cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in Self-Rated Health After Sepsis in Older Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background As more individuals survive sepsis, there is an urgent need to understand its effects on patient-reported outcomes. Research Question What is the effect of sepsis on self-rated health, and what role, if any, does functional disability play in mediating this effect? Study Design and Methods We conducted a survey- and administrative claims-based retrospective cohort study using the US Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative cohort-based survey of older adults in the United States, from 2000 through 2016. We matched Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with sepsis in 2000 to 2008 to nonhospitalized individuals. Self-rated health and functional disability were tracked biannually for 8 years. Differences in self-rated health between the cohorts were measured using mixed models with and without controlling for changes in functional disability. Results Seven hundred fifty-eight individuals with sepsis were matched 1:1 to 758 nonhospitalized individuals, all aged 65 years and older. Among survivors, sepsis was associated with worse self-rated health in years 2 and 4 (adjusted absolute difference in self-rated health on a 5-point scale in year 2: −0.24 [95% CI, −0.38 to −0.10] and year 4: −0.17 [95% CI, −0.33 to −0.02]) but not in years 6 or 8. After accounting for changes in functional status, the association between sepsis and self-rated health was still present but reduced in year 2 (adjusted absolute difference in self-rated health, −0.18 [95% CI, −0.31 to −0.05]) and was not present in years 4, 6, or 8. Interpretation Self-rated health worsened initially after sepsis but returned to the level of that of nonhospitalized control subjects by year 6. Mitigating sepsis-related functional disability may play a key role in improving self-rated health after sepsis.
Guest Editors’ Introduction: Design and Management of Mobile Platforms: From Smartphones to Wearable Devices

There are close to five million apps that run on more than a billion smartphones as of 2020 [1] . This number is likely to continue increasing rapidly with the technological advancements in mobile computing, smaller form-factor wearable computers, and the Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Although form factors and specific system requirements vary, mobile platforms share common design goals, which include energy-efficiency, competitive performance, battery life, and reliability. Competitive performance requires faster operating frequency and leads to higher power consumption. In turn, power consumption increases the junction and skin temperatures, which have adverse effects on the device reliability and user experience. Therefore, highly heterogeneous systems-on-chips (SoCs) are required to achieve the performance requirements in terms of tight power consumption, energy, and cost. The design of these platforms remains challenging. Moreover, application development, let alone aggressive optimization, is notoriously difficult and time-consuming when utilizing highly specialized accelerators. The optimization problem is exacerbated by dynamic variations of application workloads and operating conditions. As a result, there is a need for novel software- and hardware-based adaptive resource management approaches that consider the platform as a whole, rather than focusing on a subset of the target system.
When Imitation Is Not Flattery: How to Stop Cultural Exploitation in Guatemala through a Sui Generis Regime

Indigenous Guatemalan weavers are fighting for intellectual property laws that better protect their designs and other cultural expressions. The exploitation and appropriation by local and international companies has negatively affected the weavers’ livelihoods and resulted in culturally inappropriate uses of spiritual and traditional symbols. Adhering to Western ideals of individual creativity and utility, intellectual property laws in most of the world (including Guatemala) are not suited to protect indigenous creations. To address this legal gap, some countries have adopted sui generis legal regimes that align with communal notions of creation, ownership, and stewardship found in indigenous knowledge systems. Based on extensive empirical field research, this Article finds that any criticisms against sui generis models are not borne out by the reality of the Panamanian sui generis model. This Article concludes by examining how the Panamanian model can be adapted to the Guatemalan context.
C11Tester: a race detector for C/C++ atomics

Writing correct concurrent code that uses atomics under the C/C++ memory model is extremely difficult. We present C11Tester, a race detector for the C/C++ memory model that can explore executions in a larger fragment of the C/C++ memory model than previous race detector tools. Relative to previous work, C11Tester's larger fragment includes behaviors that are exhibited by ARM processors. C11Tester uses a new constraint-based algorithm to implement modification order that is optimized to allow C11Tester to make decisions in terms of application-visible behaviors. We evaluate C11Tester on several benchmark applications, and compare C11Tester's performance to both tsan11rec, the state of the art tool that controls scheduling for C/C++; and tsan11, the state of the art tool that does not control scheduling.
Injury Epidemiology and Time Lost From Participation in Women’s NCAA Division I Indoor Versus Beach Volleyball Players:

Background:Beach volleyball officially became a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I sport in 2015-2016. Few studies have examined the epidemiology of injuries in indoor versu...
Empirical Models of Entry and Market Structure

This chapter surveys empirical models of market structure. We pay particular attention to equilibrium models that interpret cross-sectional variation in the number of firms or firm turnover rates. We begin by discussing what economists can in principle learn from models with homogeneous potential entrants. We then turn to models with heterogeneous firms. In the process, we review applications that analyze market structure in airline, retail, professional, auction, lodging, and broadcasting markets. We conclude with a summary of more recent models that incorporate incomplete information, “set identified” parameters, and dynamics.
Gas Flux and Density Surrounding a Cylindrical Aperture in the Free Molecular Flow Regime

The equations for rigorously calculating the particle flux and density surrounding a cylindrical aperture in the free molecular flow regime are developed and presented. The fundamental equations for particle flux and density from a reservoir and a diffusely reflecting surface will initially be developed. Assumptions will include a Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution, equal particle and wall temperatures, and a linear flux distribution along the cylindrical aperture walls. With this information, the equations for axial flux and density surrounding a cylindrical aperture will be developed. The cylindrical aperture will be divided into multiple volumes and regions to rigorously determine the surrounding axial flux and density, and appropriate limits of integration will be determined. The results of these equations will then be evaluated. The linear wall flux distribution assumption will be assessed. The axial flux and density surrounding a cylindrical aperture with a thickness-to-radius ratio of 1.25 will be presented. Finally, the equations determined in this study will be verified using multiple methods.
InfoScope: Link from Real World to Digital Information Space

We describe an information augmentation system (infoScope) and applications integrating handheld device with a color camera to provide enhanced information perception services to users. InfoScope uses a color camera as an input device to capture scene images from the real world and utilize computer vision techniques to extract information from real world, convert them into digital world as text information and augment them back to the original scene location. The user can see both the real world and information together on display of the handheld device. We have implemented two applications: First one is an automatic sign/text translation for foreign travelers where a user may use infoScope whenever they want to see texts or signs in their own language where they are originally written in foreign language in the scene and extracted from scene images automatically by using computer vision techniques. The second application is "Information Augmentation in the City" where a user can see information associated with building, or a place, overlaid onto real scene images on their PDA's display.
Reversible Reactions of Cycloalkane Solvent Holes. 1. Complexation of cis- and trans-Decalin•+ with Alcohols

Solvent holes in liquid cis- and trans-decalin form metastable complexes with benzene, which are probably solvation complexes of monomer radical cations of benzene. At 25 C, the rate constants of formation of the complexes are, for trans- and cis-decalin respectively 1.1 x 10{sup 11} and 3.6 x 10{sup 10} M{sup -1} s{sup -1}, and the natural lifetime of the complex is 7 ns for trans- and 50 ns for cis-decalin. Thermodynamic potentials for the complexation are determined. The heat of the complex formation is {approx}26 kJ/mol for trans- and {approx}-18 kJ/mol for cis-decalin. In cis-decalin, the complexes are more stable because of near-zero entropy of the complex formation. The complex decays by proton or H atom transfer with activation energy {approx}10 kJ/mol (which yields a benzonium cation) or in a reactive encounter with a second benzene molecule (which yields a benzene dimer cation). Laser excitation of the dimer cation with a 1.165- or 2.33 eV photon causes valence band electron transfer and injection of a free solvent hole.
Creation–Evolution at the Podium: That’s Debatable!

I have never witnessed a creation–evolution debate. In over 35 years of following arguments and counterarguments from creationists of various sorts and the scientists who oppose them at podia across the nation, I have never witnessed what one could accurately call a debate in the strict sense of the word: an interactive argument or disputation with a specific rhetorical structure. This description may fit the great formal debates of our cultural history, but they hardly apply to what most of us experience as “debate” in modern society, as exemplified by political campaigns or the legislative process (even less on cable television) ... and, of course, creation–evolution debates.
Chaos in charge density wave systems

We investigate chaotic response in the charge density wave (CDW) condensates of (TaSe4)2I and NbSe3. In (TaSe4)2I, non bifurcative routes to chaos occur when the pinned CDW is excited by an external ac electric field. The behavior is interpreted as that of a driven enharmonic oscillator. In NbSe3 in the switching regime, a period doubling route to chaos occurs for combined ac + do fields. The route to chaos is characteristic of instabilities in phase lock for systems of competing periodicities. Intermittent chaos is also observed in do biased NbSe3 with negative differential resistance. We interpret the chaotic behavior in terms of simple models with restricted numbers of degrees of freedom, and return maps appropriate to these models.
Inequalities, institutions, and forest commons

Abstract This paper contributes to a growing literature on the commons that examines the relationship between inequality and commons outcomes. Our analysis of evidence on forest commons outcomes in 228 cases from South Asia (India and Nepal), East Africa (Kenya and Uganda) and Latin America (Mexico and Bolivia) suggests that local governance and collective action matter in shaping how socioeconomic inequalities affect forest conditions. In particular, we find that both inter-group and intra-group economic inequalities have consistently negative effects on forest outcomes, but that effectively functioning local institutions for collective action dampen the negative effect of inter-group inequality on forest outcomes.
D-2 Dopamine Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Adenylate Cyclase Activity in the Intermediate Lobe of the Rat Pituitary Gland Requires Guanosine 5'-Triphosphate

After treatment with cholera toxin, homogenates of intact intermediate lobe (IL) tissue of rat pituitary gland synthesized more cAMP than did homogenates of untreated IL tissue, and only in the presence of GTP did dopamine or apomorphine diminish the elevated adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of cholera toxin-treated IL tissue. Furthermore, when tested on cholera toxin-treated IL tissue, 5′-guanylyl imidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] and two other nonhydrolyzable analogs of GTP inhibited adenylate cyclase activity in the absence of either a dopaminergic agonist or GTP; GTP reversed the Gpp(NH)p-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity. Apomorphine, a dopaminergic agonist, abolished the ability of GTP to reverse the inhibition by Gpp(NH)p; this effect of apomorphine was prevented by fluphenazine, a dopaminergic antagonist. Sodium fluoride inhibited adenylate cyclase activity to approximately the same level obtained with GTP and apomorphine. In addition, apomorphine decreased cAMP accumulation and ...
Therapeutic transformation in ritual, therapy, and human development

A multidisciplinary review and synthesis of transcultural and psychodynamic research reveal a common underlying process of therapeutic transformation in healing ritual, psychosocial therapy, and human development. A conceptual model of this process is presented which provides a transcultural and interreligious guide for planning therapy, for establishing mutual understanding between religious and secular professional helpers, and for recognizing human growth potential in developmental crises.
Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from open field-grown Florida tomato production

Abstract Agriculture is a significant contributor to rising atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) levels, which is expected to result in sea level rise and increased frequency of extreme weather events and is of increasing global concern. Tomatoes are an important agricultural commodity in Florida, accounting for 40% of the fresh market production in the United States. Quantification of GHG emissions from typical tomato production in Florida could improve understanding of the impact of different GHG emissions sources and identification of areas for potential GHG emissions reductions. A practical methodology was implemented to calculate a representative GHG emissions estimate using production inputs and practices used by the Florida tomato industry. Experts and grower surveys were used to characterize typical Florida tomato production practices. Existing methodologies were used to convert material use and farm operations into GHG emissions estimates. Results indicated that, depending on irrigation system type and water source, the overall average estimates of GHG emissions associated with a growing season ranged from 16,183 kg CO2-eq ha−1 (0.19 kg CO2-eq kg fruit−1) to 22,426 kg CO2-eq ha−1 (0.27 kg CO2-eq kg fruit−1). Irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer accounted for the most emissions, with irrigation accounting for between 2.8% and 26.6% of average GHG emissions and N fertilizer accounting for between 17.7% and 22.8%. It was concluded that increased efficiency in irrigation and N use, and improved methods for polyethylene mulch use and disposal, were the best areas for GHG emissions reductions.
Verification of both the sequence and conformational specificity of neurotensin in binding to mast cells.

Abstract Neurotensin (NT) analogs, modified at Arg 8 and Arg 9 , were used to assess the role of Arg in NT binding to mast cells. [D-Arg 8 ]- and [D-Arg 9 ]-NT bound 4–5 times better than NT, whereas [D-Arg 8,9 ]-NT had the same binding affinity as NT. Binding of [Ala 8 ]-NT was not parallel to NT and exhibited a dissociation constant 38-fold lower than NT while [Ala 9 ]-NT had 32% binding. C-terminal peptides, NT 8–13 and NT 9–13 , had about 65% binding. These data suggest that Arg 8 plays a greater role than Arg 9 in the binding to mast cell NT receptors. Reduction of the disulfide bond in [Cys 2,13 ]-NT produced an analog 4-times more potent than NT, while the cyclized form had only 3% binding. Thus, a linear peptide with a free C-terminus appears to be required for binding.
Linear Dependencies in Linear Feedback Shift Registers

Linear feedback shift registers have been proposed to generate test patterns for the self-test of logic networks. The probability of linear dependence among k bit positions of a subset of k bits in a maximum length shift register sequence is an outstanding problem. In this correspondence, we derive a formula for the calculation of the probability.
Mechanism, vitalism and organicism in late nineteenth and twentieth-century biology: the importance of historical context.

Abstract The term ‘mechanism’ has been used in two quite different ways in the history of biology. Operative, or explanatory mechanism refers to the step-by-step description or explanation of how components in a system interact to yield a particular outcome (as in the ‘mechanism of enzyme action’ or the ‘mechanism of synaptic transmission’). Philosophical Mechanism, on the other hand, refers to a broad view of organisms as material entities, functioning in ways similar to machines — that is, carrying out a variety of activities based on known chemical and physical processes. In the early twentieth century philosophical Mechanism became the foundation of a ‘new biology’ that sought to establish the life sciences on the same solid and rigorous foundation as the physical sciences, including a strong emphasis on experimentation. In the context of the times this campaign was particularly aimed at combating the reintroduction of more holistic, non-mechanical approaches into the life sciences (organicism, vitalism). In so doing, Mechanists failed to see some of the strong points of non-vitalistic holistic thinking. The two approaches are illustrated in the work of Jacques Loeb and Hans Spemann.
Effect of some surface active agents on the action of barbiturates.

Summary1. The duration of hypnosis of pentobarbital sodium was increased for mice by all 11 surface active agents tested.2. Aresklene 400 was selected for study on other animals. It increased the time of hypnosis due to pentobarbital in rats and rabbits but not in dogs.3. Thiopental sodium showed an increase in effect with some of the surface active agents but not all.4. Aresklene 400 increased the activity of thiopental apparently by decreasing the rate of destruction of thiopental in the body.5. The onset of hypnosis but not the duration of hypnosis was influenced by Aresklene 400 with sodium barbital. Aresklene 400 decreased the time of onset of hypnosis when given with barbital sodium in mice, rabbits, and dogs but not in rats. Six of 10 other agents studied only in mice had the same effect on onset of hypnosis.
Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with polyps or polypoid mucosa have a greater burden of illness.

BackgroundRecent studies suggest chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) and CRS with nasal polyposis (CRScNP) represent distinct pathological entities. The aim of this study was to...
Hunger strikes at Guantanamo--medical ethics and human rights in a "legal black hole".

The author describes the U.S. military's practice of force-feeding prisoners on hunger strikes at Guantanamo Bay. He discusses the controversy surrounding this practice and the ethical issues facing physicians involved in the force-feeding of prisoners.
A Numerical Microphysical Model of the Condensational Venus Cloud

A numerical microphysical model that treats one-dimensional vertical transport of sulfuric acid/water solution aerosols, their nucleation, growth/evaporation, coagulation, and sedimentation, is applied to the condensational middle and lower Venus clouds. The model predicts the vertical profiles of sulfuric acid gas and water vapor, cloud microphysical properties, and the acid concentration of the aerosol particles. Results of model simulations agree favorably with Pioneer Venus particle size spectrometer data, extinction and backscattering coefficients measured by Pioneer Venus and Venera probes,in situand remote observations of cloud optical depth, and sulfuric acid vapor abundances retrieved from Magellan radio occultation data. It is found that the lower Venus cloud is formed as a consequence of a large upward flux of sulfuric acid vapor from the evaporation region below the cloud base. The mechanism of lower cloud formation is probably heterogeneous nucleation of sulfuric acid and water vapors on soluble nuclei. Model altitude profiles of the abundances of water vapor and gaseous sulfuric acid demonstrate the control of these vapors by the condensational cloud. Cloud processes account for the observed decline in concentration of water vapor with altitude, from ≈30 ppm below the clouds to ≈10 ppm at 60-km altitude. The structure of the lower and middle clouds is strongly dependent on the eddy diffusion coefficient. Hence, changes in transport rates may explain the variations in cloud properties revealed by the Pioneer Venus and Venera probein situmeasurements as well as by Earth-based and Galileo near-infrared observations of the lower part of the Venus cloud.
Finite element method for non‐linear forced vibrations of circular plates

Geometric non-linearities for large amplitude free and forced vibrations of circular plates are investigated. In-plane displacement and in-plane inertia are included in the formulation. The finite element method is used. An harmonic force matrix for non-linear forced vibration analysis is introduced and derived. Various out-of-plane and in-plane boundary conditions are considered. The relations of amplitude and frequency ratio for different boundary conditions and various load conditions are presented.
Loss of p53 protein during radiation transformation of primary human mammary epithelial cells.

The causative factors leading to breast cancer are largely unknown. Increased incidence of breast cancer following diagnostic or therapeutic radiation suggests that radiation may contribute to mammary oncogenesis. This report describes the in vitro neoplastic transformation of a normal human mammary epithelial cell strain, 76N, by fractionated [gamma]-irradiation at a clinically used dose (30 Gy). The transformed cells (76R-30) were immortal, had reduced growth factor requirements, and produced tumors in nude mice. Remarkably, the 76R-30 cells completely lacked the p53 tumor suppressor protein. Loss of p53 was due to deletion of the gene on one allele and a 26-bp deletion within the third intron on the second allele which resulted in abnormal splicing out of either the third or fourth exon from the mRNA. PCR with a mutation-specific primer showed that intron 3 mutation was present in irradiated cells before selection for immortal phenotype. 76R-30 cells did not exhibit G[sub 1] arrest in response to radiation, indicating a loss of p53-mediated function. Expression of the wild-type p53 gene in 76R-30 cells led to their growth inhibition. Thus, loss of p53 protein appears to have contributed to neoplastic transformation of these cells. This unique model should facilitate analyses of molecular mechanismsmore » of radiation-induced breast cancer and allow identification of p53-regulated cellular genes in breast cells. 44 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.« less
An Alternative Approach to Multivariate Response Error Models for Sample Survey Data with Applications to Estimators Involving Subclass Means

Abstract Indicator functions are used as the basis for the formulation of a multivariate extension of the response error model developed by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. This approach allows a more complete characterization for general survey designs of the nature of the various components of the total variance of linear sample estimators and is particularly useful with respect to the role of the interaction component. These results are then applied to study the effect of response errors on subclass means, differences between subclass means, and post-stratified means.
Seismic risk analysis of western Arabia

Abstract Based on the seismicity and tectonics of the western part of the Arabian Peninsula, a set of potential earthquake sources are identified and the relationships between magnitude and frequency of occurrence are determined. Using available attenuation laws,the individual influences of potential sources are integrated into the probability distribution of maximum annual intensity and peak ground acceleration. The results are presented in the form of seismic risk maps for various return periods, cumulative distribution functions and intensity zone graphs. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the seismic hazard potential for the central region is moderate but it is high for the northern and southern provinces.
Three-dimensional geometric moment bounding techniques

Abstract Important problems exist in the field of communications theory whose solution is in the form of an expectation of a function of a random variable. Often it is not computationally feasible to evaluate these moments exactly. This paper presents a geometric bounding technique that yields tight upper and lower bounds to generalized moments of a broad class of random variables. This technique produces excellent results for these communications theory problems.
Innovation of head-marking in Humburi Senni (Songhay, Mali)

Humburi Senni (HS), the Songhay language spoken in the town of Hombori in Mali, has innovated not one but two suffixal pronominal-possessor paradigms for nouns (inalienable vs. alienable), a suffixal pronominal-complement paradigm for (original) postpositions, and a suffixal Imperative Singular for verbs. These are absent (with one very limited, but important, exception) in other Songhay languages, including HS’s nearest genetic neighbor. The effect is that HS has veered sharply toward head-marking, which is virtually absent in other Songhay languages. However, its specific typological profile is unusual, with head-marking well-developed for nouns and adpositions but absent from nonimperative verbs/clauses. We can reconstruct the sequence of events (crucially involving the encliticization of opportunistically appended independent pronouns) that result in the attested paradigms. As a result of these innovations, plus another innovation involving the morphology of unpossessed nouns, an original Definite Singular suffix *-oo now has four reflexes — none of which is now definite. Neither language contact nor demographic disruption played a role in the innovations; instead, the initial catalyst for the head-marking was probably the monophthongization of 1sg proclitic *ay to *i, merging segmentally with 3pl proclitic *i.
Trypanosoma lewisi: production of exoantigens during infection in the rat.

Abstract Exoantigens are produced by Trypanosoma lewisi during infections in the rat. They were detected in rat serum and plasma by gel-diffusion techniques with hyperimmune rat sera and with rabbit antiserum to washed, living trypanosomes. Their parasite origin is indicated by their presence in trypanosome homogenates, which also contain bound antigens, the continued reactivity of rabbit antisera after absorption with normal rat serum, and the reactions of identity obtained with rat and rabbit antisera. Moreover, by immunoelectrophoresis, the exontigens are revealed as new components in infected rat serum with a mobility slightly anodal to the origin. The results also show that the exoantigens are continuously released in vivo and that the trypanosomes avidly bind non-antibody rat serum proteins to their surface. Unlike the complete qualitative changes in exoantigens that accompany antigenic variation of pathogenic species of trypanosomes, at least one exoantigen remains unchanged when antigenic variation occurs with T. lewisi although additional exoantigens may appear and disappear. The relation of the exoantigens to the known ablastic and trypanocidal antibodies is difficult to determine since these antibodies and the exoantigens occur simultaneously in the blood during and after the infection. Although it cannot yet be ruled out that the exoantigens elicit the formation of these antibodies, a review of all the available evidence suggests that the exoantigens of T. lewisi may not be immunogenic during a natural course of infection. Possibly they are hemolysins with a nutritive function.
The attenuation of shock waves in nickel: Second report

Abstract Continuation of the investigation whose initial results were reported earlier revealed that the decrease in the tensile properties of shock-loaded nickel as a function of distance from the impact surface was consistent with the decrease in hardness and dislocation density, as well as the decay of the shock pulse. On uniaxial tensile testing of the specimens subjected to a 25 GPa pulse and in the preshocked condition, work softening was clearly observed. Work softening was eliminated by an appropriate anneal that stabilized the substructure without significantly affecting the yield stress. Transmission electron microscopy of the work-softened region revealed that the shock-induced substructure was replaced by elongated cells with well-defined walls having a high dislocation density.
The Effect of Explicit and Direct Generative Strategy Training and Working Memory on Word Problem-Solving Accuracy in Children at Risk for Math Difficulties

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of explicit, direct, and generative strategy training and working memory capacity (WMC) on mathematical word problem-solving accuracy ...
Thrombocytopenia after vaccination: case reports to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2008

We reviewed thrombocytopenia (TP) reports to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). We examined TP patterns for differences in single versus multiple immunization reports, presence of a live viral vaccine, seriousness, age, and interval to symptom onset. We found 1510 reports of possible TP and after exclusions evaluated 1440 for possible causes. Most (1078; 75%) met the regulatory definition of a serious adverse event. TP was reported after inactivated and live viral vaccines. Platelet counts <10×10(9)/L were reported. Identified vaccines could be prioritized for hypothesis-testing studies.
Computer aided sculpting: a multidisciplinary course in shape modeling

Computer Aided Sculpting course is an experimental interdisciplinary course that focuses on both artistic and scientific aspects of shape modeling. I have been teaching this course every year since 1996. The problems coming out of the course influenced the development of our Topological Mesh Modeling system, called TopMod. More than 10 students added new features to TopMod while they were taking Computer Aided Sculpting course as their projects. I have at least ten published papers and sketches about the techniques I have developed while I was teaching the course.See http://www-viz.tamu.edu/faculty/ergun/teaching/index.html to go to class web-pages.
Alterations in the radiosensitivity of Escherichia coli through modification of cellular macromolecular components.

Abstract The number of survivors of E. coli strains B/r or 15T- following X-ray exposure was increased if the log phase cells had been previously grown in the presence of chloramphenicol. By omission of thymine in the growth medium of E. coli strain 15T- the chloramphenicol effect failed to materialize. Under these conditions net DNA synthesis was prevented while RNA continued to be accumulated. Since protein synthesis was inhibited by chloramphenicol under all conditions employed it would appear that the “surplus” DNA was responsible for the enhanced survival of cells so treated.
Rheumatic Fever in America and Britain: A Biological, Epidemiological, and Medical History

This text examines rheumatic fever and the heart disease that often followed. Rheumatic fever rose in prevalence throughout the 19th century, reaching its peak in the century's last decades, and then steadily declined - both in occurence and severity - throughout the 20th century.
Towards a Theory of Transition Paths

We construct a statistical theory of reactive trajectories between two pre-specified sets A and B, i.e. the portionsof the path of a Markov process during which the path makes a transition from A to B. This problem is relevant e.g. in the context of metastability, in which case the two sets A and B are metastable sets, though the formalism we propose is independent of any such assumptions on A and B. We show that various probability distributions on the reactive trajectories can be expressed in terms of the equilibrium distribution of the process and the so-called committor functions which give the probability that the process reaches first B before reaching A, either backward or forward in time. Using these objects, we obtain (i) the distribution of reactive trajectories, which gives the proportion of time reactive trajectories spend in sets outside of A and B; (ii) the hitting point distribution of the reactive trajectories on a surface, which measures where the reactive trajectories hit the surface when they cross it; (iii) the last hitting point distribution of the reactive trajectories on the surface; (iv) the probability current of reactive trajectories, the integral of which on a surface gives the net average flux of reactive trajectories across this surface; (v) the average frequency of reactive trajectories, which gives the average number of transitions between A and B per unit of time; and (vi) the traffic distribution of reactive trajectories, which gives some information about the regions the reactive trajectories visit regardless of the time they spend in these regions.
Heterotaxy in Southern Nevada: Prenatal Detection and Epidemiology

We retrospectively analyzed a combination of prenatally detected and postnatally diagnosed patients with heterotaxic situs that included those with situs inversus, bilateral left-sidedness, and bilateral right-sidedness for the period between April 2002 and July 2014. We found a statistically higher prevalence in the Hispanic population of Southern Nevada of 2.7/10,000 live births (95 % confidence intervals of 1.7–3.9) versus the non-Hispanic population of 1.6/10,000 live births (95 % confidence intervals of 1.1–2.1), p = 0.04. Additionally, we noted a high prenatal detection rate of 68 % over the 12-year period of time, rising to 100 % over the last 2 years.
On the True Identity of Arctogeophilus fulvus (Wood), With Some Remarks Concerning the Status of Mecistocephalus melanonotus Wood (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Geophilidae)

In 1862 H. C. Wood described a new centipede, Mecistocephalus fulvus , which he found “not very abundantly” in the vicinity of Philadelphia. To my knowledge no subsequent worker has ever attempted to refer a centipede to this species, nor has fulvus ever been considered a synonym of any other species, so that for eighty-eight years it has been regarded privately or in print as being incertae sedis . The confusion surrounding this species has been due primarily to the following considerations: it has never been taken by anyone other than its author; the type is missing; it was highly improbable that this species could be referred to Mecistocephalidae, or even to Mecistocephalus , a genus represented in the eastern United States by a single imported species; and the original description itself refers to a centipede not quite like anything else known to occur in the east.
On the gas-solid virial coefficient for heterogeneous surfaces

Abstract We demonstrate the effects of adsorbent surface heterogeneity on the second gas-surface virial coefficient, B2s. The development is the general case of that described by Jaroniec et al. (1). The result is independent of the actual details of the surface energy distribution.
Selective covalent binding of an ethidium analog to mitochondrial DNA with production of petite mutants in yeast by photoaffinity labelling.

Abstract A photosensitive azide derivative of ethidium bromide, 3(8)-amino-8(3)-azido-5-ethyl-6-phenyl phenanthridinium chloride, was prepared which binds covalently to DNA via a light-generated nitrene intermediate. When exposed to light in aqueous solvent the azide loses free nitrogen to yield a reactive nitrene, which reacts with water to form the hydroxylamine derivative. When the drug is photolyzed while tightly bound to DNA, rather than free in solution, a covalent complex is generated in situ due to the attack of the nitrene to form a covalent bond with the nucleic acid. A selectivity for cytoplasmic DNA reported previously for ethidium bromide was also shown for the azido analog by enhanced production of petite mutants in Saccharomyces following the photolysis of the azide in vivo . Isolated mitochondrial DNA following binding of the ethidium analog in vivo also appeared to retain a greater number of drug molecules per nucleotide than nuclear DNA. In vitro binding experiments did not suggest the same extent of preferential binding. This technique of photoaffinity labeling provides a means of studying the precise model of binding nucleic acid active drugs in relation to their biological effects.
A Sector Isoperimetric Problem

We find the sector of largest area that can be formed by taking curves of fixed length that begin at some point on the positive x axis and connecting their endpoints to the origin with radial lines. We also discuss a more general question. 1. Statement of Problem The standard isoperimetric result in two dimensions is that of all possible closed curves of fixed length, the circle is the one that encloses the greatest area. See for instance the article [2] and its references. In this paper we are interested in looking not at a closed curve but at open curves of fixed length s which we will assume start at some point (r, 0) on the x axis and we want to maximize the area of the sector created by connecting its endpoints to the origin. So the idea is to find which curves maximize the area shown in figure (1) and how do they depend on r and s. We will begin by assuming that the curve has length s = 1 and starts at the point (1, 0) and show later the result for arbitrary s and r values which turns out to be no more difficult. 1.1. Examples with area = 0.5. There are two particularly interesting curves we would like to look at first. One curve is part of the unit circle and the other is a vertical line segment. Both curves are shown in the figure (2). 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 53A04. Figure 1. Maximize the shaded region 1 2 WILLIAM CALBECK LSU-ALEXANDRIA BILLC@LSUA.EDU Figure 2. Equal Ratio Curves What is interesting about both of these curves is that they each produce the same area of 1/2. In fact these two curves have a property which has been called the equal ratio property [4] meaning that the ratio of the area of the sector to the length of the curve remains constant regardless of how long the curve is. In this case it will always be 1/2. These are the only types of curves that have this property. Besides providing examples in which the area of the sector is easy to compute, these examples also show us that a) Circular arcs are not necessarily the shapes that produce the maximum area. b) There is reason to believe there may be a curve that produces a greater area whose path lies ”between” these two curves. As it turns out circular arcs are the shapes that produce the maximum area if we are not required to stay ”between” the two curves, it is just that the circles are not centered on the x axis. But before we find the formulas for these circular arcs we want to give some of the basics of working with arclength and area for curves given both parametrically and in polar coordinates. 1.2. Polar Coordinates. In polar coordinates we can state the problem this way. Among all piecewise differentiable functions f(θ) defined on some interval [0, β] such that f(0) = 1 and
Academic Jet-Setting in a Time of Climate Destabilization: Ecological Privilege and Professional Geographic Travel

This article analyzes the interrelationship among resource consumption, sociospatial justice, and what is popularly known as global warming by interrogating the ecological footprint of professional geographers, especially in terms of their conference-going involving air travel. In this spirit, the article introduces and employs the concepts of ecological privilege (as well as its inextricably related antithesis, ecological disadvantage) and dys-ecologism as a way to understand the roots and implications of professional geographers’ fossil fuel use and those of globally advantaged classes more broadly. To illustrate this, the article measures the flight-related ecological footprint of the 2011 annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) in Seattle, Washington. In doing so, the article examines how professional geographers, in the form of the AAG, have responded to their travel-related ecological footprint. It thus highlights the importance of scrutinizing the complex and dynamic interre...
On the azimuthal brightness variations of Saturn's rings

A simple semiquantitative explanation is presented which accounts both for the presence of the azimuthal brightness variations in Saturn's ring A and for their absence in ring B. This explanation avoids any ad hoc reliance on albedo variations and/or synchronous rotation of ring particles. Instead, it requires only some degree of self-gravitation between nearby orbiting bodies. A bias in the particle distribution and corresponding photometric effects are thereby produced the latter corresponding very closely to the variations observed in ring A. Their absence in ring B is primarily a consequence of the higher optical thickness and decreasing importance of self-gravitation in that ring.
Imaging features of glomus tumors

To describe the imaging findings with pathologic correlation and clinical presentation of glomus tumors. We retrospectively searched the surgical pathology database from January 1, 1997, to April 30, 2010, for cases of pathologically proven glomus tumor. Patients who had imaging results available for review were included in the study. Glomus tumors presented with a prolonged history of focal and often debilitating pain, with a mean duration of symptoms of 7.2 years. Mean tumor size was 13 mm. The upper extremity was involved in 12/25 (48%) of the tumors, the lower extremity in 12/25 (48%), and one case (4%) was within the trachea. Lesions appeared well circumscribed on ultrasonography, with marked vascularity on color Doppler evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a marker placed in the region of point tenderness was the best method for identifying small glomus tumors. These tumors had a high T2 signal and uniform enhancement after gadolinium administration. The diagnosis of glomus tumor is suggested by imaging features of a small circumscribed mass at the site of point tenderness that show marked vascularity on Doppler evaluation or diffuse contrast medium enhancement on MRI, or both. Early tumor recognition allows surgical resection that completely resolves the crippling, chronic pain of these lesions.
The impact of device scaling limits

The semiconductor market has been experiencing remarkable expansion, with a CGR approaching 30% over the last half decade. This growth has been driven by continuing device miniaturization and the attendant increase in integration level and performance and decrease in cost. However, as devices become smaller, there is concern that fundamental limits will restrict further progress. Possible fundamental limits to device miniaturization and chip performance are considered. It is shown that while there are such limits, devices into the deep sub-0.1 mm region with acceptable characteristics could be built, providing that practical considerations in such areas as fabrication and lithography, design complexity, interconnect delay and fabrication facility cost can be overcome.
Motivated Memories: Effects of Reward and Recollection in the Core Recollection Network and Beyond

fMRI was employed to assess whether the neural correlates of accurate source memory are modulated by the reward value of recollected information. Study items comprised pictures of objects, each paired with a depiction of 1 of 2 coins. The reward value of the coins ($2.00 vs. $0.02) was disclosed after study. At test, a source memory procedure was employed in which subjects discriminated between studied and unstudied objects and, for objects judged studied, indicated the identity of the coin paired with the object at study. Correct judgments earned a reward corresponding to the value of the coin, whereas incorrect judgments were penalized. No regions were identified where the magnitude of recollection effects was modulated by reward. Exclusive effects of source accuracy were evident in the hippocampus. Different striatal sub-regions demonstrated exclusive recollection effects, exclusive reward effects, and overlap between the 2 effects. The left angular gyrus and medial prefrontal cortex were additively responsive to source accuracy and the reward. The findings suggest that reward value and recollection success are conjointly but independently represented in at least 2 cortical regions and that striatal retrieval success effects cannot be accounted for in terms of a single construct, such as goal satisfaction.
Urine Calcium Excretion, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality in Outpatients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease (from the Heart and Soul Study)

We sought to evaluate the association of urine calcium excretion (UCaE), which reflects systemic calcium absorption, with cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality in outpatients with prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD). Calcium supplementation is associated with vascular calcification and adverse CV outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have raised concern that this phenomenon may also extend to the general population. However, previous studies have assessed oral calcium intake, which correlates poorly with systemic calcium absorption. We measured UCaE from 24-hour urine collections provided by 903 outpatients who were recruited from 2000 to 2002. We used Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the association of baseline UCaE with a primary end point of any CV event (myocardial infarction [MI], heart failure, stroke, or CV mortality). During a mean follow-up of 6 ± 3 years, 287 subjects (32%) had a CV event. After multivariate adjustment for demographics, traditional CV risk factors, and kidney function, there was no association between UCaE and the primary end point of any CV event (per 10-mg/day greater UCaE, hazard ratio 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.02). Evaluation of individual CV outcomes revealed a lower rate of MI with higher UCaE (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 1.00). In conclusion, greater UCaE is not associated with higher overall CV event rates or mortality in outpatients with stable CHD. On the contrary, greater UCaE is associated with a modestly lower rate of MI. These findings suggest that greater systemic calcium absorption does not confer CV harm in outpatients with prevalent CHD.