cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Static detection of resource contention problems in server-side scripts

With modern multi-core architectures, web applications are usually configured to serve multiple requests simultaneously by spawning multiple instances. These instances may access the same external resources such as database tables and files. Such contentions may become severe during peak time, leading to violations of atomicity business logic. In this paper, we propose a novel static analysis that detects atomicity violations of external operations for server side scripts. The analysis differs from traditional atomicity violation detection techniques by focusing on external resources instead of shared memory. It consists of three components. The first one is an interprocedural and path-sensitive resource identity analysis that determines whether multiple operations access the same external resource, which is critical to identifying contentions. The second component infers pairs of external operations that should be executed atomically. Finally, violations are detected by reasoning about serializability of interleaved atomic pairs. Experimental results show that the analysis is highly effective in detecting atomicity violations in real-world web apps.
The evolving role of pelvic radiation therapy.

Abstract Whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) is controversial in the management of prostate cancer. The estimation of the risk of pelvic lymph node involvement in prostate cancer patients will identify those who will potentially benefit from WPRT. Nomograms and equations based on pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, and/or clinical stage allow clinicians to quickly estimate nodal risk. Most of the studies analyzing WPRT, including a randomized trial from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), were conducted in the pre-PSA era and did not necessarily include patients at high risk for nodal involvement. The addition of hormonal therapy to WPRT has been shown in 4 major prospective randomized trials to improve survival for some subsets of patients. The preliminary results of RTOG 94-13 show the superiority of WPRT over prostate-only radiotherapy (PORT) in high-risk prostate cancer patients receiving hormonal therapy. For most other solid tumors, the regional lymph nodes are routinely treated by some modality, so it is not surprising that WPRT might benefit a subset of high-risk patients. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Global dynamics of a network of stochastic neurons maximizes local mutual information.

We define a stochastic neuron as an element that increases its internal state with probability p until a threshold value is reached; after that its internal state is set back to the initial value. We study the local information of a stochastic neuron between the message arriving from the input neurons and the response of the neuron. We study the dependence of the local information on the firing probability [iopmath latex="$alpha$"] [/iopmath] of the synaptic inputs in a network of such stochastic neurons. The values of [iopmath latex="$alpha$"] [/iopmath] obtained in the simulations are the same as those obtained theoretically by maximization of local mutual information. We conclude that the global dynamics maximizes the local mutual information of single units, which means that the self-selected parameter value of the population dynamics is such that each neuron behaves as an optimal encoder.
Statistical techniques in video data management

Media analysis for video indexing is witnessing an increasing influence of statistical techniques. Examples of these techniques include the use of generative models as well as discriminant techniques for video structuring, classification, summarization, indexing and retrieval. Advances in multimedia analysis are related directly to advances in signal processing, computer vision, pattern recognition, multimedia databases and smart sensors. This paper highlights the statistical techniques in multimedia retrieval with particular emphasis on semantic characterization.
Implementation of a fax distribution system in the local area networks of PCs

An information distribution system that merges personal computer (PC) and facsimile technologies to enhance and expand the capabilities of existing stand-alone facsimile machines is described. The goal is to identify and develop mechanisms to reliably dispatch or receive a page of text or geographical material to or from any place worldwide within one minute. To allow universal compatibility, the system design is based on the CCITT recommendations for Group 3 fax apparatus. Automated sending and receiving processes are devised in a user-friendly, menu-driven environment to minimize human intervention. The information dispatching mechanism is integrated with existing PC word processors, graphics editors, and image databases. The system software is implemented at the application layer of an OSI LAN model as a fax server to provide a cost-effective solution for information exchange that rivals existing document delivery systems. >
An adaptive digital cochlear model

An adaptive digital time-domain model of the human cochlea is presented. The model consists of the middle ear, the mechanical motion of the cochlea, and the neural transconduction of the inner hair cells. The traveling waves on the cochlear partition are represented by a cascade of digital filter sections, and the cochlear micromechanics are modeled by a second filter that sharpens the excitation to the inner hair cell. The model incorporates dynamic-range compression by adjusting the Q of each cochlear filter section and second filter in response to the second-filter velocity and the averaged neural firing rate. >
Shock wave induced damage of a protein by void collapse

In this study, we report on a series of molecular dynamics simulations that were used to examine the effects of shock waves on a membrane-bound ion channel. A planar shock wave was found to compress the ion channel upon impact, but the protein geometry resembles the crystal structure as soon as the solvent density begins to dissipate. When a void was placed in close proximity to the membrane, the shock wave proved to be more destructive to the protein due to formation of a nanojet that results from the asymmetric collapse of the void. The nanojet was able to cause significant structural changes to the protein even at low piston velocities that are not able to directly cause poration of the membrane.
Über das Verhalten der Bariumsulfatmizelle gegenüber Kongorot

Mit Hilfe von Kongorot kann man die Mizellen oder Kristalle (BaSO4)x Ba.. und (BaSO4)y SO4″ voneinander unterscheiden. Bei ersteren tritt eine Adsorption von Kongorotanionen auf, die zur Bildung eines roten oder tief violettroten Niederschlags fuhrt. Im zweiten Falle findet keine Adsorption statt. Die auftretende blaue Farbe ist auf die blau gefarbte freie Kongosaure, die mit farblosen Kristallen untermischt ist, zuruckzufuhren. Das System mus bei einem pH von 3,3 bis 3,5 gehalten werden. Farbstoff und Niederschlag mussen genau in der beschriebenen Weise hergestellt und behandelt werden.
Co-delivery of T helper 1-biasing cytokine genes enhances the efficacy of gene gun immunization of mice: studies with the model tumor antigen β-galactosidase and the BALB/c Meth A p53 tumor-specific antigen

DNA-based immunization is currently being investigated as a new method for the induction of cellular and humoral immunity directed against viral disease and cancer. In the present study we characterized and compared the immune responses induced in mice following particle-bombardment of the skin ('gene gun' immunization) with those elicited by intracutaneous injection of a recombinant adenoviral vector. Using the well characterized beta-galactosidase (beta gal) model Ag system we find that both in vivo gene transfer systems elicit potent and long-lasting anti-beta gal-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses. However, gene gun immunization predominantly promotes the production of anti-beta gal antibodies of the gamma 1 isotype, indicative of a Th2-biased immune response, while intradermal injection of recombinant adenovirus primarily leads to the production of anti-beta gal gamma 2a antibodies, indicative of a Th1-biased immune response. Since viral infections are generally associated with the production of large amounts of IFN-alpha and IL-12, we investigated whether administration of expression plasmids encoding these Th1-associated cytokines along with antigen-encoding cDNA can influence the nature of the immune response resulting from gene gun immunization. We observed that co-delivery of IFN-alpha or IL-12 resulted in increased production of anti-beta gal gamma 2a antibodies. This suggests a shift towards a Th1 phenotype of the resulting immune response, thus mimicking a viral infection. Importantly, gene gun immunization of mice with a naturally occurring tumor antigen, the tumor-specific p53 mutant antigen expressed by the chemically induced BALB/c Meth A sarcoma, required co-delivery of IL-12 for the induction of effective antitumor immunity. These results have important implications for the design of clinically relevant gene gun immunization strategies for tumor immunotherapy.
Self-management of chronic illness: the role of ‘habit’ versus reflective factors in exercise and medication adherence

Non-adherence to health behaviors required for chronic illness self-management is pervasive. Advancing health-behavior theory to include behavioral initiation and maintenance factors, including reflective (e.g., belief- and feedback-based) and automatic (e.g., habit-based) mechanisms of adherence to different treatment-related behaviors could improve non-adherence prediction and intervention efforts. To test behavioral initiation and maintenance factors from an extended common sense self-regulation theoretical framework for predicting medication adherence and physical activity among patients with Type 2 diabetes. Patients (n = 133) in an in-person (n = 80) or online (n = 53) version of the study reported treatment-related (1) barriers, (2) beliefs and experiential feedback (reflective mechanisms of treatment-initiation and short-term repetition), and (3) habit strength (automatic mechanism of treatment-maintenance) for taking medication and engaging in regular physical activity at baseline. Behaviors were assessed via self-reports (n = 133) and objectively (electronic monitoring pill bottles, accelerometers; n = 80) in the subsequent month. Treatment-specific barriers and habit strength predicted self-reported and objective adherence for both behaviors. Beliefs were inconsistently related to behavior, even when habits were "weak". Experiential feedback from behavior was not related to adherence. Among patients with Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, medication and physical activity adherence were better predicted by their degree of automatic behavioral repetition than their beliefs/experiences with the treatment-actions. Habit strength should be an intervention target for chronic illness self-management; assessing it in practice settings may effectively detect non-adherence to existing treatment-regimens. However, future research and further refining of CS-SRM theory regarding the processes required for such habit development are needed.
On The Eigenvalue Distribution Of Adjacency Matrices For Connected Planar Graphs

This paper describes the previously unknown statistical distribution of adjacency matrix spectra for planar graphs, also known as spatial weights matrices, in terms of the following three readily available eigenvalue properties: extremes, rank orderings, and sums of powers. This distribution is governed by at most six parameters that, once known, allow accurate approximations of eigenvalues to be computed without resorting to numerical matrix methods applied on a case-by-case basis. Parameter estimates for illustrative real-world examples are obtained using nonlinear least squares regression techniques. Three conjectures are proposed, and graphical and trend results are reported for a diverse set of planar graph-based matrices.
Measuring the denoising performance of the human visual system for optimum display quality

The human visual system (HVS) is a complicated network of filters and algorithms evolved to provide humans with an optimal set of inputs for the task at hand. Temporal and spatial averaging, matched filter analysis, variable gain settings, real time adjustments and feedback – all of these are seamlessly available to humans as they view the world around them via the HVS. In certain situations, however, these abilities may be limited by circumstances necessitated by the task, such as an intermediate display from an external sensor, constrained viewing distance or gain settings, etc. In order to improve the performance of individuals in these situations, a more thorough understanding of how the HVS compensates and performs is required. This paper investigates the denoising performance of the HVS in the presence of noise and various display settings to establish a baseline for optimal display adjustment quality under environmental or system constraints.
54: Double- and Triple-Hit Aggressive B-cell Lymphomas With Immature Features

Introduction: Double-hit lymphoma (DHL) and triple-hit lymphoma (THL) are morphologically heterogeneous B cell neoplasms characterized by rearrangement of the MYC proto-oncogene with concurrent BCL2 and/or BCL6 gene rearrangement, as detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or conventional cytogenetic analysis (G-banding). DHL and THL are aggressive lymphomas with poor survival rates. Classification according to the 2008 World Health Organization criteria can be challenging, with most cases of DHL and …
Abby H. Price

Abby Price exemplified the increasingly secular language used to advocate women’s rights in the 1850s.
Historians of Customs Unions and Integration Projects

Perhaps I should justify my including historians in a history of thought on the subjects on which they report. Historians select the events and circumstances which they research according to the importance they attach to them; and these implicit valuations of relative importance are necessarily based on some general thoughts and insights. If historians report, for example, on Colbert’s efforts to remove interprovincial trade barriers in France, they evidently imply that such a policy has had some significance for the economic and political development of France and that Colbert may have been aware of that significance, although perhaps — as some have actually tried to show — for reasons not tenable on the ground of present economic theory. If historians report on the free-trade and protectionist debates among the American colonies before the Confederation, on the development of the British system of Imperial Preference, on the creation of the European Economic Community or the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, they cannot help having some point of view — sometimes perhaps a little vague or even naive, but sometimes very clear and explicitly stated — from which they judge the course of events. The views of historians, or their concealed value judgements, may be as important for a history of thought on economic integration as the views of ‘pure’ economic theorists. Representatives of the historical school of economics may attach even more importance to the historians’ accounts than to the theorists’ speculations.
Can Data-Only Exploits be Detected at Runtime Using Hardware Events?: A Case Study of the Heartbleed Vulnerability

In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using an anomaly-based detection scheme that utilizes information collected from hardware performance counters at runtime to detect data-oriented attacks in user space libraries. Using the Heartbleed vulnerability as a test case, we studied twelve different hardware events and used a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model to classify between regular and abnormal behaviors. Our results demonstrated a detection accuracy over 92% for the two-class SVM model and over 70% for the one-class SVM model. We also studied the limitations of using certain type of hardware events and discussed possible implications of their use in detection schemes. Overall, the experiments conducted suggest that data-oriented attacks can be more difficult to detect than control-data exploits, as certain events are susceptible to interference hence less reliable.
Rapid Identification of Aerosol Particles Using Multiplex Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (MCARS)

Spectroscopic identification of particles in a flowing aerosol environment has been challenging due to the inherently short time scales needed to generate a spectrum. Traditional information rich Raman scattering requires long collection times, making it impractical in a complex aerosol system. We have overcome this difficulty by using a single-shot technique for chemical identification, multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (MCARS). MCARS has been shown to generate a complete Raman spectrum of individual aerosol particles using a single laser source divided into two components: an ultrabroadband pulse to coherently drive multiple molecular vibrations simultaneously (830-1000nm) and a narrow probe pulse (785nm). In this paper, we present MCARS spectra obtained from various aerosol species of interest. In addition, analytical removal of the non-resonant background via complex spectral filtering significantly improves MCARS ability to accurately identify species.
A Novel Class of Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase Inhibitors: Structure-Activity Relationships of Homoisoprenoid Triazoles in Myeloma Cells

The secretion of monoclonal protein and the dependence on the surrounding bone marrow microenvironment are key features of malignant plasma cells. We have previously demonstrated that targeting the Rab family of small GTPases via disruption of the post-translational modification geranylgeranylation not only impairs intracellular monoclonal protein trafficking, thus leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis, but also disrupts the interaction of the malignant plasma cells with key components of the bone marrow microenvironment. While developing agents that directly target the enzyme that geranylgeranylates the Rabs, we discovered several compounds that specifically and potently inhibit the enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS). This enzyme is responsible for synthesis of the isoprenoid substrate which is used in geranylgeranylation reactions, thus inhibition of this enzyme is an alternative approach by which to target Rabs. Families of compounds were therefore designed which incorporated a hydrophobic chain, a triazole ring, and a bisphosphonic acid head group. The central triazole provides a potential zinc-binding element, and allows for divergent assembly of potential inhibitors through click chemistry. Through this strategy, prenyl, homoprenyl, geranyl, homogeranyl, farnesyl, homofarnesyl, geranylgeranyl, and homogeranylgeranyl triazole bisphosphonates have been prepared. All of these agents were subjected to in vitro enzyme assays for GGDPS as well as for the related enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS), and IC50’s were determined. Cellular activity in human myeloma cell lines (RPMI-8226, U266, MM.1S) was assessed via immunoblot analysis of representative prenylated proteins. These studies revealed that in all cases, the homologated-version of the allylic triazole is more potent than the corresponding isoprenoid against GGDPS, ranging from 1.1-fold improvement in the homogeranylgeranyl:geranylgeranyl pairing to almost 300-fold in the homogeranyl:geranyl pairing. Chain length was found to be an important factor which determines the inhibitory activity within the homoisoprenoid series: the order of increasing potency against GGDPS was homogeranylgeranyl Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Measure-valued solutions of the continuity equation with a random potential

We will establish the existence and uniqueness of measure-valued solutions of the continuity equation with a random potential.
Disaggregating soil erosion processes within an evolving experimental landscape

Soil-mantled landscapes subjected to rainfall, runoff events, and downstream base level adjustments will erode and evolve in time and space. Yet the precise mechanisms for soil erosion also will vary, and such variations may not be adequately captured by soil erosion prediction technology. This study sought to monitor erosion processes within an experimental landscape filled with packed homogenous soil, which was exogenically forced by rainfall and base level adjustments, and to define the temporal and spatial variation of the erosion regimes. Close-range photogrammetry and terrain analysis were employed as the primary methods to discriminate these erosion regimes. Results show that (1) four distinct erosion regimes can be identified (raindrop impact, sheetflow, rill, and gully), and these regimes conformed to an expected trajectory of landscape evolution; (2) as the landscape evolved, the erosion regimes varied in areal coverage and in relative contribution to total sediment efflux measured at the outlet of the catchment; and (3) the sheetflow and rill erosion regimes dominated the contributions to total soil loss. Disaggregating the soil erosion processes greatly facilitated identifying and mapping each regime in time and space. Such information has important implications for improving soil erosion prediction technology, for assessing landscape degradation by soil erosion, for mapping regions vulnerable to future erosion, and for mitigating soil losses and managing soil resources.
Paternal involvement and support and risk of preterm birth: findings from the Boston birth cohort.

Objective: To investigate to what extent paternal involvement and support during pregnancy were associated with preterm (PTB) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) births.Methods: Using data from the...
Early-Onset Physical Frailty in Adults With Diabesity and Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract Objectives Diabesity (obesity and diabetes mellitus) has been identified as a potential contributor to early-onset frailty. Impairments contributing to early onset of physical frailty in this population are not well understood, and there is little evidence of the impact of peripheral neuropathy on frailty. The purpose of this study was to determine impairments that contribute to early-onset physical frailty in individuals with diabesity and peripheral neuropathy. Methods We studied 105 participants, 82 with diabesity and peripheral neuropathy (57 years of age, body mass index [BMI] 31 kg/m2); 13 with diabesity only (53 years of age, BMI 34 kg/m2) and 10 obese controls (67 years of age, BMI 32 kg/m2). Peripheral neuropathy was determined using Semmes Weinstein monofilaments; physical frailty was classified using the 9-item, modified Physical Performance Test; and knee extension and ankle plantarflexion peak torques were measured using isokinetic dynamometry. Results Participants with diabesity and peripheral neuropathy were 7.4 times more likely to be classified as physically frail. Impairments in lower-extremity function were associated with classification of frailty. Conclusions Individuals with diabesity and peripheral neuropathy are particularly likely to be classified as frail. Earlier identification and interventions aimed at improving lower-extremity function may be important to mitigate the early-onset functional decline.
Incentive-Based Interventions: Historical Context and New Directions

There is growing recognition of the need for effective interventions to promote healthy behavior change. The use of incentives is one promising treatment wherein objectively verified measures of behavior change are reinforced, generally with monetary incentives, goods, or services. While the use of incentives began in the fields of obesity and substance use disorders (SUDs), most of its development has occurred within the latter. More than four decades of research in SUDs has resulted in a more unified view of drug use as a modifiable behavior that follows general behavioral principles. More recently the use of incentives has again gained interest in the area of obesity while also expanding into a variety of other areas, including medication adherence, physician performance, international efforts to combat health disparities, and family planning. With these expansions come new challenges, including new ethical considerations when using incentives in the health field.
An improved Mach cut-off Model based on a 3-D ray tracing method and realistic atmospheric data

This research aims to assess the possibilities for Mach cut-off flight over land. An improved Mach cut-off model has been developed using a 3-D ray tracing method. Based on the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA), a radiosonde dataset from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) consisting of radiosonde and pilot balloon observations, the influence of realistic atmospheric profiles and flight conditions on cut-off Mach numbers is examined. Examples are given for certain busy air routes in the United States. [Work supported by the FAA. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASCENT FAA Center of Excellence sponsor organizations.]This research aims to assess the possibilities for Mach cut-off flight over land. An improved Mach cut-off model has been developed using a 3-D ray tracing method. Based on the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA), a radiosonde dataset from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) consisting of radiosonde and pilot balloon observations, the influence of realistic atmospheric profiles and flight conditions on cut-off Mach numbers is examined. Examples are given for certain busy air routes in the United States. [Work supported by the FAA. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASCENT FAA Center of Excellence sponsor organizations.]
2-[(Di-methyl-phenyl-phosphanyl-idene)aza-nium-yl]-5-methyl-benzene-sulfonate benzene monosolvate.

The title compound, C15H18NO3PS·C6H6, is a rare example of a crystallographically characterized exocyclic phosphiniminium–arene­sulfonate zwitterion, which crystallises as its benzene solvate. The crystal structure shows that the N atom is protonated and that the iminium H atom forms both intra- and inter­molecular hydrogen bonds to the single-bonded sulfonate O atom in an R22(4) graph-set motif. The dihedral angle between the aromatic rings in the main molecule is 89.49 (8)°.
RNA Polymerase Mutations Selected during Experimental Evolution Enhance Replication of a Hybrid Vaccinia Virus with an Intermediate Transcription Factor Subunit Replaced by the Myxoma Virus Ortholog.

High-throughput DNA sequencing enables the study of experimental evolution in near real time. Until now, mutants with deletions of nonessential host range genes were used in experimental evolution of vaccinia virus (VACV). Here, we guided the selection of adaptive mutations that enhanced the fitness of a hybrid virus in which an essential gene had been replaced with an ortholog from another poxvirus genus. Poxviruses encode a complete system for transcription, including RNA polymerase and stage-specific transcription factors. The abilities of orthologous intermediate transcription factors from other poxviruses to substitute for those of VACV, as determined by transfection assays, corresponded with the degree of amino acid identity. VACV in which the A8 or A23 intermediate transcription factor subunit gene was replaced by the myxoma (MYX) virus ortholog exhibited decreased replication. During three parallel serial passages of the hybrid virus with the MYXA8 gene, plaque sizes and virus yields increased. DNA sequencing of virus populations at passage 10 revealed high frequencies of five different single nucleotide mutations in the two largest RNA polymerase subunits, RPO147 and RPO132, and two different Kozak consensus sequence mutations predicted to increase translation of the MYXA8 mRNA. Surprisingly, there were no mutations within either intermediate transcription factor subunit. Based on homology with Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase, the VACV mutations were predicted to be buried within the internal structure of the enzyme. By directly introducing single nucleotide substitutions into the genome of the original hybrid virus, we demonstrated that both RNA polymerase and translation-enhancing mutations increased virus replication independently. IMPORTANCE Previous studies demonstrated the experimental evolution of vaccinia virus (VACV) following deletion of a host range gene important for evasion of host immune defenses. We have extended experimental evolution to essential genes that cannot be deleted but could be replaced by a divergent orthologous gene from another poxvirus. Replacement of a VACV transcription factor gene with one from a distantly related poxvirus led to decreased fitness as evidenced by diminished replication. Serially passaging the hybrid virus at a low multiplicity of infection provided conditions for selection of adaptive mutations that improved replication. Notably, these included five independent mutations of the largest and second largest RNA polymerase subunits. This approach should be generally applicable for investigating adaptation to swapping of orthologous genes encoding additional essential proteins of poxviruses as well as other viruses.
Outcomes of Superficial and Deep Irrigation and Debridement in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Following total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, wound-related problems and deep periprosthetic joint infection may present in a similar fashion. Irrigation and debridement (I&D) has a great role in management of patients with early infection. The question that often arises is how to tell the difference between superficial and deep infection. This study evaluated the role and outcomes of both superficial and deep I&D in patients with wound-related issues and/or suspected periprosthetic joint infection. Methods A retrospective study was conducted evaluating patients who underwent I&D within 28 days of total joint arthroplasty. A total of 176 cases with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were identified, and clinical records were reviewed in detail. Reoperations included superficial (fascia not opened) or deep (fascia opened) I&D. Failure was defined as the need for further surgical intervention within 1 year of initial I&D. Results The overall success for superficial I&D was 84.28% vs 68.86% for deep I&D. The success of both deep and superficial I&D was higher if the I&D was performed closer to the index surgery. Superficial I&D in patients with a positive joint aspiration or evidence of intraoperative purulence or those in whom had no subcutaneous fluid had higher failure rates. Conclusion Superficial I&D is a viable option in patients with wound-related issues as long as joint aspiration is performed to rule out infection involving the prosthesis. If there are findings of no fluid or purulence, fascia may need to be opened and the deeper tissues explored.
Trends in steroid agent and diluent choices for epidural steroid injections: a survey of Spine Intervention Society physicians

Background Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a frequently used treatment for refractory radicular spinal pain. ESIs, particularly transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI), may provide pain relief and delay the need for surgery. Corticosteroid agent and diluent choices are known to impact the safety of ESIs. In particular, the risk of embolization with particulate corticosteroids has led to recommendations for non-particulate steroid use by the Multisociety Pain Workgroup. Additionally, there is in vitro evidence that ropivacaine can crystalize in the presence of dexamethasone, potentially creating a particulate-like injectate. Despite widespread use and known risk mitigation strategies, current practice trends related to steroid and diluent choices are unknown. Objective Identify the use of particulate versus non-particulate corticosteroids for epidural steroid injections in the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as local anesthetics commonly used as diluents during these procedures. Methods Cross-sectional survey study of 314 physician members of the Spine Interventional Society. Results 41% and 9% of providers reported using particulate corticosteroids during lumbar TFESIs and cervical TFESI, respectively. Four per cent of providers reported the use of ropivacaine in cervical TFESIs. Forty-four per cent of respondents reported using anesthetic in cervical interlaminar ESIs. 21% of providers report using high volumes (> 4.5 mL) during cervical interlaminar ESIs. Conclusion Current trends, as assessed by this survey study, indicate substantial variability in steroid and diluent choice for ESIs. Patterns were identified that may impact patient safety including the continued use of particulate corticosteroids for TFESIs and the use of ropivacaine during TFESIs by a subset of respondents.
BCB benchmarking for three-independent-gate field effect transistors

In this book chapter, a detailed explanation is given for the introduction of TIGFET devices into the BCB methodology. The fundamental principles of TIGFET technology are presented. The intrinsic device model under consideration is described and the basic circuit-level opportunities are investigated. The equations for area, delay, energy, and power for the various circuits are listed and the results are outlined and thoroughly examined.
Axiomatic foundations and algorithms for deciding semantic equivalences of SQL queries

Deciding the equivalence of SQL queries is a fundamental problem in data management. As prior work has mainly focused on studying the theoretical limitations of the problem, very few implementations for checking such equivalences exist. In this paper, we present a new formalism and implementation for reasoning about the equivalences of SQL queries. Our formalism, U-semiring, extends SQL's semiring semantics with unbounded summation and duplicate elimination. U-semiring is defined using only very few axioms and can thus be easily implemented using proof assistants such as Lean for automated query reasoning. Yet, they are sufficient enough to enable us reason about sophisticated SQL queries that are evaluated over bags and sets, along with various integrity constraints. To evaluate the effectiveness of U-semiring, we have used it to formally verify 68 equivalent queries and rewrite rules from both classical data management research papers and real-world SQL engines, where many of them have never been proven correct before.
Utilizing the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon and Dental Implant Anchorage for Distalization and Intrusion of a Mesially Tipped Mandibular Molar: A Case Report

Introduction Introduction of a surgical insult in conjunction with orthodontic therapy has been shown to accelerate treatment in minor tooth movement and comprehensive orthodontic cases by induction of the regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP). When applying this concept to a molar tipped into an adjacent edentulous site, a dental implant can be planned to anchor the movement. Case presentation A generally and periodontally healthy 25-year-old patient presented missing tooth #19, with tooth #18 mesially tipped into the first molar crown space. A dental implant was placed in the #19 position. Following osseointegration, the implant anchored orthodontic movement of the adjacent tooth, which was initiated in conjunction with third molar extraction. Conclusion Favorable biomechanics for molar uprighting can be achieved using an osseointegrated implant and a customized orthodontic device. The presented technique facilitates implant site development without delaying placement of the fixture and simplifies fabrication of a harmonious and anatomic implant-supported restoration. Induction of the RAP may hasten treatment completion.
Using 3D-Scene Data from a Mobile Detector System to Model Gamma-Ray Backgrounds

Integration of contextual sensors into vehicle-borne mobile radiation detector systems delivers a rich description of the environment that could be used to estimate the complex and variable environmental gamma-ray backgrounds in urban areas. The predictions could potentially increase the sensitivity to illicit radiological and nuclear materials and could provide realistic inputs to urban radiological search simulations and algorithms. Recent work in this field has focused mainly on the predictive power of segmenting and classifying imagery from cameras and elected in its approach to aggregate the locations of gamma-ray interactions within the fielded detector array to a single point. This work builds upon the previous effort by leveraging LiDARs to create a 3D representation of the detector system and the surrounding scenery and demonstrates further improvement in the capability of attributing observed gamma-ray backgrounds to classes of surrounding materials.
A review of self-encoding language models for bidirectional representation

This paper presents a survey and implementation of BERT language models by analyzing and summarizing its superiority or limitations in relevant tasks and the reasons for it. On this basis, a family of BERT-like models is collected to address these limitations - namely, ERNIE 2.0 (Baidu) by adding and refining pre-training tasks and MT-DNN (MICROSOFT) by introducing multi-task learning downstream. By comparing the changes in the native models with controlling variables for specific tasks and the impact of pre-training on the models in real-world applications with the same language model architecture, we summarize and outlook the potential directions and characteristics of future technological iterations in the field of natural language processing in language modeling.
Diagnosing DI (The Water Deprivation Test)

In individuals with intact thirst and adequate fluid intake, the identification of diabetes insipidus may be challenging due to normal serum sodium levels and normal serum osmolality. In such cases, a water deprivation test can prove critical in indirectly assessing the activity of anti-diuretic hormone within the body. Lack of urinary concentration in the context of dehydration is diagnostic of diabetes insipidus. Response to exogenous arginine vasopressin analogs can help distinguish central from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Colloquium 3 Commentary on Giannopoulou

In these comments I express doubts about the success of one aspect of Giannopoulou’s intertextual reading of the Theaetetus and Alcibiades I. I argue that the role of interpersonal eros in prompting or bringing about self-knowledge in another is not adequately accounted for; it is not clear what an eros adds to the dialectic in the Alcibiades. If a robust role for eros as a vehicle of self-knowledge is sought, then the Phaedrus is the more illuminating dialogue because it shows how the lover and beloved are transformed by their eros. But comparisons to the Phaedrus would draw the Alcibiades away from the view of self-knowledge found in the Apology and in Giannopoulou’s interpretation of the Theaetetus.
Defining political corruption : the Supreme Court's role

no, Defining Political Corruption: The Supreme Court's Role Paul S. Edwards iN3 i iTUTF Oi-' GOV'c STUD;E3 LieriAHY Ui-'lVtHSi i'Y Or GALihCFiiiiA Working Paper 95-19 IGS INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY
Regulation of recruitment by individual scouts in Formica oreas Wheeler (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Individual scouts ofFormica oreas are capable of communicating resource availability, location and quality to nest mates. Recruited foragers can perceive and respond to differences in recruitment stimuli of individual scouts. Significantly more workers followed the path of an individual scout from a more rewarding food source than from a less rewarding food source. These findings suggest recruitment in ant colonies is regulated by recruited workers “weighing” recruitment stimuli of scouts returning from numerous areas about the nest.
Cognitive inflexibility as a prospective predictor of suicidal ideation among young adults with a suicide attempt history

Background: Previous studies suggest that people attempt suicide because they are cognitively inflexible, but past research suggesting a link between cognitive inflexibility and suicidal thoughts and behavior has been limited by cross-sectional designs. This study examined whether cognitive inflexibility differentially and prospectively predicted suicidal ideation among young adults with and without a history of a suicide attempt. Methods: A sample of 45 young adults with (n = 13) or without (n = 32) a suicide attempt history completed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), a diagnostic interview, and self-report measures of hopelessness, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation, and were followed up 6 months later to reassess suicidal ideation. Results: Cognitive inflexibility, as measured by perseverative errors on the WCST, predicted suicidal ideation at 6-month follow-up, among suicide attempters, but not among nonattempters, adjusting for the presence of a baseline mood or anxiety diagnosis, hopelessness, and baseline suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Cognitive inflexibility may increase vulnerability to suicidal ideation over time among individuals with a previous suicide attempt history. Implications for interventions with suicide attempters are discussed. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
The physical interaction of gases with crystalline solids: I. Gas-solid energies and properties of isolated adsorbed atoms☆

Abstract It is shown that the potential energy of a gas atom interacting with a solid having a surface made up of single type of exposed lattice plane can be expressed as a Fourier series in the position variables in the plane parallel to the surface. Assuming that the total interaction is a pair-wise sum of gas atom-solid atom terms, an analytic expression for the Fourier coefficients is obtained for inverse power law interactions that is a generalization of an earlier result of Hove and Krumhansl. Gas-solid potentials calculated for several surface lattices by direct summation are compared with those given by the truncated Fourier series, and it is concluded that a satisfactory representation of the energy is obtained even when the number of terms included is small. The truncated series is then utilized to calculate Henry's Law adsorption constants and average energies for an isolated adsorbed atom. These results are compared with calculations based on completely localized and perfectly mobile adsorption models.
Role of placenta in fetal lipid metabolism

Placental contribution to fetal phospholipid metabolism was assessed by injection of P 32 –C 14 -glycerol double-labeled phospholipids into pregnant rabbits at term. Maternal tissues showed little change in phospholipid specific activity ratio. Immediate placental absorption of injected phospholipids was observed, with little alteration in placental phospholipid specific activity ratio. Some ratio reduction was noted in fetal liver. In umbilical vein and fetal plasma phospholipids the ratio decrease was marked. This indicated placental breakdown followed by resynthesis. Higher concentration and larger amounts of radioactivity of higher specific activity in phospholipids of umbilical vein plasma than in fetal plasma offered evidence for placental resynthesis. Thus, placenta appeared as source of fetal plasma phospholipids. Significance of these findings was discussed in terms of placental control of quality and quantity of lipids that the fetus receives from the mother.
HUMAN DENTAL CALCULUS INORGANIC CHEMICAL AND CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION

Abstract The inorganic chemical and crystallographic composition of seventy-three dental calculus samples of known origin has been investigated. The findings showed the average ash content to be 77%. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, fluoride and carbon dioxide averaged 34, 19, 0.9, 0.05 and 1.8% respectively on an ash weight basis. Significantly higher amounts of magnesium were found in subgingival calculus (1.2%) and posterior supragingival calculus (0.9%) than in anterior supragingival calculus (0.7%). Fluoride was higher in subgingival samples (0.08%) than in supragingival samples (0.03 %). Carbon dioxide was lower in posterior supragingival samples (1.3%) than in other samples (1.9%). X-ray crystallographic findings showed hydroxyapatite, whitlockite and octacalcium phosphate to occur in more than 80% of the samples, each accounting for approximately one third of the mineral phase. Brushite occurred infrequently and only in small amounts. Apatite was found least frequently in posterior supragingival calculus. Whitlockite was most abundant in subgnigival calculus, while octacalcium phosphate was found most abundant in supragingival posterior samples. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.76) was observed between the magnesium content of the calculus and the whitlockite abundance. The carbon dioxide content showed positive correlation (r = 0.52) with apatite abundance. The fluoride concentration did not appear related to any crystalline phase.
Revoking the Lawyers' License to Discriminate in New York: The Demise of a Traditional Professional Prerogative

Despite over a century in American society toward the elimination of invidious discrimination, the right of an attorney to reject a potential client based on any criterion remains virtually unfettered. Lawyers have avoided the consequences of federal and state antidiscrimination law because they are seen as engaging in private practice and outside the scope of the civil rights acts. Challenges have, nevertheless, been made.This article examines the challenges to a lawyer’s right to discriminate in the selection of clients in New York. The examination explores the traditional support for discretion in selecting client and provides a critique. The article also examines legislative history of antidiscrimination laws and case law comprising the legal challenge to the lawyer’s license to discriminate.
Effect of Maltose on Glucoamylase Formation by Aspergillus niger

Low levels of glucoamylase are produced when Aspergillus niger is grown on sorbitol, but substitution of the latter by glucose, maltose, or starch results in greater formation of glucoamylase as measured by enzymatic activity. Both glucoamylase I and glucoamylase II are formed in a yeast extract medium; however, glucoamylase I appears to be the only form produced when ammonium chloride is the nitrogen source. Maltose or isomaltose (1.4 × 10−4m), but no other disaccharides or monosaccharides, dextrins, dextrans, or starches, stimulated glucoamylase formation when added to mycelia pregrown on sorbitol-ammonium salts. The induction of glucoamylase by maltose was independent of sulfate concentration but showed a dependency on low pH and the absence of utilizable carbon sources.
Purification and characterization of fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase, a substrate-specific cytosolic enzyme from leaves.

Abstract Fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.46), which hydrolyzes fructose 2,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate and Pi, has been purified to apparent homogeneity from spinach leaves and found to be devoid of fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase activity. The isolated enzyme is a dimer (76 kDa determined by gel filtration) composed of two 33-kDa subunits. The enzyme is highly specific and displays hyperbolic kinetics with its fructose 2,6-bisphosphate substrate (Km = 32 microM). The products of the reaction, fructose 6-phosphate and Pi, along with AMP and Mg2+ are inhibitors of the enzyme. Nonaqueous cell fractionation revealed that, like the fructose 2,6-bisphosphate substrate, fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase as well as fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase occur in the cytosol of spinach leaves.