cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting readers' diagnostic accuracy with a new CAD algorithm.

Rationale and Objectives Before computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithms can be used in clinical practice, they must be shown to improve readers' diagnostic accuracy over their unaided performance. This is usually accomplished through a large multireader, multicase (MRMC) clinical trial. It is burdensome, however, for an MRMC study to be performed with each new release of a CAD algorithm. The aim of this report is to present an approach for building models to predict readers' accuracy with a new CAD algorithm. Materials and Methods A modeling approach for predicting readers' results with a new CAD algorithm is described. Multiple-variable logistic regression was used to build models for readers' sensitivity and false-positive rate, given the results of an MRMC study with an older CAD algorithm and the stand-alone performance results of a new CAD algorithm. Data from a large lung MRMC CAD trial are used to illustrate the modeling approach and test the ability of the models to predict readers' accuracy with the new CAD algorithm. Results The model overestimated the readers' actual sensitivity with the new CAD algorithm, but this did not reach statistical significance (0.621 vs 0.603, P = .147). The observed and predicted false-positive rates also did not differ significantly (0.275 vs 0.285, P = .250). Conclusions Using one clinical study as a test case, it is shown that the modeling approach is feasible. More testing of the approach is needed to determine if and under what circumstances it can be used as an alternative to a full-scale MRMC study. Meanwhile, the approach can be used to determine if a new CAD algorithm is likely to improve readers' accuracy before embarking on a full-scale MRMC study.
A library of distributed iterative linear system solvers

Abstract This paper describes the global structure of the Distributed Iterative Linear System Solvers library, and the design decisions underlying it. The library contains a number of popular iterative methods and parallel preconditioners, and handles several distributed storage formats. Implementations are available based on several underlying communication protocols.
Macromolecular particles associated with alfalfa mosaic virus.

Abstract AMV was purified by differential centrifugation and n -butanol chloroform-water extractions at 6°. Purified preparations exhibited three closely-spaced schlieren peaks in the analytical ultracentrifuge with sedimentation coefficients of 73, 89 and 99 S. The three fractions were partially separated from each other by the use of sucrose density-gradient techniques. Local-lesion assays demonstrated that infectivity was associated with the 99-S fraction. Precipitin endpoint, cross-absorption and gel-diffusion tests indicated that the three fractions were serologically similar. Electron micrographs showed that the particles were rod-like with diameters of 200 A and lengths 550 A or less. The 73-S fraction contained a greater proportion of particles shorter than 550 A than did the 99-S fraction. Approximately equal amounts of nucleic acid were associated with each of the three fractions. Attempts to show that the nucleic acid associated with the 73-S fraction was contributed by host organelles failed.
Application of a Volume Averaged k-ε Model to Particle-Laden Turbulent Channel Flow

A closed set of volume averaged equations for modeling turbulence in the carrier phase of particle-laden flows is presented. The equations incorporate a recently developed dissipation transport equation that contains an additional production of dissipation term due to particle surfaces. In the development, it was assumed that each coefficient was the sum of the coefficient for single phase flow and a coefficient quantifying the contribution of the particulate phase. To assess the effects of this additional production term, a numerical model was developed and applied to particles falling in a channel of downward turbulent air flow. Boundary conditions were developed to ensure that the production of turbulent kinetic energy due to mean velocity gradients and particle surfaces balanced with the turbulent dissipation near the wall. The coefficients associated with the production of dissipation due to mean velocity gradients and particle surfaces were varied to assess the effects of the dispersed phase on the carrier phase turbulent kinetic energy across the channel. The results show that the model predicts a decrease in turbulent kinetic energy near the wall with increased particle loading, and that the dissipation coefficients play a critical role in predicting the turbulent kinetic energy in particle-laden turbulent flows.
Endothelial-cell apoptosis induced by cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen (HKa) is matrix dependent and requires the generation of reactive oxygen species

High–molecular-weight kininogen (HK) is an abundant plasma protein that plays a central role in activation of the kallikrein-kinin system. Cleavage of HK by plasma kallikrein results in release of the nonapeptide bradykinin (BK), leaving behind cleaved high–molecular-weight kininogen (HKa). Previous studies have demonstrated that HKa induces apoptosis of proliferating endothelial cells and inhibits angiogenesis in vivo, activities mediated primarily through its domain 5. However, the mechanisms by which these effects occur are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that HKa induces apoptosis of endothelial cells cultured on gelatin, vitronectin, fibronectin, or laminin but not collagen type I or IV. The ability of HKa to induce endothelial-cell apoptosis is dependent on the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and associated with depletion of glutathione and peroxidation of endothelial-cell lipids, effects that occur only in cells cultured on matrix proteins permissive for HKa-induced apoptosis. Finally, the ability of HKa to induce endothelial-cell apoptosis is blocked by the addition of reduced glutathione or N-acetylcysteine. These studies demonstrate a unique role for oxidant stress in mediating the activity of an antiangiogenic polypeptide and highlight the importance of the extracellular matrix in regulating endothelial-cell survival.
On the coexistence of ultra-wideband and narrowband radio systems

Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals will encounter many interference sources, primarily from relatively narrowband (NB) systems. In addition., UWB signals will also affect a large number of NB radios; of critical importance is the potential interference with GPS, E-911, and navigation bands, as well as cellular bands. There is a rich and growing literature on UWB radios; however, issues related to interference measurements have only been partially addressed. Here, we assess the interference caused by UWB signals via analysis and simulations. Analytical results include the aggregate effect of spatially distributed UWB radios on a receiver, and theoretical BER expressions.
Determinants of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Adults With a History of Childhood Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background & Aims: We conducted a nested case-control study to examine the prevalence and risk factors for current gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in young adults with a history of childhood GERD. Methods: We identified a cohort of individuals diagnosed with GERD in childhood during 1995–1996, and controls without childhood GERD. Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, tracheoesophageal anomalies, or cystic fibrosis were excluded. A computer-assisted telephone interview was conducted during 2004–2005. We calculated the prevalence of GERD symptoms, and examined the potential determinants of symptoms in unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 113 cases completed the questionnaires (participation rate, 70.6%). The mean age of participants was 18 years, and their mean age at the time of childhood GERD diagnosis was 10 years. At least weekly heartburn or regurgitation was reported in 52 (46%) participants, 94% of whom were taking proton pump inhibitors, H2RA, or antacids. On the other hand, 33 controls were identified (44% participation rate) in whom weekly heartburn or regurgitation was reported in 30%. GERD was significantly more frequent in females using oral contraceptive pills (76.5%) as compared with females not on oral contraceptive pills (47.9%), or males (33.3%) (P = .008). Weight, height, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, race, family history of GERD, education level, employment status, tobacco smoking, alcohol, or coffee drinking were not associated significantly with adulthood GERD. Conclusions: Frequent GERD symptoms requiring antisecretory therapy are present in approximately half of young adults with a history of childhood GERD. The use of oral contraceptives is a risk factor for GERD symptoms in these individuals.
Formulation of Multibody Dynamics as Complementarity Problems

Multibody systems with rigid bodies and unilateral contacts are difficult to simulate due to discontinuities associated with gaining and losing contacts and stick-slip transitions. Methods for simulating such systems fall into two categories: penalty methods and complementarity methods. The former calculate penetration depths of virtual rigid bodies at every time step and compute restoring forces to repair penetrations, while the latter assume that the bodies are truly rigid and compute contact forces that prevent penetration from occurring at all. In this paper, we are concerned with complementarity methods. We present an instantaneous formulation of the equations of motion of multi-rigid-body systems with frictional contacts as a complementarity problem. The unknowns in this formulation are accelerations and forces at the contacts. Since it is known that this model does not always admit a finite solution, it is problematic to use it directly in an integration scheme. This fact motivates the discrete-time formulation presented second. Although the discrete-time formulation also takes the form of a complementarity problem, it does not suffer from non-existence, and thus it is suitable for simulation. Numerical results are compared to the exact solution for a sphere initially sliding, then rolling, on a horizontal plane.
Substrate preferences in biodesulfurization of diesel range fuels by Rhodococcus sp. strain ECRD-1.

The range of sulfur compounds in fuel oil and the substrate range and preference of the biocatalytic system determine the maximum extent to which sulfur can be removed by biodesulfurization. We show that the biodesulfurization apparatus in Rhodococcus sp. strain ECRD-1 is able to attack all isomers of dibenzothiophene including those with at least four pendant carbons, with a slight preference for those substituted in the α-position. With somewhat less avidity, this apparatus is also able to attack substituted benzothiophenes with between two and seven pendant carbons. Some compounds containing sulfidic sulfur are also susceptible to desulfurization, although we have not yet been able to determine their molecular identities.
Design, Construction, and Operation of a Combustor Emulator for Short-Duration High-Pressure Turbine Experiments

Short-duration facilities have proven to be very adept at creating uniform inlet conditions for full-scale rotating turbine rigs to create experimental data sets used for design code verification. However, it has been well known that the inlet to the high-pressure turbine stage in an engine is anything but uniform, and as codes have improved, it has become clear that reproducing these inlet conditions is critical to proper modeling. To aid in this work, a combustor emulator has been designed and constructed that allows the user to create a variety of temperature profiles (radial, circumferential, pure hot streak) that are used to modify the inlet conditions to a high-pressure turbine stage operating at corrected engine conditions. This emulator differs from past designs in that it allows for changes in the number of circumferential “hot-streaks”, the circumferential location of these hotstreaks, as well as their radial locations. These are usually chosen to mimic the number of combustor nozzles in a real engine (between 15 and 20) so that one can model the clocking interactions between the hot spots and the HPT vane. The data presented in this paper shows the different types of temperature profiles that can be obtained with this device and compares the predicted design characteristics of the temperature profiles to the experimentally observed properties.
A Theoretical Examination of Adsorption Processes in Preparative Liquid Chromatography of Proteins

This article examines retention in preparative chromatography in terms of the stoichiometric displacement model. This model is based on an equilibrium in which proteins and small displacing agents compete for ligands on the surface of chromatographic sorbents. Both the equilibrium constant for this process and the three-dimensional structure of the macromolecule being separated are shown to be major determinants of retention in the analytical (linear) mode. A theoretical application of this model to preparative (nonlinear) separations shows a high probability that there will be perturbations of the chromatographic distribution coefficient. The activity coefficients of proteins, molecular orientation of proteins toward the sorbent surface, and adsorption kinetics are both load and sample dependent. In addition, displacement effects by other macromolecular species are predicted at high proteins concentrations. This theoretical analysis concludes that mathematical modeling of the retention process under nonlinear conditions will be more sample specific and require significantly more data on column operating conditions, interfering sample components, sample load, and the chemical nature of the stationary phase.
Restoration of Altered MicroRNA Expression in the Ischemic Heart with Resveratrol

Background: Resveratrol, a constituent of red wine, is important for cardioprotection. MicroRNAs are known regulators for genes involved in resveratrol-mediated cardiac remodeling and the regulatory pathway involving microRNA has not been studied so far. Methods: We explored the cardioprotection by resveratrol in ischemia/reperfusion model of rat and determined cardiac functions. miRNA profile was determined from isolated RNA using quantitative Real-time PCR based array. Systemic analyses of miRNA array and theirs targets were determined using a number of computational approaches. Results: Cardioprotection by resveratrol and its derivative in ischemia/reperfusion [I/R] rat model was examined with miRNA expression profile. Unique expression pattern were found for each sample, particularly with resveratrol [pure compound] and longevinex [commercial resveratrol formulation] pretreated hearts. Longevinex and resveratrol pretreatment modulates the expression pattern of miRNAs close to the control level based on PCA analyses. Differential expression was observed in over 25 miRNAs, some of them, such as miR-21 were previously implicated in cardiac remodeling. The target genes for the differentially expressed miRNA include genes of various molecular function such as metal ion binding, sodium-potassium ion, transcription factors, which may play key role in reducing I/R injury. Conclusion: Rats pretreated with resveratrol for 3 weeks leads to significant cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. A unique signature of miRNA profile is observed in control heart pretreated with resveratrol or longevinex. We have determined specific group of miRNA in heart that have altered during IR injuries. Most of those altered microRNA expressions modulated close to their basal level in resveratrol or longevinex treated I/R mice.
A human-based technique for measuring video data similarity

The increasing use of multimedia streams nowadays necessitates the development of efficient and effective methodologies for manipulating databases in storing them. Moreover, content-based access to multimedia databases requires in its retrieval stage to effectively asses the similarity of video data. This work proposes a new technique for measuring video data similarity that attempts to model some of the factors that reflect human notion in evaluating video data similarity. This model presents one step towards designing intelligent content-based video retrieval systems capable of measuring the similarity among video clips in a way similar to what humans do. The performance of the proposed model was tested where the system yielded very satisfactory values of recall and precision under various testing scenarios.
Group V Secretory Phospholipase A2 Reveals Its Role in House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Pulmonary Inflammation by Regulation of Dendritic Cell Function

We have previously shown that group V secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) regulates phagocytosis of zymosan and Candida albicans by a mechanism that depends on fusion of phagosomes with late endosomes in macrophages. In this study, we report that group V sPLA(2) (Pla2g5)-null mice exposed to an extract of house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae had markedly reduced pulmonary inflammation and goblet cell metaplasia compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Pla2g5-null mice had also impaired Th2-type adaptive immune responses to D. farinae compared with WT mice. Pla2g5-null bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) activated by D. farinae had delayed intracellular processing of allergen and impaired allergen-dependent maturation, a pattern recapitulated by the native lung DCs of D. farinae-challenged mice. Adoptively transferred D. farinae-loaded Pla2g5-null BMDCs were less able than D. farinae-loaded WT BMDCs to induce pulmonary inflammation and Th2 polarization in WT mice. However, Pla2g5-null recipients transferred with WT or Pla2g5-null D. farinae-loaded BMDCs exhibited significantly reduced local inflammatory responses to D. farinae, even though the transfer of WT BMDCs still induced an intact Th2 cytokine response in regional lymph nodes. Thus, the expression of group V sPLA(2) in APCs regulates Ag processing and maturation of DCs and contributes to pulmonary inflammation and immune response against D. farinae. Furthermore, an additional yet to be identified resident cell type is essential for the development of pulmonary inflammation, likely a cell in which group V sPLA(2) is upregulated by D. farinae, and whose function is also regulated by group V sPLA(2).
Collaborative Embodied Learning in Mixed Reality Motion-Capture Environments: Two Science Studies.

These 2 studies investigate the extent to which an Embodied Mixed Reality Learning Environment (EMRELE) can enhance science learning compared to regular classroom instruction. Mixed reality means that physical tangible and digital components were present. The content for the EMRELE required that students map abstract concepts and relations onto their gestures and movements so that the concepts would become grounded in embodied action. The studies compare an immersive, highly interactive learning platform that uses a motion-capture system to track students’ gestures and locomotion as they kinesthetically learn with a quality classroom experience (teacher and content were held constant). Two science studies are presented: chemistry titration and disease transmission. In the counterbalanced design 1 group received the EMRELE intervention, while the other group received regular instruction; after 3 days and a midtest, the interventions switched. Each study lasted for 6 days total, with 3 test points: pretest, midtest, and posttest. Analyses revealed that placement in the embodied EMRELE condition consistently led to greater learning gains (effect sizes ranged from 0.53 to 1.93), compared to regular instruction (effect sizes ranged from 0.09 to 0.37). Order of intervention did not affect the final outcomes at posttest. These results are discussed in relation to a new taxonomy of embodiment in educational settings. We hypothesize that the positive results are due to the embodiment designed into the lessons and the high degree of collaboration engendered by the co-located EMRELE.
Muscle mass index as a predictor of longevity in older adults.

Abstract Objective Obesity (as defined by body mass index) has not been associated consistently with higher mortality in older adults. However, total body mass includes fat and muscle, which have different metabolic effects. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that greater muscle mass in older adults is associated with lower all-cause mortality. Methods All-cause mortality was analyzed by the year 2004 in 3659 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III who were aged 55 years or more (65 years if women) at the time of the survey (1988-1994). Individuals who were underweight or died in the first 2 years of follow-up were excluded to remove frail elders from the sample. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance, and muscle mass index was defined as muscle mass divided by height squared. Modified Poisson regression and proportional hazards regression were used to examine the relationship of muscle mass index with all-cause mortality risk and rate, respectively, adjusted for central obesity (waist hip ratio) and other significant covariates. Results In adjusted analyses, total mortality was significantly lower in the fourth quartile of muscle mass index compared with the first quartile: adjusted risk ratio 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.91) and adjusted hazard ratio 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.97). Conclusions This study demonstrates the survival predication ability of relative muscle mass and highlights the need to look beyond total body mass in assessing the health of older adults.
Simple Feedback Control of Cockroach Running

The spring loaded inverted pendulum model (SLIP) has been shown to accurately model sagittal plane locomotion for a variety of legged animals. Tuned appropriately, the model exhibits passively stable periodic gaits using either fixed leg touchdown angle or swing-leg retraction protocols. In this work, we investigate the relevance of the model in insect locomotion and develop a simple feedback control law to enlarge the basin of stability and produce stable periodic gaits for both the point mass and rigid body models. Control is applied once per stance phase through appropriate choice of the leg touchdown angle. The control law is unique in that stabilization is achieved solely through direct observation of the leg angle and body orientation, rather than through feedback of system positions, velocities, and orientation.
A new approach to counting Nash equilibria

The trickle-down of useful computational techniques from algebraic geometry to the applied world is notoriously slow. So the author remedies this in a small way by giving a simple introduction to some powerful new techniques for solving equations. The methods presented lead to the fastest known algorithms for real-solving-finding the real (as opposed to complex) solutions of a system of polynomial equations.
Determination of cellulase colocalization on cellulose fiber with quantitative FRET measured by acceptor photobleaching and spectrally unmixing fluorescence microscopy

The determination of cellulase distribution on the surface of cellulose fiber is an important parameter to understand when determining the interaction between cellulase and cellulose and/or the cooperation of different types of cellulases during the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. In this communication, a strategy is presented to quantitatively determine the cellulase colocalization using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) methodology, which is based on acceptor photobleaching and spectrally unmixing fluorescence microscopy. FRET monitoring of cellulase colocalization was achieved by labeling cellulases with an appropriate pair of FRET dyes and by adopting an appropriate FRET model. We describe here that the adapted acceptor photobleaching FRET method can be successfully used to quantify cellulase colocalization regarding their binding to a cellulose fiber at a resolution <10 nm. This developed quantitative FRET method is promising for further studying the interactions between cellulase and cellulose and between different types of cellulases.
Induction of a quorum sensing pathway by environmental signals enhances group A streptococcal resistance to lysozyme

The human-restricted pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is responsible for wide-ranging pathologies at numerous sites in the body but has the proclivity to proliferate in individuals asymptomatically. The ability to survive in diverse tissues is undoubtedly benefited by sensory pathways that recognize environmental cues corresponding to stress and nutrient availability and thereby trigger adaptive responses. We investigated the impact that environmental signals contribute to cell-to-cell chemical communication [quorum sensing (QS)] by monitoring activity of the Rgg2/Rgg3 and SHP-pheromone system in GAS. We identified metal limitation and the alternate carbon source mannose as two environmental indicators likely to be encountered by GAS in the host that significantly induced the Rgg-SHP system. Disruption of the metal regulator MtsR partially accounted for the response to metal depletion, whereas ptsABCD was primarily responsible for QS induction due to mannose, but each sensory system induced Rgg-SHP signaling apparently by different mechanisms. Significantly, we found that induction of QS, regardless of the GAS serotype tested, led to enhanced resistance to the antimicrobial agent lysozyme. These results indicate the benefits for GAS to integrate environmental signals with intercellular communication pathways in protection from host defenses.
Identification of the Homeobox Protein Prx1 (MHox, Prrx-1) as a Regulator of Osterix Expression and Mediator of Tumor Necrosis Factor α Action in Osteoblast Differentiation

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) promotes bone loss and inhibits bone formation. Osterix (Osx, SP7) is a transcription factor required for osteoblast (OB) differentiation because deletion results in a cartilaginous skeleton. We previously described a TNF suppressor element in the Osx promoter that was used to isolate nuclear proteins mediating TNF inhibition of OB differentiation. Nuclear extracts from TNF-treated pre-OBs were incubated with the TNF suppressor element for protein pull-down, and tryptic fragments were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay confirmed eight bound transcription factors. One protein, the paired related homeobox protein (Prx1), had been shown previously to have a critical role in limb bud formation and skeletal patterning. PCR revealed Prx1 expression in primary stromal cells (MSCs), C3H10T1/2 cells, and MC3T3 preosteoblasts. TNF stimulated a 14-fold increase in mRNA for Prx1, rapid cell accumulation in MC3T3 cells, and expression in periosteal and trabecular lining cells in vivo. Transient expression of Prx inhibited transcription of Osx and RUNX2. Expression of the Prx1b isoform or Prx2 decreased Osx and RUNX2 mRNA and OB differentiation in preosteoblasts. Silencing of Prx1 with siRNA abrogated TNF suppression of Osx mRNA and increased basal Osx expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift revealed Prx1b as the preferred isoform binding the Osx promoter. These results identify the homeobox protein Prx1 as an obligate mediator of TNF inhibition of Osx and differentiation of OB progenitors. Activation of Prx1 by TNF may contribute to reduced bone formation in inflammatory arthritis, menopause, and aging. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Above‐ and belowground emergent macrophyte production and turnover in a coastal marsh ecosystem, Georgia1

Seasonal patterns of aboveground plant mass and the depth distribution of live roots, rhizomes, and dead belowground organic matter were measured for Spartina alterniflora and Spartina cynosuroides in Georgia tidal marshes. Peak live aboveground biomass was 1.6 x higher for S. cynosuroides than for S. alterniflora. Live biomass was 2.4 x more belowground thanaboveground for S. cynosuroides and 1.7 x for S. alterniflora. Rhizomes made up 76 and 87% of live belowground biomass during the year. Mirrored patterns of biomass accumulation and loss in above- and belowground tissues during the year suggest the importance of seasonal storage and redistribution of organic matter. Belowground production was measured with a technique that partially accounts for midseason decomposition. Total plant production was estimated to be 7,620 g dry mass~m+.yr-’ for S. alterniJlora and 7,708 for S. cynosuroides. Belowground production was roughly 1.6 x aboveground production. Turnover rates for belowground live material were 1.42.yr’ for S. cynosuroides and 3.22.yr-’ for S. alterniflora. The fate of root and rhizome material, including the extent to which such material enters the estuarine or nearshore food webs, is not clear.
Two-Dimensional Spatio-Temporal Signal Processing for Dispersion Compensation in Time-Stretched ADC

Time-stretched analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) have offered revolutionary enhancements in the performance of electronic converters by reducing the signal bandwidth prior to digitization. An inherent limitation of the time-stretched ADC is the frequency-selective response of the optical system that reduces the effective number of bits for ultrawideband signals. This paper proposes a solution based on spatio-temporal digital processing. The digital algorithm exploits the optical phase diversity to create a flat RF frequency response, even when the system's transfer function included deep nulls within the signal spectrum. For a 10times time-stretch factor with a 10-GHz input signal, simulations show that the proposed solution increases the overall achievable signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio to 52 dB in the presence of linear distortions. The proposed filter can be used to mitigate the dispersion penalty in other fiber optic applications as well.
Nighttime clinical encounters: how residents perceive and respond to calls at night.

BACKGROUND Care fragmentation is common and contributes to communication errors and adverse events. Handoff tools were developed to reduce the potential for these errors. Despite their widespread adoption, there is little information describing their impact on clinical work. Understanding their impact could be helpful in improving handoffs and transitions. OBJECTIVE To better understand what clinical work is done overnight, the housestaff perceptions of overnight clinical work, and how handoff instruments support this work. DESIGN Real-time data collection and survey. PARTICIPANTS Internal medicine resident physicians. MAIN MEASURES Data collection measured information related to nighttime clinical encounters, including the information sources and actions taken. Surveys assessed resident perceptions toward care transitions. KEY RESULTS Of 299 encounters, 289 contained complete data. The tool was used as an information source in 27.7% of encounters, whereas the information source was either the nurse or the chart in 94.4% of encounters. Many encounters resulted in a new order for a medication, whereas 3.8% resulted in documentation. In the survey data, 73.6% residents reported the sign-out procedure was safe. CONCLUSION These data suggest that a handoff tool is not sufficient to address nighttime clinical issues and suggest that effective care requires more than just the information transfer. It may also reflect that electronic medical records have become a readily available information source at the point of care. Sign-out should support residents' ability to make sense of what is happening and integrate care of day and night teams, rather than solely transfer information. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:142–146. 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
An introduction to the generalized Lagrangian-mean description of wave, mean-flow interaction

The generalized Lagrangian-mean description is motivated and illustrated by means of some simple examples of interactions between waves and mean flows, confining attention for the most part to waves of infinitesimal amplitude. The direct manner in which the theoretical description leads to the wave-action concept and related results, and also to the various ‘noninteraction’ theorems, more accuratelynon-acceleration theorems, is brought out as simply as possible. Variational formulations are not needed in the analysis, which uses elementary principles only. The significance of the generalized Eliassen-Palm relations as conservation equations for wave activity is discussed briefly, as is the significance of the temporal nonuniformity of the generalized Lagrangian-mean description for dissipating disturbances.
Material processing system based on a gyrotron powered millimeter-wave beam

Summary form only given. The high intensity millimeter-wave beams (10/sup 3/-10/sup 5/ W/cm/sup 2/) that can be generated by powerful gyrotron oscillators have unique capabilities for rapid, selective heating to extremely high temperatures of nonmetallic materials. A new CW gyrotron based material processing system is being set up at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) jointly by NRL, and the Center for Remote Sensing (CRS) to investigate the application of such beams to important areas of material processing including: coating of materials, soldering and brazing, and treatment of ceramics and polymers. This paper will describe the processing system, including the gyrotron, work chamber, and control system; and the characteristics of the Gaussian-type beam which can be focussed and manipulated to produce beam cross sections of various sizes and shapes. The development of novel processing techniques for applications such as brazing ceramics to ceramics and ceramics to metals with high temperature brazes and solders will be discussed.
Optical and Microstructural Variations with Electric Field in Barium-Strontium Titanate Ceramics

Quasi-thin sections of large-grained ferroelectric barium-strontium titanate ceramic compositions were observed under crossed polars. Dielectric constant and light transmission were measured as a function of temperature and applied dc voltages. Microscopic observations, such as changes in structure and in optical anisotropy with temperature and simultaneously applied electric fields, are described. Optical data indicate that static electric fields readily induce anisotropy in the isotropic grains at the ferroelectric to paraelectric transition of the ceramic. Below the transition temperature, the effect of the field on the optical and dielectric properties diminishes. Contrary to single-crystal barium titanate, a field-produced reorientation of domains in the ceramic at temperatures below the transition proceeds with difficulty, and is sometimes achieved only after long exposures to high-biasing fields.
Implementation issues in spectrum sensing for cognitive radios

There are new system implementation challenges involved in the design of cognitive radios, which have both the ability to sense the spectral environment and the flexibility to adapt transmission parameters to maximize system capacity while coexisting with legacy wireless networks. The critical design problem is the need to process multigigahertz wide bandwidth and reliably detect presence of primary users. This places severe requirements on sensitivity, linearity and dynamic range of the circuitry in the RF front-end. To improve radio sensitivity of the sensing function through processing gain we investigated three digital signal processing techniques: matched filtering, energy detection and cyclostationary feature detection. Our analysis shows that cyclostationary feature detection has advantages due to its ability to differentiate modulated signals, interference and noise in low signal to noise ratios. In addition, to further improve the sensing reliability, the advantage of a MAC protocol that exploits cooperation among many cognitive users is investigated.
Bilateral parotid oncocytoma with spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage: a rare hypervascular parotid tumor with ASL perfusion

We present a rare case of bilateral parotid oncocytoma with spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple, bilateral, well-defined masses within the parotid glands with increased vascularity based on arterial spin labeling Magnetic Resonance (MR) perfusion imaging and restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging. During the clinical follow-up, the patient developed extensive hemorrhage from the largest tumor, presumably due to a combination of the hypervascular nature of oncocytoma and hemodialysis.
Artificial phosphorylation sites modulate the activity of a voltage-gated potassium channel

The KvAP potassium channel is representative of a family of voltage-gated ion channels where the membrane potential is sensed by a transmembrane helix containing several positively charged arginines. Previous work by Wang and Zocchi [A. Wang and G. Zocchi, PLoS ONE 6, e18598 (2011)] showed how a negatively charged polyelectrolyte attached in proximity to the voltage sensing element can bias the opening probability of the channel. Here we introduce three phosphorylation sites at the same location and show that the response curve of the channel shifts by about 20 mV upon phosphorylation, while other characteristics such as the single-channel conductance are unaffected. In summary, we construct an artificial phosphorylation site which confers allosteric regulation to the channel.
To freeze or not to freeze. A comparison of methods for the handling of breast biopsies with no palpable abnormality.

Recently there have been several editorials suggesting that breast biopsies with small or nonpalpable lesions should not be subjected to frozen section examination. In this study, the approach of routinely performing frozen sections on all breast biopsies was compared to the recommended approach of performing frozen sections only on cases with gross lesions 1.0 cm and were subjected to frozen section examination. The remaining 291 cases contained either no distinct lesion or a gross lesion 1.0 cm improves frozen section accuracy. This study provides statistical support for previous recommendations that frozen section examination should be limited to cases with distinct gross lesions > 1.0 cm.
Thermodynamic profiles of salt effects on a host-guest system: new insight into the Hofmeister effect.

Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to probe how salts influence the thermodynamics of binding of guests to cavitand 1. Studies involved six Hofmeister salts covering the range of salting-in to strongly salting-out. The latter were found to reduce affinity. The cause of this was competitive binding of the weakly solvated anion to the hydrophobic pocket of the host. At the other extreme of the Hofmeister series, salts increased guest affinity. Two factors for this were evident. At low concentrations the data fitted a previously reported model that accounts for cation condensation to the outer carboxylates of the host (Carnagie, R.; Gibb, C. L. D.; Gibb, B. C., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2014, 53 (43), 11498–11500). At higher concentrations, an as of yet unidentified contribution was observed that was noted to be guest dependent. Midcontinuum salts such as NaClO3 were found to enhance affinity at low concentrations, but weaken it at high concentrations; a nonmonotonic trend attributed to the aforementione...
A Modified Sensitive Spectrofluorometric Method for the Determination of Propranolol in Serum

A modification of the spectrofluorometric propranolol procedure of Shand and associates and Ambler and colleagues is presented. A 3-ml volume of propranolol in serum is made basic with sodium hydroxide and extracted with 1.5% isoamyl alcohol in n-heptane. The drug is back-extracted into a mixture of 0.01 M citric acid in 50% ethylene glycol and measured spectrofluorometrically with the use of 299 nm for excitation and 352 nm for emission. Excellent linearity is observed in the 25--200 ng/ml range. The effects of sodium hydroxide, citric acid, and ethylene glycol concentration on the procedure were investigated. Ethylene glycol--citric acid in water is a better back-extracting mixture from the organic phase than hydrochloric acid. Using pentyl acetate as the extracting solvent instead of isoamyl alcohol in n-heptane did not change significantly the amount of the drug extracted. Other extracting solvents investigated did not increase sensitivity. At high citric acid concentrations a decrease in fluorescence intensity was observed at 350 nm. Interferences from other drugs using this procedure were investigated. Quinidine, methaqualone, and procainamide interfere at therapeutic levels.
Exploration into Difficulties University Museums Encounter When Serving the Society——using Zhengzhou natural history Museum as an example

The paper starts out to introduce to other universities how the Natural History Museum of Zhengzhou Normal University( NHMZNU) handles the necessity of sharing social resources with the public and what difficulties NHMZNU encountered,and finally,the paper discusses about some feasible approaches to sharing resources and realizing serving function.
Anesthesia for Patients with Cardiac Disease

The entire spectrum of cardiac disease may be seen in patients who are in need of plastic surgical procedures. To conduct the patient safely through the perioperative period, the anesthesiologist and surgeon must carefully evaluate each patient preoperatively and understand the pathophysiology of the cardiac disease. In this article the preoperative evaluation and anesthetic and postoperative considerations for plastic surgical patients with four types of cardiac disease (congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular cardiac disease, and congestive cardiomyopathy) are discussed.
Not all droughts are created equal? The effects of stress severity on insect herbivore abundance

Predicting interactions between drought and plant–insect interactions has been a challenge. Currently, we are unable to accurately predict herbivore abundance on stressed plants despite over 500 publications and half a dozen formal hypotheses. With drought predicted to increase in severity with climate change, determining herbivore abundance on stressed plants is critical for continued agricultural and natural system management. During drought, plants increase concentrations of nutrients and also suffer from water loss. Many empirical studies test drought on plants using severe continuous stress, but studies suggest drought may benefit herbivores when it is intermittent (pulsed). In our study, we tested intermittent and severe stress on herbivore and arthropod abundance in a cotton agro-ecosystem. Our goal was to determine how these types of drought influence herbivore abundance on stressed plants and the relationship between herbivore abundance and stress-related nutrients. We found that intermittent and severe water-deficit stress had different effects on insect herbivores, signifying that drought severity influences herbivore abundance. Piercing–sucking herbivores such as thrips, stink bugs, and leafhoppers were more abundant on intermittently stressed plants than on severely stressed plants. Drought did not significantly affect chewing herbivores, and their abundance was inconsistent on stressed and well-watered plants. Furthermore, nutrient concentrations were similar between stressed and unstressed plants, but herbivore abundance was greater on intermittently stressed plants, suggesting that other physiological characteristics of stressed plants and herbivore feeding ecology must be considered. Our study suggests that the drought severity must be considered when predicting herbivore abundance on stressed plants.
Imperial emotions: cultural responses to myths of empire in fin-de-siècle Spain

Imperial Emotions focuses on the essential role of Spain’s imperial past in various fin-de-siecle intellectual attempts at national self-definition. Examining essayistic texts by various canonical ...
Programmable DNA-Guided Artificial Restriction Enzymes

Restriction enzymes are essential tools for recombinant DNA technology that have revolutionized modern biological research. However, they have limited sequence specificity and availability. Here we report a Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (PfAgo) based platform for generating artificial restriction enzymes (AREs) capable of recognizing and cleaving DNA sequences at virtually any arbitrary site and generating defined sticky ends of varying length. Short DNA guides are used to direct PfAgo to target sites for cleavage at high temperatures (>87 °C) followed by reannealing of the cleaved single stranded DNAs. We used this platform to generate over 18 AREs for DNA fingerprinting and molecular cloning of PCR-amplified or genomic DNAs. These AREs work as efficiently as their naturally occurring counterparts, and some of them even do not have any naturally occurring counterparts, demonstrating easy programmability, generality, versatility, and high efficiency for this new technology.
Filter design methodology for low noise power domains in datacenter platforms

This work summarizes key steps for the design of low noise power domains in datacenter and cloud computing platforms using ferrite beads. The methodology described here has been implemented in multiple products including Xeon servers and more specifically in high speed IO power domains that, due to their sensitivity, must have low voltage noise.
Brain Tumor Segmentation by Variability Characterization of Tumor Boundaries

Automated medical image analysis can play an important role in diagnoses and treatment assessment, but integration and interpretation across heterogeneous data sources remain significant challenges. In particular, automated estimation of tumor extent in glioblastoma patients has been challenging given the diversity of tumor shapes and appearance characteristics due to differences in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging acquisition parameters, scanner variations and heterogeneity in tumor biology. With this work, we present an approach for automated tumor segmentation using multimodal MR images. The algorithm considers the variability arising from the intrinsic tumor heterogeneity and segmentation error to derive the tumor boundary and produce an estimate of segmentation error. Using the MICCAI 2015 dataset, a Dice coefficient of 0.74 was obtained for whole tumor, 0.55 for tumor core, and 0.54 for active tumor, achieving above average performance in comparison to other approaches evaluated on the BRATS benchmark.