cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Time to Live: Dynamic Changes in Risk as the Basis for Therapeutic Triage

Clinical prognosis depends on the current threat of an adverse event (risk) and on the rate of change of that risk (hazard). Conventional risk stratification nevertheless relies only on the former—on the frequency of adverse events over some arbitrary period of time. In this study, we suggest that prognosis can be assessed more precisely using dynamic models that consider both risk and hazard. We construct one such model based on principles employed in the field of chemical kinetics and demonstrate its clinical relevance by application to the prediction and prevention of atherosclerotic coronary events.
Hacking Stigma by Loving Yourself: a Mediated-Moderation Model of Self-Compassion and Stigma

Stigma is an important topic in public health and has significant impact on psychological and physical well-being of stigmatized individuals. Emerging evidence has suggested that self-compassion, a self-caring and compassionate attitude in the face of hardship, may buffer the negative effects of stigma. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms through which self-compassion may buffer the effects of public stigma on self-stigma and the associated negative outcomes. The goal of this paper is to present a theoretical framework that integrates the existing body of literature in self-compassion and stigma. This framework postulates that (1) self-compassion may be related to adaptive cognitive, emotional, and social processes, and (2) these processes may, in turn, prevent individuals with stigmatized identity from developing self-stigma and other health outcomes. Theoretical and empirical support for this mediated-moderation model is reviewed. Future directions to empirically evaluate this model, as well the potential applications of this model for stigma reduction interventions are presented.
Principled pragmatism: a guide to the adaptation of ideas from philosophical disciplines to conceptual modeling

The synergism among the traditional disciplines of ontology, epistemology, logic, and linguistics and their potential for enhancing conceptual-modeling applications is not fully understood. Better understanding how to adapt ideas from these disciplines should lead to improved serviceability of conceptual modeling. We argue in this position paper, however, that application objectives, rather than philosophical tenets, should guide the adaptation of ideas from these disciplines. Thus, an appropriate balance of discipline-based theory and pragmatism should temper adaptations. We evaluate the principled pragmatism we advocate by presenting several case-study examples. Each illustrates that an appropriate adaptation of ideas from the disciplines of ontology, epistemology, logic, and linguistics can significantly guide conceptual-modeling research and help build successful conceptual-modeling applications.
Defining Responders and Non-responders

A physician in a clinic would typically like an answer to the question: Who will benefit from this treatment? In particular, will this patient benefit from this treatment? In an effort to answer the question, astute clinicians observe patients serially; in other words, they will try a treatment on the patient and then adjust the therapy if his or her condition does not respond. Although the sample size in this experiment is n = 1, the observations collected over time for this patient and others provide a knowledge base and have led clinicians toward a major understanding of certain treatments. Often, and historically, these understandings, taken collectively, have informed practice standards. However, this approach runs the risk of underestimating the extent of unsuccessful treatments, due to a failure to examine those patients who do not return.
Experimental investigation of the compression and heating of an MHD-driven jet impacting a target cloud

Adiabatic compression has been investigated by having an MHD-driven plasma jet impact a gas target cloud. Compression and heating of the jet upon impact were observed and compared to theoretical predictions. Diagnostics for comprehensive measurements included a Thomson scattering system, a fast movie camera, a translatable fiber-coupled interferometer, a monochromator, a visible-light photodiode, and a magnetic probe array. Measurements using these diagnostics provided the time-dependent electron density, electron temperature, continuum emission, line emission, and magnetic field profile. Increases in density and magnetic field and a decrease in jet velocity were observed during the compression. The electron temperature had a complicated time dependence, increasing at first, but then rapidly declining in less than 1 μs which is less than the total compression time. Analysis indicates that this sudden temperature drop is a consequence of radiative loss from hydrogen atoms spontaneously generated via three-body recombination in the high-density compressed plasma. A criterion for how fast compression must be to outrun radiative loss is discussed not only for the Caltech experiment but also for fusion-grade regimes. In addition, the results are analyzed in the context of shocks the effects of which are compared to adiabatic compression.Adiabatic compression has been investigated by having an MHD-driven plasma jet impact a gas target cloud. Compression and heating of the jet upon impact were observed and compared to theoretical predictions. Diagnostics for comprehensive measurements included a Thomson scattering system, a fast movie camera, a translatable fiber-coupled interferometer, a monochromator, a visible-light photodiode, and a magnetic probe array. Measurements using these diagnostics provided the time-dependent electron density, electron temperature, continuum emission, line emission, and magnetic field profile. Increases in density and magnetic field and a decrease in jet velocity were observed during the compression. The electron temperature had a complicated time dependence, increasing at first, but then rapidly declining in less than 1 μs which is less than the total compression time. Analysis indicates that this sudden temperature drop is a consequence of radiative loss from hydrogen atoms spontaneously generated via three-...
Abstract P308: Differential VEGF-Dependent Induction of sFlt-1 From Vascular Endothelial and Placental Cells

Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension and maternal endothelial dysfunction. Although the origins of the disease are unclear, it is believed that placental ...
Restricted monotonicity

A knowledge representation problem can be sometimes viewed as an element of a family of problems, with parameters corresponding to possible assumptions about the domain under consideration. When additional assumptions are made, the class of domains that are being described becomes smaller, so that the class of conclusions that are true in all the domains becomes larger. As a result, a satisfactory solution to a parametric knowledge representation problem on the basis of some nonmonotonic formalism can be expected to have a certain formal property, that we call restricted monotonicity. We argue that it is important to recognize parametric knowledge representation problems and to verify restricted monotonicity for their proposed solutions.
Reducing pediatric asthma hospital length of stay through evidence-based quality improvement and deployment of computerized provider order entry.

Objective: Evaluate the impact of multi-component quality improvement for pediatric asthma care focusing on serial use of an evidence-based clinical pathway via paper order sets, pathway integratio...
Creating Middle Stage: Finding a New Space for Reflection within a Residency Program

While communication is essential to effective clinical outcomes, training programs that employ synchronous feedback systems are expensive and time consuming. Using a secure web blog as an asynchron...
The neglected ameba: dientamoeba fragilis. A report of 100 "pure" infections.

1. Of 14,000 patients studied over a period of 6 years, 2.4% were infected withD. fragilis. The majority were U. S. citizens who had not traveled out of the country. 2. The 100 cases of “pure” infection withD. fragilis are summarized. 3. Diagnosis was made by direct examination of recently passed loose stools combined with culture. 4. The most frequent presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatus, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. 5. Physical signs, proctoscopic examination, and radiologic study usually were negative. 6. Treatment eliminated the parasite although evaluation of symptomatic relief was often difficult. 7.D. fragilis is considered by many to be nonpathogenic and is often ignored. Such appears unjustified in view of cases reported in the literature and cases reviewed. Specific therapy seems warranted.
FIBRIN FORMATION AND DISSOLUTION

Abstract: Proteolysis is not only important in the generation of thrombin, but also in the last phase of blood coagulation, i.e., fibrin formation. Fibrin dissolution and removal is also accomplished by proteolysis. Thrombin cleaves amino terminal peptides from fibrinogen as well as from the zymogen form of fibrin-stabilizing factor in setting the stage for fibrin polymerization. The activation of the plasma protein, plasminogen, by urokinase occurs by the cleavage of two peptide bonds to form the tryptic-like enzyme, plasmin. Both fibrinogen and fibrin are progressively digested by plasmin to give degradation products, some of which have functional importance as inhibitors of fibrin polymerization. Characterization studies of the fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products have provided clues to the structures of fibrinogen and fibrin.
Fourier transform visible and infrared difference spectroscopy for the study of P700 in photosystem I from Fischerella thermalis PCC 7521 cells grown under white light and far-red light: Evidence that the A -1 cofactor is chlorophyll f

Abstract (P700+ – P700) Fourier transform visible and infrared difference spectra (DS) have been obtained using photosystem I (PSI) complexes isolated from cells of Fischerella thermalis PCC 7521 grown under white light (WL) or far-red light (FRL). PSI from cells grown under FRL (FRL-PSI) contain ~8 chlorophyll f (Chl f) molecules (Shen et al., Photosynth. Res. Jan. 2019). Both the visible and infrared DS indicate that neither the PA or PB pigments of P700 are Chl f molecules, but do support the conclusion that at least one of the A–1 cofactors is a Chl f molecule. The FTIR DS indicate that the hydrogen bond to the 131-keto C O group of the PA pigment of P700 is weakened in FRL-PSI, as might be expected given that the proteins that bind the P700 pigments are substantially different in FRL-PSI (Gan et al., Science 345, 1312–1317, 2014). The FTIR DS obtained using FRL-PSI display a band at 1664 cm−1 that is assigned (based on density functional theory calculations) to the 21-formyl C O group of Chl f, that upshifts 5 cm−1 upon P700+ formation. This is much less than expected for a cation-induced upshift, indicating that the Chl f molecule is not one of the pigments of P700. In WL-PSI the A–1 cofactor is a Chl a molecule with 131-keto and 133-methylester C O mode vibrations at 1696 and 1750 cm−1, respectively. In FRL-PSI the A–1 cofactor is a Chl f molecule with 131-keto and 133-methylester C O mode vibrations at 1702 and 1754 cm−1, respectively.
Vitamin D Receptor Activation in Liver Macrophages Protects Against Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Mice.

Background and aims Hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, whether triggered by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, can be resolved by the unfolded protein response (UPR). Sustained UPR activation leads to cell death and inflammatory response and contributes to liver disease progression. Hepatic tissue macrophages are key players in orchestrating liver inflammation, and ER stress can enhance macrophage activation. However, it is not well defined how the interplay between ER stress and inflammation is regulated during hepatic stress response. Approach and results Here we demonstrate that vitamin D receptor (VDR) activation mitigates hepatic ER stress response, whereas VDR knockout mice undergo persistent UPR activation and apoptosis in response to chemical ER stress inducer. Moreover, VDR deficiency promotes hepatic macrophage infiltration and increases gene expression and systematic levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α. VDR expression is induced in hepatic macrophages by ER stress, and VDR plays a dual regulatory role in macrophages by protecting against ER stress and promoting anti-inflammatory polarization. Co-culture with VDR-activated bone marrow-derived macrophages suppresses UPR target genes in primary hepatocytes treated with ER stress inducers. Thus, the immunomodulatory functions of VDR in macrophages are critical in hepatic ER stress resolution in mice. Conclusions VDR signaling in macrophages regulates a shift between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activation during ER stress-induced inflammation to promote hepatic ER stress resolution.
Unique features of the skin barrier in naked mole rats reflect adaptations to their fossorial habitat

The stratum corneum (SC), the top layer of the epidermis, is the functional site of the skin barrier and serves to maintain hydration of the body by preventing water loss and thwarting the entrance of pathogens. The naked mole rat (NMR) (Heterocephalus glaber) is a rodent that resides in hypoxic underground tunnels in arid Africa. NMRs are not only hairless; their skin is devoid of glands and pain sensation. To understand how the skin barrier of the NMR is uniquely adapted to this environment, skin samples from the dorsum and ventral abdomen in one adult and one neonate were examined by transmission electron microscopy using both reduced osmium tetroxide to assess overall structure and ruthenium tetroxide post-fixation to assess lipid organization. These findings were compared with that of hairless mice-a well-defined model for skin barrier studies. The plasticity of the skin was evaluated on 10 NMRs from a colony at the Philadelphia Zoo in humid and dry conditions by measuring cutaneous hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and pH. The epidermal ultrastructure of the NMR differed from hairless mice by having the following features: decreased content of lamellar bodies (LBs), higher LB pleomorphism, periodic presence of abnormal lipid bilayers, and an unusually thick SC. The NMRs developed significant TEWL and a trend toward decreased hydration when subjected to dry conditions. While these features illustrate an imperfect skin barrier in terrestrial mammals, they likely represent adaptations of the poikilothermic NMRs to their unique natural fossorial climate. Prolonged exposure to decreased humidity could possibly lead to adverse health effects in this species.
Geographical differences in intellectual property strategies and outcomes: establishment-level analysis across the American settlement hierarchy

The wealth of utility patent data has made this form of intellectual property (IP) protection the primary focus of the economics and geography of innovation. However, in addition to utility patents...
Change Orders and Schedule Performance of Design-Build Infrastructure Projects: Comparison between Highway and Water and Wastewater Projects

AbstractAccording to previous studies, change orders in general lead to delays in design-bid-build (DBB) projects. However, none of the studies have determined such a relationship in design-build (...
Soft Tissue Special Issue: Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma: A Review with Emphasis on Differential Diagnosis

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma is an anatomically restricted low-grade malignant neoplasm with dual neural and myogenic differentiation composed of a monotonous population of spindled cells with herringbone/fascicular architecture. These tumors demonstrate a unique immunoprofile with relatively consistent S100-protein and actin expression in conjunction with more variable desmin, myogenin and myoD1 staining. SOX10 is uniformly negative. Genetically, the majority of tumors harbor PAX3-MAML3 fusions, with alternate PAX3 partners including FOXO1, NCOA1, NCOA2 and WWTR1. Although the differential diagnosis of BSNS is broad, careful morphologic inspection together with targeted ancillary studies is often sufficient to arrive at the correct diagnosis. As these tumors have significant local recurrence rates but lack metastatic potential, awareness and accurate diagnosis of this rare and newly described neoplasm is critical for appropriate management.
Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease With Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Case Series of Overlapping Sinonasal Endotypes.

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease with multiple underlying etiologies. Although several CRSwNP endotypes have been detailed, the...
The Other Muslim Bans

This Article addresses and critiques the case for state-level legislative bans on courts citing “Islamic law” or the law of Muslim-majority countries. In particular, the Article reviews the most substantive evidence adduced by the bans’ supporters, in the form of a set of state court cases published by the Center for Security Policy (CSP). Very few of these cases, in fact, show courts actually applying Islamic or foreign law, and in none of these cases would the various forms of proposed legislation have been likely to alter the result. Thus even this report does not suggest a need for the state laws purporting to ban sharīʿa. The Article thus argues that even if these bans are not unconstitutionally discriminatory in their effect, they are ineffective at achieving their claimed purpose. This Article was originally published as an Occasional Paper in the Harvard Papers in Islamic Law series in 2018.
Social Justice and the Portrayal of Migrants in International Organization for Migration’s World Migration Reports:

Social justice is a framework that has been at the forefront of technical communication in recent years. While social justice is often applied in participatory studies, it can also feature in studi...
Offsite Data Processing for the GlueX Experiment

The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) 12GeV accelerator upgrade completed in 2015 is now producing data at volumes unprecedented for the lab. The resources required to process this data now exceed the capacity of the onsite farm necessitating the use of offsite computing resources for the first time in the history of JLab. GlueX is now utilizing NERSC and PSC for raw data production. Details of the workflow are presented.
Lipid-specific protein oligomerization is regulated by two interfaces in Marburg virus matrix protein VP40

Marburg virus major matrix protein (mVP40) dimers associate with anionic lipids at the plasma membrane and undergo a dynamic and extensive self-oligomerization into the structural matrix layer which confers the virion shape and stability. Using a myriad of in vitro and cellular techniques, we present a mVP40 assembly model highlighting two distinct oligomerization interfaces (N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD)) in mVP40. Cellular studies of NTD and CTD oligomerization interface mutants demonstrated the importance of each interface in the mVP40 matrix assembly through protein trafficking to the plasma membrane and homo-multimerization that induced protein enrichment, plasma membrane fluidity changes and elongations at the plasma membrane. A novel APEX-TEM method was employed to closely assess the ultrastructural localization of and formation of viral particles for wild type and mutants. Taken together, these studies present a mechanistic model of mVP40 oligomerization and assembly at the plasma membrane during virion assembly.
Modified universal buffer does not necessarily maintain soil enzyme assay pH

Buffers are widely used when performing soil enzyme assays, either to measure specific soil enzyme activities based on a standard protocol or to determine the pH optima of a soil enzyme. However, few studies have tested whether the existent buffer-making protocol they followed actually obtains the target pH during their enzyme assays. To test the pH stabilization capacity of modified universal buffer (MUB) commonly used in soil enzyme assays, four different soils with varying buffering capacity (proxied by contrasting soil pH and clay content) were used for phosphomonoesterase assays using a 1:5 (m/v) soil:buffer ratio, as per common practice for chromogenic enzyme assays. The original MUB working solution deviated from the target pH by as much as 1.6 units. Deviations were greatest when the soil and buffer had contrasting pH. Increasing MUB concentration by fourfold did not mitigate this pH discrepancy to a satisfactory level (± 0.1 unit). For the standardly used MUB concentration (1 ×), the deviation between the target pH and the assay pH was greatest when the difference between the target pH and the soil pH was > 1 unit. Therefore, forcing pH to a specific value in soil enzyme activity assays (1:5 soil:MUB) appears to be difficult for many soils, and increasing MUB concentration risks reducing enzyme activities due to higher ionic strength. Thus, the use of MUB to assay enzyme activity presents a tension between maintaining the target pH and maximizing the sensitivity of the assay.
A computational approach to estimation of discrete Pareto parameters

The discrete Pareto (DP) distribution studied in this paper is a probability model with a power-law tail, which provides a convenient alternative to the well-known Zipf distribution. While basic ch...
Endothelium-dependent, flow-induced dilation of isolated coronary arterioles

Flow-mediated dilation has been documented in large conduit coronary arteries but not in coronary arterioles. The goal of this study was to determine whether this response occurs in coronary arterioles and whether it competes with myogenic constriction. Subepicardial arterioles (40-80 microns) were isolated and cannulated with two glass micropipettes connected to independent reservoir systems. During zero flow, myogenic responses were studied over the range of intraluminal pressure (IP) between 20 and 140 cmH2O. Myogenic constrictions and dilations was observed when IP was increased (greater than 60 cmH2O) and decreased (less than 60 cmH2O), respectively. Flow was initiated by simultaneously moving the reservoirs in equal and opposite directions, thus generating a pressure gradient (delta P) without changing the mean luminal pressure (range delta P = 4-60 cmH2O). Flow-induced responses were studied at low, intermediate, and high myogenic tones by setting IP at 20, 60, and 100 cmH2O, respectively. The threshold for flow-induced dilation was delta P = 4 cmH2O, and maximum dilation was observed at delta P = 20 cmH2O. Red cell velocities in isolated arterioles at delta P of 4 and 60 cmH2O were 1.2 +/- 0.2 and 15.9 +/- 1.3 mm/s, respectively, which are within the range of those reported for coronary microvessels in vivo. The magnitude of the flow-induced dilation was greatest at the intermediate tone (60 cmH2O IP) but was attenuated at lower and higher IP. After mechanical removal of the endothelium, spontaneous tone and myogenic responses were preserved, but flow-induced dilation and bradykinin-induced dilation were abolished.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Persistent sunward flow of approximately 1.6 MeV protons at 1 AU

The paper is concerned with the anisotropy of 1.3 to 2.3 MeV protons measured with an electron/isotope spectrometer aboard the IMP 7 satellite during 317 six-hour periods, excluding periods when prompt solar particle events are observed. It is found that the diffusive streaming is predominantly toward the sun, indicating an essentially positive radial gradient in the particle density. The long-term average radial component of this anisotropy and its dependence on the solar wind speed are consistent with the anisotropy calculated with a steady-state propagation model including adiabatic energy loss.
The fundamental downscaling limit of field effect transistors

We predict that within next 15 years a fundamental down-scaling limit for CMOS technology and other Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) will be reached. Specifically, we show that at room temperatures all FETs, irrespective of their channel material, will start experiencing unacceptable level of thermally induced errors around 5-nm gate lengths. These findings were confirmed by performing quantum mechanical transport simulations for a variety of 6-, 5-, and 4-nm gate length Si devices, optimized to satisfy high-performance logic specifications by ITRS. Different channel materials and wafer/channel orientations have also been studied; it is found that altering channel-source-drain materials achieves only insignificant increase in switching energy, which overall cannot sufficiently delay the approaching downscaling limit. Alternative possibilities are discussed to continue the increase of logic element densities for room temperature operation below the said limit.
Signal processing using spreadsheet software

It is demonstrated that LOTUS 1-2-3 is an extremely useful tool for active sonar signal design. The steps consist in simulating a random noise waveform, constructing a signal design, and then performing correlation processing to find and evaluate performance. Three features are important to the effort: the LOTUS random number generator, the LOTUS cell relational copy feature, and the LOTUS graphing capabilities. >
Response to Letter to Editor: Sacroiliac Steroid Injections Do Not Predict Ablation Relief—Not a Surprise

Dear Editor: On behalf of my colleagues, I wanted to thank Dr. Mel Cusi et al. for their interest in the findings from one of our recent studies of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain, which was presented in the 28th Annual Conference of AAPM ⇓. I appreciate their comments that support the conclusion of our study and provide a plausible explanation for our findings. Diagnosing SIJ pain remains a challenge largely due to the lack of specific and sensitive tests ⇓. It has been recognized that solitary provocative maneuvers have little diagnostic value. False negatives are common because large forces are needed to stress the joint due to the large size and the immobility of the SI interface. Also, false-positive tests can be …
Rae1 and H60 ligands of the NKG2D receptor stimulate tumour immunity

Natural killer (NK) cells attack many tumour cell lines, and are thought to have a critical role in anti-tumour immunity; however, the interaction between NK cells and tumour targets is poorly understood. The stimulatory lectin-like NKG2D receptor is expressed by NK cells, activated CD8+ T cells and by activated macrophages in mice. Several distinct cell-surface ligands that are related to class I major histocompatibility complex molecules have been identified, some of which are expressed at high levels by tumour cells but not by normal cells in adults. However, no direct evidence links the expression of these 'induced self' ligands with tumour cell rejection. Here we demonstrate that ectopic expression of the murine NKG2D ligands Rae1beta or H60 in several tumour cell lines results in potent rejection of the tumour cells by syngeneic mice. Rejection is mediated by NK cells and/or CD8+ T cells. The ligand-expressing tumour cells induce potent priming of cytotoxic T cells and sensitization of NK cells in vivo. Mice that are exposed to live or irradiated tumour cells expressing Rae1 or H60 are specifically immune to subsequent challenge with tumour cells that lack NKG2D ligands, suggesting application of the ligands in the design of tumour vaccines.
La utilidad de la metodología de grupos en el análisis del comportamiento y en la psicología del desarrollo

Many independent variables related te developrnent are better approached with group than single-subject methods, either because experimental manipulation would be unethical or because they are only indexes of the real causal variables. Both kinds of variables can be studied in correlational group research, but correlational research deals with effect-effect relations, not functional relations, which are the subject-matter of behavior analysis. Understanding is the goal of behavior analysis; it is testedby rather than equivalent te the demonstration of control, and the dernonstration can come from experimental group research in addition to single-subject research. Deviations of individual performance from group means is not necessarily a problem; variability can be dealt within experimental group research; between-group experiments can dernonstrate functional relations; and statistical inference done properly is objective.
A dynamic study of providing quality of service using preemption policies with random selection

Bandwidth allocation is a fundamental problem in communication networks, especially where bandwidth is reserved for requests to guarantee a certain quality of service (QoS). Connection preemption, coupled with the capability to reroute connections, provides available and reliable services to high-priority connections when a network is heavily loaded and connection request arrival patterns are unknown, or when the network experiences transient overloads or faults that reduce the available capacity or routes. Preemption becomes more a more attractive strategy in a differentiated services scenario, especially when using DiffServ-aware traffic engineering approach. However, the complexity of such connection preemption algorithms is a very important performance criterion for implementation in real networks. In this paper, we analyze two simple and efficient preemption policies with random selection and examine their performance in a dynamic setting. To compare the dynamic performance of the new algorithms to the existing ones, we conduct complexity analysis and simulation studies.
Measurement of the 9Be(n,2n)8Be reaction cross section in the 9Be(d,n) thick-target neutron spectrum

Abstract 4 He production has been measured by an isotopic dilution mass spectrometry method, for the irradiation of Be-metal samples by fast neutrons from the 9 Be(d,n) source reaction, corresponding to 7-MeV deuterons incident on a thick Be-metal target. The 58 Ni(n,p) 58g+m Co dosimetry reaction was employed as a reference standard for measurement of the neutron flux. The integral cross section for the 9 Be(n,2n) 8 Be(2 4 He) reaction ( 8 Be breaks up very quickly into two α-particles) was deduced by applying a correction of 9.4% to account for the 9 Be(n,α) 6 He reaction contribution to the total 4 He yield from neutrons on Be. The experimental integral reaction cross-section ratio of 9 Be(n,2n)2 4 He to 58 Ni(n,p) 58g+m Co in this spectrum was found to be 1.217, with an error of 3.5%. This is in good agreement with the corresponding calculated ratio of 1.161 which is based on an average of results obtained by considering four distinct representations of the 9 Be(d,n) neutron spectrum and ENDF/B-VI values for the reaction cross sections. The scatter of the calculated results amounts to 0.5%. It is small because the shapes of the response functions, R ( E ) = o ( E ) σ ( E ), for these two reactions in this neutron spectrum are very similar. The observed C/E is 0.954. This is very good agreement, considering the various uncertainties involved, including those for the differential cross sections from ENDF/B-VI. This integral measurement is sensitive to the differential reaction cross section in the range 3–6 MeV. The uncertainty attributable to the 58 Ni(n,p) 58g+m Co reaction differential cross section in this range is estimated to be 3.5%. Therefore, the results of the present investigation indicate that ENDF/B-VI represents the 9 Be(n,2n)2 4 He reaction differential cross section quite well over this energy range.
Buckling of lipid tubules in shrinking liquid droplets.

Self-assembled hollow lipid tubules are interesting and potentially useful supramolecular structures. Here, we study the deformation of lipid tubules of 1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC) trapped inside liquid droplets on glass substrates. The interface tension of the shrinking liquid droplets exerts a compression force on the ends of the trapped lipid tubules, and causes them to buckle. This provides a method to measure their mechanical properties. The Young's modulus of the DC8,9PC lipid tubules is estimated to ∼1.07 GPa. As the strain energy of the buckled tubules builds up, they poke through the interface of shrinking liquid droplets and then adhere onto glass substrates to form looplike shapes.
From Republican Citizens to ‘Young Ethnics’ in the ‘Other France’? Race and Identity in France and the United States

France and the United States have often been viewed as polar opposites when it comes to issues of race. Yet recent societal and political developments in both countries suggest that there may be a modest convergence around this topic. In the United States, ‘old’ racial perspectives are starting to give way to an increased acknowledgement of the complexities of racial identities. In France, analysts have begun to pay more attention to the role of race, ethnicity, and identity as factors that generate barriers to inclusion and citizenship. This essay draws on three recent books to tease out the ways in which issues of race and identity are shifting on both sides of the Atlantic.
Ciceronian Ius Gentium and World Legislation

Only recently have world global institutions, like the United Nations Security Council, assumed the role of world legislator. The past few decades, however, have witnessed the appearance of grand normative theories of global law, the most significant recent example being John Rawls's The Law of Peoples (1999), in which Rawls applies many of the same (or similar) abstract, universalizable concepts that are found in his earlier works on political theory to global law and presents an "ideal theory" for a "Society of Peoples". Although I do not oppose full-blown theorizing about international lawmaking, I contend that a middle-range approach is a useful complement to a broad-range approach because of the incipient character of global law, and I further argue that Cicero's ius gentium, the law of nations, provides the basis for such a mid-range approach. Since ius gentium is connected to domestic law and values, it can accommodate the practical necessities of today's world legislation, i.e., necessities resulting from the absence of extensive, long-standing global legal norms and of international institutions to enforce world legislation. Ciceronian ius gentium, however, is not confined to domestic law. The link between Cicero's "law of nations" and his "natural law" points to the possibilities of a more progressive legal future, not yet realized.
Dielectric screening model for lattice vibrations of diamond-structure crystals

The phonon dispersion curves of Si are calculated from the dielectric screening theory using approximations based on Phillips's bond-charge model for covalent crystals. The off-diagonal ($K\ensuremath{\ne}{K}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) elements of the inverse dielectric function ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}(\mathrm{q}+\mathrm{K}, \mathrm{q}+{\mathrm{K}}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ are essential in the calculation for a nonmetal; here their effect is approximated by the interactions involving the bond charges. The diagonal part is calculated within the pseudopotential framework. One adjustable parameter, which affects only the LA modes, is used. The results are generally in good agreement with experiment (of order 10% except for the low acoustic modes for which the maximum error is 36%). The calculation suggests a two-parameter model for the forces, which can readily be applied to all crystals with the diamond structure. In agreement with the assumptions of bond-charge model, it is found that the major deviations from homology of the dispersion curves of the different elements are explained by the decreasing importance of the bond-charge forces as the dielectric constant increases.
Mathematical analysis of DICOM CT datasets: can endograft sizing be automated for complex anatomy?

Objectives To validate the use of a novel mathematical algorithm applied to digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) computed tomography (CT) data to automate the generation of complex endovascular graft planning. Methods An algorithm was developed enabling the creation of patient-specific mathematical model based upon DICOM CT data to allow for detailed efficient geometric analysis with repeatable results. This algorithm was applied to high resolution DICOM CT datasets of 15 patients, selected at random from 350 patients with aneurysms involving the visceral arteries. The longitudinal and rotational relationships of the visceral vessels were determined by the algorithm. For comparison purposes, the same measurements were acquired manually using centerline of flow software by a blinded investigator. The distance between the renal arteries, and location of the renal origins calculated with each method were then compared. Results Automated results were readily created for all 15 randomly selected patients. The measured versus calculated mean inter-renal artery distances were exceptionally close, differing by a mean of only 1.3 mm with a maximal range of 3.0 mm. The rotational position of the renal origins differed by only 10.5 degrees of arc (21 clock-face minutes) on average and by 32.5 degrees in the worst case. Conclusions The generation of an automated mathematical model to represent complex aortic geometry is feasible and reproducible in the context of high-resolution CT data. This process has been validated in 15 patients, where results corresponded with manual measurements that were used to successfully implant customized devices that accommodate the imaged vessels. Additional attributes include the expression of the 3D aorta in a compact form (on the order of kilobytes) for purposes of data storage, transfer, and other manipulations.
Recent trends in automatic information retrieval

Substantial successes were achieved in the early years in automatic indexing and retrieval using single term indexing theories with term weight assignments based on frequency considerations. The development of more refined indexing systems using thesaurus aids and automatically constructed term association maps changed the retrieval effectiveness only slightly. The recent introduction of the relevance concept in the form of probabilistic retrieval models provided a firm basis for term weighting and document ranking practices. However, the probabilistic methods were not helpful in substantially enhancing the retrieval effectiveness.At the present time, attempts are made to add artificial intelligence concepts to the document retrieval environment in the form of fancy graphics interfaces, learning systems for query and document indexing and for collection searching, extended logic models relating documents and information requests, and analysis methods based on the use of semantic maps and other kinds of knowledge structures. Using the earlier developments and evaluation results as guidelines, an attempt is made to outline the information retrieval environment of the future and to assess the usefulness of some of the currently proposed search and retrieval methods.
Partitioning and scheduling DSP applications with maximal memory access hiding

This paper presents an iteration space partitioning scheme to reduce the CPU idle time due to the long memory access latency. We take into consideration both the data accesses of intermediate and initial data. An algorithm is proposed to find the largest overlap for initial data to reduce the entire memory traffic. In order to efficiently hide the memory latency, another algorithm is developed to balance the ALU and memory schedules. The experiments on DSP benchmarks show that the algorithms significantly outperform the known existing methods.
Landscape Visibility Computation: Necessary, but Not Sufficient

In this essay we review the major developments in the history and techniques of landscape visibility analysis, providing a number of examples and identifying a few critical challenges to the community of those who would seek to evaluate visibility—and related characteristics such as visual quality or preference—in landscapes. We argue that visibility per se is a necessary prerequisite, but insufficient in itself, as a basis for the common planning, design, and public policy questions in the context of which many visibility analyses are instigated.
Diagnosability of discrete-event systems

Fault detection and isolation is a crucial and challenging task in the automatic control of large complex systems. We propose a discrete-event system (DES) approach to the problem of failure diagnosis. We introduce two related notions of diagnosability of DES's in the framework of formal languages and compare diagnosability with the related notions of observability and invertibility. We present a systematic procedure for detection and isolation of failure events using diagnosers and provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a language to be diagnosable. The diagnoser performs diagnostics using online observations of the system behavior; it is also used to state and verify off-line the necessary and sufficient conditions for diagnosability. These conditions are stated on the diagnoser or variations thereof. The approach to failure diagnosis presented in this paper is applicable to systems that fall naturally in the class of DES's; moreover, for the purpose of diagnosis, most continuous variable dynamic systems can be viewed as DES's at a higher level of abstraction. >
Transient Interactions between Collagen-tailed Acetylcholinesterase and Sulfated Proteoglycans Prior to Immobilization on the Extracellular Matrix

Heparin is capable of solubilizing a subset of collagen-tailed (A12) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) molecules from skeletal muscle fibers, but cannot detach AChE from the synaptic basal lamina (Rossi, S. G., and Rotundo, R. L.(1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 19152-19159). In the present study, we used tissue-cultured quail myotubes to show that, like adult fibers, neither heparin- nor high salt-containing buffers detached AChE molecules from cell-surface clusters. Prelabeling clustered AChE molecules with anti-AChE monoclonal antibody 1A2 followed by incubation in heparin-containing medium showed that there was no reduction in the number or size of pre-existing AChE clusters. In contrast, incubation of myotubes with culture medium containing heparin for up to 4 days reversibly blocked the accumulation of new cell-surface AChE molecules without affecting the rate of AChE synthesis or assembly. Newly synthesized A12 AChE becomes tightly attached to the extracellular matrix following externalization. However, in the presence of heparin, blocking the initial interactions between A12 AChE and the extracellular matrix results in release of AChE into the medium with a t12 of ∼3 h. Together, these results suggest that once A12 AChE is localized on the cell surface, initially attached via electrostatic interactions, additional factors or events are responsible for its selective and more permanent retention on the basal lamina.
WE‐F‐BRD‐01: HDR Brachytherapy II: Integrating Imaging with HDR

In recent years, with the advent of high/pulsed dose rate afterloading technology, advanced treatment planning systems, CT/MRI compatible applicators, and advanced imaging platforms, image-guided adaptive brachytherapy treatments (IGABT) have started to play an ever increasing role in modern radiation therapy. The most accurate way to approach IGABT treatment is to provide the infrastructure that combines in a single setting an appropriate imaging device, a treatment planning system, and a treatment unit. The Brachytherapy Suite is not a new concept, yet the modern suites are incorporating state-of-the-art imaging (MRI, CBCT equipped simulators, CT, and /or US) that require correct integration with each other and with the treatment planning and delivery systems. Arguably, an MRI-equipped Brachytherapy Suite is the ideal setup for real-time adaptive brachytherapy treatments. The main impediment to MRI-IGABT adoption is access to MRI scanners. Very few radiation oncology departments currently house MRI scanners, and even fewer in a dedicated Brachytherapy Suite. CBCT equipped simulators are increasingly offered by manufacturers as part of a Brachytherapy Suite installation. If optimized, images acquired can be used for treatment planning, or can be registered with other imaging modalities. This infrastructure is relevant for all forms of brachytherapy, especially those utilizing multi-fractionated courses ofmore » treatment such as prostate and cervix. Moreover, for prostate brachytherapy, US imaging systems can be part of the suite to allow for real-time HDR/LDR treatments. Learning Objectives: Understand the adaptive workflow of MR-based IGBT for cervical cancer. Familiarize with commissioning aspects of a CBCT equipped simulator with emphasis on brachytherapy applications Learn about the current status and future developments in US-based prostate brachytherapy.« less
Risk Factors Associated with Enteric Septicemia of Catfish on Mississippi Commercial Catfish Farms

AbstractA gram-negative bacterium, Edwardsiella ictaluri, is the cause of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), which is one of the most prevalent bacterial diseases in farm-raised catfish. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with ESC mortalities and are reported by farm personnel. To identify risk factors a catfish management database was developed. The odds ratios (OR) of the final multivariable logistic regression model were: (1) volume of the pond (OR, 0.56), (2) interval from harvest until a mortality event (OR, 1.49), (3) interval from stocking until a mortality event (OR, 0.52), (4) nitrite measured within 14 d of a mortality (OR, 3.49), (5) total ammonia measured within 14 d of a mortality (OR, 20.48), and (6) sum of feed fed for 14 d prior to the disease outbreak (OR, 1.02), all of which were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with ESC occurrence. This study showed that some commonly recorded production variables were associated with ESC outbreaks and if monitored ...
Multispectral imaging with three-dimensional rosette trajectories.

Two dimensional intersecting k-space trajectories have been previously demonstrated to allow fast multi-spectral imaging. Repeated sampling of k-space points leads to destructive interference of the signal coming from the off-resonance spectral peaks; on resonance data reconstruction yields images of the on-resonance peak, with some of the off-resonance energy being spread as noise in the image. A shift of the k-space data by a given off-resonance frequency brings a second frequency of interest on resonance, allowing the reconstruction of a second spectral peak from the same k-space data. Given the higher signal to noise per unit time characteristic of a 3D acquisition, we have extended the concept of intersecting trajectories to three dimensions. A 3D, rosette-like, pulse sequence was designed and implemented in a clinical, 1.5T scanner. An iterative density compensation function was developed to properly weight the 3D intersecting trajectories before Fourier transformation. Three volunteers were scanned using this sequence, and separate fat and water images were reconstructed from the same imaging dataset.
Radioiodination via vinylstannylated alkylating agents

p-Toluenesulfonate esters of (E)- and (Z)-3-(tri-n-butylstannyl)-2-propen-1-ol readily react with nucleophiles to give vinylstannanes which are substrates for rapid, efficient and stereospecific radioiododestannylation at the no-carrier-added level. This general approach is illustrated by syntheses of iodinated spiperone analogs for studies of dopamine D2 receptors.