cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered development in a temperature-sensitive morphological mutant of Wangiella dermatitidis

A mutant strain of the polymorphic fungus Wangiella dermatitidis that exhibits a temperature-conditional developmental process at the restrictive temperature of 37 C was found to be subtly different from the wild-type parental strain at the permissive temperature of 25 C. The mutant strain grows as a budding yeast at 25 C, but exhibits multicellular-form development at 37 C, whereas the wild type grows as a yeast at either temperature. In contrast to the wild type, cells of the mutant grown at 25 C had a slightly longer mean generation time, and mother cells, but not buds, were more spherical. The growth kinetics ofthe mutant shifted from an exponential to an arithmetic mode when cells were shifted from 25 C to 37 C. Finally, the ability of a mutant yeast cell to commit to multicellular-form development was shown to depend on its cell cycle position.
International Security and Chinese Diplomacy in 2006

Generally speaking,the situation of international security in 2006 is characterized by peace,stability and detente.Bilateral and multilateral dialogues on security issues have been carried out,and establishment of mechanism of regional security is in progress.However,competitions among countries have become more severe,and regional wars,disputes and tension have increased.2006 witnessed tremendous diplomatic attainment in China.The Chinese diplomatic policies and the overall arrangement of foreign affaires have become "balanced,orderly,and practical",which is seen as a sign that marks the maturity of Chinese diplomacy.
Radiation Physics and Design Guidelines of High-Speed Connectors

High-speed connectors contribute to system-level electromagnetic interference (EMI). Radiation from antenna-mode current and transmission-line (TL)-mode current is briefly reviewed with a backplane connector and an optical cage connector. The radiation from the high-speed connector with TL-mode current is analyzed in detail. The possible radiation mechanisms are analyzed respectively through Green's function method, steepest descent method, and electromagnetic compatibility studio method of moment. Design guidelines of high-speed connectors for EMI mitigation are proposed based on the analysis of radiation physics.
If You Support Free Trade, Why Not Free Immigration?

Immigration increases the income of native capital more than it reduces the income of native labor, although the transfer of income from labor to capital is a much bigger effect. Free trade often does this too. Even aside from possible negative externalities and public finance costs to natives, however, immigration is different because if the aggregate production function has diminishing returns to private capital and labor the conclusion of increased overall income can easily be reversed. Such a production function is plausible because public capital — government capital and social capital — is unpriced and fixed, with immigrant labor receiving a portion of its benefit. Thus, even aside from fiscal effects and social externalities, whether the total income of natives rises or falls with immigration is open to doubt.
Immunomodulatory Drugs (IMiDs) in Multiple Myeloma.

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer caused by a proliferation of clonal plasma cells, leading to anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia and destructive bone lesions resulting in significant morbidity. The overall survival has significantly improved with the incorporation of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PI). Objective Here we provide a comprehensive review on IMiDs including molecular mechanisms, recent advances in therapeutic applications and management of toxicities in the treatment of MM. Methods Relevant publications in peer reviewed journals were retrieved by a selective search of PubMed. Systemic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and treatment recommendations were reviewed and are summarized here. Results Thalidomide, a first generation IMiD, is associated with significant toxicity in older patients. Lenalidomide, a more potent second generation IMiD with fewer side effects than thalidomide, is commonly used in newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma, relapsed refractory myeloma and as maintenance therapy after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Pomalidomide, a third generation IMiD, is 10 times more potent than lenalidomide and has shown impressive results in relapsed MM patients and in those refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib. Conclusion The clinical use of IMiDs in MM has significantly improved long-term survival and quality of life. Future studies are looking into novel biomarkers predictive of outcome in MM and new combinations of lenalidomide and pomalidomde with PI, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockers and several other chemotherapies.
Introduction to Media History and Democracy

This thematic issue of Media and Communication features articles that address the workings of democracy as understood through the lens of media history. The intersection of democracy and media history brings together two impossibly expansive terms, so expansive that the articles herein cannot provide any meaningful closure to the questions that even a cursory consideration of media history and democracy would provoke. Instead of closure, what these authors develop is a demonstration of the value of media history to our understandings of democracy. Historical methods of inquiry are necessary components for any meaningful understanding of media or democracy, and the authors gathered here work from a multi-hued palette of historiographical approaches. One finds in this issue a careful attention to how issues related to media history and democracy can be investigated through consideration of intellectual history, the history of political debates, journalism history, and the history of media organizations and institutions. These articles make a strong case for the continued relevance of media history to understanding the democracy and the media.
Mitigating Jamming Attack: A Game-Theoretic Perspective

In this paper, the problem of minimizing the damaging effect on the frequency-hopping spread-spectrum satellite is formulated using the two-player asymmetric zero-sum game framework. The payoff is modeled as the channel capacity of the defender under white additive Gaussian noise. The defender and the attacker are capable of spreading their signals over a prespecified frequency band. Two scenarios are considered: 1) both the attacker and defender know each other's strategies; and 2) the defender knows the attacker's strategy, but not vice versa. In each of these scenarios, we further consider whether the players have knowledge about the environments. We show how to analytically determine optimal strategies for the players in each scenario and provide simulation results to verify our approach.
Time to build on good design: Resolving the temporal dynamics of gene regulatory networks.

The increasing availability of -omics data is driving the development of computational methods for integrating these datasets to connect the underlying molecular mechanisms to phenotypes. Building gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from transcriptomic studies often results in a static view of gene expression, which can make it difficult to disentangle pathway structure. Increasing the temporal resolution of any experimental design provides the opportunity to model the dynamic nature of a regulatory pathway response to a stimulus. Many transient intermediate states can separate the initial prestimulus state from the final poststimulus state; time-series analyses permit the detection and integration of these intermediate steps into the pathway. The difficulty is to incorporate these time-dependent changes to determine causal relationships within the GRN, such as which transcription factor (TF) regulates which target genes. In PNAS, Varala et al. (1) address this challenge by integrating time into their GRN to unravel the temporal cascade of nitrogen signaling. Their time-based analysis offers a potent and general approach to uncover the temporal transcriptional logic for any plant or animal response system. Nitrogen (N) commonly limits plant production and the widespread application of mineral N fertilizer has greatly increased crop yields (2). Unfortunately, the production of mineral N fertilizer is expensive in terms of fossil energy. Furthermore, plant assimilation of applied N is inefficient; for example, cereals such as maize, rice, and wheat take up less than 40% of the applied N (3). The remaining N is lost to the environment through processes including denitrification and volatilization, releasing greenhouse gases, leaching, contaminating groundwater, and surface runoff, causing eutrophication of fresh and estuarine waters (4). Therefore, the excessive use of N fertilizer both increases the cost of crop production and causes environmental pollution. One might expect that, consequently, plant N use efficiency (NUE) would represent a major target for … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: c.robertson.mcclung{at}Dartmouth.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
The Impacts of Tax Reform on Agricultural Households

Estimates of tax reform’s impacts usually concentrate on macroeconomic impacts, but attention at the industry or sectoral level is often limited. Our study uses a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to estimate the disaggregated impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2018, which lowered personal and corporate tax rates. Focusing on agriculture, we use survey data to calculate how the TCJA would change the tax rates faced by farmers at the sector level. We use Internal Revenue Service data to calculate tax rates for all other producers. We then simulate the economy-wide and sectoral effects of TCJA. We find that the TCJA would cause a reduction in agricultural output as resources would be reallocated to other sectors. Using our survey data, we extend the CGE results to measure the impacts to farm households—from changes in on- and off-farm income. We find that most farm households would have income gains from tax reform. Our tax reform scenario highlights the fact that investment weighs heavily on model results. That is, firms that are attractive to domestic and foreign investment have gains in demand for their products, while other sectors, such as primary agriculture, experience decreases in production. A sensitivity analysis that reduces the attractiveness of the United States in foreign investment shows smaller impacts of TCJA, especially for macroeconomic variables.
Introduction: East Asian Social Movements

The licensed prostitutes of Taiwan kept to themselves, out of the public eye. They worked in a ramshackle part of Taipei, in old wooden two-story pre-war buildings. They did not particularly like their work, but they were aging and it was the only trade they knew. Impoverished and social pariahs, they were still proud of their independence. Their legal status kept them from the exploiting clutches of pimps in the illegal prostitution trade. But when a proposed law threatened to make their work illegal, despite their marginal social status, they suddenly erupted into public protest. Once mobilized and launched, the movement’s goals expanded from legal rights to gaining public respect. Going further, they demanded protection for the rights of all sex workers. In Taipei, the movement hosted marches with banners and public festivals to bolster public support for sex-worker rights. These rallies drew international attention, with visits and participation by foreign sex-worker campaigners. The movement found considerable sympathy from sectors of the public and from the labor movement, itself so recently liberated from martial law.
5-Bromo-2-hy-droxy-benzonitrile.

The title compound, C7H4BrNO, crystallizes with two mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. The two molecules exhibit nearly linear C—C≡N nitrile bond angles of 179.1 (4) and 177.1 (4)°. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are linked into a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain by inter­actions between the phenol H atom and the nitrile N atom [N⋯O = 2.805 (4) and 2.810 (4) A].
Methadone Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics

Methadone (6-dimethylamino-4, 4-diphenyl-3-heptanone) was first synthesized in 1937 by Bockmuhl and Ehrhart as part of a larger pharmaceutical program synthesizing atropine derivatives as spasmolytics [1]. This program led to the development in 1939 of meperidine, which not only had spasmolytic properties but also acted as an analgesic. Subsequent testing of methadone found that it had a 5–10-fold greater analgesic effect than meperidine but its further development was limited by wartime supply shortages and potential adverse effects, such as nausea, experienced in a small group of human subjects [1, 2].
Natural History of Hepatitis B Virus

Chronic HBV infection is a worldwide public health issue with an estimated 400 million persons infected. Variations in both epidemiology and genotype have been noted to affect the course and severity of sequelae of the disease; however, general comments can be made regarding the natural history of the disease. The natural history of chronic infection is generally divided into an active, higher replicative phase and a lower replicative phase. An understanding of viral activity in these phases is critical to understanding appropriate surveillance of disease activity as well as indications to begin treatment.
A comparison of price-taker and production cost models for determining system value, revenue, and scheduling of concentrating solar power plants

Abstract Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants convert solar energy into electricity and can be coupled with low-cost thermal energy storage to provide a dispatchable renewable resource. Maximizing the economic benefits of CSP systems requires deliberate selection of the timing of thermal energy dispatch to coincide with high-price or high-value periods. The performance and value of CSP systems have traditionally been evaluated using two distinct approaches: (1) production cost models (PCMs), which optimize commitment and dispatch schedules for an entire fleet of generators to minimize the cost of satisfying electricity demand; and (2) price-taker (PT) models, which optimize dispatch of the CSP system against historical or forecasted electricity prices to maximize revenue available to the CSP operator. The PCM approach is, in principle, superior because of the ability to capture system-level details such as transmission pathways and associated constraints, and feedback between CSP dispatch schedules and operation of other generators. The computationally simpler PT technique cannot explicitly address these concerns, but the comparative reduction in solution time is attractive for sensitivity analysis and rigorous optimization of CSP plant design and operation. In this work, we directly compare the dispatch profiles, net revenue, and operational value of CSP systems using implementations of each technique to assess how closely the solutions from the PT technique can approach those from the PCM for a specific market scenario. The PT implementation produced characteristically similar dispatch profiles as the PCM for both a large solar-multiple configuration and a small solar-multiple peaking configuration, while requiring only 1% of the computational time of the PCM. In addition, dispatching the CSP plant according to the self-scheduled PT solution—as opposed to the system-optimized PCM solution—only reduced the total CSP operational value by 1–5%, with consistent trends across CSP configurations and locations. This analysis validates the ability of the PT approach to substantially capture the economic benefits of CSP systems when pricing profiles are available, and indicates that the PT approach is suitable for initial design and optimization of CSP technologies.
Does the dose of iodine-131 influence the incidence of Graves' ophthalmopathy?

BackgroundRadioactive iodine-131 (RAI) is an established treatment for patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism. RAI is reported to be associated with a 20–30% incidence of development or exacerbation of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO). This study compares the progression of GO in patients who had evidence
Social media for intelligent public information and warning in disasters: An interdisciplinary review

Abstract Social media offers participatory and collaborative structure and collective knowledge building capacity to the public information and warning approaches. Therefore, the author envisions the intelligent public information and warning in disaster based on social media, which has three functions: (1) efficiently and effectively acquiring disaster situational awareness information, (2) supporting self-organized peer-to-peer help activities, and (3) enabling the disaster management agencies to hear from the public. To achieve this vision, authors of this study examined 304 studies conducted 2008 through 2018 to systemically evaluate the current literature in understanding the phenomena of communication on social media and the state-of-the-art studies on social media informatics in disasters. This review then identified the challenges of existing studies and proposed a research roadmap to address the challenges of achieving the vision. This review could serve as a bridge for researchers working on social media in disasters to understand the state-of-the-art of this problem in other related domains. The findings of this review highlight the value of certain research areas, e.g., (1) a fine-grained disaster social media ontology with semantic interoperability, (2) network pattern of trending information and emerging influential users, (3) fine-grained assessment of societal impacts due to infrastructure disruptions, and (4) best practices for social media usage during disasters.
Unusual Case of Nail Unit Melanoma

We present a case of a nail unit melanoma with chondroid differentiation that was initially misdiagnosed as a benign chondroid neoplasm. A 67-year-old Caucasian woman presented to an outside dermatologist with a tender subungual nodule on the right index finger with overlying nail plate changes that had been present and enlarging for 1 year. Initial histopathological evaluation rendered a diagnosis of benign chondroid neoplasm. On arrival to our institution, magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and the lesion appeared consistent with a glomus tumor. Plastic surgery performed a surgical resection with intraoperative frozen sections revealing a hypocellular cartilaginous mass, but pathology was unable to comment on the presence of malignant cells. On permanent sectioning of the excised lesion, a lentiginous proliferation of melanocytes overlying a dermal aggregate of atypical cells with conspicuous mitoses embedded in a chondroid matrix was seen. A panel of immunohistochemical stains was performed, including SOX-10, HMB-45, S-100, MITF and MART1 was performed with SOX-10, HMB-45, and S-100 staining the junctional melanocytes and dermal cells, rendering a diagnosis of primary chondroid melanoma.
Ultra-fast electroporation of giant unilamellar vesicles — Experimental validation of a molecular model

Delivery of molecules to cells via electropermeabilization (electroporation) is a common procedure in laboratories and clinics. However, despite a long history of theoretical effort, electroporation protocols are still based on trial and error because the biomolecular structures and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been established. Electroporation models, developed to explain observations of electrical breakdown of lipid membranes, describe the electric field-driven formation of pores in lipid bilayers. These transient pore models are consistent with molecular dynamics simulations, where field-stabilized lipid pores form within a few nanoseconds and collapse within tens of nanoseconds after the field is removed. Here we experimentally validate this nanoscale restructuring of bio-membranes by measuring the kinetics of transport of the impermeant fluorescent dye calcein into lipid vesicles exposed to ultrashort electric fields (6 ns and 2 ns), and by comparing these results to molecular simulations. Molecular transport after vesicle permeabilization induced by multiple pulses is additive for interpulse intervals as short as 50 ns, while the additive property of transport is no longer observed when the interval is reduced to 0 ns, consistent with the lifetimes of lipid electropores in molecular simulations. These results show that lipid vesicle responses to pulsed electric fields are significantly different from those of living cells where, for similar pulse properties, the uptake of fluorescent dye continues for several minutes.
Repeat Evaluation of Lung Shunt Fraction is Unnecessary: A Retrospective Observational Study of Successive Lung Shunt Fractions from Variable Arterial Distributions in Patients Undergoing Radioembolization of Primary and Secondary Liver Tumors.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate whether the recalculation of lung shunt fraction (LSF) is necessary prior to next-stage or same lobe repeat radioembolization. Materials and Methods Retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent radioembolization between February 2008 and December 2018. Eighty of 312 patients had repeat mapping angiograms and LSF calculations. A total of 160 LSF calculations were made using planar imaging (155, [97%]) and single-photon emission computed tomography (5 [3%]) technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin hepatic arterial injection imaging. The mean patient age was 61.8 years ± 12.7; 69 (86%) patients had metastatic disease and 11 (14%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Results Patients had a median LSF of 5% (interquartile range [IQR] 3%–9%) with a median absolute difference of 1.25 (IQR 0.65–3.4) and a median of 76 days (IQR 42.5–120 days) between repeat LSF calculations. There was a median change in LSF of 0.2% between mapping studies (P = .11). There was no statistical significance between the repeat LSFs regardless of the arterial distribution (P = .79) or between tumor types (P = .75). No patients exceeded lung dose limits using actual or predicted prescribed dose amounts. The actual median lung dose was 2.6 Gy (IQR 1.8–4.4 Gy, maximum = 20.5) for the first radioembolization and 2.0 Gy (IQR 1.3–3.7 Gy, maximum = 10.1) for the second radioembolization. Conclusions No significant difference in LSF was identified between different time points and arterial distributions within the same patient undergoing repeat radioembolization. In patients who receive well under 30-Gy lung dose for the initial treatment and a 50-Gy cumulative lung dose, repeat radioembolization treatments in the same patient may not require a repeat LSF calculation.
New Breakthroughs for Liver Transplantation of Cholangiocarcinoma

Liver transplantation (LT) has gained ground as a treatment for cholangiocarcinoma. LT has achieved an established role as curative treatment for unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (hCCA), and there are emerging data supporting its use in select patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). This review explores the current frontiers and future directions of LT for CCA. Results of retrospective studies support randomized trials of LT for resectable hCCA. Select patients with iCCA who have small tumors or favorable disease biology, as demonstrated by response to neoadjuvant therapy, have long-term survival after LT. Discoveries in the biology of iCCA show patients with FGFR and other genetic abnormalities have improved outcomes and may benefit from targeted therapies. The outcomes of LT for CCA support its increased utilization. Policies should be considered to increase accessibility of donor organs for patients with iCCA.
The Invisibility of Asian Americans in COVID-19 Data, Reporting, and Relief.

Without proper recognition of the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism that Asian Americans and other racial minorities in the United States are facing, we cannot successfully address structural b...
Multifocal Reflectarray with Optimized Aperture Phase

A method for optimization of aperture phase of a dual-polarized multifocal single reflectarray antenna is presented based on the multi-objective Brainstorm optimization. It is tested for aperture optimization in two different schemes. The results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively optimize large antenna array.
Educator perspectives on concussion management in the college classroom: a grounded theory introduction to collegiate return-to-learn.

Objectives To gather the perspectives of collegiate instructors regarding how concussion is managed within the college classroom. To introduce the themes surrounding collegiate return-to-learn (RTL) and the classroom management of students with concussion. Design Qualitative grounded theory. Setting Large, public university in the Midwest. Participants Twenty-three college instructors participated in a private, semistructured, audio-recorded, one-on-one interview. Participants included 12 males and 11 females. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim, followed by an iterative process of open-coding and axial-coding, performed by two researchers. Results Three themes emerged from the coded data: (1) awareness—external knowledge of concussion and previous experiences, (2) legitimacy—medical note provided and no note provided and (3) accommodating the student—instructor’s role and feasibility of the accommodation. Psychosocial factors such as small class sizes, graduate-level students and an instructor’s empathy appeared to influence an instructor’s decision making when accommodating a student recovering from concussion. Conclusion These novel data provide foundational evidence regarding how college instructors perceive and subsequently manage concussion within the classroom, while also offering accuracy to aims of subsequent collegiate RTL investigations Article summary RTL is an emerging field within concussion management, yet is grossly underexplored within the college setting. By utilising a grounded theory approach, this article introduces the themes that dictate the landscape of RTL for a college student.
An argument analysis of cognate objects in Dschang (Yemba)

Focusing on the Foto dialect of Dschang (Yemba), an understudied Grassfields Bantu language spoken in Cameroon, this paper offers a cross-linguistic perspective on Cognate Objects (CO). An argument analysis of Dschang COs is supported by both cross-linguistic comparison, e.g. forms of corresponding wh-questions, the compatibility with strong determiners, quantifiers and possessors, and the ability to be pronominalized and relativized, and Dschang-internal evidence including word order variations and tonal marking in object position.
A Breadcrumb System for Assisting Outdoor Autonomous Robots with Path Identification and Localization

Many outdoor autonomous robotic applications rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), or more specifically Global Position Systems (GPS), to localize the robot. However, these systems typically have difficulty in providing accurate measurements under one meter. Hence, additional sensors are fused with GNSS measurements to increase the accuracy of localization. These devices can include, laser range-finders, vision cameras, and wireless beacons. Wireless beacons require additional setup time but are an attractive option for environments where a path may need to be determined and traversed quickly by an autonomous robot. We present a system of wireless beacons dubbed Breadcrumb. The system is designed to be deployed in outdoor environments and provide localization information to autonomous robots in the form of: Breadcrumb GPS locations, wireless ranging, and path planning data. In addition, we detail a algorithm which allows us to reduce the number of GPS modules required by the Breadcrumb network such that only every other Breadcrumb requires a module, while still maintaining the GPS location of each Breadcrumb. This algorithm could also be used in the case of a GPS module failure or spotty connection in networks where every device is equipped with a GPS.
Oakland Refuses to Allow the Raiders to Exit Quietly

It seems that the city of Oakland has run out of patience with the Raiders. In a long-awaited move, the city has taken legal action against its once beloved football franchise for what it calls an “illegal move” to Las Vegas concocted by the National Football League and each of its 32 clubs.
Toward a Formalization of QA Problem Classes

How tough is a given question-answering problem? Answers to this question differ greatly among different researchers and groups. To begin rectifying this, we start by giving a quick, simple, propaedeutic formalization of a question-answering problem class. This formalization is just a starting point and should let us answer, at least roughly, this question: What is the relative toughness of two unsolved QA problem classes?.
Effects of the microphthalmic white gene on audiogenic seizure susceptibility in mice

Audiogenic seizure susceptibility was studied in mice segregating for the microphthalmic white gene (Miwh). Previous work by Deol had indicated that mice with either one or two Miwh alleles had severe inner ear defects. A congenic inbred strain provided mice that were identical in genetic background except for single-gene substitutions at the microphthalmia locus. The three genotypes tested were Miwh/Miwh, Miwh/+, and +/+. Mice were exposed to the sound stimulus once for a 1-min period between the ages of 17 and 30 days. Heterozygous Miwh/+ mice had more seizures and were more reactant than either type of homozygote at all ages tested. Responses were low at 17 days of age, peaked sharply by 23 days, and declined markedly by 30 days.
Proton dynamics in superprotonic CsHSO(4)

We present a detailed study of proton dynamics in the hydrogen-bonded superprotonic conductor CsHSO(4) from first-principles molecular dynamics simulations, isolating the subtle interplay between the dynamics of the O-H chemical bonds, the O center dot center dot center dot H hydrogen bonds, and the SO(4) tetrahedra in promoting proton diffusion. We find that the Grotthuss mechanism of proton transport is primarily responsible for the dynamics of the chemical bonds, whereas the reorganization of the hydrogen-bond network is dominated by rapid angular hops in concert with small reorientations of the SO(4) tetrahedra. Frequent proton jumping across the O-H center dot center dot center dot O complex is countered by a high rate of jump reversal, which we show is connected to the dynamics of the SO(4) tetrahedra, resulting in a diminished CsHSO(4)/CsDSO(4) isotope effect. We also find evidence of multiple time scales for SO(4) reorientation events, leading to distinct diffusion mechanisms along the different crystal lattice directions. Finally, we employ graph-theoretic techniques to characterize the topology of the hydrogen-bond network and demonstrate a clear relationship between the likelihood for diffusive jump events and the presence of connectivity configurations favoring linear network chains over closed network rings.
Counting White Blood Cells from a Blood Smear Using Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy.

White blood cell (WBC) count is a valuable metric for assisting with diagnosis or prognosis of various diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or infection. Counting WBCs can be done either manually or automatically. Automatic methods are capable of counting a large number of cells to give a statistically more accurate reading of the WBC count of a sample, but the specialized equipment tends to be expensive. Manual methods are inexpensive since they only involve a conventional light microscope setup. However, it is more laborious and error-prone because the small field-of-view (FOV) of the microscope necessitates mechanical scanning of a specimen for counting an adequate number of WBCs. Here, we investigate the use of Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) to bypass these issues of the manual methods. With a 2x objective, FPM can provide a FOV of 120 mm2 with enhanced resolution comparable to that of a 20x objective, which is adequate for non-differentially counting WBCs in just one FOV. A specialist was able to count the WBCs in FPM images with 100% accuracy compared to the count as determined from conventional microscope images. An automatic counting algorithm was also developed to identify WBCs from FPM’s captured images with 95% accuracy, paving the way for a cost-effective WBC counting setup with the advantages of both the automatic and manual counting methods.
The level scheme of 91 Nb from the reaction 90 Zr ( p , γ) 91 Nb

The level scheme of91Nb has been investigated with the reaction90Zr(p, γ)91Nb. Proton energies between 3.0 and 7.2 MeV were used. The γ spectra were taken with Ge(Li) detectors. Primary γ transitions to 36 excited states of91Nb up to 3.8 MeV excitation energy and many secondary γ transitions from the decay of those states were observed, leading to an extension of the known level scheme. The proton binding energy for91Nb was determined as (5167± 5) keV. Eleven γ transitions in90Zr, part of them new, from the competing reaction90Zr(p, p′ γ) were also observed.
The Friesner herbarium (BUT) of Butler university

The Friesner Herbarium (BUT) of Butler University is a collection of over 100,000 specimens built from the personal herbarium of Ray C. Friesner. He and other botanists at Butler amassed one of the largest and most complete collections of Indiana plants. Active exchange from the 1920’s through the 1940’s increased the holdings of plants from other states. Although the collection does not contain many type specimens, it is rich in vouchers from floristic and ecological studies conducted in the first half of the 20th century and published in the scientific journal,Butler University Botanical Studies.
ESOPHAGEAL REPLACEMENT FOR END-STAGE BENIGN ESOPHAGEAL DISEASE

Patients suffering from severe dysphagia, persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other manifestations of deranged esophageal function are profoundly affected in their daily activities and their ability to lead a full and productive life. These desperate individuals may be prescribed myriad medications and may seek the advice of a variety of physicians in an attempt to control their symptoms, often without relief. Prior surgery may also have contributed to the problem, leading both patient and physician to be reluctant about further operative intervention. Because end-stage esophageal disease is infrequently encountered within the general medical community, most hospitals do not have the expertise to adequately evaluate and treat this subset of patients with severe disease. Esophageal replacement for end-stage benign esophageal disease can be performed safely in selected units with acceptable morbidity, low mortality, and excellent long-term functional outcomes.
An investigation of lingual vibrotactile detectability

The purpose of the study was to investigate lingual detectability of vibrotactile stimuli presented at different frequencies. Detectability was assessed objectively in comparing data expressed in millivolts and microns of peak contractor displacements. Detectability was also measured subjectively in terms of individual ratings of how clearly the stimulus was perceived throughout threshold determination. An interesting finding was that the frequency resulting in the most sensitive thresholds (250 Hz) was the least detectable and showed the greatest threshold variability across subjects. The authors argue for developing clinical testing paradigms that take full advantage of stimulus detectability over frequency sensitivity, which has been previously emphasized.
Signal Optimization at Urban Highway Rail Grade Crossings Using an Online Adaptive Priority Strategy

In urban areas, conventional transit priority systems (e.g., passive priority) present some problems, such as causing too many traffic delays and degradation of on line performance due to the lack of real-time data. The purpose of this study is to develop an on line adaptive priority strategy to optimize traffic operation at a series of consecutive grade crossings in urban areas. The proposed strategy takes into account the impact on cross-street traffic as well. A mathematical model of non linear programming with linear constraints is formulated to minimize overall passenger delays at grade crossings for light rail transit and to minimize the impact on cross-street traffic. The opti- mization is enabled by real-time arrival-time prediction with GPS-equipped vehicles. To exhibit the anticipatory performance of the proposed strategy, both a numerical analysis and a simulation test are conducted with trolley operation along a stretch of C Street in San Diego. Compared with current signal timings, those obtained from the proposed strategy demonstrate promising results. DOI: 10.1061/ (ASCE)TE.1943-5436.0000344. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Light rail transit; Urban areas; Railroad grade crossings; Computer programming; Traffic signals; Optimization.
Charge fluctuations in small-capacitance junctions.

The current-voltage characteristics of submicron normal-metal tunnel junctions at millikelvin temperatures are observed to exhibit a sharp Coulomb blockade with high-resistance thin-film leads, but to be heavily smeared for low-resistance leads. As the temperature is lowered, the zero-bias differential resistance tends asymptotically to a limit that is greater for junctions with high-resistance leads. Both observations are explained in terms of a model in which quantum fluctuations in the external circuit enhance the low-temperature tunneling rate. The predictions are in reasonable agreement with the data.
Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetles, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Density of Populations, Temporal Patterns of Movement, and Survival

The ecology of overwintering bean leaf beetles (BLB), Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster), was studied from June 1981 until May 1983 at four locations in Louisiana to investigate the temporal patterns of movement into and out of overwintering habitats and the density and survival of overwintering populations. Adult BLB entered overwintering quarters from mid-July to early November. All BLB found initially in overwintering sites and thereafter were in diapause. Males entered first, then females. Emergence from overwintering habitats occurred from early March to late May. No BLB were found in overwintering habitats in June or most of July. In the 1981–1982 and 1982–1983 overwintering seasons, the mean peak populations per 2-m2 litter sample were 183 and 33, respectively. Approximately 50% mortality occurred from October to December and survival averaged 18 and 46% in 1981%1982 and 1982%1983, respectively.
Multi-Dimensional Performance Framework for Enterprise Knowledge Infrastructures

Within service-oriented business environments, the non-routine processing of requests requires a greater degree of social interaction and learning to elicit an effective response. Specific practices arise and evolve through these cooperative interactions, however traditional enterprise systems are often ?closed? and do not support the evolution of practices within a network of practitioners. Enterprise Knowledge Infrastructures (EKI) can support such a phenomenon but adequate support for capture and re-use of practical knowledge has many known challenges. We propose a general EKI framework to support business-social interactions and monitor their value to accelerate the creation and evolution of practice through reflexive knowledge. The main contributions of the framework are: 1) a multi-dimensional model for monitoring the value of social interactions to stakeholders, 2) living objects that capture and feedback multi-dimensional performance as reflexive knowledge for task execution, and 3) a generalized architecture for effective implementation.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program goals and patient care practices.

PURPOSE: To examine Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) programs' goals and guiding philosophies and how they influence patient care practices for sexual assault victims. DESIGN: Data were collected from a national random sample of SANE to examine whether programs differed significantly in their goals and patient care practices. METHODS: Iterative cluster analysis was used to identify types of programs distinct in their stated goals. FINDINGS: Three types of emphasis in SANE programs were identified: (a) prosecution of cases as a primary goal; (b) attending to patients' emotional needs, supporting feminist values, empowering patients, and changing the community response to rape; and (c) least importance on prosecution of cases and average importance on the other goals. Programs that were more focused on prosecution goals provided less comprehensive patient services. CONCLUSIONS: Programs focused on prosecution as a primary goal were less likely to provide comprehensive services, especially those involving patient education. Such information is important for patients because their health concerns (e.g., pregnancy, STIs) have long-term implications for their well-being. Historical and structural differences among SANE programs might explain these different patient care practices. Researchers should examine the underlying processes in SANE programs that shape both their goals and patient care approaches. Language: en
Noninflammatory gas formation following embolization of adrenal carcinoma.

Gas formation as a result of transcatheter tumor embolization has recently been observed by conventional radiography. We report the computed tomography identification of similar benign gas formation following transcatheter embolization of a large adrenal carcinoma. Computed tomography should be the most sensitive method available for detecting gas formation. It is important to recognize this gas formation as a consequence of embolization and cell necrosis rather than as an indication of an inflammatory complication. Embolism, therapeutic—Gas formation—Computed tomography.
Redefining readmission risk factors for general medicine patients.

Background Readmissions are costly both financially for our healthcare system and emotionally for our patients. Identifying factors that increase risk for readmissions may be helpful to focus resources to optimize the discharge process and reduce avoidable readmissions. Objective To identify factors associated with readmission within 30 days for general medicine patients. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study of an administrative database at an urban 550-bed tertiary care academic medical center. Cohort patients were discharged from the general medicine service over a 2-year period from June 1, 2006, to May 31, 2008. Clinical, operational, and sociodemographic factors were evaluated for association with readmission. Results Our cohort included 10,359 consecutive admissions (6805 patients) discharged from the general medicine service. The 30-day readmission rate was 17.0%. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with readmission included black race (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-1.65), inpatient use of narcotics (1.33; 1.16-1.53) and corticosteroids (1.24; 1.09-1.42), and the disease states of cancer (with metastasis 1.61; 1.33-1.95; without metastasis 1.95; 1.54-2.47), renal failure (1.19; 1.05-1.36), congestive heart failure (1.30; 1.09-1.56), and weight loss (1.26; 1.09-1.47). Medicaid payer status (1.15; 0.97-1.36) had a trend toward readmission. Conclusion Readmission of general medicine patients within 30 days is common and associated with several easily identifiable clinical and nonclinical factors. Identification of these risk factors can allow providers to target interventions to reduce potentially avoidable readmissions.
Day 4 Estradiol Levels Predict Pregnancy Success in Women Undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation for IVF

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of serum estradiol levels obtained on the fourth day of gonadotropin stimulation in predicting the likelihood of pregnancy during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) using luteal phase leuprolide acetate (LA). Design: A 4-year retrospective analysis of day 4 estradiol levels and subsequent clinical pregnancy and delivery rates. Setting: A university hospital tertiary referral center. Patient(s): Couples undergoing IVF treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s): Primary outcome measures included clinical pregnancy and delivery rates. Secondary outcome measures included the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of embryos available for transfer per COH cycle. Result(s): The clinical pregnancy and delivery rates for cycles with day 4 estradiol levels of >75 pg/mL were 42.3% (30/71) and 32.4% (23/71), respectively. These rates differed significantly from those for cycles with day 4 estradiol levels of ≤75 pg/mL, which were only 9.1% (4/44) and 6.8% (3/44), respectively. The number of oocytes retrieved and the number of embryos available for transfer for cycles with day 4 estradiol levels of >75 pg/mL also differed significantly from those for cycles with day 4 estradiol levels of ≤75 pg/mL (11.4 and 7.8 versus 6.8 and 4.3, respectively). Conclusion(s): Estradiol levels obtained on the fourth day of gonadotropin therapy are highly predictive of successful ovulation induction and pregnancy outcome in cycles using luteal phase LA.
Role of Si and Ge as impurities in ZnO

The electronic and structural properties of Si in ZnO are studied using density functional calculations with both the generalized gradient approximation and a hybrid functional. Our calculations show substitutional Si on the Zn site SiZn to be significantly lower in energy than the Si interstitial Sii and Si on an O site SiO. SiZn is predicted to be a shallow donor in ZnO with a formation energy low enough to lead to significant incorporation of Si in the ZnO crystal. Interestingly, we find that SiZn has a lower formation energy and therefore higher solubility under Zn-rich conditions than under O-rich conditions. We also study the properties of Ge in ZnO for comparison, finding behavior similar to the Si impurity, but with an even lower formation energy. Our results suggest Si and Ge as suitable n-type dopants in ZnO.
Research Strategies in the Study of Shamanism and Anomalous Experience

The anomalous experiences of shamans have been reported over the centuries, but only recently have they been subjected to rigorous investigation. Although interviews, reports, and informal observations can produce interesting material, their anomalous nature can only be determined by controlled observations and experimental studies. Examples of each are given and recommendations are made for further research.
Updating the Hamiltonian problem—a survey

This is intended as a survey article covering recent developments in the area of hamiltonian graphs, that is, graphs containing a spanning cycle. This article also contains some material on related topics such as traceable, hamiltonian-connected and pancyclic graphs and digraphs, as well as an extensive bibliography of papers in the area.