cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Werner Ernst Reichardt Ph.D: founder of modern computational visual neurophysiology and anti-Nazi resistance fighter.

Werner Ernst Reichardt was born on January 30, 1924 in Berlin and at age 19 was drafted into the Luftwaffe and assigned to an electronic signals section laboratory. He became an active member of a resistance group and supplied radios for the movement in Germany. He emerged from the ashes of the Second World War and dedicated his scientific life to the development of the newborn specialty of biological physics. Following graduation from the Technische Hochschule Charlottenburg, he did a fellowship at CalTech under Max Delbruck. On returning to Germany he joined the Max Planck Institut and later became Director of the Max Planck Institut fur Biologische Kybernetik in Tubingen, West Germany. Reichardt was one of the founders of the quantitative study of visually controlled orientation in animals. His work is very nearly unique in its close dialectic between elegant non-linear mathematical theory and quantitative experimental test of their predictions. During the 1950s Reichardt and his collaborators jointly developed an autocorrelation model (i.e. the firing rate of the involved visual neurones is closely correlated with the features of the pattern stimulating them) of how moving patterns are perceived by motion detectors in the visual system of the fly. This was the first mathematical description of a biological abstraction process. His findings apply to vertebrate vision, including motion detection and figure-ground description in human vision. His Max Planck Institute became a world renowned center for the computational approach to information processing by the nervous system. At his retirement party from the Institute he founded, Reichardt died on the evening of September 11th, 1992.
Mesoscopic Approach to Modeling Electric Vehicle Fleets based upon Driving Activity Data to Investigate Recharge Strategies' Impact on Grid Loads

This paper presents a mesoscopic model to populate a set of sub-fleets of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that simulates how grid power demand changes with varied mixes of different charging strategies. The proposed model considers real driving activities of vehicles based on the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) and various charging strategies while parked (at home and in other locations). To be easily scaled to any fleet size, a mesoscopic model is implemented, where BEVs with the same physical properties and driving schedules and clustered together into sub-fleets. The degree of granularity is explored for stable results. Monte Carlo simulations were run to demonstrate the potential of this model's use in grid loads under various charging strategies. Furthermore, an example cost function was optimized to demonstrate finding optimal allocations of charging strategies.
Small-Signal Modeling and Design of Phase-Locked Loops Using Harmonic Signal-Flow Graphs

This article introduces signal-flow graphs for linear time-periodic systems to streamline and visually describe the frequency-domain modeling of complex phase-locked loop (PLL) systems used in grid-connected converters. Small-signal modeling using the proposed graphs is demonstrated for two commonly used single-phase PLL structures: SOGI-PLL and Park-PLL. Loop-gain models are developed for these PLLs to evaluate how an orthogonal signal generator (OSG), which is required in single-phase PLLs using the synchronous reference frame (SRF) architecture, modifies the PLL loop gain compared to that of a three-phase SRF-PLL, which does not require an OSG. It is shown that the OSG in the SOGI-PLL and Park-PLL introduces a significant phase lag in the PLL loop gain, limiting the maximum bandwidth for which either PLL can be designed. Slow-frequency adaptation (SFA) of OSG is proposed to mitigate the influence of the OSG dynamics on the PLL loop gain. Experimental results are presented to validate the developed loop-gain models and show that the proposed SFA-SOGI-PLL and SFA-Park-PLL have better transient performance, they do not suffer from the bandwidth limit, and they preserve the steady-state performance of the standard SOGI-PLL and Park-PLL.
ENT Mentorship Program for Preclinical Medical Students

ObjectiveTo provide preclinical medical students early access to otolaryngologists to learn about the specialty, facilitate acquisition of clinical skills, and provide one-on-one mentorship.Methods...
Analysis of Backscatter Measurements from Calibrated Synthetic Aperture Sonar Images

Calibrated Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) data can provide monostatic backscattering strength measurements as a function of grazing angle at high resolution. Motivated by an interest in obtaining invariant metrics from vehicle based sonar acquisition systems, an end-to-end processing methodology for recovering calibrated scattering cross section levels from seafloor swaths is presented. Calibrated SAS beamforming software developed for this work was based on the narrowband sonar equation and a delay-and-sum beamformer. Modern SAS processing techniques such as redundant phase center micronavigation, and an autofocus algorithm to estimate sound speed, were employed in the beamforming stage. Data from overlapping sections of seafloor acquired in the Gulf of Mexico during 2012 provide the basis for analysis of comparative scattering results, which are examined in an effort to demonstrate adherence to established acoustic principles.
Nail health in women

Healthy nails are functionally and cosmetically important to the daily work of women. The globally increasing market for nail cosmetics reflects the importance of the appearance of nails. This article details the composition of a healthy nail, diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders, use of nail cosmetics and their risks, the impact of the aging process on nails, and the relative risks to nail salon workers. Knowledge of these issues will prepare health care providers and patients to maintain healthy nails throughout their lives.
How do non-carbon priorities affect zero-carbon electricity systems? A case study of freshwater consumption and cost for Senate Bill 100 compliance in California

Abstract Characterizing the advantages and disadvantages of different electricity resource mixes in meeting electricity decarbonization goals is an active area of research. Many system-level assessments, however, evaluate different mixes on the basis of minimizing electricity costs without accounting for regional environmental externalities. California represents a highly populated region with both aggressive electricity decarbonization policies and water scarcity issues that are projected to worsen under climate change, representing an interesting case study for assessing the tradeoffs between the costs of electricity decarbonization and water resource consumption. This study therefore combines electric grid dispatch modeling and regional life cycle freshwater consumption data to compare in-state freshwater consumption and levelized cost of electricity for four electricity mix scenarios designed to achieve zero-carbon electricity in California by 2045, compliant with current law (California Senate Bill 100). In modeled scenarios, we find that the lowest costs occurred for mixes with lower energy storage capacity needs enabled by high capacity factor and dispatchable renewables. However these mixes also resulted in high freshwater consumption due largely to heavy reliance on geothermal resources. By contrast, the mix with the lowest freshwater consumption relied exclusively on wind, solar, and hydropower and reduced water consumption by an order of magnitude compared to that of the lowest cost mix. Due to lower capacity factors and greater difficulty in matching supply to demand (increasing energy storage needs), this mix increased the levelized cost of electricity by 30%. Overall, our results show that prioritizing low electricity costs as well as other climate-relevant criteria, such as freshwater consumption, in meeting zero-carbon electricity goals will result in a very different electricity mix than simply considering costs alone.
Introduction to intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome: updated consensus definitions and clinical practice guidelines from the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome(2013)

Increased attention to intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) have led to an exponential growth in research relating to intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in the field of critical care medicine in recent years. Active prevention and therapy of IAH and ACS are important to improve the prognosis of critically illness patients. In domestic pediatric field the attention to IAH and ACS is not enough. This article introduces the main contents of updated consensus definitions and clinical practice guidelines on IAH and ACS from the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. The poppers are to guide the diagnosis, prevention and therapy to IAH and ACS for pediatrician. Key words: Intra-abdominal hypertension; Abdominal compartment syndrome; Diagnosis; Therapy
Clinical features and follow-up of 11 newborns with Prader-Willi syndrome

Objective To study the clinical features of the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in neonatal period, and to explore intervention methods to improve their intelligence development. Method From September 2012 to September 2017, clinical data of infants with PWS in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) were used for genetic testing. The patients received rehabilitation training and drug treatment, and followed-up every 6 months after the diagnosis. Result A total of 11 infants with PWS (6/11 male) were included. 8 cases had fetal bradycardia before delivery, 11 cases had hypomyotonia, lethargy, feeding difficulty, no or weak crying and nasogastric tube feeding. Among them, 9 cases had facial anomalies, 8 cases whitish skin and 7 cases genital dysplasia. 2 infants died shortly after discharge, 2 infants received no intervention, 3 infants were regularly trained in our rehabilitation division with oral treatment of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and 4 infants were trained at home with intermittent oral DHA treatment. Among 11 cases, 3 cases received growth hormone treatment at the age of 6 months and 1 case received at the age of 59 months. The survivors received intelligence test every 6 months using children′s mental behavior scale (0-6 years old). They had severe mental retardation with the scores between 20 and 70 points. 5 cases had gene deletion of q11 related area in chromosome 15, 4 cases had gene deletion of q11-13 related area in chromosome 15. 1 case had abnormal demethylation of q11-13 in chromosome 15, and 1 case had loss of heterozygosity with methylation abnormality in chromosome 15 q11-13 areas. Conclusion Children with PWS can exhibit certain characteristics during both fetal and neonatal periods. Deletion of related genes are more frequently seen than abnormal methylation in these patients. During infantile period with rapid development of nervous system, the growth and development of infants with PWS can not be obviously improved using conventional rehabilitation training and drug treatment. Key words: Prader-Willi syndrome; Genotype; Disease attributes; Infant, newborn
Recovery of the Shape of the Mass Power Spectrum from the Lyman-alpha Forest

We propose a method for recovering the shape of the mass power spectrum on large scales from the transmission fluctuations of the Lyman-alpha forest, which takes into account directly redshift-space distortions. The procedure, in discretized form, involves the inversion of a triangular matrix which projects the mass power spectrum in 3-D real-space to the transmission power spectrum in 1-D redshift-space. We illustrate the method by performing a linear calculation relating the two. A method that does not take into account redshift-space anisotropy tends to underestimate the steepness of the mass power spectrum, in the case of linear distortions. The issue of the effective bias-factor for the linear distortion kernel is discussed.
A high-voltage activated high-erformance cathode for aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Abstract Searching for high-capacity and stable cathodes is of paramount importance to the commercial development of high-energy-density, low-cost, and safe aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs). A technical challenge to this effort is the capacity-stability tradeoff encountered in all the oxide-based ZIB cathodes. Herein, we report a high-capacity and stable ZIB cathode enabled by in situ electrochemical oxidation of VO2 nanorods into bilayer V2O5•1.75H2O xerogel nano-grids at a high anodic potential (~1.55 V vs. Zn/Zn2+). VO2 is a better precursor than V2O3 to form V2O5•1.75H2O xerogel due to its high stability in aqueous solutions. The activated cathode exhibits a very high discharge capacity (610 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, a significant increase from 332 mAh g−1 of the pure VO2), superior high-rate performance (~410 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1) and excellent cycling stability (~ 370 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 3000 cycles), which translates to an energy density/power density of 295 Wh kg−1/4,656 W kg−1 at 5 A g−1 and high round-trip efficiency of 85%. The activated VO2 is also found to possess low-crystallinity and nanowires morphology and exhibit a pronounced pseudocapacitive behavior and high ionic diffusion coefficient. Strong evidence has also been given to support simultaneous H+ and Zn2+ intercalation/extraction mechanisms in the activated VO2 and that the resultant excellent cycling performance is attributed to the high stability of V2O5•1.75H2O xerogel in the aqueous electrolytes and no formation of Zn3(OH)2V2O7•2H2O. Overall, the demonstrated electrochemically activated VO2 with both high capacity and stability is a promising cathode for practical ZIBs.
Noncommutative Probability and Multiplicative Cascades

Various aspects of standard model particle physics might be explained by a suitably rich algebra acting on itself, as suggested by Furey (2015). The present paper develops the asymptotics of large causal tree diagrams that combine freely independent elements in such an algebra. The Marcenko–Pastur law and Wigner’s semicircle law are shown to emerge as limits of normalized sum-over-paths of nonnegative elements assigned to the edges of causal trees. These results are established in the setting of noncommutative probability. Trees with classically independent positive edge weights (random multiplicative cascades) were originally proposed by Mandelbrot as a model displaying the fractal features of turbulence. The novelty of the present work is the use of noncommutative (free) probability to allow the edge weights to take values in an algebra. An application to theoretical neuroscience is also discussed.
A continuum meshfree method for sandbox-style numerical modeling of accretionary and doubly vergent wedges

Abstract In this study we introduce and utilize GEOSPH, a Lagrangian particle-based continuum Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) code to simulate the deformation of geologic materials in sandbox-style experiments using an elastoplastic constitutive model. Due to the meshfree nature of SPH, our proposed framework is capable of handling the large deformations characteristic of sandbox-style experiments. SPH is also able to capture strain localization and discontinuities, allowing us to resolve faulting patterns emerging in the sandbox experiments. We successfully validate our SPH implementation against the benchmark experiments of Buiter and co-workers, and then apply SPH to understand the deformational processes occurring in doubly vergent orogens resultant from the S-point experimental setup and from finitely high wedge-like indenter backstops of different inclinations. We find that the topographic slope of the prowedge results from the competing processes of vertical uplift due to the indenter and forward thrusting, while the topographic slope of the retrowedge is a product of repeated shallow slope failure. Our findings show that SPH is a promising numerical method which should be added to the current palette of computational tools used by structural geologists for solving problems relating to tectonics and crustal deformation.
Shame in context

Foundations. Shame in Obsessive-Compulsive Contexts. Shame in Obsessive-Compulsive Personalities: Expanded Contexts. Shame in the Background: Narcissistic Disturbances. Narcissistic Disturbances: Case Examples and Discussion. Shame in the Foreground: Early Roots of Moral Masochism. Masochism: Case Examples. Giving and Receiving: Gift Commerce, Shame, and Pride.
An improved Mordell type bound for exponential sums

For a sparse polynomial f(x) = Σ r i=1 a i x k i ∈ Z[x], with p a i and 1 ≤ k 1 < ... < k r < p - 1, we show that formula math thus improving upon a bound of Mordell. Analogous results are obtained for Laurent polynomials and for mixed exponential sums.
Chinese hamster ovary cells replicate adenovirus deoxyribonucleic acid.

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells infected with adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) produced amounts of viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) equal to that synthesized in permissively infected HeLa cells. However, there was 6,000-fold less virion produced in CHO cells. Since the structural viral polypeptides were not detected by pulse-labeling CHO cells at various times postinfection, the block in virion formation is located between the synthesis of viral DNA and late proteins. Extracts of CHO cells could also function in a recently reported in vitro Ad2 DNA synthesis system which is dependent upon the addition of exogenous Ad2 DNA covalently linked to a 5'-terminal protein (Ikeda et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 77:5827-5831, 1980). Extracts of infected CHO cytoplasm were able to complement uninfected CHO nuclear extracts to synthesize viral DNA on Ad2 templates. This in vitro replication system has the potential to probe host DNA synthesis requirements as well as viral factors.
Treatment of vocal fold granuloma using botulinum toxin type A

Contact granuloma of the vocal folds has been associated with abnormal use of the voice, and acid reflux may exacerbate the inflammatory process. Treatments have included voice therapy and antireflux measures. Surgical excision is considered in patients who do not respond to medical management. Localized injections of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) have been effective in patients with disorders of muscular control in the head and neck. In this study, granulomas resolved in six patients who underwent injection of the affected vocal folds. Botulinum toxin type A is probably successful because it prevents forceful closure of the arytenoids during phonation and coughing. Localized injection of this neurotoxin is promising both as an initial treatment and as an alternative treatment in patients who do not respond to standard therapy or who are poor surgical candidates.
Current induced motion of lattice defects in indium metal

Abstract Electromigration in indium has been studied at temperatures ranging from about 115°C to the melting point. The technique was to observe under a microscope the current-induced motion of light transverse scratches on the surface of a rod-shaped specimen, the ends of which were held in water-cooled clamps. The temperature was indicated by a thin calibrated thermocouple embedded in the hottest portion of the specimen. The “activation energy” for self-transport was found to be equal within experimental errors to that of self-diffusion. The mass transport was directed towards the anode. The “effective valence” of the activated ion (i.e. the force acting on the ion, divided by Ee ) was about −9. On a simplified theoretical model, the corresponding “specific resistivity” of the diffusing atom was about 1.2 μΩcm/% defects, and nearly constant throughout the temperature range. Contrary to earlier experience with similar experiments, the specimen elongated during current transport. A possible explanation is the deposition of trapped defects or impurities in the cathode half of the specimen.
Hypoxia-induced oxidative base modifications in the VEGF hypoxia-response element are associated with transcriptionally active nucleosomes.

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in hypoxic pulmonary artery endothelial cells cause transient oxidative base modifications in the hypoxia-response element (HRE) of the VEGF gene that bear a conspicuous relationship to induction of VEGF mRNA expression (K.A. Ziel et al., FASEB J. 19, 387–394, 2005). If such base modifications are indeed linked to transcriptional regulation, then they should be detected in HRE sequences associated with transcriptionally active nucleosomes. Southern blot analysis of the VEGF HRE associated with nucleosome fractions prepared by micrococcal nuclease digestion indicated that hypoxia redistributed some HRE sequences from multinucleosomes to transcriptionally active mono- and dinucleosome fractions. A simple PCR method revealed that VEGF HRE sequences harboring oxidative base modifications were found exclusively in mononucleosomes. Inhibition of hypoxia-induced ROS generation with myxathiozol prevented formation of oxidative base modifications but not the redistribution of HRE sequences into mono- and dinucleosome fractions. The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A caused retention of HRE sequences in compacted nucleosome fractions and prevented formation of oxidative base modifications. These findings suggest that the hypoxia-induced oxidant stress directed at the VEGF HRE requires the sequence to be repositioned into mononucleosomes and support the prospect that oxidative modifications in this sequence are an important step in transcriptional activation.
Restrictive versus Nonrestrictive Physiology Following Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: Is There a Difference?

Background Long-term outcome in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is related to chronic pulmonary insufficiency (PI), right ventricular (RV) dilation, and deterioration of RV function. The aim of this study was to characterize clinical differences between restrictive and nonrestrictive RV physiology in young patients with repaired TOF. Methods Patients were prospectively enrolled from February 2008 to August 2009. Each had a clinic visit, brain natriuretic peptide assessment, exercise test, cardiac magnetic resonance study, and echocardiographic examination with assessment of regional myocardial mechanics. Consistent antegrade diastolic pulmonary arterial flow with atrial contraction identified restrictive RV physiology. Results Twenty-nine patients (median age, 12 years; range, 8–33 years; nine male patients) were studied. Twelve had restrictive RV physiology. The median time since initial TOF repair was 12 years (range, 5–27 years). Restrictive physiology appeared more prevalent after transannular patch repair and was not influenced by other demographic features. The restrictive group had more PI (46% vs 28%, P = .002), larger RV end-diastolic volumes (128 vs 98 mL/m 2 , P = .046), but similar ejection fractions, brain natriuretic peptide levels, New York Heart Association classes, and exercise capacity. RV basal and mid free wall peak diastolic strain rate differed between groups, negatively correlating with exercise time and positively correlating with PI in patients with restrictive physiology. Conclusions Restrictive RV physiology correlates with a larger right ventricle and increased PI after TOF repair but does not negatively affect other markers of myocardial health. Diastolic regional RV myocardial mechanics, particularly diastolic velocity and peak diastolic strain rate, differ for postoperative TOF patients with restrictive and nonrestrictive RV physiology; longitudinal study is necessary to understand the relationship of regional myocardial mechanics and patients' clinical status.
An Application of the Electron Theory to the Hall Effect

Modified electron theory of the hall effect.---It is generally supposed that the simple electron theory of conduction leads to a negative coefficient for this effect and that the positive coefficients found for many metals are anomalous. But if we suppose the free path instead of the free time of motion of the electrons to be independent of the velocity, then in the case of isotropic conductors, the effect comes out zero. Considering the group of electrons having a given speed immediately after collision with molecules, those moving with the electric field $E$ will be retarded and will be more deflected by a magnetic field $H$ than those moving against $E$, giving a positive coefficient, but electrons moving at right angles to both $E$ and $H$ will give a negative coefficient, and assuming all directions equally probable, the resultant effect for each group and therefore for all is found to be zero. By slight modification of the assumptions of the simple theory, either positive or negative coefficients may be obtained. In the case of a crystal, on account of the asymmetry of free paths, a positive effect might be expected for one orientation and a negative for one at right angles. Though the experimental results are not as simple as this, the fact that the Hall effect has never been detected for mercury and that nearly all metals with negative coefficients have face-entered crystal lattices, while those with positive coefficients have body-centered or hexagonal lattices, indicates that the distribution of free paths with reference to $E$ and $H$ is of importance.Modified electron theory of conductivity.---The same assumptions as to free path lead to the expression for specific conductivity which has been obtained by Lorentz and others. According to this theory, the electrons with velocities parallel to the field take no part in conduction, since the retarding effect on half of them balances the accelerating effect on the other half. In the case of a crystal, the conductivity should depend on the direction of the field with respect to the crystal axis, as in fact it does.
Intussusception after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Jejuno-jejunal (J-J) intussusception is a rare complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Prompt diagnosis is critical as it may lead to obstruction and bowel necrosis, but clinical presentation is nonspecific. A definitive treatment plan has not been established with intussusception after RYGB. The aim of our study was to describe clinical presentation and outcomes of treatment in patients with intussusception after RYGB. Methods Out of 3022 patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB between January 2003 and January 2013, 12 (0.4%) patients presented with intussusception after RYGB. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Results Of the 12 patients, 11 (91.7%) presented with left or right upper quadrant abdominal pain as their chief complaint, and 1 (8.3%) presented with persistent nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis was made by computed tomographic scan (n = 1) or intraoperative findings (n = 11) at a mean period of 24.9±26.0 months (range 3–85) after laparoscopic RYGB. Seven (58.3%) patients were treated only with reduction, 2 (16.7%) with resection and revision of J-J anastomosis, the remaining 3 (25.0%) underwent imbrication/plication of the J-J anastomosis. Only 1 (8.3%) patient, who was treated by reduction, returned with subsequent finding of recurrent intussusception at 9 months. All patients did well at a mean follow-up of 12.7±16.4 months (range 1–47). Conclusion While reduction alone of the intussusception is safe and effective, there is a risk of recurrence, and imbrication of the J-J anastomosis may be a more effective means of treatment.
Convergence of Restarted Krylov Subspaces to Invariant Subspaces

The performance of Krylov subspace eigenvalue algorithms for large matrices can be measured by the angle between a desired invariant subspace and the Krylov subspace. We develop general bounds for this convergence that include the effects of polynomial restarting and impose no restrictions concerning the diagonalizability of the matrix or its degree of nonnormality. Associated with a desired set of eigenvalues is a maximum "reachable invariant subspace" that can be developed from the given starting vector. Convergence for this distinguished subspace is bounded in terms involving a polynomial approximation problem. Elementary results from potential theory lead to convergence rate estimates and suggest restarting strategies based on optimal approximation points (e.g., Leja or Chebyshev points); exact shifts are evaluated within this framework. Computational examples illustrate the utility of these results. Origins of superlinear effects are also described.
Exploring the Systemic Struggles of Moroccan Women in a Changing Environment: Redefining their Role within the Family, their Position in the Labor Force and their Access to Reproductive Healthcare

Abstract With the coming to power of King Mohamed VI, the feminist movement in Morocco has aided the process of democratization as well as the politicization of women’s issues in the country. A key success in the acknowledgment of women’s rights and a significant attempt to empower women and increase their agency in both the public and private spheres has been the enactment of the new Family Code of 2004. This paper aims at exploring the ways in which the Family Code has increased women’s freedom within the family despite the persistence of tradition, and has enhanced their voice in regards to reproductive health, and the number and spacing of their children. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the limitations that women face within the labor force, giving emphasis to the problems of mobility and the two-fold effect of economic globalization on women in Export Processing Zones.
Incidence, risks, and sequelae of posterior fossa syndrome in pediatric medulloblastoma.

Purpose To investigate the incidence, risks, severity, and sequelae of posterior fossa syndrome (PFS) in children with medulloblastoma. Methods and Materials Between 1990 and 2007, 63 children with medulloblastoma at Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta were treated with craniectomy followed by radiation. Fifty-one patients were assigned to a standard-risk group, and 12 patients were assigned to a high-risk group. Five patients had 2 residual tumor, 4 had ≥1.5-cm 2 residual tumor, and the remainder had no residual tumor. Eleven patients had disseminated disease. Patients received craniospinal irradiation at a typical dose of 23.4 Gy or 36 Gy for standard- or high-risk disease, respectively. The posterior fossa was given a total dose of 54 or 55.8 Gy. Nearly all patients received chemotherapy following cooperative group protocols. Results Median follow-up was 7 years. PFS developed in 18 patients (29%). On univariate analysis, brainstem invasion, midline tumor location, younger age, and the absence of radiographic residual tumor were found to be predictors of PFS; the last two variables remained significant on multivariate analysis. From 1990 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2007, the proportions of patients with no radiographic residual tumor were 77% and 94%, respectively. During the same eras, the proportions of patients with PFS were 17% and 39%. Only 4 patients had complete recovery at last follow-up. Conclusions The incidence of PFS increased in the latter study period and is proportional to more aggressive surgery. Children with midline tumors exhibiting brainstem invasion are at increased risk. With the increased incidence of PFS and the permanent morbidity in many patients, the risks and benefits of complete tumor removal in all patients need to be reexamined.
Misfit Dislocation Structure for Close-Packed Metal-Metal Interfaces

We describe theoretical calculations applying a 2D Frenkel-Kontorova (FK) model to the heteroepitaxial system Cu on Ru(1000). The experimentally observed variation of structure with layer thickness is simulated by scaling the adatom-adatom interaction. The minimum energy configurations are in exceptional agreement with recent scanning tunneling microscopy results showing four distinct structures as a function of thickness. These metal on metal films present a new realization of the FK model which complements previous investigations of rare gas adsorption on graphite.
Likelihood-weighted confidence intervals for the difference of two binomial proportions

Two new methods for computing confidence intervals for the difference δ = p 1 - p 2 between two binomial proportions (p 1 , P 2 ) are proposed. Both the Mid-P and Max-P likelihood weighted intervals are constructed by mapping the tail probabilities from the two-dimensional (p 1 , p 2 )-space into a one-dimensional function of δ based on the likelihood weights. This procedure may be regarded as a natural extension of the CLOPPER-PEARSON (1934) interval to the two-sample case where the weighted tail probability is α/2 at each end on the δ scale. The probability computation is based on the exact distribution rather than a large sample approximation. Extensive computation was carried out to evaluate the coverage probability and expected width of the likelihood-weighted intervals, and of several other methods. The likelihood-weighted intervals compare very favorably with the standard asymptotic interval and with intervals proposed by HAUCK and ANDERSON (1986), Cox and SNELL (1989), SANTNER and SNELL (1980), SANTNER and YAMAGAMI (1993), and PESKUN (1993). In particular, the Mid-P likelihood-weighted interval provides a good balance between accurate coverage probability and short interval width in both small and large samples. The Mid-P interval is also comparable to COE and TAMHANE's (1993) interval, which has the best performance in small samples.
Shaping the micromechanical behavior of multi-phase composites for bone tissue engineering

Abstract Mechanical stiffness is a fundamental parameter in the rational design of composites for bone tissue engineering in that it affects both the mechanical stability and the osteo-regeneration process at the fracture site. A mathematical model is presented for predicting the effective Young’s modulus (E) and shear modulus (G) of a multi-phase biocomposite as a function of the geometry, material properties and volume concentration of each individual phase. It is demonstrated that the shape of the reinforcing particles may dramatically affect the mechanical stiffness: E and G can be maximized by employing particles with large geometrical anisotropy, such as thin platelet-like or long fibrillar-like particles. For a porous poly(propylene fumarate) (60% porosity) scaffold reinforced with silicon particles (10% volume concentration) the Young’s (shear) modulus could be increased by more than 10 times by just using thin platelet-like as opposed to classical spherical particles, achieving an effective modulus E ∼ 8 GPa (G ∼ 3.5 GPa). The mathematical model proposed provides results in good agreement with several experimental test cases and could help in identifying the proper formulation of bone scaffolds, reducing the development time and guiding the experimental testing.
Inositol and mannitol hexanitrates in hypertension management.

This clinical study was undertaken because the clinical literature dealing with the use of mannitol and inositol hexanitrate and to a large extent other nitrites and nitrates which have been used in the management of hypertension fails to consider the development of tolerance. It was found that tolerance to the vasodilator action of mannitol and inositol nitrate develops in from 8 to 14 days and is lost completely within 10 days after withdrawal of the drug. The use of these nitrates should be carefully individualized by determining the optimal dose and the period required for the development and loss of tolerance.
Evaluating the serviceability of the cracked reinforced concrete Space Shuttle crawlerway tunnel

Several large transverse cracks in the concrete of the Space Shuttle crawlerway tunnel at the Kennedy Space Center have been observed recently. The cracks could signal structural failure of the tunnel which could impact adversely on the Space Shuttle program. This paper studies the behavior of the tunnel under loads imposed by the crawler-transporter and shuttle in order to recommend possible repair or reinforcement. The tunnel is modeled as a beam in an elastic foundation comprised of finite beam elements. Results from the computer code developed for the analysis of the crawlerway tunnel indicate that, at several locations along the length of the tunnel, plastic hinges form in response to the crawler-transporter loads. At each plastic hinge concrete failure is assumed and locations for the predicted plastic hinges are close to the locations of the major structural cracks. Though the cracks signal concrete failure at specific locations, the tunnel will carry the load of the current crawler-transporter and the Space Shuttle, acting as a hinged linkage embedded in an elastic foundation.
The strong hydrogen bond in HeHHe+ and its weak counterpart in HeH+3

Abstract Large basis set, correlated calculations have been carried out for HeHHe + and HeH + 3 . He is very slightly attractive towards H + 3 but forms a moderate bond to HHe + that can be easily understood in terms of interacting molecular orbitals. Correlation effects are unusually small.
Formation of voids and dislocation loops in near-stoichiometric nial by aging at 700° to 900°c, and some effects on alloy properties

Dislocation loops and voids form spontaneously in stoichiometric NiAl annealed between 700° to 900°C. The former probably are formed by a punching mechanism from impurity particles, and the latter are frequently seen to have nucleated on particles. However, it is possible that both loops and voids are nucleated by vacancy/impurity complexes. Some of the loops act as dislocation sources during plastic deformation so that, for example, NiAl annealed at 700° to 900°C is softer and has greater ductility at room temperature, or has poorer creep resistance at higher temperatures, than material annealed at 1300°C. It is probable that small precipitate particles, possibly carbides and/or aluminum oxide form at 700° to 900°C but are in solution at higher temperatures. Their effect on mechanical properties is a form of precipitation softening.
Debonding of photoresists by organic solvents

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have been widely used in the printed circuit board industry for many decades. However, the growing concern regarding their ozone depleting properties has demanded a ban on these solvents and consequently brought forth the search for environmentally friendly alternatives. In printed circuit board technology, methyl chloroform and methylene chloride have been widely utilized as solvents for developing and stripping, respectively, radiation sensitive materials useful in creating fine line circuitry patterns. The solubility of unexposed and exposed T168 resist in selected solvents or solvent mixtures at various temperatures is described here. Results addressing the ease of removal of such solvent based resists using environmentally friendly alternatives are presented. Debonding of the polymer layer from the underlying substrate was observed by monitoring the deflection of the composite strip immersed in the solvent using a Fotonic Sensor accessory. Debonding time, identified as the necessary time to remove the photoresist from such surfaces, can vary with temperature, solvent, photoresist type or thickness, and exposure energy. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ion channel kinetics: a model based on fractal scaling rather than multistate Markov processes

Abstract Ion channels have been modeled as consisting of a small number of discrete conformational states such as closed ⇌ closed ⇌ open, and the transitions between the states treated as a Markov process. We derive an alternative model based on a fractal scaling of the kinetic rate constants k, namely that k = At1-D, where t is time, A the kinetic setpoint, and D the fractal dimension. By measuring the effective kinetic rate constants at different time scales, we show how to determine if single channel records are best represented by models with discrete Markov states or continuum fractal kinetics. The fractal model suggests that the multiple closed states postulated by Markov models to fit the histograms of closed times may not exist but are an artifact of trying to fit the sum of exponentials to histograms that are not the sum of exponentials. The fractal model is also more consistent with the conformational dynamics of proteins. Analysis of patch clamp recordings from an epithelium, the corneal endothelium, shows that its channels have fractal rather than Markov kinetics.
Positive Portrayals of Feminist Men Increase Men’s Solidarity With Feminists and Collective Action Intentions

The present study examined whether positive portrayals of feminist men could increase men’s sense of solidarity with feminists and, through it, their intentions to engage in collective action in support of women. A sample of 102 mostly White men between the ages of 18 and 63 was recruited from Mechanical Turk, an online crowdsourcing marketplace. They were exposed to a short article either portraying feminist men in a positive light, a negative light, or describing the history of feminism without mentioning men. Men who read the positive portrayal article expressed more solidarity with feminists and greater intentions to engage in collective action in support of women than men who read either the history of feminism article or the negative portrayal article. Feminist solidarity fully mediated the relationship between positive portrayals of feminist men and collective action intentions. Consistent with research among women, the findings demonstrate that feeling connected to feminists is an important antece...
Thermionic emission properties and the work function determination of arrays of conical carbon nanotubes

Abstract Thermionic emission properties of conical carbon nanotubes (CCNTs) grown on platinum wires and planar graphite foils were investigated. The work function (Φ) values extracted from the thermionic emission data range from 4.1 to 4.7 eV. The range of Φ values is attributed to the morphological characteristics, such as tip radius, aspect ratio, density, and wall structure of CCNTs. The observed lower values for Φ are significantly smaller than that of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The reduced Φ values are attributed to field penetration effect as a result of the local field enhancement from these structures having high aspect ratio and an excellent field enhancement factor. The high amplification of the external field at the apex of the nanostructures is capable of reducing both the barrier height and the width, in turn contributing to the improved emission current at lower temperatures. The ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy data of CCNTs grown on Pt wires are in reasonable agreement with the thermionic emission data. The conical carbon nanotubes may be potential candidates for thermionic cathodes with superior performance over conventional cathodes.
Detection of ultratrace phosphorus and sulfur by quadrupole ICPMS with dynamic reaction cell

A method of detection of ultratrace phosphorus and sulfur that uses reaction with O2 in a dynamic reaction cell (DRC) to oxidize S+ and P+ to allow their detection as SO+ and PO+ is described. The method reduces the effect of polyatomic isobaric interferences at m/z = 31 and 32 by detecting P+ and S+ as the product oxide ions that are less interfered. Use of an axial field in the DRC improves transmission of the product oxide ions 4−6 times. With no axial field, detection limits (3σ, 5-s integration) of 0.20 and 0.52 ng/mL, with background equivalent concentrations of 0.53 and 4.8 ng/mL, respectively, are achieved. At an optimum axial field potential (200 V), the detection limits are 0.06 ng/mL for P and 0.2 ng/mL for S, respectively. The method is used for determining the degree of phosphorylation of β-casein, and regular and dephosphorylated α-caseins at 10−1000 fmol/μL concentration, with 5−10% v/v organic sample matrix (acetonitrile, formic acid, ammonium bicarbonate). The measured degree of phosphory...
Crystal structure of fragment D from lamprey fibrinogen complexed with the peptide Gly-His-Arg-Pro-amide

The crystal structure of fragment D from lamprey fibrinogen has been determined at 2.8 A resolution. The 89 kDa protein was cocrystallized with the peptide Gly-His-Arg-Pro-amide, which in many fibrinogens-but not lamprey-corresponds to the B knob exposed by thrombin. Because lamprey fragment D is more than 50% identical in sequence with human fragment D, the structure of which has been reported previously, it was possible to use the method of molecular replacement. The space group of the lamprey crystals is P1; there are four molecules in the unit cell. Although the fragments are packed head to head by the same D:D interface as is observed in other related preparations containing fragments D, the tails are uniquely joined by an unnatural association of the terminal sections of the residual coiled coils from adjacent molecules. Some features of the lamprey structure are clearer than have been observed in previous fragment D structures, including the beta-chain carbohydrate cluster, for one, and the important gamma-chain carboxyl-terminal segment, for another. The most significant differences between the lamprey and human structures occur in connecting loops at the entryways to the beta-chain and gamma-chain binding pockets.
Visual detection, recognition, and classification of surface-buried UXO based on soft-computing decision fusion

In this paper, we have addressed the problem of visual inspection, recognition, and discrimination of UXO based on computer vision techniques and introduced three complimentary color, texture, and shape classifiers. The proposed technique initially enhances an image taken from an UXO site and removes terrain background. Next, it applies a blob detector to detect the salient objects of the environment. The UXO classification begins with a perceptive color classifier that classifies the found salient objects based on their color hues. The color classifier attempts to differentiate and classify the color of salient objects based on the color hue information of some known UXO objects in the database. A color ranking scheme is applied for ranking color hue likelihood of the salient objects in the environment. Next, an intuitive texture classifier is applied to characterize the surface texture of the salient objects. The texture signature is used to disjointedly discriminate objects whose surface texture properties matching the priori known UXO textures. Lasting, an intuitive Object Shape Classifier is applied to independently arbitrate the classification of the UXO. Three soft computing methods were developed for robust decision fusion of three UXO feature classifiers. These soft computing techniques include: a statistical-based genetic algorithm, a hamming neural network, and a fuzzy logic algorithm. In this paper, we present details of the UXO feature classifiers and discuss the performance of three decision fusion methods for fusion of results from the three UXO feature classifiers. The main contributing factor of this work is toward designing an ultimate fully-automated tele-robotic system for UXO classification and decontamination.