cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Condylops (Neocondylops) Obrieni Wittmer (Coleoptera: Melyridae): Distribution, Plant Associations, Seasonality, and Mating Behavior

Condylops (Neocondylops) obrieni Wittmer is a small (1.8 mm long), shiny blue melyrid of the subfamily Malachiinae. It is the only Nearctic member of an otherwise Old World genus. Described from Florida in the late 1980s, it has been collected in southeastern Alabama and is newly reported from Georgia, with additional records from Alabama and Florida. Seasonality and mating behavior were observed in the Ohoopee Dunes system of southeastern Georgia from 2011 to 2016 and in 2018. Adults were found from early February to early May in ultra-xeric communities, especially on Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides Michx.; Ericaceae) and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [W. Bartram] Small; Arecaceae). The wider leaf blades of saw palmetto facilitated behavioral observations, in contrast to the needlelike leaves of Florida rosemary. Males typically appeared a few days before females, whereas females began to predominate by early April. Early in the season, solitary adults (mainly females) fed on pine pollen adhering to leaves of saw palmetto. Sexual interaction began by late February, with males running up and down leaves behind females. Periodically, a pair would stop, the male circling the female, before the pair initiated antennal interplay; after separating, some pairs resumed head-to-head contact. Of the approximately 75 pairs that were observed, courtship resulted in only two copulations. In pairs already found in copula, males remained immobile, slightly above the substrate ventral surface up, as the female walked up and down leaves. Males remained unresponsive when approached by other males.
DROAN - Disparity-Space Representation for Obstacle Avoidance: Enabling Wire Mapping & Avoidance

Wire detection, depth estimation and avoidance is one of the hardest challenges towards the ubiquitous presence of robust autonomous aerial vehicles. We present an approach and a system which tackles these three challenges along with generic obstacle avoidance as well. First, we perform monocular wire detection using a convolutional neural network under the semantic segmentation paradigm, and obtain a confidence map of wire pixels. Along with this, we also use a binocular stereo pair to detect other generic obstacles. We represent wires and generic obstacles using a disparity space representation and do a C-space expansion by using a non-linear sensor model we develop. Occupancy inference for collision checking is performed by maintaining a pose graph over multiple disparity images. For avoidance of wire and generic obstacles, we use a precomputed trajectory library, which is evaluated in an online fashion in accordance to a cost function over proximity to the goal. We follow this trajectory with a path tracking controller. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method in simulation for wire mapping, and on hardware by multiple runs for both wire and generic obstacle avoidance.
Modeling Primary Fields of TMS Coils with the Fast Multipole Method

Abstract: In this study, an accurate TMS-coil modeling approach based on conductor’s cross-section representation with many distributed current filaments coupled with an efficient fast multipole method (FMM) accelerator is developed and tested. Uniform (Litz wire) or skin-effect based current distributions are included into consideration. Speed and accuracy estimates as well as two application examples are given, which indicate that this approach is potentially capable of rapid and accurate evaluation of various detailed TMS coil designs and arrays of such coils. The MATLAB-based wire and CAD mesh generator for the coil geometry is interfaced with the FMM FORTAN program, which is also compiled within the MATLAB shell. No extra MATLAB toolboxes are necessary. The CAD model of the coil can be imported into any other computational software package in STL format. The algorithm is organized in the form of a MATLAB-based toolkit. First, a coil model is generated using a dedicated script. Then, we compute high-resolution 2D contour plots for any component of the electric and/or magnetic field in coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes via FMM. These two scripts may be further augmented with a parametric loop to enable rapid analysis. Objective We show how the fast multipole method can be applied to compute primary electric and magnetic fields for detailed TMS coil models
Long Term Response to Levodopa in Parkinson's Disease.

Background Levodopa is the most efficacious medication in controlling the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). There continues to be a controversy as to whether levodopa remains effective after years of therapy. Objective To assess the long-term effectiveness of levodopa in PD patients. Methods The response to levodopa in PD patients undergoing a levodopa challenge for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery evaluation from June 1997 through March 2017 were evaluated. The patients were broken into four groups based on disease duration (Group I: 0- 5 years, Group II: 6- 10 years, Group III: 11- 15 years, and Group IV:≥16 years). Levodopa response was calculated based on the changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor and activities of daily living (ADL) scores in the medication ON and OFF states. Results A total of 361 PD patients were included. The mean age in Group I was 59.4 years with a mean disease duration of 3.9 years (n = 29), Group II was 61 years with a mean disease duration of 8.1 years (n = 131), Group III was 64 years with a mean disease duration of 12.8 years (n = 143), and IV was 66.5 years with a mean disease duration of 18.5 years (n = 58). There was a significant improvement in UPDRS motor and ADL scores after the levodopa challenge for all groups. Conclusions In a subgroup of PD patients who were evaluated for DBS surgery, there was a marked improvement in UPDRS motor and ADL scores which did not decrease with disease progression.
A completely integrable flow of star-shaped curves on the light cone in Lorentzian ${\mathbb R}^4$

In this paper, we prove that the space of differential invariants for curves with arc-length parameter in the light cone of Lorentzian —invariants under the centro-affine action of the Lorentzian group—is Poisson equivalent to the space of conformal differential invariants for curves in the Mobius sphere. We use this relation to find realizations of solutions of a complexly coupled system of KdV equations as flows of curves in the cone. In memory of Ron Peters
LK-DFBA: a linear programming-based modeling strategy for capturing dynamics and metabolite-dependent regulation in metabolism.

The systems-scale analysis of cellular metabolites, “metabolomics,” provides data ideal for applications in metabolic engineering. However, many of the computational tools for strain design are built around Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), which makes assumptions that preclude direct integration of metabolomics data into the underlying models. Finding a way to retain the advantages of FBA’s linear structure while relaxing some of its assumptions could allow us to account for metabolite levels and metabolite-dependent regulation in strain design tools built from FBA, improving the accuracy of predictions made by these tools. We designed, implemented, and characterized a modeling strategy based on Dynamic FBA (DFBA), called Linear Kinetics-Dynamic Flux Balance Analysis (LK-DFBA), to satisfy these specifications. Our strategy adds constraints describing the dynamics and regulation of metabolism that are strictly linear. We evaluated LK-DFBA against alternative modeling frameworks using simulated noisy data from a small in silico model and a larger model of central carbon metabolism in E. coli, and compared each framework’s ability to recapitulate the original system. In the smaller model, we found that we could use regression from a dynamic flux estimation (DFE) with an optional non-linear parameter optimization to reproduce metabolite concentration dynamic trends more effectively than an ordinary differential equation model with generalized mass action rate laws when tested under realistic data sampling frequency and noise levels. We observed detrimental effects across all tested modeling approaches when metabolite time course data were missing, but found these effects to be smaller for LK-DFBA in most cases. With the E. coli model, we produced qualitatively reasonable results with similar properties to the smaller model and explored two different parameterization structures that yield trade-offs in computation time and accuracy. LK-DFBA allows for calculation of metabolite concentrations and considers metabolite-dependent regulation while still retaining many computational advantages of FBA. This provides the proof-of-principle for a new metabolic modeling framework with the potential to create genome-scale dynamic models and the potential to be applied in strain engineering tools that currently use FBA.
Benefits of Teaching Systems Thinking as part of an Engineering Curriculum

In this Research-to-Practice, Work in Progress paper, we examine the benefits of teaching systems thinking in an engineering curriculum. The call to include systems thinking and systems engineering courses as part of general engineering curriculum has received an increased amount of attention during the past few years. The need to improve the skills of all engineering students to help them deal with realistic, unbounded and complex problems, in a multidisciplinary environment that would produce viable and robust solutions, along with new ABET criteria has also helped this call. In this paper, we present supporting arguments to include one or more courses in systems thinking and engineering systems design as part of an engineering curriculum. This is done by identifying key common requirements between innovation and systems thinking. Including these courses will enhance professional skills and directly impact several “student outcomes” requirement under ABET. We also argue that these courses will positively impact and enhance innovation and entrepreneurship abilities.
A proof-of-concept, two-tiered approach for ricin detection using ambient mass spectrometry

Ricin is a naturally occurring, highly potent toxin native to castor bean plants that has recently been used as a biological weapon in cases of bioterrorism and suicide attempts. Difficulties with direct detection arise from large heterogeneities in ricin glycosylation, which leads to markedly different bioactivity, and the fact that carefully developed and laborious sample preparation steps are required to maintain the activity of the protein during analysis. Herein, we present an alternative, two-tiered approach to identify the presence of ricin by detecting ricinoleic acid and ricinine, which are co-extracted with the protein. This direct mass spectrometric-based technique takes as little as 2 minutes, and we determined its sensitivity to be in the parts-per-trillion range. Our method is applicable to paper substrates from suspected contaminated envelopes and biofluids from at-risk patients. The fact that prior sample preparations are not needed in this procedure means that analysis can be performed in the field for emergency cases.
Software stack for an analog mesh computer: the case of a nanophotonic PDE accelerator

The slowing of Moore's Law is forcing the computer industry to embrace domain-specific hardware, which must be coupled with general-purpose traditional systems. This architecture is most useful when large compute power is needed. Among the most compute-intensive applications is the simulation of physical sciences. To maximize productivity in this domain, a variety accelerators have been proposed; however, the analog mesh computer has consistently been proven to require the shortest time-to-solution when targeted toward the Poisson equation. Recent advances in material science have increased the flexibility of the analog mesh computer, positioning it well for future heterogeneous computing systems. However, for the analog mesh computer to gain widespread acceptance, a software stack is required to enable seamless integration with a classical computer. Here, we introduce a software stack designed for the class of analog mesh computers that efficiently generates mesh mappings of a physical problem by enabling users to describe their problem in terms of boundary conditions and mesh parameters. Experiments on a specific implementation of analog mesh computer, the nanophotonic partial differential equation accelerator, show that this stack enables problem-to-mesh scalability expected by the scientific community.
Unique case of central retinal artery occlusion secondary to COVID-19 disease

SARS-COVID-2 has been noted to be associated with neurological symptoms and complications including stroke. Hypercoagulability associated with COVID-19 has been described as a "sepsis-induced coagulopathy" and may predispose to spectrum of thromboembolic events. We present a unique article of isolated central retinal artery occlusion secondary to SARS-COV 2.
The Search for Clarity in Attorney's Duty to Google

Attorneys have a professional duty to investigate relevant facts about the matters on which they work. There is no specific rule or statute requiring that an attorney perform an internet search as part of this investigation. Yet attorneys have been found by judges to violate a “Duty to Google” when they have failed to conduct an internet search for relevant information about, for example, a claim, their own client, and even potential jurors in a trial. So much information is now available to attorneys so easily in electronic search results, it is time to wonder where, when, and how much attorneys should be searching. This Article examines the following questions: is the “Duty to Google” merely yet another example of how attorneys must become proficient in technology to meet their professional ethical obligations? Or is it something more? Where should this duty be codified, if anywhere? At what point does technology like a search engine become so “mainstream” that attorneys have a duty to use it or face allegations of malpractice? How will attorneys know how much Googling is enough? This article explores an attorney’s duty of investigation and notes that this duty has been, like the rest of legal practice, forever changed (and ever changing) by technology. It examines the potential sources of a Duty to Google and argues that this responsibility is poorly defined. Accordingly, this article argues for a better-defined duty of investigation, codified in a rule of professional conduct. The article concludes by looking to the future and suggesting industry-wide changes to better prepare attorneys to meet their (better defined) obligations of technological competency.
Relationships among soil factors and greenhouse gas emissions from furrow-irrigated Rice in the mid-southern, USA

Abstract The furrow-irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) production system has been developed as an alternative water conservation practice, but results in spatially variable soil conditions. No research has been conducted to relate greenhouse gas (GHG) production to soil and plant properties or environmental factors under furrow-irrigated rice in the mid-southern, USA. The objective of this field study was to evaluate relationships between methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes and emissions and global warming potential (GWP) and early season soil properties and environmental factors over two growing seasons (2018 and 2019) under furrow-irrigated rice on a silt-loam soil (Typic Albaqualf). Gas samples were collected weekly between planting and harvest from enclosed-headspace, static chambers and analyzed by gas chromatography. Methane fluxes were correlated with soil moisture (r = 0.18) and oxidation-reduction (redox) potential (r = −0.59), N2O fluxes were correlated with redox potential (r = 0.13), and CO2 fluxes were correlated with soil moisture (r = 0.29), redox potential (r = −0.27), and temperature (r = 0.09). Results suggested that environmental parameters like soil temperature, soil moisture, and redox potential can be included in management practices as controlling factors for production and release of GHG fluxes. Methane, and N2O, emissions were positively (0.36
Effects of heat treatment on corrosion fatigue and stress corrosion crack growth of additive-manufactured Alloy 800H in high-temperature water

Abstract Crack growth behaviour of additively manufactured (AM) Alloy 800H were studied under cyclic and static load in high-temperature water, focusing on heat treatment effects. Under cyclic loading, heat treatment gently affected corrosion fatigue. The growth rate is comparable to wrought 800H. As the load cycle frequency reduced to below 0.001 Hz, AM 800H exhibited inconsistent stress corrosion cracking response as compared to wrought 800H. Depending on heat treatment, inhomogeneous crack propagation and localized pinning were observed in stress-relieved and recrystallized AM 800H, attributed to carbides, microstructural inhomogeneity, and twin boundaries. Grain boundary sensitization at ˜10 wt% Cr caused fast crack growth.
Trochanteric Bursa Is a Source of Connective Tissue Progenitor Cells

Purpose To investigate the presence of connective tissue progenitor cells (CTPs) in the trochanteric bursa harvested over the gluteus medius muscle belly and tendon during open hip procedures. Methods Trochanteric bursa samples from nine patients (63.1 ± 8.6 years) undergoing total hip arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis were obtained from 2 sites: over the gluteus medius tendon at the greater trochanter and over the muscle belly. Bursal tissue was digested with collagenase and grown in culture. The nucleated cell count, cellular concentration, cellular proliferation, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, and differentiation using immunostaining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to determine and quantify the presence of CTPs. Results Bursa-derived CTPs were identified in all harvested samples. At t = 0, there was no difference in nucleated cell count over muscle and tendon (1.69 ± 1.26 × 108 and 1.41 ± 1.12 × 108 cells/g, respectively; P = .162). Similarly, the cellular concentration at 3 weeks was not significantly different between bursa harvested over muscle and tendon (6.61 ± 5.14 × 106 and 5.58 ± 4.70 × 106 cells/g, respectively; P = .532). High cellular proliferation was identified for both bursal tissue overlying muscle and tendon (2.28 ± .95 and 1.66 ± 1.05, respectively; P = .194). FACS analysis revealed high positivity rates (>95%) of CTP-specific surface epitopes (CD105, CD90, and CD73) and low positivity rates ( Conclusions Connective tissue progenitor cells are found in the trochanteric bursa overlying the muscle and tendon of the hip abductors.
Warren Buffett Anomaly

Abstract Warren Buffett is a long-term investor, but is required by law to disclose his trades every quarter. While the market reacts to the disclosure of his trades, the reaction is incomplete. From 1980 to 2018, it has been possible to achieve investment results similar to Buffett's own simply by mimicking his trades disclosed. Buffett's long-term strategy is surmised to exploit the underreaction to the public disclosures of his stock holding, which is further attributed to the overconfidence bias from some market participants. We found that when Buffett buys stocks, financial analysts tend to downgrade the recommendation and institutions tend to sell at those times. This behavior by analysts and fund managers comports well with the view that financial professionals over-estimate their stock picking abilities or the precision of their private information and, as a consequence, underreact to public information in making their decisions.
'Colonial White Mater Privilege': An Above-Ground Railroad to Freedom and Land Reclamation

This article provides a unique analysis of anti-miscegenation case law from the Colonial Period. The article discusses the utilization of “Colonial White Mater Privilege” (a theory coined by the author) by mulatto descendants of a White matriarch to regain their freedom and property rights. Part I discusses the applicable anti-miscegenation statues. Part ll presents the theory of Colonial White Mater Privilege. Part lll discusses race-mixing in Colonial Maryland. Part IV presents the history and cases involving the author’s ancestors (the author traces her genealogy back to the 1600s). Part V tests the theory through all seventeen of the applicable Maryland state cases from the 1700s and 1800s. Part VI illustrates that, as a vestige of slavery, economic disparity continues for Black families into the 21st century.
Usacerl's Experiences with Small Wastewater Treatment Plants in the USA

This paper presents a review of collected experience of one of the U.S. Corps of Engineers research laboratories in the area of small systems for wastewater treatment. Findings and experiences are presented for the use of package plants such as rotating biological contactors (RBCs), and remote site waste treatment at military installations and recreation areas.
Photoinduced defects in semiconductors

This is the first book to give a complete overview of the properties of deep-level, localized defects in semiconductors. Such comparatively long-lived (or metastable) defects exhibit complex interactions with the surrounding material, and can significantly affect the performance and stability of certain semiconductor devices. After an introductory discussion of metastable defects, the properties of DX and EL2 centres in III–V compounds are presented. Additional crystalline materials are also dealt with, before a detailed description is given of the properties and kinetics of photo-induced defects in amorphous semiconductors. The book closes with an examination of the effects of photo-induced defects in a range of practical applications. Throughout, unifying concepts and models are stressed, and the book will be of great use to graduate students and researchers interested in the physics and materials science of semiconductors.
Male Urethra and External Genitalia Anatomy

An intimate knowledge of male external genitalia and urethral anatomy is essential for successful surgical management of male urethral strictures, fistulas, and other anomalies. Of particular importance for urethral reconstruction is the prepuce, a mixture of skin and mucosa and anatomically divided into five layers – epidermis, dermis, dartos, lamina propria, and epithelium. The urethra is divided into the anterior (bulbar, pendulous, and fossa navicularis) and the posterior (membranous and prostatic). Urethral epithelium transitions from urothelial (transitional cell) (proximal) to pseudostratified or stratified columnar (distal), and then onto squamous (meatus). Location of the urethra within the spongiosum is also clinically important, where the more proximal (bulbar) the more eccentric and ventral.
Induction of Apoptosis Over Time in DLD-1 Colon Cancer Cells with Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a common chemotherapy drug used to treat a wide variety of cancer types. The drug is known as an intercalating agent that binds to DNA, inhibiting biosynthesis and ultimately resulting in apoptosis, or programmed cell death in treated cells. The exact molecular mechanisms are complex and remain unclear. This project aims to elucidate the sequence of events that occur in DOX treated cancer cells leading up to apoptosis in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1 ATCC® CCL-221™). Cells were cultured in complete medium, synchronized through serum starvation, and treated with DOX at 4 hours intervals up to 24 hours. Both untreated and treated cells at each time point then underwent tests to measure cell survival rate and caspase 3/7 activity, which correlates to levels of apoptotic activity. The total RNA from the remaining untreated and treated cells was extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA. cas 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 expression levels were determined using real time PCR (RT-PCR) all of ...
Recent behavior of the hadley cell and tropical thermodynamics in climate models and reanalyses

[1] The behavior of the Hadley cell and the thermodynamic structure of the tropical atmosphere is analyzed over the period 1979–2000 in climate models and reanalyses. Significant trends in the strength of the Hadley cell are present in reanalyses that are not reproduced by models. Analysis of the thermodynamic structure also shows significant discrepancies between models and reanalyses, the former show warming aloft and increased static stability while the latter show a cooling trend and decreased static stability in the tropical mid-troposphere. Additional energy balance analysis reveals that models and reanalyses have a fundamentally different balance between diabatic heating, circulation and thermodynamic structure over the period 1979–2000. Uncertainties in the observations of tropospheric temperatures as well as potential biases and errors in the climate models raise questions about the true long-term behavior of the thermodynamic structure of the tropical troposphere and the Hadley cell.
Beauty of Mathematics

The paper reflects the author's personal view on the essence of Mathematics and its impact to the modern society.
Treatment of Enzyme Kinetic Data III. THE USE OF THE FULL TIME COURSE OF A REACTION, AS EXAMINED BY COMPUTER SIMULATION, IN DEFINING ENZYME MECHANISMS

Abstract Computer simulation of the full time course of an enzymatic reaction may be used to help define certain characteristics of the mechanism of reaction. In particular, such studies may be the best way to approach the kinetic properties of those enzymes which show hysteretic behavior. Furthermore, full time course studies may be used to differentiate between various mechanisms involving two substrates. For example, it is shown that different time courses may be obtained for a mechanism assuming ordered addition of substrates relative to one assuming a random addition of substrates. It is pointed out that the use of full time course studies may be applicable to a large number of mechanisms as a routine kinetic method of great utility for approaching the definition of such mechanisms. After a mechanism for an enzymatic reaction has been assumed, the full time course computer simulation program discussed here can also be used as a data-fitting program to obtain kinetic parameters for both the forward and reverse reactions.
The Specificity of the Kveim Reaction1

Kveim (1), in 1941, described a delayed cutaneous reaction in patients with sarcoidosis following the intracutaneous injection of heated saline suspensions of sarcoid tissue. This reaction consisted of the formation of an indolent papule which was notable for its slow evolution and its persistence. Biopsy of this papule revealed histologically a sarcoid-like structure. No papule developed in control subjects, including those with syphilis or lupus vulgaris.
Membrane-bound ribosomes in HeLa cells. I. Their proportion to total cell ribosomes and their association with messenger RNA.

Abstract The ribosomes associated with the endoplasmic reticulum in HeLa cells have been the object of an electron microscopic and biochemical investigation. An appreciable amount of elements of rough endoplasmic reticulum, in the form of tubules, vesicles, and short cisternae scattered throughout the cytoplasm, has been observed by electron microscopic examination of thin sections of these cells. From the distribution of rRNA among the subcellular fractions, it has been estimated that from 10 to 15% (and possibly as many as 20%) of the total ribosomes in HeLa cells are associated with elements of rough endoplasmic reticulum. 65 to 70% of these ribosomes can be recovered as polysomes after sodium deoxycholate treatment and are presumably engaged in protein synthesis in vivo . Treatment with EDTA releases essentially all the small subunits and about 70% of the larger subunits of the endoplasmic reticulum-bound ribosomes: these respond, therefore, to EDTA treatment similarly to ribosomes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum from rat liver.
The Competitive Characteristics of U.S Manufacturers in the Machine Tool Industry

This paper examines the competitive characteristics of U.S. manufacturers in the machine tool (MT) industry. After several decades of decline, this industry has recently shown signs of a modest but sustained recovery. Empirical evidence from a national survey of 104 MT producers suggests that the revival of this sector has been driven by a combination of factors, including renewed export involvement, improved customer support, and better product design. Although most MT companies are small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the survey data show that very small SMEs are poorly represented in the recovery thrust of the industry as a whole. Our principal conclusion is that the MT industry has been following an export-led path toward stabilization, but that certain types of small producers are unlikely to thrive for very long. The most serious problems facing small producers include shrinking local markets, import competition, shortages of skilled labor, and cyclical demand.
Progress in millimeter-wave applications

Summary form only given, as follows. The status of applications and system development in the millimeter-wave range will be described. Progress in this area has been substantial during the past few years, and the technology up to 140 GHz is now firmly established. Above this frequency the activities are more research-oriented, but include extensive work in radio astronomy and airborne passive radiometric remote sensing (for meteorological sounding or terrain imaging). The discussion will illustrate how the technology is being applied in such areas as communications, direction finding, radar, electronic warfare, and missile guidance, as well as radiometry and radio astronomy. Certain aspects of technology development will be considered in detail as they impact system considerations.
Materials processing with CO 2 laser holographic scanner systems

The complexity of laser material processing can be greatly reduced using computer-generated phase reflection holographic scanners. These scanners direct and focus the beam of a carbon dioxide laser into a spot on the workpiece and then translate this spot over some general 2-D pattern as the scanner undergoes a simple 1-D motion. Procedures for constructing these scanners are presented, and the first-order aberrations introduced by them are analyzed. The primary aberrations cause the diffracted beam to focus to an astigmatic spot on the work surface. The severity of the astigmatism is proportional to the scan rate, scan angle, and f/number. A technique is presented in which the design of the scanner is adjusted so that the astigmatic image is aligned with the scan direction. The resolution perpendicular to the scan direction is the same as that of a scanner without aberrations of the same f/number. Materials processed using these scanners are presented to show their capabilities for carbon dioxide laser material processing. Power densities on the order of 106/cm2 can be readily obtained using the proposed technique.
Hydroxyapatite cement paste cranioplasty for the treatment of temporal hollowing after cranial vault remodeling in a growing child.

Postoperative depression of the temporal fossae and calvarial contour deficits are common sequelae following orbital rim advancement and cranial vault remodeling in children. Reconstructive options in the growing child are limited. Autogenous bone graft has a high rate of resorption when placed as a
Diagnostic value of tachycardia features and pacing maneuvers during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this prospective study was to quantitate the diagnostic value of several tachycardia features and pacing maneuvers in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in the electrophysiology laboratory. BACKGROUND No study has prospectively compared the value of multiple diagnostic tools in a large group of patients with PSVT. METHODS One hundred ninety-six consecutive patients who had 200 inducible sustained PSVTs during an electrophysiology procedure were included. The diagnostic values of four baseline electrophysiologic parameters, nine tachycardia features and five diagnostic pacing maneuvers were quantified. RESULTS The only tachycardia characteristic that was diagnostic of atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentry was a septal ventriculoatrial (VA) time of <70 ms, and no pacing maneuver was diagnostic for AV nodal reentry. An increase in the VA interval with the development of a bundle branch block was the only tachycardia characteristic that was diagnostic for orthodromic tachycardia, but it occurred in only 7% of all tachycardias. An atrial-atrial-ventricular response upon cessation of ventricular overdrive pacing was diagnostic of atrial tachycardia, and this maneuver could be applied to 78% of all tachycardias. Burst ventricular pacing excluded atrial tachycardia when the tachycardia terminated without depolarization of the atrium, but the result could be obtained only in 27% of patients. CONCLUSIONS This prospective study quantitates the diagnostic value of multiple observations and pacing maneuvers that are commonly used during PSVT in the electrophysiology laboratory. The findings demonstrate that diagnostic techniques rarely provide a diagnosis when used individually. Therefore, careful observations and multiple pacing maneuvers are often required for an accurate diagnosis during PSVT. The results of this study provide a useful reference with which new diagnostic techniques can be compared.
Characterization of groundwater resources in the Trinity and Woodbine aquifers in Texas

A vast region in north-central Texas, centering on Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, suffers from intense groundwater drawdown and water quality degradation, which led to inclusion of 18 counties of this region into Priority Groundwater Management Areas. We combined aquifer-based and county-based hydrologic analyses to (1) assess spatio-temporal changes in groundwater level and quality between 1960 and 2010 in the Trinity and Woodbine aquifers underlying the study region, (2) delve into major hydrochemical facies with reference to aquifer hydrostratigraphy, and (3) identify county-based spatial zones to aid in future groundwater management initiatives. Water-level and quality data was obtained from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and analyzed on a decadal scale. Progressive water-level decline was the major concern in the Trinity aquifer with >50% of observations occurring at depths >100 m since the 1980s, an observation becoming apparent only in the 2000s in the Woodbine aquifer. Water quality degradation was the major issue in the Woodbine aquifer with substantially higher percentage of observations exceeding the secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCL; a non-enforceable threshold set by the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)) and/or maximum contaminant level (MCL, a legally enforceable drinking water standard set by the USEPA) for sulfate (SO4(2-)), chloride (Cl(-)), and fluoride (F(-)) in each decade. In both aquifers, however, >70% of observations exceeded the SMCL for total dissolved solids indicating high groundwater salinization. Water-level changes in Trinity aquifer also had significant negative impact on water quality. Hydrochemical facies in this region sequentially evolved from Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3 in the fluvial sediments of the west to Na-SO4-Cl in the deltaic sediments to the east. Sequentially evolving hydrogeochemical facies and increasing salinization closely resembled regional groundwater flow pattern. Distinct spatial zones based on homogenous hydrologic characteristics have become increasingly apparent over time indicating necessity of zone-specific groundwater management strategies.
How close are we to targeting the leukemia stem cell

There are a number of approaches for selective targeting of leukemic stem cells (LSCs). These include targeting stem-cell properties, such as self-renewal, inducing cycling of quiescent LSCs to sensitize them to conventional agents, employing or inducing immune-based mechanisms, and targeting tumor-specific physiology. Agents such as parthenolide inhibit the ability of leukemic stem cells to respond to oxidative stress and make leukemic stem cells and bulk leukemic cells susceptible to cell death, while normal stem cells remain relatively unharmed by these agents. The major mechanism of action of these small molecules appears to revolve around the aberrant glutathione metabolism pathway found in leukemic cells.
Individual Differences in Self-Presentational Motives in Daily Social Interaction

In a study of self-presentational motives in everyday social encounters, 164 first-year and upper-class undergraduate students described their social interactions for 1 week using a variant of the Rochester Interaction Record. These descriptions focused on the strength of self-presentational motives and concerns for others’ evaluations. Participants also completed measures of individual differences hypothesized to be relevant to self-presentation, which formed four distinct factors. A series of multilevel random coefficient modeling analyses found that individual differences in factors labeled Impression Motivation, Impression Construction Positivity, and Impression Construction Appropriateness were positively related to participants’ nervousness in interaction and individual differences in Impression Motivation were positively related to the strength of self-presentational motives in interaction. A fourth factor, Negative Self-Evaluation, was positively related to the strength of participants’ self-prese...
The HIPAA privacy rule and adolescents: legal questions and clinical challenges.

In August 2002 a new federal rule took effect that protects the privacy of individuals health information and medical records. The rule which is based on requirements contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) embodies important protections for minors along with a significant degree of deference to other laws (both state and federal) and to the judgment of health care providers. These provisions represent a compromise between competing viewpoints about the importance of parental access to minors health information and the availability of confidential adolescent health care services. (excerpt)
Optimal Clustering for Delay Minimization

This paper addresses the problem of circuit clustering for delay minimization, subject to capacity constraints. We use the general delay model, for which only heuristic solutions were known. We present an optimal polynomial time algorithm for combinational circuits under this model. Our algorithm can be generalized to solve the problem under any monotone clustering constraint.
Selective serotonin receptor stimulation of the medial nucleus accumbens differentially affects appetitive motivation for food on a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement.

Abstract Previously, we reported that stimulation of selective serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes in the nucleus accumbens shell differentially affected consumption of freely available food. Specifically, activation of 5-HT 6 receptors caused a dose-dependent increase in food intake, while the stimulation of 5-HT 1/7 receptor subtypes decreased feeding [34] . The current experiments tested whether similar pharmacological activation of nucleus accumbens serotonin receptors would also affect appetitive motivation, as measured by the amount of effort non-deprived rats exerted to earn sugar reinforcement. Rats were trained to lever press for sugar pellets on a progressive ratio 2 schedule of reinforcement. Across multiple treatment days, three separate groups ( N = 8–10) received bilateral infusions of the 5-HT 6 agonist EMD 386088 (at 0.0, 1.0 and 4.0 μg/0.5 μl/side), the 5-HT 1/7 agonist 5-CT (at 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 4.0 μg/0.5 μl/side), or the 5-HT 2C agonist RO 60-0175 fumarate (at 0, 2.0, or 5.0 μg/0.5 μl/side) into the anterior medial nucleus accumbens prior to a 1-h progressive ratio session. Stimulation of 5-HT 6 receptors caused a dose-dependent increase in motivation as assessed by break point, reinforcers earned, and total active lever presses. Stimulation of 5-HT 1/7 receptors increased lever pressing at the 0.5 μg dose of 5-CT, but inhibited lever presses and break point at 4.0 μg/side. Injection of the 5-HT 2C agonist had no effect on motivation within the task. Collectively, these experiments suggest that, in addition to their role in modulating food consumption, nucleus accumbens 5-HT 6 and 5-HT 1/7 receptors also differentially regulate the appetitive components of food-directed motivation.
Regeneration of Cellulose Insulation of Windings of Long-Life Power Transformers

Main aspects of the physicochemical condition of cellulose insulation of windings of power transformers with a long-term service life are analyzed with the aim of determining criteria on the possibility of prolonging the life of the insulation by washing with surface-active substances.
Comparing Patient Outcomes of Academician-Preceptors, Hospitalist-Preceptors, and Hospitalists on Internal Medicine Services in an Academic Medical Center

BACKGROUND Patient outcomes with hospitalist care have been studied in many settings, yet little is known about how hospitalist care interacts with trainee care to affect patient outcomes in teaching hospitals.
Detergent Effects on the Phosphatidylinositol‐Specific Phospholipase C in Rat Brain Synaptosomes

: In the presence of Ca2 + (2.5 mM) and using [14C]arachidonoyl phosphatidylinositol (PI) membrane as substrate, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) (EC 3.1.4.10) in rat brain synaptosomes was activated by deoxycholate but not taurocholate. Calcium stimulated enzymic hydrolysis by both detergents, but the stimulatory effect of taurocholate was less than that of deoxycholate. Peak stimulation for deoxycholate was observed at 1 mg/ml, whereas that for taurocholate was 4 mg/ml. When 1 mM EDTA was added to the taurocholate (4 mg/ml) and Ca2 + (3.5 mM) system, synaptosomal PI-PLC activity was greatly stimulated, to almost the same level as the deoxycholate + Ca2 + system. This system required the presence of all three factors, and EGTA could not effectively replace EDTA in the stimulatory action. The detergent-induced hydrolysis of synaptosomal PI by the deoxycholate + Ca2 + and the taurocholate + Ca2 ++ EDTA systems was strongly inhibited by divalent metal ions such as Zn2 +, Cu2 +, Pb2 +, and Fe2+, whereas Mg2 + and Ca2+ were ineffective. Nevertheless, only the deoxycholate + Ca2 + system was responsive to enzyme inhibition by membrane-perturbing agents such as lysophospholipids and free fatty acids. The specific requirement for EDTA in the taurocholate system may be due to the release of a pool of inhibitory divalent metal ions from the membranes.
Analysis of mortality rate from carcinoma of prostate

Abstract Age-specific mortality from carcinoma of the prostate was analyzed by drawing a line between the value at age 52 years and that at age 87. Slope of the line was relatively constant for the pooled years 1962–1966, 1967–1971 and 1972–1976 (maximum variation from the mean of 4.5%). However, the slope was 17.7% greater for the period 1977–1981 and 29.8% over the prior mean in 1987–1992. This was explored by two models. Mortality versus age was well described by a power function, with an increase in slope noted in the mid-1970s. An exponential growth model was also utilized and revealed the existence of a ‘change point’ around the year 1975. Hence, two models are available for further exploring the increase in age-specific mortality from carcinoma of the prostate which occurred in the mid-1970 period.
Research into the Detonation of Non Ideal Versus Ideal Explosives

The objectives are to determine, understand, and control the mechanisms and the rates of energy release in metallized explosive compositions during the detonation state and in the post-detonation regime. The goals of the initiative are to: (i) account for the total energy and the rates of energy release in the underwater detonation of a composite metallized explosive, (ii) establish and demonstrate concepts which can be employed to dial the near field pressure/time profile in order to maximize the desired energy coupling to the target, and (iii) develop a laboratory scale underwater detonation experiment, which will be able to accurately characterize the performance of novel metallized composite explosives. Research will be conducted to: (i) characterize the detonation both inside the explosive medium and in the water column at near-field, (ii) understand the parameters in the microstructural transport processes which govern the reactions of metal fuels with oxidizer molecules at temperature and pressure extremes, and the rates with which these processes take place, and (iii) identify the mechanisms by which energy is added, lost, or modified as the detonation wave and subsequent gas expansion propagate from the explosive into the water.
Tropical Medicine in the Horse Latitudes

Some of the world's highest rates of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) now occur among impoverished populations who live in the midst of wealth, especially in middle- and high-income countries. An illustrative example is the poor who live in nations between the 30th and 35th parallels, also known as the "horse latitudes." Focusing on the northern horse latitudes, emerging information reveals that the neglected tropical diseases are widespread in the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North India, Nepal, China, and in Texas and the southern United States, particularly vector-borne tropical infections such as dengue fever and other arbovirus infections, leishmaniasis, as well as selected helminthiases. In Texas a new tropical medicine school has been established to combat such neglected tropical diseases, but worldwide there is an urgent need to generate a public policy for these conditions, as they emerge primarily among the poor and disenfranchised.
Wavelet-frame-based microcalcification detection

As the leading cause of death for adult women under 54 years of age in the United States, breast cancer accounts for 29% of all cancers in women. Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the most effective approach to reduce death rate. The rapid climbing of the health care cost further reiterates the importance of cost-effective, accurate screening tools for breast cancer. This paper proposes a wavelet frame based computer algorithm for screening of microcalcifications on digitized mammographical imagery. Despite its simplicity, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) of compactly supported wavelets has been effectively used for detection of various types of signals. However, the shifting variant property of DWT makes it very unstable for detection of minute microcalcifications. Although increasing the sampling rate will improve the detection probability, this approach will drastically increase the size of mammographical images. The wavelet frame transform can be easily derived from the DWT algorithm by eliminating its down sampling step. The subtle difference between DWT and WF in down sampling is shown to be critical to the accuracy of microcalcifications detection. Without any down sampling, local image information at different scales is preserved. By joint thresholding of wavelet coefficients at different scales, one can accurately pin point suspected microcalcifications. A simple partitioning technique enables the detection algorithm to process image blocks independently. Four different partitioning techniques have been compared, and the method of repeating the end value on each partition boundary has the least significant impact on the detection accuracy.