cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards Activity Databases: Using Sensors and Statistical Models to Summarize People's Lives.

Automated reasoning about human behavior is a central goal of artificial intelligence. In order to engage and intervene in a meaningful way, an intelligent system must be able to understand what humans are doing, their goals and intentions. Furthermore, as social animals, people’s interactions with each other underlie many aspects of their lives: how they learn, how they work, how they play and how they affect the broader community. Understanding people’s interactions and their social networks will play an important role in designing technology and applications that are “socially-aware”. This paper introduces some of the current approaches in activity recognition which use a variety of different sensors to collect data about users’ activities, and probabilistic models and relational information that are used to transform the raw sensor data into higher-level descriptions of people’s behaviors and interactions. The end result of these methods is a richly structured dataset describing people’s daily patterns of activities and their evolving social networks. The potential applications of such datasets include mapping patterns of information-flow within an organization, predicting the spread of disease within a community, monitoring the health and activity-levels of elderly patients as well as healthy adults, and allowing “smart environments” to respond proactively to the needs and intentions of their users.
Conservation of the TRAPPII-specific subunits of a Ypt/Rab exchanger complex

Ypt/Rab GTPases and their GEF activators regulate intra-cellular trafficking in all eukaryotic cells. In S. cerivisiae, the modular TRAPP complex acts as a GEF for the Golgi gatekeepers: Ypt1 and the functional pair Ypt31/32. While TRAPPI, which acts in early Golgi, is conserved from fungi to animals, not much is known about TRAPPII, which acts in late Golgi and consists of TRAPPI plus three additional subunits. Here, we show a phylogenetic analysis of the three TRAPPII-specific subunits. One copy of each of the two essential subunits, Trs120 and Trs130, is present in almost every fully sequenced eukaryotic genome. Moreover, the primary, as well as the predicted secondary, structure of the Trs120- and Trs130-related sequences are conserved from fungi to animals. The mammalian orthologs of Trs120 and Trs130, NIBP and TMEM1, respectively, are candidates for human disorders. Currently, NIBP is implicated in signaling, and TMEM1 is suggested to have trans-membrane domains (TMDs) and to function as a membrane channel. However, we show here that the yeast Trs130 does not function as a trans-membrane protein, and the human TMEM1 does not contain putative TMDs. The non-essential subunit, Trs65, is conserved only among many fungi and some unicellular eukaryotes. Multiple alignment analysis of each TRAPPII-specific subunit revealed conserved domains that include highly conserved amino acids. We suggest that the function of both NIBP and TMEM1 in the regulation of intra-cellular trafficking is conserved from yeast to man. The conserved domains and amino acids discovered here can be used for functional analysis that should help to resolve the differences in the assigned functions of these proteins in fungi and animals.
Deletion of mitochondrial DNA bypassing a chromosomal gene needed for maintenance of the killer plasmid of yeast.

Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae carrying a 1.4 x 106 dalton double-stranded (ds) RNA in virus-like particles (the killer plasmid or virus) secrete a toxin that is lethal to strains not carrying this plasmid (virus). The mak10 gene is one of 24 chromosomal genes (called pets, mak1, mak2,...) that are needed to maintain and replicate the killer plasmid. We report here isolation of spontaneous and induced mutants in which the killer plasmid is maintained and replicated in spite of a defect in the mak10 gene. The bypass (or suppressor) mutations in these strains are in the mitochondrial genome. Respiratory deficiency produced by various chromosomal pet mutations, by chloramphenicol, or by antimycin A, does not bypass the mak10–1 mutation. Several spontaneous mak10–1 killer strains have about 12-fold more of the killer plasmid ds RNA than do wild-type killers. Although the absence of mitochondrial DNA bypasses mak10–1, it does not bypass pets–1, mak1–1, mak3–1, mak4–1, mak5–1, mak6–1, mak7–1, or mak8–1.
Paper substrate classification based on 3D surface micro-geometry

This paper presents an approach to derive a novel 3D signature based on the micro-geometry of paper surfaces so as to uniquely characterise and classify different paper substrates. This procedure is extremely important to confront different conducts of tampering valuable documents. We use a 4-light source photometric stereo (PS) method to recover dense 3D geometry of paper surfaces captured using an ultra-high resolution sensing device. We derived a unique signature for each paper type based on the shape index (SI) map generated from the surface normals of the 3D data. We show that the proposed signature can robustly and accurately classify paper substrates with different physical properties and different surface textures. Additionally, we present results demonstrating that our classification model using the 3D signature performs significantly better as compared to the use of conventional 2D image based descriptors extracted from both printed and non-printed paper surfaces. Accuracy of the proposed method is validated over a dataset comprising of 21 printed and 22 non-printed paper types and a measure of classification success of over 92%is achieved in both cases (92.5% for printed surfaces and 96% for the non-printed ones).
Effect of temporal autocorrelation due to physiological noise and stimulus paradigm on voxel-level false-positive rates in fMRI

Statistical mapping within a binary hypothesis testing framework is the most widely used analytical method in functional MRI of the brain. A common assumption in this kind of analysis is that the fMRI time series are independent and identically distributed in time, yet we know that fMRI data can have significant temporal correlation due to low-frequency physiological fluctuation (Weisskoff et al. [1993]; Proc Soc Magn Reson Med 9:7; Biswal et al. [1995]: Mag Reson Med 34:537-541). Furthermore, since the signal-to-noise ratio will vary with imaging rate, we should expect that the degree of correlation will vary with imaging rate. In this paper, we investigate the effect of temporal correlation and experimental paradigm on false-positive rates (type I error rates), using data synthesized through a simple autoregressive plus white-noise model whose parameters were estimated from real data over a range of imaging rates. We demonstrate that actual false-positive rates can be biased far above or below the assumed significance level alpha when temporal autocorrelation is ignored in a way that depends on both the degree of correlation as well as the paradigm frequency. Furthermore, we present a simple method, based on the noise model described above, for correcting such distortions, and relate this method to the extended general linear model of Worsley and Friston ([1995]: Neuroimage 2:173-181).
Some notes on entropy measures

Based on the maximum entropy concept, four questions of significance are examined in attempts to resolve questions of measure and bias. Not only can the number of “bins” (class intervals) for a maximum entropy system be maximized correctly in terms of residual errors in sampling of the system, but the degree of visibility of particular variations in the data also can be maximized. In addition, effects of noise in the data can be used to provide a biased maximum entropy system which allows for the vagaries in real data.
Initial Particle Form and Size on Change in Functional Specific Gravity of Alfalfa and Timothy Hay

Abstract In situ techniques were employed to characterize functional specific gravity change of alfalfa and timothy in the rumen. Alfalfa and timothy hay were chopped at .64-cm theoretical length of cut. Subsamples of each forage were dry sieved through a 3.2-mm screen, yielding particles >3.2 and
Synthesis of 2–14C-3-amino-1-chloro-5-methylhexan-2-one hydrochloride

A convenient synthesis of the 14C-labelled chloromethyl ketone analog of leucine is reported. Modification of previously published conditions allowed for the facile synthesis of: 2–14C-3-amino-1-chloro-5-methylhexan-2-one hydrochloride in four steps from 1-14C-DL-leucine in 85.7% yield. This represented a four-fold improvement over yields reported previously for compounds of this class.
Quantitation of mitral regurgitation by transesophageal echocardiography with doppler color flow mapping : correlation with cardiac catheterization

Eighty consecutive patients who underwent both left ventriculography and single-plane transesophageal echocardiography with Doppler color flow mapping were studied to compare the two techniques in the assessment of mitral regurgitation. Only the mosaic aspect of the regurgitant jet was included in the measurements. Values for inter- and intraobserver variability for the maximal regurgitant area measurements were 10 +/- 9% and 9 +/- 8%, respectively. The best correlation between angiography and Doppler color flow imaging was obtained with the maximal regurgitant area (r = 0.90). A maximal regurgitant area less than 3 cm2 predicted mild mitral regurgitation with a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 100% and a predictive accuracy of 98%, whereas a maximal regurgitant area greater than 6 cm2 predicted severe mitral regurgitation with a sensitivity of 91%, a specificity of 100% and a predictive accuracy of 98%. A strong, although inferior, correlation was found for the maximal regurgitant area/left atrial area ratio (r = 0.81). A ratio less than 20% predicted mild mitral regurgitation with 94% accuracy, whereas a ratio greater than 35% predicted severe mitral regurgitation with 85% accuracy. Thus, single-plane transesophageal echocardiography with Doppler color flow mapping is an exquisitely sensitive technique for the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation. Minimal degrees of mitral regurgitation can be detected in approximately 62% of patients in whom no mitral regurgitation is detected by angiography. The mosaic maximal regurgitant area is a simple and easily obtainable Doppler echocardiographic index that provides an accurate estimation of mitral regurgitation severity.
The Middle Ground in Action Research: Integrating Practical and Critical Inquiry

Advocates of action research propose formalizing teacher inquiry to empower teachers to leverage their “insider” knowledge to change classroom practice. Currently there is disagreement between theorists who promote action research as practical or critical inquiry. This article defines the characteristics and history of action research in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This review provides evidence of the theoretical divide between practical and critical action research, promoting the exploration of a middle ground. By encouraging a dialogue between proponents of both forms of action research, educators will gain new insights about teacher practice and the factors that promote or hinder critical teacher reflection.
2-(4-Carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide potentiates nitrosation of a heterocyclic amine carcinogen by nitric oxide.

Abstract Although nitrosation plays an important role in initiation of carcinogenesis, the reactive nitrogen oxygen species (RNOS) mediating this reaction by multiple pathways have not been determined. The heterocyclic amine carcinogen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5- f ]quinoline (IQ) was used as a target to investigate RNOS and pathways for potentiation of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated nitrosation. 2-(4-Carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (CPTIO) oxidizes NO to NO 2 and was used as a tool to investigate NO 2 potentiation of nitrosation. The IQ nitrosation product, 2-nitrosoamino-3-methylimidazo[4,5- f ]quinoline ( 14 C–N–NO–IQ), was monitored by HPLC. Autoxidation of NO, generated by spermine NONOate (2.4 μM NO/min) for 7.5 min, did not convert 10 μM 14 C–IQ to N–NO–IQ. However, the presence of 15 μM CPTIO resulted in 3 μM N–NO–IQ formation. Potentiation by CPTIO occurred at low and high fluxes of NO, 0.075 to 1.2 μM/min, and over a range of IQ to CPTIO ratios of 0.5 to 10. A significant portion of N–NO–IQ formation was insensitive to azide (10 mM) inhibition, suggesting oxidative nitrosylation. NADH (0.02 mM) did not alter nitrosation by autoxidation, but effectively inhibited potentiation by CPTIO. Ascorbic acid (0.2 mM) and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N -oxide (30 mM) inhibited nitrosation with or without CPTIO, while superoxide dismutase was not inhibitory. The RNOS produced by CPTIO had a 27-fold greater affinity for IQ than those produced by autoxidation. Results are consistent with NO 2 or a RNOS like NO 2 potentiating IQ oxidative nitrosylation. Nitrosation occurring at both low and high fluxes of NO can contribute to carcinogenesis.
Review: From science to e-Science to Semantic e-Science: A Heliophysics case study

The past few years have witnessed unparalleled efforts to make scientific data web accessible. The Semantic Web has proven invaluable in this effort; however, much of the literature is devoted to system design, ontology creation, and trials and tribulations of current technologies. In order to fully develop the nascent field of Semantic e-Science we must also evaluate systems in real-world settings. We describe a case study within the field of Heliophysics and provide a comparison of the evolutionary stages of data discovery, from manual to semantically enable. We describe the socio-technical implications of moving toward automated and intelligent data discovery. In doing so, we highlight how this process enhances what is currently being done manually in various scientific disciplines. Our case study illustrates that Semantic e-Science is more than just semantic search. The integration of search with web services, relational databases, and other cyberinfrastructure is a central tenet of our case study and one that we believe has applicability as a generalized research area within Semantic e-Science. This case study illustrates a specific example of the benefits, and limitations, of semantically replicating data discovery. We show examples of significant reductions in time and effort enable by Semantic e-Science; yet, we argue that a ''complete'' solution requires integrating semantic search with other research areas such as data provenance and web services.
Biphasic constant-current stimulator for whole-animal shocking of marine animals

DepartmentofBiomedicalEngineering, Case WesternReserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 A constant-current stimulator delivering biphasic pulses was designed and constructed for whole-animal shocking during aversive conditioning of Pleurobranchaea, a marine gastropod mollusk used for behavioral and neurophysiological research. The advantages of whole-animal stimulation are discussed and results are briefly described with regard to the factors involved in evaluating the procedure. The circuit design and electrode considerations are presented in detail. The basic stimulator design has potential for use as a general instrument for behavioral and physiological research. The "whole-animal" stimulator described below was designed and built to aversively condition Pleurobranch­ aea, a marine gastropod mollusk suitable for investigat­ ing the neural correlates of behavior and learning (see Eisenstein, 1967 for a general discussion on invertebrate learning studies). Animals were shocked in moderately small rectangular aquaria through large platinum elec­ trodes placed at each end (Mpitsos, Collins, & McClellan, Note 1). DESIGNCONSIDERATIONS
Structure of β-galactosidase at 3.2-Å resolution obtained by cryo-electron microscopy

We report the solution structure of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (∼465 kDa), solved at ∼3.2-A resolution by using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Densities for most side chains, including those of residues in the active site, and a catalytic Mg(2+) ion can be discerned in the map obtained by cryo-EM. The atomic model derived from our cryo-EM analysis closely matches the 1.7-A crystal structure with a global rmsd of ∼0.66 A. There are significant local differences throughout the protein, with clear evidence for conformational changes resulting from contact zones in the crystal lattice. Inspection of the map reveals that although densities for residues with positively charged and neutral side chains are well resolved, systematically weaker densities are observed for residues with negatively charged side chains. We show that the weaker densities for negatively charged residues arise from their greater sensitivity to radiation damage from electron irradiation as determined by comparison of density maps obtained by using electron doses ranging from 10 to 30 e(-)/A(2). In summary, we establish that it is feasible to use cryo-EM to determine near-atomic resolution structures of protein complexes (<500 kDa) with low symmetry, and that the residue-specific radiation damage that occurs with increasing electron dose can be monitored by using dose fractionation tools available with direct electron detector technology.
Lifetimes of enhanced chromospheric network features near active regions

Centerline Hα filtergrams providing nearly full day coverage of the Sun are used to study the lifetimes of enhanced network features near active regions. In the two cases studied the fraction remaining of those features present at an original epoch remains near unity for 50 h, then drops exponentially with a 1/e decay time of 30 h. Histories of representative enhanced network features are discussed.
Developing open intersubjectivity: On the interpersonal shaping of experience

The aim of this paper is to motivate the need for and then present the outline of an alternative explanation of what Dan Zahavi has dubbed “open intersubjectivity,” which captures the basic interpersonal character of perceptual experience as such. This is a notion whose roots lay in Husserl’s phenomenology. Accordingly, the paper begins by situating the notion of open intersubjectivity – as well as the broader idea of constituting intersubjectivity to which it belongs – within Husserl’s phenomenology as an approach distinct from his more well-known account of empathy (Einfuhlung) in the Fifth Cartesian Meditation. I then recapitulate and criticize Zahavi’s phenomenological explanation of open intersubjectivity, arguing that his account hinges on a flawed phenomenology of perceptual experience. In the wake of that criticism, I supply an alternative phenomenological framework for explaining open intersubjectivity, appealing to the methodological principles of Husserl’s genetic phenomenology and his theory of developmentally primitive affect. Those principles are put to work using the resources of recent studies of cognitive developmental and social cognition. From that literature, I discuss how infants learn about the world from others in secondary intersubjectivity through natural pedagogy. Lastly, the paper closes by showing how the discussion of infant development explains the phenomenon of open intersubjectivity and by highlighting the relatively moderate nature of this account compared to Zahavi’s.
High-performance long wavelength superlattice infrared detectors

The nearly lattice-matched InAs/GaSb/AlSb (antimonide) material system offers tremendous flexibility in realizing high-performance infrared detectors. Antimonide-based superlattice (SL) detectors can be tailor-made to have cutoff wavelengths ranging from the short wave infrared (SWIR) to the very long wave infrared (VLWIR). SL detectors are predicted to have suppressed Auger recombination rates and low interband tunneling, resulting in the suppressed dark currents. Moreover, the nearly lattice-matched antimonide material system, consisting of InAs, GaSb, AlSb and their alloys, allows for the construction of superlattice heterostructures. In particular, unipolar barriers, which blocks one carrier type without impeding the flow of the other, have been implemented in the design of SL photodetectors to realize complex heterodiodes with improved performance. Here, we report our recent efforts in achieving state-of-the-art performance in antimonide superlattice based infrared photodetectors.
Developing a Documentation System That Works

A documentation system that facilitates accurate and complete recording is needed by every obstetric/neonatal nursing service. Developing an individualized system is a major undertaking. However, specific steps can be taken to ease the process. These steps are described, beginning with the assessment phase and concluding with evaluation.
EFFECT OF EARLY THYMECTOMY ON DEVELOPMENT OF MAMMARY TUMOURS IN MICE.

IT is now well established that the thymus plays an important part in the development of immunological competence in mammals. For example, in the mouse, removal of the thymus within the first 24 h after birth results in a serious impairment of the capacity to produce circulating antibody and the ability to reject allogeneic grafts of normal or neoplastic tissues. In addition, these mice also develop a wasting syndrome ending in early death1–7. Surgical ablation of the thymus at 6 and up to 35 days of age also produces a state of immunological impairment, which is more severe when thymectomy is performed earlier in life. These animals do not develop the wasting syndrome and have a life-span comparable with that of non-thymectomized controls8–10.
Poems of Two Friends

William Dean Howells is generally associated with the beginnings of critical realism in American fiction. His first published work, a rare little volume of poetry-"Poems of Two Friends"-, however, reveals something of his romantic youth.Â Two letters published here for the first time help place the volume of poetry into context.
Determining a Performance Envelope for Capture of Kidney Stones Functionalized with Superparamagnetic Microparticles

Abstract Background and Purpose: Complete stone removal is important in upper tract stone surgery. Unfortunately, even with the latest technologic advances, current methods only achieve 50% to 80% complete clearance of upper tract stones at the time of primary treatment. Our group has explored the novel use of peptide-coated iron oxide superparamagnetic microparticles that bind to calcium stones, allowing for extraction of these stones with magnetic tools. We present analytic and numeric models that characterize stone attraction performance for feasible magnetic tool sizes and stone magnetization levels. Materials and Methods: Magnetostatics equations are applied to a simplified, one-dimensional scenario of a spherical target coated with a variable amount of superparamagnetic particles, placed under the influence of a magnetic field aimed at vertical attraction (capture) of the target. Equations are parameterized in terms of (a) target size, ranging from 0.5 mm to 3 mm to represent stone sizes of interest...
Sugar Beet Grown Using Nutrient Film Technique: Yield and Nutritional Quality

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L cv Great Western Sugar) was grown using the nutrient film technique with a half-strength modified Hoagland nutrient solution to determine its biomass yield and nutritional quality. After 6 months, storage root and foliage weights per plant were 493.1 g and 551.0 g, respectively. Sucrose content in the fresh storage root was 118.4 g kg -1 but was less than 10 g kg -1 in the fresh leaves and petioles. Some nutrients in the leaves and petioles were analysed to evaluate their potential as a leafy vegetable. Fresh leaf protein, total dietary fibre, mineral (Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and K), vitamin (carotene, ascorbic acid and thiamine) and oxalic acid concentrations were similar to those of consumer-accepted green vegetables.
Anaerobic microbial degradation of diuron by pond sediment

Anaerobic degradation of the herbicide diuron, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl-1,1)dimethylurea, was studied. Enrichment cultures were established with seven different media in the presence of diuron (40 mg/liter). Media included combinations of sediment extract, mineral salts, and various organic amendments. Cultures were inoculated with aliquots of sediment collected from a pond previously treated with diuron and were maintained under an atmosphere of 95% N2 and 5% CO2. All enrichment cultures completely degraded diuron in 17–25 days. In all cultures showing diuron degradation, the product identified as 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea appeared in approximately stoichiometric amounts. Reinjection of diuron into each culture after 26 days resulted in rapid degradation of the parent herbicide with the appearance of proportionately more 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. No other product was detected after 80 days in culture and the metachloro derivative was not degraded further during this time.
3-Acetylpyridine-induced degeneration in the dorsal root ganglia: involvement of small diameter neurons and influence of axotomy.

3-Acetylpyridine (3-AP), an analogue of nicotinamide, produces highly selective CNS lesions, the severity of which may be influenced by prior alterations in the metabolic activity of the affected neurons. The present study was undertaken to determine whether prior axotomy modified the response of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and anterior horn (AH) neurons to 3-AP. A single administration (50 or 80 mg/kg i.p.) of 3-AP to adult rats resulted in degeneration of primarily small-dark DRG neurons by 24 h. The AH neurons were not affected by either dose of 3-AP. Light and electron microscopy of the DRG revealed a spectrum of damage ranging from loss of Nissl substance and cytoplasmic degradation to frank necrosis with neuronophagia. Frequently, injured neurons exhibited perinuclear aggregation of cytoplasmic organelles with dissolution of Nissl substance, clearing of the peripheral cytoplasm, and formation of large peripheral vacuoles. Occasionally, a second pattern of 3-AP injury was observed in which the nuclear chromatin of the neurons was condensed and there was formation of small vacuoles throughout the cytoplasm without peripheral clearing or perinuclear aggregation of cytoplasmic organelles. Axotomy induced typical axon reactions in both large-pale and small-dark DRG neurons. The combination of axotomy followed by 3-AP 4 days later produced morphological features characteristic of both axotomy and 3-AP exposure, but did not appear to alter the incidence of neuronal cell death. The almost exclusive vulnerability of the small dorsal root ganglion neurons to 3-AP neurotoxicity make this model potentially useful for the study of small fibre neuropathies.
Numerical integration of differential equations on the 704 EDPM

To provide a convenient means for solving complex and nonlinear ordinary differential equations, a system has been devised which causes a 704 EDPM to behave like an analogue differential analyzer. Use of this system involves the interconnection of appropriate subroutines in a manner analogous to the interconnection of operational amplifiers in an analogue machine. The subroutines are designed so that the user may compile the required connections automatically, without much knowledge of digital computer coding. Solving differential equations by this method takes no more setup time than that required by analogue machines and in many cases may be a good deal faster. Integration is done by using Milne's formulas. The system automatically adjusts the integration interval to take advantage of portions of the solution which can be computed with large intervals at no sacrifice of accuracy. Nonlinear functions may be expressed by a table of values in storage.
Low-valent α-diimine iron complexes for catalytic olefin hydrogenation

A family of low-valent α-diimine iron complexes has been synthesized and their utility in catalytic olefin hydrogenation reactions evaluated. Reduction of the ferrous dichloride complex [ArNC(Me)C(Me)NAr]FeCl2 (Ar = 2,6-(CHMe2)2-C6H3) with sodium amalgam in benzene or toluene furnished the iron arene complexes, [ArNC(Me)C(Me)NAr]Fe(η6-C6H5R) (R = H, Me). The solid-state structure of the toluene adduct revealed a contracted carbon−carbon backbone, short iron−imine bonds, and elongated imine nitrogen−carbon distances, suggesting significant reduction of the α-diimine ligand. The analogous reduction in alkane solvents afforded the bis(α-diimine) complex [ArNC(Me)C(Me)NAr]2Fe, which has also been crystallographically characterized. The arene complexes and the bis(α-diimine) complexes are inactive for catalytic olefin hydrogenation. Performing the reduction in the presence of internal alkynes such as diphenylacetylene and bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene furnished the alkyne adducts [ArNC(Me)C(Me)NAr]Fe(η2-RC⋮CR) ...
Acute care surgery practice model: Targeted growth for fiscal success

Purpose Acute care surgery (ACS) remains in its infancy as a defined surgical specialty within hospital systems. Little has been published regarding the financial impact of this method of care delivery to hospital systems and departments when combining trauma, surgical critical care, emergent, and elective general surgery into a single practice model. We sought to compare hospital net income and divisional clinical productivity measures of a newly formed, university division of ACS based on patient type—trauma, emergency general surgery, and elective surgery—to determine the best avenues by which to focus on programmatic growth. Methods Single calendar year, retrospective review of hospital system income and divisional fiscal productivity of specific patient visits by patient type (trauma, emergent, or elective) admitted to or discharged by the acute care surgeons. Demographic data, payor mix, patient volumes, and operative rates were determined for each patient type. Fiscal contribution by patient type to both hospital and clinical productivity were measured by hospital net income and divisional work relative value units (wRVU) production respectively. The Chi-square test for independence compared payor mix and analysis of variance was used for comparison of fiscal performance between patient types. Results We included 1,492 patients in the analysis of calendar year 2010; 1,056 trauma (67% male; mean age, 41.9; range, 0–102), 346 emergent (53% male; mean age, 44.6; range, 15–91), and 90 elective (51% male; mean age, 46; range, 16–87) patient encounters met criteria for analysis. There were no differences in payor mix between patient types. Significant differences were seen in average per patient encounter hospital net income, divisional wRVU production and duration of stay. The ACS team ( n = 3) operated on 12% of trauma patients compared with 52% of emergent and 100% of elective surgery encounters. Hospital net income per patient was greatest for trauma encounters, whereas divisional clinical productivity per patient encounter was greatest for emergent patients. Elective encounters contributed negatively to hospital margins. Conclusion Per-patient hospital system income and a majority of clinical wRVU productivity remains greatest for the care of injured patients in our ACS practice model; emergent general surgical encounters demonstrate the greatest per-patient rates of divisional clinical productivity.
Ocean–atmosphere dynamics during Hurricane Ida and Nor'Ida: An application of the coupled ocean–atmosphere–wave–sediment transport (COAWST) modeling system

Abstract The coupled ocean–atmosphere–wave–sediment transport (COAWST) modeling system was used to investigate atmosphere–ocean–wave interactions in November 2009 during Hurricane Ida and its subsequent evolution to Nor’Ida, which was one of the most costly storm systems of the past two decades. One interesting aspect of this event is that it included two unique atmospheric extreme conditions, a hurricane and a nor’easter storm, which developed in regions with different oceanographic characteristics. Our modeled results were compared with several data sources, including GOES satellite infrared data, JASON-1 and JASON-2 altimeter data, CODAR measurements, and wave and tidal information from the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) and the National Tidal Database. By performing a series of numerical runs, we were able to isolate the effect of the interaction terms between the atmosphere (modeled with Weather Research and Forecasting, the WRF model), the ocean (modeled with Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)), and the wave propagation and generation model (modeled with Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN)). Special attention was given to the role of the ocean surface roughness. Three different ocean roughness closure models were analyzed: DGHQ (which is based on wave age), TY2001 (which is based on wave steepness), and OOST (which considers both the effects of wave age and steepness). Including the ocean roughness in the atmospheric module improved the wind intensity estimation and therefore also the wind waves, surface currents, and storm surge amplitude. For example, during the passage of Hurricane Ida through the Gulf of Mexico, the wind speeds were reduced due to wave-induced ocean roughness, resulting in better agreement with the measured winds. During Nor’Ida, including the wave-induced surface roughness changed the form and dimension of the main low pressure cell, affecting the intensity and direction of the winds. The combined wave age- and wave steepness-based parameterization ( OOST ) provided the best results for wind and wave growth prediction. However, the best agreement between the measured (CODAR) and computed surface currents and storm surge values was obtained with the wave steepness-based roughness parameterization ( TY2001 ), although the differences obtained with respect to DGHQ were not significant. The influence of sea surface temperature (SST) fields on the atmospheric boundary layer dynamics was examined; in particular, we evaluated how the SST affects wind wave generation, surface currents and storm surges. The integrated hydrograph and integrated wave height, parameters that are highly correlated with the storm damage potential, were found to be highly sensitive to the ocean surface roughness parameterization.
Efficacy of venlafaxine XR for the treatment of pain in patients with spinal cord injury and major depression: A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract Objectives To (1) determine the efficacy of venlafaxine XR for the treatment of pain (secondary aim) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the efficacy of venlafaxine XR for major depressive disorder (MDD) (primary aim); and (2) test the hypothesis that venlafaxine XR would be effective for both neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Design Multisite, double-blind, randomized (1:1) controlled trial with subjects block randomized and stratified by site, lifetime history of substance abuse, and prior history of MDD. Setting Six Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in university-based medical schools. Participants Individuals (N=123) with SCI and major depression between 18 and 64 years of age, at least 1 month post-SCI who also reported pain. Intervention Twelve-week trial of venlafaxine XR versus placebo using a flexible titration schedule. Outcome Measures A 0-to-10 numeric rating scale for pain, pain interference items of the Brief Pain Inventory; 30% and 50% responders. Results The effect of venlafaxine XR on neuropathic pain was similar to that of placebo. However venlafaxine XR resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in nociceptive pain site intensity and interference even after controlling for anxiety, depression, and multiple pain sites within the same individual. For those who achieved a minimally effective dose of venlafaxine XR, some additional evidence of effectiveness was noted for those with mixed (both neuropathic and nociceptive) pain sites. Conclusions Venlafaxine XR could complement current medications and procedures for treating pain after SCI and MDD that has nociceptive features. Its usefulness for treating central neuropathic pain is likely to be limited. Research is needed to replicate these findings and determine whether the antinociceptive effect of venlafaxine XR generalizes to persons with SCI pain without MDD.
Utilizing IDs to Accelerate Incremental View Maintenance

Prior Incremental View Maintenance (IVM) algorithms specify the view tuples that need to be modified by computing diff sets, which we call tuple-based diffs since a diff set contains one diff tuple for each to-be-modified view tuple. idIVM assumes the base tables have keys and performs IVM by computing ID-based diff sets that compactly identify the to-be-modified tuples through their IDs. This work makes the following contributions: (a) An ID-based IVM system for a large subset of SQL that includes the algebraic operators selection, join, grouping and aggregation, generalized projection involving functions, antisemijoin (and therefore negation/difference) and union. The system is based on a modular approach, allowing one to extend the supported language simply by adding one algebraic operator at-a-time, along with equations describing how ID-based changes are propagated through the operator. (b) An efficient algorithm that creates an IVM plan for a given view in four passes that are polynomial in the size of the view expression. (c) A formal analysis comparing the ID-based IVM algorithm to prior IVM approaches and analytically showing when one outperforms the other. (d) An experimental comparison of the ID-based IVM algorithm to prior IVM algorithms showing the superiority of the former in common use cases.
Psicodinâmica da violência de grandes grupos e da violência de massas

A partir de Freud, as teorias psicanalistas sobre grandes grupos focalizam, principalmente, as percepcoes e os significados que, psicologicamente, os individuos atribuem a eles. Este texto analisa alguns aspectos sobre a psicologia dos grandes grupos e sua psicodinâmica interna e especifica. Toma como referencia grupos etnicos, nacionais, religiosos e ideologicos cujo pertencimento dos sujeitos iniciou-se na infância. O autor faz uma comparacao entre o processo de luto em individuos e o processo de luto em grandes grupos para ilustrar por que e necessario investir no conhecimento da psicologia destes ultimos como um objeto especifico. O autor descreve, ainda, sinais e sintomas de regressao em grandes grupos. Quando ha ameaca a identidade coletiva, pode ocorrer um processo de violencia de massas que obviamente influencia a saude publica.
Analysis of Pseudo-Reliability of a Combat Tank System and its Optimal Design

The effectiveness of an actual combat tank system is analyzed. A measure of effectiveness (called pseudo-reliability) which is the reliability of a system weighted by the relative-performance is introduced. It appears to be a more practical measure of the system effectiveness than reliability whenever the level of performance is of primary concern as is the case for the combat tank system. A model is used to optimize the design of the system in which the system pseudo-reliability is maximized subject to a cost constraint. This model involves nonlinear programming and is solved by the sequential unconstrained minimization technique (SUMT). A numerical example with actual data from the test evaluation of five combat tanks illustrates the model.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma in children

Because malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) rarely occurs in children, the natural history of this tumor and prognostic factors predictive of outcome have not been well described. The charts of all pediatric patients with MFH seen at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center were reviewed with respect presentation, treatment, and outcome, in an attempt to determine prognostic factors that are predictive of survival. Forty-four pediatric patients were identified. Extremities were the most common tumor site (31 of 44 patients). Five patients presented with angiomatoid histology subtype; all subsequently survived. The estimated 5-year survival rate was 85% for clinical group I patients, 87% for clinical group II, 53% for clinical group III, and 0% for clinical group IV. The estimated 5-year survival rate was 95% for patients with tumors of less than 5 cm in diameter and 45% for those with larger tumors. Overall, the estimated 5-year survival rate was 71%. Significant prognostic factors found to affect survival (by univariate analysis) were clinical group, tumor size, and recurrence. Gender and race were not significant predictors. The use of chemotherapy and radiation was not found to improve the chance of survival, but this most likely reflected the more frequent use of adjuvant therapy in patients with unresectable or high-grade tumors. Although adequate surgical resection continues to be the most effective treatment, investigation of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy on protocol is warranted.
Role of organizational commitment in advanced manufacturing technology and performance relationship

This study, utilizing an advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) intensity index, first, examines the variations in a company’s performance as a function of the simultaneous effect of organizational commitment and the dimensions of manufacturing technology intensity and, second, using the moderator hypothesis, examines a proposal that the greater the organizational commitment complemented AMT’s competences, the greater would be the performance impact of AMT. Results from the study indicate that elements described as complementary to AMT strengths (i.e. desire to keep membership and willingness to exert effort on behalf of the organization) interact negatively with AMT.
Theory of Dipole Flow in Uniform Anisotropic Aquifers

A theory of dipole flow is developed to model flow induced by a vertical circulation well consisting of injection and extraction chambers in a single borehole. Included in the theory are an analytical description of the kinematic flow structure around a vertical circulation well and the drawdown in the well chambers. Using Stokes' stream function, simple criteria are derived to determine the region of intensive recirculation. This region extends (from the dipole center) approximately five distances between chamber centers in the radial direction and two distances between chamber centers in both vertical directions. The vertical scale does not depend on anisotropy of hydraulic conductivity, and the radial scale is corrected for anisotropic aquifers. Based on these estimates, criteria are given for the selection of the appropriate aquifer model to employ in five settings, including infinite, semi-infinite confined, semi-infinite unconfined, finite confined, and finite unconfined aquifers. Applications of dipole flow theory are given for analytical estimation of the capture zone for recirculation wells and for simultaneous measurement of horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity in uniform anisotropic aquifers using steady state measurements of drawdown in the well chambers.
What is the best way to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitis

Rapid tests are highly specific but less sensitive. Throat culture is still the gold standard.
Abstract scattering for nonlinear evolution equations

Scattering for Nonlinear Evolution Equations by G. F. WEBB* Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee 37235
Structure of delvestine: a norditerpenoid alkaloid from Delphinium vestitum Wall.

C32H46N2O8, Mr = 586.73, m.p. 458-460 K, monoclinic, P2(1), a = 9.187 (2), b = 14.979 (3), c = 11.474 (2) A, beta = 104.09 (2) degrees, V = 1531.5 (9) A3, Z = 2, D chi = 1.27 g cm-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 7.1 cm-1, F(000) = 632, room temperature, R = 0.039, wR = 0.053 for 3077 observed reflections [I greater than 3 sigma(I)]. The aminoethyl C(21) atom is disordered. There is an intramolecular hydrogen bond between O(1)--H(O1) and N(1) atoms, and between O(3)--H(O3) and O(4), stabilizing the boat conformations adopted by the rings A and D.
Significant Other Enhanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for PTSD and Alcohol Misuse in OEF/OIF Veterans

This manuscript describes early work to develop a cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol for returning OEF/OIF Veterans with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders (AUD). Based on the unique characteristics of this population, and on the literature supporting cognitive behavioral coping skills and significant other involvement for both PTSD and for AUD, the new therapy involves both of those components. The paper includes brief descriptions of two patients who were successfully treated with this approach. Although preliminary, these case studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy enhanced by significant other involvement may be a promising approach for OEF/OIF Veterans with PTSD-AUD.
Searching for disability in electronic databases of published literature.

Abstract Background As researchers in disability and health conduct systematic reviews with greater frequency, the definition of disability used in these reviews gains importance. Translating a comprehensive conceptual definition of “disability” into an operational definition that utilizes electronic databases in the health sciences is a difficult step necessary for performing systematic literature reviews in the field. Consistency of definition across studies will help build a body of evidence that is comparable and amenable to synthesis. Objective To illustrate a process for operationalizing the World Health Organization's International Classification of Disability, Functioning, and Health concept of disability for MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. Methods We created an electronic search strategy in conjunction with a reference librarian and an expert panel. Quality control steps included comparison of search results to results of a search for a specific disabling condition and to articles nominated by the expert panel. Results The complete search strategy is presented. Results of the quality control steps indicated that our strategy was sufficiently sensitive and specific. Conclusions Our search strategy will be valuable to researchers conducting literature reviews on broad populations with disabilities.
Analysis of concentration fluctuations from lidar observations of atmospheric plumes

Abstract A series of nearly instantaneous vertical cross sections of power-plant plume concentrations obtained by both airborne and ground-based lidar systems for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Plume Model Validation and Development Project have been analyzed. By statistically resampling the data, values of the ratio of the ensemble rms concentration fluctuation, σc, to the ensemble mean concentration, c, near the center of the plumes are found to vary from 0.2 to 4. More importantly, it is found that the normalized probability distribution function can be well represented as that resulting from a Gaussian distribution with any nonrealizable negative tail replaced by a delta function, representing intermittency at zero.
Millisecond Production of Hydrogen from Alternative, High Hydrogen Density Fuels in a Cocurrent Multifunctional Microreactor

A pseudo-2-dimensional model is used for modeling a multifunctional microreactor for hydrogen generation by coupling catalytic ammonia decomposition on ruthenium with catalytic propane combustion on platinum. The two reactions are carried out in adjacent parallel plate channels in a cocurrent flow mode. Operating lines defining the attainable region are computed. The high temperatures and fast heat transfer ensure that both reactions go to completion in as low as submillisecond contact times and enable compact hydrogen production for portable and distributed power generation. The ammonia decomposition reaction tends to be limited by the intrinsic rate of reaction, whereas catalytic combustion is also affected by mass and heat diffusion. We have found that moderate and high conductivity materials are preferable because they support a rather wide attainable region. We show that one such device could enable variable hydrogen supply for variable power needs. A simple operating strategy to dial in the desirabl...