cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concerns regarding use of patient-reported outcomes in biomarker studies of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Clinician-rated toxicity data has been systematically collected within oncology clinical research using the National Cancer Institute’s CTCAE scale, providing estimates of the occurrence and severity of toxicity from cancer treatment. CTCAE is being supplemented by collection of patient-reported outcome (PRO) toxicity within clinical research and clinical practice, where PRO has demonstrable benefits. There is general agreement that PRO data is more sensitive and reliable than CTCAE data, particularly for subjective adverse effects. Based on this premise, researchers have begun to use PRO toxicity data collected within prospective clinical trials as the primary endpoint to discover pharmacogenetic and other predictive biomarkers of treatment-related toxicity. This perspective raises caution about the superiority of PRO data to CTCAE data for biomarker research, particularly in regards to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). The reader is provided an introduction to PRO and their integration into clinical research and practice, comparisons of PN data collected by PRO and CTCAE, examples of attempts to use PRO PN data for biomarker discovery, and evidence suggesting that PRO may not be superior to CTCAE for PN biomarker studies. The perspective concludes with a proposed approach for empirically testing whether PRO or CTCAE data is the better option for use in PN biomarker research, which can serve as a model for similar comparisons within other treatment-related toxicities.
Short Chain Fatty Acids and p38 in the Induction of Embryonic/Fetal Globin Genes During Definitive Erythropoiesis.

Abstract Abstract 460 Augmentation of fetal hemoglogin (HbF) is therapeutically desirable in β –globin gene disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can augment embryonic/fetal β-type globin gene expression in vivo and in vitro during adult definitive erythropoiesis (EryD), but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. p38 signaling, triggered by stress erythropoiesis, has been implicated in the induction of fetal globin gene expression. Here, we examined p38 signaling and its effects using a murine primary cell model of EryD, isolated from fetal liver. This model overcomes some limitations of previously used transformed or long-term primary cell models, and has afforded complementary data. E14.5 erythroid fetal cells (eFLCs) were examined at harvest and after culture in insulin and erythropoietin (‘ins/EPO') with or without the SCFA butyrate, and in the presence or absence of p38 inhibitors SB 203580, SB 202190, PD 169316 at concentrations of 0-50 μM for up to 72 hours. Western blots showed that p38 phosphorylation was constitutive at harvest and preserved in cultures with ins/EPO, but was diminished by half after concurrent culture in PD169316. Embryonic globin gene expression, ((βH1+eY)/(βH1+eY+βMAJ) × 100), was analyzed by real-time PCR, normalized to 18S expression. Embryonic globin gene induction, relative to maximal expression at 72 hours in butyrate with ins/EPO, was blocked in a dose dependent manner by all inhibitors of p38 signaling, at 10-30% of maximal induction when cultured in 50 mM of any inhibitor. Primary transcripts from the adult β-globin gene, βmaj, were likewise diminished by p38 inhibition, with a median level of 8.3% and 4.0% of maximal transcript in ins/EPO and butyrate & ins/EPO respectively after culture for 72 hours in 50 μM PD 169316 (n=3, p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Controlling Homogeneous Microrobot Swarms In Vivo Using Rotating Magnetic Dipole Fields

Future medical microrobots, which are likely to be simple microstructures with no actual computational intelligence on board, can be functionalized to perform targeted therapy in the body. In this paper, we describe how the properties of rotating magnetic dipole fields have the potential to enable in vivo swarm control for the popular class of magnetic microrobots that convert rotation into forward propulsion. The methods we describe can be used with swarms of batch-fabricated homogeneous microrobots, and do not require any localization information beyond what is realistically obtainable from medical images.
Astrocytic equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 upregulations in the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum distinctly coordinate goal-directed and habitual ethanol-seeking behaviours in mice.

Two distinct dorsal striatum regions, dorsomedial striatum (DMS) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS), are attributed to conditioned goal-directed and habitual reward-seeking behaviours, respectively. Previously, our study shows that the ethanol-sensitive adenosine transporter, equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1), regulates ethanol-drinking behaviours. Although ENT1 is expressed in both neurons and astrocytes, astrocytic ENT1 is thought to regulate adenosine levels in response to ethanol. However, the role of DMS and DLS astrocytic ENT1 in goal-directed and habitual ethanol-seeking is not well known. Here, we identified whether the upregulation of astrocytic ENT1 in the DMS and DLS differentially regulates operant seeking behaviours towards the 10% sucrose (10S); 10% ethanol and 10% sucrose (10E10S); and 10% ethanol (10E) in mice. Using 4 days of random interval (RI), mice exhibited habitual seeking for 10S, but goal-directed seeking towards 10E10S. Using the same mice conditioned with 10E10S, we examined 10E-seeking behaviour on a fixed ratio (FR) for 6 days and RI for 8 days. On the other hand, during FR and the first 4 days of RI schedules, mice showed goal-directed seeking for 10E, whereas mice exhibited habitual seeking for 10E during the last 4 days of RI schedule. Interestingly, DMS astrocytic ENT1 upregulation promotes shift from habitual to goal-directed reward-seeking behaviours. By contrast, DLS astrocytic ENT1 upregulation showed no effects on behavioural shift. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that DMS astrocytic ENT1 contributes to reward-seeking behaviours.
Crystallization at droplet interfaces for the fabrication of geometrically programmed synthetic magnetosomes

Biological systems demonstrate exquisite three dimensional (3D) control over crystal nucleation and growth using soft micro/nanoenvironments, such as vesicles, for reagent transport and confinement. It remains challenging to mimic such biomineralization processes using synthetic systems. A synthetic mineralization strategy applicable to the synthesis of artificial magnetosomes with programmable magnetic domains is described. This strategy relies on the compartmentalization of precursors in surfactant-stabilized liquid microdroplets which, when contacted, spontaneously form lipid bilayers that support reagent transport and interface-confined magnetite nucleation and growth. The resulting magnetic domains are polarized and thus readily manipulated using magnetic fields or assembled using droplet-droplet interactions. This strategy presents a new, liquid phase procedure for the synthesis of vesicles with geometrically controlled inorganic features that would be difficult to produce otherwise. The artificial magnetosomes demonstrated could find use in, for example, drug/cargo delivery, droplet microfluidics, and formulation science.
Automatic Classification of Human Body Postures Based on Curvelet Transform

This paper presents the design and implementation of a posture classification method. A new feature extraction strategy according to curvelet transform is provided for identifying the posture in images. First of all, human body is segmented. For this purpose, a background subtraction technique is applied. Then, a curvelet transform is used for extracting features from the posture image. To address the rotation invariance problem, five ratios are evaluated from the human body and they are also included in the set of features. Finally the human body postures are classified through support vector machines (SVM). Experimental results are obtained on the “Fall Detection” dataset. For evaluation, different state of the art statistical measures have been considered such as overall accuracy, the kappa coefficient, the F-measure coefficient, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) value. All of these evaluation measures demonstrate that the proposed approach provides a significant recognition rate.
Promoting stigma self-awareness in nursing students through brief unconventional clinical experiences

Abstract Background: Literature reflects nursing student bias toward stigmatized groups. This article describes nursing students’ clinical experiences at a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) community clinic, a state maximum-security carceral facility, and an HIV service-learning university campus project. Approach: Brief and unconventional experiences focused on linking cultural diversity concepts to stigma self-awareness in clinical settings and improving patient-centered care. The faculty implemented current recommendations to promote awareness of bias and stigmatizing behavior. Students’ experiences were first-person, participatory, and interactive. Students completed reflections and clinical evaluations focusing on thoughts, feelings, and awareness of bias, thereby bridging the gap of stigmatized populations and nursing practice. Conclusion: Associate degree nursing students participated in clinical learning environments with stigmatized populations. Students rated the clinical learning experiences as positive and meaningful in addressing stigma and bias. The brief clinical experiences align with the current National League for Nursing best practices to reduce stigma and promote bias awareness.
Significance of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Food Packaging

Food safety authorities and the food industry are focused on uses of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various food-contact packaging applications. Not widely known until recently, certain PFAS occur in paper-based packaging materials typically at parts-per-billion to parts-per-million concentrations. These substances are nonintentionally added substances (NIAS) and are attributed to residues from recycled fiber and paperboard used in the manufacture of new food packaging products. Low concentration PFAS detection has generated debate in the food industry and among scientific and governmental organizations about understanding their significance in food-contact products because certain PFAS are intentionally added to some food packaging materials. Distinguishing between both sources of PFAS in food packaging is essential for regulatory compliance purposes. In this paper, we describe ongoing research using contact angle measurement analysis to determine limits of performance (LOP) for perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) (C4, C6, C8, and C10) on the surface of recycled paper packaging materials. We find that the LOP concentrations for PFCAs ranged from 37 ppm (C10) to higher than 1238 ppm (C4). Because there is no economic justification for the presence of PFAS that do not provide functional performance, these LOP concentrations can reliably be considered as NIAS thresholds. This analytical method and the resulting test data are able to differentiate the source of PFAS in food packaging. Future research will broaden the test method to include measurements of fluorotelomer, sulfonamide, and fluoropolymer substances to develop a more comprehensive understanding of PFAS performance and NIAS concentration thresholds. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:7-12. © 2020 SETAC.
Effects of Postharvest Handling and Storage on Pecan Quality

The United States is the world’s leading producer, consumer and exporter of pecans and currently experiencing high demand for pecans from countries around the world. Environmental factors such as t...
The viability of phantom dark energy: A review

In this brief review, we examine the theoretical consistency and viability of phantom dark energy. Almost all data sets from cosmological probes are compatible with the dark energy of the phantom variety (i.e. equation-of-state parameter w < −1) and may even favor evolving dark energy, and since we expect every physical entity to have some kind of field description, we set out to examine the case for phantom dark energy as a field theory. We discuss the many attempts at frameworks that may mitigate and eliminate theoretical pathologies associated with phantom dark energy. We also examine frameworks that provide an apparent measurement w < −1 while avoiding the need for a phantom field theory.
Variation In Emergency Department Admission Rates Among Medicare Patients: Does The Physician Matter?

Hospitalizations account for the largest share of health care spending. New payment models increasingly encourage health care providers to reduce hospital admissions. Although emergency department ...
Diagnoses of Chronic Health Conditions and Change in Subjective Age: The Moderating Role of Chronological Age.

Background and objectives Health is a predictor of subjective age, and although inconclusive, the strength of this association is not uniform across different age groups. This study investigates if new diagnoses of chronic health conditions are associated with a change in subjective age and if chronological age moderates this relationship. Research design and methods Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, residualized change regression analysis was performed for a sample of 5,158 respondents older than 50 years to examine their subjective age in 2014 relative to that reported in 2010. The main predictor was the number of chronic health conditions newly diagnosed between 2010 and 2014. Chronological age in 2010 was the moderator. Results Results showed that each new diagnosis of a chronic health condition was significantly associated with a 0.68-year increase in subjective age reported in 2014, compared to subjective age reported in 2010. However, this increase in subjective age was attenuated by 0.05 years for each additional year in 2010 chronological age. Discussion and implications According to Social and Temporal Comparison theories, people compare themselves to their age peers and earlier selves. Given expectations for better health at younger chronological ages, being diagnosed with chronic health conditions may have a stronger association with subjective age among middle-aged persons as compared to older persons. The findings suggest that subjective age may be used as a screening tool to predict how chronic disease diagnosis may influence peoples' sense of self, which in turn shapes future health.
Identifying gas composition changes to which non-injective gas sensor arrays are unresponsive

A gravimetric, MOF-based (MOF = metal-organic framework) sensor array functions by measuring the mass of gas adsorbed in an array of MOFs. Changes in the gas composition are expected to produce detectable changes in the mass of gas adsorbed in the MOFs. In practical settings, multiple components of the gas adsorb into the MOFs. As a result, the map from gas compositions to sensor response vectors will be non-injective (many-to-one). Here, we outline a mathematical method to determine undetectable changes in gas composition to which non-injective gas sensor arrays are unresponsive. This is important for understanding their limitations and vulnerabilities. Our method relies on a mixed-gas adsorption model in the MOFs comprising the sensor array. We illustrate the identification of unresponsive subspaces and ranked responsive directions for gas sensor arrays based on Co-MOF-74 and HKUST-1 aimed at quantitative sensing of CH4/N2/CO2/C2H6 mixtures (relevant to the natural gas industry).
Association of Severe Tongue Edema With Prone Positioning in Patients Intubated for COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Prone positioning is frequently used in patients intubated for COVID-19-related lung injury to improve oxygenation. At our institution, we observed severe tongue edema develop in some of these patients. Hence, we sought to determine the incidence of tongue edema in this cohort and whether prone positioning was a risk factor associated with this complication. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A single-system retrospective cohort study of patients intubated for respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 who subsequently developed clinically notable tongue edema from March 13 to July 5, 2020. RESULTS: 260 patients were intubated for COVID-19-related respiratory failure during the study period. 158 patients (60.8%) underwent at least one episode of proning. Twelve patients in total (4.6%) developed clinically significant tongue edema. Eleven of the twelve patients (91.7%) who developed tongue edema underwent proning prior to the development of edema. Prone positioning was associated with an increased incidence of tongue edema (odds ratio [OR] 7.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-59.46, P = .027). In all proned patients who developed edema, this complication was noted during proning or shortly after supination (range, 0-4 days). Tongue edema was primarily managed with conservative measures; one patient required tracheostomy for definitive management. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue edema appears to develop in a subset of patients with COVID-19 who are intubated. It appears to be associated with prone positioning but is likely multifactorial in nature. Further investigation into its incidence and pathophysiology is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2021.
A new 3D stress MRI measurement strategy to quantify surgical correction of prolapse in three support systems.

AIMS The aim of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measurement strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical procedures in restoring normal anatomy in all three systems of pelvic floor support and quantify the structural changes induced by prolapse surgery. METHODS Patients underwent clinical examination and stress MRI preoperatively and again 3 months postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative measures of three MRI-based structural support systems were made: (1) vaginal wall, (2) apical and paravaginal support, and (3) hiatal closure system. Preoperative to postoperative structural changes were calculated and compared to normal values, and bivariate associations were determined. RESULTS The three structural support systems were successfully quantified for both preoperative and postoperative MRIs regardless of operative approaches in all 15 women in the pilot group. Apical support was restored to normal in 11 of 12 patients who underwent an apical suspension procedure and 9 of 14 patients with a posterior repair had normalization of genital hiatus size. Mid-vaginal paravaginal location was elevated an average of 2.5 ± 2.0 cm despite no paravaginal repairs being performed. Paravaginal location improvements were also significantly correlated with apical elevation (r values 0.99-0.87, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A strategy that quantifies structural-specific preoperative impairments and improvements after prolapse surgery was successfully developed. Early findings reveal that prolapse surgery is more successful in restoring normal anatomy at Level I than Level III. Improvement in paravaginal location is significantly correlated with apical elevation.
Simulated Galactic Cosmic Rays Modify Mitochondrial Metabolism in Osteoclasts, Increase Osteoclastogenesis and Cause Trabecular Bone Loss in Mice.

Space is a high-stress environment. One major risk factor for the astronauts when they leave the Earth’s magnetic field is exposure to ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Several adverse changes occur in mammalian anatomy and physiology in space, including bone loss. In this study, we assessed the effects of simplified GCR exposure on skeletal health in vivo. Three months following exposure to 0.5 Gy total body simulated GCR, blood, bone marrow and tissue were collected from 9 months old male mice. The key findings from our cell and tissue analysis are (1) GCR induced femoral trabecular bone loss in adult mice but had no effect on spinal trabecular bone. (2) GCR increased circulating osteoclast differentiation markers and osteoclast formation but did not alter new bone formation or osteoblast differentiation. (3) Steady-state levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial respiration were increased without any changes in mitochondrial mass in pre-osteoclasts after GCR exposure. (4) Alterations in substrate utilization following GCR exposure in pre-osteoclasts suggested a metabolic rewiring of mitochondria. Taken together, targeting radiation-mediated mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming of osteoclasts could be speculated as a viable therapeutic strategy for space travel induced bone loss.
Analogs of Giant Resonances from Photo-Pion Production and from Muon and Pion Capture

The giant resonances have originally been seen in photonuclear reactions such as $$\gamma {{+}^{16}}O{{\to }^{16}}{{O}^{*}}_{g.res}{{\to }^{15}}O+n{{(}^{15}}N+p)$$ (1) and as was pointed out in the preceding reports, they may also be excited by inelastic electron scattering. In T = O nuclei (e.g. 12C or 16O), they form a T = 1 isotriplet whose T3 = ± 1 components exist in the neighboring nuclei (Fig. 1) but whose T3 = O component only may be excited by photons or electrons. The photonuclear giant resonance was explained by Goldhaber and Teller [1] as a collective ΔT = 1 dipole vibration of protons vs. neutrons (isospin or i-waves) see Fig. 2a. This picture has been extended in several resyects:
Deoxyribonucleic acid nucleases. I. The use of a new method to observe the kinetics of deoxyribonucleic acid degradation by deoxyribonuclease I, deoxyribonuclease II, and Escherichia coli endonuclease I.

Abstract A new method for the assay of DNA endonuclease activity has been devised. It is based on the release of DNA fragments from DNA entrapped in a polyacrylamide gel. The average molecular weight of the fragments released is approximately 400,000. This method has been used to examine the kinetics of DNA degradation. Hydrolysis by DNase I as a function of time and also as a function of enzyme concentration with Mg2+ as the divalent cation showed an initial lag. This was not observed with DNase II or Escherichia coli endonuclease I. The difference in kinetics is considered to represent the difference between a "double hit" and a "single hit" mechanism.
Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues

The Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues was approved as Division 44 of the American Psychological Association (APA) by the APA Council of Representatives on August 26, 1984, by a vote of 80 to 26, with 8 abstentions (some of the other abstaining votes had left the room because a vote of two-thirds approval was required) (Kimmel & Browning, 1999). Keywords: homosexuality; lesbianism; psychology organization; sexual orientation
Trust and Envy: The Political Economy of Business Groups in Developing Countries

Diversified business groups play a major role in the economies of many developing countries. Business group members, often from the same communal, ethnic, or tribal group, have or develop inter-personal relations that make it easier to obtain information and monitor compliance related to transactions that require a strong measure of trust. This in-group cohesion facilitates profitable and productive economic activity. However, it can create resentment among other members of society who are barred from membership in a group that is, of necessity, exclusive. This envy can fuel a self-reinforcing cycle of societal hostility and group protectiveness that can deprive society of the economic benefits the groups can provide. There are several possible reactions such as 'affirmative action' programs that can slow or stop the cycle of envy and group vulnerability.
Sphingolipid metabolism and signaling in atherosclerosis

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of the sphingolipids and on some representative bioactive sphingolipids that have been implicated in mediating signaling events that contribute to phenotypic changes in cells. In particular, the chapter focuses on ceramide (Cer), sphingosine-l-phosphate (S-l-P), lactosylceramide (LacCer), and a disialoganglioside (GDs). The chapter focuses on sphingolipids in view of their involvement in atherosclerosis and vascular biology. Oxidative stress, an excess production of reactive oxygen species, plays a critical role in different pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and arthritis. By virtue of being rapidly diffusible through cell membranes, the reactive oxygen species can impact upon many critical phenotypic changes, including induction of growth, regulation of kinase activity, and the activation of endothelial-derived relaxation factor NO.
Single-cell transcript analysis of human embryonic stem cells

We demonstrate the qualitative and quantitative power of single-cell transcript analysis to characterize transcriptome dynamics in human embryonic stem cells (hESC's). Single-cell analysis can systematically determine unique cellular profiles for use in cell sorting and identification, show the potential to augment standing models of cellular differentiation, and elucidate the behavior of stem cells exiting pluripotency. Using single-cell analysis of H9 hESC's differentiating under three culture conditions, we revealed transient expression of mesendodermal markers in all three protocols, followed by increasingly stable expression of embryonic endoderm and extra-embryonic endoderm markers. Our single-cell profiles reveal mixed populations of cell types, with both transcriptional and temporal heterogeneity marking differentiation under all conditions. Interestingly, we also observe extensive and prolonged co-expression of markers regulating both pluripotency and lineage differentiation in all culture conditions, and we find that pluripotency marker transcripts remain detectable in the majority of cells for many days. Finally, we show that cells derived from undifferentiated hESC colonies display consistent gene expression profiles characterized by three cohorts of transcripts: uniform, absent and sporadically detected messages, and that a striking correlation exists between genes' membership in these cohorts and their hESC promoter chromatin state, with bivalent promoters dominating the sporadic transcripts.
Contact Binaries of Spectral Type O

The eclipsing binaries UW CMa, AO Cas, and V729 Cyg have been systems of great interest for over fifty years. The light curves are complex and suffer significant changes on a time scale of months, but the primary attraction of these systems is that both components have O-type spectra; thus they present us with some of the few possibilities for direct measurement of absolute dimensions of very massive stars. Much effort has been expended on these systems, but no really consistent model has emerged.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy for Detection of Trace Amount of Biological Agents

A procedure to the trace amount of biological agents in water, based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and confocal microscopy, is explored. A special flow system is developed to increase the probability of detecting Escherichia coli (E. coli), and confocal microscopy is used to increase the sensitivity of the detection system. It is observed that concentrations higher than 1.5×105 E. coli per milliliter (2.5×10−16 M) are detectable with the present setup. This concentration corresponds to about 1.0 nM level of Rhodamine 6-G dyes. For detection of lower concentrations, further improvements need to be implemented to increase signal/background ratio. A detailed analysis of the optical system is presented and further improvements for the procedure are discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
mentoring the creative child, adult and prodigy: current knowledge, systems and research

The process of mentoring has been utilised in many fields. It has however, been most dominant in the realm oft he creative arts. This paper explores the process of mentoring relative to the creative child, adult and prodigy. Our current information relative to this process will be examined as will current research. Needed areas of research are indicated for future mentors. Why don't you work with Michelangelo? Can't you study with da Vinci? Maybe Chaucer can help you? The previous questions all reflect infinite possibilities. The opportunity to learn from an established figure has, of course, reflected the epitome of the mentoring process. However, mentoring in the creative realm differs greatly from academic and corporate mentoring. This paper will explore mentoring relative to creative children and adults and overview the state of knowledge relative to the field. This author posits that there are very succinct differences in terms of mentoring the "creatives" as opposed to other proteges. These differences are often accentuated by the nature of the creative process and by the personalities involved. Further, developmental trends of artists, musicians and others may need to be considered. Finally, emotional agendas may also need to be addressed.
Blind decorrelation and deconvolution algorithm for multiple-input multiple-output system: I. Theorem derivation

The problems of blind decorrelation and blind deconvolution have attracted considerable interest recently. These two problems traditionally have been studied as two different subjects, and a variety of algorithms have been proposed to solve them. In this paper, we consider these two problems jointly in the application of a multi-sensor network and propose a new algorithm for them. In our model, the system is a MIMO system (multiple-input multiple-output) which consists of linearly independent FIR channels. The unknown inputs are assumed to be uncorrelated and persistently excited. Furthermore, inputs can be colored sources and their distributions can be unknown. The new algorithm is capable of separating multiple input sources passing through some dispersive channels. Our algorithm is a generalization of Moulines' algorithm from single input to multiple inputs. The new algorithm is based on second order statistics which require shorter data length than the higher order statistics algorithms for the same estimation accuracy.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electrostatics of edge channels.

We propose a quantitative electrostatic theory of the gate-induced confinement of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the quantum Hall regime. The self-consistent electrostatic potential in the region occupied by 2DEG changes in a steplike manner due to the formation of alternating strips of compressible and incompressible electron liquids. We obtain the dependence of positions and widths of these strips on the filling factor. Incompressible strips are shown to be much more narrow than the compressible ones. The relationship between the widths of the adjacent compressible and incompressible strips is found to be universal: It does not depend on the strip number, magnetic field, or gate voltage. Our theory enables us to explain results obtained in experimental studies of edge-state equilibration.
Circumstellar dust emission models

We present the wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient K(sub lambda) the scattering coefficient o(sub lambda), the albedo w(sub lambda), and the average cosine of the scattering phase function g(sub lambda) between 0.0912 micrometers and 1000 micrometers for four interstellar medium grain models. These grain models are used in a radiation transfer code to calculate the properties of dust shells surrounding a newly formed O star. For each shell model a distribution of 25 grain sizes and two compositions were used in our calculations. The spectral type of the central star (O6 ZAMS), the geometry (shell), and circumstellar density distribution (constant) are the same in all models, so that different model predictions result entirely from differences in grain properties. For each grain type the models predict the emergent spectral energy distribution with wavelength, the optical depth with wavelength, and the mean dust temperature with distance from the central star. In addition, we find the emitted envelope flux (total flux minus the direct stellar contribution) included within an angular radius theta for several wavelengths between 2.2 micrometers and 100 micrometers. It is found that large differences in the emitted spectrum can occur when grains with different optical constants and size distributions are used.
The upper limit of human smooth pursuit velocity.

The maximum smooth pursuit eye velocity was determined in five human subjects. Eye movements were recorded with the d.c.-coupled EOG. On each trial the target moved in a ramp, at a constant velocity between 10 and 200 deg/sec. In four subjects eye velocity was approximately 90% of target velocity up to a target velocity of 100 deg/sec. Eye velocity then saturated with a large variability from trial to trial (standard deviation 16 deg/sec). The fifth subject had eye velocities only 60% of these values.
Inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase by hydrophobic metal chelators

Cytochrome oxidase, either purified form or in the intact mitochondria, is inhibited by lipophilic bathophenanthroline and bathocuproine, but un-affected by the hydrophilic sulfonated form of these chelators. Orthophenanthroline and neocuproine exhibit no inhibitory effects. Difference spectra of bathophenanthroline and bathocuproine-treated oxidase show decreases in the 830 nm absorption peak and differences in the 535–540 nm region when CN− is present. Inhibition by lipophilic bathophenanthroline involves intrinsic copper and is not affected by exogenous copper levels. This evidence suggests that oxidase inhibition occurs at the copper protein and that the chelator reactive site is not accessible to hydrophilic chelators.
Applications of in situ reactions to MoSi2-based materials

Abstract The influence of silica in MoSi 2 -based materials is briefly reviewed and it is shown that these materials would benefit from the elimination of this oxide. In situ displacement reactions in which aluminum is used to convert silica to alumina are shown to be a viable processing route for that purpose. It is shown how, with the adequate selection of precursors, this technique can be extended to generate in situ coatings on refractory metal reinforcements, preventing their interaction with MoSi 2 as well as in situ alumina fibrous reinforcements using silica-rich fiber precursors. Furthermore, in situ displacement reactions are used to generate boride reinforcements in MoSi 2 and aluminum additions can also be used to eliminate silica in these composites. Since the critical aspects for the design of in situ processes are the knowledge of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the possible reactions, the thermodynamics of the most relevant in situ processes described are analyzed using the data currently available. This analysis is limited by the extent of the data available but is helpful in guiding new process development.
Prenatal diagnosis of ectopic intrathoracic kidney in a fetus with a left diaphragmatic hernia

Intrathoracic renal ectopia as a result of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare congenital anomaly. We present a case in which the prenatal diagnosis of an ectopic intrathoracic kidney was made on routine anatomical survey at 28 weeks' gestation. Color doppler sonography imaging revealed the renal artery coursing into the infant's thorax and was consistent with CDH, but fetal MRI suggested an intact diaphragm. However, neonatal evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of intrathoracic kidney with posterior CDH, which was repaired without complication. In contrast to diaphragmatic hernia with liver or bowel herniation, infants with intrathoracic ectopic kidneys generally do well.
Design Fatigue Load of Sign Support Structures Due to Truck-Induced Wind Gust

This research presents a universal approach for determining the design fatigue load due to truck-induced wind gust for highway overhead sign support structures. The fatigue load is determined on the basis of the dynamic properties of the structure. It is applicable to structures in which the dynamic response can be approximated by a single-degree-of-freedom system. Typical examples include cantilever- and bridge-type overhead sign support structures. The developed approach incorporates these parameters in a simplified systematic procedure that can be readily used by engineers. Principles relating to mechanical vibration and utilization of the shock response spectrum were used to determine the load. The fatigue load is selected from the shock response spectrum in terms of the natural frequency of the structure and the speed of the truck. Comparisons were made with the current truck-induced gust fatigue design provisions given in the 2009 AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Si...
High-efficiency, high-dimming ratio LED driver

A high-efficiency, high-dimming ratio LED driver, capable of driving two standard white LEDs in series, is presented in this paper. A synchronous boost converter with on-chip switches and PWM controller is used as the LED driver. The LED current is sensed using voltage-mode feedback to maintain a constant load current. The output sense resistor in a conventional LED driver is replaced by the disconnect switch with an equivalent on-resistance to increase efficiency. Lossless current-mode feedback, in which the inductor current is sensed via the on-resistance of the boost series switch, is used to improve stability. Dimming control logic is implemented with a 10-bit counter and a 10-to-1 MUX, generating 10 dimming ratios ranging from 2:1 at a frequency of 625 kHz to 1024:1 at 610 Hz. The simulated efficiency of the LED driver alone is 86.1% and that of the LED driver with dimming control is 85.4%.
Gas phase reactions of trimethylamine and transition metal salts

Abstract Several transition metal salts were exposed to gaseous trimethylamine (TMA) at room temperature in a gas cell designed to allow measurement of i.r. energy absorption at varying pressures. For those salts which did form complexes with the TMA gas, the absorption bands between 4000 and 400 cm−1 are discussed in reference to i.r. spectra of TMA complexes of known composition.
Antioxidants and Chronic Pancreatitis: Theory of Oxidative Stress and Trials of Antioxidant Therapy

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of pancreatic tissue and resulting in pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Increased oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential mechanism in its etiology and pathology. A number of studies have demonstrated that CP patients have a compromised antioxidant status, which may be a contributing factor to the enhanced oxidative state associated with the disease. Nutrition is an essential consideration in the treatment of CP, especially since diet is a source of several antioxidants and cofactors required for the production of cellular antioxidant enzymes. Many CP patients have an inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients because of abdominal pain and discomfort, which often increase postprandially and discourage eating. Exocrine insufficiency leads to further complications by preventing adequate digestion and absorption of ingested food, thus causing even greater deficiencies and impairment of antioxidant status. The aims of this article are to review the oxidative stress model of CP and to examine the evidence for nutrition, and, particularly, antioxidants, in the treatment of CP.
Rehabilitation After a Burn Injury

Burn rehabilitation is a serious undertaking, and to produce the best outcomes, it demands the special attention of the entire medical team. A significant burn injury may lead to functional and aesthetic limitations along with psychosocial issues affecting the quality of life for the person who has the injury. Burn rehabilitation professionals specialize in assisting patients to achieve optimal functional outcomes at the completion of the rehabilitative process.
ACL Injury and Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis

Continued development and validation of quantitative imaging and biochemical assessment techniques are critical research priorities to lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of PTOA. There is also a compelling need to advance understanding of how mechanical joint injuries lead to joint degeneration, and to define the roles of acute joint damage and post–joint injury incongruity and instability as etiologic factors leading to development of OA.22 As OA occurs more frequently in the military population and ACL tears are endemic to the military, it is essential that the military become more active in funding research and seeking novel research cohorts to help solve some of the most fundamental problems in PTOA. The military population, while deeply affected by PTOA, may also prove to be pivotal in determining improved diagnostic techniques and treatment interventions to help minimize the long-term effects of this disease.
Effects of raised-intensity phonation on inflammatory mediator gene expression in normal rabbit vocal fold

Abstract Objective To investigate the hypothesis that a transient episode of raised-intensity phonation causes a significant increase in vocal fold inflammatory messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in vivo. Study Design Prospective animal study. Setting Laboratory. Subjects and Methods Ten New Zealand White breeder rabbits received 30 minutes of experimentally induced modal or raised-intensity phonation, followed by a 30-minute recovery period. A separate group of five rabbits served as sham controls. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Separate one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to investigate differences in gene expression across groups, with an appropriate alpha correction of 0.016 to control for type I error. Significant main effects were further examined using Fisher's least significant difference. Results ANOVA revealed that there were differences for IL-1β, TGFβ1, and COX-2 between sham control, modal phonation, and raised-intensity phonation ( P P Conclusion Results provided support for the hypothesis that a transient episode of raised-intensity phonation causes a significant increase in vocal fold inflammatory mRNA expression. Future studies will investigate the signal transduction pathways and mechanisms regulating the vocal fold inflammatory response. The long-term goal of these studies is to advance understanding of the molecular and cellular events underlying phonation-related tissue alterations.
Cure kinetics of neat versus reinforced epoxies

An investigation was carried out into the cure kinetics of neat vs reinforced epoxy systems. The formulations were composed of tetraglycidyl 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM) epoxy resin and diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS). Glass was used as reinforcement. A series of isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms were run and analyzed by the proposed autocatalytic kinetic model. An increase in reaction rate was observed at higher temperature and higher DDS concentration in both neat and reinforced formulations. The presence of reinforcement had an effect on the cure kinetics. The observed effect, however, was not very pronounced. Slightly lower values of the reaction rate constant and longer times needed to reach the maximum reaction rate were recorded in reinforced systems. After reaching the peak value, the rate of reaction dropped off faster in reinforced formulations, resulting in lower average value of Hult, the ultimate heat of reaction. It was suggested that the reinforcement imposes restrictions on the molecular mobility of reactive species.
Investigation of the structural and electrical properties of Al-Ge-Ni contacts to GaAs

Low temperature, non-alloyed Au-Ge contact formation ton-GaAs is a multi-step pro-cess. During the first 5 min of annealing at 320° C the Au and Ge segregate into regions a few microns in size and extend over the entire thickness of the metal layer and sig-nificant in-diffusion of the Au and Ge and out-diffusion of the Ga and As occurs. This intermixing reduces the barrier height from 0.75 to 0.40 eV. The contact does not show ohmic behavior until it has been annealed for 3 hr. During this time Ge continues to in-diffuse but at a slower rate than it did initially. The rate of Ge in-diffusion is en-hanced by the presence of Au since samples containing less Au require longer anneals to show ohmic behavior and have higher specific contact resistances. The presence of excess As, which is prevented from evaporating by a Si3N4 cap has the opposite effect since capped layers have higher specific contact resistances. Au-Ge phases appear after approximately 3 hr of annealing, therefore, Au-Ge phases cannot be responsible for the reduction in barrier height. The interface morphology is smooth, differing from that of pure Au and alloyed contacts that often contain spiking of the metals into the semi-conductor. The orientation relationship for the Au grains differs from that of pure Au.
Evaluation of KIR ligand incompatibility in mismatched unrelated donor hematopoietic transplants

One of the functions of HLA class I alleles is interaction with natural killer (NK) cells. Receptors termed killer immunoglobulinlike receptors (KIRs) on NK cells recognize groups of HLA class I alleles, and interaction between receptor and class I allele inhibits reactivity of the NK cell. Failure to recognize the appropriate KIR ligand on a mismatched cell can trigger NK cell elimination of that target cell. Recent analysis of haploidentical hematopoietic transplantations has shown a reduction of graft failure, graft-versus-host disease, and relapse in those with KIR ligand incompatibility in the graft-versus-host direction. In this study we analyzed the effect of KIR ligand incompatibility on outcomes of unrelated donor bone marrow transplantations. The data show no advantage for KIR ligand incompatibility in this clinical setting as assessed by HLA-Bw4 and HLA-C alleles. It is possible that there will be a benefit of NK cell alloreactivity if strategies of haploidentical transplantation are used: high stem cell doses, extensive T-cell depletion, and no postgrafting immune suppression.
Design of corrugated horn antennas by evolutionary optimization techniques

Corrugated horn antennas are frequently used as the feed elements in reflector antennas for satellite and deep space communications. A particular application is the multifrequency feed horns for the reflector antennas of the JPL/NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). In this application, it is desirable to design a horn that has a nearly perfect circularly symmetric pattern (i.e., identical E- and H-plane patterns), with zero or low cross-polarization, a specified beam width, and a low return loss at the design frequency range. A parametric study of the corrugated horns, however, shows that the objective function relating the pattern shape, beam width and return loss is a nonlinear function of the corrugation dimensions with many local optima. As a result one has to resort to global optimization techniques, such as evolutionary algorithms, for successful design of such antennas. Here, an evolutionary programming (EP) algorithm is used to optimize the pattern of a corrugated circular horn subject to various constraints on return loss, antenna beam width, pattern circularity, and low cross-polarization. Examples of design synthesis for a few corrugated horns are presented. The results show excellent and efficient optimization of the desired horn parameters.
Understanding, context-relativity, and the Description Theory

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