cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of hepatic arteries and synthesis of 2D fluoroscopic images for interventional imaging studies

Training of deep learning-based segmentation algorithms requires large datasets of annotated images. Obtaining large clinical datasets, particularly for interventional imaging, is difficult and annotating vessels manually in the images is very time-consuming. Simulated images can be used to supplement clinical datasets. We developed a technique for the simulation of realistic, anatomically- and physiologically-motivated hepatic artery trees and subsequent synthesis of fluoroscopic images. The proposed approach creates a network of main feeding arteries for each of the eight liver segments as defined by the Couinaud classification system. A constrained constructive optimization based approach was then used to connect a set of randomly generated endpoints within each segment to the corresponding feeding artery. Vessel curvature was created using cubic splines and the generated vasculature was inserted into the digital XCAT phantom. The simulated 2D fluoroscopic images were generated using ray tracing and included focal spot blur, detector blur and Poisson noise. The length ratio (1.1 ± 1.7) and two parameters from Murray’s law, branching angles (7.9 ± 7.7&#119900; mean absolute difference from Murray’s law) and radius ratio (1.0 ± 0.1) of the generated vasculature were in accordance with values reported in literature (1.3, Murray’s law applied to branching angles, and 1.0 respectively). Simulated vasculature included main branches for each of the eight Couinaud segments, where 87% of all connected endpoints terminated in the same segment. Simulated 2D projection images were analyzed using a vessel phantom study with contrast-enhanced tubes (0.305-3.353 mm diameter). The normalized root mean squared difference between the measured and simulated vessel profiles averaged 3.5%. In conclusion, the proposed method provides realistic simulated fluoroscopic images of the liver vasculature and could prove useful for the training of machine learning based algorithms for vessel segmentation.
Insights for farmer training programs from system dynamics: A case study from Northern Michigan

Training programs for new farmers are proposed as a solution to rural food insecurity, rural development, and the recruitment and training of younger farmers simultaneously. However, evaluation of these programs and evidence for their individual or collective impact is sparse. In this paper, we use in-depth interviews combined with an exploratory model to evaluate the current and potential effectiveness of a farmer training program in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We use the model to represent the theoretical progression of farmers through three subsequent stages of skill acquisition: training, new farmer (practicing skills on land owned by the program) and experienced (farming on their own). We find that recruitment, access to local markets, rapidity of skill acquisition, and access to start-up costs are all important factors that facilitate trainees’ transition to farming on their own, but of these, start-up costs for independent farming appear to be the most significant barrier. While this model is exploratory and not predictive, these insights can inform the design of effective programs for training farmers. In addition, this study also demonstrates how systems dynamics can be a valuable method to evaluate and maximize the effectiveness of training programs.
Chest Wall Resection for Sarcoma: A Surgical Technique and Case Series

Chest wall resection for sarcoma can present a surgical challenge. The unique concerns of the chest wall, including a confluence of anatomic and physiologic systems, may require a multispecialty surgical team to address the necessities of achieving a wide sarcoma resection. We present our experience with chest wall resection and reconstruction for sarcoma, including the surgical technique and a case series.
The effects of puberty and ovarian hormone removal on developmental trajectories of palatable food and chow intake in female rats.

Abstract Objective: Palatable food (PF) intake is significantly greater in females than males and increases during adolescence. Previous data suggest that puberty and ovarian hormones may contribute to these sex and developmental differences, but few studies have examined this possibility. The aim of the current study was to address these gaps by examining trajectories of PF and chow intake during pre-puberty, puberty, and adulthood in intact female rats (Study 1) as well as in those receiving pre-pubertal ovariectomies (P-OVX) (Study 2). Method: We examined our study aims using archival data from 66 intact Sprague-Dawley female rats (Study 1) and 77 P-OVX and 79 intact Sprague-Dawley female rats (Study 2). PF and chow intake were measured using a free-choice, intermittent exposure paradigm in which rats were exposed to both food types starting in pre-puberty and continuing into adulthood. Results: Mixed linear models revealed a specific effect of puberty on PF intake in both studies. PF intake increased substantially during puberty in all rats, but increases were particularly pronounced in P-OVX rats in Study 2. By contrast, chow intake increased significantly during pre-puberty (rather than puberty) in both studies, and these increases were relatively unaffected by P-OVX. Discussion: Findings confirm a specific effect of puberty and ovarian hormone removal on PF intake in female rats. Differential trajectories of PF versus chow intake highlight potential reward-based processes in pubertal and ovarian hormone effects on PF intake in females.
The Invisible Portfolio

A portfolio sorted on the intercepts of a multi-factor model - the invisible portfolio - is the optimal portfolio for improving the model's mean-variance efficiency. This portfolio, similar to the betting-against-beta (BAB) factor, benefits from the distortions in the security market (or factor) lines. Whereas the BAB factor adjusts for the flatness in any one factor's security factor line, the invisible portfolio optimally adjusts for all such distortions. The invisible portfolio increases the five-factor model's out-of-sample maximum squared Sharpe ratio from 0.98 to 1.38. The invisible portfolio is an intuitive and theoretically founded method for improving all factor models.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Reliable Websites for Consumers

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), also referred to as Complementary and Integrative Medicine, refers to treatments outside of mainstream medicine. There are many forms of CAM, including...
Climatic Hazards and Societal Vulnerability, Resilience and Adaptation in the Flood Zones of Nsanje District, Malawi

This study has assessed societal vulnerability, resilience and adaptation variables to floods in the disaster predisposed Nsanje district, Malawi. The district stands amongst the most affected region by frequent flooding events. This research has deployed quantitative research approach by collecting primary data through self-administered structured questionnaires at the household level. To study the said variables, IPCC’s Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) was deployed for all sub-components of LVI: adaptive capacity, exposure and susceptibility. Also, to determine the influencing factors of livelihood vulnerability, the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model for regression, where LVI for each household was computed. The other factors hypothesized as influencers of Livelihood Vulnerability were used as explanatory parameters, besides deployment of Stata (SE 14.0) for data analysis. Results declared T/A Ngabu as the most vulnerable area (LVI-IPCC value of 0.027267625), as compared to T/A Tengani (LVI-IPCC value of -0.044597798) in Nsanje district. The regression model estimation output revealed; flood experience, unavailability of warning alert, household proximity to the flooding river, injuries and death, beliefs and altitude, and non-availability of safe living facilities as being the determinants to influence societal exposure to floods in the studied area. The adaptive capacity components were found as being influenced by socio-demographic traits; age, sex, education level, disability, access to credit facilities, government assistance, income diversification, income level, social networking. Societal sensitivity component was established in a significant relationship with; access to health facilities and ability to save seeds, whereas saving food and seeds, irrigation, bank credit, borrowing from family/friends, loan sharks and government assistance were identified as resilience strategies. Lastly, construction of small local dikes and drainage system, elevating the house wall, planting trees in catchment areas and temporary family relocations were remained as the adaptation mechanisms in the area. The study calls for planned relocation, government’s intervention and provision of (non-/tangible) assistance to avoid further societal prey to climatic hazards, exposure and vulnerability in the most affected country side.
Integrating the Electronic Health Record into Behavioral Health Encounters: Strategies, Barriers, and Implications for Practice

Despite increasing rates of electronic health record (EHR) adoption, the impact of these systems on the delivery of behavioral health treatment remains poorly understood. This qualitative study examined the experiences of 37 behavioral health providers using EHRs during face-to-face visits. Providers described environmental, relational and system related strategies that were used to meaningfully integrate EHRs into treatment and enhance the patient-centeredness of clinical encounters. Barriers to deploying these techniques were also identified. Results contribute to limited research exploring EHR use in behavioral health care, and provide important insight into how systems can be optimized within this context.
Bacterial survival in laundered fabrics.

Bacterial survival was determined in linens (i) inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (ii), taken from hospital isolation patients9 beds, and (iii) used by students in their homes. Two different washers using temperatures of 38, 49, 54 and 60 C, respectively, for different times were employed along with a commercial tumbler dryer. Findings, after macerating the linens in a Waring blender and enumerating on nonselective media, indicate that acceptable levels of survivors can be achieved in motel and hotel linens by an 8- to 10-min wash cycle at 54 C followed by adequate drying. However, it is recommended that a wash cycle with 60 C for 10 to 13 min be employed for linens in health care factilities. The microbial significance of various laundering practices is discussed.
Massive left auricle with special reference to its etiology and mechanism; report of a case.

Abstract 1.1. Three main factors seem to be essential for the formation of most cases of massive left auricle: (a) rheumatic carditis over a long period of time, showing various phases of activity with predominant inactivity and healing during the last few years of life; (b) mitral insufficiency due to rheumatic myocarditis of the left ventricle in various stages of activity and healing and rheumatic valvulitis characterized by curled and rubbery mitral segments (in our experience, predominating mitral stenosis will not produce such massive auricles); and (c) rheumatic auriculitis in various stages of activity and healing with marked muscular atrophy and fibrosis, of such intensity that the left auricle is often more severely damaged than any other part of the heart. 2.2. The importance of an undue amount of physical exercise during the early stages of rheumatic heart disease, such as this patient indulged in, must be stressed as a contributory factor in overdistention of the diseased left auricle. 3.3. Massive left auricle is perhaps not as unusual as we are led to believe. It has been observed in induction centers in men who have enormous hearts and who are in a fair state of health. It is characteristic of the lesion that individuals can be comfortable with no cardiac symptoms for a period of years before decompensation sots in. 4.4. It would seem that too much importance is placed by cardiologists on so-called "Combined Lesions" of the valves. In the case of the mitral valve it is widely held "that all stenotic valves have some regurgitation and all insufficiencies have some degree of stenosis." This concept seems to have developed in order to explain the presence of certain murmurs, often of little consequence. It has led to considerable confusion. Certainly at autopsy it is comparatively simple to determine whether stenosis or insufficiency predominates; it is also simple to determine that the various dilatations and hypertrophies due to valvular defeets depend chiefly on the predominating lesion.
Restriction Theorems and the Schrödinger Multiplier on the Torus

Restriction theorems for Fourier integrals and series are proven. In the continuous case, a mixed norm inequality for the restriction of the Fourier transform to the sphere is given. On the other hand a discrete version of a result by R.S. Strichartz [10] is found.
An Ethnography of Stroke Survivors in Their Church Communities

This research examines the experiences of 12 communication-impaired stroke survivors in their church communities using the ethnographic methods of interviews and participant observation. The interviews reveal that the major concerns of stroke survivors are a desire for community and purpose. Church communities view the problems of a stroke survivor through a medical model of disability rather than a social model, a perspective that results in stroke survivors receiving support during their rehabilitation but not when they return home. Participant observation of church services reveals that they are very poor places for communication, especially for those who have communication impairments.
Empirical validation of the S-Score algorithm in the analysis of gene expression data

Current methods of analyzing Affymetrix GeneChip® microarray data require the estimation of probe set expression summaries, followed by application of statistical tests to determine which genes are differentially expressed. The S-Score algorithm described by Zhang and colleagues is an alternative method that allows tests of hypotheses directly from probe level data. It is based on an error model in which the detected signal is proportional to the probe pair signal for highly expressed genes, but approaches a background level (rather than 0) for genes with low levels of expression. This model is used to calculate relative change in probe pair intensities that converts probe signals into multiple measurements with equalized errors, which are summed over a probe set to form the S-Score. Assuming no expression differences between chips, the S-Score follows a standard normal distribution, allowing direct tests of hypotheses to be made. Using spike-in and dilution datasets, we validated the S-Score method against comparisons of gene expression utilizing the more recently developed methods RMA, dChip, and MAS5. The S-score showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting low-level gene expression changes. Rank ordering of S-Score values more accurately reflected known fold-change values compared to other algorithms. The S-score method, utilizing probe level data directly, offers significant advantages over comparisons using only probe set expression summaries.
Discovering the seeds of diversity in plant genomes.

A report on the Keystone Symposium 'Comparative Genomics of Plants', Taos, USA, 4-9 March 2004.
Novel Mutations Affecting a Signaling Component for Chemotaxis of Escherichia coli

Abstract The genetic relationship between tsr and cheD mutations, which affect chemotactic ability and map at approximately 99 min on the Escherichia coli chromosome, was investigated. Mutants defective in tsr function typically exhibited wild-type swimming patterns, but were unable to carry out chemotactic responses to a number of attractant and repellent chemicals. In contrast, cheD mutants swam smoothly, with few spontaneous directional changes, and were generally nonchemotactic. In complementation tests, cheD mutations, unlike tsr, proved to be dominant to wild type, suggesting that the cheD defect might be due to an active inhibitor of chemotaxis. Mutations that inactivated the putative inhibitor were obtained by selecting for restoration of chemotactic ability or for loss of cheD dominance. The resultant double mutants were shown to carry the original cheD mutation and a second tightly linked mutation, some of which exhibited nonsense or temperature-sensitive phenotypes, implying that they had occurred in a structural gene for a protein. All such double mutants behaved like typical tsr mutants in all other respects, including complementation pattern, swimming behavior, and chemotactic ability. These findings implied that either overproduction of tsr product or synthesis of an aberrant tsr product was responsible for the chemotaxis defect of cheD strains. Such mutants should be useful in analyzing the role of the tsr product in chemotactic responses.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of isolated congenital cystic hygroma, unassociated with lymphedema or other morphologic abnormality

We report the prenatal sonographic diagnosis of five cases of isolated cystic hygroma (lymphangioma), unassociated with lymphedema or other morphological abnormalities. This type of cystic hygroma appears different from the ones occurring at the back of the neck, which have other lymphatic anomalies and a poor prognosis. Four of the five fetuses did well after surgery. We describe the sonographic appearance of this type of cystic hygroma, which is different from the nuchal type as it is primarily complex.
Anti-CD44 treatment abrogates tissue oedema and leukocyte infiltration in murine arthritis.

A ubiquitous cell adhesion receptor, CD44, preferentially binds hyaluronan, a poly-saccharide macromolecule that is present in most extracellular matrices. Hyaluronan molecules have large hydrodynamic volumes that entrap substantial amounts of water and can therefore control tissue hydration (swelling). CD44 is overexpressed by synovial cells and leukocytes, and hyaluronan is overproduced in the rheumatoid synovium and in other inflammatory sites. Nevertheless, the role of the CD44–hyaluronan interaction during inflammation is unclear. Our evidence shows that the CD44 receptor plays a critical role in governing the migration of inflammatory leukocytes into the extravascular compartment of the synovium in murine arthritis. An anti-CD44 antibody induces a rapid loss of CD44 from both leukocytes and synovial cells and displays an inhibitory effect on cell–extracellular matrix interactions in the synovium. As a result, the administration of such an antibody abrogates tissue swelling and leukocyte infiltration, two major components of inflammation.
A method for evaluating the effectiveness of educational software

A method for executing a detailed evaluation of educational software is described. Several issues are discussed, including the use of an experimental setting versus a field study, and the design of assessment instruments suited to evaluation of educational software. The instruments include a test of remedial skills, a 103-item test of conceptual understanding, and a system for recording students’ use of the software. The method was used to evaluate ConStatS, a program for teaching conceptual understanding of probability and statistics. Preliminary results of the evaluation are presented.
The crystal structure of tris(triphenylphosphine)gold(I)-[dodecahydrido-6-thia- nido -decaborate(1—)]

Abstract The crystal structure of tris(triphenylphosphine)gold(I)[dodecahydrido-6-thia-nido-decaborate(1—)], [(C6H5)3P]3AuB9H12S, has been determined using X-ray techniques and counter data. The compound is a salt consisting of [(C6H5)3P]3Au+ cations and B9H12S− anions. The cation is trigonal and nearly planar with AuP distances of 2.382(5) A and PAuP angles of 119.3(36)°. The B9H12S− thiaborane anion is an open icosahedral fragment with the S atom in the 6 position, on the periphery of the decaborane polyhedron. The structure is the same as that found in solution for the isoelectronic B10H142− anion. Crystals are triclinic, space group P 1 , with a = 13.086(12), b = 19.635(32), c = 11.180(8) A, α = 103.60(16), β = 72.10(9), and γ = 94.76(15)°. The structure was refined by least squares to a conventional R of 0.077.
Increasing Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization Rates in a Nursing Home Network

Introduction and Rationale Influenza and pneumonia remain serious health concerns for long-term care (LTC) residents. Vaccination of LTC residents and health care workers are reasonable preventive strategies, although most facilities fall short of Healthy People 2010 goals. Improving immunization rates across multiple LTC facilities remains an elusive challenge. This quality improvement study sought to improve immunization rates across 6 LTC facilities and identify persistent barriers to better performance. Methods In 2002, 6 facilities associated with the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging established a quality improvement network addressing immunization rates. The facilities were provided with a written educational toolkit and shared information through an e-mail distribution list. To help determine optimal program structure in future years, 3 of the facilities participated in a single half-day collaborative training session. Change in immunization rates from baseline to year 2 were compared between those participating in the collaborative training and those not participating. Barriers to improved performance were sought from all groups through focus group analysis. Results Facilities participating in the single collaborative training program improved immunization rates modestly, whereas facilities not participating in the collaborative training saw decreases in immunization rates. Staff turnover was cited as a significant barrier to improved performance. Discussion It may be possible to improve immunization rates in LTC facilities, at least modestly, using a collaborative training process. Staff turnover may be an important barrier to improved LTC immunization rates.
Heavy ion energy straggling

Abstract We have investigated the energy straggling of several heavy ions (6⩽Z1⩽53) in elemental targets (6⩽Z2⩽79) at a variety of ion energies. The full width half maximum of the straggling distribution is seen to be proportional to the projectile atomic number and to the square root of the target atomic number. Small variations in target uniformity are shown to be very important in any determination of the energy straggling with this method.
CHERN-SIMONS REDUCTION AND NON-ABELIAN FLUID MECHANICS ∗

We propose a non-Abelian generalization of the Clebsch parameterization for a vector in three dimensions. The construction is based on a group-theoretical reduction of the Chern-Simons form on a symmetric space. The formalism is then used to give a canonical (symplectic) discussion of non-Abelian fluid mechanics, analogous to the way the Abelian Clebsch parameterization allows a canonical description of conventional fluid mechanics.
Positive patch-test reactions to gold: patients' perception of relevance and the role of titanium dioxide in cosmetics.

Background Positive patch-test reactions to gold that are without obvious clinical relevance are common. We speculate that titanium dioxide in cosmetics and sunscreens may adsorb gold particles in jewelry that occasionally contacts facial skin and cause contact dermatitis on this area despite the absence of dermatitis under gold jewelry worn on the hands. Objective To identify subgroups of gold allergic patients who improve with avoidance of gold. Methods A questionnaire was mailed to 102 gold-allergic patients. Results There were 49 responses, of which all but one were from women. When asked to evaluate the statement that patch testing with gold was useful to them, one-third of respondents agreed completely, one-third agreed in part, and one-third disagreed. The majority of patients reported that their dermatitis improved after patch testing, but most were avoiding other allergens in addition to gold. Conclusions Avoidance of gold earrings did not appear to benefit patients with earlobe dermatitis, but total avoidance of gold jewelry on the hands and wrists did seem to benefit a subgroup of patients with facial and eyelid dermatitis who wore powder, eye shadow, or foundation on affected areas.
Clustering reactions of H2CN+ ions with HCN

The rate coefficients for the first and second steps in the clustering sequence of H2CN(+) ions with HCN, H2CN(+) + HCN + M - H2CN(+) (HCN) + M and H2CN(+) (HCN) + HCN + M - H2CN(+) (HCN)2 + M, have been measured at temperatures from 189 to 296 K for M = He. The three-body association rate coefficients for both reactions are least-squares fitted for a power dependence on gas temperature. The temperature dependences of the three-body association reaction rate coefficients fitted in the range 200 to 300 K are given. The absolute values and temperature dependences are rather similar.
Hemodynamic advantage of left atrial epinephrine administration after cardiac operations

Abstract Cardiac surgical patients frequently require catecholamines, typically administered via the central venous circulation. Potential disadvantages of this route of administration include catecholamine metabolism by the pulmonary vascular bed before gaining access to the heart and pulmonary vasoconstriction producing increased pulmonary vascular resistance. We therefore prospectively compared administration of epinephrine via the left atrium versus central venous administration of epinephrine with particular interest in cardiac output, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance. Fifteen consecutive aortocoronary bypass patients were studied after cardiopulmonary bypass Epinephrine (mean dose, 0.07 ± 0.02 μg · kg −1 · min −1 ) was administered via the central venous route, then via the left atrium, then via the central venous route again. Hemodynamic data were collected 10 minutes after changing the route of administration. Left atrial administration of epinephrine produced a 35% greater cardiac output, 25% lower pulmonary artery pressure, and 32% lower pulmonary vascular resistance when compared with central venous administration (all significant; p
Phenyl isocyanate is a potent chemical sensitizer.

Abstract Diisocyanates, as a chemical class, are recognized for their ability to cause respiratory and dermal sensitization. By contrast, monofunctional isocyanates have not been associated with cases of clinical sensitization. We investigated the immunologic activity of phenyl isocyanate (PI), an aromatic monoisocyanate, which is a trace constituent in commercial diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) products, since it is has been reported to cause an ‘asthma-like’ syndrome in rats. The potency of PI as a contact sensitizer was assessed using the mouse ear swelling test. PI was found to be the most potent isocyanate tested yielding an SD 50 (dose predicted to sensitize 50% of the mice) of 0.04 μmol/kg, compared with SD 50 values of 0.5, 2.1, and 30.4 μmol/kg, for the diisocyanate sensitizers hexamethylene diisocyanate, MDI, and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), respectively. When tested for ability to stimulate humoral immune responses, antibody titers to PI were more than ten-fold greater than those induced by TDI. The mean hapten-specific IgC antibody titer to PI was 1.4 × 10 4 , compared with 1.3 × 10 3 for TDI. The anti-PI IgG 1 anaphylactic antibody titer (1.2 × 10 4 ) was significantly greater than the anti-TDI IgG 1 titer of 6.4 × 10 2 . Hapten-specific IgE was not detected to either isocyanate. These results indicate that phenyl isocyanate is a potent inducer of both cellular and humoral immune responses. This activity may be a significant contribution to the sensitization potential of commercial products in which it is a trace contaminant.
Biology of female sexual function

Although the psychosocial and relationship aspects of female sexuality have been extensively investigated, studies concerning the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of female sexual function and dysfunction are limited. The paucity of biologic data may be attributed to a lack of reliable experimental models and tools for investigating female sexual function and to limited funding, which is critical for developing experimental approaches. Research efforts by several investigators in different laboratories have been establishing experimental models needed for investigating the physiologic mechanisms involved in the genital arousal response of sexual function. These experimental models have permitted assessment of genital hemodynamics, vaginal lubrication, regulation of genital smooth muscle contractility and signaling pathways, providing preliminary information about the role of neurotransmitters and sex steroid hormones in sexual function. Further research is needed to define the neurotransmitters responsible for vaginal smooth muscle relaxation and the role of sex steroid hormones and their receptors in modulating genital hemodynamics, smooth muscle contractility, and neurotransmitter receptor expression. Finally, a global and integral understanding of the biologic aspects of female sexual function requires investigation of the vascular, neurologic (central and peripheral), and structural components of this extremely complex physiologic process.
The redemption of truth: Idealization, acceptability and fallibilism in habermas' theory of meaning

Abstract Jurgen Habermas has proposed a tripartite classification of analytic philosophy of language into formal semantics, intentionalistic semantics, and use‐theories of meaning. Here, I focus on the relationship between formal semantics and Habermas’ own account of meaning and truth. I argue against his early ‘consensus theory of truth’, according to which truth is defined as idealized warranted assertibility and explained by the ‘discursive redemption’ of validity claims. A claim is discursively redeemed if it commands rationally motivated consensus of all discursive partners. I argue that this is not so much a theory of truth as of justification. As an account of truth, it is unsatisfactory because warrants can be lost in light of new arguments, and because consensus is seen as criterial for truth only if it is in principle defeasible ‐ hence there remains a gap between truth and even idealized warranted assertibility. In The Theory of Communicative Action, Habermas’ views undergo a shift. Following ...
Open-Label Extension Studies: Are They Really Research?

This consultation about the open-label extension phase of a drug trial raises at least two related questions. The first was posed by the requestor of the consultation: Should the sponsor of this cl...
A New Approach to Identify Recharge Areas in the Lower Virgin River Basin and Surrounding Basins by Multivariate Statistics

Many studies group hydrochemical datasets into hydrochemical facies using graphical and multivariate statistical methods. Compared to graphical methods, cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) can handle large datasets and great number of parameters, so are widely used by researchers. However, cluster analysis and PCA can be subjective, raising questions about the significance and confidence of the groupings. In this study, cluster analysis is combined with multiple discriminant function analysis and measures of association (Cohen’s Kappa and Cramer’s V) to objectively find the optimum clustering technique, number of clusters for a hydrochemical dataset, and stable clusters, and to assess the effect of hydrochemical data transformation, analytical errors, and outliers on a clustering outcome. The proposed combined statistical and mathematical analysis is a robust approach for classifying hydrochemical dataset into optimum hydrochemical facies. The approach is used to demonstrate that the best clustering method for the hydrochemical data from the Lower Virgin River Basin, utilized in this study, is the “within-groups linkage with squared Euclidean distance” clustering method, yielding six optimum hydrochemical facies. The six optimum hydrochemical facies solution is independently supported by test statistical analyses that are used for deciding the number of plausible clusters. Also the application shows that choosing an appropriate data transformation is a key step in delineating optimum hydrochemical facies. Further, it is demonstrated that the effect of outliers and analytical errors on clustering is insignificant when the dataset contains outliers $$\le $$ 7 % or analytical error $$\le $$ 19 %. Interpretations of the spatial and graphical analysis of the hydrochemical facies reveal that principal recharge in the study area occurs in the Clover and Bull Mountains and Valleys as well as areas further north. Also the analysis indicates that Virgin River and Beaver Dam Wash water possibly recharges their adjacent floodplains. In an agreement with previous studies in hydrogeology of the study area, the new approach demonstrably is consistent, reproducible, and validated for identification of recharge distribution over large basin areas.
Bayesian inference of multiple object classifications through disparate classifier fusion

This work examines the problem of multiple object classification using disparate sensors where the correct independent classification of all objects is either impossible or requires significantly more measurements than fusing measurements on different objects. It is assumed that the total number of objects being classified is known, but the number of objects in each class is not known. An empirical Bayesian method is employed to first estimate the number of objects in each class using measurements from disparate classifiers, and then fuse these estimates into an estimate over all object classes via Dempster's rule of combination. Using this estimate, a second inference proceeds over the categorically distributed classification probability mass functions for each object. The estimated number of objects in each class is used as a model parameter during this inference. It is shown that by fusing classifier outputs, the classification of multiple objects converges significantly faster to the correct classifications than when inference proceeds independently on each object.
Prolongation of mouse and rat pancreatic islet cell allografts by adenosine deaminase inhibitors and adenine arabinoside.

Abstract Two adenosine deaminase inhibitors, erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA) and 2-deoxycoformycin (2dCF) were evaluated for immunosuppressive properties in mouse and rat pancreatic islet cell allograft models. In the mouse model, administration of EHNA alone prolonged the survival of islet allografts. In the rat, neither EHNA or 2dCF alone permitted islet allograft survival. However, 2dCF, in combination with the deoxyadenosine analog adenine arabinoside provided significant rat islet allograft survival during a limited 8-day period of study.
Silicon Photonic Switches Hybrid-Integrated With CMOS Drivers

This paper describes the design and measured performance of three different silicon photonic switches: a 2×2 switch, a 1×2 switch, and a 4×4 switch. All of the devices have been hybrid integrated with a corresponding custom 90-nm CMOS driver. The 2×2 switch is based on a wavelength-insensitive Mach-Zehnder interferometer (WIMZ) and the 1×2 is based on a two-ring resonator. The power dissipation of the 2×2 WIMZ switch was 2 mW from a 1.0-V supply, with measured transition time of 3.9 ns. The 4×4 switch, composed of six 2×2 Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) switches was demonstrated to route 3×40 Gb/s WDM data with BER <; 10-12, with less than -10-dB crosstalk and 7-dB loss.
Claiming a Tradition: Italian American Women Writers

Mary Jo Bona reconstructs the literary history and examines the narrative techniques of eight Italian American women's novels from 1940 to the present. Largely neglected until recently, these women's family narratives compel a reconsideration of what it means to be a woman and an ethnic in America.Bona discusses the novels in pairs according to their focus on Italian American life. She first examines the traditions of "italianita" (a flavor of things Italian) that inform and enhance works of fiction. The novelists in that tradition were Mari Tomasi ("Like Lesser Gods," 1949) and Marion Benasutti ("No Steady Job for Papa," 1966).Bona then turns to later novels that highlight the Italian American belief in the family's honor and reputation. Conflicts between generations, specifically between autocratic fathers and their children, are central to Octavia Waldo's 1961 "A Cup of the Sun" and Josephine Gattuso Hendin's 1988" The Right Thing to Do."Even when writers choose to steer away from the familial focus, Bona notes, their developmental narratives trace the reintegration of characters suffering from a crisis of cultural identity. Relating the characters' struggles to their relationship to the family, Bona examines Diana Cavallo's 1961 "A Bridge of Leaves" and Dorothy Bryant's 1978 "Miss Giardino."Bona then discusses two innovative novelsHelen Barolini's 1979 "Umbertina" and Tina De Rosa's 1980 "Paper Fish"both of which feature a granddaughter who invokes her grandmother, a godparent figure. Through Barolini's feminist and De Rosa's modernist perspectives, both novels present a young girl developing artistically.Closing with a discussion of the contemporary terrain Italian American women traverse, Bona examines such topics as sexual identity when it meets cultural identity and the inclusion of "italianita" when Italian American identity is not central to the story. Italian American women writers, she concludes, continue in the 1980s and 1990s to focus on the interplay between cultural identity and women's development."
Both p38αMAPK and JNK/SAPK Pathways Are Important for Induction of Nitric-oxide Synthase by Interleukin-1β in Rat Glomerular Mesangial Cells

Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) induces expression of the inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) with concomitant release of nitric oxide (NO) from glomerular mesangial cells. These events are preceded by activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) and p38MAPK. Our current study demonstrates that overexpression of the dominant negative form of JNK1 or p54 SAPKβ/JNK2 significantly reduces the iNOS protein expression and NO production induced by IL-1β. Similarly, overexpression of the kinase-dead mutant form of p38αMAPK also inhibits IL-1β-induced iNOS expression and NO production. In previous studies we demonstrated that IL-1β can activate MKK4/SEK1, MKK3, and MKK6 in renal mesangial cells; therefore, we examined the role of these MAPK kinases in the modulation of iNOS induced by IL-1β. Overexpression of the dominant negative form of MKK4/SEK1 decreases IL-1β-induced iNOS expression and NO production with inhibition of both SAPK/JNK and p38MAPKphosphorylation. Overexpression of the kinase-dead mutant form of MKK3 or MKK6 demonstrated that either of these two mutant kinase inhibited IL-1β-induced p38MAPK (but not JNK/SAPK) phosphorylation and iNOS expression. Interestingly overexpression of wild type MKK3/6 was associated with phosphorylation of p38MAPK; however, in the absence of IL-1β, iNOS expression was not enhanced. This study suggests that the activation of both SAPK/JNK and p38αMAPK signaling cascades are necessary for the IL-1β-induced expression of iNOS and production of NO in renal mesangial cells.
Picosecond circular dichroism spectroscopy: a Jones matrix analysis

Measurement of time-resolved circular dichroism signals can be complicated by transient linear dichroism and birefringence effects. These signals arise from using a polarized light beam for excitation and from imperfect modulation of the circularly polarized probe beam. In a polarization-modulation experiment designed to measure the time dependence of circular dichroism, a small amount of pump-induced linear dichroism coupled with birefringence of optics would dominate the observed signals, rendering an accurate measurement virtually impossible. We examine these effects within the Jones matrix formalism. These calculations demonstrate how one can experimentally eliminate transient linear polarization signals, permitting accurate measurement of the transient circular dichoism of a sample with picosecond resolution. Theory and experiment are compared for time-dependent data on myoglobin following the photoelimination of CO from carbonmonoxy myoglobin.
Solution structure of a DNA octamer containing the Pribnow box via restrained molecular dynamics simulation with distance and torsion angle constraints derived from two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectral fitting.

Abstract The DNA octamer [d(GTATAATG] · [d(CATATTAC)], containing the prokaryotic upstream consensus recognition sequence, has been examined via proton homonuclear two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (2D NOE) and double-quantum-filtered correlation (2QF-COSY) spectra. All proton resonances, except those of H5′ and H5″ protons, were assigned. A temperature dependence study of one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, rotating frame 2D NOE spectroscopy (ROESY). and T 1ϱ measurements revealed an exchange process that apparently is global in scope. Work at lower temperatures enabled a determination of structural constraints that could be employed in determination of a time-averaged structure. Simulations of the 2QF-COSY cross-peaks were compared with experimental data, establishing scalar coupling constant ranges of the individual sugar ring protons and hence pucker parameters for individual deoxyribose rings. The rings exhibit a dynamic equilibrium of N and S-type conformers with 80 to 100% populations of the latter. A program for iterative complete relaxation matrix analysis of 2D NOE spectral intensities. MARDIGRAS, was employed to give interproton distances for each mixing time. According to the accuracy of the distance determination, upper and lower distance bounds were chosen. The distance bounds define the size of a flat-well potential function term, incorporated into the AMBER force-field, which was employed for restrained molecular dynamics calculations. Torsion angle constraints in the form of a flat-well potential were also constructed from the analysis of the sugar pucker data. Several restrained molecular dynamics runs of 25 picoseconds were performed, utilizing 184 experimental distance constraints and 80 torsion angle constraints; three different starting structures were used: energy minimized A-DNA. B-DNA , and wrinkled D-DNA , another member of the B-DNA family. Convergence to similar structures obtained with root-mean-square deviations between resulting structures of 0.37 to 0.92 A for the central hexamer of the octamer. The average structure from the nine different molecular dynamics runs was subjected to final restrained energy minimization. The resulting final structure was in good agreement with the structures derived from different molecular dynamics runs and exhibited a substantial improvement in the 2D NOE sixth-root residual index in comparison with the starting structures. An approximation of the structure in the terminal base-pairs, which displayed experimental evidence of fraying, was made by maintaining the structure of the inner four base-pairs and performing molecular dynamics simulations with the experimental structural constraints observed for the termini. A detailed analysis of the conformation of the final structure and comparison with the structure of a related sequence. [d(GTATATAC)] 2 reported earlier, is described.
A Novel, Risk Stratification Model Using Bayesian Networks for Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device 90-Day Survival

Purpose Patient selection is critical to successful post-LVAD outcomes, but existing risk scores like Destination Therapy Risk Scores (DTRS) are limited in scope and predictive ability. A Bayesian Network (BN) approach is advantageous over traditional methods in using highly efficient & sophisticated algorithms, which recognizes complex medical relationships, thereby providing reliable predictors of clinical outcomes. Methods and Materials Retrospective data, including demographics, lab data, hemodynamics etc. from 144 CF-LVAD pts at 2 sites from 2006-11 were reviewed. Pts were divided into 2 groups: low risk (alive 90 days post-VAD) & high risk (died within 90 days). Several BNs, including Naive Bayes (NB) & Tree-Augmented NB (TAN) were modeled and compared to the DTRS to assess performance. Results BN models were built from data sets using 10 most predictive variables which emerged from feature selection based on their predictive power: HCT, AST, age, HR, TPG, mean PAP, use of diuretics, PLT count, BUN & HGB. The BNs consistently outperformed the DTRS due to the abilities to (1) learn from prior probability, (2) account for relationships between variables and (3) tolerate missing data elements. The NB substantially improves the prediction of low risk patients to 90+% vs. the DTRS. Conclusions BNs improve the accuracy, kappa, sensitivity & specificity over DTRS, thereby providing a superior model for risk assessment. The predictive power of the BN models provides a verifiable basis for non-expert clinicians in advanced HF treatment to make informed decisions regarding pt assessment and referral, providing a measured approach for expansion of this life-sustaining therapy. NB TAN LM Accuracy (%) 89.8 89.8 72.2 Kappa 0.56 0.48 0.31 AUC (%) 79.5 83.6 65.0 Predicted High Risk Predicted Low Risk True High Risk True Positive (Sensitivity) : NB (80%), TAN (60), LM (55.6) False Negative : NB (20%), TAN (40), LM (44.4) True Low Risk False Positive : NB (9.1%), TAN (6.8), LM (22.2) True Negative (Specificity) : NB (90.9%), TAN (93.2), LM (77.8)
Confucianism and the Lack of the Development of the Self Among Korean American Women

In this essay, I will examine how the societal attribution of women's subordinate role in society influences their psychological health and results in the undesirable effect of broken relationships. I will argue that (1) Confucianism has been a major influence in creating a subordinate role for women in Korea; (2) the societal expectation of women's subordinate role contributes to the arrest in the development of the self in women; and (3) the lack of the development of the self among women brings further broken relationships by causing in women grandiosity, low self-esteem, and a pervasive sense of shame.
Single carbon nanotube based infrared sensor

As a one-dimensional nanostructural material, carbon nanotube (CNT) has been used to build different nanoelectronic devices due to its unique electrical properties. In this paper, the infrared (IR) responses of individual single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) and SWNT film are studied. A single-wall carbon nanotube is assembled onto a pair of electrodes to form Schottky contacts. The photongenerated electron-hole pairs within the carbon nanotube are seperated by an external electric field between the two electrodes. The separated carriers contribute to the current flowing through the carbon nanotube and form photocurrent. By monitoring the photocurrent, the incident infrared can be detected and quantitated. The single-wall carbon nanotube based infrared sensor is designed and a series of efficient and reliable fabrication and assembly processes are developed for the sensor fabrication. With an atomic force microscope based nanomanipulation system as the assembly tool, a single carbon nanotube can be easily assembled onto the electrodes. Since the assembly process is controllable and reliable, it becomes possible to fabricate an individual carbon nanotubes based infrared sensor array, which was difficult to fabricate with other fabrication method. The photocurrent responses of individual SWNT IR sensor and SWNT film IR sensor are measured and analyzed. Experimental results show the good sensitivity of SWNTs to the infrared light. Our results shows a three orders higher photocurrent than the previous reported results. It has also been shown that an individual SWNT IR sensor is more sensitive than a SWNT film IR sensor.