cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic instability measurements in DT-layered ICF capsules using the layered-HGR platform

The first measurements of hydrodynamic instability growth at the fuel-ablator interface in an ICF implosion are reported. Previous instability measurements on the National Ignition Facility have used plastic capsules to measure ablation front Rayleigh-Taylor growth with the Hydro.-Growth Radiography (HGR) platform. These capsules substituted an additional thickness of plastic ablator material in place of the cryogenic layer of Deuterium- Tritium (DT) fuel. The present experiments are the first to include a DT ice layer, which enables measurements of the instability growth occurring at the fuel-ablator interface. Instability growth at the fuel-ablator interface is seeded differently in two independent NIF experiments. In the first case, a perturbation on the outside of the capsule feeds through and grows on the interface. Comparisons to an implosion without a fuel layer produce a measure of the fuel's modulation. In the second case, a modulation was directly machined on the inner ablator before the fuel layer was added. The measurement of growth in these two scenarios are compared to 2D rad-hydro modeling.
Reflections on Domestic Corpus- based Translation Studies( 2007- 2013)

This paper explores the recent publications on domestic Corpus- based Translation Studies from 2007 to 2013. It finds that domestic Corpus- based Translation Studies are acquiring deep explorations after the initial phase and that the empirical studies have narrowed the gap with non- empirical studies. The research area presents a trend of diversification,including constructions of bilingual parallel corpus,interpretation,machine translation,etc. Though great achievements in domestic Corpus- based Translation Studies have been made,problems still remain: limitations in technical levels,in breadth and depth of the research as well as in research methods demand breakthroughs.
SU-F-T-668: Irradiating Mouse Brain with a Clinical Linear Accelerator

Purpose: To design and construct a “mouse jig” device that would allow for irradiation of the mouse brain with a clinical Varian 6 MeV Linear Accelerator. This device must serve as a head immobilizer, gaseous anesthesia delivery, and radiation bolus concurrently. Methods: The mouse jig was machined out of nylon given that it is inexpensive, easy to machine, and has similar electron density to water. A cylindrical opening with diameter of 16 mm and 40 mm depth was drilled into a nylon block sized 56×56×50 mm (width, length, depth). Additional slots were included in the block for ear bars and a tooth bar to serve as a three-point immobilization device as well as for anesthesia delivery and scavenging. For ease of access when loading the mouse into the holder, there is a removable piece at the top of the block that is 15 mm in depth. This serves a dual purpose, as with the proper extra shielding, the mouse jig could be used with lower linear energy transfer photons with this piece removed. A baseplate was then constructed with five square slots where the mouse jig can securely be inserted plus additional slots that would allow the baseplate to be mounted on a standard lock bar in the treatment couch. This maximizes the reproducibility of placement between imaging and treatment and between treatment sessions. Results: CT imaging and radiation treatment planning was performed that showed acceptable coverage and uniformity of radiation dose in the mouse brain while sparing the throat and eyes. Conclusion: We have designed and manufactured a device that fulfills our criteria allowing us to selectively irradiate the mouse brain with a clinical linear accelerator. This setup will be used for generating mouse models of radiation-induced brain injury.
The Changing Role of Faculty

The role of faculty within traditional teaching institutions worldwide has always been multidimensional, involving administrative duties, research responsibilities, and a commitment to community service in addition to teaching. In the majority of institutions, this teaching role of faculty has remained unchanged for decades. In fact, most faculty teach the way they themselves were taught using the tried and trusted Socratic transmission paradigm in which sections of academic content are divided into 50 minute lectures and delivered to often large groups of passive recipients. There is simply very little incentive to make alterations to a teaching model that has been in place for hundreds of years (Buckley, 2002). Present day faculty culture often values research, productivity, and quality over high quality teaching and student evaluations tend not to reward faculty prepared to experiment and take risks with models of learning that differ from the students’ previous learning experiences. Things are changing and the use of “chalk and talk” as the primary means of content delivery is being replaced at some institutions by more collaborative, interactive approaches to learning that are supported by course management systems and the numerous recent innovations in e-learning technologies, such as electronic books, text messages, podcasting, wikis and blogs (Kim and Bonk, 2006).
Data association on large quantities of complex data

Data association is the problem of identifying when multiple sensors have observed the same entity, which is important since it allows multiple sensors to work together in observing a common environment. This thesis will address three issues facing modern data association algorithms, which result from the changing nature of data upon which data association algorithms must operate. First, graph association is developed for use on richly relational data to improve the accuracy of association. Graph association is modeled as a binary linear program, and it is shown that the graph association problem is NP-Hard, and closely related to approximate graph matching and the quadratic assignment problems. Since graph association is NP-Hard, a Lagrangian heuristic is developed for its solution, which also provides a performance guarantee in the form of an optimality gap. Second, to cope with the increasing quantity of data resulting from advances in sensor infrastructures, including advances in natural language processing, the Lagrangian heuristic developed for graph association is adapted for implementation in a map-reduce framework which allows the algorithm to be distributed across a cluster of computers, and address the real-time and large data requirements of data association. Finally, to handle streaming updates to a data association problem, an incremental graph partitioning approach is considered. The developed algorithm allows a current solution to be updated when new data arrives without recomputing a solution in full. This is accomplished in a way that considers the unique properties of data association, including the existence of robust gating techniques, non-metric distances, and sparse problems.
Taylor-Couette flow stability of diabetic blood

In this report we compare the Taylor-Couette instability of blood from diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, finding no disparity to a less than 1% confidence level despite a well-defined difference in shear-thinning behavior
Radar Detection of Hail

The detection of hail by single and multi-wavelength radar reflectivity and depolarization measurements is reviewed. There are problems of interpretation involved in the detection of hail by the Eccles-Atlas dual-wavelength (10 cm and 3 cm) method because of the possible effects of range variations of mean hail diameter and water coat thickness on hail. An investigation of the feasibility of using 10 cm and 5 cm wavelengths for the detection of hail, and of deducing reflectivities and attenuations by dual radar measurements at attenuating wavelengths is recommended. Methods of hail detection by measurement of circular depolarization ratio suffer from the effects of propagation through the anisotropic medium constituted by precipitation particles.
A systematic simulation-based process intensification method for shale gas processing and NGLs recovery process systems under uncertain feedstock compositions

Abstract Handling uncertainty in feedstock compositions is an important challenge for shale gas processing and natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery process systems. If the process system is designed without considering uncertain feedstock compositions, the product specifications could be easily violated. To address this challenge, we develop a systematic simulation-based process intensification method. This method consists of three steps, namely process simulation, capacity-oriented process intensification, and design validation. An iterative feature of the proposed method guarantees the intensified design hedged against uncertain feedstock compositions. The proposed method is illustrated on a conventional process system and a novel condensation-based system. In the novel system, a condensation process is considered in the gas dehydration section and it is integrated with a turboexpander process to improve the overall energy utilization efficiency. The intensified design of the novel system shows a lower total annualized cost than that of the conventional system.
Inequality in Late-Classical Democratic Athens: Evidence and Models

This paper contributes to the question of the relationship between democracy and economic inequality in ancient Greece by developing a realistic population and income model for late classical Athens. The model is evidence-based, although hypothetical in many particulars. It aligns with other evidence suggesting that economic inequality in late classical Athens was low by historical standards. While no causal argument is made here, the model is consistent with the hypothesis that democracy tended to lower economic inequality over time, in part through progressive taxation. The model also helps to explain Athenian social stability: poorer Athenians, including many slaves, were beneficiaries of a system that enabled most Athenians to live well above the level of bare subsistence. Some slaves had some chance of earning their way out of slavery by, in effect, purchasing themselves. While taxation could be disruptively heavy for some estates, the overall tax burden on wealthy Athenians, as a class, was not high enough to trigger elite-level revolutionary cooperation against the democratic regime.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING MODEL AND PROBLEM BASED LEARNING IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING AT PUBLIC JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS WITH A ACCREDITATION IN MAKASSAR CITY

The research aims to discover the comparison of the affectiveness of project based learning and problem based learning in Mathematics learning in class VIII at Public Junior High Schools (SMPN) with A Accreditation in Makassar City. The research is Quasi Experiment with pretest-posttest design. The populations of the research were all of the students of class VIII at SMPN with A Accreditation in Makassar City and the samples were class VIII/B4 at SMPN 5 Makassar and class VIII2 at SMPN 26 Makassar which were chosen by using cluster random sampling technique. The data of the research were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential analysis. The results of the research reveal that both descriptively or inferentially, project based learning model have met effectiveness creteria that the average score of students’ Mathematics postt-test who were taught by using project based learning model is in high category by 81.87 and deviation standard 8.75, classical completeness is 87%, the average of normalized gain is in high category, the students’ activities are in very active category, the students’ responses on learning model are positive and students’ learning interests are in very high category. While inferentially, class classical completeness is ineffective. Generally, it is concluded that project based learning model is effective to be implemented in Mathematics learning in Two Variable Linear Equation System material in class VIII/B4 at SMPN 5 Makassar. The scores os students’ Mathematics learning results who were taught by using problem based learning model both descriptively and inferentially based on the post-test results are in high category with the average score 18.10 and deviation standard 7.73, the average of normalized gain is in high category, classical completeness is 86%, the students’ activities are in very active category, the students’ responses on learning model are postive, and the students’ learning iterests are in high category. While inferentially, class classical completeness is ineffective. Generally, it is concluded that problem based learningmodel is effective to be implemented in Mathematics learning in Two Variable Linear Equation System material in class VIII 2 at SMPN 26 Makassar. The results of hypothesis test at the significant level α = 0.05 with t-test indicates that H o is accepted meaning that there is no difference of effectiveness between project based learning model and problem based learning model in Mathematics learning in Two Variable Linear Equation System material and variables of class VIII students at SMPN with A Accreditation inMakassar City
Soil carbon sequestration in freshwater wetlands varies across a gradient of ecological condition and by ecoregion

Abstract We evaluated the ability of freshwater riparian wetlands along a gradient of ecological condition to act as sinks for carbon and sediment. We compared rates of carbon accretion and soil accretion across 20 wetlands in the Lake Erie Drift Plain and the Ridge and Valley ecoregions. Soil cores were collected and analyzed using 137Cs dating to quantify long-term (∼50 year) rates of sediment and carbon accumulation. Data on hydrology and floristic quality were used to help explain variability in rates. Sites were classified as being in low, moderate, or high ecological condition based on a rapid assessment method, which was verified by their floristic quality. Wetlands of low ecological condition (more human disturbance) had higher mean soil accretion and carbon accretion rates. Soil accretion averaged 0.24 ± 0.17 cm yr−1 and 0.14 ± 0.04 cm yr−1 in low condition sites and high condition sites, respectively. Carbon accretion averaged 88 ± 50 gC m−2 yr−1 in low condition and 65 ± 27 gC m−2 yr−1 in high condition sites. Low condition sites had lower mean soil carbon concentrations in the upper 10 cm of the soil profile, suggesting that the higher carbon burial in these sites was related to allochthonous carbon inputs in incoming sediment, rather than autochthonous carbon inputs. There were also striking rate differences between ecoregions. Erie Drift Plain wetlands had significantly higher mean soil accretion rates, compared to Ridge and Valley wetlands. These data indicate that freshwater wetlands play a role in regulating climate by acting as carbon sinks and that anthropogenic disturbance can impact rates of carbon burial.
Adrenal hemorrhage due to hypercoagulable state mimicking pheochromocytoma

Abstract Adrenal insufficiency due to hemorrhagic adrenal infarction is a rare complication of hypercoagulable states. It usually manifests as bilateral adrenal hemorrhage with primary adrenal insufficiency. Here we report a 56-year-old male with known history of autoimmunity on chronic glucocorticoids, who presented with acute abdominal pain and hypertension. Initial imaging and biochemical evaluation was suspicious for a pheochromocytoma. However, subsequently he developed bilateral adrenal hemorrhage with clinical and biochemical evidence of primary adrenal insufficiency. A concurrent massive pulmonary embolism raised a high suspicion for a hypercoagulable state, which was not confirmed by laboratory evaluation, although a thorough evaluation could not be completed. This case highlights the rare occurrence of sequential bilateral adrenal hemorrhage which can be caused by hypercoagulable states, and biochemically mimic a pheochromocytoma.
Hyaluronate coating enhances the delivery and biocompatibility of gold nanoparticles.

Abstract For targeted delivery with nanoparticles (NPs) as drug carriers, it is imperative that the NPs are internalized into the targeted cell. Surface properties of NPs influence their interactions with cells. We examined the responses of retinal pigment epithelial cells, NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells, and Chinese hamster ovary cells to gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in their nascent form as well as coated with end-thiolated hyaluronate (HS-HA). The grafting density of HS-HA on Au NPs was calculated based on total organic carbon measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis. We imaged the intracellular NPs by 3D confocal microscopy. We quantified viability and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of the cells to Au NPs and monitored cell-surface attachment via electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing. The results confirmed that receptors on cell surfaces, for HA, are critical in internalizing HS-HA-Au NPs, and HA may mitigate ROS pathways known to lead to cell death. The 50- and 100-nm HS-HA-Au NPs were able to enter the cells; however, their nascent forms could not. This study shows that the delivery of larger Au NPs is enhanced with HS-HA coating and illustrates the potential of HA-coated NPs as a drug delivery agent for inflamed, proliferating, and cancer cells that express CD44 receptors.
Relationship Between Coronary Artery Calcification Detected by Electron-Beam Computed Tomography and Abnormal Stress Echocardiography: Association and Prognostic Implications

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the results and prognostic value of electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) and exercise echocardiography. Background Although patients with elevated coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) might be referred for exercise echocardiography, the association of EBCT CACS with wall motion score index (WMSI) is not known. Methods Patients without known coronary artery disease who underwent both clinically indicated EBCT and exercise echocardiography within a 3-month period were identified. Exercise WMSI was based on a 16-segment model (normal = 1; abnormal >1). The EBCT CACS was derived with the Agatston scoring system. Follow-up was obtained for the combined end point of death and myocardial infarction. Results The study population included 556 patients (age 54 ± 10 years; 65% male). Correlation between EBCT CACS and exercise WMSI was limited (r = 0.17, p 400, 66% had normal exercise WMSI. Age, CACS, and chest pain were independently associated with abnormal exercise WMSI. Events occurred in 12 (2%) patients. Wall motion score index (risk ratio [RR] 3.7, p = 0.023) and age (RR 1.9, p = 0.019) were associated with events. Conclusions Electron-beam computed tomography CACS was predictive of abnormal exercise WMSI, but the majority of patients with elevated CACS had normal WMSI. Wall motion score index and age were the best predictors of events. Prospective studies are indicated to establish the relative roles of these tests in risk stratification.
Reibleistungsmessung an einem befeuerten Nfz-Motor mittels p mi -geregelter Betriebsart

Im Gegensatz zum Pkw-Segment, fur den bis 2020 ein CO2-Flottenverbrauch von <95g/km festgeschrieben ist, werden die CO2-Emissionen fur den Bereich Nutzfahrzeuge derzeit weder limitiert noch berichtet. Dieses Problem ist von der EU-Kommission erkannt worden und soll durch entsprechende Regularien zur Reduzierung von Kraftstoffverbrauch und CO2-Emissionen gelost werden. Die Ziele orientieren sich dabei am Gesamtziel der Reduzierung von Treibhausgasemissionen fur 2050 um 60% (verglichen mit 1990) fur den gesamten Warentransport in der EU und werden nach den Vorstellungen der Kommission mittelfristig zu obligatorischen CO2-Limits fuhren, die bereits bis 2030 ihre Wirksamkeit zur Reduzierung von Treibhausgasemissionen entfalten sollen [1].
Autonomic and behavioral temperature regulation

We report experiments on two species (sheep and squirrel monkeys) in which the temperatures of the left and right preoptic areas were independently controlled. Autonomic thermoregulatory responses in one sheep and behavioral thermoregulatory responses in two monkeys changed similarly under comparable patterns of preoptic thermal stimulation. The response to unilateral heating or cooling was augmented by simultaneous or successive stimulation of the contralateral side to the same temperature level. Simultaneous heating of one side and cooling of the other could result in no change in thermoregulatory effector response, provided the two local preoptic temperatures were properly chosen. Similarly, a response initiated by unilateral heating (or cooling) could be abolished by subsequent contralateral cooling (or heating). An analysis of thermal conduction through the neural tissues indicated that the effect was not due to an overlap of thermal gradients from the thermodes at some intermediate thermosensitive site. The results imply that the magnitude of the effector response to preoptic thermal stimulation depends upon the volume of neural substrate stimulated as well as upon the local temperature imposed.
“Whatever I Have to Do That's Right:” Culture and the Precariousness of Personhood in a Poor Urban Neighborhood

This article presents a person-centered case study of one woman's struggles to realize a meaningful sense of personhood in a low-income urban neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An analysis of longitudinal ethnographic data for this case reveals how everyday aspirations toward a morally resonant lived-sense of personhood were informed by a core assemblage of three cultural models: "providing" and "being there" as a parent and doing so within a framework of "defensive individualism". This assemblage of cultural models was particularly compelling because of a combination of the embodied residue of childhood experiences and moments of "moral breakdown" in adult life. The experiences of moral breakdown were particularly meaningful because recurrent episodes of material hardship that constantly threatened to upend past efforts to realize a meaningful sense of personhood in everyday life and, in turn, generated a constant effort to reclaim and repair the symbolic markers of an achieved personhood that had been lost. These observations point to a precariousness of personhood that seemed to further motivate an investment in a self-definition in terms of this combination of cultural models.
Widespread use of flavored e-cigarettes and hookah tobacco in the United States

Abstract In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of flavored cigarettes (excluding menthol) in the U.S. However, the sale of flavored e-cigarettes (FE) and flavored hookah tobacco (FHT) is still legal. In this study (conducted in the US in the period from October 2018 to February 2019), we estimated the prevalence of use of FE and FHT across users' sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity) and identified the key characteristics of tobacco users associated with use of FE and FHT. We analyzed the 2014–2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey data for current e-cigarette (n = 3691) and hookah tobacco (n = 658) users. Among e-cigarette users, 65.5% used FE; and among hookah tobacco users, 87.3% used FHT. Among e-cigarette users, the prevalence of use of FE was significantly higher for 18–24 year-old than 45+ year-old adults; women than men; Southern than Northeastern residents; and never smokers of regular cigarettes than current smokers of regular cigarettes (all adjusted p's Implications Among users of emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and hookah tobacco, use of flavored products is very common. Among e-cigarette users, 66% consumed flavored e-cigarettes; and among users of hookah tobacco, 87% consumed flavored hookah tobacco. Use of flavored products was especially common among users who were young adults, women, or never and former smokers of regular cigarettes. Availability of emerging tobacco products in many different flavors could be a reason for tobacco use initiation and continued use of tobacco after cessation of regular-cigarette smoking.
Relationship between crossover sign and anterior center-edge angle.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the anterior center-edge angle (ACEA) and lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) and crossover ratio. Methods Consecutive patients presenting for evaluation of hip pain were reviewed. The following measurements were recorded and analyzed: Crossover ratio, LCEA, ACEA, and alpha-angle. Results 68 patients met inclusion criteria. The only statistically significant radiographic measurement when stratified by gender was alpha angle (P Conclusion A correlation exists between crossover ratio and ACEA and LCEA.
List Experiments with Measurement Error

Measurement error threatens the validity of survey research, especially when studying sensitive questions. Although list experiments can help discourage deliberate misreporting, they may also suffer from nonstrategic measurement error due to flawed implementation and respondents’ inattention. Such error runs against the assumptions of the standard maximum likelihood regression (MLreg) estimator for list experiments and can result in misleading inferences, especially when the underlying sensitive trait is rare. We address this problem by providing new tools for diagnosing and mitigating measurement error in list experiments. First, we demonstrate that the nonlinear least squares regression (NLSreg) estimator proposed in Imai (2011) is robust to nonstrategic measurement error. Second, we offer a general model misspecification test to gauge the divergence of the MLreg and NLSreg estimates. Third, we show how to model measurement error directly, proposing new estimators that preserve the statistical efficiency of MLreg while improving robustness. Last, we revisit empirical studies shown to exhibit nonstrategic measurement error, and demonstrate that our tools readily diagnose and mitigate the bias. We conclude this article with a number of practical recommendations for applied researchers. The proposed methods are implemented through an open-source software package.
Modern Monetary Theory: Some Additional Dimensions

The objective of this paper is to examine the foundations of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) by building upon the individual papers in this issue of the Atlantic Economic Journal by Mark Skousen and Patrick Newman. The foundations of MMT include five cornerstones. First, sovereign governments that are the sole supplier of a national currency (e.g., United States) can issue as much currency as they want, have unlimited ability to fulfill promised future payments, and cannot go bankrupt. Second, legislation enables spending while taxes neither place a limit nor specify government spending (earmarked taxes would be an exception). Third, a sovereign government can borrow as much as it likes in pursuit of laudable public sector projects or fiscal policy programs to manage the economic cycle. Fourth, a huge and growing national debt is beneficial to the economy as long as inflation remains contained. A fifth feature, the blogosphere, shaped the emergence of MMT largely in the absence of technical vetting and critical empirical examination. The popularization derived for MMT through the blogosphere will have a profound effect on U.S. politics and economic policy in the 2020s and 2030s. The foundations of MMT are refuted by the work of public finance theorists David Ricardo, James Buchanan, Robert Barro, and Alberto Alesina.
Smoothed particle hydrodynamic investigation of model vibrations in hypersonic flow

Abstract Sting vibrations in hypersonic wind tunnel data are investigated and modeled to show how pressure fluctuations are affected. This is in contrast with lower-speed flow where the sting's resonant frequencies are simply superimposed upon the data, leading to their simple removal, either with notch (band-stop) filtering or long-run averaging. The fundamental flow alteration at hypersonic velocities, as demonstrated in this paper, show post-processing noise removal is likely no longer trivial. This paper presents results for Mach 5 flow over 3D right circular cones and a capability to simulate these phenomena using the mesh-free Lagrangian Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method.
Using Simulation to Provide Culturally Competent Care to Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Patients

Abstract Simulation is widely recognized as an effective innovative teaching methodology in health care. Using simulation allows educators to provide learners with safe, nonthreatening environments where a standardized high-quality clinical experience is assured. Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals experience discrimination, social isolation, stigmatization, and minority stress. Providing nurse educators with the skills to educate students and staff in caring for this population utilizing cultural competency skills in a simulated environment improves patient outcomes.
Conversion of 19-oxo[2β-2H]androgens into oestrogens by human placental aromatase. An unexpected stereochemical outcome

Aromatase is a cytochrome P-450 enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens into oestrogens via sequential oxidations at the 19-methyl group. Despite intensive investigation, the mechanism of the third step, conversion of the 19-aldehydes into oestrogens, has remained unsolved. We have previously found that a pre-enolized 19-al derivative undergoes smooth aromatization in non-enzymic model studies, but the role of enolization by the enzyme in transformations of 19-oxoandrogens has not been previously investigated. The compounds 19-oxo[2 beta-2H]testosterone and 19-oxo[2 beta-2H]androstenedione have now been synthesized. Exposure of either of these compounds to microsomal aromatase, in the absence of NADPH, for an extended period led to no significant 2H loss or epimerization at C-2, leaving open the importance of an active-site base. However, in the presence of NADPH there was an unexpected substrate-dependent difference in the stereoselectivity of H loss at C-2 in the enzyme-induced aromatization of 19-oxo[2 beta-2H]-testosterone versus 19-oxo[2 beta-2H]androstenedione. The aromatization results for 17 beta-ol derivative 19-oxo[2 beta-2H]-testosterone correspond to about 1.2:1 2 beta-H/2 alpha-H loss from unlabelled 19-oxotestosterone. In contrast, aromatization results for 19-oxo[2 beta-2H]androstenedione correspond to at least 11:1 2 beta-H/2 alpha-H loss from unlabelled 19-oxoandrostenedione. This substrate-dependent stereoselectivity implies a direct role for an enzyme active-site base in 2-H removal. Furthermore, these results argue against the proposal that 2 beta-hydroxylation is the obligatory third step in aromatase action.
Random search as a neural network optimization strategy for Convolutional-Neural-Network (CNN)-based noise reduction in CT

In this study, we describe a systematic approach to optimize deep-learning-based image processing algorithms using random search. The optimization technique is demonstrated on a phantom-based noise reduction training framework; however, the techniques described can be applied generally for other deep learning image processing applications. The parameter space explored included number of convolutional layers, number of filters, kernel size, loss function, and network architecture (either U-Net or ResNet). A total of 100 network models were examined (50 random search, 50 ablation experiments). Following the random search, ablation experiments resulted in a very minor performance improvement indicating near optimal settings were found during the random search. The top performing network architecture was a U-Net with 4 pooling layers, 64 filters, 3x3 kernel size, ELU activation, and a weighted feature reconstruction loss (0.2×VGG + 0.8×MSE). Relative to the low-dose input image, the CNN reduced noise by 90%, reduced RMSE by 34%, and increased SSIM by 76% on six patient exams reserved for testing. The visualization of hepatic and bone lesions was greatly improved following noise reduction.
Dynamic stabilization home exercise program for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: A prospective randomized control trial.

Abstract Study Design Randomized control trial. Introduction Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of hand pain and disability. Standard conservative therapy (SCT) for thumb CMC OA includes an orthosis and instruction in joint protection, adaptive equipment, and pain relieving modalities. The dynamic stability home exercise (HE) program is complementary conservative therapy designed to strengthen the stabilizing muscles of the thumb CMC. Purpose of the Study To investigate whether the addition of HE to SCT (SCT+HE) was more effective at reducing pain and disability in thumb CMC OA compared to SCT alone. Methods The study compared 2 groups: SCT and SCT+HE. The SCT group received SCT with in-home pain management instructions, joint protection strategies with adaptive equipment, and a hand-based thumb-spica orthosis. The SCT+HE group received HE program instructions for adductor stretching and opponens and first dorsal interosseous strengthening in addition to SCT. Our primary outcome measure was the numerical rating scale (NRS) with secondary outcome measures of QuickDASH (shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength. Outcome measurements were assessed at first visit, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Results There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for NRS and QuickDASH at 6 weeks (P = .28 and P = .36, respectively) or 6 months (P = .52 and P = .97, respectively). However, there was a statistically significant decrease in NRS and QuickDASH scores at 6 weeks and 6 months within both groups. Conclusions Both SCT and SCT+HE are effective at reducing pain and disability in OA of the thumb CMC joint. Neither therapy program was superior to the other at improving NRS or QuickDASH scores at 6-week or 6-month follow-up.
The Philosophy of Tragedy: From Plato to Žižek

This book is a full survey of the philosophy of tragedy from antiquity to the present. From Aristotle to Žižek the focal question has been: why, in spite of its distressing content, do we value tragic drama? What is the nature of the 'tragic effect'? Some philosophers point to a certain kind of pleasure that results from tragedy. Others, while not excluding pleasure, emphasize the knowledge we gain from tragedy - of psychology, ethics, freedom or immortality. Through a critical engagement with these and other philosophers, the book concludes by suggesting an answer to the question of what it is that constitutes tragedy 'in its highest vocation'. This book will be of equal interest to students of philosophy and of literature.
The Human Visual System

The human visual system has often been compared to a photographic camera, an analogy that fails quickly upon serious examination. Indeed, visual perception, with its colored, emotionally charged and contextually modulated, three-dimensional view of the world diff ers markedly from the rapid flow of two-dimensional information captured by the eye, or for that matter, a photographic camera. This sensory system allows humans to form the cognitive, emotional, and creative insight that drives them to take photographs in the first place. It also provides a biological means to make sense of the results. How is this possible? What makes the human visual system so diff erent from a machine? This question will be explored by first delving into visual system structure and organization, before examining some of the more important aspects of visual processing.
Synthesis of 1,3-Dialkylimidazol-2-ylidene Boranes from 1,3-Dialkylimidazolium Iodides and Sodium Borohydride

1,3-Dialkylimidazol-2-ylidene boranes have been made in moderate yields (typically 23–53%) from the corresponding N-alkyl imidazole, an alkylating agent (usually MeI), and sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The two-step, one-pot reaction sequence takes about 1 day to perform. The reagents are inexpensive, and the reactions are easy to conduct. The synthesis of 1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene borane has been conducted on scales up to 100 mmol and is especially convenient because the pure product can be isolated by direct recrystallization from water.
Learning and Mind: A Response to Selman

This paper responds to Mark Selman's analysis of my work which appeared in the Vol. II, No. 2 (November 1988) issue of this journal. Selman states that I propose an overly psychologized conception of learning, which is representative of some mainstream ideas in adult education. I respond that Selman has misinterpreted my work by confusing my summary of one perspective on learning (Verner and Little's) with my own ideas. I provide selected excerpts from Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning (1986) in which I argue for a more transactional, interactive, sociological conceptualization of learning. Resume Je reponds a l'analyse que Mark Selman a fait de mes travaux, et qui a ete publiee dans le numero 2, volume 2, (novembre 1988) de cette revue. Selman affirme que je propose une conception beaucoup trop psychologisante de l'apprentissage, ce qui representerait une des tendances en education des adultes. A cela, je reponds que Selman a mal interprete mes travaux; il a confondu mon resume d'une des perspectives de l'apprentissage (celle de Verner et Little) avec mes propres idees. Je soumets des extraits de Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning (1986) dans lesquels je plaide pour une conceptualisation de l'apprentissage qui soit plus transactionelle, interactive et sociale.
Two Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Dehydrogenases from the Photosynthetic Bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum

Abstract Two kinds of NADH dehydrogenase, NADH:heme protein oxidoreductase (Enzyme I) (mol wt, 33,000) and NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Enzyme II) (mol wt, 26,000) have been prepared in a homogeneous state from light-grown Rhodospirillum rubrum and characterized. Both flavin-free proteins are activated by flavins. In the presence of added flavin, Enzyme I catalyzes the reduction by NADH of cytochrome cc', cytochrome c2, quinones (ubiquinone-10, etc.), and oxidation-reduction dyes such as 2,6-dichloroindophenol at approximately identical rates, whereas II catalyzes the reduction of quinones and dyes much faster than the reduction of cytochromes. For Enzyme I, the maximum rates attained with the flavins riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide, and flavin adenine dinucleotide are in the ratio 2:1.5:1, respectively, with Km ≃ 1 µm for all three flavins. In the presence of the latter two flavins, a 4-fold excess of FAD over FMN is sufficient to depress completely the reaction rate to that observed with FAD alone. For Enzyme II, the maximum rate with FMN is twice that with FAD or riboflavin, with Km = 0.3 µm for FMN. Enzyme II has greater affinity for FMN than for FAD, because the reaction rate of the FMN-activated enzyme is not decreased by addition of as much as 10-fold excess FAD. The oxidation of NADH by oxygen catalyzed by Enzyme I is completely inhibited by ferricytochrome c2, which is preferentially reduced. At alkaline pH, cytochrome cc' stimulates the oxidation of NADH by oxygen. R. rubrum chromatophores contain two kinds of bound cytochrome-560; one is reduced by NADH, the other is reduced by succinate. By depletion of the chromatophores of Enzyme I, the extent of reduction of the first cytochrome by NADH is markedly depressed. The reaction is restored to the maximal level when purified Enzyme I is added, which suggests that the enzyme is functional in the reduction of the NADH-reducible cytochrome via a flavin associated with the chromatophores.
A refined near-equilibrium potential energy surface and the absorption spectrum of OClO(Ã2A2)

Abstract We report a refined near-equilibrium potential energy function for the first excited electronic state ( A 2 A 2 ) of OClO based on a recent ab initio calculation. The potential parameters are adjusted to fit the available experimental vibrational frequencies using a variational method. Excited vibrational wavefunctions are found to have significant amplitudes in non-C2v molecular geometry, despite the fact that the potential has a single C2v minimum. Due to the strong coupling between the symmetric and anti-symmetric stretching coordinates, the vibration in the latter mode is highly anharmonic. The calculated absorption spectrum of the A←X transition indicates activities in all three vibrational modes, in agreement with experimental observations.
Growth of the Pittsburgh pneumonia agent in animal cell cultures.

Abstract Pittsburgh pneumonia agent (Legionella micdadei) grew in monkey, chicken, and human cell cultures. Pittsburgh pneumonia agent grew predominantly in the cytoplasm, resulting in a nonfocal, mild cytopathic effect.
New and Expanded Concepts in Neurophysiology, Psychology, and Sociology Complementary to Llorens' Developmental Theory: Achieving Growth and Development through Occupation for Neonatal Infants and their Families

ABSTRACT Introduction: This issue expands the Llorens’ Developmental Theory of Occupational Therapy. Llorens drew from multiple theorists from the disciplines of sociology, neurophysiology, biology, ecology, psychology, occupational science, and psychodynamics to provide the profession of occupational therapy with a unified theory to facilitate growth and development for people of all ages—from infancy to old age. Purpose: The purpose of this issue is to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the continued relevance of Llorens' theory. In addition, the author evaluates, recommends, and applies updated theoretical premises in the realms of psychodynamics, neurophysiology, contextual ecology, and cognitive science that reflect the relevance of occupational therapy practice for infants and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit. New Psychological Elements: Through the appropriate use of purposeful occupational activity and affective object relationships, the expanded Developmental Theory of Occupation...
'And the Oscar Goes to...' The Academy Awards and the Institutional Dimension of Election Design

The traditional approach to election design focuses solely on the best method to aggregate the preferences of the voters. Implicit in this approach are the assumptions that the outcome of the election will be dependent solely on the preferences of the individual voters over the options before them and the success of the election procedure is assessed in terms of how each individual voter values the outcome. But elections are run by institutions, and the interests of the institution may not be reflected in the preferences of the voters. Or worse, the interests of the institution may be in conflict with the preferences of the voters. If such institutional interests are not taken into account in the election design there is the potential for an election that does a good job of aggregating the preferences of the voters but damages the institution beyond repair.In this essay I illustrate the institutional dimension of election design by way of the Academy Awards. The method by which the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences selects the nominees and winners of the Oscars has been subject to endless scrutiny and debate. I show how the traditional focus on aggregating the preferences of the voters is misguided in this case because the preferences of the voters are in many ways antithetical to the interests of the Academy as a whole. Focusing more closely on the institution allows us to make recommendations for an electoral process that will better align the preferences of the members of the Academy with the institutions interests.Building on the analysis of the Academy, I will go on to discuss how institutional considerations come in to play in election design in three other areas: political representation, corporate voting, and judging in competitions. Explicit consideration of institutional interests will advance both a positive analysis, explaining why some election methods are used in some cases and not in others, as well as allow for a normative analysis of when institutional interests are of sufficient interest as to warrant consideration in election design.In the end, this essay calls for a contextual approach to election design. Elections are not formal problems in aggregation of preferences. They occur within institutions with interests that may not be reflected in the choices presented to voters. Good election design requires that attention be paid to the particular interests of the institutions.
Providing both scale and security through a single core probabilistic protocol

Distributed systems are typically designed for scale and performance first, which makes it difficult to add security later without affecting the original properties. This paper proposes the design of the Folklore persistent distributed storage system, which adopts an alternative design methodology. Folklore's design relies on a single core protocol for providing both probabilistic scalability and untraceability, the latter being a special notion of probabilistic security. The core protocol is a biologically inspired model of endemic replication that migrates replicas of files among all hosts in a continuous and proactive manner. The emergent behavior is chaotic, meaning that the exact number and location of all replicas of any file is changing all the time. This makes it difficult for an attacker to target any file. Yet, the protocol is scalable - it consumes constant per-host bandwidth, and the number of replicas per file stays close to a small self-stabilizing value. The self-stabilizing value is reached even if only one replica survives a massive attack. The simplicity of the core protocol allows augmentation with mechanisms that allow data integrity, availability, and updatability. We describe the internals of the Folklore system, present attack analysis, and give experimental results from a prototype that shows high resilience to large-scale attacks
Identification of the Dynamics of a Two-Dimensional Grid Structure using Least Square Lattice Filters

The basic theory of least square lattice filters and their use in identification of structural dynamics systems is summarized. Thereafter, this theory is applied to a two-dimensional grid structure made of overlapping bars. Previously, this theory has been applied to an integral beam. System identification results are presented for both simulated and experimental tests and they are compared with those predicted using finite element modelling. The lattice filtering approach works well for simulated data based on finite element modelling. However, considerable discrepancy exists between estimates obtained from experimental data and the finite element analysis. It is believed that this discrepancy is the result of inadequacies in the finite element modelling to represent the damped motion of the laboratory apparatus.
Distributed temperature and strain sensing using spontaneous Brillouin scattering in optical few-mode fibers

A novel approach to achieve simultaneous distributed temperature and strain sensing based on spontaneous Brillouin scattering in few-mode optical fibers is proposed and experimentally investigated, with high sensitivity using heterodyne detection and optical timedomain reflectometry.
User Information Requirements for Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems as a Function of Driver Category

Advanced Traveler Information Systems/Commercial Vehicle Operations (ATIS/CVO) are segments of IVHS currently being researched as a means of decreasing road congestion and increasing safety. Due to...