cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning to Improve Case Adaption by Introspective Reasoning and CBR

In current CBR systems, case adaptation is usually performed by rule-based methods that use task-specific rules hand-coded by the system developer. The ability to define those rules depends on knowledge of the task and domain that may not be available a priori, presenting a serious impediment to endowing CBR systems with the needed adaptation knowledge. This paper describes ongoing research on a method to address this problem by acquiring adaptation knowledge from experience. The method uses reasoning from scratch, based on introspective reasoning about the requirements for successful adaptation, to build up a library of adaptation cases that are stored for future reuse. We describe the tenets of the approach and the types of knowledge it requires. We sketch initial computer implementation, lessons learned, and open questions for further study.
Respiratory insufficiency in a newborn with congenital hypothyroidism due to a new mutation of TTF‐1/NKX2.1 gene

NK2 homeobox-1 (NKX2.1) gene encoding the thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) plays a critical role in lung, thyroid, and central nervous system morphogenesis and function; mutations cause a rare form of progressive respiratory failure associated with alterations of surfactant synthesis, composition, and homeostasis. Molecular mechanisms are heterogeneous and poorly explored. A 28 days old male, soon after birth, presented respiratory failure requiring oxygen treatment at FiO2 27%, prolonged for 2 weeks. Routine neonatal screenings detected a high thyroid stimulating hormone concentration. On day 27 congenital hypothyroidism was confirmed and substitutive treatment was begun. Since the persistence of respiratory symptoms sweat test, CFTR mutation, lymphocyte subpopulations, and sputum cultures were tested, resulting negative. Brain and cardiac defects were also ruled out. Bronchoscopy and BAL analysis were normal. Computed tomography showed bilateral multiple ground glass attenuation, consolidative areas and diffuse bronchial wall thickening. Based on the severity of symptoms, the exclusion of other causes of respiratory disease and the CT findings of interstitial lung disease, we investigated genes affecting the surfactant homeostasis. Sequencing analysis of the three exons of the TTF1 revealed a heterozygous mutation c.334G > T that results in the replacement of glycine in position 112 with a stop codon, generating a nonsense protein that lacks the correct transactivation domain in the C-terminal region. Genetic analysis of the family showed that the father, who was asymptomatic, carried the mutation. Screening for TTF-1 deletions or mutations should always be considered in children with congenital hypothyroidism and an unexplained neonatal respiratory distress or neurodevelopmental deficits.
Chambered diffusion flames for different supply temperatures

Abstract A complete description of chambered diffusion flames is presented using activation-energy asymptotics. Response curves are obtained describing the unburnt fuel fraction R as a function of its injection rate M . Their shapes depend on the specific parameter values T 0 and T 1 , the supply temperatures of fuel and oxidant, and T c , a temperature which characterizes the pressure level in the chamber. In addition to the isola and S -shaped curves found for equal supply temperatures, U-shaped and monotonic curves are now possible, the former being new to combustion. In every case explicit formulas for M are given at turning points of the curves, which correspond to ignition and extinction.
The Quest for Gender Equity in America's Schools: From Preschool and Beyond.

"Nothing can be more absurd than the practice which prevails in our country of men and women not following the same pursuits with all their strengths and with one mind, for thus the state instead of being whole, is reduced to half.” Plato, 24 B. C.
Effective diffusion coefficient of cations as influenced by physical and chemical properties of selected Indiana soils

Abstract Ion diffusion through the soil matrix is dependent upon both the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Cation (K, Na, Ca and Mg) diffusion coefficients De, were determined for seven Indiana soils by using the ion diffuison flux to a hydrogen resin paper technique. Volumetric moisture, clay content exchange and solution phase ionic concentrations, buffer capacity and organic C content were variously related to the determined De values. The larger the diffusion coefficient of K, Ca, and Mg, the lower the clay content, and exchange capacity of soils, and the higher the concentration of these cations in the solution phase. From the present study, it was concluded that the De of these cations was affected by one or more soil physical and chemical property which must be considered if De is to be used to estimate supply rate of these ions to growing roots in soil systems.
Polysomnographic findings in a cohort of chronic insomnia patients with benzodiazepine abuse.

Study Objectives: To evaluate sleep modifi cations induced by chronic benzodiazepine (BDZ) abuse. Methods: Cohort study, comparison of sleep measures between BDZs abusers and controls. Drug Addiction Unit (Institute of Psychiatry) and Unit of Sleep Disorders (Institute of Neurology) of the Catholic University in Rome. Six outpatients affected by chronic BDZ abuse were enrolled, (4 men, 2 women, mean age 53.3 ± 14.8, range: 34-70 years); 55 healthy controls were also enrolled (23 men, 32 women, mean age 54.2 ± 13.0, range: 27-76 years). All patients underwent clinical evaluation, psychometric measures, ambulatory polysomnography, scoring of sleep macrostructure and microstructure (power spectral fastfrequency EEG arousal, cyclic alternating pattern [CAP]), and heart rate variability. Results: BDZ abusers had relevant modifi cation of sleep macrostructure and a marked reduction of fast-frequency EEG arousal in NREM (patients: 6.6 ± 3.7 events/h, controls 13.7 ± 4.9 events/h, U-test: 294, p = 0.002) and REM (patients: 8.4 ± 2.4 events/h, controls 13.3 ± 5.1 events/h, U-test: 264, p = 0.016), and of CAP rate (patients: 15.0 ± 8.6%, controls: 51.2% ± 12.1%, U-test: 325, p < 0.001). Discussion: BDZ abusers have reduction of arousals associated with increased number of nocturnal awakenings and severe impairment of sleep architecture. The effect of chronic BDZ abuse on sleep may be described as a severe impairment of arousal dynamics; the result is the inability to modulate levels of vigilance.
Physicochemical studies of extracellular polysaccharides of Erwinia chrysanthemi spp

Abstract The chemical and NMR analysis of the extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) of several Erwinia chrysanthemi spp gave clear indications of two different families each showing similar structural characteristics. Two EPSs from streptomycin-resistant strains of E. chrysanthemi Ech6 and Ech9, phytopathogen of potatoes, as well as the EPS from the strain SR80, a phytopathogen of maize, have been isolated and purified. Initial structural aspects of these polysaccharides are reflected in the 600 MHz 1D 1 H NMR spectra and the high-pH anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection analysis of the complete and partial acid hydrolyzates, which are presented for comparison. The EPS from the strain SR80 is shown to be similar to that from Ech9, and those of the streptomycin-resistant strains are similar to the EPSs of the parent bacteria. Hydrodynamic examinations showed different viscosities and weight average root mean radius ( R w ), but there was a linear relationship of these values and their weight average molecular weight ( M w ). Within each family, the proposed flexible coil conformations were supported by physical measurements and the stiffness of the coils was greater for the pyruvated molecules in the EPS from Ech6 family. Like many other examples of similar polysaccharides, their pseudoplasticity was most evident in the EPS of higher M w and R w , but did not seem to be related to the stiffness parameters. The molecular weights of the polysaccharides range from 0.3 to 2.1×10 6 and their hydrodynamic properties are those of polydisperse, polyanionic biopolymers with pseudoplastic, non-thixotropic flow characteristics in aqueous solutions.
Kinetic Mechanisms of Target Location by Inducible Transcription Factor Egr-1

Egr-1 is a mammalian inducible transcription factor that recognizes its 9-bp target DNA sequences via three zinc-finger domains and rapidly activates specific genes upon particular cellular stimuli such as neuronal signals and vascular stresses. For the rapid gene activation, the induced Egr-1 molecules should efficiently locate the specific sites on gene promoters. To understand how proteins scan DNA, we recently developed new stopped-flow fluorescence assays for the kinetic investigations of the target DNA search process.1 Using this methodology, we have studied the kinetics of target location by Egr-1 at various ionic strengths (40-400 mM KCl) and found the most efficient search at 150 mM KCl. We then rigorously characterized the kinetics of intersegment transfer, dissociation, and sliding of this protein on DNA at distinct concentrations of KCl. Our results suggest that Egr-1 is well suited for efficient scanning of chromosomal DNA in vivo. Based on a newly developed theory, we analyzed the origin of such optimal search efficiency at physiological ionic strength. We found that target association is accelerated by nonspecific binding to nearby nonspecific sites and subsequent sliding to the target as well as by intersegment transfer. Although these effects are stronger at lower ionic strengths, such conditions also favor trapping of the protein at distant nonspecific sites, decelerating the target association. Overall, our current study demonstrates that Egr-1 achieves its optimal search at physiological ionic strength through a compromise between the positive and negative effects of nonspecific interactions with DNA.21. Esadze, A.,& Iwahara, J. (2014) J Mol Biol 426, 230-44.2. Esadze, A., Kemme, C. A., Kolomeisky, A. B., & Iwahara, J. (2014) Nucleic Acids Res 42, 7039-46.
Use of urease inhibitors to control nitrogen loss from livestock waste

Abstract Current waste management systems for cattle feedlots and swine facilities result in nitrogen losses of approx. 75%. Most of this loss occurs through the rapid hydrolysis of urinary nitrogen (urea) to ammonia, which volatilizes into the atmosphere. This contributes to odor, environmental problems, and loss of a valuable fertilizer resource. Urease inhibitors cyclohexylphosphoric triamide (CHPT) and phenyl phosphorodiamidate (PPDA) were used to control the hydrolysis of urea in duplicate one-liter slurries of cattle and swine wastes (1:1 g:g feces to urine). With cattle waste (3·3 g urea l−1) and swine waste (4·8 g urea l−1), both inhibitors at 10 mg l−1 of waste prevented hydrolysis of the urea for 4–11 days, and then a gradual hydrolysis occurred until complete at day 28. Hydrolysis of urea in untreated cattle or swine waste (controls) was complete within one day. Addition of the inhibitors once per week was the most effective method of preventing urea hydrolysis. Weekly additions of 10, 40 or 100 mg of PPDA per liter of cattle waste (5·6 g urea l−1) prevented 38, 48 and 70% of the urea from being hydrolyzed after 28 days, respectively. With swine waste (2·5 g urea l−1) these PPDA concentrations prevented 72, 92 and 92% of the urea from being hydrolyzed after 28 days, respectively. PPDA additions were stopped after 49 days, and all urea at the three PPDA concentrations was hydrolyzed after 70 and 84 days for the cattle and swine wastes, respectively. These results offer a strategy for significant control of ammonia emissions from livestock facilities and increasing the fertilizer value of wastes by improving the nitrogen to phosphorous ratio for plant growth. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
SURFACE ACOUSTIC WAVE INVESTIGATION OF SUPERCONDUCTING FILMS

Mesure pour des frequences jusqu'a 2 GHz du coefficient d'attenuation des ondes acoustiques de surface se propagenat a travers des couches minces supraconductrices de Nb 3 Sn, Nb 3 Ge, Al granulaire, Pb granulaire et NbN
The diet and ecology of Hawaii's extinct flightless waterfowl: evidence from coprolites

At least five species of large flightless waterfowl have become extinct in the Hawaiian Islands in recent millennia. These birds are thought to have occupied the role of large herbivores in a wide range of terrestrial habitats. A collection of coprolites from one of the species (Thambetochen chauliodous) was obtained during excavations in Holocene cave sediments on the island of Maui. The chemical composition and pollen and spore content of the coprolites are analysed and compared with pollen/spore spectra from the cave sediments and from recent goose scats. The results support the contention that these birds were primarily folivorous, and further suggest that ferns were important in the diet. The coprolites have a very fine texture that may result from efficient hindgut fermentation and digestion of plant fibre. Our data are discussed in the light of a recent hypothesis of plant/herbivore coevolution between extinct avian herbivores and native Hawaiian lobelias. The loss of large native herbivores, as well as other changes in vertebrate trophic structure due to extinctions over the past few thousand years, may still be affecting ecological processes in areas of the Hawaiian islands with native vegetation.
Smoking and obesity may be independent risk factors for periodontitis.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Determination of smoking and obesity as periodontitis risks using the classification and regression tree method. Nishida N, Tanaka M, Hayashi N, Nagata H, Takeshita T, Nakayama K, et al. J Periodontol 2005;76(6):923-8. Level of Evidence 4 Purpose/Question To determine which lifestyle-related factors were most strongly associated with periodontitis. Source of Funding Government and private foundations Type of Study/Design Cross-sectional study
Surgical trauma and immunosuppression: pathophysiology and potential immunomodulatory approaches.

Several studies indicate that organ failure is the leading cause of death in the postoperative phase after major surgery. An excessive inflammatory response followed by a dramatic depression of cell-mediated immunity after major surgery appears to be responsible for the increased susceptibility to subsequent sepsis. In view of this, most of the scientific and medical research has been directed towards measuring the progression and interrelationship of mediators after major surgery. Furthermore, the effect of those mediators on cell-mediated immune responses has been studied. This article focuses on the effect of surgical injury and blood loss on cell-mediated immune responses in experimental studies utilizing models of trauma and hemorrhagic shock. The findings from those experimental studies will also be correlated with data from surgical patients. Recently, a gender-dimorphic immune and organ responsiveness in the susceptibility to and morbidity from shock, trauma, and sepsis has been found. Androgens have been shown to be responsible for the immunosuppression after trauma–hemorrhage in males. In contrast, female sex steroids exhibit immunoprotective properties after trauma and severe blood loss. In view of these findings, clinically relevant therapeutic strategies have been developed using the testosterone receptor blocker flutamide and/or estrogen or agents with estrogenic effects, i.e., dehydroepiandrosterone, which might yield safe and useful therapeutic approaches for the treatment of immune depression in surgical patients.
Elasticity, plasticity, and compression for cylindrical plant tissues, and fine structure of their cell walls.

Abstract 1. 1. The transverse modulus of compression for rubber-like elastic cylindrical plant tissues has the small value 0.1 × 105 g/cm.2 2. 2. Van der Waals forces between the chains of cellulose in the secondary cell walls of rubber-like elastic cylindrical plant tissues are small and are only dependent on distance. 3. 3. Elasticity, plasticity, and submicroscopic structure of average secondary cell walls in rubber-like elastic cylindrical plant tissues are closely related to each other because of the same elasticity-plasticity equation for these tissues E μ ·φ = m . In this equation is m = 0.00002 cm.2/g, E μ is the elastic ratio, φ is the transverse coefficient of plasticity with respect to bending. 4. 4. Living cylindrical tissues of higher plants have stress-strain curves which are S-shaped, or straight lines with a simple tail. In the secondary cell walls of these tissues crystalline and amorphous layers of cellulose alternate. Death occurs if the amount of the crystalline layers is too great, Dead metallic rods have stress-strain curves which are straight lines with a complicated tail. These metals may have a crystalline lattice structure. Hence, it may be assumed that a large amount of crystallization in cylindrical plant tissues means death. The life conditions are related to the amorphous layers of cellulose in cell walls which have a molecular network structure.
Variational Principles for the Acoustic Field

Variational principles are presented for the scattering amplitude in the general acoustic scattering problem, and, for spherically symmetric scatterers, for the phase shifts. Integral equations for the acoustic field are also given and the properties of the scattering matrix are developed. The entire formulation remains valid in the presence of discontinuities of density and/or velocity in the medium.
Endovenous laser ablation of the saphenous vein for treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins: early results from a large single-center experience.

Purpose:To report early results of a single-center experience with endovenous laser ablation of the saphenous vein (ELAS).Methods:From February 2002 to January 2003, 165 eligible patients (116 wome...
Circuits for resilient systems

Timing and functional failures caused by process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations pose major challenges to achieving energy-efficient performance in multi-core & many-core processor designs in nanoscale CMOS. Radiation-induced soft errors and aging-induced degradations limit power, performance and reliability. These impacts are further aggravated in the Near-Threshold Voltage (NTV) operating regime where energy efficiency peaks. We will discuss opportunities for variation-tolerant logic and memory design that enable robust operation in nanoscale CMOS. Adaptation and reconfiguration, combined with efficient error detection and response schemes, can mitigate impacts of dynamic variations.
Lesion classification using clinical and visual data fusion by multiple kernel learning

To overcome operator dependency and to increase diagnosis accuracy in breast ultrasound (US), a lot of effort has been devoted to developing computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems for breast cancer detection and classification. Unfortunately, the efficacy of such CAD systems is limited since they rely on correct automatic lesions detection and localization, and on robustness of features computed based on the detected areas. In this paper we propose a new approach to boost the performance of a Machine Learning based CAD system, by combining visual and clinical data from patient files. We compute a set of visual features from breast ultrasound images, and construct the textual descriptor of patients by extracting relevant keywords from patients' clinical data files. We then use the Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) framework to train SVM based classifier to discriminate between benign and malignant cases. We investigate different types of data fusion methods, namely, early, late, and intermediate (MKL-based) fusion. Our database consists of 408 patient cases, each containing US images, textual description of complaints and symptoms filled by physicians, and confirmed diagnoses. We show experimentally that the proposed MKL-based approach is superior to other classification methods. Even though the clinical data is very sparse and noisy, its MKL-based fusion with visual features yields significant improvement of the classification accuracy, as compared to the image features only based classifier.
Expression of type IV collagenase correlates with the invasion of human lymphoblastoid cell lines and pathogenesis in SCID mice

An in vitro model, called the Membrane Invasion Culture System (MICS), was used to study the invasive potential of an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL), an EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cell line of American origin and an EBV-positive BL of African origin. MICS measured the ability of these cell lines to invade reconstituted basement membrane-coated filters, which correlated with their tumorigenic and metastatic capabilities in a SCID mouse model. Furthermore, the significantly greater invasive behaviour of the EBV-positive LCL was directly correlated with the cells' ability to express and secrete human type IV collagenase (72 kDa), an important metalloproteinase responsible for the degradation of collagen IV in basement membranes. The data suggest that MICS and the SCID mouse are useful tests of tumorigenicity in lymphoid cells, with measurable effects in both systems related to human type IV collagenase activity. Both models allow further exploration of malignant phenotypes associated with EBV transformation of lymphoid tissues.
Academic Branch Libraries: Assessment and Collection Development

An ongoing project at Mercer University's Regional Academic Center Libraries illustrates how utilizing established assessment guidelines, stakeholder input, and a clear understanding of audience and curriculum needs may all be used to optimize a collection. Academic branch libraries often have clear collection development limitations in terms of space and funding along with a specialized audience to serve. Quantitative and qualitative means for assessing branch library collections are employed to create a highly relevant and usable collection while maximizing available funding. Other distance education librarians involved in collection development for geographically distant locations may benefit from use of these methods.
Results of heavy ion radiotherapy

The potential of heavy ion therapy for clinical use in cancer therapy stems from the biological parameters of heavy charged particles and their precise dose localization. Biologically, carbon, neon, and other heavy ion beams (up to about silicon) are clinically useful in overcoming the radioresistance of hypoxic tumors, thus increasing the biological effectiveness relative to low linear energy transfer x-ray or electron beams. Cells irradiated by heavy ions show less variation in cell-cycle-related radiosensitivity and decreased repair of radiation injury. The physical parameters of these heavy charged particles allow precise delivery of high doses to tumors while minimizing irradiation of normal tissues. Clinical use requires a close interaction between radiation oncologists, medical physicists, accelerator physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and radiation biologists.
A systematic approach to the design and implementation of a computer instruction set

When selecting the instruction set for a computer family, the designer must consider several criteria. The design considerations leading to the final instruction set for a new computer are very seldom published. The purpose of this paper is twofold:• Discussion of the design and implementation criteria for an instruction set.• Proposal of a systematic approach for the design and implementation of an instruction set.
The Criminological Imagination: Another View

In light of Mills (1959) critique of sociology, this article examines several instances of what might be called a lack of the "criminological imagination". concern for academic issues, a focus on t...
Beyond Seeing McDonald's Fiesta Menu: The Role of Accent in Brand Sincerity of Ethnic Products and Brands

Given the significant increase in the number of ethnic consumers, firms attempt to utilize various marketing communication strategies and tactics to promote their brands to these ethnically diverse groups. Similarly, many marketers are striving for brand crossovers by introducing ethnic offerings to new audiences. This research focuses on one such ethnic marketing communication strategy—the use of accented spokespersons. Building on a prosodic theory of accent, we propose that certain prosodic features (i.e., intonation) connote associations of sincerity and trustworthiness and thus affect brand sincerity perceptions. The current research also demonstrates that the effect of intonation depends on the degree of congruity between product ethnicity and a spokesperson's accent. Our results reveal that when these variables are congruent, consumers rely on the cues that are consistent with the advertising appeals. Thus, when a message uses a sincerity appeal, falling (versus rising) intonation leads to greater ...
Cation exchange surface-mediated denaturation of an aglycosylated immunoglobulin (IgG1)

Cation exchange chromatography of an aglycosylated IgG1 resulted in two distinct peaks during gradient elution. The early eluting peak contained <1% high molecular weight (HMW) species, while the later peak contained 23% HMW species. Analysis by hydrogen-deuterium exchange and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that aggregate formation and generation of the second peak were caused by antibody denaturation on the resin surface. Denaturation and HMW generation was increased by the use of strong cation exchange media, by increasing antibody residence time on the exchanger, or increasing temperature. Denaturation and HMW generation was reduced by increasing pH or ionic strength, by the use of preferentially excluded solutes such as citrate or glycine and controlled entirely by addition of 125 mM arginine to the process buffers. This leads to the hypothesis that denaturation and HMW generation of this antibody can be managed by reducing the strength of binding, by increasing its conformational stability, or by suppressing non-native protein-protein interactions. The glycosylated version of this antibody exhibited less than 2% denatured form, suggesting that glycosylation contributes significantly to the stability of this antibody. These findings may be helpful in managing aggregation in other antibodies, and particularly useful in developing purification processes for aglycosylated antibodies.
Learning About Love Through the Therapeutic Action of Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis, our Western science of subjectivity, has shed light on the ways in which human love is laced with ambivalence—as well as wishes for dominance and submission, fears of abandonment an...
Fire emission uncertainties and their effect on smoke dispersion predictions: a case study at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA

Prescribed burning is practiced to benefit ecosystems but the resulting emissions can adversely affect air quality. A better understanding of the uncertainties in emission estimates and how these uncertainties affect smoke predictions is critical for model-based decision making. This study examined uncertainties associated with estimating fire emissions and how they affected smoke concentrations downwind from a prescribed burn that was conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, US. Estimated variables used in the modelled emission calculation were compared with field measurements. Fuel loadings, fuel consumption and emission factors were simulated using Photo Series, Consume, and previously published values. A plume dispersion model was used to study the effect of uncertainty in emissions on ground concentration prediction. The fire emission models predicted fuel loading, fuel consumption and emission factor within 15% of measurements. Approximately 18% uncertainty in field measurements of PM2.5 emissions and 36% uncertainty attributed to variability in emission estimating models resulted respectively in 20% and 42% ground level PM2.5 concentration uncertainties in dispersion modelling using Daysmoke. Uncertainty in input emissions influences the concentrations predicted by the smoke dispersion model to the same degree as does the model’s inherent uncertainty due to turbulence.
Demonstration of optical coherent transient true-time delay at 4 Gbits/s

Multigigabit-per-second true time delay (TTD) was experimentally demonstrated by use of optical coherent transient techniques in a Tm3+:YAG crystal. A delay accuracy of 1 ps and a delay resolution of 7 ps (both measurement limited) were achieved. The retrieved data retained good fidelity.
A dynamically configurable coprocessor for convolutional neural networks

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) applications range from recognition and reasoning (such as handwriting recognition, facial expression recognition and video surveillance) to intelligent text applications such as semantic text analysis and natural language processing applications. Two key observations drive the design of a new architecture for CNN. First, CNN workloads exhibit a widely varying mix of three types of parallelism: parallelism within a convolution operation, intra-output parallelism where multiple input sources (features) are combined to create a single output, and inter-output parallelism where multiple, independent outputs (features) are computed simultaneously. Workloads differ significantly across different CNN applications, and across different layers of a CNN. Second, the number of processing elements in an architecture continues to scale (as per Moore's law) much faster than off-chip memory bandwidth (or pin-count) of chips. Based on these two observations, we show that for a given number of processing elements and off-chip memory bandwidth, a new CNN hardware architecture that dynamically configures the hardware on-the-fly to match the specific mix of parallelism in a given workload gives the best throughput performance. Our CNN compiler automatically translates high abstraction network specification into a parallel microprogram (a sequence of low-level VLIW instructions) that is mapped, scheduled and executed by the coprocessor. Compared to a 2.3 GHz quad-core, dual socket Intel Xeon, 1.35 GHz C870 GPU, and a 200 MHz FPGA implementation, our 120 MHz dynamically configurable architecture is 4x to 8x faster. This is the first CNN architecture to achieve real-time video stream processing (25 to 30 frames per second) on a wide range of object detection and recognition tasks.
Fifty years of solvent denaturation

The author has worked in the area of solvent denaturation and stabilization, off and on, for approximately 50 years. This paper is a personal view of the progress which has been made since 1950. The topic is limited to the development of thermodynamic molecular models for the interpretation of the unfolding and stabilization of protein structures. The story starts with the work in Kauzmann's laboratory shortly after World War II and proceeds through models for multisite binding, the linear denaturation curve, the special considerations required for understanding weak solvent exchange and a new model for the balance of solvent contact interactions and excluded volume.
State tax subsidies to bolster the long-term care insurance market

This paper examines long-term care insurance sales to assess whether state income tax subsidies are effective in encouraging the private purchase of long-term care insurance. Drawing from the most comprehensive available sales data on long-term care insurance policies, cross-state and over-time variation in sales data during the late 1990s and early 2000s are analysed. This analysis uses a panel model with fixed effects controls for potential endogeneity between state provision of tax subsidies and actual sales of long-term care insurance policies. Income, health and family support factors are significant determinants in the sale of long-term care insurance, but the tax incentives provided by many state governments do not induce any more sales of long-term care insurance than could be expected without such incentives. These costly subsidies have not been prudent uses of public dollars, and have not helped states cope with the challenge of long-term care costs.
Phase II study of liposomal doxorubicin and weekly paclitaxel for recurrent Müllerian tumors

Abstract Objective Pegylated liposomally encapsulated doxorubicin (Doxil. Ortho-Biotech) and paclitaxel (Taxol, Bristol Myers Squibb) are both active against Mullerian malignancies. A phase II trial was performed to determine the toxicity and efficacy of these agents when administered in combination. Methods Patients were initially treated with 30 mg/m 2 of liposomal doxorubicin every 21 days and 70 mg/m 2 of paclitaxel every week for 18 weeks. The plasma pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel was determined when administered alone and concurrently with liposomal doxorubicin. Results Forty women with recurrent gynecologic malignancies of Mullerian origin including 34 with ovary and primary peritoneal cancer (85%) were enrolled. Toxicity was evaluated for all 508 cycles of therapy. Paclitaxel and liposomal doxorubicin were delivered at 95% (66.4 mg/m 2 /week) and 77% (7.65 mg/m 2 /week) of their intended weekly dose intensities, respectively. Reductions in the dose of liposomal doxorubicin were frequently required for palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia during the latter cycles of therapy. There were 4 patients with a complete response and 7 with partial responses, for an overall objective response rate of 29%, among the 38 evaluable patients. Response rates for the subset of 13 women with tumor recurrence occurring at least 6 months after prior platinum-based therapy was 54%. The concurrent administration of liposomal doxorubicin did not alter the pharmacokinetic disposition of paclitaxel. Conclusion Liposomal doxorubicin with weekly paclitaxel is active in Mullerian malignancies. The concurrent delivery of the weekly paclitaxel with liposomal doxorubicin may increase liposomal doxorubicin skin toxicity. Liposomal doxorubicin does not alter the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel.
Effective inhaled drug administration to mechanically ventilated patients

Inhaled therapy is commonly employed in mechanically ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. The efficacy of inhaled drugs is comparable to that achieved with systemic routes of administration, but the dose of drug required to achieve a therapeutic effect is generally much smaller. Moreover, limited systemic absorption of inhaled drugs minimises systemic side effects. Aerosol administration to ventilated patients differs from that in ambulatory patients in several respects. Optimal techniques for using pressurised metered-dose inhalers and nebulisers in ventilator circuits have been developed. With these techniques, the efficiency of inhaled drug delivery in mechanically ventilated patients is now comparable to that in ambulatory patients. Pressurised metered-dose inhalers are chiefly used to deliver bronchodilator and corticosteroid aerosols, and are more efficient and convenient to use than nebulisers for routine therapy in ventilated patients. However, nebulisers are more versatile and are employed to generate aerosols of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, prostaglandins, surfactant and mucolytic agents. Improvements in drug formulations and the design and efficiency of aerosol generating devices have led to increasing application of inhaled therapies in mechanically ventilated patients.
LOBA: a localized orbital bonding analysis to calculate oxidation states, with application to a model water oxidation catalyst

We propose a method for calculation of oxidation states in transition metal complexes, utilizing a bonding analysis based on localized molecular orbitals in conjunction with traditional population analyses. The localized orbital bonding analysis (LOBA) is seen to accurately produce both the oxidation state and chemically intuitive views of bonding in the complexes studied. This is in contrast to simple population analyses where the oxidation states are not reproduced for even simple systems and more complex analyses which break down on problematic systems. We report the application to a manganese complex with potential activity as oxygen-evolving catalyst, determining the location of the oxidations.
The ornithopod dinosaur Dryosaurus and a Laurasia-Gondwanaland connection in the Upper Jurassic

COMPARISONS of Upper Jurassic ornithopod dinosaurs show that Dysalotosaurus lettow-vorbecki (Tendaguru Beds, Tanzania, East Africa) is referable to the genus Dryosaurus (Morrison Formation, western North America). This extended distribution of Dryosaurus provides additional evidence for a land connection between Laurasia and Gondwanaland sometime in the Upper Jurassic.
SINBAD automation of scientific discovery: From factor analysis to theory synthesis

Modern science is turning to progressively more complex and data-rich subjects, which challenges the existing methods of data analysis and interpretation. Consequently, there is a pressing need for development of ever more powerful methods of extracting order from complex data and for automation of all steps of the scientific process. Virtual Scientist is a set of computational procedures that automate the method of inductive inference to derive a theory from observational data dominated by nonlinear regularities. The procedures utilize SINBAD – a novel computational method of nonlinear factor analysis that is based on the principle of maximization of mutual information among non-overlapping sources, yielding higher-order features of the data that reveal hidden causal factors controlling the observed phenomena. The procedures build a theory of the studied subject by finding inferentially useful hidden factors, learning interdependencies among its variables, reconstructing its functional organization, and describing it by a concise graph of inferential relations among its variables. The graph is a quantitative model of the studied subject, capable of performing elaborate deductive inferences and explaining behaviors of the observed variables by behaviors of other such variables and discovered hidden factors. The set of Virtual Scientist procedures is a powerful analytical and theory-building tool designed to be used in research of complex scientific problems characterized by multivariate and nonlinear relations.
Technology-Assisted Psychotherapy (TAP): Adapting Computerized Treatments into Traditional Psychotherapy for Depression

Technology may be changing the process of psychotherapy. Unfortunately, some therapists lack the computer skills or financial resources needed for the newest technology. The literature is reviewed for journal articles on the treatment of depression published during the past 7 years in which treatments have been guided by technology. Six findings are summarized that may be helpful when therapists lack skills or resources for advanced technology. (1) The assessment of depression can be facilitated by technology, whether using standardized questionnaires or simple ratings of mood submitted each day. (2) Technology tools can be used to send daily reminders to help clients develop more adaptive habits in thoughts or actions. (3) Clients can confront their problems through therapeutic dialogue, whether conducted in person, over the telephone, or via videoconference. (4) Depressed clients can confront their negative attitudes, often triggered by some form of loss, failure, or rejection, whether real, imagined, or anticipated. (5) Clients can use writing assignments to identify, label, explore and express their thoughts and feelings. These writing assignments can be conducted via email, or internet forms. (6) Clients value rapport with a therapist, and this bond seems important to ensure participation and adherence with treatment. Therapists can strengthen the treatment of depression using basic technology tools to extend, or supplement traditional sessions. However, it is important to protect the rapport needed for sustained participation in psychotherapy sessions.
Transcription-targeted DNA deamination by the AID antibody diversification enzyme

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which is specific to B lymphocytes, is required for class switch recombination (CSR)--a process mediating isotype switching of immunoglobulin--and somatic hypermutation--the introduction of many point mutations into the immunoglobulin variable region genes. It has been suggested that AID may function as an RNA-editing enzyme or as a cytidine deaminase on DNA. However, the precise enzymatic activity of AID has not been assessed in previous studies. Similarly, although transcription of the target immunoglobulin locus sequences is required for both CSR and somatic hypermutation, the precise role of transcription has remained speculative. Here we use two different assays to demonstrate that AID can deaminate specifically cytidines on single-stranded (ss)DNA but not double-stranded (ds)DNA substrates in vitro. However, dsDNA can be deaminated by AID in vitro when the reaction is coupled to transcription. Moreover, a synthetic dsDNA sequence, which targets CSR in vivo in a manner dependent on transcriptional orientation, was deaminated by AID in vitro with the same transcriptional-orientation-dependence as observed for endogenous CSR. We conclude that transcription targets the DNA deamination activity of AID to dsDNA by generating secondary structures that provide ssDNA substrates.
Safety and efficacy of high-frequency jet ventilation in neonatal transport

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-frequency jet ventilation for transporting critically ill hypoxic neonates to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) center. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 38 transported neonates. Safety was assessed by the comparison of cardiopulmonary variables before and after transport from referring hospital to our ECMO unit. Efficacy was assessed as the effect on ventilation and efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange after conversion from a conventional mechanical ventilator or a high-frequency oscillator to a high-frequency jet ventilator±inhaled nitric oxide. The pre- and posttransport vital signs remained stable, regardless of the type of ventilator used. Pre-transport pneumothorax was the main problem, but no transport-related deaths occurred. We found significant improvement in the ventilation of the neonates transported with a high frequency jet ventilation±inhaled nitric oxide that were deficient in those transported with conventional mechanical ventilation+inhaled nitric oxide (P<0.05). The improvement started before transport upon changing the mode of ventilation to a high-frequency jet ventilator. Independent of the use of inhaled nitric oxide, high frequency jet ventilation appears to provide better ventilation than conventional mechanical ventilation and is safe to transport pre-ECMO neonates.
Reliable condition assessment of structures using hybrid structural measurements and structural uncertainty analyses

Abstract The failure of structural systems has significant societal and human consequences. Therefore, there is a crucial need to assess the structural condition of in-service and aging structures which is a major cost and management consideration, particularly in cases with unknown design validation. However, structural condition assessment, when conducted according to state-of-the-art protocols, produces very subjective and highly variable results. This can be attributed to the presence of uncertainty in structural measurements as well as lack of objective condition assessment tools also capable of considering those uncertainties in their analytical procedures. In this work, a new method with a hybrid experimental/analytical framework for condition assessment and life prediction of existing structures is developed. This objective hybrid framework combines experimental structural measurements (e.g., results from non-destructive tests or routine performance and/or inspection data for structure’s response) and theoretical structural uncertainty analyses (interval finite element method). This method uses the structural measurements, with consideration of uncertainties, in structural uncertainty analyses, for estimating the condition of a structure. Application of structural measurement data, integrated with an enhanced structural analysis scheme, and with consideration of uncertainties provides the necessary information to make decisions regarding inspections, rehabilitation and repairs. As a case study, the method is applied for a failed sign support structure and the damage as well as lifetime of the structure is determined.
Effect of chain length distribution on thermal characteristics of model polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) networks

Abstract A series of model polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) networks were synthesized via end-linking reactions of α, ω-allyl PTHF oligomers with a stoichiometric tetrafunctional crosslinker. The telechelic PTHF oligomers were synthesized by living cationic ring-opening polymerization of tetrahydrofuran followed by a termination reaction with allyl alcohol. Networks thus prepared have well-controlled architecture in terms of the inter-crosslink chain length (Mc) and chain length distribution: resulting in unimodal, bimodal and clustered structures. Unimodal network was prepared by using polymer chains of same molecular weight, bimodal networks were synthesized by using two groups of polymer chains with different average molecular weights, and the clusters are prepared by incorporating clusters of networks with small molecular weight chains in a network matrix made of longer chains. Thermal characteristics of these model networks were investigated as a function of crosslink density, as well as inhomogeneities of crosslink distribution using DSC. We demonstrate that glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystallization behavior (melting temperature and crystallinity) of the networks are both strongly influenced by crosslink density (Mc). By comparing the unimodal, bimodal and clustered networks with similar average Mc, the effects of inhomogeneities in the crosslink distribution on the thermal properties were also investigated. Results show that inhomogeneities have trivial influence on Tg, but strongly affects the crystallization behavior. Moreover, the effects of the content ratio and length ratio between long and short chains, and the effects of cluster size and size distribution on the thermal characteristics were also studied.
Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a common condition affecting young infants; despite its frequency, it has been recognized only for a little over a century, and its etiology remains unknown. Nevertheless, understanding of the condition and of effective treatment have undergone a remarkable evolution in the 20th century, reducing the mortality rate from over 50% to nearly 0%. The lesion is characterized by gastric outlet obstruction and multiple anatomic abnormalities of the pyloric antrum. The antropyloric muscle is abnormally thickened and innervated, and the intervening lumen is obstructed by crowded and redundant mucosa. Recognition of the obstructive role of the mucosa led to discovery of effective surgical treatment. Accurate clinical diagnosis in patients in whom a thickened antropyloric muscle is not readily palpable can be difficult, resulting in delayed diagnosis and can lead to emaciation and electrolyte imbalance, making the patient a suboptimal surgical candidate. Current imaging techniques, particularly sonography, are noninvasive and accurate for identification of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Successful imaging requires understanding of anatomic changes that occur in patients with this condition and plays an integral role in patient care. Accurate, rapid, noninvasive imaging techniques facilitate rapid referral of vomiting infants and prompt surgical treatment of more suitable surgical candidates.