cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimum-shift keyed modem implementations for high data rates

IGITAL communications links capable of conveying data at hundreds of megabits per second (Mb/s) are becoming increasingly important in various applications. An example is the use of time division multiple access (TDMA) transmission through a satellite relay wherein several data channels are routed through single uplink and downlink paths (antenna beams). Separation of the channels from each other is accomplished through interleaving and deinterleaving in time, with possible rerouting taking place in the satellite. When carrying traffic from large metropolitan areas, the required data rates can exceed 100 Mb/s. One such implementation, currently under study by NASA,' involves data transmission at rates of up to 550 Mb/s. Such applications require the use of modulation schemes that use the available bandwidth efficiently. Furthermore, because power is at a premium on board a satellite, the utmost in power efficiency is desired of the chosen modulation scheme. This implies the use of a constant-envelope modulation scheme since amplifiers, such as traveling wavetube amplifiers, are most efficient when operated near saturation. Three popular constant-envelope modulation schemes for efficient transmission of digital data are quadriphase-shift keying (QPSK), offset (or staggered) quadriphase-shift keying (OQPSK), and minimum-shift keying (MSK). Two excellent recent articles [1,2] in IEEE Communications Magazine have discussed their general properties and attributes as well as those of other modulation schemes with constant (or nearly constant) envelopes. Other recent papers [3-61 have presented analytical results and computer
Simulation of stress effects on mode-matched MEMS gyroscope bias and scale factor

This paper presents a system level MEMS gyroscope simulation technique analyzing the effect of stress on MEMS gyroscope zero rate output (ZRO) and scale factor (SF). A circuit simulation environment that includes the parameterized behavioral models of the MEMS devices is used for predicting the stress effects on gyroscope output. The simulations show that typical packaging stress values (2MPa) create on the order of °/hr bias shifts that can limit the gyroscope performance. Drive comb gap mismatches as a result of different stator and rotor displacements due to stress are responsible for the ZRO, and they create a Coriolis in-phase force that cannot be distinguished from the rotational rate signal.
Effect of nanostructure on thermal conductivity of nanofluids

The presence of colloidal particles is known to increase the thermal conductivity of base fluids. The shape and structure of the solid particles are important in determining the magnitude of enhancement. Spherical particles--the only shape for which analytic theories exist--produce the smallest enhancement. Nonspherical shapes, including clusters formed by colloidal aggregation, provide substantially higher enhancements. We conduct a numerical study of the thermal conductivity of nonspherical structures dispersed in a liquid at fixed volume fraction in order to identify structural features that promote the conduction of heat. We find that elongated structures provide high enhancements, especially if they are long enough to create a solid network (colloidal gel). Cross-linking further enhances thermal transport by directing heat in multiple directions. The most efficient structure is the one formed by hollow spheres consisting of a solid shell and a core filled by the fluid. In both dispersed and aggregated forms, hollow spheres provide enhancements that approach the theoretical limit set by Maxwell's theory.
HELIUM-NITROGEN-METHANE SYSTEMATICS IN NATURAL GASES OF TEXAS AND KANSAS

Gas-mixing ratios of samples from 1,038 natural gas wells of the Hugoton/Panhandle fields of West Texas and Kansas are examined, and well-defined regional systematics are noted. The helium-nitrogen ratio of all the Texas fields has a nearly constant value (0. 077) and a very sharply-defined upper boundary. In the Kansas fields, a different value is found for that ratio (0.021), but it is also well-defined over a large region. The proportion of methane, the principal gas in all the wells, shows a regional dependence within each of the areas. The observed distribution places constraints on the origin of the three gases, and suggests that they all derive from sources deeper than the sedimentary layer.
Systematic method for determining intravenous drug treatment strategies aiding the humoral immune response

This paper delineates a systematic method for determining "optimal" intravenous drug delivery strategies for patients having illnesses that primarily evoke a humoral immune response and are treatable by antibiotics. The method derives from a nonlinear, distributed predator-prey model that captures the dominant antigen and antibody interaction. This model is developed from relevant physiology, past predator-prey-type modeling work, available data, and pertinent parameter identification. Embedding this predator-prey model into a larger class of uncertain systems, by a finite dimensional approximation and a transformation to a linear fractional representation, enables the application of robust control based on linear matrix inequality optimization techniques. The optimization problem is solved by minimizing an upper bound on a measure of the total drug delivered subject to patient recovery (stability to healthy equilibrium state). Specifically, the paper addresses the treatment of Haemophilus influenzae through modeling, controller development, and simulations of infected adult patients subjected to typical and proposed intravenous antibiotic treatments. Through simulations the proposed intravenous drug strategy shortens patient recovery time, lowers peak drug concentrations and decreases the total drug administered when compared to standard antibiotic strategies.
In search of the depressive self: extended medial prefrontal network during self-referential processing in major depression

Major depression is associated with an excessive self-focus, a tendency to engage oneself in self-referential processing. The medial frontal gyrus (MFG) is central to self-referential processing. This study aimed to explore the neural bases of this excessive self-focus and to disambiguate the role of the MFG in the pathophysiology of major depression. We presented 15 depressed patients and 15 healthy subjects with personality traits during functional magnetic resonance imaging and asked them to judge whether each trait described them (‘self’ condition) or a generally desirable trait (‘general’ condition). Both patients and healthy subjects activated the MFG in ‘self’ vs ‘general’ condition. However, the activation of the dorsal part of the MFG and of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in ‘self’ vs ‘general’ condition was unique to patients. Additionally, patients displayed an increased functional connectivity between the MFG, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the DLPFC. These results provide evidence for an extended medial prefrontal network during self-referential processing in major depression, suggesting the involvement of a greater cognitive control.
Dealing with Wayward Desire

The exercise of synchronic self-control is the way in which an actor can attempt to bring a desire into alignment with his better judgement at the moment and during the interval of time over which, but for the exercise of such self-control, the desire would become the actor’s preponderant desire, which the actor would then translate into an act contrary to his better judgment. The moral psychology of an actor who fails to achieve such self-control can be analyzed in two ways. One way is meant to be consistent with compatibilist metaphysics; the other with libertarian metaphysics. The implications of these analyses for the criminal law are complicated, but perhaps the most important is this: the criminal law should in principle recognize a partial excuse for an actor who exercises synchronic self-control but who gives up his effort because he believes that he can no longer continue to resist. His effort to achieve self-control thus fails, and he ends up translating into action the very desire he set out to control.
Fairness from the Applicant's Perspective: Reactions to Employee Selection Procedures

Applicants' reactions to selection procedures were examined in terms of the satisfaction and/or violation of 10 procedural justice rules. Critical incidents (n= 237) of fair and unfair treatment during selection were collected from 31 individuals who had recently experienced job search and hiring processes. Incidents were categorized into 10 procedural justice rules and the distribution of these incidents was examined for different hiring outcomes and different selection procedures. Dominant procedural concerns reflected selection procedure job relatedness and interpersonal treatment applicants received. Accepted applicants were primarily concerned about consistency of treatment, while rejected applicants were more concerned with timely feedback and blatant bias. Ease of faking was the primary procedural concern of applicants taking honesty and personality tests, while job relatedness was the primary concern with ability and work sample tests. Research issues were discussed and a number of practical suggestions were offered in terms of minimizing applicants' negative reactions to the selection process.
Regulation of Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal Synthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients and is a major source of nosocomial infections. This bacterium controls many virulence factors by using two quorum-sensing systems, las and rhl. The las system is composed of the LasR regulator protein and its cell-to-cell signal, N-(3-oxododecanoyl) homoserine lactone, and the rhl system is composed of RhlR and the signal N-butyryl homoserine lactone. A third intercellular signal, the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS; 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone), also regulates numerous virulence factors. PQS synthesis requires the expression of multiple operons, one of which is pqsABCDE. Previous experiments showed that the transcription of this operon, and therefore PQS production, is negatively regulated by the rhl quorum-sensing system and positively regulated by the las quorum-sensing system and PqsR (also known as MvfR), a LysR-type transcriptional regulator protein. With the use of DNA mobility shift assays and β-galactosidase reporter fusions, we have studied the regulation of pqsR and its relationship to pqsA, lasR, and rhlR. We show that PqsR binds the promoter of pqsA and that this binding increases dramatically in the presence of PQS, implying that PQS acts as a coinducer for PqsR. We have also mapped the transcriptional start site for pqsR and found that the transcription of pqsR is positively regulated by lasR and negatively regulated by rhlR. These results suggest that a regulatory chain occurs where pqsR is under the control of LasR and RhlR and where PqsR in turn controls pqsABCDE, which is required for the production of PQS.
Johnnetta B. Cole's “Culture: Negro, Black and Nigger”

(2014). Johnnetta B. Cole's “Culture: Negro, Black and Nigger”. The Black Scholar: Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 58-61.
Tradition as Transmission: A Partial Defence

In discussing religious authority in ch. 9 of her book, Zagzebski distinguishes three conceptions of how divine revelation is transmitted through a religious tradition. According to one of these conceptions, which henceforth I'll call Tradition as Transmission, a religious tradition consists solely in chains of testimony that stretch back to an original encounter with some past events. Zagzebski raises two objections to this model, the rst of which is that it fails to explain how such a tradition can be a source of knowledge:
An architecture to support integrated manikin-based simulations

A radically new approach to the design and implementation of high-technology, computer-driven manikin-based simulation environments for medical training is proposed. The approach utilizes a novel, component-based manikin hardware architecture currently under research for the U.S. military. A new distributed software architecture is proposed in this paper that facilitates interoperability among manikin components and provides the potential to easily integrate other real or virtual devices normally present in a real medical facility.
Mies and Bacardi

In the late 1950s the Bacardi Rum Corporation commissioned Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to design an office building in Mexico. Bacardi used the commission to shape its image as a sophisticated and cosmopolitan enterprise, as it reinvented itself in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. The Bacardi project serves as a case study of corporate patronage of modern architecture in Latin America, marking a moment when both the image and organization of Mies's architecture helped build a reliable, mainstream international brand. Paradoxically, Mies's Bacardi building would also become part of a “mix” of architectural commissions that would include emerging alternatives to International Style modernism.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Worse Endothelial Function Among Veterans.

Background Current research in behavioral cardiology reveals a significant association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with PTSD would exhibit endothelial dysfunction, a potential mechanism involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results A total of 214 outpatients treated at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center underwent tests of endothelial function and evaluation for PTSD. Flow‐mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery was performed to assess endothelial function, and current PTSD status was defined by the PTSD Checklist, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition), with a score ≥40. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the association between PTSD status and endothelial function. Patients with PTSD (n=67) were more likely to be male (99% versus 91%, P =0.04) and to have depression (58% versus 8%, P <0.0001) and were less likely to be on an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (17% versus 36%, P =0.007) or β‐blocker treatment (25% versus 41%, P =0.03). Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with PTSD had significantly lower flow‐mediated vasodilation (5.8±3.4% versus 7.5±3.7%; P =0.003); furthermore, lower flow‐mediated vasodilation was associated with increasing age ( P =0.008), decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate ( P =0.003), hypertension ( P =0.002), aspirin ( P =0.03), and β‐blocker treatments ( P =0.01). In multivariable analysis, PTSD remained independently associated with lower flow‐mediated vasodilation ( P =0.0005). Conclusions After adjusting for demographic, comorbidity, and treatment characteristics, PTSD remained associated with worse endothelial function in an outpatient population. Whether poor endothelial function contributes to the higher risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with PTSD deserves further study.
Analyses of rapid estrogen actions on rat ventromedial hypothalamic neurons

Rapid estrogen actions are widely diverse across many cell types. We conducted a series of electrophysiological studies on single rat hypothalamic neurons and found that estradiol (E2) could rapidly and independently potentiate neuronal excitation/depolarizations induced by histamine (HA) and N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA). Now, the present whole-cell patch study was designed to determine whether E2 potentiates HA and NMDA depolarizations - mediated by distinctly different types of receptors - by the same or by different mechanisms. For this, the actions of HA, NMDA, as well as E2, were investigated first using various ion channel blockers and then by analyzing and comparing their channel activating characteristics. Results indicate that: first, both HA and NMDA depolarize neurons by inhibiting K(+) currents. Second, E2 potentiates both HA and NMDA depolarizations by enhancing the inhibition of K(+) currents, an inhibition caused by the two transmitters. Third, E2 employs the very same mechanism, the enhancement of K(+) current inhibition, thus to rapidly potentiate HA and NMDA depolarizations. These data are of behavioral importance, since the rapid E2 potentiation of depolarization synergizes with nuclear genomic actions of E2 to facilitate lordosis behavior, the primary female-typical reproductive behavior.
Fluorescent, Bioactive Protein Nanoparticles (Prodots) for Rapid, Improved Cellular Uptake

A simple and effective method for synthesizing highly fluorescent, protein-based nanoparticles (Prodots) and their facile uptake into the cytoplasm of cells is described here. Prodots made from bovine serum albumin (nBSA), glucose oxidase (nGO), horseradish peroxidase (nHRP), catalase (nCatalase), and lipase (nLipase) were found to be 15–50 nm wide and have been characterized by gel electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and optical microscopic methods. Data showed that the secondary structure of the protein in Prodots is retained to a significant extent and specific activities of nGO, nHRP, nCatalase, and nLipase were 80%, 70%, 65%, and 50% of their respective unmodified enzyme activities. Calorimetric studies indicated that the denaturation temperatures of nGO and nBSA increased while those of other Prodots remained nearly unchanged, and accelerated storage half-lives of Prodots at 60 °C increased by 4-...
Effect of near-surface anisotropy on a deep anisotropic target layer

Summary Near-surface anisotropy can distort P-wave traveltime and amplitude analysis from deep target layers. When the target layer is azimuthally anisotropic, the traveltime/velocity variation with azimuth (VVAZ) or amplitude variation with azimuth (AVAZ) from the target layer may show anomalous behavior due to the influence of the near-surface anisotropy. This study uses two synthetic cases to analyze the effect of near-surface anisotropy on a deep anisotropic target. Our results suggest that the traveltime data (or VVAZ signals) from the target layers can be distorted significantly due to the presence of near-surface anisotropy; but the near-surface anisotropy influence may be negligible on the AVAZ signals from the deep target layer.
Bias in the determination of temporal activity patterns of syntopic Peromyscus in the southern Appalachians

We compared inferred activity patterns of two syntopic rodents, Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus , in western North Carolina. Activity patterns were derived from capture-frequency data obtained from Sherman live-traps equipped with digital timers following different trapping protocols. We tested the hypothesis that no differences would be observed in frequency distribution of captures from trapping grids monitored only in the morning (control) compared with grids where captured animals were released during the night and in the morning (treatment). Distributions of frequencies of captures on control and treatment grids were significantly different. On control grids, capture frequencies (based on 3-h in tervals) of both species were higher in the first 3 h after sunset and decreased thereafter throughout the night, but frequencies of captures of both species were uniform throughout the night on treatment grids. Photographic records from automated cameras suggested increasing levels of activity throughout the night. Activity patterns derived from camera data were different from those derived from the control and treatment grids. Inferences regarding activity patterns are sensitive to method and trapping-protocol bias.
Spider Mites on Walnut in Northern California

The problem of spider mites on walnut has become more acute since the advent of DDT and other newer organic insecticides. With DDT the increase in the spider mite population mounts as the dosage is increased. The principal species of spider mites involved are the Pacific spider mite ( Tetranychus pacificus McG.) , two-spotted spider mite ( T. telarins (L.)), and the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch). Induced increases in spider mites involve other factors ill addition to interference of insecticides with natural enemies. These factors may exert their influence either upon the spider mite or through the host. Populations of the Pacific spider mite and the two-spotted spider mite, but not the European red mite, have been suppressed where scbradan has been used to control the walnut aphid. With the European red mite schradan induces an increase in the population. In the hot interior San .Joaquin Valley, which has a climate less favorable for European red mite than the more coastal regions, natural enemies usually control the pest before it has had opportunity to do serious damage. In the cooler regions natural enemies may fail to he effective and acaracides may be required. Walnut can tolerate a relatively large spider mite population. This tolerance allows sufficient time to determine whether natural enemies will have an opportunity to control the pest. Natural enemies frequently reduce the spider mite to a sub economic level even though spider-mite-inducing materials such as DDT or Sevin®(l-naphthyl-N-methyl carbamate) are used. Control of spider mites has been complicated by the problem of resistance. A more effective acaricide may become a spider mite- inducing agent once the pest develops resistance to it. or the newer accuracies tested the most effective were Tedion® (2,4,4',5-tetrachlorodiphenyl sulfone, 80% technical) and Kelthane® (1, 1-bis(p-chlorophenyl) -2,2,2-trichloroethnnol).
Effects of recombinant bull basic fibroblast growth factor( rb-bfgf) administration on the wound healing in cleft palate patient

Objective To investigate the efficacy of recombinant bull basic fibroblast growth factor( rb-bFGF) administration in intra- and post-operation of cleft palate. Methods Twenty patients undergoing cleft palate received rbbFGF administration in intra- and post-operation while the other 20 patients undergoing cleft palate but without receiving rb-bFGF administration. The wound bleeding time and the granulation tissue growth time in both groups were assessed.Results In the experimental group postoperative bleeding time was significantly shorter than that in the control group; at the same time,infiltration volume was reduced and the wound healing time was compressed in experimental group. Conclusion Rb-bFGF plays a significant role in diminishing surgical wound bleeding and promoting surgical wound healing.
Observations in man on some pharmacologic features of cefamandole

Comparative studies of cefamandole and cephalothin were carried out in 32 cancer patients. After rapid intravenous injection of 1 gm cefamandole or cephalothin, the peak mean serum concentrations in 11 patients achieved at 0.25 hr were 103.4 mcg/ml and 56.7 mcg/ml, respectively. Except at 6 hr, the serum concentration of cefamandole was higher (p less than 0.05) at all times. The terminal half-lives (t 1/2) were similar, being 1.2 hr for cefamandole and 1.0 hr for cephalothin. Cefamandole, 1 gm intramuscularly, induced a peak mean serum concentration of 26.6 mcg/ml at 1 hr, with a slow decay. Intermittent cefamandole (2 gm intravenously every 6 hr) induced very high mean serum concentrations (7 patients), but at 4 hr the concentrations were similar to those after 1 gm intravenously. Per cent of urinary excretion was similar for both drugs regardless of dose and mode of administration. Continuous-infusion cefamandole or cephalothin (2 gm loading followed by 2 gm every 6 hr) in 14 patients showed consistently higher serum concentrations for cefamandole (p less than 0.05) over a 5-day period. There was no evidence of drug accumulation in the multiple-dose studies. Both the single- and multiple-dose schedules were well tolerated.
Rate-Distortion Functions

We have seen that the distortion-rate function of a source with respect to a distortion measure provides an unbeatable, yet approximately achievable, bound on the performance of a fixed-rate data compression system with unconstrained block length or delay. The goal of this chapter is to provide the tools for actually computing and bounding the distortion rate functions for particular sources and distortion measures. Toward this end we begin by developing variational equations for inverse distortion-rate functions or rate-distortion functions. The focus on rate-distortion functions instead of distortion-rate functions is both for consistency with the literature and for simplicity. It is usually easier to find the rate as a function of distortion rather than vice-versa.
Animal models of transcranial direct current stimulation: Methods and mechanisms

Abstract The objective of this review is to summarize the contribution of animal research using direct current stimulation (DCS) to our understanding of the physiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). We comprehensively address experimental methodology in animal studies, broadly classified as: (1) transcranial stimulation; (2) direct cortical stimulation in vivo and (3) in vitro models. In each case advantages and disadvantages for translational research are discussed including dose translation and the overarching "quasi-uniform" assumption, which underpins translational relevance in all animal models of tDCS. Terminology such as anode, cathode, inward current, outward current, current density, electric field, and uniform are defined. Though we put key animal experiments spanning decades in perspective, our goal is not simply an exhaustive cataloging of relevant animal studies, but rather to put them in context of ongoing efforts to improve tDCS. Cellular targets, including excitatory neuronal somas, dendrites, axons, interneurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells are considered. We emphasize neurons are always depolarized and hyperpolarized such that effects of DCS on neuronal excitability can only be evaluated within subcellular regions of the neuron. Findings from animal studies on the effects of DCS on plasticity (LTP/LTD) and network oscillations are reviewed extensively. Any endogenous phenomena dependent on membrane potential changes are, in theory, susceptible to modulation by DCS. The relevance of morphological changes (galvanotropy) to tDCS is also considered, as we suggest microscopic migration of axon terminals or dendritic spines may be relevant during tDCS. A majority of clinical studies using tDCS employ a simplistic dose strategy where excitability is singularly increased or decreased under the anode and cathode, respectively. We discuss how this strategy, itself based on classic animal studies, cannot account for the complexity of normal and pathological brain function, and how recent studies have already indicated more sophisticated approaches are necessary. One tDCS theory regarding "functional targeting" suggests the specificity of tDCS effects are possible by modulating ongoing function (plasticity). Use of animal models of disease are summarized including pain, movement disorders, stroke, and epilepsy.
ROSEY the Robot.

The RObot Self-Explains whY (ROSEY) project is an attempt to achieve greater system transparency on behaviorbased robots. By inspecting the structure of the robot’s program, the ROSEY system generates causal explanations of the robot’s own behavior. In this paper, we describe the initial version of ROSEY the Robot, which was demonstrated at the 2002 American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) Mobile Robot Exhibition in
Cumulative meta-analysis of intensive blood-pressure lowering in acute cerebral hemorrhage: Quo vadis?

• Early lowering of systolic BP to 140mmHg in acute intracerebral haemorrhage remains the only intervention recommended in American and European guidelines.
Effects of SV40 T-antigen expression on spontaneous and induced DNA damage in preneoplastic murine mesothelial cells

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 1056 Diffuse malignant mesothelioma is a uniformly fatal tumor arising from the serosal linings that is highly resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation, and surgery. Mesothelioma is strongly, but not exclusively, associated with asbestos exposure, and simian virus 40 (SV40) has emerged as a potential co-factor in the development of mesothelioma. SV40 transforming proteins large (Tag) and small (tag) t-antigens are known to bind and inactivate cellular proteins involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and genomic stability, including p53 and pRB. We hypothesize that Tag expression will alter cellular responses to DNA damage induced by asbestos fibers or to chemotherapeutic agents that induce DNA double strand breaks (DSB). We are using an in vitro murine model of asbestos-induced mesothelioma to investigate Tag-induced alterations at various stages in the development and progression of malignant mesothelioma. Following intraperitoneal injection of thioglycollate or crocidolite asbestos, we isolated hyperplastic mesothelial cells, preneoplastic mesothelial cells, and mesothelioma cells, and generated subclones of each line stably expressing both SV40 T-antigens. Expression of SV40 T-antigens altered cell morphology and decreased doubling time, and subclones of preneoplastic and mesothelioma cell lines demonstrated anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Western blot analysis demonstrated increased stability of p53 protein in the presence of Tag, and immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the interaction between Tag and p53. Tag-expressing preneoplastic mesothelial cells and mesothelioma cells demonstrated a statistically significant increase in micronucleus formation, consistent with a role for Tag in DSB production. Tag expression increased spontaneous DSB in preneoplastic mesothelial cells, as shown by formation of phospho-histone H2AX foci (γH2AX). These studies suggest that SV40 Tag expression enhances both spontaneous and induced DNA damage in preneoplastic mesothelial cells. This research was supported by a pre-doctoral fellowship from the National Cancer Center and NIEHS grant T32 ES07272.
Zwischen Vertrauen und Angst. Über Stimmungen der Informationsgesellschaft

Wir leben in einer Informationsgesellschaft. Aller Erfahrung nach bedeutet gut informiert zu sein auch die Reduktion von Angst. Paradoxerweise aber werden wir heutzutage von informationeller Angst geplagt. Sie hat nach Richard Wurman (mindestens) zwei Quellen: zum einen unser Verhaltnis zu Informationen, zum zweiten unsere sozialen Beziehungen. „Information anxiety is produced by the ever-widening gap between what we understand and what we think we should understand. Information anxiety is the black hole between data and knowledge. It happens when information doesn’t tell us what we want to know.“2
Exploring the Relationship Balance Assessment.

Assessments of power in couples’ relationships often only survey one partner, but they do not take into consideration both partners’ perceptions. Thus, many assumptions about power and equality in relationships have not been quantitatively tested due to a lack of dyadic measures of power. Therefore, the purpose of the Gender and Relationships Study was to develop and test a new scale of equality and relative power for couples, the Relationship Balance Assessment (RBA). The RBA may be useful for research and for clinical work with couples to help raise awareness of the balance of power in their relationship. A review of the literature has shown a shift away from focusing on monetary resources and decision-making dominance towards examining relationship processes and the connection between gender and power. This study prescreened a pool of process-oriented questions based on the qualitative literature. Then exploratory factor analysis of data from 268 individuals and 91 couples identified 12 consistent latent factors underlying relationship equality. These 12 subscales are summed up with the TREASURES acronym: Time Discretion, Relational Power, Emotional Power (Emotional Expression and Avoidance subscales), Accommodation, Spending and Saving subscales, Union or Sexual Dominance, Rational Power, Economic Role Power (Status and Childcare subscales), and Social Choices.
Implantable cardiac defibrillator infections: the emerging importance of Mycobacterium fortuitum

Infection is a clinically relevant complication associated with intracardiac devices. Atypical mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium fortuitum, have been increasingly implicated in cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections. We present a case of M. fortuitum CIED infection in a patient with ischaemic cardiomyopathy occurring approximately 3 weeks after insertion. The recognition and adequate treatment, including device removal, tissue sampling and the determination of antimicrobial sensitivities, are essential in the proper management of these patients.
An Annotated Translation of Fu on Pomegranate in Yiwen Leiju

Focusing on translating nine pieces of fu on pomegranate contained in Yiwen leiju, as well as the etymological examination of the fruit names, this paper aims to reveal the impacts of the cultural exchanges between the west and east upon literary writing.
Patient-reported priorities for survivorship care and experience discussing available services.

200Background: Despite the recognized need for high quality survivorship care, barriers to identifying and addressing patients’ needs still remain. We sought to evaluate cancer survivor care priorities, awareness of available services, and factors associated with care and informational needs. Methods: A needs assessment survey was distributed to patients presenting for routine follow-up care in adult oncology clinics at the MGH Cancer Center between February and August of 2016. The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, and preferences for care and communication. Care priorities were selected from a list of options including open ended response. Discussion of supportive care services was assessed by the item “have any of your providers informed you about the types of supportive care services that are available to cancer patients" with response options of “yes,” “no” or “don’t know.” Results: Among 637 total respondents, 339 patients with early stage cancer completed the survey. The majority of ...
Medicare Bundled Payments for Post-Acute Care: Characteristics and Baseline Performance of Participating Skilled Nursing Facilities:

Medicare bundled payment models have focused on post-acute care as a key component of improving the efficiency and quality of health care. This study investigated the characteristics and baseline performance of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that participated in Medicare Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative Model 3. As of July 2016, 657 SNFs participated in 7,932 episodes in risk-bearing phase. Our retrospective analyses found that larger facilities, higher occupancy rate, chain affiliation, better five-star overall rating, and higher market competition for SNF care were associated with increased likelihood of enrolling in clinical episodes in Model 3, whereas not-for-profit ownership, higher adjusted staffing levels, higher percentage of Medicaid residents, and rural location were associated with reduced likelihood of participation in Bundled Payments for Care Improvement. Policy makers should consider approaches to encourage participation of post-acute care providers in this voluntary program and evaluate its impact on patient selection, cost of care, and health outcomes.
Antenatal Glucocorticoid Therapy: Clinical Effects

Any discussion of either therapeutic or preventive measures for a given disease must first describe the illness, its occurrence and severity, and the magnitude of the problem it presents to the public health. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), or hyaline membrane disease (HMD), is a clinical syndrome occuring primarily in preterm infants and characterized by increasing respiratory distress which persists at least 48 h and improves spontaneously, usually with recovery at around 72 h of age. Clinically, these infants have grunting, nasal flaring, retractions, and tachypnea associated with cyanosis; chest radiographic findings are consistent with diffuse atelectasis; arterial blood gases show hypoxia and hypercarbia in the absence of therapy.
An Overview of the Midterm Energy Forecasting System (MEFS)

This chapter provides an overview of the midterm energy forecasting system (MEFS). The MEFS is a national energy-forecasting system used by the Energy Information Administration to analyze energy prices, supplies, demands, and conversion activities. The MEFS framework consists of three major components: demand models, supply models, and an equilibrating mechanism that balances supply and demand to achieve a multiproduct, multiregion equilibrium. The principal economic assumptions implicit in the MEFS model structure are: (1) market equilibrium conditions govern the purchase prices and quantities of fuel consumed subject to the constraints introduced by government regulations; (2) consumers substitute fuels on the basis of their relative prices; (3) suppliers are competitive and produce if the market price is at or above the minimum acceptable selling price; and (4) the prices paid by energy consumers are marginal fuel prices, except for electricity and natural gas, which are sold at average prices.
Heterogeneity (DVT) Depth Determination Using Phase Shift and Time Constant Values from NIR-TRS Spectra

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a disease state caused by an imbalance of hemostasis. It is generally due to the lack of anti-coagulants (protein C, protein S, Antithrombin III), the protein C resistant symptom, or physiological trauma. Deep vein thrombosis is characterized by excessive clotting in the deep veins of the leg. During the clotting process, a fibrin mesh forms and begins to block the vein, trapping blood cells. As a result, there is a higher concentration of red blood cells and, therefore, hemoglobin, in the area of the vein with the thrombus. As the mesh propagates through the vein, the vein becomes completely blocked. After complete occlusion, the surrounding tissue becomes deprived of oxygen causing an increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration. This difference in hemoglobin and oxygen concentration creates an optical heterogeneity. However, this heterogeneity is not easy to detect since a scattering media (leg tissue) surrounds it.
The spatial arrangement of tubules in human dentin.

We applied two-dimensional numerical methods to describe the spatial arrangement of tubules in human dentin. The methods considered were two-point correlation functions, entropy-like measures, and angular distributions between nearest neighbors. The correlation functions were based on Fourier transform methods. The latter two approaches were based on stochastic geometry, and involved developing the Delaunay tessellations of the tubule patterns and their dual Voronoi diagrams. We discovered that for analyzing the distribution of tubules the geometric methods of lattice tessellations were more sensitive to structural order of the tubules than were Fourier-based schemes. Analysis of the data indicated that dentinal tubules are highly ordered in normal dentin. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Emergency decompression of the optic nerve in patients who lose vision with craniofacial fractures: the role of radiological examination

The traumatic force to the optic nerve and optic canal was quantified by analyzing CT findings to predict the degree of damage to the optic nerve. Sixty-four patients thought to have traumatic optic neuropathy were studied, of whom 24 were chosen for decompressive surgery. The results in the operated and nonoperated cases are discussed.
TWO SIMULATION LANGUAGES

This chapter reviews the use of two different simulation languages: (1) GPSS and (2) WIDES. GPSS is the main process oriented simulation language that is in use in the United States today. GPSS is a major language of substantial complexity that is only implementable on fairly large computers. GPSS can be studied on two levels: (1) as a modeling tool and (2) as a programming language. The strength of the language as a modeling tool lies in its provision of a large number of standard blocks that describe most functions found in process oriented systems. The design of simulation models using GPSS is a fairly simple task as all GPSS models employ the process flow view. WIDES contrasts with GPSS in that it is a next-event type language and in that it is implementable even on many mini-computers with a FORTRAN compiler. WIDES is a substantially simpler and easier to use language, Subsequently, WIDES is a FORTRAN-based collection of subroutines that performs all the routine model manipulation and database maintenance tasks normally encountered in discrete event simulation programs. The language has two elements: (a) a set of control cards initializes the model and defines the run conditions; and (b) a collection of FORTRAN subroutines executes the operational aspects of the model. The chapter also discusses the use of these elements to construct simulation models and programs.
The Effect of Steroid Hormones on Gene Transcription

Steroid hormones modulate the metabolism, differentiation, and growth of a large number of cell types in eukaryotic organisms. It is generally assumed that steroid hormones control some of these processes by regulating the transcription of specific genes. This topic is reviewed in the current chapter beginning with a discussion of the evidence that steroid hormones can alter gene transcription, enlarging on this topic with a discussion of the regulatory mechanisms and strategies that might be involved in this effect, and ending with a discussion of the coordinate regulation of gene transcription by steroid hormones. Although the regulation of specific gene transcription is undoubtedly an important feature of steroid hormone action, such a mechanism cannot adequately explain all of the effects of steroid hormones on all target cells. The amphibian oocyte, for instance, undergoes progesterone-induced maturation in the absence of its nucleus (reviewed in Wasserman and Smith, 1978). Although nontranscriptional mechanisms will not be discussed in any detail in this chapter, they should always be considered when attempting to explain the pleiotropic actions of steroid hormones.
The formulation of epoxy-polyester matrix with improved physical and mechanical properties for restoration of means of sea and river transport

The physical and mechanical properties of matrix based on epoxy resin ED-20 were investigated by adding unsaturated polyester resin ENYDYNE H 68372 TAE at different concentrations. The contents of ...
Theoretical study of the electronic structure of Zr(OH)4 and the effects of impurities and defects

Abstract Zirconium hydroxide (Zr(OH)4) is emerging as an important material in the remediation of toxic substances. The electronic structure of Zr(OH)4, which is a major factor in photochemical applications, has been studied using ab-initio density functional theory with a particular focus on the band gap and on impurity- or defect-induced states in the gap. The band gap (Eg) of Zr(OH)4, which has proven difficult to measure experimentally, is computed to be ∼5.8 eV, which may overestimate the true value by as much as 0.3 eV. The gap is essentially independent of the degree of disorder, the number of layers in the periodic-slab model and structural changes occurring during outgassing at ≤500 K. Fine structure in the O 2s density of states is found to depend on whether the O is bonded to H. Carbonates and adsorbed H2O, the most common contaminants in Zr(OH)4, do not yield states in the gap. However, bridging sulfites formed by adsorption of SO2 are a typical low-level contaminant, and these yield states at 0.44 or 0.86 eV above the valence band maximum, depending on the nature of the sulfite bonding. Chlorine, another low-level contaminant, adsorbs preferentially on Zr(OH)4 surfaces vs. in the bulk but does not produce states in the gap. Two classes of defects have been considered. One is formed by removing an intact Zr(OH)4 unit, which leaves a “hole” in the lattice but does not yield any states in the gap. The other consists of paramagnetic Zr , Zr O or Zr O Zr defects (where “ ” is an unpaired electron) formed by removing an OH radical or an H atom. These produce either occupied (Zr ) or empty (Zr O or Zr O Zr) states well into the gap and are potentially capable of explaining experimentally-observed photoluminescence and optical absorption at energies well below the predicted Eg.
Overcoming MPI Communication Overhead for Distributed Community Detection

Community detection is an important graph (network) analysis kernel used for discovering functional units and organization of a graph. Louvain method is an efficient algorithm for discovering communities. However, sequential Louvain method does not scale to the emerging large-scale network data. Parallel algorithms designed for modern high performance computing platforms are necessary to process such network big data. Although there are several shared memory based parallel algorithms for Louvain method, those do not scale to a large number of cores and to large networks. One existing Message Passing Interface (MPI) based distributed memory parallel implementation of Louvain algorithm has shown scalability to only 16 processors. In this work, first, we design a shared memory based algorithm using Open MultiProcessing (OpenMP), which shows a 4-fold speedup but is only limited to the physical cores available to our system. Our second algorithm is an MPI-based distributed memory parallel algorithm that scales to a moderate number of processors. We then implement a hybrid algorithm combining the merits from both shared and distributed memory-based approaches. Finally, we incorporate a parallel load balancing scheme, which leads to our final algorithm DPLAL (Distributed Parallel Louvain Algorithm with Load-balancing). DPLAL overcomes the performance bottleneck of the previous algorithms with improved load balancing. We present a comparative analysis of these parallel implementations of Louvain methods using several large real-world networks. DPLAL shows around 12-fold speedup and scales to a larger number of processors.