cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exfoliation energy, quasiparticle band structure, and excitonic properties of selenium and tellurium atomic chains

Effects that are not captured by the generalized-gradient density-functional theory have a prominent effect on the structural binding and on the electronic and optical properties of reduced-dimensional and weakly bound materials. Here, we report the exfoliation energy of selenium and tellurium atomic chains with nonempirical van der Waals corrections, and their electronic and optical properties with the $GW$ and Bethe-Salpeter formalisms. The exfoliation energy is found to be within 0.547--0.719 eV/u.c. for the selenium atomic chain, and 0.737--0.926 eV/u.c. for the tellurium atomic chain (where u.c. stands for unit cell), depending on the approximation for the van der Waals interaction and the numerical tool chosen. The $GW$ electronic band gap turned out to be 5.22--5.47 (4.44--4.59) eV for the Se (Te) atomic chains, with the lowest bound obtained with the Godby-Needs (GN), and the upper bound to the Hybertsen-Louie (HL) plasmon-pole models (PPMs). The binding energy of the ground-state excitonic state ranges between 2.69 and 2.72 eV for selenium chains within the HL and GN PPM, respectively, and it turned out to be 2.35 eV for tellurium chains with both approximations. The ground-state excitonic wave function is localized within 50 \AA{} along the axis for both types of atomic chains, and its energy lies within the visible spectrum: blue [2.50(GN)--2.78(HL) eV] for selenium and yellow-green [2.09(GN)--2.28(HL) eV] for tellurium, which could be useful for LED applications in the visible spectrum.
On Testing of Hypotheses

Despite the fact that Erich L. Lehmann contributed substantially to several other areas of statistics, his name is prominently linked to hypothesis testing. This is not only because the tremendous impact of his 1959 book Testing Statistical Hypotheses, TSH, now in its third edition - Lehmann and Romano (2005), but it is also due to Erich’s life-long pioneering and substantial contributions to the area. The chapter on Lehmann’s books in the second volume of these selected works contains a fascinating account by Joseph P. Romano on the history of the writing of the substantially expanded third edition of Testing Statistical Hypotheses.
Experimental sleep fragmentation

Thirty-six healthy young men and women (age range 21-35 years) were studied in an experimental model of sleep fragmentation. On 2 nights sleep was disrupted by presenting tones to produce brief electroencephalogram (EEG) arousals (without shortening sleep time) and daytime function was assessed the following day with the Multiple Sleep Latency Test and a divided attention performance test. The fragmentation of sleep produced significant disruption of nocturnal sleep and reduced daytime alertness. Adaptation in EEG-defined arousals occurred from the 1st to the 2nd night of fragmentation. Threshold (measured indirectly) characteristics of EEG-defined arousals were somewhat different than those of previous studies requiring behavioral awakening. The percent of tone series producing arousal, number of tones necessary for arousal and duration of the arousal all reflected heightened thresholds in stage 3/4 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep compared to stage 1 and stage 2 sleep. In the last 3 hours of sleep versus the first 3 hours, arousals occurred less frequently, required more tones to produce, resulted in shorter durations and in fewer sleep stage changes, except for REM sleep where the converse was the case.
Treatment of stent restenosis: moving beyond momentum.

The journey taken for treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) began similarly to and then diverged markedly from the path traveled for de novo lesions. Similar to de novo lesions, balloon angioplasty initially demonstrated safety and moderate success rates for treatment of ISR ([1][1]). With more
Wavelet Transforms and Admissible Group Representations

Discrete wavelet transforms arise naturally from the sampling of a continuous wavelet transform, which in turn arises from a square-integrable (or more generally, admissible) representation of a locally compact group. We show that discrete wavelet transforms arising from groups with an affine structure possess an analogous admissibility condition. In particular, we show that the group performing the role of translations must satisfy an admissibility property. Finally, we relate these results to several notions of multiresolution.
Fire regime on a cultural landscape: Navajo Nation.

Fire has played an important role in the evolutionary environment of global ecosystems, and Indigenous peoples have long managed natural resources in these fire-prone environments. We worked with the Navajo Nation Forestry Department to evaluate the historical role of fire on a 50 km2 landscape bisected by a natural mountain pass. We used fifty 5-ha circular plots to collect proxy fire history data on fire-scarred trees, stumps, logs, and snags in a coniferous forest centered on a key mountain pass. The fire history data were categorized into three groups: All (all 50 plots), Corridor (25 plots closest to Buffalo Pass drainage), and Outer (remaining 25 plots, farther from pass). We assessed spatial and temporal patterns of fire recurrence and fire-climate relationships. The landscape experienced frequent fires from 1644, the earliest fire date with sufficient sample depth, to 1920, after which fire occurrence was interrupted. The mean fire interval (MFI) for fire dates scarring 10% or more of the samples was 6.25 years; there were 13 large-scale fires identified with the 25% filter with an MFI of 22.6 years. Fire regimes varied over the landscape, with an early reduction in fire occurrence after 1829, likely associated with pastoralism, in the outer uplands away from the pass. In contrast, the pass corridor had continuing fire occurrence until the early 20th century.Synthesis. Fires were synchronized with large-scale top-down climatic oscillations (drought and La Nina), but the spatially explicit landscape sampling design allowed us to detect bottom-up factors of topography, livestock grazing, and human movement patterns that interacted in complex ways to influence the fire regime at fine scales. Since the early 20th century, however, fires have been completely excluded. Fuel accumulation in the absence of fire and warming climate present challenges for future management.
Evidence for non-random distribution of pollen in human coprolites

Methods of processing and sampling human coprolites have changed drastically since the early days of forcing material through metal grates by hand. However, it would seem that rather than standardizing sampling size and sampling location, practices for collecting material have become specialized by preference and research focus. When sampling a human coprolite for pollen data, sample size and sampling location are two important and interlinked factors that affect the conclusions of a study. By subsampling five coprolites, five times, in five different locations on each coprolite, we were able to compare the pollen ratios derived from each subsample. We conclude that not only is pollen distribution within a single coprolite heterogeneous, but this lack of homogeneity can result in different interpretations of the coprolites’ contents. These different interpretations can affect conclusions concerning the diets of ancient inhabitants and conclusions concerning the paleoenvironments of the associated archaeological sites. As this study is not definitive, we encourage others to attempt similar studies on coprolites from different sites for comparison.
Topological and statistical behavior classifiers for tracking applications

This paper introduces a method to integrate target behavior into the multiple hypothesis tracker (MHT) likelihood ratio. In particular, a periodic track appraisal based on behavior is introduced. The track appraisal uses elementary topological data analysis coupled with basic machine-learning techniques, and it adjusts the traditional kinematic data association likelihood (i.e., track score) using an established formulation for feature-aided data association. The proposed method is tested and demonstrated on synthetic vehicular data representing an urban traffic scene generated by the Simulation of Urban Mobility package. The vehicles in the scene exhibit different driving behaviors. The proposed method distinguishes those behaviors and shows improved data association decisions relative to a conventional, kinematic MHT.
Dynamic Modeling Analysis of Direct-Coupled Photovoltaic Power Systems

Photovoltaic (PV) cells utilization is getting more attention due to the depletion of the world’s natural resources and the increased progress in power electronics and semiconductor technologies. The first step to analyze and study a PV power system is to develop a model that is capable of providing an accurate prediction for the system’s performance at different operating conditions. The availability of precise models for PV systems in hand allows the designers, operators, and researchers to predict, optimize, and evaluate the behavior of the system under different dynamics amid the development, which is very helpful for design and control purpose. Additionally, these models help to investigate the interaction between the PV system and other connected networks. Therefore, this chapter presents a general mathematical dynamic modeling technique for direct-coupled PV power systems. The nonlinear mathematical formulas for each component in the system are derived, and the connection among the different components is addressed. The modeling approach is applied to two different direct-coupled PV systems: grid-connected and stand-alone system. The accuracy of the developed models was verified based on the simulation and experimental data. The results demonstrate the ability of the proposed models for predicting the system performance under different environmental and operating conditions.
G57(P) Nurses leading the way: assessing the impact of a nurse-led neutropenic sepsis pathway on achieving the ‘golden hour’ in a paediatric emergency department

Aims To improve patient safety by reducing our time to blood sampling and antibiotic administration in children with suspected neutropenic sepsis through the introduction of a nurse-led pathway. Methods Initial audit of performance against standard for time to triage, blood sampling, medical review and antibiotic administration for children with suspected neutropenic sepsis was performed using trust electronic records. Analysis of these results demonstrated failure to meet internal and national targets. Subsequent multidisciplinary discussion between the emergency, oncology and nursing staff led to 3 interventions being implemented: a new pathway to empower nurses to treat prior to doctor review; adopting national rather than local targets (from 30 to 60 min); and increasing nursing competency training. A re-audit then took place. Results See table 1. Conclusion Initial audit results identified a poor attainment of standards. The 3 main barriers identified were difficulty accessing central access due to insufficient training, varying practice amongst medical teams, and delay to treatment caused by awaiting medical review. Our interventions were focused on nursing staff. In this cohort of patients establishing criteria led management meant we were able to remove unnecessary barriers and empower nurses to act. Empowering nurses through increased training and providing a guideline for treatment has proved pivotal in increasing the department’s ability to attain its standards. Factoring in the change in standard by comparing the initial audit to the adjusted standard still showed that significant improvements were made following our interventions. Feedback from nursing staff has been positive and highlights ease of use, empowerment of nursing staff and consistency of advice. We expect further improvement as staff become more aware of the change in practice and are excited to utilise our success to expand nurse-led interventions within the department.
Conflict as a Social Status Mobility Mechanism in Schools: A Network Approach:

Participating in conflict may facilitate the acquisition of social status in a group. We build on theories about the sources of conflict and status to formulate propositions about how conflict affe...
Mental health of disabled children: a preventive aspect

The aim is to identify the priority directions for preventing mental disorders in disabled children following a comprehensive analysis of clinical, social, psychological, ethnic and cultural characteristics over 2009– 2017. Materials and methods . 2,204 people were included in the study: disabled children, students of remedial schools aged 7–18 years old (n = 834); parents of disabled children (n = 772); teachers working in various educational facilities (n = 217); respondents of the survey identifying people’s attitude towards children with disabilities (schoolchildren, students, adults, n = 381). Clinical, psychological and statistical methods were used in the study. To identify depression and anxiety in children, Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS), PedsQL inventory, survey on coping strategies (E. Heim) and adapted questionnaires for suicidal risk and alexithymia were used. For adult participants, the Quality of Life Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a questionnaire identifying the attitude towards children with disabilities were applied. Results . A high prevalence of mental disorders in children with disabilities (62.7–95.2%) was identified, and the levels of anxiety, suicidal risk, alexithymia were determined. Children’s families were characterized by impaired structure (50%), parenting styles resulting in pathologies (71.5%), low income level (60%), low qualifications of parents and unemployment (13%), alcohol abuse (17.6%), victimized attitudes and low satisfaction with the psychological criteria of quality of life, combined with low level of anxiety. For teachers, the levels of anxiety and depression and signs of burnout were revealed, and the features of their interaction with disabled children in the educational process were described. The attitude of different social groups to children with disabilities was studied. The methodological conditions for carrying out research and organizing medical and psychological care were formulated. Conclusion . Prevention of mental disorders in disabled children includes identification of early signs of anxiety, depression, suicidal risk and assessment of the quality of life and work. This is ensured by a reasonable choice of research methods, psychosocial rehabilitation with involvement of beloved people, and increase in the tolerance level towards children with disabilities in the society.
Clinical and Pathogenic Characteristics of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Treated at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital

Lower respiratory tract infections are commonly caused by viruses and cause significant morbidity and mortality among children. Early identification of the pathological agent causing these infections is essential to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and improve patient management. Multiplex PCR techniques were recently developed to detect multiple viral pathogens using a single PCR reaction. In this study, we identify viral pathogens in children with respiratory infections. We collected 194 nasopharyngeal aspirates from infants (2-24 months old) with lower respiratory tract infections treated at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital between November 2014 and June 2015 and assessed the presence of 16 virus types and subtypes by multiplex PCR using the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) assay. Overall, 73.7% of the samples were positive for at least one virus, and 24.2% corresponded to infections with multiple viruses. The most common viruses were respiratory syncytial virus and enterovirus/rhinovirus. These viruses were more frequent among younger patients (2-5 months old) and caused symptoms similar to those of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The most common clinical manifestation caused by respiratory tract infection was bronchiolitis. Elevated neutrophils levels were associated with adenovirus infection. Our results showed that the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) can effectively detect multiple viruses causing respiratory infections in children and that the nasopharyngeal aspirates are a good sample choice to detect respiratory viruses in children. Applying this approach in the clinical setting would improve patient management and allow early diagnosis, thus avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Problems of loan population in Russia

The article is devoted to the consideration of such a phenomenon as the debt load of the country’s population on the example of Russia. The term “debt” means the ratio between debt obligations and available income. Assessing the level of debt or, in other words, the debt burden of Russian citizens is relevant, because real disposable incomes have a rather long downward trend, and consumer unsecured lending is becoming more affordable, the amount of debt to Russians to creditors is increasing year by year, while the share of overdue liabilities, although not very large, still poses certain risks. This situation increases the level of debt to citizens, which poses serious challenges for the socio-economic development of the state, since excessive debt burden can lead to a crisis (as, for example, in the USA in 2008). Therefore, it is especially important to soberly assess the level of debt load and take appropriate measures in time to regulate it, in particular, to cool the consumer lending market as the most volatile segment of lending to individuals.
Guns, Sex, and Freedom

Society is on the cusp of grappling with two social issues that will test the boundaries of one’s property rights. First and foremost, society is currently deliberating the issue of three-dimensional printed guns ("3D guns"), which are causing legislators a nightmare of whether to regulate such products in light of their acknowledge dangerous properties. Second, the United States may soon have to grapple with the notion of advanced robotic technology that is utilized in the most perverse fashion — replicating children in the form of artificially intelligent robots for sexual acts ("child sex robots"). It is generally recognized that "[p]roperty does not exist because there are laws, but laws exist because there is property." With this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to focus attention on these two social issues that present open legal questions concerning whether one has an unfettered property right to both 3D guns and child sex robots. In Part I, I first provide a brief history of the 3D printer and its impact within the United States. This Part then provides an analysis of the historical development of 3D guns, which is subsequently followed by an analysis of the developing regulation on 3D guns and the potential trajectory of these legislative movements. To summarize this first Part, I provide a brief recapitulation of the legal issues posed against 3D guns. In Part II, I provide a brief history and market analysis of the social robotic industry, and analyze whether it would be prudent for state legislators to adopt ex ante regulations directed at criminalizing the production, manufacture, or distribution of child sex robots designed solely for sexual objectives. The second Part is likewise concluded with a summary conclusion outlining the legal issues concerning the advancements of social robotic technology. I conclude with a summary restatement of the open legal issues presented in the two preceding Parts of this paper, and provide a preliminary discussion as to whether legislative action is necessary.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain based on whole-genome sequencing

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) threatens global health. The mechanism of vancomycin resistance of VRSA without vanA gene acquisition was not fully elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to determine the mechanism of vancomycin resistance of VRSA besides that by vanA gene acquisition. In this study, we obtained vancomycin-resistant strains (V036-V64; MIC = 64 µg /ml) from susceptible strain (V036; MIC = 0.5 µg /ml) by exposure of vancomycin in vitro and examined the phenotypic characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the resistant strain (V036-V64). To identify the genetic variations caused vancomycin resistance, we determined the complete genome sequences of V036 and V036-V64 and analyzed for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between two strains. Morphologically, V036-V64 had a twofold thicker cell wall compared with V036. Linezolid, rifampicin, and ceftaroline had similar MIC ranges against V036-V64 and V036, but V036-V64 showed lower susceptibilities to daptomycin and telavancin. We detected eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms differing between V036-V64 and V036: rimM (G16D), ssaA2 (G128A), rpsK (P60R), rpoB (R917C), walK (T492R), d-alanyl-d-alanine carboxypeptidase (L307I), vraT (A152V), and chromosome segregation ATPase (T440I). This study demonstrates that, under selective pressure, by the accumulation of mutations in genes related to cell wall synthesis, vancomycin-susceptible S. aureus can develop thicker cell walls and, hence, develop high vancomycin resistance. Thus, we highlight a novel vanA-negative mechanism for VRSA emergence.
Community-based intervention effects on older adults' physical activity and falls: Protocol and rationale for a randomized optimization trial (Ready Steady3.0)

Abstract The Ready Steady 3.0 trial is designed to test the main and interactive effects of two behavior change intervention components, within an 8-week physical activity intervention, on older adults' physical activity (PA). Each component is comprised of behavior change strategies that emphasize two different evidence-based ways to motivate older adults to be active: interpersonal and intrapersonal. 308 adults ≥70 years old will be randomized to 1 of 4 conditions in a 2 × 2 full factorial trial in which the two factors represent the receipt (No, Yes) of interpersonal or intrapersonal behavior change strategies. Participants will also receive two core intervention components: the Otago Exercise Program adapted for small groups and a PA monitor. Interventions across conditions will be delivered during 8 weekly, small group, meetings in community settings. The primary outcome of PA, measured objectively, and secondary outcomes of falls and the quality of life will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention: 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months. Findings will enable the identification of behavior change content that contributes to physical activity outcomes within a physical activity intervention for older adults. This study is one of the first to use the MOST framework to guide the development of a community-based physical activity intervention for older adults to reduce the public health problems of low PA and falls. The results will enable the optimization of behavior change content within a PA intervention for older adults and, in turn, other PA interventions for older adults.
Community science data suggests that urbanization and forest habitat loss threaten aphidophagous native lady beetles.

Community scientists have illustrated rapid declines of several aphidophagous lady beetle (Coccinellidae) species. These declines coincide with the establishment of alien coccinellids. We established the Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz program to measure the seasonal occupancy of coccinellids within gardens across a wide range of landscape contexts. Following the Habitat Compression Hypothesis, we predicted that gardens within agricultural landscapes would be alien-dominated, whereas captures of natives would be higher within landscapes encompassing a high concentration of natural habitat.Within the state of Ohio, USA, community scientists collected lady beetles for a 7-day period across 4 years in June and August using yellow sticky card traps. All identifications were verified by professional scientists and beetles were classified by three traits: status (alien or native), mean body length, and primary diet. We compared the relative abundance and diversity of coccinellids seasonally and determined if the distribution of beetles by size, status, and diet was related to landscape features.Alien species dominated the aphidophagous fauna. Native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance was positively correlated with forest habitat while alien species were more common when gardens were embedded within agricultural landscapes. Urbanization was negatively associated with both aphidophagous alien and native coccinellids. Synthesis and Applications: Our census of native coccinellid species within residential gardens-a widespread and understudied habitat-was enabled by volunteers. These data will serve as an important baseline to track future changes within coccinellid communities within this region. We found that native coccinellid species richness and native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance in gardens were positively associated with forest habitat at a landscape scale of 2 km. However, our understanding of when and why (overwintering, summer foraging, or both) forest habitats are important remains unclear. Our findings highlight the need to understand how declining aphidophagous native species utilize forest habitats as a conservation priority.
Targeting S1PRs as a Therapeutic Strategy for Inflammatory Bone Loss Diseases—Beyond Regulating S1P Signaling

As G protein coupled receptors, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) have recently gained attention for their role in modulating inflammatory bone loss diseases. Notably, in murine studies inhibiting S1PR2 by its specific inhibitor, JTE013, alleviated osteoporosis induced by RANKL and attenuated periodontal alveolar bone loss induced by oral bacterial inflammation. Treatment with a multiple S1PRs modulator, FTY720, also suppressed ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, collagen or adjuvant-induced arthritis, and apical periodontitis in mice. However, most previous studies and reviews have focused mainly on how S1PRs manipulate S1P signaling pathways, subsequently affecting various diseases. In this review, we summarize the underlying mechanisms associated with JTE013 and FTY720 in modulating inflammatory cytokine release, cell chemotaxis, and osteoclastogenesis, subsequently influencing inflammatory bone loss diseases. Studies from our group and from other labs indicate that S1PRs not only control S1P signaling, they also regulate signaling pathways induced by other stimuli, including bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), bile acid, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), IL-6, and vitamin D. JTE013 and FTY720 alleviate inflammatory bone loss by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reducing chemotaxis of inflammatory cells from blood circulation to bone and soft tissues, and suppressing RANKL-induced osteoclast formation.
Altered mapping of sound frequency to cochlear place in ears with endolymphatic hydrops provide insight into the pitch anomaly of diplacusis

A fundamental property of mammalian hearing is the conversion of sound pressure into a frequency-specific place of maximum vibration along the cochlear length, thereby creating a tonotopic map. The tonotopic map makes possible systematic frequency tuning across auditory-nerve fibers, which enables the brain to use pitch to separate sounds from different environmental sources and process the speech and music that connects us to people and the world. Sometimes a tone has a different pitch in the left and right ears, a perceptual anomaly known as diplacusis. Diplacusis has been attributed to a change in the cochlear frequency-place map, but the hypothesized abnormal cochlear map has never been demonstrated. Here we assess cochlear frequency-place maps in guinea-pig ears with experimentally-induced endolymphatic hydrops, a hallmark of Meniere’s disease. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that diplacusis is due to an altered cochlear map. Map changes can lead to altered pitch, but the size of the pitch change is also affected by neural synchrony. Our data show that the cochlear frequency-place map is not fixed but can be altered by endolymphatic hydrops. Map changes should be considered in assessing hearing pathologies and treatments.
Genotypic Characterization of Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from Pakistan.

In this study, we compared pulsed-field gel electrophoretic (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), spa typing, and virulence gene profiles of 19 Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive, multidrug-, and methicillin-resistant clinical Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from a hospital intensive care unit in Pakistan. The isolates exhibited 10 pulsotypes, contained eight adhesin genes (bbp, clfA, clfB, cna, fnbA, fnbB, map-eap, and spa), 10 toxin genes (hla, hlb, hld, hlg, pvl, sed, see, seg, seh, and tst), and two other virulence genes (cfb, v8) that were commonly present in all isolates. The spa-typing indicated seven known spa types (t030, t064, t138, t314, t987, t1509, and t5414) and three novel spa types. MLST analysis indicated eight ST types (ST8, ST15, ST30, ST239, ST291, ST503, ST772, and ST1413). All isolates belonged to the agr group 1. Most of the isolates possessed SCCmec type III, but some isolates had it in combination with types SCCmec IV and V. The presence of multidrug-resistant MRSA isolates in Pakistan indicates poor hygienic conditions, overuse of antibiotics, and a lack of rational antibiotic therapy that have led to the evolution and development of hypervirulent MRSA clones. The study warrants development of a robust epidemiological screening program and adoption of effective measures to stop their spread in hospitals and the community.
A preliminary analysis investigating immune activation in schizophrenia

This paper is an interrum analysis of a longitudinal project designed to ascertain whether immune activation is a trait marker for a small subset of patients with the syndrome we call schizophrenia. We present data from over 70 schizophrenic patients and 50 matched normal volunteers. The patients were evaluated on 2 occasions at least 30 days apart. The preliminary analyses suggest that some patients with schizophrenia may have an immune modulated component to their disorder and this seems to be a relatively stable trait marker of the syndrome for these patients.
The Hemopoietic Effect of Nuclear Extractives in Human Anemias

17 p. Reprinted from: Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 2, No. 7, January, 1929, Pages 603-621
Painless weakness from lumbar disc herniation: Recommended management and outcomes

The objective of this article is to review the pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment options for patients with painless weakness due to lumbar disc herniations. Pain is the most common complaint among patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniations. Painless weakness is another possible presentation. The absence of pain presents diagnostic challenges in that many other etiologies can manifest as lower extremity weakness. Painless weakness raises therapeutic uncertainties for both nonoperative and operative interventions. In conclusion, as in its more common painful presentation, lumbar disc herniation causing painless weakness has an overall good prognosis. Surgeons must be aware of several factors that may influence surgical outcomes. Early surgical treatment should be considered for patients with nerve compression and significant or progressive weakness.
Liquid Propulsion: Propellant Feed System Design

The propellant feed system of a liquid rocket engine determines how the propellants are delivered from the tanks to the thrust chamber. They are generally classified as either pressure fed or pump fed. The pressure-fed system is simple and relies on tank pressures to feed the propellants into the thrust chamber. This type of system is typically used for space propulsion applications and auxiliary propulsion applications requiring low system pressures and small quantities of propellants. In contrast, the pump-fed system is used for high pressure, high performance applications. The selection of one propellant feed system over another is determined based on design trade studies at both the engine and vehicle levels. This chapter first provides a brief overview of the basic configurations of pressure-fed systems. Pump-fed systems are then discussed with greater detail given to the turbomachinery design. Selected design requirements and configurations are provided.
ADMX Dark‐Matter Axion Search

The axion, a hypothetical elementary particle, emerged from a compelling solution to the Strong‐CP Problem in QCD. Subsequently, the axion was recognized to be a good Cold Dark Matter candidate. Although dark‐matter axions have only feeble couplings to matter and radiation, these axions may be detected through resonant conversion of axions into microwave photons in a high‐Q cavity threaded by a strong static magnetic field. This technique is at present the only means whereby dark‐matter axions with plausible couplings may be detected at the required sensitivity. This talk describes recent results from the Axion Dark Matter Experiment (ADMX), now the world’s most sensitive search for axions. There will also be a short overview of the ADMX upgrade, which promises sensitivity to even the more feebly coupled dark matter axions even should they make up only a minority fraction of the local dark matter halo.
Improving Spatial Intersect Joins Using Symbolic Intersect Detection

We introduce a novel technique to drastically reduce the computation required by the refinement step during spatial intersect join processing. This technique, called Symbolic Intersect Detection (SID), detects most of the true hits during a spatial intersect join by scrutinizing symbolic topological relationships between candidate polygon pairs. SID boosts performance by detecting true hits early during the refinement step, thus avoiding expensive polygon intersect computations that would otherwise be required to detect the true hits. Our experimental evaluation with real GIS map data demonstrates that SID can identify more than 80% of the true hits with only minimal overhead. Consequently, SID outperforms known techniques for resolving polygon intersection during the refinement step by more than 50%. Most state-of-the-art methods in spatial join processing can benefit from SID's performance gains because the SID approach integrates easily into the established two-phase spatial join process.
Binaural source localizer chip using subthreshold analog CMOS

This article describes a chip that identifies the azimuthal location of a sound source using the arrival time difference at two separated microphones. Its circuits are modeled on certain aspects of auditory neurobiology, and attempt to base the location precept on the arrival time difference of the first wavefront in order to function in echoic environments as well as free field situations, The chip contains approximately 50000 transistors, mostly operating in the subthreshold analog mode. It was fabricated on a 4.6 mm/spl times/6.8 mm die a standard 2-micron, p-well CMOS process through MOSIS. >
An Algorithm for Testing the Robustness Properties of Two-Way Nonorthogonal Analysis of Variance:

A simulation algorithm for examining the robustness properties of two-way nonorthogonal analysis of variance (ANOVA) is described. A nonorthogonal ANOVA occurs when unequal numbers of subjects appear in the cells of a factorial design. The algorithm can be used to study the effect of the violation of the assumptions of homogeneity of variance or normality on the Type I error rates. The algorithm offers a researcher the opportunity to provide additional evidence as to the validity of the results for an analysis based on real life data when robustness of the tests might be in doubt.
Oxygen for ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Still Up in the Air

The development of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical practice guidelines, based on a rigorous review and evaluation of the available evidence, has helped shape the field of cardiovascular medicine over the last 3 decades. In patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as the preferred reperfusion therapy, and shorter times to reperfusion have been associated with improved survival.1,2 On the basis of an estimate of the size of the intervention and the magnitude of benefit in relation to risk, primary PCI for STEMI is given a Class I recommendation with Level of Evidence A, the latter based on the certainty or precision of the data and the type and quality of the evidence. For some treatments, little evidence exists, and the implementation of those treatments is based largely on clinical experience, standard of care, or expert opinion. In the case of supplemental oxygen administration during STEMI, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline recommendations have evolved. In 1999, although supplemental oxygen received a Class I recommendation for patients with pulmonary congestion and arterial oxygen saturation <90%, routine administration to all patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction during the first 2 to 3 hours received a Class IIa recommendation.3 In the 2004 STEMI guidelines, continuing supplemental oxygen beyond the first 6 hours for hypoxemia (arterial oxygen saturation <90%) or pulmonary congestion was also given a Class I recommendation.4 However, the 2013 STEMI guidelines noted that few data exist to support or refute the value of the routine use of oxygen in the acute phase of STEMI, and no recommendation was made.5 Therefore, routine administration of supplemental oxygen during acute STEMI, in the absence of systemic hypoxemia, is an intervention for which evidence to inform our practice in …
Statistical distributions of compartmentalized populations governed by continuous time, discrete state semi-Markov processes

Stochastic compartmental modeling theory is extended to represent nonhomogeneous Poisson immigration of an arbitrary discrete population into an open system subdivided into compartments in which residence times of individuals in each compartment are statistically independent, are identically distributed, and follow arbitrary piecewise continuous distributions. The model is fitted to time series of chloride concentrations using an L"1 metric implemented by a linear goal program, covering lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Advantages of the stochastic model are: (1) fitting a multivariate model to a multivariate data set using formal methods of statistical inference, and (2) allowance for multiple sources of random variability covering input, residence times, and distribution of individuals among compartments. Feasibility of numerical implementation of the model is demonstrated.
Thermal rate constants over thirty orders of magnitude for the I+H2 reaction

Abstract I-atom atomic resonance absorption spectrometry has been used to measure thermal rate constants for the I+H 2 → HI+H reaction between 1755 and 2605 K in reflected shock waves. Measured rate constants can then be expressed by k 1 =(3.92±1.15)×10 −9 exp(−21 398±658 K / T ) cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . Combining these results with earlier values, the rate behavior over the combined temperature range, 230 K⩽ T ⩽2605 K, is: k 1 =(4.52±0.34)×10 −10 exp(−17 070±34 K / T ) cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . This result holds over ∼30 orders of magnitude and is discussed in terms of bimolecular rate theory.
Divorcing and building a new life

The purpose of this study was to provide a qualitative description of women's experiences of divorcing and building a new life. Interviews with 10 divorced women were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Four phases were identified in the process of divorcing and building a new life: the emotional divorce, making the decision, pulling apart, and moving beyond. Feelings and coping strategies reported by the participants are described.
The beaded form of myelinated nerve fibers.

Abstract When the nerves are lightly stretched and fixed by freeze-substitution, their fibers show the form-change termed “beading” which consists of a series of undulating constrictions and swellings in the internodes. This form change has not ordinarily been seen in chemically fixed nerves, or when it has, it has been ascribed to a pathological change or an artifact. We now report that beading is also retained in normal nerves when, following a light maintained stretch, they are fixed with aldehydes at a temperature close to 0°C. The degree of beading in single fibers teased from the aldehyde fixed nerves was graded and found to be maximal at 0°C, falling off with increased temperature until, at temperatures above 16°C, most fibers showed no beading or a very mild beading. The fibers of nerves cold-fixed at 0°C displayed the characteristics as freeze-substituted fibers, but with a somewhat smaller number of maximally beaded fibers and an 18% reduction in microtubule numbers in the axons. Desheathing or slitting the sheaths of the nerves before cold-fixation increased the probability of retaining beading. Exposure of stretched nerves to the aldehyde fixative at room temperatures for times as short as 3–5 min before they were cold-fixed showed a diminished degree of beading, indicating that aldehydes can have a deleterious effect on the beading mechanism which we hypothesize to be present in the fiber. This action is distinct from the general cross-linking action of aldehydes.
Efficient URL caching for world wide web crawling

Crawling the web is deceptively simple: the basic algorithm is (a) Fetch a page (b) Parse it to extract all linked URLs (c) For all the URLs not seen before, repeat (a)-(c). However, the size of the web (estimated at over 4 billion pages) and its rate of change (estimated at 7% per week) move this plan from a trivial programming exercise to a serious algorithmic and system design challenge. Indeed, these two factors alone imply that for a reasonably fresh and complete crawl of the web, step (a) must be executed about a thousand times per second, and thus the membership test (c) must be done well over ten thousand times per second against a set too large to store in main memory. This requires a distributed architecture, which further complicates the membership test.A crucial way to speed up the test is to cache, that is, to store in main memory a (dynamic) subset of the "seen" URLs. The main goal of this paper is to carefully investigate several URL caching techniques for web crawling. We consider both practical algorithms: random replacement, static cache, LRU, and CLOCK, and theoretical limits: clairvoyant caching and infinite cache. We performed about 1,800 simulations using these algorithms with various cache sizes, using actual log data extracted from a massive 33 day web crawl that issued over one billion HTTP requests.Our main conclusion is that caching is very effective - in our setup, a cache of roughly 50,000 entries can achieve a hit rate of almost 80%. Interestingly, this cache size falls at a critical point: a substantially smaller cache is much less effective while a substantially larger cache brings little additional benefit. We conjecture that such critical points are inherent to our problem and venture an explanation for this phenomenon.
Characterization of liver flavin-containing monooxygenase of the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) and partial purification of liver flavin-containing monooxygenase of the silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)

Flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) activity as N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) N-oxygenation was characterized in microsomes from the smooth dogfish shark (Squalus acathias). DMA N-oxygenase activity from the liver of the dogfish shark was linear with increasing protein content and over 60 min. The optimal temperature for catalysis was 25 degrees C with a 76 percent reduction in activity when incubated at 15 degrees C and 99 percent loss of activity at 45 degrees C. Optimal pH was approximately 9.6. The maximum velocity for DMA N-oxygenase activity was calculated to be 1.3 nmol min-1 mg-1 with an apparent Michaelis constant of 44 microM. Methimazole oxidase activity was also observed in dogfish liver microsomes which was inhibited by trimethylamine (TMA). Inhibition of DMA N-oxygenase activity by TMA and thiobenzamide was competitive, while inhibition by methimazole was not competitive. Western blot analysis indicated a single liver protein from both Squalus and Carcharhinus of approximately 50 kDa that bound to antibodies raised against FMO 2. An attempt was made to purify FMO as methimazole oxidase from the liver of the silky shark. A single peak of about 10-fold purity was observed following passage through two chromatographic media (CM-Sepharose and HA-Agarose). However, no activity was recoverable after the FMO-containing fractions were applied to a 2'5' ADP-Sepharose column.
Structure of the preamyloid dimer of beta-2-microglobulin from covalent labeling and mass spectrometry.

β-2-Microglobulin (β2m) self-associates into fibrillar amyloid deposits in the musculoskeletal system of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Previous studies have shown that stoichiometric amounts of Cu(II) at near physiological conditions can cause β2m to organize into native-like dimers prior to forming amyloid fibrils. Here, we report the results from selective covalent labeling reactions combined with mass spectrometry that provide insight into the amino acid residues that mediate dimer formation in the wild-type protein. Using three complementary covalent labeling reagents, we find that the dimer interface is formed by the antiparallel stacking of ABED β-sheets from two β2m monomers. In addition, our data clearly indicate that a dimer interface involving the interactions of D−D strands from separate protein units as seen in the recent crystal structures of two mutant β2m oligomers is unlikely.
Direct comparison of the multipath performance of L1 BOC and L1 C/A using on-air Galileo and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) transmissions

New Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites will bring common, interoperable GNSS signals on L1. These new signals, L1C Global Positioning System (GPS)/Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) L1C and Galileo E1 Open Service (OS), promise performance improvements in many areas. One key area is that these signals, which use binary offset carrier (BOC) and multiplexed BOC (MBOC), will provide better multipath performance over the binary phase shift keyed (BPSK) GPS L1 C/A. This paper evaluates the benefit of difference using on-air measurements of these signals. The evaluation will utilize signals from to-be operational Galileo and QZSS satellites. The assessment conducts BPSK and BOC processing using signals from the same satellite to eliminate the effects of geometry.
Total synthesis of (±)-isoavenaciolide and (±)-avenaciolide

Abstract The antifungal mold metabolites isoavenaciolide (1b) and avenaciolide (1c) have been synthesized in racemic form from a common precursor, α-methylene lactone 4, obtained via a glycolate ester enolate Claisen rearrangement.