cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Message-Aware Uplink Transmit Power Level Partitioning for Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA)

In uplink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), to accommodate the urgent and high-priority messages, different sets of transmit power levels can be used to transmit non-critical and high- priority messages. However, it is challenging to optimize the NOMA power level partitioning, when devices transmit their high-priority messages randomly, and the number of those devices is not known to the BS. Hence, in this paper, the problem of message-aware power level partitioning is studied for a wireless network with NOMA. This problem is posed as the problem of finding the minimum number of power levels used to transmit high- priority messages so that a minimum quality-of-service constraint is satisfied, even when the exact number of devices with high- priority messages is unknown. To solve this problem, the number of devices with high-priority messages is estimated by comparing the observed transmission failure frequency with the theoretical transmission failure probability in NOMA uplink. Then, the estimated number of devices with high-priority messages is used to derive the optimal partitioning of power levels. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm improves the transmission success probability by 75% compared to the baseline case without optimal power level partitioning.
Oxidation reactions of a nucleophilic palladium carbene: mono and bi-radical carbenes.

Palladium(II) cationic carbene radical and neutral bi-radical complexes were synthesized from a previously reported Pd(II) carbene in the presence of one and two electron oxidants. When [{PC(sp2)P}tBuPd(PMe3)] (1, [PC(sp2)P]tBu = (bis[2-(di-iso-propylphosphino)-4-tertbutylphenyl]methylene)) was treated with [Cp2Fe][X] (X = BArF4, ArF = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, or PF6), the corresponding radical cationic complexes [{PC˙(sp2)P}tBuPd(PMe3)][X] (2: X = BArF4, 3: PF6) were isolated and characterized. Magnetic moment measurements and EPR spectroscopy indicated the presence of a ligand centered unpaired electron. In the presence of two electron oxidants such as 1,8-naphthylene disulfide or 9,10-anthracenedione, 1 converts to [{PC˙(sp2)P}tBuPdS(C10H6)SPd{PC˙(sp2)P}tBu] (4) or [{PC˙(sp2)P}tBuPdO(C14H10)OPd{PC˙(sp2)P}tBu] (5), respectively. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and EPR spectroscopy confirmed the bi-radical nature of 4 and 5.
4D printing of polyurethane paint-based composites

ABSTRACTIn recent studies, polyurethane has shown multiple properties that make it an excellent candidate material in 4D printing. In this study, we present a simple and inexpensive additive method to print waterborne polyurethane paint-based composites by adding carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and silicon oxide (SiO2) nanoparticles to the paint. The first function of CMC and SiO2 is to improve rheological properties of the polyurethane paint for making a printable precursor, which improves the printing resolution and enhances additive manufacturability. Second, the composite precursors improve the curing rate of the polyurethane paint without changing its inherited shape memory properties. Third, the printed composite parts shown enhanced mechanical strength compared with that of the parts printed with pure polyurethane. Finally, the 3D printed polyurethane-CMC and SiO2 parts exhibit time-resolved shape transformation upon heat stimulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of using the...
Chairman’s Concluding Statement

This has been a most gratifying experience for me. In one of my recent letters to all participants, I said that the Planning Committee was looking forward to an exciting experience, which it has been. I predicted also that it would be a gemutlich experience, and it certainly has been that, beyond our expectations. We have, indeed, been a most congenial group.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Robotic Arthroplasty

Robotic-assisted technology was introduced into orthopedic procedures nearly two decades ago with the hope of reducing human error by improving mechanical alignment and joint kinematics. Four robotic systems are approved variably for use in the United States today as technologies for improving implant precision in total knee, total hip, unicompartmental knee, and patellofemoral arthroplasty procedures. Although evidence has strongly supported significant improvements in radiographic outcomes, the long-term clinical benefits and their associated economic implications are not well defined. Further complicating matters, institutions considering the implementation of robotic-assisted systems should anticipate other potential associated costs (e.g., capital investments, maintenance fees, disposable costs, and preoperative imaging requirements) specific to the different platforms. These costs can add a significant financial burden to the overall value of these procedures depending on the negotiated financial agreement, robotic life span, and institutional case volume. Therefore, in order to remain economically feasible, these costs must be offset by high case volumes and improvements in outcomes. Given the current performance-based healthcare environment, it is crucial that clinicians ensure that value-based goals are achieved.
Flt3 Ligand Enhances the Yield of Primitive Cells After Ex Vivo Cultivation of CD34+ CD38dim Cells and CD34+ CD38dim CD33dim HLA-DR+ Cells

Flt3 ligand (FL) has been proposed as a possible modulator of early hematopoietic cell growth. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of FL on ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic cells obtained from adult donors. We sought to precisely identify hematopoietic populations responsive to FL and to quantitate the ability of FL to enhance the survival and/or proliferation of early hematopoietic precursors in a stroma-free culture system. Towards that end, four CD34+ subsets were isolated and their response to FL was characterized. In methylcellulose, FL significantly increased colony formation by CD34+ CD38dim cells but not CD34+ CD38+ cells. In suspension culture, the enhancement of cell expansion by FL was 10 times greater with the CD34+ CD38dim fraction than the CD34+ CD38+ fraction. FL stimulated the generation of colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) from the CD34+CD38dim fraction by 14.5- +/- 5.6-fold. To determine if CD34+ CD38dim cells responded uniformly to FL, the population was subdivided into a CD34+ CD38dim CD33dim HLA-DR+ (HLA-DR+) fraction and a CD34+ CD38dim CD33(dim) HLA-DRdim (HLA-DRdim) fraction. FL was far more effective at stimulating cell and progenitor growth from the HLA-DR+ fraction. To determine if FL enhanced or depleted the number of precommitted cells in expansion culture, CD34+ CD38dim and HLA-DR+ fractions were incubated in liquid culture and analyzed by flow cytometry. Inclusion of FL enhanced the absolute number of primitive CD34+ CD33dim cells and CD34+ HLA-DRdim cells after 5 to 12 days of cultivation. To confirm immunophenotypic data, the effect of FL on long-term culture-initiating cells (LTCIC) was determined. After 2 weeks of incubation of CD34+ CD38dim or HLA-DR+ cultures, LTCIC recoveries were significantly higher with FL in 5 of 6 trials (P < . 05). For HLA-DR+ cells, LTCIC recoveries averaged 214% +/- 87% of input with FL and 24% +/- 16% without FL. In contrast, HLA-DRdim LTCIC could not be maintained in stroma-free culture. We conclude that less than 10% of CD34+ cells respond vigorously to FL and that those cells are contained within the HLA-DR+ fraction. FL stimulates the expansion of total cells, CD34+ cells, and CFU-GM and enhances the pool of early CD34+ CD33(dim) cells, CD34+ HLA-DRdim cells, and LTCIC. These data indicate that it is possible to expand hematopoietic progenitors from adult donors without losing precursors from the precommitted cell pool.
Treatment with FLAG followed by second allogeneic stem cell transplant for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

e18503Background: There is no standard treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) relapsing after allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT). Options include combinatio...
Closed Reduction and Immobilization of Pediatric Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures

BackgroundThere is no clear consensus for the criteria for closed treatment of metacarpal neck fractures. Our objective was to determine whether closed reduction of pediatric fifth metacarpal neck ...
Forty-fourth ASPEN Presidential Address: "The 2020 Overture: A New Tune for the Future".

The provision of safe nutrition care to patients is the fundamental vision of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Yet we are facing important challenges in our field and society, requiring us to reflect, rethink, and adjust to make new breakthroughs to meet the needs for the future. In developing new plans to address these challenges, we must focus on 2 critical elements: people and the scientific process. Government and organizations cannot carry on their missions without people. But with the challenges of healthcare finance, biotechnology disruption, the desire to facilitate knowledge transfer and now the impact of the global pandemic, we need to develop a forward-thinking and sustainable approach to connect people and foster continued learning. Burnout is a recognized occupational problem that affects providers and researchers across all disciplines. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has amplified the challenges associated with burnout. Supporting the needs and promoting the well-being of people, therefore, are critical to move forward successfully. At the same time, the scientific advances in our field rely on sound scientific principles and integrity. Information overload, pressure to produce immediate outcomes (such as cost-saving initiatives), and misinformation can compromise the scientific process and research evidence. The two common missteps that affect researchers, clinicians, and administrators include premature factulation and binary thinking. We will discuss how these missteps can occur and the approaches to minimize their influence in making sound decisions and policies to meet the future's needs.
Naloxone provision to emergency department patients recognized as high-risk for opioid use disorder

Abstract Introduction Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at increased risk for overdose and death. Clinical practice guidelines and professional organization policy statements recommend providing naloxone to patients at risk for overdose. We sought to characterize fidelity to naloxone practice recommendations in a cohort of Emergency Department (ED) patients in whom opioid use disorder was suspected by the treating physician. Methods This single-center cross-sectional study evaluated electronic health records from an urban academic ED with 73,000 annual encounters in a region with a high prevalence of OUD. Patients ≥18 years old with encounters from January 1, 2018 to November 30, 2019 were included if discharged from the ED and either administered buprenorphine in the ED or referred to outpatient substance use treatment. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of included patients provided naloxone (take-home or prescription). We used random effects multivariable logistic regression (accounting for multiple patient encounters) to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for receiving naloxone. Results Of 1036 eligible patient encounters, 320 resulted in naloxone provision (30.9%, 95% CI: 28.1–33.8). Naloxone provision occurred for 33.6% (95% CI 30.5–36.7) of 900 patients referred to outpatient substance use treatment without ED buprenorphine administration, 10.6% (95% CI 5.0–19.2) of 85 patients administered buprenorphine and not referred to outpatient substance use treatment, and 17.6% (95% CI 8.4–30.9) of 51 patients administered buprenorphine and referred to outpatient treatment. After controlling for age, sex, race, and prior provision of naloxone, the administration of buprenorphine was associated with a 94% lower odds (aOR = 0.06 [95% CI 0.011–0.33]) for naloxone provision compared to those only referred to outpatient treatment. Conclusion A majority of ED patients who received an intervention targeted at OUD, in an ED where take-home naloxone is freely available, did not receive either take-home naloxone or a prescription for naloxone at discharge. Patients receiving buprenorphine were less likely to receive naloxone than patients only referred to outpatient treatment. These data suggest barriers other than recognition of potential OUD and naloxone availability impact provision of naloxone and argue for a treatment “bundle” as a conceptual model for care of ED patients with suspected OUD.
AGRONOMIC AND MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF INDUCED MUTANTS IN RICE (Oraza sativa L.)

The present study was conducted at the Farm of the Rice Research and TrainingCenter, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, during 2000 to 2007 rice growing seasons. Five rice varieties, namely Giza 171, Giza 175, Giza 176, Giza 181 and GZ 1368-S-5 were the most widely grown Japonica and Indica rice varieties in Egypt, during the last period, possessed at that time many positive agronomic characteristics (e.g., wide adaptability, high yield potential, resistance to multiple diseases, and pests and good grain quality. But now, it has some drawbacks in its characters that make it ideal genotypes for identifying mutational changes traits for agronomic importance. Dry seeds of the above mentioned varieties were treated with different doses of gamma rays (100,200,300,400,and 500 Gy), at the National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt, for raising M1 generation. M1 plants were established by transplanting in 2000 season. Seventy seven independent lines have been advanced to M5 generation, enabling evaluation of quantitative traits by replicated trials and promising lines were selected and tested over three seasons as M6, M7 and M8 generations. Morphological variations at vegetative and reproductive stages including plant type, and yield and its component characters are commonly observed in the five populations. The mutant characteristics identified, so far, consist of better resistance to lodging, blast disease, high yield potential, as well as, early maturity. The results obtained from field evaluation over three years, and, also, through PCR detection, indicated that the induced mutants were differed genetically from their parents. Therefore, these mutants could be used as a donor parents in the rice breeding program and some of them could be recommended to be new rice varieties, suitable to be grown in rice belt in Egypt, such as Giza 175- M13 line.
Time-varying Graphs: A Method to Identify Abnormal Integration and Disconnection in Functional Brain Connectivity with Application to Schizophrenia

Objective: A graph theoretical approach provides a powerful framework for discovering potential biomarkers of psychotic disorders. Comparing the brain graphs of the control and patient groups can help us to discover changes in mental disorders in a more convenient way. In this paper, we propose a novel tool to identify missing links associated with blocked paths (segregation) and new links associated with additional paths (abnormal integration) in estimated patient group’s time-varying graphs. We highlight the approach in an example application to the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of schizophrenia (SZ) patients. Methods: We first estimated whole-brain functional connectivity dynamics using a combination of spatial independent component analysis (ICA), sliding time window, and k-means clustering of windowed correlation matrices on resting-state fMRI data. The clusters are regarded as functional connectivity states, and each of them includes time intervals exhibiting similar connectivity patterns. We then estimated a Gaussian graphical model (GGM) for each state for both groups. To evaluate this approach, we compared different paths between brain components (nodes) of SZ and control groups’ graphs within each state by using the concept of connected components in graph theory. Results: We identified missing edges associated with disconnectivity (disconnectors) and showed there are additional edges in the SZ group graph that contribute to creating new paths in brain graphs. Conclusion: The proposed approach provides a tool for extracting time-varying graphs and identifying disconnectors associated with disconnectivity (absence of paths) and also connectors associated with abnormal integration (additional paths) in patient group graphs. Significance: We detected several missing links in SZ, both within and between functional domains, in particular within the subcortical (3 links) and somatomotor (4 links) domains. Interestingly, our proposed method identified new links within the somatomotor domain which may be related to a compensatory response in patients that warrants future study.
Regional Development in China: Transitional Institutions, Embedded Globalization, and Hybrid Economies

This paper by a recognized specialist reviews the substantial recent literature on regional development in China, emphasizing studies of regional inequality and local development. It attempts to critically assess progress and changes in the structure of such research, highlighting the important role of institutions and geography, as well as emerging theoretical notions of transitional institutions, embedded globalization, and hybrid economies. The paper identifies intriguing and important questions that remain understudied, and highlights concepts deserving further development. In so doing, it raises questions relating to future research and explores avenues for moving the field forward. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O10, O15, O18. 145 references.
Well-Aligned Channels Derived from Wood for Electron and Mass Transportation in Aqueous Flow Batteries

Nature has provided scientists and engineers with tremendous inspirations and resources to design new materials, architectures, and devices. Inspired by the transportation of water and ions in trees, for the first time, a natural wood-derived freestanding electrode with well-aligned channels was designed as an alternative for the pricey electrode in aqueous vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). The microscale vertically well-aligned channels (the largest channels size are 60 µm) with pit pores on the channel walls work as efficient mass transfer pathways in VRFB. Meanwhile, the designed freestanding wood carbon (WC) electrode is chemically stable, electrically conductive, and has a large specific surface area of 542.28 m2g-1 for fast charge transfer and electrochemical reaction. Furthermore, to improve the wettability and electrochemical catalytic activity, carboxylic groups were introduced on WC via nitric acid (HNO3) treatment (N-WC). Negatively charged carboxylic groups (with a zeta potential of -50.6 mV for N-WC suspension) provide extra driving force for the adsorption of vanadium cations towards the electrode surface, and therefore further enhance the mass transfer. The discharge capacity retention for N-WC electrode is 83.58 % after 100 cycles at 100 mA cm-2, whereas, the corresponding capacity retention is 57.21 % for WC electrode. Moreover, we found that the N-WC electrode has a predominant effect on the positive side of VRFB with the associated half-cell presents voltage efficiency of 92.10 % and energy efficiency of 88.23 % at current density of 40 mA cm-2. Notably, the discharge capacity for the positive half-cell has an excellent cycle stability of 90.19 % retention after 100 cycles at 100 mA cm-2. This work opens a new strategy to apply Nature derived structure and materials for mass and charge transfer in energy storage areas.
Child Care Policy as an Anti-Poverty Strategy: The Need to Address Neurophysiological Self-Regulation:

High-quality early care and education can mitigate the short- and long-term effects of poverty on young children’s development. Therefore, policies that expand access to high-quality early care and...
Artificial intelligence in business curriculum: The pedagogy and learning outcomes

Abstract Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the technological landscape, becoming an important component of work processes and decision-making in many domains. However, AI education has yet to catch up with the challenge of introducing this complex and very important area of technology to audiences beyond the students of computing and engineering disciplines. This is not surprising, given the lack of materials for and experience in teaching AI for non-technical audiences. In this paper we present the challenges in developing an AI course in business schools and propose a curriculum for a graduate-level business course in AI, which balances AI fundamentals with the latest developments in the field. We discuss our choices and present the results of a study, examining students’ experiences, learning outcomes, and perceptions regarding the course. We offer practical guidelines for the curriculum design that other educators may adopt in designing their AI training courses.
Social skills moderate the time-varying association between aggression and peer rejection among children with and without ADHD

Although childhood aggression is typically associated with peer rejection, some children concurrently employ coercive and socially skilled behavior and successfully avoid negative peer outcomes. However, research on children's dual use of coercive and social behavior has largely employed cross-sectional designs with nonclinical populations and, as a result, little is known about the covariation of aggression with social skills, particularly among high-risk samples. We directly addressed this limitation by testing childhood aggression and social skills as separate time-varying predictors of prospective change in peer rejection in a sample of children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two hundred and two 5-10-year-old children (M = 7.9 years, SD = 1.2) with and without ADHD were followed prospectively for 6 years. Key constructs, including children's overt aggression, social skills, and peer rejection, were collected at each of the three waves using multiple methods and informants. Controlling for demographic factors and time-varying ADHD symptoms, longitudinal change in child-, parent-, and teacher-reported aggression positively predicted prospective change in parent- and teacher-reported peer rejection. Importantly, predictions were moderated by parent- and teacher-reported social skills, such that aggression inversely predicted peer rejection for children with high social skills. These results demonstrate that social skills meaningfully alter trajectories of peer rejection predicted from cross-time variation in aggression. We discuss the theoretical and empirical implications of these findings within a developmental psychopathology framework, including recommendations for directions for future research.
We Don't Know our Own Strength: A Survey of Strength Training Attitudes, Behaviors and Knowledge in Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Students.

OBJECTIVE Strength training is frequently utilized by physical therapists; however, there has been discussion about whether physical therapists utilize strength training adequately. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the strength training attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of physical therapists and physical therapy students and to determine how participant characteristics influenced knowledge scores. METHODS An anonymous survey was created in 3 rounds. For round 1, researchers used textbooks to create items assessing demographics, attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge regarding strength training. Rounds 2 and 3 consisted of feedback from 7 content experts until 80% consensus was reached; items were added, removed, or edited based on feedback. The final survey was distributed through social media, list servs, and email, targeting physical therapists and students based in the United States. Response frequencies for all items were reported. Overall knowledge scores were calculated by summing correct responses for each item, with a maximum score of 13; scores <70% were considered low. Binomial logistic regression determined which characteristics (demographics, attitudes, or behaviors) influenced whether participants adequately utilized strength training principles (scored ≥70% on knowledge items). RESULTS There were 777 physical therapist and 648 student participants. Nearly 90% of therapists and students reported frequently prescribing strength training. Over 48% of therapists felt their professional education did not prepare them to apply strength training (compared with 24% of students), and 68% believed that strength training is inadequately applied in physical therapy (compared with 40% of students). Sixty-two percent of therapists and 55% of students scored ≥70% for knowledge items. Additional strength training education and regular participation in strength training increased the odds of scoring ≥70% on knowledge items. CONCLUSIONS Physical therapists and physical therapy students frequently prescribe strength training, despite similarly low knowledge scores. To increase knowledge, greater emphasis on strength training in professional education, continuing education, participation in strength training, or all 3 is warranted. IMPACT Strength training is an important intervention used in physical therapy and must be used appropriately to improve the health of patients. According to these findings, strength training education may not currently be optimal, as demonstrated by low knowledge scores by both therapists and students. Further work is needed to determine how knowledge of strength training relates to patient outcomes and also how best to implement strength training in physical therapy education and practice.
Logics Associated with Hilbert Spaces

The general theory that was developed in Chapter III is concerned mainly with the broad principles of Quantum Theory. Further development of the theory, such as a discussion of simple quantum mechanical systems, leads to problems of a more technical nature. These problems are, however, difficult to answer in the context of abstract logics, and therefore, in dealing with them, it becomes necessary to restrict the class of logics under consideration. In this chapter we shall examine some of these logics and describe, in a somewhat more concrete fashion than in Chapter III, the observables, states, and symmetries associated with them.
Incidence of drugs and alcohol in fatally injured motor vehicle drivers.

Previous studies have implicated drugs as a significant factor in intoxicated motor vehicle drivers [1,2]. Little has yet been published on the incidence and role of drugs in motor vehicle crash fatalities, however. A comprehensive study by the Midwest Research Institute on specimens from victims of motor vehicle crashes procured from a number of geographic locations has indicated an incidence of positive drug findings of 13.09% in the urine of fatally injured drivers [3]. In only about 4% were drugs detected in the blood of victims, however.
In situ characterization of CMOS post-process micromachining

We have developed and demonstrated a new methodology for in situ monitoring and characterization of CMOS post-process micromachining utilizing integrated circuits and micromachine test-structures. In our demonstration, the circuits provide automated readout of N-well resistors surrounding each of the 140 test pit structures at up to 14,000 samples per second per device during the post-process silicon etch, and thus also provide etch progress and end point determination without extra analytical equipment. Pit sizes, surrounding layers, and topology are examined with this technique.
Image coding with fuzzy image segmentation

A system of fuzzy rules can segment images to provide high-compression image coding. Segmentation-based image coding can achieve higher compression rates than information-theoretic imaging coding. Fuzzy image segmentation generalizes region-growing segmentation. The fuzzy rules use high-frequency information, computed with local edge-detection operators, to remove false contours in segmented images. The fuzzy segmentation-based image coding achieved faithful decoded images at more than 50:1 compression. >
THE NATURALNESS OF CREATION AND REDEMPTIVE INTERESTS IN THEOLOGY, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY

L'A. propose des pistes a travers lesquelles les notions de nature et de creation se chevauchent dans les relations entre les hommes et leur environnement. L'espoir de redemption de la nature uni aux manifestations de la grâce dans les avancees scientifiques peuvent devenir des guides utiles dans une interpretation theologique de la technologie ainsi qu'un nouveau modele de relations entre hommes et nature
Purification and crystallization of rat liver fatty acid synthetase.

Abstract A purification procedure for rat liver fatty acid synthetase has been developed using polyethylene glycol. This procedure results in high yields of the enzyme which is essentially free of endogenous proteolytic nicking and also free of any contaminating proteases. The fatty acid synthetase obtained has a specific activity range of 1.8–2.1 measured at 25 °C and is stable at 4 °C for a few weeks and indefinitely when frozen. Approximately 1 mg of enzyme can be obtained per gram of induced rat liver. The enzyme is pure as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis, sedimentation velocity, and immunoelectrophoresis. The first crystallization of rat liver fatty acid synthetase is also reported.
Determination of the origin of elevated plasma cpk after cardiac catheterization

Episodes of chest pain are not common in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The diagnostic implications of this symptom may be complicated by the occasional appearance of electrocardiographic changes mimicking those seen in acute myocardial infarction, and by the frequent elevation of conventionally measured serum enzymes. Exclusion of infarction is particularly important when coronary revascularization is contemplated. Since the MB CPK isoenzyme is relatively specific to myocardium, we assayed CPK isoenzymes in plasma samples from 184 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization to determine whether CPK elevations accompanying catheterization can be distinguished from those associated with myocardial infarction. Samples were obtained every 2 hr for 24 hr, and CPK isoenzymes quantified by a kinetic fluorometric method. Total plasma CPK increased in all patients (mean peak 0.238 +/- 0.042 (SD) IU/ml) but MB CPK remained normal in 181 patients (less than 0.005 IU/ml). In three remaining patients, MB CPK was elevated and myocardial infarction was confirmed by 99mTc (SN) pyrophosphate scan. Twelve patients after catheterization, in whom no intramuscular premedication was given, exhibited only minimal elevation of total plasma CPK. In contrast, 100 control patients with acute myocardial infarction exhibited peak total CPK activity averaging 0.833 +/- 0.037 (SD), and MB CPK was elevated in all cases (0.078 +/- 0.027 (SD) IU/ml). Thus, CPK elevations after catheterization reflect release of enzyme from noncardiac sources rather than from injured myocardium. Furthermore, increased plasma MB CPK activity may be considered a reliable index of myocardial infarction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
Nixing nukes IN VIETNAM

In 1966, a group of scientists studied the possible use of nuclear weapons in Vietnam. Here's why their report advised against it.
Multidimensional photon echo optical processing

In this paper we show how to use holographic photon echoes for the implementation of a variety of optical processing functions, including scanners, spectrum analyzers, time- integrating correlators, folded spectrum analyzers, ambiguity function processors, image sequence correlators, and folded image raster correlators. The combination of optical coherent transients operating as spatial-spectral holograms with acoustooptic deflectors and electrooptic modulators allows a variety of optical architectures to be implemented with substantially enhanced performance and functionality beyond that achievable by these technologies individually. We show how to utilize the basic architectures presented here as building blocks of more powerful and complex real-time optical processing systems.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On-line anomaly detection of deployed software: a statistical machine learning approach

This paper presents a new machine-learning technique that performs anomaly detection as software is executing in the field. The technique uses a fully observable Markov model where each state in the model emits a number of distinct observations according to a probability distribution, and estimates the model parameters using the Baum-Welch algorithm. The trained model is then deployed with the software to perform anomaly detection. By performing the anomaly detection as the software is executing, faults associated with anomalies can be located and fixed before they cause critical failures in the system, and developers time to debug deployed software can be reduced. This paper also presents a prototype implementation of our technique, along with a case study that shows, for the subjects we studied, the effectiveness of the technique.
Subarachnoid fluid of the optic nerve in normal adults

Objective: The purpose of the study is to determine the amount of subarachnoid fluid of the optic nerve in normal adults using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to investigate whether the subarachnoid fluid is displaced in abduction as assumed by the 30° echographic test. Design: The design was a prospective observation study. Participants: Twenty-one healthy headache-free adults participated. Ten (48%) were men and 11 (52%) were women with a mean age of 34.3 ± 7.9 years. Intervention: Both optic nerves were examined in primary and 45° right and left gazes with T2 fast-spin echo fat-suppressed coronal MR imaging in quadrature head coil. Four MR images, 4 mm apart, starting from 4 mm posterior to the globe were obtained for both nerves simultaneously with an imaging time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds per gaze. Main Outcome Measures: Optic nerve and sheath diameters were measured. Results: Mean nerve diameters were 3.2 ± 0.4 mm anteriorly to 2.6 ± 0.4 mm posteriorly, and mean sheath diameters were 5.2 ± 0.9 mm anteriorly to 3.9 ± 0.4 mm posteriorly. Optic sheath diameters did not change significantly in abduction or adduction. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging can be used effectively to determine the amount of subarachnoid fluid of the optic nerve. In normal adults, the amount of optic nerve subarachnoid fluid is variable and may be substantial. The authors' MR findings show that optic nerve subarachnoid fluid is not displaced significantly with abduction or adduction.
OPLS ALL-ATOM MODEL FOR AMINES : RESOLUTION OF THE AMINE HYDRATION PROBLEM

Classical force-field parameters have been developed for amines primarily by fitting to experimental data for pure liquids and to hydrogen-bond strengths from gas-phase ab initio calculations. The resultant parameters were used to calculate relative free energies of hydration for ammonia, methylamine, dimethylamine, and trimethylamine using free energy perturbation calculations in Monte Carlo simulations (MC/FEP). The results including the fact that the most favorable ΔGhyd occurs for methylamine are in excellent agreement with the experimental data, in contrast to numerous prior computational reports. The calculations reveal two opposing trends in water: increased contribution from hydrogen-bond acceptance and diminished contribution from hydrogen-bond donation with increasing methylation of the amines. The proper balance of hydrogen-bond strengths, which is achieved with the OPLS-AA force field, is essential for correct ordering of the free energies of hydration. MC simulations for the pure liquids of ...
The Reign and Ruin of the Lords of Cahokia: A Dialectic of Dominance

The intellectual roots of and archaeological evidence for a “climax” of the late-prehistoric Cahokia polity are reconsidered. The increased sacralization of chiefly authority seems apparent at the same time that the political economy may have stagnated during the late 11th century A.D. This apparent quandary may be resolved if we recognize the dialectical relationship between chiefly political structure and a chiefly ideology. Centralization and decentralization are opposing tendencies of the same process.
Mitral valve-tricuspid valve distance as a sonographic marker of trisomy 21

Objective Pathologic studies suggest that a decreased mitral valve–tricuspid valve distance (MTD) is found in trisomy 21 fetuses without cardiac defects. We assessed the feasibility of using the MTD as a second-trimester sonographic marker for trisomy 21. Methods We performed a retrospective case–control study of all cases of trisomy 21 at our institution from 1998 to 2008. Cases without a prenatally identified cardiac defect and with adequate images from 15 to 26 weeks’ gestation were assessed. The distance between the medial insertions of the mitral and tricuspid valves (i.e. the MTD) onto the ventricular septum was obtained. We also obtained the MTD from normal controls during the study period. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the effects of gestational age and trisomy 21 on MTD. Gestational age-specific percentiles and multiples of the median were calculated, and curves were fitted using linear regression analysis. Results We identified 57 trisomy 21 fetuses with a measurable MTD and compared these with 634 control fetuses. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between MTD and gestational age and a negative correlation between trisomy 21 and MTD. Using a cut-off of the 5 th percentile, the MTD detected 70% of trisomy 21 cases with a 3.8% false-positive rate in the controls. Conclusions The MTD increases with gestational age and is lower in fetuses with trisomy 21. Twenty (35%) of the 57 cases had no sonographic marker of trisomy 21 except an MTD below the 5 th percentile for gestational age. The MTD was a useful independent marker for trisomy 21 in the second trimester. Copyright  2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of hybrid cameras in oncology.

The rapid advances in imaging technologies are a challenge for nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, and clinicians who must integrate these technologies for optimal patient care and outcome at minimal cost. Multiple indications for functional imaging using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) are now well accepted in the field of oncology, including differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, staging malignant lesions, detection of malignant recurrence, and monitoring therapy. The use of FDG imaging was first shown using dedicated positron emission tomography (PET) with multiple full rings of bismuth germanate detectors. Most manufacturers now have available hybrid gamma cameras capable of imaging conventional single-photon emitters, as well as positron emitters such as FDG. This new technology was developed to make FDG imaging more widely accessible, first using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with high-energy collimators, and then using dualhead coincidence (DHC) detection with multihead gamma cameras that improved spatial resolution. Most hybrid gamma cameras are now equipped with thicker NaI(TI) crystals to improve sensitivity. Technical developments are still evolving with correction for attenuation and new iterative reconstruction algorithms to improve the quality of the images. Users need to be familiar with the rapid developments of the technology as well as its limitations. Currently, one model of hybrid gamma camera is equipped with an integrated x-ray transmission system for attenuation correction, anatomic mapping, and image fusion. this powerful tool has promising clinical applications including intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
Computational study of transport processes in a single-screw extruder for non-newtonian chemically reactive materials

A numerical study of the transport phenomena arising in a single-screw extruder channel is carried out. A non-Newtonian fluid is considered, using a power law model for the variable viscosity. Chemical reaction kinetics are also included. Finite difference computations are carried out to solve the governing set of partial differential equations for the velocity, temperature and species concentration fields, over a wide range of governing parameters for the case of a tapered screw channel.
Effects of Nozzle Hole Arrangement on Diesel Engine Emissions

Various diesel injectors and injection pressures were tested along with exhaust gas recirculation to achieve low NOx and soot emissions. The injectors used in the study included a 6-hole nozzle, a 10-hole nozzle, and a 6-hole convergent nozzle with a K-factor of 3. All three injectors had the same flow numbers and they were effective in reducing NOx and soot emissions at appropriate conditions. It was found that low temperature combustion can be achieved by using high levels of exhaust gas recirculation with late injection timings. High injection pressures significantly reduced soot emissions at conventional injection timings. The effect of injection pressure was not significant at retarded injection timings, i.e., 5 ATDC. The convergent nozzle was found to produce higher soot emissions and its effects on NOx emissions and fuel consumption were not significant. The small nozzle size in the 10-hole injector can generate smaller fuel drops and lead to better atomization. The 10-hole injector appeared to have better air utilization and resulted in significant reductions in NOx and soot emissions over a wide range of operating conditions.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The p38 Pathway Provides Negative Feedback for Ras Proliferative Signaling

Ras activates three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including ERK, JNK, and p38. Whereas the essential roles of ERK and JNK in Ras signaling has been established, the contribution of p38 remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that the p38 pathway functions as a negative regulator of Ras proliferative signaling via a feedback mechanism. Oncogenic Ras activated p38 and two p38-activated protein kinases, MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) and p38-related/activated protein kinase (PRAK). MK2 and PRAK in turn suppressed Ras-induced gene expression and cell proliferation, whereas two mutant PRAKs, unresponsive to Ras, had little effect. Moreover, the constitutive p38 activator MKK6 also suppressed Ras activity in a p38-dependent manner whereas arsenite, a potent chemical inducer of p38, inhibited proliferation only in a tumor cell line that required Ras activity. MEK was required for Ras stimulation of the p38 pathway. The p38 pathway inhibited Ras activity by blocking activation of JNK, without effect upon ERK, as evidenced by the fact that PRAK-mediated suppression of Ras-induced cell proliferation was reversed by coexpression of JNKK2 or JNK1. These studies thus establish a negative feedback mechanism by which Ras proliferative activity is regulated via signaling integrations of MAPK pathways.
World agricultural futures: regional sustainability and ecological limits

There is a wide spectrum of views on possible futures for world agriculture, with a clear division between neoclassical and ecological economics approaches to the issue. An incremental approach, characteristic of neoclassical economics, focuses on steady yield increases as a result of technological progress and increased input use. In this view, there are no inherent limits to growth and therefore an optimistic view tends to be taken of future production potential. By contrast, an analysis based on the concept of carrying capacity emphasizes environmental limits to system growth. This paper reviews estimates of carrying capacity as well as trends in land use, yields, and environmental impacts of agriculture. Demand projections are made for the year 2025 based on population momentum and a slow rate of increase in per-capita consumption. The global system is seen to be approaching carrying capacity limits over the next 30 years, with more severe stresses at a regional level, and widening food deficits in developing nations. Strong yield growth in China, South Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe will be necessary to avert global shortfalls, but resource and environmental factors pose serious constraints in all these areas. The pressure to increase yields is therefore in conflict with the requirements of long-term sustainability. This indicates the need for regional models of sustainable agro-ecosystems which balance yield requirements with ecological constraints. In addition, demand-side issues of population policy, efficiency in consumption, and distributional equity become increasingly important in a world of constrained agricultural growth.
Operation of large steam turbine-generators

MODERN STEAM TURBINE-GENERATORS are complex pieces of equipment designed to operate continuously for long periods of time without shutdown. To operate one of these large generators properly requires the close following of operating guides and procedures for the particular type of unit. This article presents some recommendations by design engineers on procedures to be followed in starting, operating, and maintaining large, conventionally cooled turbine-generators.
Sodium MRI in a rat migraine model and a NEURON simulation study support a role for sodium in migraine.

Introduction: Increased lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sodium has been reported during migraine. We used ultra-high field MRI to investigate cranial sodium in a rat migraine model, and simulated ...
Satellite Cell Functional Alterations Following Cutaneous Burn in rats Include an Increase in Their Osteogenic Potential

Abstract Background Significant consequences of severe burn include skeletal muscle atrophy and heterotopic ossification (HO). The cellular mechanisms underlying either of these conditions are not known. Whether the functionality of satellite cells stem cells resident in skeletal muscle is affected by changes in circulatory factors following burn was determined to better understand their role in atrophy and HO. Materials and methods Serum (20%) from sham-treated animals or burned animals (40% total body surface area full-thickness burn) was used to culture satellite cells isolated from either sham or burn animals. Satellite cells were separated based on fiber type (i.e., fast-twitch or slow-twitch in some cases). To gain greater insight into the potential role for satellite cells in controlling muscle mass following burn, the effect of serum taken from burn animals on satellite cell proliferation, migration, and myogenic differentiation was evaluated. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed to evaluate the potential of satellite cells to contribute to HO. Results Burn serum (BS) increased the proliferative capacity of cells from fast-twitch muscle, and the migratory capacity of satellite cells taken from both fast- and slow-twitch muscles. BS increased both the myogenic and osteogenic differentiation of satellite cells taken from both sham and burn animals. Conclusions The unexpected increase in myogenic functionality of satellite cells with BS is difficult to rectify, given the degree of atrophy that occurs. However, the increased osteogenic capacity of satellite cells with BS suggests they may play a role in burn-induced HO.