cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pain control in healthcare organizations: Developing effective disease management programs

Although medicine possesses the knowledge and technology for preventing or relieving most pain, poor pain control is still widespread. Unrelieved pain causes unnecessary suffering and increases hea...
How First-Time Viewers Comprehend Editing Conventions

African tribal villagers having little familiarity with any mass media were able to comprehend a filmed narrative, even when it utilized a variety of “point of view” editing techniques.
A simple method for measuring acetylene reduction of intact, nodulated black locust seedlings.

A simple method is described for measuring acetylene (C2H2) reduction of nodulated black locust (Rohiniapseudoacacia L.) seedlings. The C2H2 reduction chamber consists of a standard plant pot sealed at one end with a stopper having holes for the seedling and a gas inlet port, and sealed at the other end with a stoppered collar with a gas port. The chamber temperature is regulated by circulating water at a controlled temperature through a copper coil surrounding the plant pot. A pump recirculates an approximately ten percent C2H2 atmosphere through the system. Nine-week-old black locust seedlings, grown in sand culture and inoculated with Rhizohium, were used to obtain ethylene (CaH4) production curves. Ethylene production was linear for up to 60 minutes indicating that, for this particular symbiosis, (1) a simple closed system is adequate and (2) a short duration assay (10 minutes) will reliably estimate C2H2 reduction over a longer period (up to at least 60 minutes). The water content of the soil medium had no influence on the CaH2/(CaHz + C2H4) ratio, which supports the suitability of C2H2 as an internal standard for calculating C2Ha reduction. This system has several desirable features. First, plant disturbance is minimized. Second, plants can be grown in inexpensive pots and no transplanting is necessary. Third, gas exchange and mixing are facilitated by a recirculating pump. Finally, root and nodule temperature can be controlled.
Aaron's: Household Goods for the U.S. Base of the Pyramid

With $2.5 billion system-wide revenues, Aaron's, a major rent-to-own supplier to the US base of the pyramid, continues to grow in the recession, but CEO R.C. Loudermilk, Jr. wonders how long the company can sustain the fast growth rate of its past. Founded in 1955, and publicly-listed since 1982, Aaron's success has paralleled the emergence of the rent-to-own industry as a major channel for the lower income US population to access durable household goods. In this space, Aaron has only one other large national rival, Rent-A-Center. As he faces Aaron's future growth, Loudermilk must consider continuing with the basic business model, follow his competitor into expanding the product line, or tap into underserved foreign markets. At the same time, the entire rent-to-own industry in the US is coming under attack by consumer advocates and politicians as the nation continues to battle a deep economic crisis.Learning Objective:To expose MBA students to the business of serving low-income populations in the United States: the rationale behind the market, the key success factors and the issues (economic, social and cultural) that derive from it.
Determination of total chromium in seawater with isotope dilution sector field ICP-MS following on-line matrix separation

An on-line matrix separation and concentration was undertaken for the direct determination of total Cr in seawater using isotope dilution with detection by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID SF-ICP-MS). A mini-column packed with 50 µl silica-immobilized diphenylcarbazone (I-DPC) resin was used to extract Cr(III) from seawater following on-line pH adjustment with a pH 9.3 solution of NH4OH/HNO3. A preliminary reduction of chromium to Cr(III) was achieved with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Medium resolution was used to efficiently separate argon polyatomic species and any possible oxide interferences. Using a 7.5 ml volume of sample, throughput was 10 samples h−1 with a detection limit (3 s) of 0.005 ng g−1. Method validation was demonstrated by determination of total chromium in seawater CRMs NASS-5 and CASS-4, yielding concentrations of 0.111 ± 0.011 and 0.1296 ± 0.0094 ng ml−1 (U, 95% confidence interval, k = 4.30, n = 3) in agreement with certified values. The method was applied to the determination of total Cr in candidate seawater CRMs NASS-6 and CASS-5, yielding concentrations of 0.1132 ± 0.0047 and 0.0942 ± 0.0040 ng g−1 (U, 95% confidence interval, k = 2.57, n = 6), respectively. A complete evaluation of uncertainty is presented.
Detection and Measurement of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin-Like K (SEl-K) Secretion by Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates

ABSTRACT Staphylococcal enterotoxin-like K (SEl-K) is a potent mitogen that elicits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production at very low concentrations. However, unlike the classical enterotoxins SEB and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1), the gene for SEl-K is commonly present in more than half of all Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates and is present in almost all USA300 community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) isolates. Sequencing of the sel-k gene in over 20 clinical isolates and comparative analysis with all 14 published sel-k sequences indicate that there are at least 6 variants of the sel-k gene, including one that is conserved among all examined USA300 strains. Additionally, we have developed a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that specifically detects and measures SEl-K protein in culture supernatants and biological fluids. Quantification of in vitro SEl-K secretion by various S. aureus isolates using this novel capture ELISA revealed detectable amounts of SEl-K secretion by all isolates, with the highest secretion levels being exhibited by MRSA strains that coexpress SEB. In vivo secretion was measured in a murine thigh abscess model, where similar levels of SEl-K accumulation were noted regardless of whether the infecting strain exhibited high or low secretion of SEl-K in vitro . We conclude that SEl-K is commonly expressed in the setting of staphylococcal infection, in significant amounts. SEl-K should be further explored as a target for passive immunotherapy against complicated S. aureus infection.
Measles immunization: 12 or 15 months?

The objective of immunization is to reduce morbidity produced by natural illness. Ideally, we would like to eradicate natural infection. This goal, which has been presumably accomplished for smallpox, has clearly eluded us in the case of measles. Eradication requires reduction in the number of susceptible subjects to the point where transmission of natural infection is interrupted. It is clear in the case of measles that we continue to have pockets of susceptible subjects that permit perpetuation of this disease. Clusters of cases occur in neighborhoods where immunization levels are low and in situations where susceptible subjects are brought together in close contact, such as in high schools, colleges, and military installations.
Choosing anarchy: institutional alternatives and the global order

The international system may be anarchic, but anarchy is neither fixed nor inevitable. We analyze collective choices between anarchy, a system of inefficient self-enforcement, and external enforcement, where punishment is delegated to a third party at some upfront cost. In equilibrium, external enforcement (establishing governments) prevails when interaction density is high, the costs of integration are low, and violations are difficult to predict, but anarchy (drawing borders) prevails when at least one of these conditions fail. We explore the implications of this theory for the causal role of anarchy in international relations theory, the integration and disintegration of political units, and the limits and possibilities of cooperation through international institutions.
Enzymatic Conversion of Glucose to UDP-4-Keto-6-Deoxyglucose in Streptomyces spp.

All of the 2,6-dideoxy sugars contained within the structure of chromomycin A3 are derived from d-glucose. Enzyme assays were used to confirm the presence of hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, UDPG pyrophosphorylase (UDPGP), and UDPG oxidoreductase (UDPGO), all of which are involved in the pathway of glucose activation and conversion into 2,6-dideoxyhexoses during chromomycin biosynthesis. Levels of the four enzymes in Streptomyces spp. cell extracts were correlated with the production of chromomycins. The pathway of sugar activation in Streptomyces spp. involves glucose 6-phosphorylation by hexokinase, isomerization to G-1-P catalyzed by phosphoglucomutase, synthesis of UDPG catalyzed by UDPGP, and formation of UDP-4-keto-6-deoxyglucose by UDPGO.
Sedative choice and ventilator-associated patient outcomes: don't sleep on delirium.

Sedation is an integral component of care for critically ill and intubated patients. The adult intensive care unit (ICU) literature suggests that the choice of sedative agent may be central to patient outcomes during and after mechanical ventilation (1). Current guidelines recommend avoidance of benzodiazepines in preference of propofol or dexmedetomidine, and highlight a preference for maintaining light levels of sedation in critically ill adult patients. These guidelines stem largely from research comparing benzodiazepine to non-benzodiazepine sedatives (2), and more specifically, dexmedetomidine to midazolam, with or without propofol (3,4). Patients who received dexmedetomidine spent less time on the ventilator and experienced less delirium. However, comparisons between dexmedetomidine and propofol are limited.
Shiba chains of scalar impurities on unconventional superconductors

We show that a chain of nonmagnetic impurities deposited on a fully gapped two- or three-dimensional superconductor can become a topological one-dimensional superconductor with protected Majorana bound states at its end. A prerequisite is that the pairing potential of the underlying superconductor breaks the spin-rotation symmetry, as it is generically the case in systems with strong spin-orbit coupling. We illustrate this mechanism for a spinless triplet-superconductor p+ip and a time-reversal symmetric Rashba superconductor with a mixture of singlet and triplet pairing. For the latter, we show that the impurity chain can be topologically nontrivial even if the underlying superconductor is topologically trivial.
Threshold for Enhancement in Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma on MDCT: Effect on Necrosis Quantification

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine whether the conventionally used enhancement threshold of 10 HU for assessing tumor viability in treated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions is valid. MATERIALS AND METHODS. To distinguish pseudoenhancement from enhancement in a tumor, we used an in vivo model: The attenuation of 54 hepatic cysts during the unenhanced and portal venous phases of MDCT, similar to what may be observed in HCC with central necrosis, was used to determine the threshold for pseudoenhancement. To validate this model, we compared the attenuation value of liver parenchyma in this cohort with that of 22 HCCs during the late arterial phase of enhancement. We tested the effect of this pseudoenhancement on quantifying necrosis in HCC compared with the conventionally used threshold of 10 HU. RESULTS. Values of enhancing HCC tissue on arterial phase MDCT (mean, 121.3 HU) were comparable with normal liver parenchyma on venous phase MDCT (117.3 HU) (p = 0.27). The threshold of 17.1 ...
Launch sequence of stores from internal bay at transonic speed

I t has been shown (1) that properly taken grid data can provide good trajectory predictions for various initial conditions. I t was a l s o demonstrated ( 2 ) that empty cavity data can not be generalized to account for a densely packed cavity. T h e present analysis was used to generate the data for stores at various positions in the empty cavitp for five different ejection velocities and various pitching angles. The data will be used to determine the sequence of the store launching. I n addition, comparisons for M = 1 . 2 0 are shown.
B. R. I.: Book Review Index

The article presents an index of book reviews featured in the “Academy of Management Journal” between January 1962 and December 1966.
Efficient computation of cartilage contact pressures within dynamic simulations of movement

The objective of this study was to assess the use of an advanced collision detection algorithm to simulate cartilage contact pressure patterns within dynamic musculoskeletal simulations of movement. We created a knee model that included articular cartilage contact for the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. Knee mechanics were then predicted within the context of a dynamic gait simulation. At each time step of a simulation, ray-casting was used in conjunction with hierarchical oriented bounding boxes (OBB) to rapidly identify regions of overlap between articulating cartilage surfaces. Local cartilage contact pressure was then computed using an elastic foundation model. Collision detection implemented in parallel on a GPU provided up to a 10× speed increase when using high resolution mesh densities that had >10 triangles/mm2. However, pressure magnitudes converged at considerably lower mesh densities (2.6 triangles/mm2) where CPU and GPU implementations of collision detection exhibited equivalent performance. Simulated tibiofemoral contact locations were comparable to prior experimental measurements, while pressure magnitudes were similar to those predicted by finite element models. We conclude the use of ray-casting with hierarchical OBB for collision detection is a viable method for simulating joint contact mechanics in human movement.
Construction of PLC Practice Teaching System Using MCGS

According to the characteristics of PLC curriculum,to solve the current issues for practice teaching in many colleges,PLC practice teaching system using MCGS is constructed and implemented.By introducing examples,the system structure diagram and approach to setting variables of virtual PLC objects in configuration software are given in the paper.Detailed system development process is also illustrated and described.
Training residents to be factually accurate and articulate: A case study using foetal heart rate monitoring nomenclature

Careful communication between members of the obstetric team about intrapartum foetal heart rate is critical for clinical management and patient safety. This study evaluated the benefits of two testing modalities in assessing resident physician knowledge of the 2008 NICHD nomenclature. Multiple-choice (MC) and short-answer (SA) examinations were administered to Obstetrics and Gynecology resident physicians before an educational intervention and then immediately after the training, at 6 months and at 12 months. Test scores on both the MC and the SA examinations improved after the training session. The improvement was sustained over the course of the study. Residents performed higher on the MC examination than on the SA test. This study suggests that formalised teaching in foetal heart rate monitoring improves resident physician knowledge of the NICHD nomenclature and that SA examinations may better discriminate between residents who are and are not able to accurately articulate foetal heart rate monitoring terminology.
Identification of Zika Virus and Dengue Virus Dependency Factors using Functional Genomics

The flaviviruses dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are severe health threats with rapidly expanding ranges. To identify the host cell dependencies of DENV and ZIKV, we completed orthologous functional genomic screens using RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches. The screens recovered the ZIKV entry factor AXL as well as multiple host factors involved in endocytosis (RAB5C and RABGEF), heparin sulfation (NDST1 and EXT1), and transmembrane protein processing and maturation, including the endoplasmic reticulum membrane complex (EMC). We find that both flaviviruses require the EMC for their early stages of infection. Together, these studies generate a high-confidence, systems-wide view of human-flavivirus interactions and provide insights into the role of the EMC in flavivirus replication.
Abstract B41: Depleted uranium-induced oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells

Cancer and mortality rates are on the rise in many populations exposed to high deposits of uranium or tailings. There is an increased concern over environmental exposure to abandoned uranium mine tailings as well as occupational exposures to depleted uranium via military action. Cellular oxidative stress has been implicated in the genotoxicity of many heavy metals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxicity of depleted uranium (DU) in its soluble and insoluble forms in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o−). 16HBE14o− cells were exposed to 30 ppb of soluble depleted uranium (uranyl acetate - UA) and insoluble depleted uranium (uranium trioxide - UO3, uranium dioxide - UO2, uranium oxide - U3O8) for 2 – 24 hr. Oxidative stress was assessed in vitro by 5(6)-carboxy-2′,7′ − dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) staining and visualized by live cell fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. DNA damage response was assessed in vitro via Western immunoblotting to determine phosphorylation of histone H2AX and RPA levels. Results indicate that 16HBE14o− cells treated with UA and UO3 induced oxidative stress compared to untreated cells at 3 – 4 hr time points. 16HBE14o− cells treated with UA and UO3 induced phosphorylation of histone H2AX. These results are consistent with previous studies that indicate DU induces DNA damage via strand breaks and uranium-DNA adducts in treated cells. Interestingly, there was no increase in RPA phosphorylation levels of DU treated cells compared to untreated cells. These results suggest that: (1) cellular oxidative stress may be a pathway of particulate DU genotoxicity, and (2) induced DNA damage by DU may activate base excision repair in vitro. We are currently examining additional DNA repair targets to better understand the DNA repair pathway(s) stimulated by exposure to DU.
Unsteady Combustor Physics

Developing clean, sustainable energy systems is a pre-eminent issue of our time. Most projections indicate that combustion-based energy conversion systems will continue to be the predominant approach for the majority of our energy usage. Unsteady combustor issues present the key challenge associated with the development of clean, high-efficiency combustion systems such as those used for power generation, heating or propulsion applications. This comprehensive study is unique, treating the subject in a systematic manner. Although this book focuses on unsteady combusting flows, it places particular emphasis on the system dynamics that occur at the intersection of the combustion, fluid mechanics and acoustic disciplines. Individuals with a background in fluid mechanics and combustion will find this book to be an incomparable study that synthesises these fields into a coherent understanding of the intrinsically unsteady processes in combustors.
G353(P) Pico meetings – an example of innovative interdepartmental collaboration

We describe a model for collaboration with a medical librarian to support evaluation of research evidence and embed evidence-based clinical practice in a multi-professional paediatric team. The department has a regular programme of education but prior to the development of this meeting, we had no formal setting for evidence based medicine. Critical appraisal is an essential skill for clinical trainees and practitioners. In our deanery, paediatric trainees are required to complete at least 4 clinical questions in a 12 month period. We wished to ensure that the whole department could benefit and our team are competent in critical appraisal. This meeting allows all trainees to gain these skills and provides practice updates for the whole team. One of the difficulties in answering PICO questions is in identifying good-quality evidence in the literature. To facilitate highquality systematic review, we engaged the help of a medical librarian. For the past 12 months, we have run a weekly meeting where we look at PICO questions that have arisen during recent clinical care. A rota was drawn up involving team members. The assigned presenter chooses a clinical question from a list the team have previously generated. The presenter liaises with the librarian who performs the literature search and shares the details of the search which upskills the team in performing an effective literature search. The presenter then discusses their appraisal of the literature and makes recommendations about how these findings should apply to practice. Findings from team survey showed 84% (11/13) of team members felt these meetings helped develop critical appraisal skills. 90% (10/11) used information from search for patient care. There was increased awareness of library resources and appreciation of the value added by the input from the librarian. Areas for improvement included better means of dissemination of the information and a need to evaluate the barriers in implementing the PICO recommendations into clinical practice. PICO meetings add value to the usual departmental teaching programme. The involvement of a medical librarian adds significant value to this meeting.
Dynamic Mental Model Construction: A Knowledge in Pieces-Based Explanation for Computing Students’ Erratic Performance on Recursion

The Knowledge in Pieces (KiP) framework offers a powerful perspective to understand the dynamic nature of knowledge and knowledge development. However, there is still much we do not know about the ...
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Instrumental Variables Estimation with Few or Many Instruments

Instrumental variables estimation can, in principle, avoid biases that ordinary least squares estimation suffers when explanatory variables are correlated with the disturbances. Finding appropriate instruments is a challenge. Ten strategies for avoiding invalid instruments (those correlated with the disturbances), as well as recently developed best practices for coping with weak instruments (those little correlated with the troublesome explanatory variable), are summarized and illustrated using ten published empirical papers. Recently developed methods for grappling with heteroskedasticity and with large numbers of instruments are also discussed and illustrated. The interpretive perils posed by heterogeneity in agents’ behavioral responses to a troublesome explanator are also described and illustrated. Almost all of the procedures recommended in the paper can be implemented using existing commands for one or more standard econometric packages.
High-frequency greenhouse gas flux measurement system detects winter storm surge effects on salt marsh.

The physical controlling factors on coastal plant communities are among the most dynamic of known ecosystems, but climate change alters coastal surface and subsurface hydrologic regimes, which makes rapid measurement of greenhouse gas fluxes critical. Greenhouse gas exchange rates in these terrestrial-aquatic ecosystems are highly variable worldwide with climate, soil type, plant community, and weather. Therefore, increasing data collection and availability should be a priority. Here, we demonstrate and validate physical and analytical modifications to automated soil-flux chamber measurement methods for unattended use in tidally driven wetlands, allowing the high-frequency capture of storm surge and day/night dynamics. Winter CO2 flux from Sarcocornia perennis marsh to the atmosphere was significantly greater during the day (2.8 mmol m-2 hr-1 ) than the night (2.2 mmol m-2 hr-1 ; p < 0.001), while CH4 was significantly greater during the night (0.16 μmol m-2 hr-1 ) than the day (-0.13 μmol m-2 hr-1 ; p = 0.04). The magnitude of CO2 flux during the day and the frequency of CH4 flux were reduced during a surge (p < 0.001). Surge did not significantly affect N2 O flux, which without non-detects was normally distributed around -24.2 nmol m-2 hr-1 . Analysis with sustained-flux global potentials and increased storm surge frequency scenarios, 2020 to 2100, suggested that the marsh in winter remains an atmospheric CO2 source. The modeled results showed an increased flux of CO2 to the atmosphere, while in soil, the uptake of CH4 increased and N2 O uptake decreased. We present analytical routines to correctly capture gas flux curves in dynamic overland flooding conditions and to flag data that are below detection limits or from unobserved chamber-malfunction situations. Storm surge is an important phenomenon globally, but event-driven, episodic factors can be poorly estimated by infrequent sampling. Wider deployment of this system would permit inclusion of surge events in greenhouse gas estimates.
The Victorian Novelist : Social Problems and Change

First published in 1987. Many Victorian novels that considered social problems made extensive use of contemporary source material for their descriptions. This book aims to provide a greater acquaintance with this non-literary material — illustrating and exemplifying issues that the authors treated imaginatively. The material is divided into parts dealing with: the industrial north of England, London and the agricultural poor. Extracts from writings that bear directly on the fiction of writers like Dickens and Gaskell are featured, as are Government Blue Books and newspaper reports and articles. This volume also contains articles by Dickens and others, from his magazine, Household Words.
Creating Academic Teacher Scholars in STEM Education by Preparing Preservice Teachers as Researchers

We describe what Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Fellows reported regarding their experiences within a research-intensive programme in STEM Education. Our study employed a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data included a survey by Kardash (2000) to examine Fellows’ research expectations, familiarity with literature, and ability to conduct statistical analyses pre and post the interdisciplinary STEM Education programme. We also analysed qualitative data from the Fellows’ pre-, mid-, and post-evaluation interviews. We discovered significant growth in their confidence levels in studying, conducting, and analysing research (p < 0.001). At the end of their nine- month research experiences, Fellows stated they felt they had gained skills in coding and analysing data, conducting interviews, using technology, writing, and presenting, but most frequently noted their increase of interpersonal collaborations with other future STEM teacher researchers. This research is the first to examine the effectiveness of an academic year interdisciplinary STEM Education REU programme. REU programmes typically are offered two months (8 weeks) between Spring and Autumn semesters and within only one STEM content discipline located in schools of science and engineering, as opposed to education.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Water, Culture, and Environmental Change

Southern Africa is facing tremendous challenges when it comes to water. In 2009, half of the 15 states of the Southern African Development Community were considered to be facing serious water-related constraints, and some have been classified as water-scarce.
Ethical and Legal Issues

The application of operant techniques offers promise in achieving various treatment, rehabilitation, and educational goals. Recent applications extend the promise to social and community problems. As the technology of behavior change is extended, increasing concerns are voiced over the misuse of the techniques. Use of the techniques to redesign institutional living of patients or inmates stimulates concern for client rights and mistreatment (Begelman, 1975; Davison & Stuart, 1975; Friedman, 1975; Goldiamond, 1974; Kassirer, 1974; Kittrie, 1971; Lucero, Vail, & Scherber, 1968; Mental Health Law Project, 1973; Stolz, 1976, 1977; Wexler, 1973, 1975a, 1975b). Hypothetical extrapolations of behavioral principles to design society has led to even greater ethical concern because everyone’s freedom is potentially jeopardized (London, 1969; Wheeler, 1973).
Prognosis of patients developing immune-related adverse events with immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma influenced by the ability to resume therapy.

61Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) have improved survival in melanoma patients, however their use is associated with 5-60% patients experiencing severe immune related adverse events...
COVID-19 and Severe Obesity: A Big Problem?

In their article, Tartof and colleagues reported the association of obesity with COVID-19 outcomes in a large population. The editorialist discusses why the findings of this new study and prior research should put to rest the contention that obesity is common in severe COVID-19 because it is common in the population. Obesity is an important independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease.
THE MASSIVE YOUNG STAR-FORMING COMPLEX STUDY IN INFRARED AND X-RAY: X-RAY SOURCES IN 10 STAR-FORMING REGIONS

The Massive Young star-forming complex Study in Infrared and X-ray (MYStIX) uses data from the Chandra X-Ray Observatory to identify and characterize the young stellar populations in 20 Galactic (d 10,000 X-ray sources is presented. In comparison to other published Chandra source lists for the same regions, the number of MYStIX-detected faint X-ray sources in a region is often doubled. While the higher catalog sensitivity increases the chance of false detections, it also increases the number of matches to infrared stars. X-ray emitting contaminants include foreground stars, background stars, and extragalactic sources. The X-ray properties of sources in these classes are discussed.
The KATRIN neutrino mass results: An alternative interpretation

The KATRIN experiment has recently reported a new upper limit to the mass of the electron neutrino of $m<0.8 eV$ (90\%CL), and a best value of $m^2= 0.26 \pm 0.34 eV^2/c^4$ based on a fit to the observed tritium beta decay spectrum. Here another interpretation of their results is discussed.
On the One-sided Convergence of Adam-type Algorithms in Non-convex Non-concave Min-max Optimization

Adam-type methods, the extension of adaptive gradient methods, have shown great performance in the training of both supervised and unsupervised machine learning models. In particular, Adam-type optimizers have been widely used empirically as the default tool for training generative adversarial networks (GANs). On the theory side, however, despite the existence of theoretical results showing the efficiency of Adam-type methods in minimization problems, the reason of their wonderful performance still remains absent in GAN's training. In existing works, the fast convergence has long been considered as one of the most important reasons and multiple works have been proposed to give a theoretical guarantee of the convergence to a critical point of min-max optimization algorithms under certain assumptions. In this paper, we firstly argue empirically that in GAN's training, Adam does not converge to a critical point even upon successful training: Only the generator is converging while the discriminator's gradient norm remains high throughout the training. We name this one-sided convergence. Then we bridge the gap between experiments and theory by showing that Adam-type algorithms provably converge to a one-sided first order stationary points in min-max optimization problems under the one-sided MVI condition. We also empirically verify that such one-sided MVI condition is satisfied for standard GANs after trained over standard data sets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the very first result which provides an empirical observation and a strict theoretical guarantee on the one-sided convergence of Adam-type algorithms in min-max optimization.
More on Randomness

We recall [see (5.31)] that \(F(\sqrt{2};\beta;\gamma;N)\) denotes the number of lattice points in the long and narrow hyperbola segment (“hyperbolic needle”) located along the line \(y = (x+\beta )/\sqrt{2}\) of slope \(1/\sqrt{2}\) $$\displaystyle{ H_{\gamma }(\sqrt{2};\beta;N) = \left \{(x,y) \in \mathsf{Z\!\!Z}^{2}:\ -\gamma \leq (x+\beta )^{2} - 2y^{2} \leq \gamma,0 0\right \}. }$$ (6.1) In the special case β = 0 the line is \(y = x/\sqrt{2}\) passing through the origin, and we simply write $$\displaystyle\begin{array}{rcl} H_{\gamma }(\sqrt{2};N) = H_{\gamma }(\sqrt{2};0;N) = \left \{(x,y) \in \mathsf{Z\!\!Z}^{2}:\ -\gamma \leq x^{2} - 2y^{2} \leq \gamma,\right.& & \\ \left.0 0\right \}.& &{}\end{array}$$ (6.2) In Theorem 5.4 we study the case where β runs in the unit interval 0 ≤ β < 1; then $$\displaystyle{ F(\sqrt{2};\beta;\gamma;N) = \left \vert \left (H_{\gamma }(\sqrt{2};N) -\mathbf{ v}(\beta )\right ) \cap \mathsf{Z\!\!Z}^{2}\right \vert, }$$ (6.3) where we use the standard notation that \(S +\mathbf{ v}\) means the translated copy of a set S, translated by the vector \(\mathbf{v}\), and in (6.3) the vector is \(-\mathbf{v}(\beta ) = -(\beta,0)\).
Outer Membrane-Dependent Transport Systems in Escherichia coli: Effect of Repression or Cessation of Colicin Receptor Synthesis on Colicin Receptor Activities

Abstract Proteins in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria serve as general porins or as receptors for specific nutrient transport systems. Many of these proteins are also used as receptors initiating the processes of colicin or phage binding and uptake. The functional activities of several outer membrane proteins in Escherichia coli K-12 were followed after cessation or repression of their synthesis. Cessation of receptor synthesis was accomplished with a thermolabile suppressor activity acting on amber mutations in btuB (encoding the receptor for vitamin B12, the E colicins, and phage BF23) and in fepA (encoding the receptor for ferric enterochelin and colicins B and D). After cessation of receptor synthesis, cells rapidly became insensitive to the colicins using that receptor. Treatment with spectinomycin or rifampin blocked appearance of insensitive cells and even increased susceptibility to colicin E1. Insensitivity to phage BF23 appeared only after a lag of about one division time, and the receptors remained functional for B12 uptake throughout. Therefore, possession of receptor is insufficient for colicin sensitivity, and some interaction of receptor with subsequent uptake components is indicated. Another example of physiological alteration of colicin sensitivity is the protection against many of the tonB-dependent colicins afforded by provision of iron-supplying siderophores. The rate of acquisition of this nonspecific protection was found to be consistent with the repression of receptor synthesis, rather than through direct and immediate effects on the tonB product or other components of colicin uptake or action.
When a pregnant woman with suspected appendicitis is referred for a CT scan, what should a radiologist do to minimize potential radiation risks?

Published online: 26 May 2004 Springer-Verlag 2004 When a pregnant woman with suspected appendicitis is referred for a CT scan, what should a radiologist do to minimize potential radiation risks? Evaluation of a patient with suspected appendicitis is a classic situation where radiologists must review what the potential benefits will be, evaluate the potential risks, and modify the procedures to reduce the risks. When ultrasound fails, or is not available, CT becomes the modality of choice because it is fast, reliable, and less susceptible to equivocal error. Conceptus dose depends primarily on the following five factors: (1) kV—increasing the Xray tube voltage from 110 to 140 kV will increase the dose by about 60% (at constant mA); (2) mAs per rotation—the dose is directly proportional to the selected mAs per rotation; (3) patient size—the dose increases as patient size decreases; (4) pitch—doubling the pitch will halve the radiation dose; (5) beam collimation—fine collimation increases the dose owing to oversizing of the beam. For pregnant patients, the radiologist should always limit the scan volume to the necessary anatomy, and dual-pass (with and without contrast) studies should be strictly avoided. Using a step-andscan protocol and terminating the study when the appendix is scanned might be considered, but requires the radiologist to be present to review images as they are collected. Standard techniques for appendicitis in an average adult would likely result in a conceptus dose on the order of 30 mGy or less. At doses of <50 mGy, clinically detectable risks to normal mental and physical development have not been observed [1–3]. For a dose of 30 mGy, the most seriously suspected risks to the conceptus are stochastic risks of radiation-induced neoplasm and genetically heritable reproductive effects. The cancer risk is considered to be most important, and the numerical risk of inducing a cancer is dependent on the dose and perhaps on the gestational age [4, 5]. The best numerical estimate of risk is about one cancer per 500 fetuses exposed to 30 mGy of radiation [2]. While this numerical risk estimate has considerable uncertainty and might be too high, it can serve as useful guidance in directing medical care. The benefit/risk analysis demands that we ask this question: ‘‘Rather than risk one potential cancer, is it better to forego CT in 500 pregnant patients with suspected appendicitis, or is it better to scan all 500 cases and accept the one potential cancer in order to obtain a more certain diagnosis and to direct medical care more confidently?’’ The best way to manage the pregnant patient is to be prepared ahead of time. This includes establishing protocols that appropriately use radiation, performing quality Pediatr Radiol (2004) 34: 589–590 DOI 10.1007/s00247-004-1206-8 QUESTION/ANSWER
Impact of thermal energy storage properties on solar dynamic space power conversion system mass

A 16 parameter solar concentrator/heat receiver mass model is used in conjunction with Stirling and Brayton Power Conversion System (PCS) performance and mass computer codes to determine the effect of thermal energy storage (TES) material property changes on overall PCS mass as a function of steady state electrical power output. Included in the PCS mass model are component masses as a function of thermal power for: concentrator, heat receiver, heat exchangers (source unless integral with heat receiver, heat sink, regenerator), heat engine units with optional parallel redundancy, power conditioning and control (PC and C), PC and C radiator, main radiator, and structure. Critical TES properties are: melting temperature, heat of fusion, density of the liquid phase, and the ratio of solid-to-liquid density. Preliminary results indicate that even though overalll system efficiency increases with TES melting temperature up to 1400 K for concentrator surface accuracies of 1 mrad or better, reductions in the overall system mass beyond that achievable with lithium fluoride (LiF) can be accomplished only if the heat of fusion is at least 800 kJ/kg and the liquid density is comparable to that of LiF (1880 kg/cu m.
Halogen determination in Arctic aerosols by neutron activation analysis with Compton suppression methods

The study of halogens particularly bromine and chlorine in Arctic aerosolshas received a great deal of attention in the past decade in ozone depletionduring polar sunrise studies. Iodine has also been studied as part of geochemicalcycling. We have shown that all three of the above elements can be determinedsimultaneously with very low detection limits using epithermal NAA in conjunctionwith Compton suppression methods. Besides lowering the background considerably,Compton suppression can eliminate or minimize the overlapping peak of the620 keV photopeak arising form the 1642 keV double escape peak of 38Cl interfering with the 616.9 keV photopeak of 79Br(n,γ) 80 Br reaction. Iodine is ideally determined by epithermal NAAbecause of its very good resonance integral cross-section. Although chlorineis usually determined using thermal neutrons via the 37Cl(n,γ) 38Cl reactions, epithermal NAA is still feasible for the Arcticaerosol, since it has a major sea-salt component.
The transcriptional paradox : Octamer factors and B and T cells

In their Perspective, Graef and Crabtree describe a paradox: Transcription factors are almost never expressed as specifically as their target genes. On page [221][1] of this issue, Zwilling et al . point to an example of this paradox for a transcription factor called BOB, which is expressed in both T and B lymphocytes of the immune system. Graef and Crabtree discuss the mechanisms by which BOB controls very different responses in these two cell types. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/277/5323/221
Regulation A and the Jobs Act: A Failure to Resuscitate

Regulation A offers small businesses an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The exemption is generally consistent with the obligation of the Securities and Exchange Commission to fashion exemptions that balance investor protection and capital formation. From the perspective of small businesses, the exemption may appear to provide an efficient access to external capital.Regulation A, however, has fallen into nearly complete disuse. The millions of small businesses in this country, all of which at some point need external capital to survive and grow, simply do not use Regulation A.Two reasons account for small businesses’ non-use of Regulation A. First, the disclosure and filing requirements for Regulation A are somewhat out of balance, unnecessarily increasing the relative offering costs. Second, and much more important, is the impact of the registration provisions of state securities laws. The added burden – and expense – of meeting the state registration requirements simply price Regulation A out of the marketplace for exemptions.Congress recently passed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the JOBS Act). Title IV of the JOBS Act delegates to the Commission broad authority to enact new regulations that cure the problems that made Regulation A unusable.Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the Commission will step up to its responsibility to enact regulations that provide small businesses with efficient access to external capital. Historically, the Commission has shown an unwillingness to expand by regulation the preemption of state authority over the registration of securities. Without preemption, the new regulatory regime under Title IV of the JOBS Act will be useless to small businesses in search of external capital.Such an outcome would amount to an abdication of the Commission’s responsibilities to enact regulations that balance investor protection and capital formation.
Chapter 5 Calculation of the Radiation Characteristics of Blackbody Radiation Sources

Publisher Summary The chapter presents a discussion on the computational characterization of radiation emitted by blackbodies. The chapter focuses on the work of the last two decades (1990s and 2000s), while still including earlier milestone work. The chapter also describes the terminology used and provides definitions of principal quantities. Conventional, deterministic methods for calculation of the radiation characteristics of isothermal and non-isothermal cavities are discussed. The applications of these methods are primarily determined by the model of radiation characteristics (diffuse and specular) adopted for the cavity walls. The chapter describes the application of the stochastic (Monte Carlo) ray-tracing method to computer modeling of blackbody radiators. This computational method has become prevalent in the last decades of the 20th century because of its great generality, flexibility, and a number of other advantages. A comparison of some results obtained by various methods is described. Calibration of radiation thermometers is performed using blackbody radiation sources. Radiation thermometry metrology is impossible without a reliable determination of the radiation characteristics of such sources.
Dust Grains in Reflection Nebulae

Observations and Mie theory calculations of colors and polarization in several reflection nebulae are compared.
Sol-Gel Synthesis and Surface Morphology of Epitaxial Li1 + δ Mn2 − δ O4 Films on MgAl2O4 ( 100 )

Epitaxial thin films of Li 1 + δ Mn 2 - δ O 4 (δ II MgAl 2 O 4 . Following short (t -type directions.
Effects of temperature, Mg2+ concentration and mismatches on triplet-repeat expansion during DNA replication in vitro

The human genome contains many simple tandem repeats that are widely dispersed and highly polymorphic. At least one group of simple tandem repeats, the DNA trinucleotide repeats, can dramaticallyexpand in size during transmission from one generation to the next to cause disease by a process known as dynamic mutation. We investigated the ability of trinucleotide repeats AAT and CAG to expand in size during DNA replication using a minimal in vitro system composed of the repeat tract, with and without unique flanking sequences, and DNA polymerase. Varying Mg2+concentration and temperature gave dramatic expansions of repeat size during DNA replication in vitro. Expansions of up to 1000-fold were observed. Mismatches partially stabilized the repeat tracts against expansion. Expansions were only detected when the primer was complementary to the repeat tract rather than the flanking sequence. The results imply that cellular environment and whether the growing strand contains a nick or gap are important factors for the expansion process in vivo.
An ovarian parasite (Protista Incertae Sedis) from the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Abstract Examinations of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas , from Humboldt Bay, Calitornia, revealed an enigmatic parasite in the maturing ova during two successive years. Developmental stages occur primarily within prominent vacuoles in the cytoplasm of the eggs. The earliest stage observed resembles a uninucleate amoebula. Subsequent vegetative stages appear to develop primarily by successive divisions rather than from a distinct, multinucleate plasmodium. No mature spores are evident in the material. The organism differs in many respects from established parasites of bivalve molluscs, thus its systematic position remains problematical. It presumably belongs among the protozoa. Stages in the developmental cycle of the parasite are described and figured, staining and histochemical reactions are reported, and comparisons with other molluscan parasites are made.
Relationship of Household Food Insecurity to Health-Related Quality of Life in a Large Sample of Rural and Urban Women

The authors examined the associations of household food insecurity and other characteristics with fair-to-poor general health, poor physical health, and frequent mental distress among 1,367 rural and urban women in Texas. The 2006 Brazos Valley Community Health Assessment provided data on demographic characteristics, economic risk factors, health-related quality of life, household food insecurity, and geographic residence. Multivariable logistic regression models were estimated for the three health-related quality of life measures: fair-to-poor health, poor physical health, and frequent mental distress, adjusting for confounding variables. Having less than 12 years of education, not being employed full-time, and being household food insecure were independently significantly associated with increased odds for all health-related quality of life outcomes. Rural residence and being nonwhite were associated with fair-to-poor general health, but not physical or mental health. Results from the separate urban and rural models indicated that household food insecurity was associated with fair-to-poor general health among rural women, not among urban women. Poverty and being nonwhite were also associated with increased odds of reporting fair-to-poor general health, but were significant only among urban women. These results emphasize the need for health promotion and policy efforts to consider household food access and availability as part of promoting healthful food choices and good physical and mental health among women, especially rural women.