cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near‐fault anisotropy following the Hector Mine earthquake

[1] We present anisotropy measurements from shear wave splitting along the Hector Mine rupture zone. Six major arrays were deployed in four locations in the year following the M7.1 Hector Mine earthquake. The dense station coverage, wide distribution of the arrays, and repeated deployments show a clear predominant fast direction and spatial variation of splitting along the fault but no resolvable temporal variations. We determined splitting parameters using an automated cross-correlation method, discarding fast directions with initial source polarizations near crack parallel or perpendicular directions. Only two of the four array locations give reliable measurements of anisotropy at depth. Fast directions and delay times are constant across the 1 km wide array length. However, some spatial variation of splitting is observed along fault strike. Delay times decrease from north to south, with greater splitting in areas of higher slip. A change in splitting parameters along fault strike likely reveals the orientation of cracking in the near-fault region during a major quake. Average fast directions are between fault parallel and the regional maximum compressive stress direction. We do not see temporal evolution in anisotropy; however, measured splitting suggests a heterogeneous stress field partially created during rupture that persists over at least a 1 year timescale.
Tri-tert-Butylcyclopropenyl Tetrafluoroborate

Tri-tert-Butylcyclopropenyl tetrafluoroborate reactant: 74.6 g. (0.700 mole) of 1-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane reactant: 71.7 g. (0.533 mole) of tert-butylacetyl chloride intermediate: dineopentyl ketone intermediate: α,α′-Dibromodineopentyl ketone intermediate: 20.0 g. (0.120 mole) of di-tert-butylcyclopropenone product: tri-tert-butylcyclopropenyl tetrafluoroborate Keywords: addition, to CO; annulation, carbocyclic-[3]; cyclization, miscellaneous; elimination, dehydrohalogenation; grignard and related reactions; 10% fluoroboric acid in acetic anhydride; tetrahydrofuran; bromoketones; dibromodineopentyl ketone; fluoroboric acid; apparatus, for addition of potassium permanganate
Bone cutting, placement, and cannibalism? Middle preceramic mortuary patterns of nanchoc, Northern Peru

Este trabajo discute las practicas mortuorias del Periodo Preceramico Medio (ca. 8500 - 4000 A.P.) de la region Nanchoc del Valle superior de Zana del norte de Peru. Rompimiento de huesos en forma cuidadosa, cortes y entierro de huesos de hombres adultos durante la Fase Las Pircas (8500 - 600 A.P.) da lugar a un quebramiento mas al azar de huesos y subsecuente descarte en la Fase Tierra Blanca (6000 - 5000 A. P.). Se considera la posibilidad de canibalismo. Las quebraduras de huesos, cortes y posiblemente el canibalismo podrian haber sido parte importante de un amplio proceso de rituales que mitigaban el peligro espiritual de la transicion de los cazadores recolectores a la horticultura
Residues of Acephate in Three Home Garden Vegetables

Abstract Conditions were developed for extraction and gas chromatographic determination of acephate (Orthene) residues on three home garden vegetables-cabbage, garden bush beans, and squash. This method is simple, efficient and does not require any additional clean up prior to sample injection in a GLC(FPD detector) Instrument.
Advancing simulations of biological materials: applications of coarse-grained models on graphics processing unit hardware

The timescales of biological processes, primarily those inherent to the molecular mechanisms of disease, are long (>μs) and involve complex interactions of systems consisting of many atoms (>106). ...
Simulation of spontaneous cardiovascular variability using PNEUMA

In a previous study, we introduced PNEUMA, a physiologically realistic comprehensive model incorporating the respiratory, cardiovascular and neural control systems, aimed at characterizing cardiorespiratory mechanisms during sleep disordered breathing. The goal of this study was to integrate the pulsatile heart and comprehensive pulmonary and systemic circulation components into the existing PNEUMA model for investigation of the cardiovascular regulation mechanisms leading to heart period fluctuations. All model parameters were given on the basis of actual physiological data from literature. The autoregressive spectral analysis was performed to evaluate model generated RR intervals: the results of spectral analysis of RR intervals suggest that our model correctly accounts for major key aspects of autonomic control that are known to contribute into RR variability.
Effect of unilateral diaphragm paralysis on branch pulmonary artery flow

Abstract Background: Respiration is known to be a significant contributor to pulmonary flow in patients who have had Glenn or Fontan procedures. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of respiration on branch pulmonary artery flow in normal participants, in those with uncomplicated Glenn or Fontan procedures, and in those with uncomplicated biventricular (2V) repairs, and to compare them with similar groups of postoperative patients who had unilateral diaphragm paralysis. Methods: Twenty-one normal infants and children were studied, along with 10 who had undergone uncomplicated bidirectional Glenn or Fontan palliation. Also studied were 10 patients with uncomplicated 2V repairs and 17 patients having ultrasound demonstration of diaphragm paralysis. Nine had undergone Glenn or Fontan procedures and 8 had undergone 2V repair. With the use of conventional pulsed Doppler, branch right and left pulmonary artery waveforms were recorded during spontaneous respiration. The velocity time integral (VTI); heart rate (HR); and systolic, diastolic, and mean velocities were measured at end-expiration and during inspiration. The pulsatility index (PI) (PI = systolic velocity − diastolic velocity/mean velocity) was calculated for each condition. Results: In normal participants PI was 1.69 with a 4.7% increase with inspiration; VTI × HR was 1859. In patients who had undergone uncomplicated Glenn/Fontan procedures PI was 1.06 with a 27.5% increase with inspiration; VTI × HR was 1303, all P = .001 versus normal participants. In patients with 2V repairs PI was 1.7 with a 5.6% increase with inspiration; VTI × HR was 1850, all P = ns versus normal participants. Patients with Glenn/Fontan connections and diaphragm paralysis had lower PI (0.81), inspiratory increase (7.9%), and VTI × HR (610) on the affected side, all P = .001 versus the normal side, and versus patients who had undergone uncomplicated Glenn/Fontan procedures. Patients with 2V repair with a pulsatile source of pulmonary flow had a smaller significant difference in the measured indices. Three patients underwent diaphragm plication with improvement in PI, inspiratory increase in PI, and VTI × HR postplication. Conclusion: In normal participants and patients with uncomplicated 2V repair, inspiration has little effect on PI in branch pulmonary arteries. In patients who have undergone uncomplicated Glenn/Fontan procedures, PI is less than that of normal participants and the effect of inspiration is approximately 5-fold greater. This significant effect of inspiration on pulmonary flow is lost on the affected side in patients with Glenn/Fontan connections and diaphragm paralysis, and is blunted on the affected side in patients with 2V repair and diaphragm paralysis. Loss of diaphragm function is associated with redistribution of pulmonary flow away from the affected side. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:1132-9.)
A Company of Legend: The Legacy of Fairchild Semiconductor

Founded in 1957 by eight dissidents from Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, Fairchild Semiconductor developed some of the most important innovations in 20th century technology and sowed the seeds of the microelectronic-driven computer industry of today. This article surveys some of the key personalities who worked at the company and describes their technological and management contributions.
Mitochondrial DNA Variation in the Ouachita Map Turtle

We examined mitochondrial DNA sequence variation among populations of the Ouachita Map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis ouachitensis), an aquatic species distributed throughout the Mississippi River drainage. We sequenced a 620 base-pair segment of the mitochondrial control region for 65 individuals collected throughout this turtle's range, identifying 18 haplotypes that form two minimally divergent groups. These haplotype groups exhibit substantial range overlap. A presumably disjunct population from the Scioto River in Ohio is represented by both haplotypes groups. The limited genetic differentiation observed suggests that the broad geographic range of haplotypes of G. o. ouachitensis reflects considerable dispersal from two Pleistocene glacial refugia, possibly Mississippi River and Teays River.
Incidence and management of arthralgias in breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors in an outpatient oncology clinic

Purpose:Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are routinely used as first-line adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive tumors. The current recommended length...
An efficient learning algorithm for associative memories

Associative memories (AMs) can be implemented using networks with or without feedback. We utilize a two-layer feedforward neural network and propose a learning algorithm that efficiently implements the association rule of a bipolar AM. The hidden layer of the network employs p neurons where p is the number of prototype patterns. In the first layer, the input pattern activates at most one hidden layer neuron or "winner". In the second layer, the "winner" associates the input pattern to the corresponding prototype pattern. The underlying association principle is minimum Hamming distance and the proposed scheme can be viewed also as an approximately minimum Hamming distance decoder. Theoretical analysis supported by simulations indicates that, in comparison with other suboptimum minimum Hamming distance association schemes, the proposed structure exhibits the following favorable characteristics: 1) it operates in one-shot which implies no convergence-time requirements; 2) it does not require any feedback; and 3) our case studies show that it exhibits superior performance to the popular linear system in a saturated mode. The network also exhibits 4) exponential capacity and 5) easy performance assessment (no asymptotic analysis is necessary). Finally, since it does not require any hidden layer interconnections or tree-search operations, it exhibits low structural as well as operational complexity.
Ascaris lumbricoides (Linnaeus 1758)

Ascaris lumbricoides, which lives in the upper part of the small intestine, is often referred to as the giant intestinal worm because it can grow to a length of more than 30 cm. It has a worldwide distribution and is thought to affect 1 billion people.1 Although its eggs fare best in warm, moist soil, they are highly resistant to a variety of environmental conditions and can survive even in the subarctic regions.2 There are no reservoir hosts.
Measurements of Repeated Tightening and Loosening Torque of Seven Different Implant/Abutment Connection Designs and Their Modifications: An In Vitro Study

Purpose Repeated tightening and loosening of the abutment screw may alter its mechanical and physical properties affecting the optimal torque and ultimate reliability of an implant/abutment connection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated tightening and loosening of implant/abutment screws on the loosening torque of implant/abutment connections of commercially available implant systems. Materials and methods Seven different implant/abutment connections and their modifications were tested. The screws of each system were tightened according to the manufacturer's specifications. After 20 minutes the screws were loosened. This procedure was repeated ten times, and the differences between the 1st and 10th cycle were expressed as a percentage change RTq(%) and correlated with initial torque, the number of threads, the length of shank, and thread surface area employing Spearman's analysis. Results All systems showed significant differences in residual torque (RTq) value (p 0.05). All connections but group 3 (p = 1.000) showed a significant change from the initial torque (ITq) to the RTq values. The first successive RTq values increased in two connection groups 1 and 2. The remaining connections showed reduced RTq values ranging from –1.2 % (group 5) to –23.5% (group 6). The RTq values declined gradually with every repeated tightening in groups 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12. In group 2, after the tenth tightening the RTq was still above the ITq value. Only length of shank demonstrated a correlation with the RTq(%) change over the successive tightening loosening cycles (p < 0.05). Conclusion Repeated tightening and loosening of implant/abutment screws caused varying torque level changes among the different systems. These observations can probably be attributed to connection design. Clinical Implications: Limiting the number of tightening/loosening cycles in clinical and laboratory procedures is advisable for most of the implant systems tested.
Thermal Conductivity of Nanoparticle Suspensions

* Graduate Research Assistant, Mechanical Engineering † Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering ‡ Professor, Electrical Engineering ABSTRACT This paper considers the thermal effects of different types and quantities of nanoparticles, such as diamond, aluminum oxide, and zinc oxide, suspended in transformer oil, soy-based transformer oil, and ethylene glycol. Thermal conductivity of the nanoparticle suspensions has measured by a steady-state parallel plate method. Experimental results consistently indicate a larger thermal conductivity increase than that predicted by theoretical models. Mechanisms possibly responsible the increase are discussed. Experiments on nanodiamond-soy-based-oil show 48% higher thermal conductivity than traditional transformer oil. These results can be applied in new transformers with smaller size and lower pumping power.
Emerging Influence of Transmodernism and Transpersonal Psychology Reflected in Rising Popularity of Transformational Festivals

The broad cultural themes of modernism and postmodernism have played crucial roles in intra-, inter-, and transpersonal growth, particularly in economically mature societies. Today, the tendrils of transmodernism appear to have captured the attention of many young adults eager to find meaning in a wake of postmodernism’s reductionist, nihilist, and existential impulses. Evidence of this shift away from postmodernism is the emergence of transformational festivals—countercultural and co-created gatherings that may offer an anecdote for modern life’s anomie, anxiety, and depression. Elements of transpersonal psychology and psychosynthesis appear to be reflected in each festival’s design and implementation. Intense communal activities work synergistically with sacred and contemplative activities to promote relational, introspective, and transcendent growth that resembles interdisciplinary psychotherapy. Guided by an ethos of radical acceptance and mutual support, the social and solitary limbs create a safe co...
Utility of Responsiveness Theory for Classifying Supportive Behaviors to Enhance Smokeless Tobacco Cessation.

INTRODUCTION Although social support is correlated with successful tobacco cessation, interventions designed to optimize social support have shown mixed results. Understanding the process of providing social support for tobacco cessation may suggest new approaches to intervention. Responsiveness theory provides a new framework for classifying supportive behaviors in the context of tobacco cessation. It proposes three main components to sustaining relationship quality when providing support to an intimate partner: showing respect, showing understanding, and showing caring. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 35 women whose husbands or domestic partners had quit smokeless tobacco and were analyzed within a responsiveness theory framework: Positive and negative instances of the three supportive components were expressed in terms of beliefs and attitudes, interactions with the chewer, and behaviors outside of the interaction context. RESULTS Positive activities included respecting the chewer's decision on whether, when, and how to quit; perspective-taking and other efforts to understand his subjective experience; and expressing warmth and affection toward the chewer. Particularly problematic for the women were the challenges of respecting the chewer's autonomy (ie, negative behaviors such as nagging him to quit or monitoring his adherence to his cessation goal) and lack of understanding the nature of addiction. CONCLUSIONS The findings help to confirm the potential utility of responsiveness theory for elucidating the breadth of both positive and negative forms of partner support that may be useful to guide social support interventions for tobacco cessation. IMPLICATIONS The study provides a categorization system for positive and negative social support during smokeless tobacco cessation, based on responsiveness theory and interviews with 35 partners of smokeless users.
A Review of AIDS Prevention in Shunde District in 2006

Objective To investigate the prevalence and evaluate the measures which have been taken in Shunde district,and provide scientific evidence and strategy for the future prevention and control of HIV /AIDS.Methods Comprehensive analysis was conducted on the data of HIV infection sentinel surveillance and routine surveillance in 2006.Results A total of 84 cases were reported,and it tends to increase year by year.The cases were mainly young men and external provincial people.The major transmission route was blood.31 cases(36.9) were infected through intravenous injections of drugs.29 cases(34.52) were infected through sexual contact,of which 25 cases(29.76) was through heterosexual contact,while 4 cases(4.76) were through homosexual contact.Conclusion The epidemic of HIV is in early stage in Shunde district.In order to control the spread of HIV,the comprehensive interventions measures should be strengthened and "Four Frees and One Care" policy to HIV /AIDS patients should be conscientiously implemented.
Characterization of the Ca2+ current in freshly dissociated crustacean peptidergic neuronal somata

1. Freshly dissociated neuronal somata of the crab (Cardisoma carnifex) X-organ were studied in the whole cell patch-clamp configuration. To characterize the Ca2+ currents in these somata, recordings were made under conditions designed to suppress K+ and Na+ currents. 2. In 52 mM external Ca2+ the threshold for activation of Ca2+ currents was above -40 mV, with peak amplitudes occurring around +10 to +20 mV. The full component of the current was available for activation at -50 mV because no current increase was observed when the holding potential was increased to -90 mV. These characteristics of the current characterize it as a high-voltage activated (HVA) current. 3. The Ca2+ current was almost completely (60-90%) inactivated within 200 ms at maximal current potentials (+10 to +20 mV). The decay was best described by a double-exponential function with a fast and slow component of inactivation (tau f = 12 ms and tau s = 64 ms). Both Sr2+ and Ba2+ substitutions reduced the rates of inactivation. 4. In double-pulse experiments, plots of variable prepulse potential versus test pulse current produced a U-shaped curve with test pulse currents showing maximal inactivation at potentials that produced maximal Ca2+ influx during the prepulse. Tail currents also displayed a U-shaped inactivation curve. The extent of current-dependent inactivation was sequentially reduced by Sr2+ and Ba2+ substitutions. These data suggest that inactivation in crab somata is predominantly Ca2+ dependent. The remaining inactivation of Ba2+ currents suggests that there is also a component of voltage-dependent inactivation in the somata. 5. Part of the inactivated Ca2+ current could be recovered during short (4-10 ms) hyperpolarizing pulses to -130 mV. The absolute extent of recovery from inactivation was greatest for currents carried by Ca2+ rather than Sr2+ or Ba2+. When voltage-dependent inactivation was dominant (Ba2+ currents), the relative amount of current recovered was greater. The data suggest that hyperpolarizing pulses are more effective in removing voltage-dependent inactivation, but also allow some recovery from Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation. 6. In the crab saline, which contained 24 mM Mg2+, the amplitudes of currents carried by 52 mM Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ were similar. Removing the Mg2+ from the saline augmented both the Ba2+ and Sr2+ currents relative to the Ca2+ current.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Histamine Receptors in Gill of the Bivalve Crassostrea virginica and Actions of Histamine at Gill Interfilamental Junctions

Histamine (HIS), a neurotransmitter in a number of invertebrates rarely has been reported in bivalves. We showed in the bivalve Crassostrea virginica HIS is involved in sensory reception in regulation of gill lateral cell cilia beating, quantified HIS in ganglia and tissues and visualized HIS and HIS H2 receptors in tissues, including gill interfilamental junctions (IFJ). We hypothesize HIS H2 receptors can be confirmed by Western Blot and HIS has a physiological role at gill IFJ. For Western Blot, gill cell lysate was prepared by polytron disruption in NP-40 detergent buffer containing protease inhibitor and centrifuged to obtain supernatant with solubilized membrane proteins. Up to 30 µg of protein was subjected to SDS-PAGE with 10% acrylamide gels and electroblotted onto nitrocellulose. H2 receptor immunoreactivity was revealed by incubation with H2 1 antibodies then incubation with HRP-conjugated 2 antibodies. Gill H2 receptor protein was resolved by colormetric development using CN/DAB substrate ki...
Automating Creation of Hierarchical Faceted Metadata Structures

We describe Castanet, an algorithm for automatically generating hierarchical faceted metadata from textual descriptions of items, to be incorporated into browsing and navigation interfaces for large information collections. From an existing lexical database (such as WordNet), Castanet carves out a structure that reflects the contents of the target information collection; moderate manual modifications improve the outcome. The algorithm is simple yet effective: a study conducted with 34 information architects finds that Castanet achieves higher quality results than other automated category creation algorithms, and 85% of the study participants said they would like to use the system for their work.
Cu 2 O photovoltaic devices incorporating Zn(O, S) buffer layers

Cu 2 O is a semiconductor composed of earth — abundant and non-toxic elements that is as a promising photovoltaic material. One of the main issues limiting the efficiency of Cu 2 O solar cells is the availability of n-type window layers with an appropriate band offset and low interfacial reactivity. In this work, we show the effect of controlling the interface composition on the device properties of a Cu 2 O solar cell incorporating a Zn(O, S) window layer. We demonstrate that deposition of Zn(O, S) at elevated temperature limits formation of ZnSO 4 and increases the current that can be collected from the cell by 54%.
Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of a wideband acoustic source in multipath environment using spatial sparsity

This paper proposes a novel method for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation in azimuth based on spatial sparsity for a wideband acoustic signal using a uniform linear array. The performance of this method is compared with classic subspace based methods such as Root-MUSIC and ESPRIT. In the presence of a multipath reflection, the proposed spatial sparsity based method performs significantly better at low SNRs. The performance of this method is also analyzed for various number of antenna elements, signal samples/snapshots and strengths of multipath reflection using RMS Error as a performance metric.
Strategic Materials in the Automobile: A Comprehensive Assessment of Strategic and Minor Metals Use in Passenger Cars and Light Trucks

A comprehensive component-level assessment of several strategic and minor metals (SaMMs), including copper, manganese, magnesium, nickel, tin, niobium, light rare earth elements (LREEs; lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, and samarium), cobalt, silver, tungsten, heavy rare earth elements (yttrium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium), and gold, use in the 2013 model year Ford Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and F-150 is presented. Representative material contents in cars and light-duty trucks are estimated using comprehensive, component-level data reported by suppliers. Statistical methods are used to accommodate possible errors within the database and provide estimate bounds. Results indicate that there is a high degree of variability in SaMM use and that SaMMs are concentrated in electrical, drivetrain, and suspension subsystems. Results suggest that trucks contain greater amounts of aluminum, nickel, niobium, and silver and significant...
The Neural Basis of Successful Word Reading in Aphasia

Understanding the neural basis of recovery from stroke is a major research goal. Many functional neuroimaging studies have identified changes in brain activity in people with aphasia, but it is unclear whether these changes truly support successful performance or merely reflect increased task difficulty. We addressed this problem by examining differences in brain activity associated with correct and incorrect responses on an overt reading task. On the basis of previous proposals that semantic retrieval can assist pronunciation of written words, we hypothesized that recruitment of semantic areas would be greater on successful trials. Participants were 21 patients with left-hemisphere stroke with phonologic retrieval deficits. They read words aloud during an event-related fMRI paradigm. BOLD signals obtained during correct and incorrect trials were contrasted to highlight brain activity specific to successful trials. Successful word reading was associated with higher BOLD signal in the left angular gyrus. In contrast, BOLD signal in bilateral posterior inferior frontal cortex, SMA, and anterior cingulate cortex was greater on incorrect trials. These data show for the first time the brain regions where neural activity is correlated specifically with successful performance in people with aphasia. The angular gyrus is a key node in the semantic network, consistent with the hypothesis that additional recruitment of the semantic system contributes to successful word production when phonologic retrieval is impaired. Higher activity in other brain regions during incorrect trials likely reflects secondary engagement of attention, working memory, and error monitoring processes when phonologic retrieval is unsuccessful.
Advancing Biological Control of the Wheat Stem Sawfly: New Strategies in a 100-yr Struggle to Manage a Costly Pest in the Northern Great Plains

For more than 100 yrs, the wheat stem sawfly (WSS) Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), has been a destructive pest of cereal crops in the Northern Great Plains. WSS infestation levels >70% have been reported, and economic loss from crop damage caused by this insect can be as high as $80 million (USD) per year in the state of Montana alone. Contact insecticides are not effective against WSS because the larvae and pupae are protected inside the plant stem, and the development of solid-stem cultivars have not resulted in sufficient declines in WSS populations. Biological control offers the best hope for achieving economical and sustainable management of WSS. However, development and advancement of WSS biological control strategies has been limited in recent years. Presently, there are three main types of biologicals available for managing WSS: two native hymenopteran parasitoids, entomopathogenic nematodes, and entomopathogenic fungi. Here, we present the most current research regarding the use of these biologicals against WSS, and we discuss new strategies and research opportunities for improving their effectiveness for managing this persistent pest. It is unlikely that a single agent will produce the desired results, but by increasing pressure from all three sources, their combined impact may more reliably cause significant reductions in WSS infestations. Eradication of WSS, a native species, is not a realistic goal, but it is probable that WSS populations will decline more readily as biological control methods continue to advance.
Ice nucleation in stems of trees and shrubs with different frost resistance

AbstractIn this study, the ice nucleation activity (INA) and ice nucleation temperature (INT) as well as extracellular ice formation within the bark were determined for three woody species with different degrees of frost resistance, Betula nana , Betula albosinensis and Castanea sativa . Current-year stems and at least 2-year old stems of B. nana and C. sativa as well as current-year stems of B. albosinensis were compared, during summer (non-acclimated state) and winter (acclimated state), to evaluate possible ontogenetic and seasonal differences. Acclimated plant parts of the selected species revealed nearly similar results, with an INT from -7.52 to -8.43°C. The current-year stems of B. nana had a somewhat higher INT than the older stems. Microscopic analysis showed that extra-cellular ice formation occurred in the intercellular spaces within the bark of stems of B. nana , B. albosinensis and C. sativa . Size of the intercellular spaces of the bark were species-specific, and B. nana showed the largest intercellular space volume. While freezing behavior and extracellular ice formation thus followed principally the same pattern in all considered species, B. nana is obviously capable of dealing with large masses of extracellular ice which accumulate over extended periods of frost, making B. nana capable of protecting living tissue in colder regions from freezing damage.
Could Wearable and Mobile Technology Improve the Management of Essential Tremor

Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder. Individuals exhibit postural and kinetic tremor that worsens over time and patients may also exhibit other motor and non-motor symptoms. While millions of people are affected by this disorder worldwide, several barriers impede an optimal clinical management of symptoms. In this paper, we discuss the impact of ET on patients and review major issues to the optimal management of ET; from the side-effects and limited efficacy of current medical treatments to the limited number of people who seek treatment for their tremor. Then, we propose seven different areas within which mobile and wearable technology may improve the clinical management of ET and review the current state of research in these areas.
Drugs to Treat Head and Neck Cancers: Mechanisms of Action

This chapter presents the anticancer agents used for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), emphasizing the mechanisms of action of the various drug classes. Current therapies for HNSCC can be broadly divided into four categories: (1) DNA damaging agents, (2) Antimetabolites that interfere with DNA synthesis, (3) Antimitotic agents that interfere with cell division, (4) Agents that target pathways whose dysregulation are critical for tumorigenesis, including apoptosis and angiogenesis. Agents from the first three groups interfere with cell division and are therefore fundamentally non-selective. Most of their significant adverse effects result from the damage they inflict on normal cells that divide or remodel rapidly. Targeted therapies in contrast have greater potential to selectively inhibit transformed cells while sparing normal tissues. All HNSCC therapies are affected by resistance mechanisms that decrease drug efficacy. Typical mechanisms of tumor resistance include reduced drug uptake, increased drug efflux, rapid metabolism, and overexpression/mutation of target enzymes and receptors. Resistance can be pre-empted using combination chemotherapy regimens in which several anticancer agents are given simultaneously. These agents are also used in multimodal therapies, i.e. as a complement to surgery and/or radiation. Indeed, most HNSCC is treated with multimodal therapy and combination chemotherapy. Intravenous injection is the typical route of administration, however a few can be given orally. We also discuss several compounds in various stages of investigation.
Gas Chromatographic Method for Putrescine and Cadaverine in Canned Tuna and Mahimahi and Fluorometric Method for Histamine (Minor Modification of AOAC Official Method 977.13): Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted to test a modification to the AOAC fluorometric method for histamine (AOAC Official Method 977.13) that substitutes 75% methanol as the extracting solvent. All other steps remain unchanged. The extracts prepared with 75% methanol were also used to collaboratively test a gas chromatographic (GC) method for determination of putrescine and cadaverine in seafood. In the GC method, the extracted diamines are converted to fluorinated derivatives, the reaction mixtures are passed through solid-phase extraction columns, and the derivatives are quantitated by electron capture GC after separation on an OV-225 column. Fourteen laboratories using the GC method for putrescine and cadaverine and 16 laboratories using the fluorometric method for histamine analyzed 14 canned tuna and raw mahimahi (including blind duplicates and a spike) containing 0.2-2.6 ppm putrescine, 0.6-9.1 ppm cadaverine, and 0.6-154 ppm histamine. At the 5 ppm level, recoveries ranged from 71 to 102% for putrescine and 77 to 112% for cadaverine; the respective repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) were 5.2 and 15%, and the respective reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) were 8.8 and 18%. At the 50 ppm level, histamine recoveries ranged from 84 to 125%, RSDr was 3.6%, and RSDR was 9.4%. The GC method for determination of putrescine in canned tuna and cadaverine in canned tuna and mahimahi has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL, and the AOAC Official Method 977.13, Histamine in Seafood, Fluorometric Method, has been modified.
The Effect of Favor Framing and Gender on Discretionary Interpersonal Help Giving

Previous research indicates that women are more likely than men to perform interpersonal and relationship-based helping behaviors, but this research has not considered the initiating trigger of the...
Compression testing of ceramics

There is a need to know accurately the strength of brittle materials in compression, both to distinguish between competing statistical, micromechanical theories of strength and to provide data necessary for engineering designs for the optimum use of these materials as load bearing elements. The scope of application of high density, high-strength brittle materials as structural elements is increasingly rapidly. Materials, such as alumina, silicon carbide and silicon nitride, are being used in application where their corrosion resistance, strength at high temperature, light weight and very high compressive strength can be used to advantage. Potential design applications include biaxially prestressed hypersonic airfoils [1,2], tiled domed structures beneath the sea [3], jet engine bearings [4], and gas turbine components [5].
Isolated Fat Cells: Morphology and Possible Role of Released Lipoprotein Lipase in Deposition of Lipoprotein Fatty Acid

The mechanism by which exogenous triglyceride, in the form of chylomicrons or very low density lipoprotein, is deposited in white adipose tissue is not understood. It has been suggested that lipoprotein lipase which is present in this tissue, hydrolyses plasma lipoprotein triglyceride prior to deposition of the fatty acid moiety in the fat cell (1–3). However, it is not known whether this hydrolysis occurs outside or inside the fat cell. The present study of triglyceride deposition by the isolated fat cell, which contains almost all of the lipoprotein lipase activity of the tissue, should permit an evaluation of these two alternatives. Electron microscopy of these cells sets out the structures which must include those involved in fatty acid transport and triglyceride deposition, thereby laying the morphological groundwork for our continuing biochemical-structural studies of lipid metabolism.
Hepatitis C Virus Clearance by Direct-acting Antiviral Results in Rapid Resolution of Hepatocytic Injury as Indicated by Both Alanine Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase Normalization

Background and Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection results in hepatocytic injury with elevation of both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). It remains to be determined if direct-acting antiviral treatment can terminate hepatocytic injury following virologic response. To this end, we evaluated the pattern and predicting factors of ALT and AST normalization during and after direct-acting antiviral treatment with sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12). Methods: Single-center retrospective study on 115 HCV-infected patients who achieved SVR12 was performed. Results: At treatment week 2, 100% and 45.9% showed decline in HCV RNA to <700 IU/mL and undetectable levels, respectively, and this was associated with 85.5%, 83.9% and 77.4% ALT normalization, AST normalization and ALT and AST normalization. At end of treatment, 85.6% of patients with baseline elevation of both ALT and AST had normalization of both ALT and AST. At posttreatment weeks 12 and 24, 90.8% and 94.8% had normalization of both ALT and AST. HCV clearance also resulted in further decline of both ALT and AST in those with baseline <40 IU. Univariate analysis showed baseline Child-Pugh score of <6, model for end-stage liver disease score of <10, HCV genotype 1, and HCV RNA of <500 IU/mL at treatment week 2 were associated with sustained normalization of both ALT and AST at posttreatment week 12. On multivariate analysis, baseline model for end-stage liver disease score of <10 was significantly associated with normalization of both ALT and AST at posttreatment week 12, independent of baseline Child-Pugh score <6, HCV genotype 1, and HCV RNA of <500 IU/mL at treatment week 2. Conclusions: During direct-acting antiviral therapy, 85.5% and 83.9% had normalization of both ALT and AST as early as in week 2, providing biochemical evidence of hepatocytic injury resolution. Sustained normalization of both ALT and AST was seen in 90.8% at posttreatment weeks 12, and was independently associated with baseline model for end-stage liver disease score of <10.
Onset of magnetic reconnection in a collisionless, high-beta plasma

In a magnetized, collisionless plasma, the magnetic moment of the constituent particles is an adiabatic invariant. An increase in the magnetic-field strength in such a plasma thus leads to an increase in the thermal pressure perpendicular to the field lines. Above a $\beta$-dependent threshold (where $\beta$ is the ratio of thermal to magnetic pressure), this pressure anisotropy drives the mirror instability, producing strong distortions in the field lines on ion-Larmor scales. The impact of this instability on magnetic reconnection is investigated using a simple analytical model for the formation of a current sheet (CS) and the associated production of pressure anisotropy. The difficulty in maintaining an isotropic, Maxwellian particle distribution during the formation and subsequent thinning of a CS in a collisionless plasma, coupled with the low threshold for the mirror instability in a high-$\beta$ plasma, imply that the geometry of reconnecting magnetic fields can differ radically from the standard Harris-sheet profile often used in simulations of collisionless reconnection. As a result, depending on the rate of CS formation and the initial CS thickness, tearing modes whose growth rates and wavenumbers are boosted by this difference may disrupt the mirror-infested CS before standard tearing modes can develop. A quantitative theory is developed to illustrate this process, which may find application in the tearing-mediated disruption of kinetic magnetorotational "channel" modes.
#autism: Twitter as a lens to explore differences in autism awareness in India and the United States

We present an initial qualitative exploration of Twitter data on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from India and the United States, conducted with the goal of learning more about the nature of existing online awareness around ASDs in India. We collected tweets from both locations during and around World Autism Awareness Day and World AIDS Day. We then qualitatively analyzed these tweets, finding differences in how each country talks about stigmatized health issues and how Indian users talk about ASDs. We use these findings to discuss potential avenues for research on supporting and extending existing levels of autism awareness in India.
The stellar remnants of high-redshift nuclear starburst discs: a potential origin for nuclear star clusters?

Nuclear starburst discs (NSDs) are very compact star-forming regions in the centers of galaxies that have been studied as a possible origin for the absorbing gas around a central active galactic nucleus. NSDs may be most relevant at $z\sim 1$ when obscured accretion onto supermassive black holes (SMBHs) is common. This paper describes the characteristics of the stellar remnants of NSDs at $z=0.01$, taking into account the evolution from $z=1$. Using a stellar synthesis model, the colours, masses, and luminosities of the stellar remnants are computed for a suite of 192 two-dimensional NSD models. These properties are compared to observations of local nuclear star clusters (NSCs), and a good match is found between the predicted and observed properties. Dynamical effects will likely cause the final remnant to be a rotating, nearly spherical distribution. In addition, $\approx 20$% of the NSD remnants have half-light radii <~ 10 pc, consistent with NSCs hosted in both late-type and early-type galaxies, and all the remnants follow similar size-luminosity relationships as observed in nearby NSCs. NSDs require the presence of a central SMBH and the most massive and compact stellar remnants are associated with the most massive SMBHs, although stellar clusters with a variety of sizes can be produced by all considered SMBH masses. Overall, NSDs at $z\sim 1$ appear to be a promising origin for the $\gg 1$ Gyr NSC population in early- and late-type galaxies with large SMBHs.
Privacy Concerns About Personal Health Information and Fear of Unintended Use of Biospecimens Impact Donations by African American Patients

Biospecimen donation is essential for studies of cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Donations from minority groups, for whom the cancer burden is high, are infrequent and inadequate for research purposes. The obstacles to donation of biospecimens by African Americans and other minority groups must be identified. Patients aged 18–85 years were surveyed based on the clinic visited (group A: GI/primary care and group B: oncology with confirmed cancer diagnosis) and analyzed as separate groups. The validated biobanking attitudes and knowledge survey (BANKS) as well as pancreatic cancer questions were used. In group A, 278/292 surveys were completed (5/6 patients participated). In group B, 54/59 surveys were completed (4/5 patients participated). There were low mean scores on the BANKS knowledge sections, specifically in regard to specimen ownership and the separation of research and medical records. Also, two major concerns limited donation: (1) fear that personal, medical, and family medical information may be stolen from the biobank; and (2) mistrust that biospecimens could be used for unintended purposes. Low knowledge about biospecimen acquisition, added to mistrust, warrant community-based, and patient education in an effort to improve attitudes, increase participation, and regain healthy therapeutic alliances.
Multi-Stage Insect Models

Insects reproduce in complex ways. They pass through stages where they take on very different forms. The duration of each stage depends mainly on environmental conditions such as temperature. The confounding part of modeling the insect is that it may remain alive in a given stage, it may die or it may hatch. In this chapter, we turn to the following questions: Can we find the exit rates for each stage? How might temperature affect stage duration? How can the model be expanded to more than two stages?
Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010).

Objective To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance. Study design Retrospective case series. Sample population Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy. Methods Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow-up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative findings as well as postoperative treatment were analyzed for their association with return to athletic performance as the primary outcome of interest. Results The most common disciplines represented were cutting (n = 38), Western pleasure (n = 13), and reining (n = 13). Approximately 40% (32/82) of horses returned to intended use after surgery. Increased age, higher degree of lameness, longer duration of lameness, and the presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions decreased the odds of returning to athletic performance. Postoperative therapies (intra-articular: stem cells, corticosteroids, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans; systemic: nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, oral joint supplements) did not affect the odds of returning to intended use. Conclusion Less than half of the Western performance horses that underwent stifle arthroscopy returned to intended use. Older age, longer duration of lameness, and presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions affected the odds of a horse returning to intended use. Postoperative therapies did not affect the outcome in this population. Clinical significance The prognosis of Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy is as guarded as that previously reported in horses of other disciplines.
Messy Work in Virtual Worlds: Exploring Discovery and Synthesis in Virtual Teams

The challenges of engineering team collaboration—establishing trust, fostering productive informal communication, cultivating knowledge exchange—are often exacerbated in virtual teams by geographical separation as well as team members’ cultural and linguistic differences. Researchers have observed that powerful collaboration in collocated teams is supported by shared visualizations with which the team engages in informal, flexible and active ways. In studying virtual team interactions in a virtual world known as the CyberGRID, we see that just as with AEC collocated teams, shared visualizations were instrumental for the teams as they define, understand, and generate knowledge when working on interrelated tasks. Emerging from this analysis is an empirically supported theory that while avatar-model interaction supports mutual discovery, more messy interactions of brainstorming, knowledge exchange and synthesis requires flexible, active, and informal shared visualizations.
Correction to: Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with COVID-19: Consequences of Viral Toxicities and Host Immune Response

It has been pointed out that the second paragraph of the section "Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection" contains an error. The original article has been corrected.