cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpretations of Probability

Probability is a mathematical construct that satisfies Kolmogorov’s axioms. Probability theory tells us how to manipulate given probabilities according to the logical implications of these axioms. What things in the real world might correspond to this mathematical construct is a contentious issue. Applying probability theory to the real world requires first to identify ‘events’ to which one can assign probabilities. We consider four main classes of ‘events’ or four interpretations of probability (Guttman 1999).
Productivity Analysis in Services Using Timing Studies

We develop a novel empirical approach to analyze workforce productivity in service systems via timing studies – detailed time-stamped data recording relevant activities performed by the employees processing service requests. Our econometric approach, which is based on models from survival analysis, takes advantage of the detailed information provided by timing study data to capture the time-varying factors that affect productivity, such as the workload level, switching among different tasks and temporary work-relief from breaks during the working shift. We apply our framework in an information technology service delivery system and use the estimated results to evaluate alternative designs of the service system in terms of workforce productivity. Specifically, our methodology can inform decisions regarding workload allocation, routing, prioritization, and working schedule design in a service system.
Dose-Volume Predictors of Esophagitis After Thoracic Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy.

Objectives Esophageal toxicity has become a major concern as stereotactic hypofractionated radiation therapy is increasingly utilized for central pulmonary tumors. Our purpose was to define esophageal dosimetric parameters that predict potentially dose-limiting toxicities. Materials and methods In total, 157 patients with a planning target volume ≤5 cm from the esophagus were selected from an institutional database. Toxicity was scored with the CTCAE v4.0. Esophageal Dmax and Dv (dose D in Gy covering volume v in mL) in 0.5 mL increments were collected. Corresponding biologically effective dose (BED) was calculated for α/β=10,3 (BED10, BED3). Normal tissue complication probability was computed with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy parameters and equivalent dose in 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2). Dosimetric predictors were identified with multivariate logistic regression with a manual forward stepwise selection technique. Results The grade≥2 esophagitis rate was 5.7%. BED10 to 1.5 mL was the best predictor of esophagitis. BED10 to 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 mL were also predictive but less strong. Results were similar when BED3 and physical dose were examined. Tumor-esophageal distance correlated with esophagitis (10.5% risk of≥grade 2 events with distance≤3.9 cm vs. 1.3% when>3.9 cm, P=0.016). BED10 to 1.5 mL correlated well with EQD2 normal tissue complication probability estimates. Conclusions BED to 1.5 mL was the strongest predictor of grade≥2 esophagitis (independent of α/β ratio) with a 10.6% toxicity risk when BED10>21.1 Gy (14.3 Gy in 3 fractions, 16.0 Gy in 5). The overall rate of severe toxicity is low, suggesting that higher doses may be tolerable.
Three Final Examples

We close with three quite different random structures. While the structures are new the techniques we have already developed allow us a rather complete analysis of their First Order worlds. We wish our readers equal success.
Persistent cardiovascular and behavioral nociceptive responses to subcutaneous formalin require peripheral nerve input

Hindpaw injection of formalin produces acute (Phase 1) and persistent (Phase 2) nociceptive behaviors. This model has provided critical evidence supporting a contribution of central sensitization (hyperexcitability of spinal neurons) to the expression of persistent pain. Here, we evaluated the contribution of ongoing peripheral nerve inputs to Phase 2 pain responses. In addition to pain behavior (flinching), we measured formalin-evoked increases in arterial pressure and heart rate; these cardiovascular responses were also biphasic in nature. The arterial pressure response correlated highly with behavior, and was dependent on formalin concentration (0.625-5.0%), indicating that it was largely driven by noxious input. Lightly anesthetized (0.7% halothane) rats exhibited robust increases in blood pressure in the absence of pain behavior, indicating cardiovascular responses did not reflect somatomotor-cardiovascular coupling. Animals obtained from Charles River exhibited slightly larger Phase 2 flinching and heart rate responses compared to those obtained from Bantin and Kingman, suggesting cardiovascular-related pain responses can vary with the source of animal. We next evaluated the contribution of ongoing peripheral nerve activity to the expression of the Phase 2 pressor, tachycardia, and flinch responses. After Phase 1 subsided, but before Phase 2 began, we locally anesthetized the ipsilateral or contralateral (control) hindpaw with a hydrophilic lidocaine derivative, QX-314 (2%). Intraplantar QX-314 blocked Phase 2 pressor, tachycardia and behavioral responses only when injected into the paw that received formalin (2.5% or 10.0%). We conclude that persistent ongoing activity in peripheral afferent fibers during Phase 2 is required for the persistent pain evoked by formalin.
Death and Dying in the Immune System

Publisher Summary The phenomenon of physiological cell death involves the transformation of healthy cells to condensed apoptotic bodies. The dead cell corpse, with its characteristic morphology, is the end point of the process. The discussion presented in this chapter is an assumption that the hallmarks of this process reveal a common mechanism of dying. Issues of death (especially in the contexts of cell turnover and negative selection) have long been appreciated as central to immunobiology. As a result, physiological cell death has been extensively studied in lymphocytes. Although selective physiological death occurs among cells generally during ontogeny, lymphocytes are unusual in retaining susceptibility to a large variety of suicide inducers throughout their life cycle. The selective induction of physiological cell death in lymphocytes serves two distinct functions. The first, of course, is in central repertoire selection-in the initial and early elimination of functionally inappropriate clonal populations. The second and equally critical role of physiological cell death is in the dampening of immune responses. As demonstrated in studies of activation-driven cell death, the response of a lymphocyte to an antigenic stimulus is finite. A lymphocyte may exert effector function and proliferate in response to antigen, but by virtue of that response the cell is made susceptible to death upon further stimulation.
Accurate Measurement of Small Absorption Coefficients

In this paper procedures for estimating the sound absorption coefficient when the specimen has inherently low absorption are discussed. Examples of this include the measurement of the absorption coefficient of pavements, closed cell foams and other barrier materials whose absorption coefficient is nevertheless required, and the measurement of sound absorption of muffler components such as perforates. The focus of the paper is on (1) obtaining an accurate phase correction and (2) proper correction for tube attenuation when using impedance tube methods. For the latter it is shown that the equations for tube attenuation correction in the standards underestimate the actual tube attenuation, leading to an overestimate of the measured absorption coefficient. This error could be critical, for example, when one is attempting to qualify a facility for the measurement of pass-by noise. In this paper we propose a remedy – to measure the actual tube attenuation and to use this value, as opposed to the value recommended by the standards, to correct the measured sound absorption. We also recommend an alternative way to determine the microphone phase error.
Comparison of MLP and RBF neural networks using deviation signals for on-line identification of a synchronous generator

This paper compares the performances of a multilayer perceptron network (MLPN) and a radial basis function network (RBFN) for the online identification of the nonlinear dynamics of a synchronous generator. Deviations of signals from their steady state values are used. The computational complexity required to process the data for online training, generalization and online global minimum testing are investigated by time-domain simulations. The simulation results show that, compared to the MLPN, the RBFN is simpler to implement, needs less computational memory, converges faster and global minimum convergence is achieved even when operating conditions change.
Two nucleotide second messengers regulate the production of the Vibrio cholerae colonization factor GbpA

The nucleotide second messengers cAMP and c-di-GMP allow many bacteria, including the human intestinal pathogen Vibrio cholerae, to respond to environmental stimuli with appropriate physiological adaptations. In response to limitation of specific carbohydrates, cAMP and its receptor CRP control the transcription of genes important for nutrient acquisition and utilization; c-di-GMP controls the transition between motile and sessile lifestyles often, but not exclusively, through transcriptional mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the convergence of cAMP and c-di-GMP signaling pathways in regulating the expression of gbpA. GbpA is a colonization factor that participates in the attachment of V. cholerae to N-acetylglucosamine-containing surfaces in its native aquatic environment and the host intestinal tract. We show that c-di-GMP inhibits gbpA activation in a fashion independent of the known transcription factors that directly sense c-di-GMP. Interestingly, inhibition of gbpA activation by c-di-GMP only occurs during growth on non-PTS dependent nutrient sources. Consistent with this result, we show that CRP binds to the gbpA promoter in a cAMP-dependent manner in vitro and drives transcription of gbpA in vivo. The interplay between cAMP and c-di-GMP does not broadly impact the CRP-cAMP regulon, but occurs more specifically at the gbpA promoter. These findings suggest that c-di-GMP directly interferes with the interaction of CRP-cAMP and the gbpA promoter via an unidentified regulator. The use of two distinct second messenger signaling mechanisms to regulate gbpA transcription may allow V. cholerae to finely modulate GbpA production, and therefore colonization of aquatic and host surfaces, in response to discrete environmental stimuli.
An NCME Instructional Module on Latent DIF Analysis Using Mixture Item Response Models

The purpose of this ITEMS module is to provide an introduction to differential item functioning (DIF) analysis using mixture item response models. The mixture item response models for DIF analysis involve comparing item profiles across latent groups, instead of manifest groups. First, an overview of DIF analysis based on latent groups, called latent DIF analysis, is provided and its applications in the literature are surveyed. Then, the methodological issues pertaining to latent DIF analysis are described, including mixture item response models, parameter estimation, and latent DIF detection methods. Finally, recommended steps for latent DIF analysis are illustrated using empirical data.
Challenges encountered with argatroban anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass

Use of argatroban as an alternative to heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia has gained some attention in the past two decades. Dosing of argatroban during CPB is complex due to lack of complete understanding of its pharmacokinetic profile and the various elements during CPB that may alter its plasma levels. We report a case where the challenges in dosing argatroban led to failure to provide adequate anticoagulation during CPB, as evidenced by clot formation in the oxygenator, and extensive bleeding in the postoperative period.
Solar cycle changes, geomagnetic variations, and energetic particle properties in the inner magnetosphere

Abstract The causes and effects of geospace variability during recent years have been studied using coordinated measurements from an international constellation of Sun–Earth spacecraft. Particular emphasis is placed on long-term, homogeneous data sets from recent NASA spacecraft missions. It is found that even for modest geomagnetic storms, radiation belt electron fluxes can be rapidly enhanced within the Earth's inner magnetosphere. Remote-sensing solar data identify the eruptive or recurrent coronal features that produce the upstream drivers that, in turn, cause episodes of intense geomagnetic activity. Continuous solar wind data allow study of the principal drivers of magnetospheric acceleration processes. The Earth's radiation belts and inner magnetosphere show pronounced differences in their characteristics as the interplanetary magnetic field and solar wind properties change over the 11-year solar cycle. Solar coronal holes produce regular, recurrent solar wind streams, almost invariably enhancing highly relativistic electrons when solar wind speeds exceed 500 km/s. These phenomena are characteristic of the several-year approach to solar minimum. This contrasts with major geomagnetic disturbances associated with aperiodic coronal mass ejections that occur most frequently around solar maximum. As a practical consequence of Sun–Earth connection events, it is found that many adverse space weather episodes have contributed significantly to spacecraft operational anomalies and failures. We discuss how present and future space missions can address International Living With a Star (ILWS) goals and improve space weather forecasts.
Larval biology of tridacnid clams

Abstract Previous attempts at the mariculture of tridacnid bivalves have emphasized parameters such as growth rates of metamorphosed spat and adults. Many of these studies agree that larval mortality in these clams is high, but there have been few attempts made to define culture conditions that would enhance larval survival. We have attempted to address aspects of the larval biology of Hippopus hippopus and Tridacna gigas with an aim toward improving larval survival. We emphasize the effects of larval density and exogenous food (dissolved and particulate) supply on survival and growth of tridacnid larvae. The brief trochophore stage showed high mortality, but optimal survival was found at densities between 0.2 and 5 larvae/ml. Survival and growth rate of veligers were found to be optimal at densities of 0.2–10 larvae/ml. Control (unfed) veligers demonstrated high growth rates during the first half of the veliger stage, after which growth rates declined to zero, and mortality increased markedly. In contrast, veligers provided with particulate food ( Isochrysis galbana , Tahitian strain) had significantly higher growth rates (p Phaeodactylum tricornatum is not an effective food for tridacnid larvae. Optimal growth and survival of veligers fed I. galbana occurred with algal densities of 10 4 –10 5 cells/ml. Dissolved organic nutrients in the form of vitamins and yeast extract significantly enhanced veliger growth and survival. Although all adult tridacnids possess symbiotic algae which contribute significantly to their nutrition, these algae are not passed from one clam generation to another. Under experimental conditions, veligers take all strains of Symbiodinium microadriaticum provided into their stomachs, but symbiosis is not established until after metamorphosis. A larval history of adequate nutrition may well enhance veliger growth, shorten the developmental time to metamorphosis, and improve growth after the establishment of symbiosis.
Electrochemical oxidation of arsenopyrite in chloride solutions

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry, potential step, and AC impedance techniques were applied to study the electrochemical reaction of arsenopyrite in chloride solutions. The relationship between anodic current density and time in potential step measurements indicates that the oxidation of arsenopyrite is irreversible. The results of the constant potential coulometry show that the stoichiometric factor of electron involves in the overall reaction is 14. It is proposed that the dissolution of arsenopyrite is retarded by the coverage of sulfur produced in the reaction as an intermediate product. The measured results of AC impedance strongly support this proposition. The proposed reaction mechanism also explains satisfactorily the charging current density and slopes of polarization plot measured in potential step measurements.
The Diversity of R&D Consortia and Firm Behavior: Evidence from Japanese Data

An empirical analysis of Japanese government-sponsored R&D consortia involving 213 firms over 13 years shows that the diversity of a consortium is associated with greater R&D expenditure by participating firms. Diversity is alternatively measured by the Montgomery [1982] index, based on 3-digit SIC codes, and Branstetter and Sakakibara’s [1998] modification of the Jaffe [1986] patent portfolio based index.
Growth of Escherichia coli: Significance of Peptidoglycan Degradation during Elongation and Septation

We have found a striking difference between the modes of action of amdinocillin (mecillinam) and compound A22, both of which inhibit cell elongation. This was made possible by employment of a new method using an Escherichia coli peptidoglycan (PG)-recycling mutant, lacking ampD, to analyze PG degradation during cell elongation and septation. Using this method, we have found that A22, which is known to prevent MreB function, strongly inhibited PG synthesis during elongation. In contrast, treatment of elongating cells with amdinocillin, which inhibits penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2), allowed PG glycan synthesis to proceed at a nearly normal rate with concomitant rapid degradation of the new glycan strands. By treating cells with A22 to inhibit sidewall synthesis, the method could also be applied to study septum synthesis. To our surprise, over 30% of newly synthesized septal PG was degraded during septation. Thus, excess PG sufficient to form at least one additional pole was being synthesized and rapidly degraded during septation. We propose that during cell division, rapid removal of the excess PG serves to separate the new poles of the daughter cells. We have also employed this new method to demonstrate that PBP2 and RodA are required for the synthesis of glycan strands during elongation and that the periplasmic amidases that aid in cell separation are minor players, cleaving only one-sixth of the PG that is turned over by the lytic transglycosylases.
Software process improvement: practical guidelines for business success, Addison Wesley Longman, UK, 1997, £27.95, 447 pp.

This 1997 book advocated the use of disciplined processes in doing software work, and of continued improvement in those processes. The author explains that in achieving software process improvement (SPI), the primary emphasis has to be on changing the behaviour of people—effectively a maintenance process. This book concentrates not on tools or technology, but on working together toward goals. While the book draws upon both European and American experience, the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) receives the most attention. This book, in spite of the word ‘business’ in its title, is as applicable to governmental, non-profit, research, commercial, and industrial organizations as it is to business. The real focus of this book is on discipline in software work processes wherever they may be found, a condition that appears to be applicable in software maintenance processes, although software maintenance processes are not this book's nominal domain. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A low-cost distributed instrumentation system for monitoring, identifying and diagnosing irregular patterns of behavior in critical ITS components

ITS telecommunication infrastructure and information gathering/distribution equipment such as fiber-optic routing devices, communication huts, uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs), cameras and dynamic message signs (DMSs) are critical to the effective management of resources in emergency situations. Frequently encountered scenarios include evaluating the severity of vehicle collisions to dispatch appropriate law enforcement and ambulatory services, or issuing time-sensitive AMBER alerts to assist in the effort to find missing or kidnapped children. Due to the unacceptably high cost of ITS equipment failures, preventative maintenance and dense operational testing are high priorities. In this paper we present a low-cost distributed instrumentation system (DIS) for continuous monitoring of critical ITS components. Over the last three years, we have developed and deployed the DIS in the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) private fiberoptic network that spans several major metropolitan areas in and around Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton. The Oklahoma DIS is responsible for monitoring the health of the entire ODOT ITS communications network as well as the integrity of each camera video signal and the operational status of each DMS. All of the information acquired by the DIS is integrated into an operational summary that is available on a private website for the design and execution of ITS equipment maintenance plans. In Oklahoma, information acquired by the DIS has been successfully integrated into a wide range of operation and maintenance (O&M) planning, which has led to a significant improvement in terms of overall ITS quality of service (QoS) and a quantifiable reduction in wasted costs associated with the premature discarding of energy storage devices.
WE‐D‐211A‐01: Future Trends in the Supply and Demand for Radiation Oncology Physicists

Purpose: Significant controversy surrounds the 2012 / 2014 decision announced by the Trustees of the American Board of Radiology in October of 2007. According to the ABR, only medical physicists that are graduates of a CAMPEP‐accredited academic or residency program will be admitted for examination in the years 2012 and 2013. Only graduates of a CAMPEP —accredited residency program will be admitted for examination beginning in the year 2014. Method and Materials: An essential question facing the medical physics community is an estimation of supply and demand for medical physicists through the year 2020. To that end, a Supply/Demand model was created on STELLA software. Inputs into the model include the a) projected new cancer incidence 1990 – 2020, AAPM member ages and retirement projections 1990 – 2020, Number of ABR physics diplomates 1990 – 2008, Number of patients per Qualified Medical Physicist from Abt Reports I (1995), II (2002) and III (2008), non‐CAMPEP physicists trained 1990 – 2008 and projected through 2014, CAMPEP physicists trained 1993 – 2008, and working Qualified Medical Physicists in radiation oncology in the United States (1990 – 2007). Results: The model indicates that the number of qualified medical physicists working in radiation oncology required to meet demand in 2020 will be 200 per year. Because there is some elasticity in the workforce, some of the work effort might be assumed by practicing medical physicists. However the minimum number of new radiation oncologyphysicists required for the health of the profession is estimated to be 125 per year. Conclusion: The AAPM should plan to support a more rigorous supply/demand model and to build residency programs to support these numbers for the future of the profession.
The pattern of viral and cellular DNA synthesis in pseudorabies virus-infected cells in the logarithmic phase of growth

Abstract The DNA of pseudorabies (Pr) virus can be separated from the DNA of its host cell by centrifugation in density gradients of cesium chloride. By means of this technique, it was found that in logarithmically growing rabbit kidney (RK) cells infected with Pr virus there is a progressive decrease in the rate of incorporation of thymidine-2-C 14 into cellular DNA, and, concurrently, a progressive increase of its incorporation into viral DNA. The decrease in the rate of incorporation of thymidine-2-C 14 into cellular DNA is due to the inhibition in virus-infected cells of the synthesis of this DNA. The mode of inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis in Pr virus-infected cells was investigated. This inhibition is not due to the failure of the infected cells to enter into the DNA-synthesizing period of their growth cycle, nor is it the result of the degradation of cellular DNA in these cells. There is in the infected cells a shift of the cellular DNA toward the periphery of the nucleus which may be responsible for the inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis.
Microfabrication of a variable range and multi-directionally sensitive thermal flow sensor

Abstract This investigation reports the design, fabrication and characterization of a variable range and multi-directionally sensitive micromachined thermal flow sensor based on amorphous germanium thermistors. For measuring various flow ranges and flow directions with a single device, 12 thermistors are placed on an 2 mm × 2 mm supporting square shaped dielectric membrane made with silicon nitride. The thermistors are located at different optimized distances from a central micro-heater that is made with a bilayer of Ti/Pt and can be heated to 200 °C with about 580 mW applied power. The thermistors are laid as six pairs on the aforementioned substrate with three pairs located along the X-axis and another three pairs located along the Y-axis. The device was characterized in the presence of air flow velocities up to 20 m/s and at constant heating power modes of 500 mW and 250 mW in order to measure the achievable flow speed and direction. Characterization results were compared with simulation results and the errors in flow speed and angle measurement have been discussed.
The Relationships Among Sensory Processing Styles, Personality Traits, and Body Mass Index: A Pilot Study

The purpose of the authors in this study is to explore the possible relationships among sensory processing styles, possible sensory processing disorders, personality traits, and body mass index. There is research on the relationship between obesity as defined by body mass index and temperament, and sensory processing and temperament; however, no information could be found on the relationship between body mass index and sensory processing styles, or the role that temperament and personality styles may play in these relationships. The 50 female participants were recruited from the University of New England community. The sample included women between the ages of 19 and 59 years, and of various weights. None of the participants had a history of thyroid problems, diabetes, or any physical disabilities that would limit daily physical activity. None had been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. All participants filled out two self-reports and a demographic questionnaire. The Adult/Adolescent Sensory Prof...
The effectiveness of family interventions in people with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Aims To conduct a systematic review of reports of published literature to assess which family interventions are effective in improving diabetes-related outcomes in people with diabetes and family members (blood or non-blood relatives) residing in their homes. Methods We searched computerized bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, WOS, ERIC, Cochrane, CDP, and SocAbs) for randomized clinical trials published in any language that evaluated the effectiveness of family-based interventions with no age restriction. Only studies focused on interventions in young populations (< 18 years) and involving a parent were combined in a meta-analysis for glycated haemoglobin (GHb) using DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Effect sizes for knowledge outcomes were estimated using the Cohen's d (standardized mean differences) formula. Results Our searches identified 19 randomized controlled trials. Positive effect sizes of family interventions on knowledge for five studies (N = 217) were demonstrated {0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67, 1.82]}. A beneficial effect of interventions on GHb for eight studies (N = 505) was also observed using meta-analysis [−0.6 (95% CI −1.2, −0.1)]. Conclusions Evidence suggests that family interventions in family or household members of people with diabetes may be effective in improving diabetes-related knowledge and glycaemic control.
Assessment of Beauveria bassiana Nov. EO-1 strain, which produces a red pigment for microbial control

A new strain of the fungusBeauveria bassiana Nov. EO-1 (ATCC 74037), which produces a red pigment in solid and liquid culture, has been isolated from an infected whitefly. The red pigment was extracted and has been identified by mass spectrometry as oosporein, a potent dibenzoquinone mycotoxin.
SU-E-T-360: Stereotactic Radiosurgery Plan Evaluation Using High Order Central Moments

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of the coefficient of variation, skewness (third central moment), and kurtosis (fourth central moment) in quantifying and characterizing the target dose distribution in brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) cases. Methods: Twenty-one brain lesions in eighteen SRS patients treated using non-coplanar dynamic conformal arcs were randomly selected. Setup errors of these patients were extracted from clinical ExacTrac data. Retrospective plans were generated based on the ExacTrac data to simulate the effects of patient positioning errors. The coefficient of variation, skewness, and kurtosis were used to analyze the dose distribution of the planning target volume (PTV). These variables were computed from the dose-volume histogram of the PTV. For each patient, the ratios of the variables were calculated between treatment plans with and without setup errors. Results: The magnitude of patient setup errors ranged from 0.28 mm to 2.78 mm, with an average of 1.35 ±0.67 mm. The average ratio of coefficient of variation was 1.63 ±1.25, the ratio of the skewness was 1.40 ±0.41, and the ratio of the kurtosis was 1.26 ±0.33. These ratios were in accordance with the fact that when setup errors existed, the PTV dose distribution generally became broader, more asymmetric, and less uniform. The values of the skewness were negative, reflecting that upon setup errors part of the PTV fell into regions of lower doses. Anova analysis showed significant differences between the coefficient of variation (p=0.037), the skewness (p=0.02), and the kurtosis (p=0.01) with and without patient setup errors. Conclusion: The coefficient of variation, skewness, and kurtosis were introduced to PTV dose distribution analysis. It was found that those variables were good measures of the characteristics of the PTV dose distribution. They may be useful parameters in the evaluation of treatment plan quality.
Sociocultural factors influencing HIV disclosure among men in South Africa.

In South Africa, more than 2 million people living with HIV are men aged 15 years and older, and heterosexual intercourse remains the predominant mode of HIV transmission. Knowledge of the sociocultural factors that influence men’s decisions about whether, when, or how to disclose seropositive status remains incompletely understood. Using the PEN-3 cultural model as a guide, this study explored the sociocultural factors influencing HIV disclosure among men in South Africa. Four focus group discussions with 27 participants were used to determine the perceptions, enabling and nurturing factors that influence how men chose to reveal or conceal knowledge of their seropositive status. The results revealed that notions of male identity in the South African context, family, and community factors contribute to disclosure and nondisclosure of seropositive status among men living with HIV/AIDS. Future interventions should work to address these factors, as they are necessary with supporting disclosure among men livi...
An Apgar score for surgery.

Background Surgical teams have not had a routine, reliable measure of patient condition at the end of an operation. We aimed to develop an Apgar score for the field of surgery, an outcomes score that teams could calculate at the end of any general or vascular surgical procedure to accurately grade a patient's condition and chances of major complications or death. Study design We derived our surgical score in a retrospective analysis of data from medical records and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for 303 randomly selected patients undergoing colectomy at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. The primary outcomes measure was incidence of major complication or death within 30 days of operation. We validated the score in two prospective, randomly selected cohorts: 102 colectomy patients and 767 patients undergoing general or vascular operations at the same institution. Results A 10-point score based on a patient's estimated amount of blood loss, lowest heart rate, and lowest mean arterial pressure during general or vascular operations was significantly associated with major complications or death within 30 days (p Conclusions A simple score based on blood loss, heart rate, and blood pressure can be useful in rating the condition of patients after general or vascular operations.
Contaminants from Cretaceous black shale: I. Natural weathering processes controlling contaminant cycling in Mancos Shale, southwestern United States, with emphasis on salinity and selenium

Abstract Soils derived from black shale can accumulate high concentrations of elements of environmental concern, especially in regions with semiarid to arid climates. One such region is the Colorado River basin in the southwestern United States where contaminants pose a threat to agriculture, municipal water supplies, endangered aquatic species, and water-quality commitments to Mexico. Exposures of Cretaceous Mancos Shale (MS) in the upper basin are a major contributor of salinity and selenium in the Colorado River. Here, we examine the roles of geology, climate, and alluviation on contaminant cycling (emphasis on salinity and Se) during weathering of MS in a Colorado River tributary watershed. Stage I (incipient weathering) began perhaps as long ago as 20 ka when lowering of groundwater resulted in oxidation of pyrite and organic matter. This process formed gypsum and soluble organic matter that persist in the unsaturated, weathered shale today. Enrichment of Se observed in laterally persistent ferric oxide layers likely is due to selenite adsorption onto the oxides that formed during fluctuating redox conditions at the water table. Stage II weathering (pedogenesis) is marked by a significant decrease in bulk density and increase in porosity as shale disaggregates to soil. Rainfall dissolves calcite and thenardite (Na2SO4) at the surface, infiltrates to about 1 m, and precipitates gypsum during evaporation. Gypsum formation (estimated 390 kg m−2) enriches soil moisture in Na and residual SO4. Transpiration of this moisture to the surface or exposure of subsurface soil (slumping) produces more thenardite. Most Se remains in the soil as selenite adsorbed to ferric oxides, however, some oxidizes to selenate and, during wetter conditions is transported with soil moisture to depths below 3 m. Coupled with little rainfall, relatively insoluble gypsum, and the translocation of soluble Se downward, MS landscapes will be a significant nonpoint source of salinity and Se to the Colorado River well into the future. Other trace elements weathering from MS that are often of environmental concern include U and Mo, which mimic Se in their behavior; As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, which show little redistribution; and Cd, Sb, V, and Zn, which accumulate in Stage I shale, but are lost to varying degrees from upper soil intervals. None of these trace elements have been reported previously as contaminants in the study area.
Implementation of nonparametric multivariate statistics with S

Multivariate nonparametric statistical methods have not been widely used by psychologists. One reason for this may have been that the usual general-purpose packages do not provide easy implementation of these methods. In this article, we briefly describe the multivariate extensions of the sign, signed-rank, and rank-sum tests and use S, a programming environment for data analysis, to implement these statistical procedures. Three numerical examples are used to illustrate the flexibility and efficiency of these computations in S.
Meeting practical challenges of a trial involving a multitude of treatment regimens: an example of a multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial in neuroAIDS.

Many clinical trials compare one specific treatment to a control or standard treatment. In HIV therapeutics, such fixed-regimen designs may be problematic as individualized treatment regimens are standard practice. Designing and implementing a trial that allows individualized treatment options poses particular challenges. In this example of a clinical trial in NeuroAIDS, it is hypothesized that some antiretroviral drugs [i.e., those that penetrate the blood–brain barrier sufficiently to inhibit HIV in the central nervous system (CNS)] will improve HIV neurocognitive impairment, whereas non-penetrating antiretrovirals will not be as effective in improving neurocognitive function. To test this hypothesis, a uniquely designed strategy trial was developed that consists of three essential components: (1) a scoring system that ranks regimens for CNS penetration based on semiquantitative criteria, (2) committee-established individualized regimen options that allow randomization to opposite ends of the CNS penetration spectrum, and (3) timely implementation across multiple centers via web-based resources. For the proposed trial, the three components are combined with an adaptive randomization scheme to minimize potential confounding by several important factors. A small pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability to providers. In conclusion, an innovative design can provide solutions to challenging practical issues in trials with multiple treatment options.
A numerical study of the effect of geometry variation, turbulence models, and dissipation on the flow past control surfaces

The steady 3D viscous flow past the ONERA M6 wing and a slender delta wing-body with trailing edge control surfaces has been computed. A cell-centered finite-volume Navier-Stokes patched zonal method has been used for the numerical simulation. Both diagonalized and LUSGS schemes have been implemented. Besides the standard nonplanar zonal interfacing techniques, a new virtual zone capability has been employed. For code validation, the transonic flow past the ONERA M5 wing is calculated for angles-of-attack of 3.06 deg and 5.06 deg and compared with the available experiments. The wing-body computational results are compared with experimental data for both trailing-edge flaps deflected. The experimental flow conditions are M subinfinity = 0.4, a turbulent Reynolds number of 5.41 million based on a mean aerodynamic chord of 25.959 inches, adiabatic wall, and angles-of-attack varying from 0 deg to 23.85 deg. The computational results are presented for the 23.85 deg angle-of-attack case. The effects of the base flow due to a model sting, the varying second and fourth order numerical dissipation, and the turbulence model are all considered.
Synthesis and thermodynamic characterization of self-sorting coiled coils

Abstract Hydrophobic interactions are a major driving force in protein folding. Amino acid side chains containing trifluoromethyl groups are more hydrophobic than their hydrocarbon counterparts. We describe here the design and characterization of peptide systems with hydrophobic cores composed entirely of leucine or hexafluoroleucine. The preference for homodimeric assemblies over the heterodimer was probed by a disulfide exchange assay. At equilibrium, the homodimers are the dominant species in solution. The fluorinated assembly is much more stable than the hydrogenated peptide dimer and the heterodimer, as judged by thermal and chemical denaturation studies and is responsible for driving the equilibrium in favor of the homodimers. Appropriately fluorinated peptides are therefore useful in stabilizing protein folds and in mediating specific protein–protein interactions.
A Study of the Forces on the Small Intestine From a Novel Suction Based Approach for Robotic Endoscopic Locomotion

Many studies have been published regarding robotic endoscopes, however, very little has been done to quantify their effects on the intestine [1]. Here, the use of suction to hold onto the small intestine is investigated. These results will be used to develop an endoscope that is capable of being advanced deep into the small bowel. Prototype suction devices have been designed and various rigid suction tips tested on swine cadaveric intestines. Testing consisted of applying vacuum pressure to suction tips within the intestine. Suction tips were pulled in a shearing method against segments of swine intestine. Measurement data acquired determined parameters which generated the greatest amount of holding force while minimizing tissue damage. Vacuum pressures from 64 kPa–85 kPa were applied to suction tips. The measured force increased from 1.62 Newton (6 oz) to 3.89 Newton (14 oz) with increasing vacuum pressure. Even at the highest vacuum pressure employed (85 kPa) there were no visible signs of intestinal trauma. A maximum force of 3.89 Newton (14 oz) could be attained from a single tip. During in-situ experiments this method advanced the endoscope 25cm into the small intestine.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
On the representation of hysteresis operators of Preisach type

Brokate and Sprekels introduced the notion of hysteresis operators of the Preisach type (HOPTs), that are more general than (and include as a subset) the classical Preisach operator. In this paper, we provide a mathematical framework to the important representation problem for HOPTs by presenting two results on the approximation of the output function on the set of memory curves. One of the results shows the existence of a neural network representation when the functional is continuous, and the other shows a representation based on a multiresolution analysis when the functional is Holder continuous and bounded on compact subsets of the space of memory curves.
A Signal Processing Implementation for an IBM-PC-based Workstation

This TMS32010-based, single-board system calculates fast Fourier transforms. Special software makes based calculations transparent to the Fortran user.
Kapitza conductance of gallium single crystals between 1.2 and 2.0 K

Abstract In spite of a large anisotropy in the large electronic transport properties, and the fact that the Kapitza conductance hK of gallium has a large elektronic component4 between 1.2 and 2 K, there is no corresponing anisotropy in the absolute values of hK for the 3 principal orientations. There is, however, a slight difference in the temperature exponent, which is 4.2 for the a and the c axis, but 3.6 for the b axis. Existing theories cannot explain these results.
Feasibility of telecytopathology for rapid preliminary diagnosis of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of axillary lymph nodes in a remote breast care center

Background: In the recent years, the advances in digital methods in pathology have resulted in the use of telecytology in the immediate assessment of fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. However, there is a need for organ-based and body site-specific studies on the use of telecytology for the immediate assessment of FNA to evaluate its pitfalls and limitations. We present our experience with the use of telecytology for on-site evaluation of ultrasound-guided FNA (USG-FNA) of axillary lymph nodes in a remote breast care center. Materials and Methods: Real-time images of Diff-Quik-stained cytology smears were obtained with an Olympus digital camera attached to an Olympus CX41 microscope and transmitted via ethernet by a cytotechnologist to a pathologist who rendered preliminary diagnosis while communicating with the on-site cytotechnologist over the Vocera system. The accuracy of the preliminary diagnosis was compared with the final diagnosis, retrospectively. Results: A total of 39 female patients (mean age: 50.5 years) seen at the breast care center underwent USG-FNA of 44 axillary nodes. Preliminary diagnoses of benign, suspicious/malignant, and unsatisfactory were 41, 52, and 7%, respectively. Only one of the 23 cases that were initially interpreted as benign was reclassified as suspicious on final cytologic diagnosis. Seventeen of 18 suspicious/malignant cases on initial cytology corresponded with a malignant diagnosis on final cytology. One suspicious case was reclassified as benign on final cytologic diagnosis. All unsatisfactory cases remained inadequate for final cytologic interpretation. The presence of additional material in the cell block and interpretative error were the main reasons for discrepancy, accounting for the two discrepant cases. Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrates that the on-site telecytology evaluation of USG-FNA of axillary lymph nodes in patients at a remote breast care center was highly accurate compared with the final cytologic evaluation. It allows pathologists to use their time more efficiently and makes on-site evaluation at a remote site possible.
Electrophoretic and buoyant density variants of southern bean mosaic virus

Abstract Five electrophoretic variants of southern bean mosaic virus have been found. Each was characterized by its mobility as a function of pH in two buffer systems. In monovalent buffers of 0.10 ionic strength, their isoelectric points ranged between pH 3.95 and 6.03. When sodium chloride was a constituent of the buffer system, the isoelectric points of each of the variants was lowered, suggesting that chloride ions were binding to the viral protein shell. Calculations using these data show that, depending on the variant, chloride ions bind between 7 and 38% of the total available amphoteric charges. A relationship exists among the variants since, for each, approximately the square of the fractional number of chloride ions bound is proportional to the slope of the mobility-pH curve. The “valency” of each variant is similar. Although each variant is homogeneous electrophoretically and in its buoyant density in CsCl, two of the variants display three components in other cesium salts. When the multiple components are recombined and recentrifuged in CsCl density gradient, only a single component is present. This indicates that multiple components do not represent degraded virus. Fourteen “species” have been identified among the five electrophoretic variants by their characteristic buoyant densities.
Regulation of osteoblast differentiation by Nurr1 in MC3T3-E1 cell line and mouse calvarial osteoblasts

The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is primarily expressed in the central nervous system. It has been shown that Nurr1 is necessary for terminal differentiation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in ventral midbrain. The receptor, however, is also expressed in other organs including bone, even though the role of Nurr1 is not yet understood. Therefore, we investigated the role of Nurr1 in osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells and calvarial osteoblasts derived from Nurr1 null newborn pups. Our results revealed that reduced Nurr1 expression, using Nurr1 siRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells, affected the expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), as measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), another osteoblast differentiation marker gene, was also decreased in Nurr1 siRNA-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, Nurr1 overexpression increased OCN and COL1A1 expression. Furthermore, consistent with these results, during osteoblast differentiation, the expression of osteoblast marker genes was decreased in primary cultured mouse calvarial osteoblasts derived from Nurr1 null mice. Collectively, our results suggest that Nurr1 is important for osteoblast differentiation.