cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability assessment of non-Foster circuits based on time-domain method

Non-Foster circuits are attractive for microwave and antenna applications since they are not restricted by the gain-bandwidth product. A persistent problem with these circuits is the potential instability (mainly unwanted oscillations) due to the presence of positive feedback. The stability properties of these circuits are discussed with a time-domain technique that computes the largest (maximal) Lyapunov exponent (MLE) for time-series signals within the circuit's structure as well as at its output to determine with confidence the circuit's stability. In case of instability, the circuit is stabilised with different controllers. A circuit or system is considered stable when the MLEs obtained from signals at multiple nodes are negative. Moreover, the effect of small DC bias variations on stability is also studied. The proposed stability analysis approach has been successfully applied to two known topologies: namely, negative impedance converters and inverters.
Predicting Streambed Sediment and Water Column Escherichia coli Levels at Watershed Scale

A sub-model for the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is developed to predict Escherichia coli levels in the streambed sediment as well as in the water column. New formulations to estimate the levels of E. coli in streambed sediment and the water column are derived. These equations include calculations of E. coli resuspension from the streambed sediment to the water column, E. coli deposition from the water column to the streambed sediment, E. coli growth in the streambed sediment and the water column, and instream E. coli routing. These formulations were programmed in FORTRAN and integrated into SWAT. The modified SWAT model was applied to Squaw Creek Watershed, Iowa, to predict E. coli levels in the stream. Escherichia coli concentrations in the streambed sediment and the water column were monitored extensively in this watershed, and observations were used to verify the model predictions. The model proposed here can predict E. coli concentrations in streambed sediment as well as in the water column. Approximately 58% of the predictions of E. coli levels in the bed sediment were within 1 order of magnitude from the observed value, and in the water column 83% of the predictions of E. coli levels were within 1 order of magnitude. Results suggest that the proposed model will help predictions of instream bacterial contamination.
Plasma iodine 131 levels as diagnostic tests for lethal X-radiation exposure in rats.

SummaryBy determining plasma levels of trace amounts of radio-iodine in rats 24 hours after injection and 72 hours after x-ir-radiation with 0 to 900 r, it was possible to divide the animals into sublethal and lethal exposure groups with an accuracy of 83 to 95%, depending on whether a false diagnosis of lethal exposure is acceptable. There appeared to be a reversal of the effect on I131 level at doses in excess of 900 r, which might be of value in triage. At these dose levels, the diagnosis of severe radiation injury was obvious from the appearance of the animals and the combined clinical impression of severe damage and a negative I131 test might facilitate the diagnosis of supralethal exposure.
Laboratory Studies on the Biology of Rhopalosiphum padi (Homoptera: Aphidae)

When R. padi (L.) was reared at 13°, 23°, 26°, and 30°C, the average nymphal production per female was 30, 42, 50, and 10.9 respectively. The time for a complete generation varied from 21.7 days at 13°C to 5.2 days at 26°C. The lower temperature limit for development was approximately 8°C; the upper limit was about 27°C. Twenty-eight species of Gramineae were tested and most were found suitable as hosts of R. padi.
Current trends in immunodiagnosis of candidiasis and aspergillosis.

The methods and reagents currently used for the immunodiagnosis of aspergillosis and candidiasis are reviewed. Problems associated with these techniques and approaches to resolving these problems are discussed. Latex agglutination and precipitin tests are used for detection of antibody in immunocompetent hosts. However, these tests are apparently inadequate when applied to the diagnosis of systemic candidiasis in compromised hosts. Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) and radioimmunoassays (RIAs) can be used to detect antibodies in immunocompetent and compromised patients, but their value is limited because antibodies to the Candida species are detectable in healthy as well as colonized and infected patients. EIAs and RIAs are, however, promising for detection of antigenemia in patients with aspergillosis or candidiasis, and gas-liquid chromatography has been developed for the quantitation of serum arabinitol and mannose in candidiasis. Antigens of the Aspergillus and Candida species may circulate in patients' sera in the form of immune complexes. These may readily be dissociated by a variety of methods to permit the detection of diagnostically important antigens. Studies are being carried out to increase the sensitivity and reliability of these tests through the use of monoclonal antibodies and purified, clinically relevant antigens.
The Isolation and Identification of Swine Bordetella bronchiseptica

126 portions of the lung tissue samples or nasal swabs with respiratory symptoms,collected from number of pig farms in Henan province,were used to isolate and identify Bordetella bronchiseptica(Bb).According to bacterial culture characteristics,Gram staining,biochemical tests and PCR,11 strains Bb have been successfully isolated.Three important virulent factors(fha,prn,dnt) for Bb were tested by PCR,most of the PCR results obtained corresponding DNA target bands except that two strains Bb didn't get prn gene target bands.Erythrocyte agglutination assay showed all kinds of strains were able to agglutinate pig and sheep's erythrocyte at different degree.Skin necrosis in suckling mice showed all kinds of strains were able to produce skin necrosis to different extent.Virulent strains(HN0610,HN0806,HN0922,HN0827) were confirmed by mouse lethal.
1PL-1 : APPLICATION OF MATERIALS SCIENCE TO BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES

The new content and power capability of a battery depend critically on the chemical nature as well as the structure of the active materials. In this paper, criteria for the choice of active materials in consumer batteries are presented. Two equally valid , but conceptually very different approaches, to the development of new/improved battery active materials are discussed. One approach is to utilize the " Design of experiments" method to determine an optimal process for synthesizing materials of desired properties; the second approach is to design modify materials based on a thorough scientific understanding of the chemistry and structure aspects of materials. Practical examples are given to illustrate these two methods.
Investigating Redundant Encoding Methods for Tactile Messaging in Multitask Scenarios

In domains characterized by high demand for visual resources of human operators, multitasking performance may be supported when some task-relevant data are communicated via nonvisual channels, such as the sense of touch. Previous research has shown that humans can interpret moderately complex tactile messages and gain performance benefits when when tactile displays are introduced in multitasking domains. The benefits are assumed to stem from a reduced competition for visual resources; however, multitasking performance can also be affected by competition for cognitive processing resources, such as spatial or symbolic working memory. Thus when selecting tactile signal dimensions for encoding messages (e.g., in spatial or temporal patterns), multitasking can be best supported when the cognitive processing demands of concurrent tasks are considered. This study sought to investigate tactile messages that were encoded redundantly and thus could be fully interpreted by engaging either spatial or symbolic processing resources. These messages should better support performance overall as the cognitive resources required for a concurrent visual task varied. Results showed that as expected, dual-task performance was worse when tactile and visual tasks required the same processing code. Redundantly encoded tactile signals showed some promise for offering a means to reduce processing interference but may also negatively affect performance due to a higher overall processing load due to signal complexity.
Algebra and Topology in Cardinal Utility Theory

When do cardinal preferences have cardinal utilities? If D is a quaternary relation on a set X, when does there exist a “utility function ” f : X → Re satisfying: $$ xyDzw \Leftrightarrow f(x) - f(y)\underline \geqslant \;f(z) - f(w) $$ (1.1) for all x,y,z,wɛX?
Can Cognitive Assistants Disappear

Pervasive computing is founded on the idea of technology disappearing from view and weaving itself into the fabric of our everyday lives. How does this idea apply to cognitive assistants, which are not intended to disappear? Ebling considers this question and identifies some of the ways cognitive assistants might weave their way into our lives without disappearing entirely.
Narrative change, narrative stability, and structural constraint: The case of prisoner reentry narratives

Cultural sociologists and other social scientists have increasingly used the concept of narrative as a theoretical tool to understand how individuals make sense of the links between their past, present, and future, how individuals construct social identities from cultural building blocks, and how culture shapes social action and individual behavior. Despite its richness, we contend that the narratives literature has yet to grapple with narrative change and stability when structural constraints or barriers challenge personal narratives and narrative identities. Particularly for marginalized groups, the potential incompatibility of personal narratives with daily experiences raises questions about the capacity of narratives to influence behavior and decision-making. In this study we draw on prospective longitudinal data on the reentry narratives and narrative identities of former prisoners to understand how narratives do and not change when confronted with contradictory experiences and structural constraints. We identify and describe the processes generating narrative change and stability among our subjects. These findings inform a framework for studying narrative change and stability based on four factors: the content of the narrative itself, the structural circumstances experienced by the individual, the institutional contexts in which the individual is embedded, and the social networks in which the individual is embedded.
The effects of in utero cocaine-exposure on the heart rate and heart rate variability of near and full term infants following orthostatic stress

To understand the effects of in utero cocaine exposure on the developing fetus, we studied the heart rate and the heart rate variability (HRV) in near and full term cocaine-exposed infants during quiet sleep supine and following orthostatic stress. 21 cocaine-exposed and 23 control infants were studied within 120 hours of birth. 30-minute segments of the electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded with the infant, horizontal followed by the infant in a 25/spl deg/ head-up tilt. The cocaine-exposed group, as compared with the control group, had a trend toward an increase in heart rate in the horizontal position and a significant increase in heart rate following the tilt. The frequency components of the heart rate were lower in the horizontal position and increased following the orthostatic stress. These results are consistent with the known pharmacological actions of cocaine and demonstrate the possible adverse neonatal effects of cocaine abuse during pregnancy.
Access to Information and Transparency Provisions in Petroleum Laws in Africa: A Comparative Analysis

Petroleum laws are being developed or reformed in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recent discoveries of oil and natural gas in Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, and other countries have led to the development of more comprehensive petroleum regulatory regimes (BBC, 2012; Guardian, 2012). Established producers, such as Nigeria, have also taken steps to reform their laws to address new contexts and challenges, including national and international demands for increased scrutiny and transparency in the extractive industry sector. For example, several governments and corporations have endorsed the voluntary disclosure standards of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).1 In Africa, Nigeria (2007) and Liberia (2009) have passed EITI legislation (EITI, 2009; NEITI, 2012).
Post-Broadcast Democracy: How Media Choice Increases Inequality in Political Involvement and Polarizes Elections

1. Introduction 2. Conditional political learning Part I. The Participatory Effects of Media Choice: 3. Broadcast television, political knowledge, and turnout 4. From low choice to high choice: the impact of cable tv and internet on news exposure, political knowledge, and turnout 5. From low choice to high choice: does greater media choice affect total news consumption and average turnout? Part II. The Political Effects of Media Choice: 6. Broadcast television, partisanship, and the incumbency advantage 7. Partisan polarization in the high-choice media environment 8. Divided by choice: audience fragmentation and political inequality in the post-broadcast media environment.
Aligning Medical Staff Within the Academic Medical Center

This chapter focuses on the transformation of the URMFG practice from a federated academic model to a multispecialty group practice model. While physicians are better informed about the business environment, more accountable for patient outcomes and practice efficiency, and poised for success in evolving payment models that include narrow networks and risk-bearing contracts, the current health care environment has generated new unprecedented performance pressure. This has stimulated significant change within the profession and redefined relationships between physicians, physician groups, hospitals, health systems, and payers. The maturation of the physicians as a group results from a shared vision and practice principles, a strong governance structure, a focus on key performance metrics and a compensation plan that rewards achievement on those metrics and fully aligns incentives at number of levels. Despite this external downward pressure, for an academic medical center, the critical feature remains a constant focus on the academic mission.
Precollege Mathematics Software: Limitations and Potential

ABSTRACT The effects of recent software on mathematics instruction in the elementary and secondary schools are analyzed in terms of students' achievement, students' attitude towards mathematics, changes in the relative importance of traditional topics, and teachers' ability to understand and manage the associated technology. An examination of new developments in software design shows a continuation of the conformity prevalent in many educational textbooks, a lack of imagination in the presentation of mathematical ideas, and a lack of effort in exploiting the power of the new generation of personal computers. Examples of innovative learning materials are discussed, and case studies of classroom applications in New York City Public Schools are presented. Pertinent research is reviewed.
Where His Feet Had Trodden: The Space of the “Eastern” Carpet in Hans Memling’s Saint John Altarpiece

“The heterotopia,” Michel Foucault writes, is “capable of juxtaposing in a single real place several places, several sites that are in themselves incompatible.” This paper argues for a heterotopic understanding of the Oriental carpet in its depicted form within Hans Memling’s paintings of Christ and Mary. Memling’s painted carpets are imagined territorially and to introduce a different kind of space into images otherwise tentatively whole. Such an understanding not only pushes against a narrative in which Eastern objects in Northern interiors primarily suggest a flourishing economy but also demonstrates the painted carpet’s participation in the tradition of virtual pilgrimage and the Holy Land relic. Though far from sacred in its domestic use in Northern Europe, the carpet achieves a latent symbolic function when represented in Memling’s painting. It is transformed into a generalized relic of walking and marks a moment of encounter between a holy body and an object made thereby holy too.
Setting up a Clinical Trial Research Office

Setting the infrastructure for the management of a multicenter trial is critical for the success of the trial. The infrastructure should consist at a minimum of the chair’s office, the coordinating center, and an executive committee. Each participating center should have its own administrative infrastructure as well. Depending on the study, a central research pharmacy, central pathology, central laboratory, and central radiology units might be needed. An endpoint adjudication committee, independent data monitoring committee, as well as human rights committee might need to be in place.
The Role and Functions of the Company Librarian

(1977). The Role and Functions of the Company Librarian. Research Management: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 38-40.
Smart integrated-optics displacement/force sensor based on speckle pattern detection using neural net with 0.1Åresolution

Abstract The use of a multimode optical fiber in sensing displacements of the order of 0.1Ahas been reported. It has been shown that for very small movements induced at the center of the free-standing portion of the fiber, the behavior of the sensor is linear. The movement is caused by the vibration of an actuator that is in contact with the center of the free-standing portion of the fiber. The authors, however, caution that the expected nonlinearity of the sensor upon large vibrations restricts the general applicability in displacement sensing. In this paper, we use the same sensor assembly and show how a related nonlinear behavior can be taken care of by a neural network, pointing a way to obviate this limitation. Thus, the use of a neural network in an integrated-optics sensor for the first time has been a very useful start, showing that a sensor to measure displacements of 0.1Aresolution is now feasible. The speckle configuration depends not only on the amplitude of vibration of the actuator, but also on the mean position of the fiber. It is found that the output of a photodetector, placed so as to measure a small region of the speckle configuration, follows a nonlinear function as the mean position of the fiber is varied. We have trained a neural network to learn this nonlinear function. The neural network trained for displacement values within a 1.5 μm range is found to generalize with less than ± 0.015 μm error in the input range. It is found that a functional-link net with 11 functional links and 4 neurons can be trained for a convergence criterion of 5 × 10 −6 in less than 1000 iterations. The error in the individual targeted output during training is less than ±0.01 μm.
The Prevalence of Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A Computed Tomography–Based Analysis of 2,917 Patients

Abstract Study Design Cross-sectional study. Objective To determine the prevalence of KFS in asymptomatic patients in New York State. Summary of Background Data Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is characterized by congenitally fused cervical vertebrae and may not be diagnosed clinically because most patients do not have the classic triad of short neck, low posterior hairline, and decreased neck range of motion. KFS may be associated with abnormalities such as congenital scoliosis and deafness, and patients are at higher risk for neurologic injury following cervical spine trauma. The prevalence of KFS has not been evaluated in a large series but is estimated to occur every 40,000 births. Methods A total of 3,534 cervical computed tomography (CT) scans at the emergency department of a level I trauma center were obtained during a one-year period. Duplicate scans and outside hospital imaging were excluded, resulting in 2,917 cervical CT scans for review. Demographic information was collected, and if KFS was present, level(s) fused, Samartzis classification type, and presence of cervical scoliosis and cervical spine fractures were recorded. Results The prevalence of KFS was 0.0058% (1 in 172). Of the 17 subjects with KFS, 8 were female and 9 were male. The most commonly fused levels were C5–C6 and C2–C3. All 17 subjects were classified as Samartzis type I, with a single congenitally fused cervical segment. None of the subjects had cervical scoliosis or cervical spine fractures. Conclusions The prevalence of KFS in our series is much higher than previously described. Because clinical diagnosis may not be reliable, it is likely that this condition is underreported and may only be found incidentally on imaging. Level of Evidence Level III.
THRESHOLD AND CONDUCTION PROPERTIES OF A DIFFUSION MODEL OF A MYELINATED AXON

Abstract In this paper we formulate a model of a myelinated fiber, where the internodal length is scaled to one and the equations for transmembrane potential take the form We then give some threshold results for a special class of current-voltage relations, I(v), and show how to derive a relationship between conduction speed of an action potential and various model parameters.
Mechanisms of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Formation of Pneumotoxic Electrophiles

Toxicity to lung tissues from systemically circulated chemicals is largely mediated by the bioactivation of these agents by cytochrome P450 enzymes. The toxicity to lung cells is generally caused by reactive electrophiles that are formed as a result of oxygenation or desaturation of the starting xenobiotic molecule. Examples of the reactive intermediates include epoxides, quinone methides, methylene imines, and acyl halides. Selective lung toxicants include naphthalene, butylated hydroxytoluene, 4-ipomeanol, and 3-methylindole (3MI). Examples of pneumotoxic electrophiles that are formed by P450-mediated oxidation of the parent molecules are shown in Figure 1. Also shown are the P450 enzymes that have been proposed to be responsible for the bioactivation of each compound.
Ankyrin domain encoding genes from an ancient horizontal transfer are functionally integrated into Nasonia developmental gene regulatory networks

How regulatory networks incorporate additional components and how novel genes are functionally integrated into well-established developmental processes are two important and intertwined questions whose answers have major implications for understanding the evolution of development. We recently discovered a set of lineage-restricted genes with strong and specific expression patterns along the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis of the embryo of the wasp Nasonia that may serve as a powerful system for addressing these questions. We sought to both understand the evolutionary history of these genes and to determine their functions in the Nasonia DV patterning system. We have found that the novel DV genes are part of a large family of rapidly duplicating and diverging ankyrin domain-encoding genes that originated most likely by horizontal transfer from a prokaryote in a common ancestor of the wasp superfamily Chalcidoidea. We tested the function of those ankyrin-encoding genes expressed along the DV axis and found that they participate in early embryonic DV patterning. We also developed a new wasp model system (Melittobia) and found that some functional integration of ankyrin genes have been preserved for over 90 million years. Our results indicate that regulatory networks can incorporate novel genes that then become necessary for stable and repeatable outputs. Even a modest role in developmental networks may be enough to allow novel or duplicate genes to be maintained in the genome and become fully integrated network components.
Book Review: Dolly Parton: Gender and Country Music by Leigh H. Edwards

Leigh H. Edwards. Dolly Parton: Gender and Country Music . Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2017, 2018. Dolly Parton, Gender, and Country Music is a timely full-length monograph on a figure who has endured on the national and international scene for more than one-half century. Fittingly,
Fusion systems with alternating J‐components

We essentially determine the saturated 2‐fusion systems of J‐component type in which the centralizer of some fully centralized involution of maximal 2‐rank contains a component that is the 2‐fusion system of an alternating group A_n for some n ⩾ 8.
Designing CO2 reduction electrode materials by morphology and interface engineering

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into value-added fuels and chemicals driven by renewable energy presents a potentially sustainable route to mitigate CO2 emissions and alleviate the dependence on fossil fuels. While tailoring the electronic structure of active components to modulate their intrinsic reactivity could tune the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), their use is limited by the linear scaling relation of intermediates. Due to the high susceptibility of the CO2RR to the local CO2 concentration/pH and mass transportation of CO2/intermediates/products near the gas–solid–liquid three-phase interface, engineering catalysts’ morphological and interfacial properties holds great promise to regulate the CO2RR, which are irrelevant with linear scaling relation and possess high resistance to harsh reaction conditions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in tuning CO2 reduction electrocatalysis via morphology and interface engineering. The fundamentals of the CO2RR and design principles for electrode materials are presented firstly. Then, approaches to build an efficient three-phase interface, tune the surface wettability, and design a favorable morphology are summarized; the relationship between the properties of engineered catalysts and their CO2RR performance is highlighted to reveal the activity-determining parameters and underlying catalytic mechanisms. Finally, challenges and opportunities are proposed to suggest the future design of advanced CO2RR electrode materials.
Reply to letter: early recognition of relapsing polychondritis

We read with great interest the very thoughtful letter from Dr. Zhang and colleagues and thank the authors for their interest in our study entitled "Defining Clinical Subgroups in Relapsing Polychondritis: A Prospective Observational Study".
Ethical Issues in Scarce Resource Allocation in a Global Pandemic: Relevance to Craniofacial Surgery

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a shift in how we apply the principles of biomedical ethics. The historical foundation of the ethical responsibility of the physician to the p...
Interleukin-33 activates regulatory T cells to suppress innate γδ T cell responses in the lung.

Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the interleukin (IL)-33 receptor ST2 mediate tissue repair in response to IL-33. Whether Treg cells also respond to the alarmin IL-33 to regulate specific aspects of the immune response is not known. Here we describe an unexpected function of ST2+ Treg cells in suppressing the innate immune response in the lung to environmental allergens without altering the adaptive immune response. Following allergen exposure, ST2+ Treg cells were activated by IL-33 to suppress IL-17-producing γδ T cells. ST2 signaling in Treg cells induced Ebi3, a component of the heterodimeric cytokine IL-35 that was required for Treg cell-mediated suppression of γδ T cells. This response resulted in fewer eosinophil-attracting chemokines and reduced eosinophil recruitment into the lung, which was beneficial to the host in reducing allergen-induced inflammation. Thus, we define a fundamental role for ST2+ Treg cells in the lung as a negative regulator of the early innate γδ T cell response to mucosal injury. Luster and colleagues show that Treg cells that reside in lung mucosa can respond to IL-33 upon allergen exposure and suppress innate cell responses. IL-33-activated ST2+ Treg cells secrete IL-35, which suppresses IL-17 production by γδ T cells and lessens eosinophil recruitment into the lung.
Safety Profile and Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Stand-Alone 2-Level Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Case Series of 41 Consecutive Patients.

OBJECTIVE The use of stand-alone 2-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for degenerative lumbar disease has been increasing as an alternative to routinely augmenting these constructs with posterior fixation or fusion. Despite the potential benefits of a stand-alone approach (decreased cost and operative time, decreased pain and early mobilization), there is a paucity of information regarding these operations in the literature. This investigation aimed to determine the safety profile, radiographic outcomes including fusion rates, improvement in preoperative pain, and spinopelvic parameter modification, for patients undergoing stand-alone 2-level ALIF. METHODS This retrospective case series involved a chart review of all patients undergoing 2-level stand-alone ALIF at a single tertiary hospital from 2008 to 2018. Data included patient demographics, hospitalization, complications and radiological studies. Visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg scores were measured via patient-administered surveys preoperatively and up to 18 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS Forty-one patients who underwent L4-S1 stand-alone ALIF were included. Sixteen (39%) of patients had undergone previous posterior lumbar surgery. Length of stay averaged 4.2 days. Complication rates were comparable to 1-level ALIF. Two patients required reoperation. Fusion rates were 100% for L4-5 and 94.4% for L5-S1. There was no significant change in lumbar lordosis (LL) or LL-pelvic incidence (PI), but there was improved segmental lordosis (SL) and disc height at L4-S1 on final follow-up imaging. There was also modest but statistically significant improvement in VAS back and leg scores. CONCLUSIONS Stand-alone 2-level ALIF is an option for a surgeon to perform in the absence of significant instability, even in the setting of prior posterior surgery. These procedures increase SL and disc height, but do not have the same effect on LL or LL-PI.
Ensuring respiratory phase consistency to improve cardiac function quantification in real-time CMR.

PURPOSE To develop an automatic method for selecting heartbeats with consistent respiratory phase to improve accuracy of cardiac function quantification in real-time (RT) cardiac MRI. METHODS The respiratory signal is extracted by a principal component analysis method from RT cine images. Then, a two-step procedure is used to determine the directionality (sign) of the respiratory signal. With the motion in a manually selected region-of-interest as a reference, the quality of the extracted respiratory signal is assessed using multislice RT cine data from 11 volunteers and 10 patients. In addition, the impact of selecting heartbeats with consistent respiratory phase on the cardiac function quantification is evaluated. RESULTS The extracted respiratory signal using the proposed method exhibits a high, positive correlation with the reference in all cases and is more robust compared to a recently proposed method. Also, for right ventricular function quantification, selecting heartbeats at expiratory position improves agreement between RT cine and breath-held reference. CONCLUSION The proposed method enables fully automatic extraction and directionality determinations of respiratory signal from RT cardiac cine images, allowing accurate cardiac function quantification.
Quantum Theory in Vector Bundles

The purpose of this talk is to describe a framework capable of accommodating quantum gauge theory (QGT), based on recent insights on the cohomological interpretation of ghosts, BRS-transformations, anomalies, and Schwinger terms. The ultimate hope is that this approach will open a window towards a trial marriage of quantum field theory and gravity.
Nutrient adequacy and supplementation

The lower limits for nutrient intakes are based on the observed consumption level of healthy populations, if data from functional investigations is lacking. This intake level is called adequate intake (AI) and is assumed to cover the needs of healthy people. Because of the current limitations of scientific evidence, the Food and Nutrition Board established AIs applicable to adults for nutrients such as total fat, omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, biotin, choline, calcium, chromium, fluoride, and manganese. As information about the requirements of infants (under one year old) is even more limited, only Als were set for most nutrients. The exceptions are more definite lower limits for protein, iron, and zinc intakes of 7–12-month-old infants. There is little doubt that too much of any nutrient can do harm. For some nutrients the amounts that might cause concerns are so high that they are not likely to be used. The dietary reference intakes DRI framework formally explores the potential for harm with high intakes and relates them to the tolerable upper intake level (UL). The practice of using concentrated sources of specific nutrients for the prevention of disease has a long history. The discovery by James Lind in 1753 that scurvy could be prevented by judicious use of citrus fruits enabled the British Navy to greatly extend the duration of their missions and build up their domination of the seas. The early ridicule notwithstanding, the use of supplements has exploded since and now sustains a major industry.
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison.

Depersonalization/derealization disorder is characterized by depersonalization often co-occurring with derealization in the absence of significant psychosis, memory, or identity disturbance. Depersonalization/derealization is categorized as one of the dissociative disorders, which also includes dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, dissociative identity disorder, and forms of dissociative disorder not otherwise specified. Although these disorders may be under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed, many persons with psychiatric illness who have experienced trauma report symptoms consistent with dissociative disorders. There are limited scientific data on prevalence of depersonalization/derealization disorder specifically. This paper reviews clinical, phenomenological and epidemiological information regarding diagnosis and treatment of dissociative disorders in general, and illustrates common presenting histories of persons with derealization/depersonalization disorder utilizing composite cases. The clinical vignettes focus on recommended psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy interventions as part of a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plan for these individuals.
A new computing and communication paradigm for next generation wireless services: low power, secure wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks have emerged as an invaluable tool to bridge the gap between computing infrastructure and the physical world. While sensor networks promise to enable new next-generation wireless services, several daunting challenges remain to be overcome before their potential is realized. Using a ubiquitous healthcare application as an example, this paper discusses several such key challenges and describes research approaches to address them.
A new filtering technique for a class of nonlinear systems

In this paper, a new nonlinear filtering technique (/spl theta/-D filter) is presented. This filter is derived by constructing the dual of a new nonlinear regulator control technique, /spl theta/-D approximation which involves approximate solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation. The structure of this filter is similar to the state dependent riccati equation filter (SDREF). However, this method does not need time-consuming online computation of the algebraic Riccati equation at each sample time compared with the SDREF. By manipulating the perturbation terms both the asymptotic stability and optimality properties can be obtained. A simple pendulum problem is investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new technique.
Reverse transcriptase.RNase H from the human immunodeficiency virus. Relationship of the DNA polymerase and RNA hydrolysis activities.

Human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase.RNase H (RT.RNase H) has an RNA hydrolysis specificity which was influenced both by the sequence of the DNA primer-RNA template and by binding of the polymerase active site to the primer 3' terminus. RT.RNase H selectively hydrolyzed the phosphodiester bond between the 15th and 16th ribonucleotide back from the ribonucleotide that is complementary to the primer 3'-terminal deoxynucleotide. The cleavage site for RT.RNase H remained a fixed distance behind the 3'-primer terminus as the polymerase extended the primer. This cleavage was not strongly affected by the position of the DNA primer on the template nor was it affected by reducing the primer length from 40 to 25 nucleotides. These results suggest that the distance between the RNase H and polymerase active sites corresponds to the length of a 15-16-nucleotide DNA-RNA heteroduplex. Since one helical turn is approximately 10 nucleotides, the distance between the active sites is 1.5 helical turns of heteroduplex. Therefore, the two active sites (catalyzing reactions on opposite strands) bind the same side of the RNA-DNA double helix. RT.RNase H also showed some sequence dependence for the site of hydrolysis. This sequence dependence has not been fully characterized. The rate of RT.RNase H cleavage was weakly inhibited by the next coded deoxynucleoside triphosphate following the incorporation of a dideoxynucleotide.
Clinical reminders designed and implemented using cognitive and organizational science principles decrease reminder fatigue.

Background: Response rates to point-of-care clinical reminders typically decrease over time. We hypothesized that this “reminder fatigue” could be prevented by (1) applying sound human factors engineering and cognitive science principles in designing the reminder system, and (2) implementing the reminders with rigorous attention to organizational science principles. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort enumeration from January 1, 2006, through July 31, 2012, in a set of 5 academically affiliated family medicine practices. We modeled the odds ratio of clinician action in response to a reminder according to the number of reminders issued during the encounter, the number of problems on the patient9s problem list, patient age, and time (number of months since launch) using logistic regression with clustering by encounter. Results: There were issued 988,149 reminders at 453,537 encounters during the sampling frame. Action was taken in response to 60.1% of reminders, and discussion or consideration was documented in another 26.8%. The odds ratios for action in response to reminders over time, by number of prompts during the encounter, and by number of problems were 1.01, 1.18, and 1.02, respectively. Key design features included issuing reminders only when a service was due, allowing clinicians to attend to reminders when doing so fit their workflow (vs forcing attention at a specific time), keeping reminders very short and simple (action item only, no explicative material), and a team meeting and buy-in process before each new reminder was implemented. Conclusions: Reminder fatigue over time, with increasing numbers of reminders and with increasing complexity of patients, is not inevitable. A reminder system designed and implemented in accordance with the principles of cognitive science and human factors engineering can prevent reminder fatigue.
Fasting plasma triglyceride levels and fat oxidation predict dietary obesity in rats

We investigated whether fuel metabolism prior to high-fat feeding differs in outbred Sprague-Dawley rats either prone or resistant to diet-induced obesity. Chow-fed rats were deprived of food, and blood was collected 12, 18, and 24 h later. Rats were then fed a high-fat diet ad libitum for up to 4 weeks to assess weight gain. Blood samples were analyzed for a variety of metabolic fuels and hormones. Only fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations showed a positive correlation with the weight gain during the high-fat feeding period, with concentrations after 18 h of fasting showing the most consistent relationship to weight gain. Body weights and fat pad weights did not correlate with fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations before high-fat feeding. The amount of 14CO(2) recovered from gavaged [14C]palmitic acid in chow-fed rats negatively correlated with weight gain during the subsequent period of high-fat feeding. These results show that there are preexisting differences in fat catabolism that may underlie differential susceptibility to diet-induced obesity; in particular, fasting levels of plasma triglycerides and fatty acid oxidation may be early predictive markers for this susceptibility.
Multi-sensor monitoring of drilling in advanced fiber reinforced composites

This paper investigates the main effects of drilling parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, tool geometry, and tool material) on cutting force and hole quality during drilling of magnamite graphite fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (AS4/PEEK) composites. The AS4/PEEK is a one hundred and ninety nine-ply [0 degree(s)/45 degree(s)/90 degree(s)/-45 degree(s)]s laminate composite. Taguchi orthogonal array L9 technique is used to plan a 34 robust experiment. The workpiece is supported on a fixture and mounted on a 3-component piezoelectric transducer Kistler type 9257A model. The response signals (cutting force and acoustic emission) are acquired simultaneously during the drilling experiments. The signals are instantaneously sampled and stored in a pentium computer for later processing. The digitized signals are processed in time domain. Surface profilometer is used to measure the surface roughness of the drilled holes. The optimum drilling condition is determined by meticulous examination of the drilling parameter's main effects. The responses are analyzed based on Taguchi's signal-to-noise ratio as opposed to the measurement data and analysis of variance. The results show that sensor signals, delamination and surface roughness measurements are well correlated with the drilling parameters. Optimum drill tool materials, drill point angle and cutting conditions have been determined.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Absorption of salicylate and bismuth from a bismuthsubsalicylate-containing compound (Pepto-Bismol)**

MANY OVER-THE COUNTER ANTIDIARRHEAL COMPOUNDS are commonly given to children with diarrhea in an attempt to alleviate symptoms. Bismuth subsalicylate has been an active ingredient in some products used for this purpose. It was thought that bismuth subsalicylate was not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; however, a study in adults 1 indicates that after hydrolysis of bismuth subsalicylate in the gastrointestinal tract, measurable concentrations of salicylate in serum are achieved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the absorption of salicylate and bismuth following single and multiple oral doses of a bismuth subsalicylate-containing compound (Pepto-Bismol, NorwichEaton Pharmaceuticals) in children and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patient selection. Two groups of volunteers were studied. Seven healthy male children (ages 6 to 7 years) received single or multiple doses of Pepto-Bismol according to label instructions; these children collected urine specimens and did not have blood drawn. Four healthy male adult volunteers (ages 32 to 37 years) ingested multiple does of PB and subsequently had blood specimens collected. The adults were used for the blood studies because of constraints on human experimentation in children. The studies were approved by the Committees for the Protection of Human Subjects at The University of Texas Medical School and the University of Houston. Children were enrolled after obtaining their assent and parental permission; adults gave their informed consent. All subjects had a history negative for aspirin sensitivity or bleeding disorders, were receiving no medications, and had received no~ aspirin or salicylate-containing compounds for at least seven days prior to study. Immediately before administration of PB, all children had urine tested for salicylate concentration.
Two Sequential Tests Against Trend

Abstract Two procedures are suggested for testing the hypothesis of randomness against alternatives of a linear trend and a cyclical trend, respectively. Both procedures reduce to tests of the hypothesis that the parameter of a binomial distribution is p 0 against the alternative that it is p 1 and can, therefore, be easily sequentialized. The expected number of observations required by the sequential test against linear trend is smaller than the corresponding number of observations of other tests in current use. * This research was supported by the United States Air Force under Contract AF 18(600)-778, monitored by the Office of Scientific Research, Air Research and Development Command. A more theoretical discussion of the two tests—as well as others—is given in the author's report to the Office of Scientific Research, “Sequential Tests of Randomness,” dated December, 1953.
Substrate Discrimination by Formamidopyrimidine-DNA Glycosylase: Distinguishing Interactions within the Active Site†

Reactive oxygen species are byproducts of normal aerobic respiration and ionizing radiation, and they readily react with DNA to form a number of base lesions, including the mutagenic 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyG), 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyA), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroadenine (8-oxoA). Such oxidative lesions are removed by the base excision repair pathway, which is initiated by DNA glycosylases such as the formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) in Escherichia coli. The 8-oxoG, FapyG, and FapyA lesions are bound and excised by Fpg, while structurally similar 8-oxoA is excised by Fpg very poorly. We carried out molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to interpret substrate discrimination within the active site of E. coli Fpg. Lys-217 and Met-73 were identified as residues playing important roles in the recognition of the oxidized imidazole ring in the substrate bases, and the Watson-Crick edge of the damaged base plays a role in optimally positioning the base within the active site. The recognition and excision of FapyA likely result from the opened imidazole ring, while 8-oxoA's lack of flexibility and closed imidazole ring may contribute to Fpg's inability to excise this base. Different interactions between each base and the enzyme specificity pocket account for differential treatment of the various lesions by this enzyme, and thus elucidate the structure-function relationship involved in an initial step of base excision repair.