates derived by the two methods, with kinetic estimates tending to be slightly higher than the morphometric, particularly at low levels of skeletal remodeling.
Correlations between higher-order rings and microvoids in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

In this paper we report the structure of voids in several thousand atom models of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The models are produced by jointly employing experimental information from Smets and coworkers [1] and first principles simulations [2]. We demonstrate the existence of a useful correlation between the presence of large irreducible rings and the voids in hydrogenated amorphous silicon networks. Molecular hydrogen is observed in the models, and discussed.
Incivility and Speaking Out

The “defensive effect” predicts that when people are confronted with uncivil disagreement—marred by name-calling, insults, or profanity—this ignites a negative emotional response that makes them more likely to speak out or get involved politically in an effort to “set the record straight” about the topic. In essence, the incivility mutes a natural drive to remain silent when confronted with views that oppose one’s own. This chapter theorizes this effect by proposing four underlying mechanisms that are necessary for it to occur. It also outlines specific hypotheses to test the effect. The defensive effect explains why people will sometimes speak out when confronted with nasty counter arguments, even though this may make them unpopular.
Larc: a little architecture for the classroom

This paper introduces the classroom architecture Larc, which was designed specifically for use in an introductory course on computer architecture. The Larc project has many resources including (among other things) a comprehensive, freely-available student manual, a graphical debugger for helping students write machine/assembly programs, and a Java-like compiler for helping students better understand the role of the compiler and its interaction with the machine.
Use of the Mayfield horseshoe headrest for management of burns of the neck

Proper positioning of a patient facilitates access and decreases frustration during surgical debridement of circumferential burns of the neck. The Mayfield swivel horseshoe headrest (Integra, USA) provides cranial support in either the supine or prone position for excision and skin grafting of the circumferential burns of the neck. This headrest can also be used during reconstruction of the neck.
Sleep and Stress

We spend roughly one-third of our lives craving, pursuing, forgoing, and savoring sleep. While it is apparent that sleep, which is considered a “complex amalgam of physiologic and behavioral processes” (Carskadon & Dement, 2011, p. 16) is universal and has vital life-preserving functions, its essential purpose remains unknown (Goldsmith & Casola, 2006; Hirshkowitz, Moore, & Minhoto, 1997; Horne, 2006). Theories suggest that sleep restores homeostasis in the central nervous system, conserves energy, regulates heat, or allows for processing of affective information (Goldsmith & Casola; Schwartz & Roth, 2008). While none of these theories have been supported definitively, what is accepted is that sleep is an intricate and active process involving many parts of the brain and is associated with health and personal well-being (Horne, 2006; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS, 2008). For example, sleep loss has been associated with compromising the immune system, including reducing lymphocyte count and Natural Killer cell activity, making people with decreased sleep more vulnerable to infection (Kendall-Tackett, 2009). Before discussing more of the specifics the impact of stress on sleep, it seems prudent to provide a brief overview of the basic constructs of sleep.
Constructing and Evaluating an Autoregressive House Price Index

We examine house price indices, focusing on an S&P/Case-Shiller-based index and an autoregressive method. Issues including the effect of gap time on sales and the use of hedonic information are addressed. Furthermore, predictive ability is incorporated as a quantitative metric into the analysis using data from home sales in Columbus, Ohio. When comparing the two indices, the autoregressive method is found to have the best predictive capabilities while accounting for changes in the market due to both single and repeat sales homes in a statistical model.
Free form fabrication of metallic components using the Directed Light Fabrication process

The Directed Light Fabrication (DLF) process uses a laser beam and metal powder, fed into the laser focal zone, to produce free standing metal components that are fully dense and have structural properties equivalent to conventional metal forming processes. The motion of the laser focal zone is precisely controlled by a motion path produced from a 3 dimensional solid model of a desired component. The motion path commands move the focal zone of the laser such that all solid areas of the part are deposited and the part can be built (deposited) in its entirety to near net shape, typically within {+-} 0.13 mm. The process is applicable to any metal or intermetallic. Full density and mechanical properties equivalent to conventionally processed material are achieved.
Enacting A Dialogue On Environmental Security In Higher Education: Areas Of Inquiry And Topics Of Discussion

As the term ‘environmental security’ becomes widely recognized by national and international organizations as a reference to the potential instances of instability and conflict perpetuated by environmental issues, the relevancy of an environmental education as preparation for such issues has become a pressing topic in higher education. Educators from both NATO Partner and Mediterranean Dialogue counties gathered to discuss the place of environmental security in higher education as it applies institutionally, nationally, and transnationally. Rather than deciding that a particular type of curriculum, set of values, or pedagogical method was the proper outlet, educators and other environmental stakeholders agreed that all environmental education, so long as it is conscious of its ability to impact students' decision making, should begin incorporating themes of environmental security problem-solving as soon as possible. Their discussions outlined core questions educators and administrators must consider in order to adequately prepare students as both global and local citizens.
Mobile and Connected Device Security Considerations: A Dilemma for Small and Medium Enterprise Business Mobility?

Business mobility is rapidly becoming an everyday way of doing business. Mobile technologies, such as smartphones and connected devices, are enabling this business evolution. However, they are also creating new security concerns for the enterprise and its employees. Security experts are studying these increased security concerns to develop more secure practices and policies for the next generation mobile technologies. This paper describes these new mobile security concerns and discusses preliminary expert recommendations to reduce an increasing business risk. Although large enterprises have the resources to implement emerging security recommendations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may not be able to adopt the new recommendations because they lack IT resources and capabilities. This paper describes the SME dilemma: Embrace the mobility business strategy and adopt and invest in the necessary security technology, or give up their mobility business strategy to protect enterprise and customer data and information. Finally, the paper identifies future research questions concerning SME security awareness and capability to minimize security threats to develop more viable security practices.
Reasons for engaging in research among people with serious mental illnesses.

Abstract People generally participate in research for three primary reasons: financial, altruistic/social, and personal/psychological. While we would expect individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) to share these reasons, this assumption has not been investigated. Ninety-two adults with SMI living in supportive housing were interviewed about their reasons for participating in a study examining their housing, well-being, and community experiences. Associations between participant characteristics and reasons for research participation were explored. Primary reasons for participation included “contributing to science/research” (37%, n = 34), “money” (33%, n = 30), “improving housing” (22%, n = 20), “having someone to talk to (2%, n = 2) and other (6%, n = 6). Secondary reasons were “money” (38%, n = 31), “contributing to science/research” (24%, n = 20), “improving housing” (24%, n = 20), “having someone to talk to” (2%, n = 2) and other (11%, n = 9). Additionally, 29% (n = 27) reported making housing or well-being changes since participating. Individual characteristics were not significantly associated with reasons for research participation. Participants’ reasons for research participation mirrored the general population, with “improving housing” being a unique motivating factor. Participation in survey research could benefit people with SMI by prompting community engagement and consideration of housing issues.
Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems Power Losses in Partial Shading Conditions

Photovoltaic (PV) system characteristics are significantly affected by shading conditions and thus the power productivity of the system is subject to vary accordingly. Therefore, this triggers the need for a broad understanding for the power losses caused by partial shading conditions (PSC). This paper presents an indicative analysis of various kinds of PV power losses associated with different shading scenarios that are likely to take place in real PV system based on MATLAB simulations. Furthermore, to address the impact of bypass diodes implementation, the analysis takes the case of unbypassed PV modules into consideration. The power losses categories are investigated in different PV configurations to highlight the role of system's arrangement and size in power losses associated with partial shading conditions with notable shortcomings and generalizations.
Provider perspectives on the integration of patient-reported outcomes in an electronic health record.

Objective Integrating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into electronic health records (EHRs) can improve patient-provider communication and delivery of care. However, new system implementation in health-care institutions is often accompanied by a change in clinical workflow and organizational culture. This study examines how well an EHR-integrated PRO system fits clinical workflows and individual needs of different provider groups within 2 clinics. Materials and methods Northwestern Medicine developed and implemented an EHR-integrated PRO system within the orthopedics and oncology departments. We conducted interviews with 11 providers who had interacted with the system. Through thematic analysis, we synthesized themes regarding provider perspectives on clinical workflow, individual needs, and system features. Results Our findings show that EHR-integrated PROs facilitate targeted conversation with patients and automated triage for psychosocial care. However, physicians, psychosocial providers, and medical assistants faced different challenges in their use of the PRO system. Barriers mainly stemmed from a lack of actionable data, workflow disruption, technical issues, and a lack of incentives. Discussion This study sheds light on the ecosystem around EHR-integrated PRO systems (such as user needs and organizational factors). We present recommendations to address challenges facing PRO implementation, such as optimizing data collection and auto-referral processes, improving data visualizations, designing effective educational materials, and prioritizing the primary user group. Conclusion PRO integration into routine care can be beneficial but also require effective technology design and workflow configuration to reach full potential use. This study provides insights into how patient-generated health data can be better integrated into clinical practice and care delivery processes.
Infantile osteomyelitis of the fourth rib causing the occurrence of a lung abscess

Infantile osteomyelitis of the rib is rare but can be complicated by intrapleural pyogenic lesions. Even if findings suggest another infection focus, osteomyelitis should be considered if there are changes on radiographs. In addition, it can be prevented by maintaining the dermal barrier function through skin care.