cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solutions to Problems

1. We have $$\displaystyle{g_{V }^{u} = \frac{1} {2} -\frac{4} {3}\sin ^{2}\theta _{ W},\;\;\;g_{A}^{u} = \frac{1} {2}\mathrm{and}}$$ $$\displaystyle{g_{V }^{d} = -\frac{1} {2} + \frac{2} {3}\sin ^{2}\theta _{ W},\;\;\;g_{A}^{d} = -\frac{1} {2}.}$$ 2. $$\displaystyle{-\mathcal{L}_{Y ukawa} \supset \epsilon _{\alpha \beta }\ \bar{\psi }_{e_{i}}\ Y _{e}^{ij}\ P_{ L}\ \psi _{l_{j}}^{\alpha }\ H_{d}^{\beta } + h.c.}$$ where \(\psi _{l} = (\begin{array}{c} \psi _{\nu }\\ \psi _{e} \end{array} )\).
What advanced cancer patients with limited treatment options know about clinical research: a qualitative study.

Discussions between oncologists and advanced cancer patients (ACPs) may touch on the complex issue of clinical trial participation. Numerous initiatives have sought to improve the quality of these potentially difficult conversations. However, we have limited data about what ACPs know about clinical research as they enter such discussions as, to date, such research has focused on the period following informed consent. This study examines ACPs’ understanding of clinical research in the treatment period before consent. We conducted in-depth interviews with adult ACPs with limited treatment options at four clinics in an academic medical center. So as not to influence patients’ perspectives, interviewers probed patients’ knowledge of clinical research only if the patient first brought up the topic. Interviews (40–60 min) were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically and via quantitative content analysis by an interdisciplinary team. Of 78 patients recruited, 56 (72%) spontaneously brought up the topic of clinical research during interview and are included in this analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative content analysis revealed that patients’ knowledge varied in terms of (1) accuracy and (2) specificity (level of detail). ACPs who spoke with high specificity were not always accurate, and ACPs with accurate knowledge included both high- and low-specificity speakers. ACPs’ knowledge of clinical research is variable. Patients who can discuss the technical details of their care may or may not understand the broader purpose and procedures of clinical trials. Understanding this variability is important for improving patient-provider communication about clinical research and supporting efforts to provide individualized care for ACPs.
Spatial distribution of child pedestrian injuries along census tract boundaries: Implications for identifying area-based correlates

Census tracts are often used to investigate area-based correlates of a variety of health outcomes. This approach has been shown to be valuable in understanding the ways that health is shaped by place and to design appropriate interventions that account for community-level processes. Following this line of inquiry, it is common in the study of pedestrian injuries to aggregate the point level locations of these injuries to the census tracts in which they occur. Such aggregation enables investigation of the relationships between a range of socioeconomic variables and areas of notably high or low incidence. This study reports on the spatial distribution of child pedestrian injuries in a mid-sized U.S. city over a three-year period. Utilizing a combination of geospatial approaches, Near Analysis, Kernel Density Estimation, and Local Moran's I, enables identification, visualization, and quantification of close proximity between incidents and tract boundaries. Specifically, results reveal that nearly half of the 100 incidents occur within roads that are also census tract boundaries. Results also uncover incidents that occur on tract boundaries, not merely near them. This geographic pattern raises the question of the utility of associating area-based census data from any one tract to the injuries occurring in these border zones. Furthermore, using a standard spatial join technique in a Geographic Information System (GIS), these points located on the border are counted as falling into census tracts on both sides of the boundary, which introduces uncertainty in any subsequent analysis. Therefore, two additional approaches of aggregating points to polygons were tested in this study. Results differ with each approach, but without any alert of such differences to the GIS user. This finding raises a fundamental concern about techniques through which points are aggregated to polygons in any study using point level incidents and their surrounding census tract socioeconomic data to understand health and place. This study concludes with a suggested protocol to test for this source of uncertainty in analysis and an approach that may remove it.
A Multimodal Study of Childhood Trauma and Distress Tolerance in Young Adulthood

Individuals with a history of childhood trauma experience deficits in emotion regulation. However, few studies have investigated childhood trauma and both perceived (i.e., self-report) and behavioral measures of distress tolerance. The current study evaluated associations between childhood trauma (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnessing family violence) and measures of perceived (Distress Tolerance Scale) and behavioral distress tolerance (i.e., Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, breath-holding). Participants were 320 undergraduate students with a history of interpersonal trauma (e.g., sexual/physical assault). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate associations between frequency of childhood trauma type and distress tolerance. Greater childhood physical abuse was associated with higher perceived distress tolerance. Greater levels of witnessing family violence were associated with lower behavioral distress tolerance on the breath-holding task. No significant effects were found for Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test performance. Associations between childhood trauma and emotion regulation likely are complex and warrant further study.
Chromosome doubling and fertility study of Alstroemeria aurea × A. caryophyllaea

Self-pollinations of a diploid (2n = 2x = 16) interspecific hybrid Alstroemeria aurea × A. caryophyllaea, resulted in no seeds. Backcrosses of the hybrid with parent A. aurea did not produce any seeds. In an attempt to restore the hybrid fertility, an efficient in vitro procedure has been developed and applied effectively in the chromosome doubling of the diploid hybrid. Forty-one percent of the treated plants were proven to be truly tetraploid by chromosome counts and stomatal measurements after applying 0.2 to 0.6% colchicine for 6 to 24 hours. Over 87.5% of these colchicine-induced tetraploids were stable and retained their tetraploidy after one year of growth. The fertility of the hybrid was not restored although the pollen stainability was increased from 0 to 12% after chromosome doubling. Cytological studies on the pollen mother cells (PMCs) of the sterile diploid hybrids revealed abnormal meiotic behaviors. In addition, aneuploid chromosome numbers, ranging from 2n = 1 to 2n = 18, were observed in over 45% of the PMCs examined. PMCs of the colchicine-induced tetraploids showed that meiotic chromosome pairings were normal in most cases (1.59I + 15.07II + 0.05III + 0.03IV). These results indicate that the sterility of this hybrid is not only caused by parental chromosome differences, but other complex fertility/sterility-regulating mechanisms are involved too.
Optical Hall Effect of PV Device Materials

Electrical transport properties [carrier concentration ( N ), mobility ( μ ), effective mass ( m *), resistivity ( ρ ), and scattering time ( τ )] are deduced from free carrier optical absorption using noncontacting optical Hall effect measurements. Here, we use this technique to determine N , μ , and m * for semiconductor absorber materials for photovoltaic (PV) devices. As case studies, PV component materials including thin-film methylammonium lead iodide, cadmium telluride, and copper indium diselenide as well as silicon wafers are characterized. Optical Hall effect measurements involve collecting long wavelength ellipsometric spectra under the application of an external magnetic field to determine N and μ for these thin films, and N , μ, and m * for the silicon wafers. ρ and τ are also determined for each sample from N , μ , and m * using the Drude model. In all cases, an additional transport parameter measurement is accessible relative to standard optical measurements alone even for the PV absorber materials having low free carrier absorption. As the technique is noncontacting, it could be very useful for the determination of transport properties of layers in complex multilayer stacks such as those in thin film and wafer-based PV devices.
Seismic Interpretation in Petroleum Development

Seismic interpretation plays a critical role in the appraisal and development of discovered hydrocarbon accumulations. Interpretation of individual flow units within a producing field are emphasized with the goal of maximizing fluid recovery. High resolution horizon mapping, horizon slice, and time slice interpretation are effective tools in the evaluation of reservoir complexity. Analysis of seismic attributes associated with these horizons adds additional detail related to reservoir complexity. Internal reservoir elements on the order of meters in thickness and 10’s of meters in lateral dimension can be readily imaged on today’s high-resolution 3D seismic data. Time-lapse (4D) seismic interpretation can be used to detect temporal variations in fluid saturation, pressure differentials, and rock properties. This approach lends itself to definition of bypassed pay and/or evaluation of sweep efficiency of fluid injection during secondary and tertiary recovery efforts. The seismic method has recently expanded into development of unconventional reservoirs. Use of prestack elastic inversion is an effective technique to estimate rock properties that reflect brittleness and the “fracability” of potential self-sourcing intervals. High resolution seismic data are key to well placement in conventional wells and geosteering of long reach horizontal wells in unconventional plays.
A Bayesian piecewise survival cure rate model for spatially clustered data

Abstract This paper proposes a Bayesian hierarchical cure rate survival model for spatially clustered time to event data. We consider a mixture cure rate model with covariates and a flexible (semi)parametric baseline survival distribution for uncured individuals. The spatial correlation structure is introduced in the form of frailties which follow a Multivariate Conditionally Autoregressive distribution on a pre-specified map. We obtain the usual posterior estimates, smoothed by regional level maps of spatial frailties and cure rates. A simulation study demonstrates that the parameters of the models with spatially correlated frailties have smaller relative biases and MSE than the ones obtained using simple frailty models. We apply our methodology to Hodgkin lymphoma cancer survival times for patients diagnosed in the state of Connecticut.
Satellite and Probe Orbit Determination: Past, Present, and Future

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the past, present, and future of satellite and probe orbit determination. The first satellite to use the 108 megacycle network was Explorer I, which was a cylinder about 10 times as long as it was wide. This introduced problems that had been anticipated, namely, that the frontal area varied in ways that were not known. Hence, the deceleration effects were unpredictable, which led to added complications in determining and predicting orbits. The lifetime of Explorer I's battery was more like 3 months instead of 2 weeks. This meant that there was a longer orbit to be computed for the experimenter. The experiences of the past have led to changes in the minitrack network. Because satellites are often launched to the northeast, stations are being set up in Newfoundland and in England to get data on the first passes. To catch the polar satellites, an east–west fence is being set up including the England and the Newfoundland stations, and some of the older ones at Blossom Point and California.
Frequency of and Factors Associated with Care Partner Proxy Interaction with Health Care Teams Using Patient Portal Accounts.

Introduction: Proxies can communicate with health care teams through patient portals either by using proxy login credentials or a patient's login credentials. The frequency of proxies using patient...
Orchestration of human macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation by Staphylococcus aureus extracellular vesicles.

Release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a common feature among eukaryotes, archaea, and bacteria. However, the biogenesis and downstream biological effects of EVs released from gram-positive bacteria remain poorly characterized. Here, we report that EVs purified from a community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain were internalized into human macrophages in vitro and that this process was blocked by inhibition of the dynamin-dependent endocytic pathway. Human macrophages responded to S. aureus EVs by TLR2 signaling and activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes through K+ efflux, leading to the recruitment of ASC and activation of caspase-1. Cleavage of pro–interleukin (IL)-1β, pro-IL-18, and gasdermin-D by activated caspase-1 resulted in the cellular release of the mature cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and induction of pyroptosis. Consistent with this result, a dose-dependent cytokine response was detected in the extracellular fluids of mice challenged intraperitoneally with S. aureus EVs. Pore-forming toxins associated with S. aureus EVs were critical for NLRP3-dependent caspase-1 activation of human macrophages, but not for TLR2 signaling. In contrast, EV-associated lipoproteins not only mediated TLR2 signaling to initiate the priming step of NLRP3 activation but also modulated EV biogenesis and the toxin content of EVs, resulting in alterations in IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1 activity. Collectively, our study describes mechanisms by which S. aureus EVs induce inflammasome activation and reveals an unexpected role of staphylococcal lipoproteins in EV biogenesis. EVs may serve as a novel secretory pathway for S. aureus to transport protected cargo in a concentrated form to host cells during infections to modulate cellular functions.
TWELVE – INDETERMINATE FORMS AND IMPROPER INTEGRALS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses indeterminate forms and improper integrals. If f and g are two functions having the property that limx→x0f(x) = 0 and limx→x0g(x) = 0, the function f/g has the indeterminate form 0/0 at x0. The chapter presents a rule that is called L'Hopital's rule for finding limx→x0 [ f(x)/g(x)] in certain cases when f/g has the indeterminate form 0/0 at x0. It also presents the proof of this result and considers other indeterminate forms. There are other situations in which limx→x0[f(x)/g(x)] cannot be evaluated directly. The chapter defines one such important case. The definitions states, “Let f and g be two functions having the property that limx→x0f(x) = ± ∞ and limx→x0g(x) = ± ∞, where x0 is real, +∞ or − ∞. Then the function f/g has the indeterminate form ∞/∞ at x0.” There are other indeterminate forms that can be dealt with by applying L'Hopital's rule. The chapter explains these forms presenting some examples.
The infected diabetic foot: Can serum biomarkers predict osteomyelitis after hospital discharge for diabetic foot infections?

The aim of this study is to evaluate serum biomarkers to monitor high-risk patients for reinfection of bone. Thirty-five patients were prospectively enrolled with moderate to severe diabetic foot infections with suspicion of osteomyelitis. Bone samples were obtained for culture and histology. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients were compared using χ2 square test. Biomarkers (white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 weeks after treatment initiation and evaluated for correlation with reinfection of bone. After 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment, ESR at 73.5 mm/h (sensitivity 62.5%, specificity 100%, area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.7839, 95% CI 0.54-1.00, P 0.95 mg/dL was associated with reinfection (sensitivity 71%, specificity 72% AUROC 0.7057, 95% CI 0.49-0.92, P = .04). An ESR change from week 0-6 of -16.5% (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 86.4% AUROC 0.7403, 95% CI 0.48-1.00, P = .02), CRP (-)74.4% (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 91.3% AUROC 0.7174, 95% CI 0.40-1.00, P = .04), IL-6 (-)49.9% (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 76% AUROC 0.7371, 95% CI 0.47-1.00, P = .04), and IL-8 29% (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 56.0% AUROC of 0.7343, 95% CI 0.54-0.93, P = .048) were associated with increased risk of reinfection. Pilot data suggest that serum biomarkers (ESR, IL8 and IL6, MCP-1) may be correlated with developing osteomyelitis and could be used to monitor high-risk patients for reinfection.
How the New Deal built Florida tourism: the Civilian Conservation corps and state parks: by David L. Nelson, Gainesville, FL, University Press of Florida, 2019, 296 pp., $85.00 (hardback), ISBN: 9780813056319

David J. Nelson has written a comprehensive examination of the creation of the Florida Park Service during the Depression-era. The title, How the New Deal built Florida tourism, obscures the depth ...
Fresh Cadaver Simulation Model with Continuous Extracorporeal Circulation as a Training Platform for Intracranial High-Flow Bypass: Technical Note and Rheologic Feasibility Evaluation

Introduction As endovascular techniques evolve toward replacing open surgery, several clinical scenarios still require surgical revascularization. Characterizing this era are decreasing surgical volumes and lack of realistic training models. In an effort to develop lifelike simulation models, we developed a platform for surgical training on high-flow bypass in a fresh cadaver model. Our technique incorporated an extracorporeal circulating system that resembled clinical conditions and confirmed anastomosis efficacy by clinical parameters. Methods On three fresh cadaveric heads, the subtemporal approach exposed the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) (C2) as the donor vessel for an interposition radial artery graft. Using a continuous extracorporeal circulation system, the bypass model was tested in three fresh heads and verified using clinical technologies. Results Successful C2 ICA to M2 anastomosis was completed in all three fresh heads, confirmed with qualitative and quantitative Doppler, and indocyanine green angiography. Antegrade distribution through graft and revascularized territory was documented on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan with radiopaque silicone injected through the ipsilateral carotid. Conclusion This study confirmed the feasibility of a totally intracranial high-flow bypass in a fresh cadaver model that achieved hemodynamic features aligned with those of normal middle cerebral artery flow in the clinical setting.
Determination of the role of Clostridium perfringens Type A in Intraluminal Intestinal Hemorrhage Syndrome in Dairy Cows

Intraluminal intestinal hemorrhage syndrome (IIHS) is a relatively recently recognized disease in adult dairy cows which results in obstruction of the jejunum with blood clots and sloughing of the mucosal surface of the jejunum. Many of the affected cows die acutely despite medical and/or surgical treatment. Clostridium perfringens Type A is suspected to be involved in development of this disease, as it is commonly cultured from the intestinal contents of affected cows. The objective of this study was to determine if the disease could be reproduced by intraluminal inoculation of a pure culture into the abomasum or the jejunum of normal cows fed high-energy rations.
Resection of a Cornual Heterotopic Pregnancy Using Single-Site Laparoscopic Techniques

Study Objective To describe techniques for resection of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy. Design Demonstration of surgical technique with narrative video footage using two case examples. Setting Academic medical center. Patients or Participants A case of an 8-week cornual heterotopic pregnancy with successful delivery of the intrauterine pregnancy and a case of a cornual ectopic at 10 weeks. Interventions We demonstrate the use of a “purse string” technique using robotic assisted single incision laparoscopy to resect a cornual heterotopic with minimal blood loss using a 2-0 V-lock suture. Additionally, we review this similar technique with traditional single-site laparoscopic surgery. Measurements and Main Results Resection of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy can be successful done using a “purse string” technique. This technique allows for minimal blood loss as well as minimal entry into the myometrium, which allows for minimal manipulation of the concurrent intrauterine pregnancy. Conclusion Resection of cornual heterotopic pregnancy can be done using a “purse-string” surgical technique. This technique allows for minimal blood loss in cases where additional techniques for hemostasis cannot be used, such as injection of vasopressin and uterine artery ligation. We also demonstrate that this technique can be successful completed using either traditional or robotic assisted single incision laparoscopic surgery.
The role of vaccinia termination factor and cis-acting elements in vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination☆

Vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination requires the virion form of the viral RNA polymerase (vRNAP), Nucleoside Triphosphate Phosphohydrolase I (NPHI), ATP, the vaccinia termination factor (VTF), and a U5NU termination signal in the nascent transcript. VTF, also the viral mRNA capping enzyme, binds U5NU, and NPHI hydrolyzes ATP to release the transcript. NPHI can release transcripts independent of VTF and U5NU if vRNAP is not actively elongating. However, VTF and U5NU are required for transcript release from an elongating vRNAP, suggesting that the function of VTF and U5NU may be to stall the polymerase. Here we demonstrate that VTF inhibits transcription elongation by enhancing vRNAP pausing. Hence VTF provides the connection between the termination signal in the RNA transcript and viral RNA polymerase to initiate transcription termination. We also provide evidence that a second cis-acting element downstream of U5NU influences the location and efficiency of early gene transcription termination.
Experiences with tracing causality in networked services

Unlike device-centric monitoring, task-centric tracing enables an operator to causally trace the complete execution of a networked system across the boundaries of applications, protocols, and administrative domains. In this paper, we argue that causal, end-to-end tracing should be an integral part of network services. Moreover, it is not fundamentally difficult to achieve, given a primitive that propagates task metadata alongside logical execution and communication paths. X-Trace is a framework that relies on such propagation to provide comprehensive causal tracing. We report on our experience integrating X-Trace into several production networked services--including 802.1X authentication, Web content distribution, and DNS-based replica selection--to illustrate benefits of causal tracing, and to discuss the instrumentation of different protocols and component architectures. We highlight the challenges we encountered and techniques we developed to better integrate causal tracing into network services.
Purification of the Escherichia coli secB gene product and demonstration of its activity in an in vitro protein translocation system.

Mutations in the Escherichia coli secB gene lead to protein export defects in vivo (Kumamoto, C.A., and Beckwith, J. (1985) J. Bacteriol. 163, 267-274). To demonstrate directly the participation of the secB gene product (SecB) in protein export, SecB was purified, and its effects on in vitro protein translocation were analyzed. SecB was purified from soluble extracts of a strain that overproduced it, by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and differential precipitation at acid pH. The chromatographic behavior on gel filtration columns indicated apparent molecular masses of approximately 90 kDa for both purified SecB and SecB in cytosolic extracts of wild type cells. When added to a translocation mixture, purified SecB stimulated pro-OmpA translocation into membrane vesicles. SecB also suppressed the thermoinduced defect in translocating activity of membranes derived from a secY24 mutant. The results of these in vitro studies and of previous in vivo studies demonstrate that SecB plays a direct role in normal protein export in E. coli.
At what degree of belief in a research hypothesis is a trial in humans justified

Rationale, aims and objectives Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have emerged as the most reliable method of assessing the effects of health care interventions in clinical medicine. However, RCTs should be undertaken only if there is substantial uncertainty about which of the trial treatments would benefit a patient most. The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of uncertainty in a research hypothesis before it can empirically be tested in an RCT. Methods We integrated arguments from three independent lines of research ‐ on ethics, principles of the design and conduct of clinical trials, and medical decision making ‐ to develop a decision model to help solve the dilemma of under which circumstances innovative treatments should be tested in an RCT. Results We showed that RCTs are the preferable option to resolve uncertainties about competing treatment alternatives whenever we desire reliable, undisputed, high-quality evidence with a low likelihood of false-positive or false-negative results. Conclusions When the expected benefit : risk ratio of a new treatment is small, an RCT is justified to resolve uncertainties over a wide range of prior belief (e.g. 10‐90%) in the accuracy of the research hypothesis. Randomized controlled trials represent the best means for resolving uncertainties about health care interventions.
Politics and the Adoption of Legislative Television: An Analysis of the U.S. House Vote on C-SPAN

The present study extends the work of Crain and Goff (1988) by examining the political determinants of the earliest decision to adopt legislative television on a permanent basis at the national level in the United States. Data on legislator and district characteristics are used to explain the 1977 vote to adopt C-SPAN coverage of proceedings in the U.S. House of Representatives. Logit regression results suggest that length of service and extremity of political views/ideologies had clear and significant effects on politicians' votes concerning the adoption of legislative television. As with Crain and Goff (1988), these measures capture some element of legislator self-interest.
A Rediscovery of Sigmund Freud

Abstract As part of his rediscovery of consciousness, Searle has recently provided an interpretation of Freud′s account of consciousness, including the relation of consciousness to nonconscious mental occurrences [i.e., preconscious mental occurrences and unconscious (repressed) mental occurrences]. Regrettably, Searle′s interpretation is based on a single paragraph from The Unconscious and serves to eliminate Freud′s general view on these matters as being "incoherent." In the present article, I rediscover Freud′s account and show that Searle has deeply misunderstood him, thus converting Freud into a "mental -eye" theorist of consciousness when Freud is actually an "intrinsic" theorist. I point out that Freud′s and Searle′s views on consciousness are actually similar, though Searle denies the existence of nonconscious mental occurrences. My discussion of Freud′s account of consciousness addresses as well (a) Freud′s understanding of emotions and feelings, including what he calls "misconstrued" emotions, and repression that works to suppress the development of affect, and (b) why Freud held that emotions and feelings never occur except consciously. I hope that my present contribution will be part of an intensive discussion that will proceed among psychologists of consciousness in a conscious and deliberate joint effort to develop the theory of consciousness.
When do firms support environmental agreements

Several firms have recently supported their countries’ participation in international environmental agreements where countries commit to stricter environmental regulation. This paper analyzes the rationale of this conduct by examining equilibrium emission standards with and without environmental treaties. We identify that more stringent environmental regulation produces two effects on firm profits: a negative effect due to larger abatement costs, and a positive effect that arises from the amelioration of duopoly overproduction. We describe under which conditions the positive effect dominates the negative effect, increasing firm profits, and inducing them to support their countries’ participation in environmental treaties.
A balancing view: Should cirrhotic patients with small esophageal varices undergo primary bleeding prophylaxis?

A Balancing View: Should Cirrhotic Patients With Small Esophageal Varices Undergo Primary Bleeding Prophylaxis?
Cellulose and Lignocellulose Degradation by Thermophilic and Thermotolerant Fungi

Twenty-one species of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungi were tested for the ability to degrade cellulose and lignocellulose. Thielavai thermophila is newly described as cellulolytic. Only Chrysosporium pruinosum and Sporotrichum pulverulentum were found to degrade lignocellulose extensively. In a number of cases the moisture content of the solid substrate influenced degradation by the species tested.
Transport of trivalent lanthanides in a H2O-CHCl3H2O liquid membrane system containing a crown ether carboxylic acid

Abstract Neutral crown ethers do not transport trivalent lanthanide cations in a H2O-CHCl3-H2O liquid membrane system. With the addition of a carboxylate group to a macrocyclic polyether, as in the case of sym-dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetic acid, high efficiencies of transporting trivalent lanthanides were observed across the H2O-CHCl3-H2O liquid membrane. The crown ether carboxylic acid also showed significant selectivity for the lanthanides studied in this system.
Business process re‐engineering implementations using Internet technology

Examines factors affecting the implementation of business process re‐engineering (BPR) projects using Internet technology. Although there has been some empirical investigation of BPR, no research to date has specifically examined BPR when Internet technology is used during implementation. Radical changes may occur as a result of an organization’s BPR implementation causing a BPR project to be unsuccessful. BPR failure rates have been reported as high as 70 percent, making implementation issues especially important. Each information technology (IT) used during BPR implementation may affect managerial factors differently. By determining factors that affect BPR implementation using a specific IT, these factors can be managed to increase the chance of a successful BPR implementation. Uses a survey methodology and correlation analysis to gather information about the relationship between organizational enablers and successful BPR implementations using Internet technology. The factors examined in this research were: egalitarian culture; resource management; resistance management; and change management.
A graduate curriculum in Business-Oriented Computing

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado has recently developed a graduate curriculum in Business-Oriented Computing. The program was developed in recognition of the increasing demand for individuals who are trained in both business methodology and computer science. The 30 semester hour program is designed to produce masters level computer scientists capable of integrating the needs of the business community with the technology of computer science.Prerequisites for the program include a Bachelor's degree in Business (or the equivalent), ten semester hours of computing, and nine semester hours of upper division mathematics. The prerequisite computing courses are: Introduction to Computer Science for Business Majors (CS 202), a four hour course in COBOL programming; Business Data Processing Methods (CS 312), a three hour course in FORTRAN emphasizing business applications; and Assembly Language and System Software (CS 400). The mathematics courses are typically in the areas of statistics, probability theory, mathematical programming, computability, and linear algebra. At the University of Colorado, the programming and mathematics courses can be taken in the undergraduate Computer Based Information Systems option of the Business School curriculum.
Keeping Up with Technology: Sources for Mid- to Long-Term Planning

Four resources that can help librarians remain abreast of the broader concepts and with the mid and far technological horizons are covered. These resources will aid librarians involved in technology planning, grant writing, or simply deciding where to invest energy.
Velocity-dependent suppression of cutaneous sensitivity during movement.

Abstract Cutaneous sensory thresholds were measured at the index fingertip of eight normal subjects. Electric shocks were applied with the finger at rest or tracking a target, which oscillated at one of three frequencies. For each subject, the sensory threshold was positively correlated with the frequency of oscillation. The correlations between sensory suppression and speed of movement agree with previous findings obtained using experimental animals and somatosensory-evoked responses. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Positive solutions of singular nonlinear boundary value problems

For a class of problems of the form y″=g(t,y)f(y′),0 −∞, and find asymptotic formulae for y(t) and y′(t) as t→1−. We particularly include cases where the nonlinearity causes singularities at the endpoints of (0,1).
On the Rank-Based Selection Strategy for the Group Interview Problem*

For the so-called group interview problem in which several groups of choice alternatives are presented sequentially to the decision maker, the optimal selection strategy is derived that minimizes the expected rank of the selected choice or purchased product. For the case in which the sequence of groups can be rearranged by the decision maker, a simple heuristic procedure is proposed for obtaining a near-optimal sequence of groups, and the performance of the heuristic procedure in a Monte Carlo simulation is accessed. According to the heuristic procedure, the consumer is advised to visit smaller stores first and then move to larger stores later to increase the likelihood of finding a better product. Finally, the optimal selection strategy and the heuristic procedure are compared with those proposed by Chun, Moskowitz, and Plante (1993) and the problem of locating a new store in an area where there are several competing stores is discussed. The optimal selection strategy and the heuristic procedure can be applied to many sequential decision problems such as the consumer search and purchase process.
Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist Reduces Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels through Hepatic Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase-1 Gene Regulation

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is a bile acid-responsive nuclear receptor that plays critical roles in the transcriptional regulation genes involved in cholesterol, bile acid, triglyceride, and carbohydrate metabolism. By microarray analysis of hepatic genes from female Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats treated with the FXR agonist GW4064, we have identified dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH1) as an FXR target gene. DDAH1 is a key catabolic enzyme of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a major endogenous nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor. Sequence analysis of the DDAH1 gene reveals the presence of an FXR response element (FXRE) located 90 kb downstream of the transcription initiation site and within the first intron. Functional analysis of the putative FXRE demonstrated GW4064 dose-dependent transcriptional activation from the element, and we have demonstrated that the FXRE sequence binds the FXR-RXR heterodimer. In vivo administration of GW4064 to female ZDF rats promoted a dose-dependent and >6-fold increase in hepatic DDAH1 gene expression. The level of serum ADMA was reduced concomitantly. These findings provide a mechanism by which FXR may increase endothelium-derived nitric oxide levels through modulation of serum ADMA levels via direct regulation of hepatic DDAH1 gene expression. Thus, beneficial clinical outcomes of FXR agonist therapy may include prevention of atherosclerosis and improvement of the metabolic syndrome.
Coating tips used in electrical scanning probe microscopy with W and AuPd

A conductive tip is essential for probing the electrical characterization in scanning probe microscopy (SPM). This study investigates the efficiency of W and AuPd as coating materials in a silicon cantilever for application to conductive SPM. The results show that the two self-coated probes could both be used in SCM and SPO modes. However, they were not appropriate for use in CAFM mode because the conductive films do not strongly resist wear. The presented AuPd probe outperforms the W probe because it more strongly resists the oxide formation at the end of tip.
Optical polarization imaging in biological tissue

We present a study of the polarization effects resulting from the reflection and transmission of a narrow beam of light through biological tissues. This is done numerically with a Monte Carlo method based on a transport equation which takes into account polarization of light. We will show both time-independent and time-dependent computations, and we will discuss how polarization can be used in order to obtain better images. We consider biological tissues that can be modeled as continuous media varying randomly in space, containing inhomogeneities with no sharp boundaries.
Case Report Tissue Levels of Monoamines and Monoamine Metabolizing Enzymes in Medullary Carcinoma and Other Thyroid Diseases

Abstract Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT) originates from the parafollicular cells of the thyroid. Many MCT contain large quantities of histaminase. There are some histologic and biochemical suggestions that MCT also may contain increased quantities of monoamines such as serotonin and norepinephrine (NE). This report compares the levels of monoamines and monoamine metabolizing enzymes in nine consecutive MCT removed in our medical center with the levels in normal thyroid tissue, follicular adenomas of the thryoid, colloid nodules of the thyroid, and chronic (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis tissue. There was no significant difference in the serotonin, NE, and dopamine concentrations in most MCT and normal thyroid tissues. Although the serotonin concentration of follicular adenomas and colloid nodules did not differ from that of normal thyroid tissue, the NE concentration of colloid nodules was decreased. The monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) activity of MCT and colloid nodules did not differ from normal thyroid tissue. The MAO activity of follicular adenomas was significantly higher than the MAO activity of normal thyroid tissue when the enzyme activity was expressed either per unit protein or per unit DNA. The COMT activity of follicular adenomas was significantly higher than the COMT activity of normal thyroid tissue when expressed per unit protein, but was hot significantly different when expressed per unit DNA. One of the nine MCT we evaluated had increased levels of NE, dopamine, MAO, and COMT. In addition, it contained increased amounts of epinephrine and the epinephrine synthesizing enzyme phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase. We conclude that the levels of monoamines and monoamine metabolizing enzymes are not increased in most MCT. However, the activity of MAO is increased in other neoplasms such as follicular adenoma.
Uncertainty of Tropical Cyclone Best-Track Information

With the growing use of tropical cyclone (TC) best-track information for weather and climate applications, it isimportanttounderstandthe uncertaintiesthatare containedin the TCpositionandintensityinformation. Here, an attempt is made to quantify the position uncertainty using National Hurricane Center (NHC) advisory information, as well as intensity uncertainty during times without aircraft data, by verifying Dvorak minimum sea level pressure (SLP) and maximum wind speed estimates during times with aircraft reconnaissanceinformationduring2000‐09.Inaclimatologicalsense,TCpositionuncertaintydecreasesformore intense TCs, while the uncertainty of intensity, measured by minimum SLP or maximum wind speed, increases with intensity. The standard deviation of satellite-based TC intensity estimates can be used as a predictor of the consensus intensity error when that consensus includes both Dvorak and microwave-based estimates, but not when it contains only Dvorak-based values. Whereas there has been a steady decrease in seasonal TC position uncertainty overthe past 10 yr, whichis likely due toadditionaldata available toNHC forecasters, the seasonal TC minimum SLP and maximum wind speed values are fairly constant, with year-to-year variability due to the mean intensity of all TCs during that season and the frequency of aircraft reconnaissance.
Is robotic mitral valve repair a reproducible approach

Objective We sought to review the surgical outcomes of our initial 120 robotic mitral valve repairs from June 2005 through April 2009. Methods The initial 74 repairs were performed with the first-generation da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunny Vale, Calif), and the last 46 were performed with the da Vinci Si HD model. All patients received an annuloplasty band and 1 or more of the following: leaflet resection; annuloplasty; basal chord transposition, polytetrafluoroethylene neochordal replacement, or both; and edge-to-edge repair. Results The overall mean age was 58.4 ± 10.5 years, and 64% were male. There was 1 (0.8%) hospital mortality. Five patients required mitral valve replacement for a failed repair. Another patient had mitral valve rerepair on postoperative day 2. Except for 2 early reoperations for postoperative bleeding, all of the complications and failed repairs requiring operative revision occurred with the original robot. Postdischarge transthoracic echocardiographic follow-up was available on 107 (93%) of 115 patients, with a median follow-up of 321 days. None to mild mitral regurgitation was seen in 102 (89%) patients, moderate mitral regurgitation was seen in 9 (8.4%) patients, and severe mitral regurgitation was seen in 3 (2.8%), with 1 patient undergoing mitral valve replacement and 2 patients being medically managed. Conclusions The majority of complications and all the repeat operations for failed mitral valve repair occurred with the older-model da Vinci robot. The newer da Vinci Si HD system, with the addition of an adjustable left atrial roof retractor, improves mitral valve exposure, enhancing the surgeon's ability to repair and test the valve. We have progressed to successful repair of all types of degenerative mitral valve pathology and have found the approach reproducible.
Matchmaking in Marketing Class: Using Fisher's Personality Profiling to Form Student Teams

Each term, instructors are dealt a hand when presented with a surprise buffet of personalities from which to form teams. We need to make the best of it. While the benefits of team projects in marke...
What Do Digital Books Mean for Libraries

L'A. examine differents aspects de l'edition electronique et du livre electronique, en distinguant les produits relevant du marche educatif et ceux relevant du marche du consommation, ainsi que les implications pour les bibliotheques. Dans un premier temps il etudie la progression de divers genres de documents vers le monde du numerique : outils d'indexation et de resume, encyclopedies, monographies scolaires, manuels, romans. Il s'attarde ensuite au cas particulier des e-books, consideres a tort comme des substituts numeriques des livres relies, et a leur place sur un marche sans doute surevalue, en rappelant les problemes lies a la circulation de l'e-book et a l'obsolescence des formats et des technologies.
The edge-based design rule model revisited

A model for integrated circuit design rules based on rectangle edge constraints has been proposed by Jeppson, Christensson, and Hedenstierna. This model appears to be the most rigorous proposed to date for the description of such edge-based design rules. However, in certain rare circumstances their model is unable to express the correct design rule when the constrained edges are not adjacent in the layout. We introduce a new notation, called an edge path, which allows us to extend their model to allow for constraints between edges separated by an arbitrary number of intervening edges. Using this notation we enumerate all edge paths that are required to correctly model the original design rule macros of the JCH model, and prove that these macros are sufficient to model the most common rules. We also show how this notation alows us to directly specify many kinds of conditional design rules that required ad hoc specification under the JCH model.
Benzocaine: not dangerous enough?

To the Editor .— We recently cared for an 11-month-old child who drank up to 2 mL of a 20% benzocaine anesthetic teething gel, which was believed to be cherry-flavored acetaminophen. He was admitted to our institution for tachycardia (200 beats per minute, on average), …
Auricular reconstruction after oncological resection

A variety of ear defects can occur after resection of malignant tumors, which presents the option for a diverse array of surgical techniques for their reconstruction. Because the functional demands of the ear are few and the opposite ear is usually unaffected, reconstruction should focus on the position, size, and cotour of the resected ear. In skin-only defects, secondary healing, skin grafts, and direct closure are effective options. In smaller partial-and full-thickness defects, staged local and regional flaps with cartilage grafts can recreate the shape and contour of the ear. In total-ear defects, osseointegrated mastoid implants for prosthetic retention offer the most effective and rapid method for ear replacement. All of these reconstructive techniques are outlined and the indications for their use discussed.
An infratemporal fossa mass.

Aman inhis 50spresentedwith a facialmass growingover 1 year,with28.5-kgweight loss due to poor oral intake. He reported a 44–pack-year smoking history and remote alcohol abuse.Onphysical examinationhehada 10-cmright-sided facialmass extendingunder the auricle fromthemastoid to thezygomaand inferiorly to theangleof themandible. Themass was firm, mildly tender, but without overlying skin changes or cervical lymphadenopathy. Computed tomographic (CT) andmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showedmaxillary sinus compression with partial destruction of the zygomatic arch, mandible, and orbital floor (Figure, A and B). The mass extended into the right pterygopalatine fossa, disrupting the floor of themiddle cranial fossa andwidening the foramenovale. A core biopsy specimenrevealedspindlecell proliferationwithabundantcollagen that stained focallywith CD34, smoothmuscle actin, andBcl-2. The Figure, C, shows a gross pathologic image after excision of themass.Histopathologic findings demonstrated spindle cells arranged in long fascicles with abundant interstitial collagen (Figure, D). Tumor cells exhibited central, oval nuclei, and moderate amounts of pale-pink cytoplasm with indistinct borders. There was no increased or atypical mitosis, necrosis, or vascular invasion. Immunostaining demonstrated strong nuclear staining for β-catenin antibody andwas positive for smoothmuscle actin antibody,while stains fordesmin,pan-keratin, S-100,CD34, andBcl-2antibodieswere negative. The Ki67 index was less than 1%. Quiz at jamaotolaryngology.com A
Michael Eric Dyson, April 4 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Death and How it Changed America

(2010). Michael Eric Dyson, April 4 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Death and How it Changed America. Black Theology: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 122-123.