cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The push to modernize nursing regulations during the pandemic.

Abstract Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) stand ready and willing to improve access to care across the United States, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Yet, their practice remains restricted in certain states due to long outdated regulations, even as many other healthcare regulatory changes have occurred via executive order (e.g., allowing for telehealth reimbursement and expediated licensing). For instance, the APRN Compact has been on standby since 2015. When the Federal HHS Secretary called upon all governors to lift restrictions on APRNs during the public health crisis, seven of the 28 restricted states took no action, and the Southeast remained the most restricted area of the country. Now—in the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, during the COVID-19 pandemic—is the time to push forward on permanently removing APRN practice barriers. Nationwide, this can be accomplished by increased engagement of nurses, who may, in turn, engage the public, physician champions, and other pro-nursing organizations.
Multiaxial plasticity and fracture behavior of stainless steel 316L by laser powder bed fusion: Experiments and computational modeling

Abstract The multiaxial large deformation and ductile fracture behavior of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additively manufactured austenitic 316L stainless steel was experimentally measured. Data from tests in two orientations, under five dissimilar stress states (shear, combined shear/tension loading states, plane strain tension, and uniaxial tension) were used to calibrate and validate anisotropic plasticity and fracture models, with different specimen geometries used to probe plasticity versus fracture. Shear softening, hypothesized to be due to shear band formation in the material due to high initial dislocation density and sub-micron cellular structures, was observed in shear dominated tests, and modeled through the adoption of a shear damage criterion in an anisotropic plasticity model. Using a combined experimental and computational approach, isotropic and anisotropic Hosford-Coulomb and modified Mohr-Coulomb ductile fracture models were calibrated for both sample orientations. The calibrated anisotropic Hosford-Coulomb fracture model best captures the stress state dependent and anisotropic failure behavior of L-PBF 316L.
Interfacial plasticity facilitates high reaction rate of E. coli FAS malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase, FabD.

Fatty acid synthases (FASs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs) iteratively elongate and often reduce two-carbon ketide units in de novo fatty acid and polyketide biosynthesis. Cycles of chain extensions in FAS and PKS are initiated by an acyltransferase (AT), which loads monomer units onto acyl carrier proteins (ACPs), small, flexible proteins that shuttle covalently linked intermediates between catalytic partners. Formation of productive ACP–AT interactions is required for catalysis and specificity within primary and secondary FAS and PKS pathways. Here, we use the Escherichia coli FAS AT, FabD, and its cognate ACP, AcpP, to interrogate type II FAS ACP–AT interactions. We utilize a covalent crosslinking probe to trap transient interactions between AcpP and FabD to elucidate the X-ray crystal structure of a type II ACP–AT complex. Our structural data are supported using a combination of mutational, crosslinking, and kinetic analyses, and long-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Together, these complementary approaches reveal key catalytic features of FAS ACP–AT interactions. These mechanistic inferences suggest that AcpP adopts multiple, productive conformations at the AT binding interface, allowing the complex to sustain high transacylation rates. Furthermore, MD simulations support rigid body subdomain motions within the FabD structure that may play a key role in AT activity and substrate selectivity.
Microtubules exert early, partial, and variable control of cotton fiber diameter

Variable cotton fiber diameter is set early in anisotropic elongation by cell-type-specific processes involving the temporal and spatial regulation of microtubules in the apical region. Cotton fibers are single cells that originate from the seed epidermis of Gossypium species. Then, they undergo extreme anisotropic elongation and limited diametric expansion. The details of cellular morphogenesis determine the quality traits that affect fiber uses and value, such as length, strength, and diameter. Lower and more consistent diameter would increase the competitiveness of cotton fiber with synthetic fiber, but we do not know how this trait is controlled. The complexity of the question is indicated by the existence of fibers in two major width classes in the major commercial species: broad and narrow fibers exist in commonly grown G. hirsutum, whereas G. barbadense produces only narrow fiber. To further understand how fiber diameter is controlled, we used ovule cultures, morphology measurements, and microtubule immunofluorescence to observe the effects of microtubule antagonists on fiber morphology, including shape and diameter within 80 µm of the apex. The treatments were applied at either one or two days post-anthesis during different stages of fiber morphogenesis. The results showed that inhibiting the presence and/or dynamic activity of microtubules caused larger diameter tips to form, with greater effects often observed with earlier treatment. The presence and geometry of a microtubule-depleted-zone below the apex were transiently correlated with the apical diameter of the narrow tip types. Similarly, the microtubule antagonists had somewhat different effects between tip types. Overall, the results demonstrate cell-type-specific mechanisms regulating fiber expansion within 80 µm of the apex, with variation in the impact of microtubules between tip types and over developmental time.
Postmenopausal Parkinsonism: Brain Iron Overload?

Records of 11 postmenopausal parkinsonism patients were evaluated in comparison with those of 11 postmenopausal depression patients. None had a history of encephalitis, stroke, drug-induced or toxic extrapyramidal disorders, or active bleeding within six months before admission. There was no significant differences between the two groups with regard to time interval from menopause to onset of symptoms, height, weight, or age at first admission. Both groups showed normal height, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte counts. Parkinsonism patients were underweight and had a shorter interval from menopause to onset of symptoms (12.4 ± 1.9 vs. 16.8 ± 2.5 yr.). These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that in parkinsonism, hereditary pre disposition to positive body iron balance may be associated with alteration of the blood-brain barrier in parkinsonism.
Characterization of Myxococcus xanthus MazF and implications for a new point of regulation

Summary During development, Myxococcus xanthus cells undergo programmed cell death (PCD) whereby 80% of vegetative cells die. Previously, the MazF RNA interferase has been implicated in this role. Recently, it was shown that deletion of the mazF gene does not eliminate PCD in wild-type strain DK1622 as originally seen in DZF1. To clarify the role of MazF, recombinant enzyme was characterized using a highly sensitive assay in the presence and absence of the proposed antitoxin MrpC. In contrast to previous reports that MrpC inhibits MazF activity, the hydrolysis rate was enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner with MrpC or MrpC2, an N-terminally truncated form of MrpC. Furthermore, MazF transcripts were not detected until 6–8 h post-induction, suggesting an antitoxin is unnecessary earlier. Potential MazF targets were identified and their transcript levels were shown to decline in DK1622 while remaining steady in a mazF deletion strain. Elimination of the mazF hydrolysis site in the nla6 transcript resulted in overproduction of the mRNA. Thus, MazF negatively regulates specific transcripts. Additionally, we show that discrepancies in the developmental phenotypes caused by removal of mazF in DK1622 and DZF1 are due to the presence of the pilQ1 allele in the latter strain.
Acquiring observation models through reverse plan monitoring

We present a general-purpose framework for updating a robot’s observation model within the context of planning and execution. Traditional plan execution relies on monitoring plan step transitions through accurate state observations obtained from sensory data. In order to gather meaningful state data from sensors, tedious and time-consuming calibration methods are often required. To address this problem we introduce Reverse Monitoring, a process of learning an observation model through the use of plans composed of scripted actions. The automatically acquired observation models allow the robot to adapt to changes in the environment and robustly execute arbitrary plans. We have fully implemented the method in our AIBO robots, and our empirical results demonstrate its effectiveness.
Low-Thermal-Resistance, High-Electrical-Isolation Heat Intercept Connection

A method for providing a low-thermal-resistance, high-electrical-isolation heat intercept connection is presented. Electrical conductors often require the removal of heat produced from their normal operation. The heat can be removed by mechanical connection to a refrigeration source. Such connections require both effective heat removal (low thermal resistance) and effective electrical isolation (high electrical resistance and high dielectric strength). Such connections should be straightforward to fabricate and should provide reliable performance that is independent of operating temperature. The connection method described here involves clamping, by thermal interference fit, an electrically insulating cylinder between an outer metallic ring and an inner metallic disk.
Micropulser for real-time microscopy of cell electroperturbation

A miniature solid state pulse generator (/spl ap/400 V) is designed for the electroperturbation of biological cells in solution. Design emphasis is placed on compactness and the control over pulse shape with the goal of targeting specific cell responses, including apoptosis. Cell electroperturbation with nanosecond pulses is typically performed on a batch of cells in a cuvette with volume of less than 1 mL. The desire to observe in real time morphological changes and electrical potential gradients necessitates a design appropriate for optical and electrical studies. We describe here a "micropulser" designed to deliver pulses of several hundred volts to a narrow channel of cells on a microscope slide. The pulse generator, based on a single fast power MOSFET, forms square pulses of variable width from 15 ns to DC. The pulse generator unit and slide holder are compact and designed for optical access and monitoring.
Of Fables and Federalism: A Re-Examination of the Historical Rationale for Federal Environmental Regulation

This paper responds to recent scholarship questioning the need for environmental statutes that place primary responsibility for regulation in the hands of the federal government. These claims are based, in part, upon assertions that state and local governments had made great progress on a number of pollution fronts before the major federal environmental statutes were passed in the 1970s. Having demonstrated in earlier work that these claims lack credible empirical and historical support with respect to water pollution, I turn here to air pollution, the area where the critics contend the most extensive data exists supporting their assertions. I seek to demonstrate that the data upon which the critics have relied is seriously flawed and cannot be relied upon to support the contention that sulfur dioxide and particulate matter pollution were declining in the years before substantial federal regulatory involvement. In fact, additional empirical data reveals that sulfur dioxide pollution was growing much worse during these years. While this additional evidence shows that particulate matter pollution was improving, the article reveals that most of this improvement can be attributed to a variety of technical and economic developments that were non-regulatory in origin. This conclusion is buttressed by an exploration of state and local regulatory efforts during this time period that confirms the view that these efforts were fragmentary and, on the whole, ineffective. The lack of broad progress prior to 1970 is then contrasted with the remarkable progress that has been achieved through the Clean Air Act of 1970. The empirical and historical record thus casts serious doubt upon the claim that federal authority could be reduced today without producing adverse environmental impact.
Which Workers Gain Upon Adopting a Computer

Using the Canadian Workplace and Employee Survey and controlling for individual and establishment fixed-effects, we find that within a year of adopting a computer, the average worker earns a 3.6% higher wage than a worker who did not use a computer. Returns are even larger for managers and professionals, highly educated workers, and those with significant prior computer experience. Employees who adopt computers for use with applications that require high cognitive skills earn the highest returns.
Manufacturing Resource Planning

The sections in this article are 1 Before Manufacturing Resource Planning 2 Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems 3 Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II) 4 Conclusion
A Reappraisal of Karl Barth's Theological Development and his Dialogue with Catholicism

This article offers a distinct account of Barth's theological development, one that has an eye toward both the historical record and the contemporary debates about the systematic and ecumenical implications of his theology. It establishes that, from the second edition of Romans until the end of his career, Barth's theological development occurs as a series of internal adjustments in four stages along a single christological trajectory. Barth's dialogues with Catholic theologians play a pivotal role in this development, because these dialogues help him arrive at some of his most important insights. Taken together, these conclusions help us push beyond contemporary divisions between historical and systematic readings of Barth's theology and reframe the dialogue between Barth and Catholic theologians.
Interannual variability of metazooplankton biomass in ocean margins: late winter vs. summer

Abstract The main goal of this part of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Ocean Margin Program (OMP) was to quantify metazooplankton biomass and its composition in relation to hydrographic variables. The study periods were March, and June/July 1994 and 1996. Meteorological forcing was not pronounced during the periods of observation. Hydrographic conditions differed clearly between March 1994 and 1996, which was reflected in zooplankton biomass in the entire water column (mg C m−2), which was higher in 1994 and 1996. There was little difference during summer in hydrographic conditions and metazooplankton biomass between 1994 and 1996. Local biomass maxima were much more pronounced in March than during summer. The magnitudes of biomass abundance in March are close to the highest values encountered elsewhere on continental shelves and slopes. Those in summer only occasionally reflect those of highly productive ocean margins. The composition of dominant taxa hardly varied between the March studies, but differed to some extent between June 1994 and July 1996. The composition of post-naupliar stages of the abundant copepod genera Centropages and Temora differed within seasons, showing different states of reproductive activity. Short-term observations like ours on the abundance, distribution and composition of metazooplankton assemblages provide limited insight into intraseasonal and interannual variability.
Large-bore feeding tube occlusion by yeast colonies

This is a first report of three patients with silicone feeding tubes (two with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies and one with a jejunostomy, all 20 French catheters) that have formed a thick yeast crust on the inner luminal surface causing tube occlusion in two cases. Candida species were isolated in all three tubes. The yeast crust could not be removed with a brush or with fungicidal drugs such as nystatin and amphotericin B. Histologic sections through these feeding tubes revealed yeast penetration through the silicone material, explaining the adherent nature of the crust. This complication may also explain the observed material deterioration with subsequent breakage.
Dendritic and Linear Macromolecular Architectures for Photovoltaics: A Photoinduced Charge Transfer Investigation

Dendrimers have been previously shown to provide significant advantages in both excited-state energy transfer and charge transfer. However, this architecture causes one of the charges to be encapsulated and thus not available for charge separation over long distances. We conceived dendron−rod−coils as scaffolds that could have the architectural advantage of the dendrimers, while still providing a possible conduit for charge separation. In this study, we have designed and synthesized dendron−rod−coil-based donor−chromophore−acceptor triads and have compared these with dendron−rod and rod−coil diads. We have then evaluated the relative abilities of these molecules in photoinduced charge transfer. Our studies reveal that dendron−rod−coil could indeed be the ideal architecture for efficient photoinduced charge separation.
Lifetime predictions for semi-crystalline cable insulation materials: I. Mechanical properties and oxygen consumption measurements on EPR materials

Abstract Long-term accelerated aging studies (up to 7 years of aging) were conducted on four typical EPR materials used as cable insulation in nuclear power plant safety applications with the goal of establishing lifetime estimates at typical aging conditions of ∼50 °C. The four materials showed slow to moderate changes in mechanical properties (tensile elongation) until just before failure where abrupt changes occurred (so-called “induction-time” behavior). Time–temperature superposition was applied to derive shift factors and probe for Arrhenius behavior. Three of the materials showed reasonable time–temperature superposition with the empirically derived shift factors yielding an approximate Arrhenius dependence on temperature. Since the elongation results for the fourth material could not be successfully superposed, consistency with Arrhenius assumptions was impossible. For this material the early part of the mechanical degradation appeared to have an Arrhenius activation energy E a of ∼100 kJ/mol (24 kcal/mol) whereas the post-induction degradation data had an E a of ∼128 kJ/mol. Oxygen consumption measurements were used to confirm the 100 kJ/mol E a found from early-time elongation results and to show that the chemistry responsible before the induction time is likely to remain unchanged down to 50 °C. Reasonable extrapolations of the induction-time results indicated 50 °C lifetimes exceeding 300 years for all four materials.
Representative form and the visual ideograph: The Iwo Jima image in editorial cartoons

Much has been written about the iconic power of Joe Rosenthal's 1945 photograph of the flag‐raising at Iwo Jima. This scholarship, however, insufficiently accounts for the rhetorical function of this image as it is appropriated in an unusual number of recent editorial cartoons. Building upon rhetorical theory addressing repetitive form and visual metaphor, we propose a concept of representative form. Exemplifying representative form, the parodied Iwo Jima image operates as an instance of depictive rhetoric that functions ideographically.
Herbivory on coral reefs: algal susceptibility to herbivorous fishes

The susceptibility of several tropical algal species to fish grazing was studied on the Belizean barrier reef off the Caribbean coast of Central America. Short-term transplant experiments indicate that plant species vary markedly in their rates of biomass loss to grazing by a shallow-water guild of herbivorous fishes. Algal species transplanted from habitats with low grazing pressure are highly susceptible to grazing, while species occurring in habitats with high herbivore densities are highly resistant to grazing. Algal species show differential susceptibility to grazing by two major components of the tropical herbivore guild, Acanthurus (surgeonfishes) and Sparisoma (parrotfishes). Variability in plant susceptibility to grazing by herbivorous fishes was not clearly correlated with morphological or chemical characteristics that have been previously suggested as plant defenses against herbivory. Plants found to be highly resistant to fish grazing, such as Halimeda, exhibit both morphological characteristics and secondary chemical compounds which do appear to reduce herbivory. In contrast, species of Caulerpa, Sargassum, Turbinaria, and Padina, which also possess alleged morphological and/or chemical defenses, are nevertheless highly susceptible to fish grazing.
R68-13 An Introduction to Computer Graphic Terminals

This paper is an introduction which presents only the first layer of the makeup of graphics. While this layer is explained sufficiently and clearly, as in many tutorial papers, value judgements are studiously avoided. The primary purpose, therefore, of this review will be to place in perspective some of the alternatives presented.
Clinicopathologic Outcomes of Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic characteristics and oncologic outcomes of patients who underwent nephrectomy for cystic renal masses. Patients and Methods Using an institutional review board-approved database, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical, pathologic, radiologic, and oncologic outcome data of patients who received nephrectomy for a complex cystic renal mass. Results Sixty-one patients were identified who received nephrectomy for a complex cystic lesion. Average age was 64 years. Thirty-nine (64%) patients were male. At the time of resection, 1 (1.6%), 3 (4.8%), 53 (86.8%), and 4 (6.5%) had a Bosniak category II, IIF, III, and IV cystic lesion, respectively. Nineteen (31.1%) patients were initially managed expectantly but underwent surgery because of progression of complexity on follow-up. Mean pathologic tumor size was 3.3 cm (range, 0.7-12 cm). Forty-eight (78.6%) of the lesions were found to be malignant. Thirty-seven (77.1%), 5 (10.4%), 4 (8.3%), and 2 (4.1%) were stage T1a, T1b, T2a, and T3a, respectively. Clear cell was the most common histologic subtype (44%), followed by papillary (21.3%), and unclassified RCC (4.9%). With a mean and median follow-up of 48.4 and 43.0 months, respectively, no patients developed a local or metastatic recurrence. All patients were alive at last follow-up. Conclusion In our series with moderate follow-up, cystic RCCs do not appear to recur or progress regardless of size, histologic subtype, or grade. These findings suggest the malignant potential of cRCCs is significantly less than solid RCCs. Further investigation is required to determine if cRCCs should be classified and managed independently from solid RCCs.
SOME FEATURES OF THE ANATOMY OF FOUQUIERIA SPLENDENS

Fouquieria splendens, ocotillo or candle bush, with its switch-like thorny branches, two to five meters in height, its recurrent short-lived foliage and flaming inflorescence, is a familiar and striking form of the south-western desert areas. From the 1norphological and taxonomic standpoints, it has been fully described (I, 2, 3), and certain aspects of its physiology have also been discussed (4, 5); but with regard to the detailed anatomy of the genus, I have been unable to find anything but a few scattered references (6). In the present paper, the structure of the plant as a whole is briefly reviewed, and certain characteristic features, such as the development of the corky layers and the distribution and structure of the peculiar water storage cells present in the cortex, are described in greater detail. The striking appearance of the stem of the ocotillo (text fig. i) is due to the reticulate pattern formed by the corky layers. The smooth hard spines which originate from the petioles (2, 3) are spirally arranged, and pass
Boilover Starting Time of Small-Scale Crude Oil Tank

A small-scale crude oil tank boilover experimental device was established to study the basic characteristics of boilover phenomenon. The boilover starting time was mainly focused in order to make the proper fire rescue strategy. The results indicate that, the commonly used methods of predicting the boilover starting time show a relatively great deviation with the results obtained in experiments. The boilover starting time is linearly proportional to the parameter Ho/D0.5, which agrees Tan’s equation. However, Tan’s equation underestimates the boilover starting time when Ho/D0.5≤0.09 and overestimates the boilover starting time when Ho/D0.5>0.09.
Atomic-scale observation of grain boundary motion

Atomic-scale grain boundary (GB) migration mechanisms are investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). For the first time, atomic-scale motion of high-angle twist as well as general GBs is directly observed by HREM. GB motion was found to proceed by the propagation of atomic-scale steps for two quite different GB geometries. Time-resolved HREM indicates that migration mechanisms of high-angle GBs also include cooperative effects, whereby groups of atoms spontaneously rearrange their lattice positions to be incorporated into the growing grain.
Acquisition and registration of bathymetric acoustic data and MOFSLI (multiple overlapping field of view serial laser imager)

Obtaining three-dimensional sub-centimeter resolution views of the seafloor is advantageous in many areas. Sonar has the ability to provide three-dimensional bathymetry while laser line scan (LLS) systems are able to provide sub-centimeter resolutions. The ability to acquire and register these datasets simultaneously can provide these detailed seafloor views. A LLS prototype was developed at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) for use in conjunction with a sonar system. This prototype is coined Multiple Overlapping Field of View Serial Laser Imager (MOFSLI). The eventual goal is to create a combined laser-acoustic survey sensor for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). This paper gives an overview of the MOFSLI prototype system components as well as the experimental procedures and the process of registering the optical and acoustic datasets. Sea trials with the combined system were performed and data was successfully collected and registered.
Spectroscopic investigation of uranyl(VI) and citrate coadsorption to Al2O3

Abstract ATR-FTIR spectroscopy is used to understand the adsorption of uranyl–citrate complexes to Al 2 O 3 . Spectral data indicate that uranyl–citrate complexes partially dissociate upon adsorption, allowing full or partial hydrolysis of the uranyl ion. K ads values determined for free citrate adsorption are similar to those for citrate in uranyl–citrate complexes, indicating that the complexation of uranyl by citrate does not significantly affect the ability of citrate to bond with the surface. The isotherm data also indicate enhanced citrate adsorption to Al 2 O 3 in the presence of uranyl, suggesting that uranyl may be the central link between two citrate ligands, and that uranyl is associated with the surface through a bridging citrate ligand. Finally, uranyl–citrate complexes interact with citrate adsorbed to Al 2 O 3 through outer sphere interactions.
Incidence of Color in Immediately Recalled Dreams

With careful interrogation close to the time of dreaming, color was found to be present in 82.7 percent of the dreams. This figure is substantially higher than figures reported by previous investigators using questionnaire and other methods.
Comparison of interglacial stages in the South Atlantic sector of the southern ocean for the past 450 kyr: implifications for Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11

Abstract Oxygen and carbon isotopic gradients in surface waters were reconstructed for the past 450 kyr by analysis of the planktic foraminifer Neogloboquadrina pachyderma in cores located at approximately 43°, 47°, and 54°S across the Polar Frontal Zone in the South Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Comparison of the oxygen isotopic records for peak interglacial conditions during the past 450 kyr reveals that Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11 was not substantially warmer than other interglacials at high southern latitudes, although the period of warmth lasted longer. The carbonate and carbon isotope chemistry of surface and deep water represent the truly distinctive aspects of Stage 11 in the Southern Ocean. Peak carbonate production occurred at high southern latitudes during MIS 11, resulting in light-colored, high-carbonate sediments deposited throughout the Southern Ocean above the lysocline. Carbon isotopic values of benthic foraminifera in cores bathed by Circumpolar Deep Water (CPDW) were highest during MIS11, suggesting strong input of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) to the Southern Ocean. Planktic δ13C values at high southern latitudes were also highest during MIS 11, which may reflect upwelling of CPDW with a greater contribution of NADW, lower whole-ocean nutrient inventories, higher gas exchange rates, and/or lowered alkalinity of Antarctic surface waters (resulting from carbonate precipitation south of the Polar Front).
Reinforcement learning via approximation of the Q-function

Relational reinforcement learning (RRL) combines traditional reinforcement learning (RL) with a strong emphasis on a relational (rather than attribute-value) representation. Earlier work used RRL on a learning version of the classic Blocks World planning problem (a version where the learner does not know what the result of taking an action will be) and the Tetris game. Learning results based on the structure of training examples were obtained, such as learning in a mixed 3-5 block environment and being able to perform in a 3 or 10 block environment. Here, we instead take a function approximation approach to RL for the Blocks World problem. We obtain similar learning accuracies, with better running times, allowing us to consider much larger problem sizes. For instance, we can train on 15 blocks and then perform well on worlds with 100-800 blocks-using less running time than the relational method required to perform well for 3-10 blocks.
An Adaptive Weighting Strategy for Multi-Load Topology Optimization

In this paper, we consider topology optimization of continuum structures subject to multiple loads. The objective is to minimize mass, while satisfying maximum displacement constraints at the points of load-application.The classic method of including displacement constraints is through penalization of the objective function. Here, we propose an alternate method that relies on the concept of topological sensitivity. The proposed method generalizes the recently proposed single-load PareTO method by the first author. For multi-load problems, the topological sensitivity fields for each of the load-cases are computed, and then combined through weighting functions that continuously adapt to satisfy the constraints. Different weighting functions are considered, and compared through numerical experiments.Copyright © 2012 by ASME and General Motors
Trade liberalization and patterns of strategic adjustment in the US textiles and clothing industry

Abstract Trade liberalization has exposed US textiles and apparel industries to fierce competition from a growing number of international suppliers. Many traditional suppliers are also vulnerable to strong competition from China since they no longer enjoy preferential access to the US market. After discussing overall trade liberalization in the industry including the recent phase out of quotas, the paper discusses the range of strategic changes being adopted by US companies to remain competitive. It also assesses some of the important developments in the US textiles and apparel industry including the increasing role of China as a dominant supplier to the US market. The paper concludes by providing some recommendations to enable US textile and apparel firms and traditional suppliers in developing countries to cushion the sudden effects of trade liberalization.
Paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system

In patients with cancer the development of neurological symptoms usually represents metastatic involvement of the nervous system, or complications secondary to coagulopathy, infection, metabolic and nutritional deficits, and toxic effects of cancer therapy (1). A neurologic disorder is defined as paraneoplastic when none of the aforementioned causes are detected or when specific cancer-related immunological mechanisms are involved. Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders are important for several reasons. First, they may affect any part of the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) (Table 1) and mimic any other neurologic complications of cancer. Second, the paraneoplastic disorder (PND) usually develops before the presence of a cancer is known, and its prompt recognition may help to uncover the neoplasm. Third, the neurologic symptoms are often severe and can result in the patient’ s death. Finally, the discovery of several antineuronal antibodies associated with specific paraneoplastic syndromes and tumors has provided useful tests that facilitate the diagnosis of some of these disorders.
Shadow attacks: automatically evading system-call-behavior based malware detection

Contemporary malware makes extensive use of different techniques such as packing, code obfuscation, polymorphism, and metamorphism, to evade signature-based detection. Traditional signature-based detection technique is hard to catch up with latest malware or unknown malware. Behavior-based detection models are being investigated as a new methodology to defeat malware. This kind of approaches typically relies on system call sequences/graphs to model a malicious specification/pattern. In this paper, we present a new class of attacks, namely "shadow attacks", to evade current behavior-based malware detectors by partitioning one piece of malware into multiple "shadow processes". None of the shadow processes contains a recognizable malicious behavior specification known to single-process-based malware detectors, yet those shadow processes as an ensemble can still fulfill the original malicious functionality. To demonstrate the feasibility of this attack, we have developed a compiler-level prototype tool, AutoShadow, to automatically generate shadow-process version of malware given the source code of original malware. Our preliminary result has demonstrated the effectiveness of shadow attacks in evading several behavior-based malware analysis/detection solutions in real world. With the increasing adoption of multi-core computers and multi-process programs, malware writers may exploit more such shadow attacks in the future. We hope our preliminary study can foster more discussion and research to improve current generation of behavior-based malware detectors to address this great potential threat before it becomes a security problem of the epidemic proportions.
History of lower Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, from Landsat imagery

A 28 year record of lower Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, constructed from 15 Landsat images, shows changes at the terminus, grounding zone and both margins. The north margin has expanded 5 km into the adjacent ice shelf in a sustained event that was underway in 1973 and may have begun in 1957. Between 1991 and 1997, this expansion ceased and a new region of rifting was created associated with an ice rise on the glacier’s floating tongue. Changes in the topography of a nearby ice rise are used to deduce an upper-bound estimate of a 134 m thinning of the adjacent ice shelf. On the south margin, widening was limited to 1 km over the observation period and is seen propagating downstream in an intermediate-dated image. New areas of crevassing are also evident in the grounding zone of the glacier. Ice loss by the calving of large tabular bergs vastly exceeds mass loss by calving of many small bergs. These observations are consistent with reported changes of the 1990s and indicate that changes in the flow of Pine Island Glacier have occurred over the full period of satellite observations.
Bioluminescent imaging study: FAK inhibitor, PF-562,271, preclinical study in PC3M-luc-C6 local implant and metastasis xenograft models

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential in regulating integrin signaling pathways responsible for cell survival and proliferation, as well as motility, making FAK a distinctive target in the field of anticancer drug development, especially with regards to metastatic disease.(1) Our objective was to demonstrate tumor growth inhibition by PF-562,271, a selective inhibitor of FAK and FAK2, or Pyk2,(2) in mouse xenograft models, both subcutaneous and metastatic, employing the human prostate cancer cell line PC3M-luc-C6, a modified PC3M cell line that expresses luciferase. After 2 weeks of treatment with PF-562,271, 25 mg/kg PO BID 5x/wk, the subcutaneous model showed a 62% tumor growth inhibition compared to control based on tumor measurements (p < 0.05), with a 88% vs. a 490% increase in bioluminescent signal for treatment and control respectively (p < 0.05). In the metastasis model, the percent change from baseline, after 18 days of treatment, of the treatment group was 2,854 vs. 14,190% for the vehicle (p < 0.01). These results show that PF-562,271 has a potent effect on metastatic prostate cancer growth in vivo.
An empirical taxometric alternative to traditional classification of temporomandibular disorders.

Abstract A number of investigators have suggested that the generic classification temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may consist of several subsets of patients. Two primary factors are suggested to be significant in discriminating subgroups, namely, presence or absence of TM joint abnormalities and psychological characteristics such as traits, maladaptive behavioral patterns, and gross psychopathology. Few attempts, however, have been made to integrate psychosocial and behavioral parameters in order to identify a taxonomy of TMD patients and, subsequently, to examine the differentiation of subgroups on oral dysfunction/structural abnormalities (OD/SA). The primary purpose of this paper was to develop and cross-validate an empirically derived classification system of TMD patients. The first study identified three unique subgroups of TMD patients, labeled ‘dysfunctional,’ ‘interpersonally distressed,’ and ‘adaptive copers.’ A second study cross-validated and confirmed the uniqueness and accuracy of the taxonomy. Subsequent analyses were performed that demonstrated that these groups were not distinguishable on the basis of any measures of OD/SA. The taxonomy identified is compared and contrasted with other reported subgroups of TMD patients and the implications of this classification system for treatment of TMD patients are discussed.
Refined proximity and sensitivity results in linearly constrained convex separable integer programming

Abstract We define a new measure of the structure of a linear constraint matrix and establish some propertie. We then use the measure to refine proximity and sensitivity results in the literature. In particular, we refine bounds on the distance between continuous and discrete optima of linearly constrained convex separable programming problems and on the size of the feasible region for a linear program. We apply the results to improve the computational complexity of Hochbaum and Shanthikumar's algorithm for integer nonlinear programming, reducing the computational effort for certain problems from exponential to polynomial.
Dual-polarized fan-beam feed horn

A simple dual-polarized feed horn that radiates fan-shaped primary patterns is described. The radiated patterns for the two orthogonal polarizations are essentially identical and are suitable for illuminating cut paraboloidal reflectors with f/D ratios of about 0.3. The horn is similar to conventional flared waveguide feed horns except that the corners have been modified to yield an octagonally shaped aperture. The horn has the added advantage of suppressed E -plane sidelobes, thus reducing spillover radiation.
Rectangular duals of planar graphs

Let one face of a cube be dissected into rectangles, no 4 of which meet at a single point. The dual graph of this configuration is a 4-connected triangulated plane graph. This paper shows that any 4-connected plane triangulation with at least 6 vertices and at least one vertex of degree 4 is dual to a cube with one face dissected into rectangles. The proof of this result contains an implicit algorithm for obtaining such a dissection. The paper also discusses a related problem: Given a graph G with all faces triangular except the outer face, does there exist a dissection of a rectangle into rectangles for which G describes the adjacency relations among the rectangles?
Electron-impact excitation of multiply-charged ions using energy loss in merged beams: e+Si3+ (3s2S1/2) → e+Si3+ (3p2P1/2, 3/2)

For the first time absolute total cross sections for electron-impact excitation of a multiply-charged ion have been measured using an electron-energy- loss technique. Measurements were made near threshold for the process e + Si3+(3s2S1/2) → e + Si3+ (3p2P1/2,3/2) - 8.88 eV. The 10-15 cm2 measured cross section agrees with results of 7-state close coupling calculations to better than the ±20% (90% CL) total uncertainty of the measurements. Convoluting the theoretical curve with a Gaussian energy distribution indicates an energy width of 0.15 ≲ AE ≲ 0.20 eV.
Screening for plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to promote early soybean growth

Although many studies have been conducted to identify the specific traits by which plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) promote plant growth, usually they were limited to studying just one or two of these traits. We selected 116 isolates from bulk soil and the rhizosphere of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and examined them for a wide array of traits that might increase early soybean growth in nonsterile soil (PGPR traits). A subsample of 23 isolates, all but one of which tested positive for one or more of these PGPR traits, was further screened for traits associated with biocontrol, (brady)rhizobial inhibition, and rhizosphere competence. Six of eight isolates positive for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC, a precursor of ethylene) deaminase production, four of seven isolates positive for siderophore production, three of four isolates positive for β-1,3-glucanase production, and two of five isolates positive for P solubilization increased at least one aspect of early soybean growth. One isolate. which did not share any of the PGPR traits tested in vitro except antagonism to Sclerotium rolfsii and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, also promoted soybean growth. One of the 23 isolates changed bradyrhizo-promoted soybean growth. One of the 23 isolates changed bradyrhizobial nodule occupancy. Although the presence of a PGPR trait in vitro does not guarantee that a particular isolate is a PGPR, the results suggest that rhizobacteria able to produce ACC deaminase and, to a lesser extent, β-1,3-glucanase or siderophores or those able to solubilize P in vitro may increase early soybean growth in nonsterile soil.
Time to positive culture results in neonatal Candida septicemia

Abstract To determine the time required for blood cultures to be detected as positive in neonates with invasive Candida infection, we analyzed 207 positive culture episodes in 74 infants. Time to positive result was 37 ± 14 hours, and 97% of infected neonates were detected by 72 hours if not exposed to antifungal therapy. ( J Pediatr 2003;142:564-5 )
Acute Hyponatremia With Seizure and Mental Change After Oral Sodium Picosulfate/Magnesium Citrate Bowel Preparation

Sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (Picolight Powder), which is used as a bowel preparation for the colon and the rectum, can cause a severe electrolyte imbalance like hyponatremia. When hyponatremia gets severe or occurs rapidly, it can lead to death due to associated complications. We have experienced a case of hyponatremia associated with seizure and loss of consciousness in a 76-year-old woman, who took sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate as a bowel preparation for colonoscopy. She was taking thiazide and synthroid for the treatment of hypertension and hypothyroidism, respectively, and she had other underlying medical conditions such as a history of seizure and dementia. Following the diagnosis of hyponatremia, we used an intravenous injection of 3% NaCl to normalize the sodium level in her serum, and her associated symptoms soon disappeared.
Histopathology of fetal membrane rupture: A review of the literature

Ideally, the histological examination of the fetal membranes should reveal something of the mechanism that ruptured them. However, like any investigation of the crime, there needs to be careful sifting of evidence and confirmation of the validity of inferences. In the case of membrane rupture, the histology must be correlated with the physics of rupture. The usual mental model of the physics of membrane rupture is based on our everyday experiences with the physical world of water balloons, cellophane wrappers, etc. First reviewed are aspects of that intuitive physical model that are important to understanding the histology. Then, the literature is reviewed for histologic correlation with physical and biological observations of membrane rupture.
Gaussian reference fluid and interpretation of quantum geometrodynamics.

The Wheeler-DeWitt equation of vacuum geometrodynamics is turned into a Schr\"odinger equation by imposing the normal Gaussian coordinate conditions with Lagrange multipliers and then restoring the coordinate invariance of the action by parametrization. This procedure corresponds to coupling the gravitational field to a reference fluid. The source appearing in the Einstein law of gravitation has the structure of a heat-conducting dust. When one imposes only the Gaussian time condition but not the Gaussian frame conditions, the heat flow vanishes and the dust becomes incoherent. The canonical description of the fluid uses the Gaussian coordinates and their conjugate momenta as the fluid variables. The energy density and the momentum density of the fluid turn out to be homogeneous linear functions of such momenta. This feature guarantees that the Dirac constraint quantization of the gravitational field coupled to the Gaussian reference fluid leads to a functional Schr\"odinger equation in Gaussian time. Such an equation possesses the standard positive-definite conserved norm.For a heat-conducting fluid, the states depend on the metric induced on a given hypersurface; for an incoherent dust, they depend only on geometry. It seems natural to interpret the integrand of the norm integral as the probability density for the metric (or the geometry) to have a definite value on a hypersurface specified by the Gaussian clock. Such an interpretation fails because the reference fluid is realistic only if its energy-momentum tensor satisfies the familiar energy conditions. In the canonical theory, the energy conditions become additional constraints on the induced metric and its conjugate momentum. For a heat-conducting dust, the total system of constraints is not first class and cannot be implemented in quantum theory. As a result, the Gaussian coordinates are not determined by physical properties of a realistic material system and the probability density for the metric loses thereby its operational significance. For an incoherent dust, the energy conditions and the dynamical constraints are first class and can be carried over into quantum theory. However, because the geometry operator considered as a multiplication operator does not commute with the energy conditions, the integrand of the norm integral still does not yield the probability density. The interpretation of the Schr\"odinger geometrodynamics remains viable, but it requires a rather complicated procedure for identifying the fundamental observables. All our considerations admit generalization to other coordinate conditions and other covariant field theories.