cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High prevalence of antibodies to BK virus, an SV40-related papovavirus, in residents of Maryland.

The prevalence of HAI antibodies to BK virus in sera of Maryland residents increased from 50% to 100% between the ages of three and 10-11 years, and then declined to 67% in the group aged 35 years or older. Examination of sera for antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody tests and by conventional and immunofluorescence neutralization tests supported the results of HAI tests. Infection with BK virus appears to be common in early childhood.
Clinical significance and outcome of subclinical status epilepticus in adults

Abstract We reviewed the medical records and the EEGs of all adults treated for status epilepticus (SE) in our center in 4 years. EEG detected subclinical SE in almost half (49%) of the 45 consecutive patients identified. Comparing patients with and those without subclinical SE, we noted that patients with subclinical SE were older ( p = 0.02) and more likely to have focal brain lesions ( p = 0.04). In the absence of focal brain lesions, subclinical SE was still more common in old adults ( p p = 0.001). Although 24% of all patients died in ⩽60 days, late mortality was not associated with subclinical SE ( p > 0.05). However, an association between late mortality and presence of focal brain lesions was suggested by a low p -value (0.053). Subclinical SE appeared on the EEG as frequent discrete seizure episodes in all but 3 patients. None of the patients had a progressive sequence of EEG patterns, as was reported in the literature. Initiation of treatment before EEG recording in most of our patients (82%) might have interrupted the sequential appearance of the EEG patterns.
Surface-segregated, high-voltage spinel LiMn1.5Ni0.42Ga0.08O4 cathodes with superior high-temperature cyclability for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract The substitution of a small amount of Ga in the high-voltage spinel cathode LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.42 Ga 0.08 O 4 leads to superior cyclability at room temperature and 55 °C along with higher rate capability with conventional electrolytes compared to that found with the LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 cathode. The superior performance is attributed to the segregation of the inert Ga 3+ ions to the surface during the synthesis process, providing a robust, more stable interface with the electrolyte at the high operating voltage (~ 4.7 V), along with the stabilization of the spinel structure with a disordering of the cations in the octahedral sites.
Human colon and liver cancer cell proliferation inhibition by peptide hydrolysates derived from heat-stabilized defatted rice bran.

Rice bran, an economical, underutilized coproduct of rough rice milling, was used to produce peptide hydrolysates, which were investigated for anticancer activity. Protein hydrolysates prepared by Alcalase hydrolysis under optimized conditions were treated further to obtain gastrointestinal (GI)-resistant peptide hydrolysates. They were fractionated into >50, 10−50, 5−10, and <5 kDa sizes and evaluated for inhibitory activity on proliferation of human colon (Caco-2) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines by Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. GI-resistant <5 and 5−10 kDa sized peptide fractions inhibited growth of Caco-2 cells by 80%, and the <5 kDa fraction inhibited growth of HepG2 cells by ∼50% compared to controls and nonresistant fractions. An MTS cell titer assay confirmed antiproliferative effects of the peptide fractions. The results demonstrated that 5−10 and <5 kDa sized GI-resistant fractions promoted significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory activities on both cancer cell lines compared to controls. More in...
Convolution operators that satisfy the spectral theorem

(I) T = f 2. ES(d~)., moreover; (2) the residual spectrum of T is void, and E r is a weakly continuous ~) function of rectangles, (3) the set n(E T) of all complex t such that Er({1})4:O coincides with the point-spectrum of T. Suppose henceforth that ~ is not a Hilbert space. What can then be said about the properties (1)--(3) when T6 [~] ? The theories "of DUNFORD [2] and LORCH [12] are too restrictive to be applicable to the algebra s of "Laurent operators" [5]; r < I/p] (we suppose t < p < oc and p ~ 2). For example, consider the following two members of ~: the transformation H which is represented by the Hilbert matrix
Publishing, Protesting, and Professing: Reflections on What it Means to Be a Sociologist:

This work is a personnal reflections on efforts to make community activism a part of my academic career. Prior to my graduate school experience, I worked for several years in the non-profit sector. During my years at the academy I became, for a time, separated from the real world conditions that brought me to the study of systemic cause of injustice. In this work i give an abbreviated history of the SICK (Solutions to Issues od Concern to Knoxvillians) organization and relate examples of how the SICK leader has successfully practiced sociology at the local level for many years. Then, I reflect on the (in)ability of academics to practice sociology within the confines of the academy
Correlation of particles at 200 GeV/c proton-proton interaction

Particle production by 200 GeV/c protons interacting with a proton in nuclear emulsions was studied, and results are presented on the secondaries of the white stars whose space angles were measured with respect to the primary beam. Single-particle rapidity distributions and two-particle correlations are presented and discussed. (LBS)
Ion beam analysis of electrochromic and thermochromic oxide films

Thin transition metal oxide films with known electrochromic and thermochromic behavior have been investigated for ion beam induced changes in their optical properties. Films of WO3 and VO2 deposited on glass and sapphire substrates by RF sputter deposition were subjected to ion bombardment with 400 keV Xe+ and Au+ ions. Both the ions seem to induce mixing at the interface resulting in a mixed oxide layer whose thickness is dose dependent. Optical transmission measurements in the visible and IR region show moderate modification of electrochromic behavior in the visible and thermochromic characteristic in the IR region.
The rate of spontaneous mutations in human myeloid cells

The mutation rate (μ) is likely to be a key parameter in leukemogenesis, but historically, it has been difficult to measure in humans. The PIG-A gene has some advantages for the detection of spontaneous mutations because it is X-linked, and therefore only one mutation is required to disrupt its function. Furthermore, the PIG-A-null phenotype is readily detected by flow cytometry. Using PIG-A, we have now provided the first in vitro measurement of μ in myeloid cells, using cultures of CD34+ cells that are transduced with either the AML-ETO or the MLL-AF9 fusion genes and expanded with cytokines. For the AML-ETO cultures, the median μ value was ∼9.4×10(-7) (range ∼3.6-23×10(-7)) per cell division. In contrast, few spontaneous mutations were observed in the MLL-AF9 cultures. Knockdown of p53 or introduction of mutant NRAS or FLT3 alleles did not have much of an effect on μ. Based on these data, we provide a model to predict whether hypermutability must occur in the process of leukemogenesis.
662 A MANUAL AND SCORING SHEET FOR NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT

A manual and scoring sheet for nutritional assessment of the pediatric patient has been developed. The manual includes a list of appropriate dietary and medical historical questions to aid in identifying the pediatric patient at risk for nutritional deficiencies; a system oriented nutritional physical examination to identify physical findings of nutritional deficits; and a list of specific nutritional deficits associated with pediatric disease processes. Guidelines are included for obtaining, 1) additional blood studies such as serum vitamin and mineral levels, 2) x-ray studies, such as chest x-ray, bone age, and CT scan of the brain, 3) EKG, 4) and collections of urine and feces. The scoring sheet includes consideration of percent ideal body weight, percent weight change, weight for height, triceps and subscapular skin fold thickness, arm muscle circumference, albumin, transferrin, skin testing, and absolute lymphocyte counts that have been adapted for use in the various age groups within pediatrics. A numerical score is assigned to each item indicating degree of deficit and a total nutrition score is calculated. A score of 0 to 5 indicates normal nutritional status, 6 to 10 mild, 11 to 15 moderate, and > 15, severe nutritional deficits. This type of manual and scoring sheet provides a means to teach concepts of pediatric nutritional assessment.
Ethnicity-Related Stressors and Mental Health in Latino Americans: The Moderating Role of Parental Racial Socialization

The current study examined the moderating role of proactive and reactive parental racial socialization on the relationship between Latino American college students' mental health and 3 ethnicity-related stressors: perceived racial discrimination, stereotype confirmation concern, and own-group conformity pressure. In hierarchical regression, greater stereotype confirmation concern predicted more mental distress in 105 Latino American college students. Both proactive and reactive racial socialization moderated the effect of own-group conformity pressure on anxiety and loss of behavioral/emotional control. Specifically, greater proactive and reactive racial socialization predicted more mental distress under greater own-group conformity pressure. Findings are interpreted in a college environment of ethnic diversity and a context of acculturative stress.
Detection of dilute sperm samples using photoacoustic flowmetry

Detection of sperm cells in dilute samples may have application in forensic testing and diagnosis of male reproductive health. Due to the optically dense subcellular structures in sperm cells, irradiation by nanosecond laser pulses induces a photoacoustic response detectable using a custom flow cytometer. We determined the detection threshold of bull sperm using various concentrations, from 200 to 1,000,000 sperm cells per milliliter. Using a tunable laser system set to 450nm with a 5 ns pulse duration and 11-12 mJ/pulse, we obtained a detection threshold of 3 sperm cells. The flow rate was 4 ml/minute through the flow chamber. The acoustic sensor was a 100 μm PVDF film attached to the glass flow chamber. The acoustic signal was preamplified and sent to an oscilloscope. The threshold signal indicated a signal to noise ratio of approximately 6 to 1. Improved system design may decrease the threshold to single sperm cells.
Prolegomenon to a History of Paleoanthropology: The Study of Human Origins as a Scientific Enterprise. Part 1. Antiquity to the Eighteenth Century

Interest in the history of paleoanthropology and the other disciplines related to human origins studies has grown considerably over the last several decades. Some very informative historical surveys have been written by prominent scientists reflecting on the major developments in their fields. Some well-known early examples include Glyn Daniel’s The Idea of Prehistory (1962) and The Origins and Growth of Archaeology (1967), which focus primarily on the history of archaeology, Kenneth Oakley’s “The problem of man’s antiquity: an historical survey” published in the Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) [Geology] (1964), and L. S. B. Leakey’s Unveiling Man’s Origins; Ten Decades of Thought about Human Evolution (1969), with the latter two focusing on the contributions of geology, paleontology, and biology to the problem of human evolution.
Pathologic complete response rates in triple-negative, HER2-positive, and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers after anthracycline-free neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without trastuzumab.

Abstract Background Pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is considered a surrogate for improved survival. Platinum-containing NCT, particularly in patients with HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) may increase pCR rates. Methods Tumor characteristics, pCR rates (no invasive disease in breast and lymph nodes), toxicities, and survival in patients who received carboplatin, a taxane, and trastuzumab (HER2+ disease) between April 2009 and December 2011, were reviewed. Results Thirty eight patients (39 tumors) completed a median of 4 cycles of NCT. Eighteen of 39 (46%) tumors were HER2+, 8/18 (44%) responded with pCR; 13/18 HER2+ tumors were HR+ (72%) and 4/13 (31%) had a pCR. Ten of 39 (26%) tumors were TNBC; 6/10 (60%) had a pCR. At a median of 25-months no recurrences were observed in patients with pCR. Conclusions Prospective studies of anthracycline-free platinum-containing NCT are warranted in LABC patients with HER2+ and TNBC.
Interaction of lipids with acid-soluble bovine skin collagen.

Abstract Acid-soluble bovine skin collagen was found to contain lipids even after exhaustive extractions with chloroform-methanol. To determine if this lipid fraction was bound covalently to collagen, the protein was partially hydrolyzed by chemical or enzymatic agents to yield a series of polypeptide fragments. Each of these polypeptides was isolated and found to be free of any accompanying lipid. It is concluded that the associated lipids of soluble bovine skin collagen are bound by weak intermolecular forces.
Therapeutic Approach to Electrolyte Emergencies

Hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypercalcemia are commonly seen in emergency medicine. Severe abnormalities in any of these electrolytes can cause potentially life-threatening consequences to the patient. It is essential that the clinician understand and correct (if possible) the underlying cause of each disorder and recognize the importance of the rates of correction, especially with serum sodium disorders. The recommended doses in this article might have to be adjusted to the individual patient, and these modifications must be adjusted again to the pathophysiology of the primary underlying disorder.
A Survey of Wireless Path Loss Prediction and Coverage Mapping Methods

In this paper we provide a thorough and up to date survey of path loss prediction methods, spanning more than 60 years of fairly continuous research. These methods take a variety of approaches to modeling the signal attenuation between wireless transceivers: purely theoretical models, empirically fitted (often statistical) models, deterministic ray-optical models, and measurement-directed methods. Our work here extends and updates excellent, but now dated prior surveys of this important field. We provide a new taxonomy for reasoning about the similarities and differences of the many approaches and provide a brief but complete overview of the various methods as well as describing insights into future directions for research in this area.
A family of hierarchically self-assembling linear-dendritic hybrid polymers for highly efficient targeted gene delivery

Ideally, suchsystemswillbenontoxic,nonimmunogenic,andmadefromversatile building blocks that allow optimal delivery to arangeofcellsortissuesofinterest.Herein,forthefirsttime,wepresentthedesign,synthesis,andevaluationofauniquefamily of hierarchically structured linear-dendritic hybridpolymersthatself-assemblewithDNAtoformstablenano-particleswithaseriesofconcentric,functional“shells”thatdisplay independently tuneable properties necessary foreffective targeted delivery. The resultant ligand-functional-ized systems demonstrate receptor-mediated delivery totargeted cells with robust serum stability, transfection effi-cienciesthatexceedthemostefficientcommerciallyavailablepolymerpoly(ethylenimine)(PEI),andlowtoxicityatcon-centrationsonetotwoordersofmagnitudehigherthanthoseatwhichPEIistoxic.ThesesystemsmayfindpotentialutilityastargetedinvivogenedeliverysystemsforDNA-orRNA-basedtherapies.Thesuccess ofgene-basedtherapiesis dependentupontheabilitytodelivergenesthatexpresskeyproteinswhenandwheretheyareneeded.Asofyet,nosuchtherapieshavebeenapproved for clinical use, primarily because of the lackofversatile,safe,andefficientgenedeliverysystems.
Electron microscopic localization of the chloroplast DNA replicative origins in Chlamydomonas reinhardu

Abstract Chloroplast DNA, isolated from a synchronized culture of Chlamydomonas reinhardii, was digested with restriction endonucleases and examined in the electron microscope. Restriction fragments containing displacement loops (D-loop) were photographed and measured to determine the position of replicated sequences in relation to the restriction enzyme sites. D-loops were located at two positions on the physical map of chloroplast DNA. One replication origin was mapped at about 10 kb upstream of the 5' end of a 16s rRNA gene. The second origin was spaced 6. 5kb apart from the first origin and was about 16.5 kb upstream of the same 16s rRNA. Initiations at those two sites were not always synchronized. Replication initiated with the formation of a D-loop resulting from the synthesis of one daughter strand. After a short initial lag phase, corresponding to the synthesis of 350 +/- 130 bp of one daughter strand, DNA synthesis then proceeded in both directions. Both D-loop regions were preferred binding sites of undetermined protein complexes.
Muscleblind-like 1 activates insulin receptor exon 11 inclusion by enhancing U2AF65 binding and splicing of the upstream intron

Alternative splicing regulates developmentally and tissue-specific gene expression programs, disruption of which have been implicated in numerous diseases. Muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) regulates splicing transitions, which are disrupted on loss of MBNL1 function in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). One such event is MBNL1-mediated activation of insulin receptor exon 11 inclusion, which requires an intronic enhancer element downstream of exon 11. The mechanism of MBNL1-mediated activation of exon inclusion is unknown. We developed an in vitro splicing assay, which robustly recapitulates MBNL1-mediated splicing activation of insulin receptor exon 11 and found that MBNL1 activates removal of the intron upstream of exon 11 upon binding its functional response element in the downstream intron. MBNL1 enhances early spliceosome assembly as evidenced by enhanced complex A formation and binding of U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein auxiliary factor 65 kDa subunit (U2AF65) on the upstream intron. We demonstrated that neither the 5′ splice site nor exon 11 sequences are required for MBNL1-activated U2AF65 binding. Interestingly, the 5′ splice site is required for MBNL1-mediated activation of upstream intron removal, although MBNL1 has no effect on U1 snRNA recruitment. These results suggest that MBNL1 directly activates binding of U2AF65 to enhance upstream intron removal to ultimately activate alternative exon inclusion.
Relationships between reproductive characteristics in male Vimba vimba L. and the effects of osmolality on sperm motility.

In Vimba vimba, GSI, sperm volume, and spermatozoa concentration range from 3.4–7.4 %, 0.1–1.1 ml, and 13.3–34.8 × 109 spz ml−1, respectively. Gonad mass (r = 0.90) and sperm volume (r = 0.35) significantly correlated with weight of males. Significant correlation was also found between gonad mass and length of males (r = 0.85). Sperm motility (r = 0.99) and velocity (r = 098) significantly decreased after activation in Tris-HCl 20 mM, pH 8.5. Osmolality of the seminal plasma was 273.2 mOsmol kg−1. Sperm motility and velocity were significantly affected by the osmolality of the activation medium (P < 0.01). Hyper-osmolality compared to seminal plasma osmolality totally suppressed the sperm activation. At 15 s post-activation, the sperm motility significantly decreased at 240 mOsmol kg−1 in KCl or NaCl media. The highest sperm motility and velocity (at 60 s post-activation) were observed at 200 mOsmol kg−1 in NaCl, KCl, or sucrose media. In all treatments, the tip of the flagellum of spermatozoa became curled into a loop shape after activation of sperm in distilled water containing 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5 that shortened the flagellum.
Improved 3D automatic segmentation and measurement of pleural effusions

Pleural effusions are accumulations of fluid in the pleural space, usually associated with atelectasis of the adjacent lung. We have previously presented an automated method to measure the volume of pleural effusions on chest CT images [1]. This paper presents an improved version of the same method, which adds 3D surface modeling and additional propagation of the segmentation in the inferior direction. The improved method is also more robust to noise. We compared this method to manual segmentations and the previous method by applying it to 15 chest CT scans. The new segmentation, on average, increased estimated effusion volume by 11%, bringing it closer to the expected average. In addition, the correlation between manual and automatic effusion volumes increased from .59 to .81 (p = .13), indicating a better segmentation.
Atomistic Modeling and Simulation of Impurity Atmosphere in Silicon and Edge Dislocation Locking Effects

A theoretical study of edge dislocation locking by impurities in silicon is presented. Three groups of impurities are considered: (i) light atoms O, N, and C., (ii) large atoms Ga, and Ge, and (iii) small dopant atoms B, P, and Al. Based on impurity size effect model, these three groups produce distinct different dislocation locking effects. Atoms from the first group strongly bind with edge dislocations. The O, N, and C atmospheres are similar, with a slightly stronger occupancy probability for O and N in the vicinity of the dislocation core. For the second group, Ge loosely binds to dislocation and resists at most 1/3 of the separation shear stress that the first group can withstand. Germanium has only a small chance to reach the dislocation core. The third impurity group does not resist shear any separation stress from edge dislocations. Moreover, B and P atoms can not be trapped at all by edge dislocations. At a local atomic fraction of 10−4, edge dislocation-impurity binding energy varies from 0.008 eV/A for P to 1.7 eV/A for N and 1. 8 eV/A for O. In addition, using molecular mechanics on system of 34552 atoms the self-energy of an edge dislocation was calculated and found equal to 156 meV/A.
Binary activity coefficients from microdroplet evaporation

A method-based on evaporation of a constant-composition droplet containing two components that differ markedly in volatility accurately estimates activity coefficients of both components. This new technique is developed to simultaneously determine the evaporation rate and composition of a droplet from intensity peaks observed in the light scattered by the droplet. It has no upper or lower limits on the relative volatility of the system and is particularly suitable for systems containing one relatively nonvolatile component. The data on the glycerol-ethanol system, obtained from evaporation of glycerol droplets in ethanol vapor and correlated with Margules and Wilson equations, are thermodynamically consistent. The results of this study agree with ethanol activity coefficients calculated from the total pressure vs. solution composition data previously reported.
Electrophoresis of DNA in agarose gels, polyacrylamide gels and in free solution

This review describes the electrophoresis of curved and normal DNA molecules in agarose gels, polyacrylamide gels and in free solution. These studies were undertaken to clarify why curved DNA molecules migrate anomalously slowly in polyacrylamide gels but not in agarose gels. Two milestone papers are cited, in which Ferguson plots were used to estimate the effective pore size of agarose and polyacrylamide gels. Subsequent studies on the effect of the electric field on agarose and polyacrylamide gel matrices, DNA interactions with the two gel matrices, and the effect of curvature on the free solution mobility of DNA are also described. The combined results suggest that the anomalously slow mobilities observed for curved DNA molecules in polyacrylamide gels are primarily due to preferential interactions of curved DNAs with the polyacrylamide gel matrix; the restrictive pore size of the matrix is of lesser importance. In free solution, DNA mobilities increase with increasing molecular mass until leveling off at a plateau value of (3.17 +/- 0.01) x 10(-4) cm2/V s in 40 mM Tris-acetate-EDTA buffer at 20 degrees C. Curved DNA molecules migrate anomalously slowly in free solution as well as in polyacrylamide gels, explaining why the Ferguson plots of curved and normal DNAs containing the same number of base pairs extrapolate to different mobilities at zero gel concentration.
History dependence of output characteristics of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs

It is demonstrated that the drain current overshoot in partially depleted SOI MOSFETs has a significant history dependence or memory effect, even in the absence of impact ionization under low drain biases. The measured output characteristics of partially depleted SOI MOSFETs are shown to be dynamically dependent on their switching history, frequency, and bias conditions, due to the finite time constants of carrier generation (thermal or impact ionization) and recombination in the floating body.
Chiral separation of fluorescamine-labeled amino acids using microfabricated capillary electrophoresis devices for extraterrestrial exploration

Chiral separations of fluorescamine-labeled amino acids are characterized and optimized on a microfabricated capillary electrophoresis (CE) device. A standard mixture of acidic and neutral amino acids is labeled with fluorescamine in less than 5 min and the hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) concentration, temperature, and pH are optimized (15 mM HPbetaCD, 6 degrees C, pH 9, isomerization of the dye chiral center is observed that occurs on the time scale of the chip separation. Typical limits of detection are approximately 50 nM. These results demonstrate the feasibility of combining fluorescamine labeling of amino acids with microfabricated CE devices to develop low-volume, high-sensitivity apparatus and methods for extraterrestrial exploration.
The insect-phase gRNA transcriptome in Trypanosoma brucei

One of the most striking examples of small RNA regulation of gene expression is the process of RNA editing in the mitochondria of trypanosomes. In these parasites, RNA editing involves extensive uridylate insertions and deletions within most of the mitochondrial messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Over 1200 small guide RNAs (gRNAs) are predicted to be responsible for directing the sequence changes that create start and stop codons, correct frameshifts and for many of the mRNAs generate most of the open reading frame. In addition, alternative editing creates the opportunity for unprecedented protein diversity. In Trypanosoma brucei, the vast majority of gRNAs are transcribed from minicircles, which are approximately one kilobase in size, and encode between three and four gRNAs. The large number (5000–10000) and their concatenated structure make them difficult to sequence. To identify the complete set of gRNAs necessary for mRNA editing in T. brucei, we used Illumina deep sequencing of purified gRNAs from the procyclic stage. We report a near complete set of gRNAs needed to direct the editing of the mRNAs.
Seismic Performance of Perimeter Lateral-System Structures with Highly Flexible Diaphragms

Abstract Building structures are typically designed using the assumption that the floor systems serve as a rigid diaphragm between the vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system (lateral system). However, perimeter lateral-system structures with long floor spans possess diaphragms that behave quite flexibly. Difficulty can exist in predicting diaphragm force demand in these structures. Thus, current design may provide insufficient strength to maintain elastic diaphragm response. Inelastic diaphragm response exacerbates the effects of diaphragm flexibility. Such response may lead to poor seismic performance, including nonductile diaphragm failure or structural instability due to high drift demands in the gravity system. An analytical study was performed to determine the effect of diaphragm flexibility and strength on the seismic performance of perimeter lateral-system structures with highly flexible diaphragms. Nonlinear transient analyses were performed using ground motions suites correspondi...
Analytical approximations for the magnetic readback signal with application to pulse slimming equalization

The two-parameter arctangent formula is shown to represent a realistic model for the output of a ferrite head. The parameters are estimates of the gap width and head-to-medium separation for a thin medium and ferrite head. As the ratio of gap width to separation approaches zero, the arctangent function approaches the Lorentzian. The accuracy of the arctangent approximation is evaluated by comparison with actual flux transition responses, as well as with responses generated by a self-consistent two-dimensional physical model of the magnetic process. The Fourier transform of the two-parameter formula is a simple analytic expression providing a good approximation to the head frequency spectrum. The simpler one-parameter Lorentzian approximation, although adequate in many applications, yields optimistic results for pulse-slimming equalization in low-noise environments. >
Using polynomic embedding for neural network design

Neural networks are characterized by the recursive equation x(l+1)=F(K( Psi (Sx(l)))), l>or=1 and x(l) in R/sup n/. F is a capture function of a finite alphabet, Psi is a polynomic embedding map, and K and S are linear maps. These functions are shown to be compatible with systolic array implementation, providing the highly desirable feature of VLSI compatibility. The layering of computations on the array is demonstrated. This establishes the capability of simultaneously running independent recognition problems on the same array. Several simulations demonstrate that the work capacity substantially exceeds the dimensionality of the training set. Rapid iterative convergence, negligible false recognitions, and robustness are additional properties of the network. >
Adaptive Control of Systems with Actuator Failures

In this talk, we present some results on using adaptive control techniques to compensate unknown actuator failures in dynamic control systems.
Bioaccumulation/Biomagnifications in Food Chains

In a meta-analytical review of biomagnification in marine ecosystems, Gray [1] noted that more than half of the papers purporting to study this topic were using the term incorrectly [1, p. 46]. He then went on to propose careful definitions of the ways in which xenobiotics can gain entry into organisms. As noted above in the glossary, bioaccumulation, bioconcentration, biomagnification, and biosynthesis of substances represent four different routes of entry.
Mechanisms of Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis

The pathologic paradigm for renal progression is advancing tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Whereas mechanisms underlying fibrogenesis have grown in scope and understanding in recent decades, effective human treatment to directly halt or even reverse fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we examine key features mediating the molecular and cellular basis of tubulointerstitial fibrosis and highlight new insights that may lead to novel therapies. How to prevent chronic kidney disease from progressing to renal failure awaits even deeper biochemical understanding.
Imaging spectrum of cholangiocarcinoma: role in diagnosis, staging, and posttreatment evaluation

Cholangiocarcinoma, a tumor of biliary epithelium, is increasing in incidence. The imaging appearance, behavior, and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma differ according to its location and morphology. Cholangiocarcinoma is usually classified as intrahepatic, perihilar, or distal. The three morphologies are mass-forming, periductal sclerosing, and intraductal growing. As surgical resection is the only cure, prompt diagnosis and accurate staging is crucial. In staging, vascular involvement, longitudinal spread, and lymphadenopathy are important to assess. The role of liver transplantation for unresectable peripheral cholangiocarcinoma will be discussed. Locoregional therapy can extend survival for those with unresectable intrahepatic tumors. The main risk factors predisposing to cholangiocarcinoma are parasitic infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal cysts, and viral hepatitis. Several inflammatory conditions can mimic cholangiocarcinoma, including IgG4 disease, sclerosing cholangitis, Mirizzi's syndrome, and recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. The role of PET in diagnosis and staging will also be discussed. Radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosis, staging, and treatment of this disease.
Improving the Health of America's Youth: The NHLBI Perspective

(1995). Improving the Health of America's Youth: The NHLBI Perspective. Journal of Health Education: Vol. 26, Cardiopulmonary Health Behavior Research: Focus on Youth, Gender, and Ethnicity, pp. 6-8.
Designing of test and control system on tools wear in precision cutting

The test and control system was designed on tools wear, it selected EPF10K10TC144-4 type controlling chip, displacement sensor, the control software was programmed using distributed algorithm, and system simulation was carried out. The data was input into the CNC system, tools parameters were modified. The cutting experiment was carried out in turning machine. The results of comparing study indicate that the manual examination errors and machine tools on-and-off frequently are avoided, the quadric errors introduced by the number of change tools and re-adjust tools are reduced, the effective time of using the tools was extended, in addition ,machining efficiency, machining precision and product qualification rate have been obviously improved.
A Conversational Movie Search System Based on Conditional Random Fields.

Online streaming companies such as Netflix have become dominant in the media distribution sector. However, such media delivery services often support very rudimentary search, especially for natural language queries. To provide a more natural search interface, we have developed a conversational movie search system, which parses the recognition hypothesis of a spoken query into semantic classes using conditional random fields (CRFs), and then searches an indexed database with the identified semantics. Topic modeling on user-generated content (e.g., movie reviews) is employed for query expansion. Thirteen searching schemas are supported (such as genre, plot, character and soundtrack search). A crowd-sourcing platform was utilized to automatically collect large-scale annotated data for incremental CRF training.
Room temperature d0 ferromagnetism in ZnS nanocrystals

Room temperature ferromagnetic semiconductors have a great deal of advantage because of their easy integration into semiconductor devices. ZnS nanocrystals (NCs), bulk, and surfaces exhibit d0 ferromagnetism at room temperature. The experiments reveal that NC ferromagnetism takes place at low and room temperatures only due to Zn vacancies (S vacancies do not contribute). To understand the mechanism of d0 ferromagnetism, we introduce the surface-bulk model of a nanocrystal, which includes both surface and bulk magnetizations. The calculations demonstrate that the surface has the higher than bulk magnetization. We find the mechanism of the ferromagnetism is due to sulfur s- and p-electrons in a tetrahedral crystal field. The bulk magnetic moment increases with Zn vacancy concentration at small concentrations and then goes down at larger concentrations. A surface magnetic moment behaves differently with the concentration. It is always a monotonically rising function. We find that the total NC magnetic moment...
Business Planning Considerations for a Healthcare Simulation Center

The demand for simulation-based healthcare education programs is increasing in response to regulatory, professional, and public interest pressures to optimize safety and efficiency in both medical education and healthcare delivery. Physicians and others involved in the development and operation of these programs will need to apply business planning and management skills to justify the investment of scarce financial, facility, and personnel resources for this purpose. Business planning begins with the development of a mission statement that identifies the purpose, goals, and target market of the proposed simulation entity. Financial analysis and projections follow from the mission of the center and are used to provide quantitative and qualitative estimates of the value of the project. Key stakeholders and investors use this as justification to go forward with the project. A project management team comprised of clinical, administrative, and technical advisors then works with business planners to determine the facility requirements and manage the project from conception through design, construction, implementation, and monitoring of ongoing operations.
Surface Modification of ICF Target Capsules by Pulsed Laser Ablation

Topographical modifications of spherical surfaces are imprinted on National Ignition Facility target capsules by extending the capabilities of a recently developed full-surface (4π) laser ablation ...
CHAPTER 2B – The Normal Human Ovary Part II: How Steroid Hormones Work

This chapter focuses on mechanism of action of the principal steroid secretory products of the ovary — namely, estradiol and progesterone. The chapter discusses the involvement of these hormones in the reproductive system and in nonreproductive physiologic systems. Estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) play significant role in both the endocrine and intracrine regulation of all aspects of female reproduction. Together they act at the level of hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, ovary, and uterus to coordinate neuroendocrine pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone, cyclic release of gonadotropins FSH and LH, ovulation, and endometrial development in preparation for implantation and maintenance of fertilized embryos. Both hormones are also essential for pubescent and pregnancy mammary gland development and are involved in the biology of the cardiovascular, immune, central nervous, and skeletal systems. Studies exhibit that both E and P are related to almost all aspects of human physiology leading to a valid basis for optimism that these hormones can successfully address mechanisms of human dysfunction and provide opportunities for development of new therapies as each of these hormones can become targets for manipulation by novel therapeutic interventions.
JAVRE: A Joint Asymmetric Video Rendering and Encoding Approach to Enable Optimized Cloud Mobile 3D Virtual Immersive User Experience

With the growing adoption of mobile devices as the primary device for information and media consumption, and recent growth in availability of mobile devices with auto-stereoscopic 3D displays, the time has come to enable rich 3D virtual immersive experiences on mobile devices, like 3D display gaming, 3D virtual classroom, 3D virtual art gallery, etc., which are currently enabled on PC platforms. Instead of developing such compute-intensive applications on mobile devices, a scalable and portable approach is to take advantage of the elastic cloud resources. In this paper, we explore the possibility of developing a cloud based mobile 3D virtual immersive application architecture, where the 3D video rendering and encoding are performed on cloud servers, with the resulting 3D video streamed to mobile 3D devices through wireless networks. However, with the significantly higher bit rate requirement for 3D videos, ensuring user experience is a challenge considering the inherent dynamic variability of mobile networks. In this paper, in order to address this challenge, we propose a joint asymmetric graphics rendering and video encoding approach called JAVRE, where both the encoding quality and rendering richness of the left view and the right view can be asymmetric. Specifically, we first develop two mathematical models (user experience model and video bit rate model) through subjective and objective tests. Then we propose an optimization algorithm that can automatically choose the video encoding settings and graphics rendering settings for the left view and the right view to ensure the best user experience given the network conditions. Experiments conducted using real 4G-LTE network profiles and a commercial cloud service demonstrate significant improvement in user experience when JAVRE is used.
Fluidity models in ancient Greece and current practices of sex assignment

Disorders of sexual differentiation such as androgen insensitivity and gonadal dysgenesis can involve an intrinsic fluidity at different levels, from the anatomical and biological to the social (gender) that must be considered in the context of social constraints. Sex assignment models based on George Engel’s biopsychosocial aspects model of biology accept fluidity of gender as a central concept and therefore help establish expectations within the uncertainty of sex assignment and anticipate potential changes. The biology underlying the fluidity inherent to these disorders should be presented to parents at diagnosis, an approach that the gender medicine field should embrace as good practice. Greek mythology provides many accepted archetypes of change, and the ancient Greek appreciation of metamorphosis can be used as context with these patients. Our goal is to inform expertise and optimal approaches, knowing that this fluidity may eventually necessitate sex reassignment. Physicians should provide sex assignment education based on different components of sexual differentiation, prepare parents for future hormone-triggered changes in their children, and establish a sex-assignment algorithm.
Influence of Post-Earthquake Rainfall on the Stability of Clay Slopes (IPL-192)

Open image in new window Rainfall and earthquakes are considered two of the major causes of landslides worldwide. These landslides cause billions of dollars in property damage and revenue losses, as well as the deaths of thousands of people each year. While researchers have been examining the effect of either rainfall or earthquakes on the deformation and stability of slopes, the combined effect of rainfall and earthquakes on deformation and slope stability has not been evaluated systematically. In this study, a series of model slopes were constructed in a Plexiglas container placed on top of a shake table. The model slopes were prepared to have different initial void ratios of 0.89, 1.0 and 1.2 and various slope inclinations of 30°, 40°, and 45°. These slopes were instrumented with accelerometers, tensiometers and inclinometers and subjected to a number of sinusoidal seismic motions with different seismic accelerations from 0.1 to 0.3 g, with several frequencies ranging from 1 to 3 Hz for various durations ranging from 10 cycles to 50 cycles of loading. Following the earthquake event, a rain simulator system was used to induce rainfall at intensities of either 18, 30 or 60 mm/h. The seepage velocity, spatial variation of suction and the deformation of the slopes were determined. The results obtained were compared to those obtained from similar slopes subjected to rainfall without an earthquake event. The study showed that the seismic shaking resulted in a reduction in the seepage velocity in the slope, which led to an increase in the factor of safety of the slope with time.
Dark Solitons and Cnoidal Waves in Microresonators with Normal Dispersion

We study dark solitons and cnoidal waves in microresonators with normal dispersion. In the lossless case, we obtain analytical expressions for solitons and cnoidal waves. When loss is present, we discuss accessibility of cnoidal waves.
A Call to Arms: Quest for a Cryptococcal Vaccine

Cryptococcosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide, particularly among AIDS patients. Yet, to date, there are no licensed vaccines clinically available to treat or prevent cryptococcosis. In this review, we provide a rationale to support continued investment in Cryptococcus vaccine research, potential challenges that must be overcome along the way, and a literature review of the current progress underway towards developing a vaccine to prevent cryptococcosis.
Expanding the Definition of a Benign Renal Cyst on Contrast-enhanced CT: Can Incidental Homogeneous Renal Masses Measuring 21–39 HU be Safely Ignored?

Rationale and Objective We aimed to determine the frequency and clinical significance of homogeneous renal masses measuring 21–39 Hounsfield units on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Methods Subjects 40–69 years old undergoing portal-venous-phase contrast-enhanced abdominal CT from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010 with slice thickness ≤5 mm and no prior CT or magnetic resonance imaging were identified (n = 1387) for this institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study. Images were manually reviewed by three radiologists in consensus to identify all circumscribed homogeneous renal masses (maximum of three per subject) ≥10 mm with a measured attenuation of 21–39 Hounsfield units. Exclusion criteria were known renal cancer or imaging performed for a renal indication. The primary outcome was retrospective characterization as a clinically significant mass, defined as a solid mass, a Bosniak IIF/III/IV mass, or extirpative therapy or metastatic renal cancer within 5 years' follow-up. Results Eligible masses (n = 74) were found in 5% (63/1387) of subjects. Of those with a reference standard (n = 42), none (0% [95% CI: 0.0%–8.4%]) were determined to be clinically significant. Conclusion Incidental renal masses on contrast-enhanced CT that are homogeneous and display an attenuation of 21–39 Hounsfield units are uncommon in patients 40–69 years of age, unlikely to be clinically significant, and may not need further imaging evaluation. If these results can be replicated in an independent and larger population, the practical definition of a benign cyst on imaging may be able to be expanded.
Moretto et al. Reply

A Reply to the Comment by B.B. Back, D.J. Hofman, and V. Nanal. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Battery energy storage sizing for commercial customers

Commercial and industrial (C&I) electricity customers are not only charged for their energy consumption but also for the maximum monthly power that they draw from the network. The C&I customers with an installed battery energy storage (BES) can benefit from the price variations during the day by intelligently charging and discharging the BES and ensure energy payment reduction while at the same time use the BES to shave the peak demand and ensure demand payment reduction. An optimal BES sizing model for these customers is proposed in the paper, which can simultaneously determine the optimal size, depth of discharge, and number of cycles of the BES to be installed. The model considers the BES application in both peak shaving and energy arbitrage. The proposed BES optimal sizing problem is formulated using mixed integer programming (MIP) and validated through numerical simulations on a test commercial customer. Sensitivity analyses are further performed to study the impact of BES charging/discharging duration, demand charge value, and local solar generation on the sizing results.