cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repeat staging laparoscopy for gastric cancer after preoperative therapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Staging laparoscopy is recommended before preoperative therapy in patients with locoregional gastric cancer, but yield of repeated diagnostic laparoscopy at the time of resection is unknown. METHODS Retrospective review of a prospective database of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (1994-2016) who had negative staging laparoscopy followed by preoperative therapy and subsequent attempted resection. Primary outcome was positive exploration (peritoneal or unresectable disease) at the time of resection. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with positive exploration. RESULTS Of the 451 patients with attempted resection, 54 (12.0%) had positive explorations, including 48 with peritoneal disease. Patients with positive explorations were more likely to be female and have poorly differentiated tumors, linitis features, and signet-ring morphology. There was no significant difference by exploration results in age, race, clinical stage, or delayed definitive surgery. Positive explorations were independently associated with poor differentiation (OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.4-15.3; P = 0.01) and linitis (OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.9-9.2; P < 0.001). Positive explorations were seen in 14.0% of patients with poor differentiation, 36.6% of patients with linitis, and 5.8% of patients with neither linitis nor poor differentiation. CONCLUSION Despite negative pretreatment laparoscopy, post-treatment repeat laparoscopy may prevent non-therapeutic laparotomies. At a minimum, we recommend selective repeat laparoscopy for patients with linitis features.
Interpreting Computer-Based Fictional Characters, a Reader’s Manifesto: Or, Remarks in Favour of the Accommodating Text

Close examination of two sets of computer-based characters and analysis of the ways in which those characters evoke strong, affective responses in their “readers” leads this researcher to speculate that many other computer-based stories are missing an opportunity to accommodate the purposes of individual readers. This researcher posits that University of Washington’s HIT-Lab project, “SpiderWorld”, and Carnegie Mellon University’s Oz Project’s “Woggles” provide two excellent models for how computer-based characters might better accommodate their “readers” and offer absorbing narratives.
On Robustness in the Logistic Regression Model

SUMMARY We investigate robustness in the logistic regression model. Copas has studied two forms of robust estimator: a robust-resistant estimate of Pregibon and an estimate based on a misclassification model. He concluded that robust-resistant estimates are much more biased in small samples than the usual logistic estimate is and recommends a bias-corrected version of the misclassification estimate. We show that there are other versions of robust-resistant estimates which have bias often approximately the same as and sometimes even less than the logistic estimate; these estimates belong to the Mallows class. In addition, the corrected misclassification estimate is inconsistent at the logistic model; we develop a simple consistent modification. The modified estimate is a member of the Mallows class but, unlike most robust estimates, it has an interpretable tuning constant. The results are illustrated on data sets featuring different kinds of outliers.
MOSAR: A Secure On-demand Routing Protocol for Mobile Multilevel Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper, we propose a routing scheme, called MOSAR, which is able to handle the security classification of packets during the route discovery and route maintenance. The scheme should provide the network reasonable balances between security, performance and computation power efficiency. For above purposes, a new field called Route Security Requirement is added in the routing header as the indicator of security requirement. Therefore, routing is about to find the path from source to destination that all the nodes on which meet the security requirement. Besides, to protect routing packets against unauthorized disclosure, modification or eavesdropping, the protocol offers different cryptographic mechanisms that are scalable to the computation resources at each Trust level for authentication and integrity check, and if necessary, packet secrecy. Our goal is to design a depend-able and affordable routing protocol for ad hoc networks where the security requirements are different for different information to transmit, under different circumstances, or with different available resources. Through the simulations, we can conclude that MOSAR functions well in handling classification and it can perform better than the regular AODV protocol.
PrP(Sc) typing by N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry.

The heterogeneity of the clinicopathological phenotype in human prion diseases is associated with the presence of the different forms of the abnormal prion protein, PrPSc. We have previously shown that PrPSc in FFI and a subtype of familial CJD linked to the D178N mutation can be distinguished by their difference in gel mobility following proteinase K (PK) treatment. To further characterize the structural difference of PrPSc in familial prion diseases, N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry were used to identify the protease cleavage sites in PrPSc extracted from affected brains. We found that the main PK cleavage sites of PrPSc are located at residue 97 in FFI, and residue 82 in both CJD178 and a GSS subtype linked to the P102L mutation. The differential accessibility to protease in the native PrPSc suggests that PrPSc exist as distinct conformers in different disease states.
Primary Cilia, Sonic Hedgehog Signaling, and Spinal Cord Development

Embryonic spinal cord development requires Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling to define ventral motor neuron and interneuron progenitor domains during neural patterning. Shh signaling is inextricably linked to primary cilia, and mutations that disrupt cilia structure and/or function lead to abnormal Shh signaling. The embryonic spinal cord is highly sensitive to perturbations in Shh activity and displays abnormal patterning phenotypes when Shh signaling is up- or downregulated. Mutations in a variety of different cilia genes lead to neural tube patterning phenotypes that provide useful information about the role of different proteins in transducing Shh signals. Here we discuss Shh-dependent spinal cord development and describe what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms regulating Shh signaling in the neural tube.
PEDIATRIC DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS WITH HYPEROSMOLARITY: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES

Objective: Studies of hyperglycemic emergencies with hyperosmolality, including hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) and “mixed presentation” with features of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and HHS,...
Parental perception and English Learners' mobile-assisted language learning: An ethnographic case study from a technology-based Funds of Knowledge approach

Abstract The purpose of this ethnographic case study is to examine the parents' perceptions regarding young English Learners' (ELs) mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) experiences from a technology-based Funds of Knowledge (FoK) approach. Six immigrant families in the United States from four countries (including China, Mexico, Japan, and Cambodia) were home-visited with in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participant observations, field notes, analytical memos, and a descriptive survey were used to triangulate the data. By centering on ELs' technological households' cultural sources, parents' perceptions of ELs' MALL experiences were explored through motivation, physical and material access, digital skills, and usage frequency and diversity of mobile applications. Results demonstrated that the parents were motivated to support ELs' language learning using mobile technology. Analysis revealed differences in technology access and appropriation based on diverse cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic status. Findings also indicated the inequity in the current digital divide and informed future studies on creating FoK-featured curricula to contribute to ELs' language education through mobile technology. This study extends the current MALL horizon from the front line of specific student-centered learning experiences to further examine the facilitating factors and barriers that hide within a multicultural learning environment.
Reduced AMPK activation and increased HCAR activation drive anti-inflammatory response and neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a chronic degenerative disease for which inflammation is considered to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression. In this study, we examined the impact of a ketogenic diet on the inflammation evident in glaucoma as a follow-up to a recent set of experiments in which we determined that a ketogenic diet protected retinal ganglion cell structure and function. Both sexes of DBA/2J (D2) mice were placed on a ketogenic diet (keto) or standard rodent chow (untreated) for 8 weeks beginning at 9 months of age. DBA/2J-Gpnmb+ (D2G) mice were also used as a non-pathological genetic control for the D2 mice. Retina and optic nerve (ON) tissues were micro-dissected and used for the analysis of microglia activation, expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, and lactate- or ketone-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling. Data were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, western blot, and capillary tube-based electrophoresis techniques. Microglia activation was observed in D2 retina and ON as documented by intense microglial-specific Iba1 immunolabeling of rounded-up and enlarged microglia. Ketogenic diet treatment reduced Iba1 expression and the activated microglial phenotype. We detected low energy-induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in D2 retina and ON that triggered NF-κB p65 signaling through its nuclear translocation. NF-κB induced pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6, and NOS2 expression in D2 retina and ON. However, treatment with the ketogenic diet reduced AMPK phosphorylation, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and expression of pro-inflammatory molecules. The ketogenic diet also induced expression of anti-inflammatory agents Il-4 and Arginase-1 in D2 retina and ON. Increased expression of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) after ketogenic diet treatment was observed. HCAR1 stimulation by lactate or ketones from the ketogenic diet reduced inflammasome formation, as shown by reduced mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β. We also detected increased levels of Arrestin β-2 protein, an adapter protein required for HCAR1 signaling. Our data demonstrate that the AMPK activation apparent in the glaucomatous retina and ON triggers NF-κB signaling and consequently induces a pro-inflammatory response. The ketogenic diet resolves energy demand and ameliorates the inflammation by inhibition of AMPK activation and stimulation of HCAR1-ARRB2 signaling that inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation. Thus, these findings depict a neuroprotective mechanism of the ketogenic diet in controlling inflammation and suggest potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma.
Learning and Interpreting Features to Rank: A Case Study on Age Estimation

Previously, it was taken for granted that features learned for classification can also be used for ranking. However, ranking problems possess some distinctive properties, e.g., the ordinal class labels, which indicates the necessity of developing new feature learning procedures dedicated for ranking. In this article, the authors propose to use a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based framework, ranking-CNN, for learning and interpreting features to rank. As a case study, the authors propose to analyze, visualize and work to understand the deep aging patterns in human facial images using ranking-CNN. The authors develop a visualization method that can compare the facial appearance and track its changes at different ages through the mapping between 2D images and a 3D face template. The framework provides an innovative way to understand the human facial aging process.
Investigation of the Impact of Cross-Polymerization on the Structural and Frictional Properties of Alkylsilane Monolayers Using Molecular Simulation

Cross-linked chemisorbed n-alkylsilane (CH3(CH2)n-1Si(OH)3) monolayers on amorphous silica surfaces have been studied and their structural properties and frictional performance were compared to those of equivalent monolayers without cross-linkages. The simulations isolated for the first time the effects of both siloxane cross-linkages and the fraction of chains chemisorbed to the surface, providing insight into a longstanding fundamental question in the literature regarding molecular-level structure. The results demonstrate that both cross-linkages and the fraction of chemisorbed chains affect monolayer structure in small but measurable ways, particularly for monolayers constructed from short chains; however, these changes do not appear to have a significant impact on frictional performance.
Assessing multi-agent human-autonomy teams: US Army Robotic Wingman gunnery operations

The long-standing body of literature on human teams has provided an important foundation for understanding the core tenets that will structure and govern the dynamic human-autonomy teams of the future. The extant knowledge base highlights the importance of communication as a conduit for the development of teamwork states and processes such as shared situation awareness and appropriate team trust. However, the structure, roles, and interdependencies that will make up these future human-autonomy teams will inherently have marked differences in how they will operate, interact, and function. New metrics and assessment processes are needed to evaluate the interactions of these teams. Included in these needs are metrics of and standards for team performance, changes in team state measures (e.g., performance, stress, team cohesion, and trust), and evaluation of communication as it relates to the effectiveness of the team as a whole. In order to fully develop these metrics and assessments, coordination outside the laboratory environment with real-world autonomy-enabled systems is a critical next step. This paper provides a review of current processes recommended for assessing and evaluating teams, as well as the current limitations. The review is followed by a use case from a field study with the US Army Robotic Wingman program. This use case provides additional options for assessment protocols for human-autonomy team performance, team communication, and human state (including behavioral and physiological indicators) while operating in a real-world setting during gunnery operations. Overall, outcomes provide insight into future assessment procedures for future team crew station interaction with multiple robotic assets.
Hydroxyapatite mineral enhances malignant potential in a tissue-engineered model of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

While ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is known as a precursor lesion to most invasive breast carcinomas, the mechanisms underlying this transition remain enigmatic. DCIS is typically diagnosed by the mammographic detection of microcalcifications (MC). MCs consisting of non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA) mineral are frequently associated with malignant disease, yet it is unclear whether HA can actively promote malignancy. To investigate this outstanding question, we compared phenotypic outcomes of breast cancer cells cultured in control or HA-containing poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) scaffolds. Exposure to HA mineral in scaffolds increased the expression of pro-tumorigenic interleukin-8 (IL-8) among transformed but not benign cells. Notably, MCF10DCIS.com cells cultured in HA scaffolds adopted morphological changes associated with increased invasiveness and exhibited increased motility that were dependent on IL-8 signaling. Moreover, MCF10DCIS.com xenografts in HA scaffolds displayed evidence of enhanced malignant progression relative to xenografts in control scaffolds. These experimental findings were supported by a pathological analysis of clinical DCIS specimens, which correlated the presence of MCs with increased IL-8 staining and ductal proliferation. Collectively, our work suggests that HA mineral may stimulate malignancy in preinvasive DCIS cells and validate PLG scaffolds as useful tools to study cell-mineral interactions.
Adjacency-Clustering for Identifying Defect Patterns and Yield Prediction in Integrated Circuit Manufacturing

Abstract Adjacency-clustering is a new concept of capturing phenomena in the presence of spatial dependencies, or Neighborhood Effect (NE). The technique is applied here to prediction problems in the presence of NE that arise in manufacturing system monitoring, quality control and yield prediction. This work is motivated by Integrated Circuit Manufacturing (ICM) process that involves multiple steps and is exceedingly expensive. Spatial variation of parameters across each wafer, where the circuits are positioned, result from equipment or process limitations, and a circuit is likely to be defective if its neighbors on the wafer are defective as well. The existence of this Neighborhood Effect, while recognized, is not well captured in traditional modeling approaches. The challenge is to extrapolate, from given samples, the patterns of the defects and predict accurately the yield of the process. The patterns are effectively identified using adjacency-clustering that is achieved with the graph-theoretic separation-deviation model, also known as the Markov Random Field (MRF) model. The use of the technique is shown to identify the defects’ patterns and provide dramatic improvements in the accuracy of yield prediction as compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Accurate Inference With Inaccurate RRAM Devices: A Joint Algorithm-Design Solution

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) is a promising technology for energy-efficient neuromorphic accelerators. However, when a pretrained deep neural network (DNN) model is programmed to an RRAM array for inference, the model suffers from accuracy degradation due to RRAM nonidealities, such as device variations, quantization error, and stuck-at-faults. Previous solutions involving multiple read–verify–write (R-V-W) to the RRAM cells require cell-by-cell compensation and, thus, an excessive amount of processing time. In this article, we propose a joint algorithm-design solution to mitigate the accuracy degradation. We first leverage knowledge distillation (KD), where the model is trained with the RRAM nonidealities to increase the robustness of the model under device variations. Furthermore, we propose random sparse adaptation (RSA), which integrates a small on-chip memory with the main RRAM array for postmapping adaptation. Only the on-chip memory is updated to recover the inference accuracy. The joint algorithm-design solution achieves the state-of-the-art accuracy of 99.41% for MNIST (LeNet-5) and 91.86% for CIFAR-10 (VGG-16) with up to 5% parameters as overhead while providing a 15– $150\times $ speedup compared with R-V-W.
Sensorless parameter estimation of vanadium redox flow batteries in charging mode considering capacity fading

Abstract State of Charge (SoC) and discharge capacity of the batteries are parameters that cannot be determined directly from the battery monitoring and control system and requires estimation. Current and voltage sensors have inherent error and delay leading to inaccurate measurements leading to inaccurate SoC and discharge capacity estimations. These sensors also have an additional cost to the battery system. This paper proposes a sensorless approach to estimate parameters of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) for both CC and CV charging methods by estimating battery current in CV mode and terminal voltage in CC mode. The results of estimations by the sensorless approach show a maximum relative error of 0.0035 in estimating terminal voltage in CC charging and a maximum relative error of 0.045 in estimating charging current in CV mode. Furthermore, long-term operation of vanadium redox flow batteries causes ion diffusions across the membrane and the depletion of active materials, which leads to capacity fading in VRFBs and inaccurate SoC estimation. To address the inaccuracy of SoC estimation in the long-term use of the battery, the capacity fading model is also considered for VRFBs in this paper. Experimental results show a 19% electrolyte volume change in the positive and negative tanks after 200 cycles of charge/discharge due to the bulk electrolyte transfer between the positive and negative sides of the battery system. This change of electrolyte volume results in 13.73% capacity fading after 200 cycles of charging/discharging. The SoC also changes by 7.1% after 200 cycles, due to the capacity and electrolyte volume loss, which shows the necessity of considering capacity fading in long-term use of the battery.
Bookshelf Kinematics and the Effect of Dilatation on Fault Zone Inelastic Deformation: Examples From Optical Image Correlation Measurements of the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence initiated on July 4th with a series of foreshocks, including a Mw 6.4 event, that culminated a day later with the Mw 7.1 mainshock and resulted in rupture of a set of cross-faults. Here we use sub-pixel correlation of optical satellite imagery to measure the displacement, finite strain and rotation of the near-field coseismic deformation to understand the kinematics of strain release along the surface ruptures. We find the average off-fault deformation along the mainshock rupture is 34% and is significantly higher along the foreshock rupture (56%) suggesting it is a less structurally developed fault system. Measurements of the 2D dilatational strain along the mainshock rupture show a dependency of the width of inelastic strain with the degree of fault extension and contraction, indicating wider fault zones under extension than under shear. Measurements of the vorticity along the main, dextral rupture show that conjugate sinistral faults are embedded within zones of large clockwise rotations caused by the transition of strain beyond the tips of dextral faults leading to bookshelf kinematics. These rotations and bookshelf slip can explain why faults of different shear senses do not intersect one another and the occurrence of pervasive and mechanically unfavorable cross-faulting in this region. Understanding the causes for the variation of fault-zone widths along surface ruptures has importance for reducing the epistemic uncertainty of probabilistic models of distributed rupture that will in turn provide more precise estimates of the hazard distributed rupture poses to nearby infrastructure.
Trust the Patient: An Unusual Case of Metabolic Alkalosis.

A 69-year-old woman is evaluated for 3 days of muscle cramping, weakness, and fatigue. She reports difficulty walking up stairs. She reports no fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, and no change in bowel movements. In the past 6 months, she was admitted to hospitals elsewhere three times, for
Blunt Trauma Massive Transfusion (B-MaT) Score: A Novel Scoring Tool.

ABSTRACT Background Multiple tools predicting massive transfusion (MT) in trauma have been developed but utilize variables that are not immediately available. Additionally, they only differentiate blunt from penetrating trauma and do not account for the large range of blunt mechanisms and their difference in force. We aimed to develop a Blunt trauma Massive Transfusion (B-MaT) score that accounts for high-risk blunt mechanisms and predicts MT needs in blunt trauma patients (BTPs) prior to arrival. Materials and methods The adult 2017 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify BTPs who were divided into 2 sets at random (derivation/validation). First, multiple logistic regression models were created to determine risk factors of MT (≥6 units of PRBCs within 4-hours or ≥10 units within 24-hours). Next, the weighted average and relative impact of each independent predictor was used to derive a B-MaT score. Finally, the area under the receiver-operating curve (AROC) was calculated. Results Of 172,423 patients in the derivation-set, 1,160 (0.7%) required MT. Heart rate ≥ 120bpm, systolic blood pressure ≤ 90mmHg, and high-risk blunt mechanisms were identified as independent predictors for MT. B-MaT scores were derived ranging from 0 –9, with scores of 6, 7, and 9 yielding a MT rate of 11.7%, 19.4%, and 32.4%, respectively. The AROC was 0.86. The validation-set had an AROC of 0.85. Conclusions B-MaT is a novel scoring tool that predicts need for MT in BTPs and can be calculated prior to arrival. B-MaT warrants prospective validation to confirm its accuracy and assess its ability to improve patient outcomes and blood product allocation.
Synthesis and preliminary in vivo toxicity evaluation of an iodinated sulfidoborate

Methods have been proposed to localize compounds for neutron-capture therapy1-4 noninvasively using nuclides such as 99mTc, 11lIn, 55Mn and 157Gd, which generally form ionic rather than covalent bonds. It might also be desirable to have an imaging nuclide bound covalently to a neutron-capture agent to assure correspondence between the localization of the imaging nuclide and the distribution of the capture agent. Because imaging nuclides 123I and127I do form covalent bonds, we sought to label a 10B-containing agent for boron neutron-capture therapy [BNCT] with iodine. An iodine-labeled 10B-carrier would enable the biodistribution of 10B to be imaged noninvasively in patients so as to optimize the timing of neutron exposure for BNCT.
Top-of-atmosphere radiation budget of convective core/stratiform rain and anvil clouds from deep convective systems

[1] A new hybrid classification algorithm to objectively identify Deep Convective Systems (DCSs) in radar and satellite observations has been developed. This algorithm can classify the convective cores (CC), stratiform rain (SR) area and nonprecipitating anvil cloud (AC) from the identified DCSs through an integrative analysis of ground-based scanning radar and geostationary satellite data over the Southern Great Plains. In developing the algorithm, AC is delineated into transitional, thick, and thin components. While there are distinct physical/dynamical differences among these subcategories, their top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes are not significantly different. Therefore, these anvil subcategories are grouped as total anvil, and the radiative impact of each DCS component on the TOA radiation budget is quantitatively estimated. We found that more DCSs occurred during late afternoon, producing peak AC fraction right after sunset. AC covers 3 times the area of SR and almost an order of magnitude larger than CC. The average outgoing longwave (LW) irradiances are almost identical for CC and SR, while slightly higher for AC. Compared to the clear-sky average, the reflected shortwave (SW) fluxes for the three DCS components are greater by a factor of 2–3 and create a strong cooling effect at TOA. The calculated SW and LW cloud radiative forcing (CRF) of AC contribute up to 31% of total NET CRF, while CC and SR contribute only 4 and 11%, respectively. The hybrid classification further lays the groundwork for studying the life cycle of DCS and improvements in geostationary satellite IR-based precipitation retrievals.
Cryogenic mass spectrometry of reactive fluorine-containing species

Abstract Chemical synthesis in a novel cryogenic inlet and reactor system using pyrolysis, photolysis, and microwave discharge was demonstrated. Thermally unstable nitrosodifluoramine was synthesized by pyrolysis of N2F4 in the presence of excess NO. The photolysis of difluorodiazirine, CF2N2, was found to result in products C2F4, CF2NNCF2, and one or more of the following compounds: CF2NCF2NCF2, CF 2 CF 2 N NCF2, CF 2 CF 2 N NCF 2 C F2. Microwave discharge of a 1:1 mixture of NF3 and Cl2 resulted in the synthesis of CIF and N2. The appearance potentials of NF2+ from NF2, N2F4, and NF2NO were found to be 11.79±0.12 eV, 12.63±0.1 eV, and 12.12±0.12 eV, respectively. This information was used to calculate the NN bond energy in F2NNO. The value obtained is in agreement with the thermochemical value reported in the literature.
Cross-cultural crisis intervention training via videoconferencing

This article describes the training of Chinese social work faculty and professionals in crisis intervention in order to assist them in applying crisis intervention skills to their work with earthqu...
Local resource management of distributed sensor networks via static output feedback control

Avoidance of instability and congestion of task-oriented distributed sensor networks require a resource management scheme that is robust against time-varying network-induced delays caused by, for example, frequent and abrupt changes in the observed 'scene' in a highly dynamic environment. A convenient tool for its implementation is the so-called virtual per-flow framework which essentially decouples each incoming data link of a decision node. In this paper, the time-varying delays in each loop are accounted for by incorporating them as a time-varying F-norm bounded uncertainty. After converting the resulting uncertain discrete-time system into an equivalent scaled model without uncertainty, an LMI based static output feedback controller that establishes and maintains the allocated local resources uffer set-point and bandwidth at each processing/decision node - is presented. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Orphan Works and the Search for Rightsholders: Who Participates in a "Diligent Search" under Present and Proposed Regimes?

Over the past several years, policy makers and private actors have developed an evolving set of approaches for addressing the orphan works problem — a problem that arises when “the owner of a copyrighted work cannot be identified and located by someone who wishes to make use of the work in a manner that requires permission of the copyright owner,” preventing follow-on uses of works. These approaches usually attempt to address the orphan works problem by employing some threshold mechanism to differentiate true orphan works, to which the proposed solutions would apply, from non-orphaned copyrighted works. Satisfying a “reasonably diligent search” is one well-known formulation by which users can designate works as orphaned and therefore subject to a proposed solution, though — as this paper points out — alternative approaches certainly exist. Regardless of the specific formulation, the search for rightsholders (or conversely, the confirmation that no rightsholder can be located) is an integral component of almost every orphan works proposal. This paper examines in detail the core schemes for identifying rightsholders among the leading orphan works regimes and proposals. Although these schemes differ across many variables, three factors predominate: (1) who is expected to participate in the search process, (2) the nature and extent of the required search generally; and (3) specifically what types of resources, tools, registries or other information-sharing mechanisms are required or allowed. This paper compares existing proposals’ approaches with respect to the first factor: who participates in a search? A subsequent paper will focus on the second and third factors.
Continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy for velocity distribution measurements in plasma.

We report the development of a continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopic (CW-CRDS) diagnostic for real-time, in situ measurement of velocity distribution functions of ions and neutral atoms in plasma. This apparatus is less complex than conventional CW-CRDS systems. We provide a detailed description of the CW-CRDS apparatus as well as measurements of argon ions and neutrals in a high-density (109 cm−3 < plasma density <1013 cm−3) plasma. The CW-CRDS measurements are validated through comparison with laser induced fluorescence measurements of the same absorbing states of the ions and neutrals.
Rational use of intravenous fat emulsions

The composition, effect on blood components, relative value compared with intravenous dextrose, clinical applications as a caloric and fatty acid source, adverse reactions, limitations, and administration of intravenous fat emulsions are reviewed. Fat emulsions provide essential fatty acids and calories and are primarily used to supplement of parenteral nutrition regimens. Their use as a major source of calories remains limited because of cost. However, the trend toward aligning intravenous nutrition to that of the normal diet and the increased demand for peripherally administered parenteral nutrition have increased demand for use. The advantages and disadvantages presented may be used by clinicians to assist in establishing the role of intravenous fat therapy in nutritional support services.
Isolating the total coronary artery inflow for administering pharmacologic agents: new method without coronary dissection.

SummaryIn anesthetized open-chest dogs, a relatively simple method is described for isolating total coronary artery inflow without coronary dissection by using a specially designed double lumen cannula. The small lumen is used for injecting pharmacologic agents into the coronary artery inflow; the large lumen permits direct measurement of left ventricular output. The method can be modified for studying the aortic arch receptors.
The attitudes of science policy, environmental, and utility leaders on US energy issues and fusion

One example of basic and applied research at LLNL that has produced major, highly visible scientific and engineering advances has been the research related to controlled fusion energy. Continuing experimentation at LLNL and elsewhere is likely to demonstrate that fusion is a viable, inexhaustible alternative source of energy. Having conducted major fusion energy experiments for over 30 years at LLNL, it scientists and engineers recognized the enormous challenges that lay ahead in this important endeavor. To be successful, it was clear that collaborative efforts with universities, private industry, and other national laboratories would need to be greatly expanded. Along with invention and scientific discovery would come the challenge of transferring the myriad of new technologies from the laboratories to the private sector for commercialization of the fusion energy process and the application of related technologies to yet unimagined new industries and products. Therefore, using fusion energy research as the focus, the Laboratory's Technology Transfer Initiatives Program contracted with the Public Opinion Laboratory to conduct a survey designed to promote a better understanding of effective technology transfer. As one of the recognized authorities on scientific surveys, Dr. Jon Miller of the POL worked with Laboratory scientists to understand the objectives ofmore » the survey. He then formulated the questions, designed the survey, and derived his survey sample from a qualified list developed at the POL, which has formed the basis for other survey panels. This report, prepared by Dr. Miller, describes the basis and methodology of this survey process and then presents the survey findings and some conclusions. 12 refs., 28 tabs.« less
Measuring and ranking attacks based on vulnerability analysis

As the number of software vulnerabilities increases, the research on software vulnerabilities becomes a focusing point in information security. A vulnerability could be exploited to attack the information asset with the weakness related to the vulnerability. However, multiple attacks may target one software product at the same time, and it is necessary to rank and prioritize those attacks in order to establish a better defense. This paper proposes a similarity measurement to compare and categorize vulnerabilities, and a set of security metrics to rank attacks based on vulnerability analysis. The vulnerability information is retrieved from a vulnerability management ontology integrating commonly used standards like CVE ( http://www.cve.mitre.org/ ), CWE ( http://www.cwe.mitre.org/ ), CVSS ( http://www.first.org/cvss/ ), and CAPEC ( http://www.capec.mitre.org/ ). This approach can be used in many areas of vulnerability management to secure information systems and e-business, such as vulnerability classification, mitigation and patching, threat detection and attack prevention.
The Evolution of Research on Technological Crises in the US

Technological crises and disasters are becoming an increasingly important menace to society. Over the past three decades these crises have received significant research attention in the United States. This paper examines the evolution of this research. This research emerged from a specific social-historical context of the environmental movement and the critique of progressive technological development and industrialization. Its key evolutionary characteristics are discussed in terms of the way in which research issues are framed; the expansion in the domain of research concerns; the explanatory content of studies; the proliferation of research models and frameworks; the emerging methodological pluralism and the fragmented cumulation of knowledge. The field now needs a unifying focus and anticipatory policies for crisis prevention and management. The paper proposes‘ecologically sustainable economic development’ as a general framework for synthesizing understanding of technological crises. It cautions against unreflexive transfer of knowledge from the US setting to other countries.
Blood type, lymphadenectomy and blood transfusion predict venous thromboembolic events following radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Purpose: Venous thromboembolic events are the most common nonoperative complication after radical prostatectomy and they represent the most common cause of death within 30 days of surgery. While effective mechanical and chemoprophylaxis exists, such prophylaxis may also be associated with increased complications. To identify venous thromboembolic event risk factors and, thereby, facilitate targeted prophylaxis we characterized clinicopathological variables associated with these events in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 18,472 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer at our institution from 1987 to 2010. Patients were followed postoperatively for complications. Venous thromboembolic events within 30 days of surgery were recorded. Logistic regression models were used to analyze clinicopathological variables associated with venous thromboembolic events.Results: We identified symptomatic...
Prurigo Pigmentosa after a Strict Ketogenic Diet

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is a rare inflammatory dermatosis of unknown cause characterized by a predominantly truncal eruption of pruritic erythematous papules in a reticular pattern, resolving with hyperpigmentation. PP is twice as common in girls and women, and the mean age at onset is 25 years. Diagnosis of PP is challenging and is aided by characteristic histopathologic findings. We report a case of PP in a 17-year-old white boy. The eruption arose during strict adherence to a ketogenic diet.
Forces on bodies in bottom-like materials

Abstract Based on extensive experiments with a number of different body shapes in clay-water mixtures, the drag formulation of Eq. 4 for Bingham plastic materials has been verified. Thus the occurrence of a yield stress is such as to increase the drag coefficient of a body shape above that experienced in Newtonian fluid flow (at a corresponding Reynolds number) by an amount proportional to τ y /ϱV 2 . The increase can be quite considerable, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 3. Furthermore, as apparent from Fig. 2, the non-Newtonian fluid effect is larger for bodies of blunt cross-sectional shape. Thus a body of extreme bluntness (the disc) undergoes a drag increase over two and a half times that experienced by an f = 4 ellipsoid. As a cylindrical body (placed normal to the flow) a strut could thus be expected to suffer a drag increase due to yield stress appreciably larger than that of a circular member. The drag results indicated here have heretofore not be available. They show that, for bodies or structures in relative motion with non-Newtonian fluids, forces can arise which are greatly in excess of those to be expected for conventional fluids. Since near-bottom materials are likely to be non-Newtonian in character—thus clay-water mixtures behave as Bingham plastics—these considerations are significant for near-bottom ocean and off-shore work. Although the basic research (Pazwash, 1970) supporting the paper was extensive, much still remains to be learned on this matter and many unanswered questions are evident.
A review of pulmonary problems following valve replacement in 100 consecutive patients: The case against routine use of assisted ventilation.

Abstract Using strict indications for its use, controlled ventilation was found necessary in only 10 of 100 consecutive patients undergoing valve replacement performed by the authors. The remainder were extubated promptly following operation and did not require controlled ventilation at any time during their postoperative course. While controlled ventilation was more common in patients in certain subclassifications based on preoperative data (N.Y.H.A. Class IV, elevated pulmonary artery pressure, age over 60), 5 of the 10 patients (50%) required respiratory support on the basis of developments occurring during or after operation. Our data indicate that routine use of controlled ventilation following cardiac surgery is unnecessary, as the majority of patients ventilate satisfactorily after operation without the use of respirators. Not using respirators simplifies the postoperative care of these patients and avoids any associated undesirable sequelae.
Quantification of dissolved iron sources to the North Atlantic Ocean

A high-resolution oceanic section of dissolved iron stable isotope ratios reveals that the primary source of dissolved iron to the North Atlantic is atmospheric dust, while seafloor sediments and submarine volcanic vents also contribute significantly.
Treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia with selective laryngeal adductor denervation and reinnervation surgery.

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a voice disorder characterized by abnormal intermittent spasms of intralaryngeal muscles that result in voice breaks during speech. In the adductor variant of spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD), spasms of the adductor muscles cause strangled voice breaks and a strained-strangled voice quality. In the abductor variant (ABSD), spasms of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) cause breathy voice breaks and a breathy voice quality. Patients with SD typically have no other associated chronic medical problems or handicaps and are highly functioning individuals. The voice breaks lead to a significant difficulty in daily communication. Therefore individuals with SD perceive their voice significantly limits them functionally, physically, and emotionally. Successful treatment of vocal spasms thus leads to a dramatic improvement in the patient’s perception of health and social functioning. The ideal treatment for any disease is a single noninvasive therapy that results in a permanent cure without associated complications. Such ideal treatment does not exist for most medical disorders, and SD is no exception. One main hurdle toward achieving a cure for SD is that the cause and pathophysiology of SD remain unclear. There are no animal models for this disorder. What we know from laryngoscopic and electromyographic exams is that voice breaks in SD are associated with abnormal electrical activity of the laryngeal nerves, resulting in increased muscle movements [1]. SD is thus classified as a focal dystonia that affects the larynx. However, we do
GLYCYLGLYCINE UPTAKE IN STREPTOCOCCI AND A POSSIBLE ROLE OF PEPTIDES IN AMINO ACID TRANSPORT.

Abstract Group D streptococci possess an amino acid transport system specific for glycine, alanine, and serine which functions as an exchange process in which an amino acid in the pool leaves the cell in counterflow to the entering amino acid. In the present work uptake of labeled glycylglycine was studied, and it was shown that this peptide enters the cell by a pathway different from that of the free amino acid. A peptidase splits the peptide into free glycine, and this latter compound accumulates in the pool. This intracellular glycine derived from glycylglycine readily exchanges with external glycine, serine, or alanine. In addition, external glycylglycine stimulates the uptake of glycine. It is thus proposed that the peptide plays a role in amino acid transport by entering the cell, becoming hydrolyzed, and then exchanging for free amino acid outside the cell.
Lysosomal enzymes in pure pancreatic juice from normal healthy volunteers and chronic alcoholics

Investigation of pure human pancreatic juice obtained by direct cannulation of the main pancreatic duct of 11 healthy volunteer subjects and 10 chronic alcoholics without detectable pancreatic disease revealed the presence of numerous acid hydrolases in this secretion. The pH optima and substrate specificities of these enzymes suggest that they are of lysosomal origin. Stimulation of the pancreas by injection of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) (1 Ivy dog unit/kg) resulted in a striking increase in activity of some of these hydrolases (N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, arylsulfatase, etc.) similar to that observed for trypsin, amylase, and other pancreatic digestive enzymes. In a second group of hydrolases (β-d-glucuronidase, leucine naphthylamidase, etc.) the effect of this hormone was greatly reduced or absent, particularly in normal individuals. In chronic alcoholics enzyme activity in response to CCK-PZ injection was greater than in normal subjects. Although this increase achieved statistical significance (P<0.05) in the case of β-d-glucuronidase only, it was observed for all lysosomal hydrolases tested and suggests either increased synthesis or a more facile release of these enzymes from the pancreas of chronic alcoholics than of normal individuals.
Vladimir Putin's Vision of Russia as a Normal Great Power

A specialist on Russian foreign policy analyzes Putin's international strategy. The author draws on the writings of Russia's foreign policy decisionmakers, as well as on the commentary of Russian and Western analysts, to identify Putin's vision and compare it with that of recent leaders. Three elements of Putin's policies are examined: state concentration, cooperation with the West, and Russia's projection of influence in the former Soviet region. The question of Western responses to Putin's strategy is also addressed.
On situating homophobia

Premised on the observation that the HIV epidemic has occasioned an increase in both the prevalence and the virulence of homophobic ideation, feeling, and action, this paper surveys some of the ways in which psychoanalytic theory has been widely used in the emerging extraclinical literature on this problem. The problem has been barely addressed in the clinical literature, however, a gap that is discussed. The paper then proceeds, by way of a clinical vignette and a critical examination of some central texts of Freud, to present a clinical/theoretical perspective on homophobia. This perspective leans on Brian Bird's work on prejudice.
A Reliability Approach For Design And Evaluation Of Offshore Structures

This paper is intended to discuss the basic issues involved in structural reliability in conjunction with a limit state approach for design and analysis of offshore structures. Emphasis will be placed on a systematic semiprobabilistic approach suitable for strength evaluation of major structural elements. Problems arising from quantification of uncertainties of the pertinent random variables, load combination, and in the development of limit state functions involving both ultimate failure and fatigue, will also be discussed.