cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cancer fear and fatalism: how African American participants construct the role of research subject in relation to clinical cancer research.

Background Lack of African American participation in cancer clinical trials has been identified as a critical problem. Historical interactions related to race, identity, and power may contribute to continued inequity in healthcare and research participation. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of African Americans regarding cancer and research and how these perceptions shape their beliefs about participating as cancer research subjects. Methods Three African American focus groups were conducted including people who had never participated in cancer research, those who had, and those who were asked but refused (n = 16). Discussion focused on their perceptions of cancer research and actual or potential participation as research subjects. Data were coded using both structured and inductive coding methods. Results Fear and fatalism emerged in relation to research, race, power, and identity and were related to larger historical and social issues rather than only individual thoughts or feelings. Participants described fears of the unknown, death, mistrust, conspiracy, and discrimination together with positive/negative tensions between self, family, and community responsibilities. Conclusion Complex identities linked perceptions of cancer and cancer research with broader historical and cultural issues. Fear, fatalism, and current and historical relationships influence how people perceive themselves as research subjects and may influence their decisions to participate in cancer research. Implication for practice Acknowledging how complex factors including race and racism contribute to health disparities may give nurses and other healthcare providers a better appreciation of how historical, social, and cultural dynamics at individual, community, and organizational levels influence access to and participation in cancer research.
A GEM-based dose imaging detector with optical readout for proton radiotherapy

Abstract New techniques in proton radiation therapy and advances in beam delivery systems design such as beam scanning require accurate 2D dosimetry systems to verify the delivered dose distribution. Dose imaging detectors based on gas electron multipliers (GEMs) are capable of providing high sensitivity, improved dose measurement linearity, position resolution, fast response and accurate characterization of depth-dose distributions. In this work, we report on the development of a GEM-based dose imaging detector with optical readout using a CCD camera. A 10×10 cm 2 detector has been tested in a 205 MeV proton beam in single- and double-GEM configurations. The detector demonstrates linearity in dose rate up to 100 Gy/min and position resolution ( σ ) of 0.42 mm. Transverse non-uniformity of the detector response is ≤10% before correction and the stability of the detector output throughout the day is within ±1%, with day-to-day reproducibility of about 10%. The depth-dose response of the detector is close to that of a wide-aperture air-filled ionization chamber and is in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations.
An assessment of the feeding success of young-of-the-year winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) near a municipal pier in the Hudson River estuary, U.S.A.

We examined feeding success of young-of-the-year winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus Walbaum) (20–50 mm TL) around a large, municipal pier in the Hudson River estuary, USA. Replicate, 3-h feeding experiments were conducted using benthic cages (0.64 m2) deployed under, at the edge, and outside of the pier during late spring and early summer in 1998 and 1999. Significantly more winter flounder caged under piers had empty stomachs ( $$\bar x$$ =71.9%) than at the edge or in open water ( $$\bar x$$ =29.2% and 14.4%, respectively). Feeding intensity was significantly higher outside of the pier ( $$\bar x$$ =0.40%) than the edge or under the pier ( $$\bar x$$ =0.19% and 0.03%, respectively). Simultaneous with feeding experiments, benthic core samples were collected adjacent to cages. Variability was high, but abundances of prey were consistently higher under the pier ( $$\bar x$$ =200.14±113.3 SD in 1998; 335±290.2 in 1999) than at the edge ( $$\bar x$$ =126.6±50.2 in 1998; 70.8±68.5 in 1999) or in open water ( $$\bar x$$ =53.4±16.1 in 1998; 123.8±193.9 in 1999). No significant differences in prey biomass were determined, suggesting that small, numerous prey were available under the pier and fewer, larger taxa were present at the edge and outside. Data indicate that feeding is suppressed among young-of-the-year winter flounder caged under piers in spite of sufficient prey available. Based on these and other experiments we submit that areas under piers are not suitable long-term habitats for juvenile fish because they interfere with normal feeding activities.
Preventing the incidence and harm of gambling problems.

An increase in prevalence of problem gambling and gambling-related costs to the individual, family, and community are accompanying the spreading availability of venues in which to gamble. This highlights the need for effective educational programs, media campaigns, consumer protection, and public policy aimed at preventing increased incidence of problematic gambling behavior. This review explores prominent models of prevention including the risk and protective factors model, levels-of-prevention, and the public health perspective and illustrates each model’s power to facilitate efforts toward preventing gambling problems. The current state of problem gambling prevention research and practice is delineated and future directions for policy are made. Editors’ Strategic Implications: Researchers and policymakers will benefit from the review and set of recommendations and also the detailed supplemental online content, in the form of six helpful Appendixes related to gambling prevention resources and materials.
The development of rectal microbicides for HIV prevention

Introduction: Individuals practicing unprotected receptive anal intercourse are at particularly high risk of HIV infection. Men who have sex with men in the developed and developing world continue to have disproportionate and increasing levels of HIV infection. The last few years have seen important progress in demonstrating the efficacy of oral antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis, vaginal microbicides, and treatment as prevention, but there has also been significant progress in the development of rectal microbicides for HIV prevention. Areas covered: The purpose of this review is to summarize the status of rectal microbicide research and to identify opportunities, challenges, and future directions in this important field of HIV prevention research. The design of completed and ongoing Phase I rectal microbicide studies that include the generation of comprehensive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data may allow for more rational decisions about which rectal microbicides should be advanced to later stage...
Loss of body weight as a predictor of reserpine-induced amine depletion

Abstract Loss of body weight was proved to be a convenient and reliable way to predict the degree of reserpine-induced amine depletion after i.p. injections of reserpine (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and it thus helps reduce variability. Two populations of animals were sharply distinguished lying on either side of the 5% cutoff point within the first 24 hr. One group (approximately 20% of all animals) lost less than 5% of their body weight, showed absence of physiological and behavioural effects, a moderate 5-HT depletion and a moderate 5-HIAA increase. These animals were called ‘partially reserpinized’. Another group always lost 5% or more of body weight, exhibited the reserpine syndrome as well as a larger extent of 5-HT depletion and 5-HIAA increase. This group comprised ‘reserpinized’ rats. There were significant correlations between the percent weight loss and the degree of 5-HT depletion and 5-HIAA increase in the group of ‘partially reserpinized’ animals. The two groups differed also in the time course of amine changes. Dose had no effect in the differentiation of the two groups but did affect the extent of amine depletion. When reserpine was given i.v. or s.c., all animals were ‘reserpinized’. The phenomenon of partial reserpinization is discussed.
Primary and Secondary Signaling Pathways in Early Preconditioning That Converge on the Mitochondria to Produce Cardioprotection

Cardioprotective mechanisms such as acute or early preconditioning activate several primary signaling pathways that seem to converge on mitochondrial targets, leading to altered cell metabolism and inhibition of apoptosis. Acute preconditioning leads to generation of agonists, which bind to G protein-coupled receptors, and initiates a signaling cascade that involves activation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase, endothelial NO synthase, protein kinase C, glycogen synthase kinase 3beta, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and other signaling pathways. Activation of these signaling pathways along with generation of reactive oxygen species leads to alterations in the activity of key mitochondrial proteins such as mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channels, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and bcl-2 family members. Alterations in these mitochondrial proteins results in altered metabolism and inhibition of cell death, thus resulting in cardioprotection.
Assessing High School Student Learning on Science Outreach Lab Activities

The effect of hands-on laboratory activities on secondary student learning was examined. Assessment was conducted over a two-year period, with 262 students participating the first year and 264 students the second year. Students took a prequiz, performed a laboratory activity (gas chromatography of alcohols, or photosynthesis and respiration), and followed up with a postquiz. The percentage of correct answers on the pre- and postquiz was tallied for each student and each question. A paired t-test was performed to detect differences in scores. Student scores increased significantly after both laboratory activities both years (p < 0.001). For each gas chromatography of alcohols quiz question, a significant increase was observed the second year (p = 0.041), but not the first year (p = 0.11). For each photosynthesis and respiration quiz question, a significant increase was observed the first year (p = 0.038), but not the second year (p = 0.066). However, when one specific photosynthesis and respiration quiz question was omitted, both years showed a significant increase (first year, p = 0.0064; second year, p = 0.039). Overall, these results indicate laboratory activities provided by science outreach programs can positively contribute to student learning.
The accuracy and precision of a new H/D exchange- and mass spectrometry-based technique for measuring the thermodynamic stability of proteins

Recently, we developed a new method for measuring the thermodynamic stability of proteins. The method, termed Stability of Unpurified Proteins from Rates of H/D Exchange (SUPREX), utilizes matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry and exploits the H/D exchange properties of proteins to determine folding free energies (i.e. ΔG°f values) for proteins. Here we report on the SUPREX analysis of seven new model proteins. The results of these analyses and the results of previously reported SUPREX analysis on seven additional proteins are used to assess the accuracy and precision of the SUPREX technique for measuring ΔG°f values. We find that the accuracy of the SUPREX technique for measuring the ΔG°f values of proteins is on the order of 20% and precision (relative standard deviation) of the technique is on the order 10%. These measures of accuracy and precision are comparable to those of conventional methods.
Analysis of the Two Subgenomic RNA Promoters for Turnip Crinkle Virus in Vivo and in Vitro

Infection of plants or protoplasts with turnip crinkle virus (TCV), a monopartite RNA virus, results in the synthesis of the genomic RNA and two subgenomic (sg) RNAs. The transcription start site for the 1.45-kb sgRNA was previously mapped to position 2606 (J. C. Carrington, T. J. Morris, P. G. Stockley, and S. C. Harrison, (1987). J. Mol. Biol. 194, 265 – 276) corresponding to position 2607 in the TCVms isolate and the start site for the 1.7-kb sgRNA has now been mapped to position 2333 in TCVms. A 96-base sequence (90 bases upstream and 6 bases downstream) encompassing the transcription start site for the 1.45-kb sgRNA was sufficient for full promoter activity. Similarly, a 94-base sequence (90 bases upstream and 4 bases downstream) encompassing the start site was required for full activity of the 1.7-kb sgRNA promoter. The 1.45-kb sgRNA promoter, but not the 1.7-kb sgRNA promoter, was able to direct synthesis of a nontemplate RNA in vitro using partially purified TCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Computer generated secondary structures for the two sgRNA promoters revealed an extensive hairpin just upstream from the transcription start site. Comparisons of corresponding sequences from related viruses indicates higher sequence conservation for the 1.45-kb sgRNA promoter compared with the 1.7-kb sgRNA promoter, despite the latter’s location within the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase open reading frame. q 1997 Academic Press
SKS6 , a multicopper oxidase-like gene, participates in cotyledon vascular patterning during Arabidopsis thaliana development

SKU5-Similar 6 (SKS6) is a one of a large gene family of 19 members in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh that encode multicopper oxidase-like proteins that are related to ferroxidases, ascorbate oxidases and laccases. Only one member of the family has been previously studied; Skewed5 (SKU5) is involved in the control of root growth. The encoded SKS6 protein, like SKU5 appears to lack a functional copper-binding site and is most closely related to Bp10 from Brassica napus and Ntp303 from Nicotiana tobacum. The SKS6 promoter contains many putative regulatory sites and differential expression of an SKS6::GUS reporter gene revealed selective induction in several seedling tissues including guard cells, root cortex cells, and leaf margin hydathodes. It was also expressed later in flower development in flower primordia, ovules, and the abscission zones of seeds and siliques. Furthermore, SKS6 was upregulated in roots in response to treatment of seedlings with the hormones abscisic acid, indole-3 acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate. A loss-of function sks6-1 T-DNA insertion allele revealed that cotyledon vascular patterning is affected in the mutant, suggesting a role for the protein in metabolism of nutrients or hormones in the hydathodes, the sites of auxin synthesis and chemical recycling.
Genetic variation at glucose and insulin trait loci and response to glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) therapy: the IMMEDIATE trial.

The mechanistic effects of intravenous glucose, insulin and potassium (GIK) in cardiac ischemia are not well understood. We conducted a genetic sub-study of the Immediate Myocardial Metabolic Enhancement During Initial Assessment and Treatment in Emergency care (IMMEDIATE) Trial to explore effects of common and rare glucose and insulin-related genetic loci on initial to 6-h and 6- to 12-h change in plasma glucose and potassium. We identified 27 NOTCH2/ADAM30 and 8 C2CD4B variants conferring a 40–57% increase in glucose during the first 6 h of infusion (P<5.96 × 10−6). Significant associations were also found for ABCB11 and SLC30A8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and glucose responses, and an SEC61A2 SNP with a potassium response to GIK. These studies identify genetic factors that may impact the metabolic response to GIK, which could influence treatment benefits in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
Unified Creep Plasticity Damage (UCPD) Model for Solder

A unified creep plasticity damage (UCPD) model for Sn-Pb and Pb-free solders was developed and implemented into finite element analysis codes. The new model will be described along with the relationship between the model’s damage evolution equation and an empirical Coffin-Manson relationship for solder fatigue. Next, two significant developments were needed to model crack initiation and growth in solder joints. First, an ability to accelerate the simulations such that the effects of hundreds or thousands of thermal cycles could be modeled in a reasonable amount of time was needed. This was accomplished by applying a user prescribed acceleration factor to the damage evolution; then, damage generated by an acceleration factor of cycles could be captured by the numerical simulation of a single thermal cycle. Second, an ability to capture the geometric effects of crack initiation and growth was needed. This was accomplished by replacing material in finite elements that had met the cracking failure criterion with very flexible elastic material. This diffuse crack modeling approach with local finite elements is known to generate mesh dependent solutions. However, introduction of an element size dependent term into the damage evolution equation was found to be effective in controlling mesh dependency. Finally, experimentally observed cracks in a typical solder joint subjected to thermal mechanical fatigue are compared with model predictions.© 2011 ASME
Magnetic retention of LO 2 in an accelerating environment

Abstract Recent advances in magnet technology suggest that magnetic positive positioning of liquids may become a viable technology for future spacecraft systems. Preliminary simulation results for a subscale tank are presented which illustrate that a magnet of sufficient strength can retain liquid oxygen ( LO 2 ) in an accelerating environment. Development of a new computational model for simulating equilibrium free surface shapes in the presence of a magnetic field is presented. Comparisons of equilibrium simulation predictions to known solutions for simple configurations support the conclusion that the computational model is suitable for continuing the investigation of magnetic propellant storage. Results obtained using the equilibrium simulation are presented to further demonstrate the feasibility of using magnetic retention to manage cryogenic propellants onboard spacecraft.
A mechanical surface adhesive using micromachined silicon structures

The authors have developed a velcro-like mechanical fastening system, capable of joining two surfaces together without chemical bonding, using silicon micromachining techniques. Using conventional processes, microscopic structures are fabricated that mechanically interlock with matching, identically processed substrates. The interlocking is accomplished by the elastic deflection of SiO2 flanges angled in such a way that the bond is permanent. Each structure is 18 mu m*18 mu m by 12 mu m high; there are approximately 200000 individual structures per cm2 of substrate, resulting in a strong bond. Preliminary measurements show the tensile strength of the bond to be in excess of 380 kPa (55 psi); the shear strength is similarly high. Applications for this 'mechanical adhesive' technology include medical uses (i.e. joining tissues), integrated circuit packaging, and interfacing of microdynamic machines to the macroscopic world.
Structural qualification and certification programs of the Texas Department of Transportation

All welding and fabrication procedures for steel structures within the state of Texas are in accordance with the ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code or the ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code. To meet the stringent requirements imposed by these codes on inspection personnel, a certification program was developed and implemented. This program provides for the required training, testing, qualification, and certification of the nondestructive testing personnel, and the training necessary to become a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). following is an overview of that program.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The solar abundance of thulium

Consideration of one relatively unblended line of the solar spectrum, namely, the 3131.258-A line of Tm II, which yields a thulium abundance of 0.80 plus or minus 0.10 with the Corliss and Bozman (1962) f-value. The uncertainty of this figure is discussed in conjunction with the contradictory findings of some other investigators. The need for further detailed study of the lanthanides by the method of spectrum synthesis is pointed out.
Solid-Gas Interface in Weathering Reactions

Most weathering reactions have been interpreted in terms of the solid-liquid interface. In dry climates or at low humidity, weathering might be initiated or controlled by a solid-gas reaction. The stability of gibbsite and some hydrous borates involves the activity of water vapor; and the stability of azurite depends on a ratio of the partial pressures of both water vapor and carbon dioxide. Much additional work is required on the rates of equilibrium dehydration to contribute to our knowledge of the solid-gas interface in weathering.
Control engineering for computing systems - industry experience and research challenges

Control theory has an important role to play in developing new computing systems, especially complicated software systems. Control problems that commonly occur in computing systems include regulating service levels, optimizing resources, and rejecting disturbances such as variable workloads. Developing control systems to address these problems involves a number of challenges. The article describes some of the challenges that arise in applying control theory to computing systems.
Partial bony entrapment of the median nerve in a greenstick fracture of the ulna

This case report describes both median nerve laceration and bony entrapment of the nerve in a healing greenstick fracture of the proximal ulna.
Use of Methyl Cellulose Gel as a Substitute for Agar in Tissue-Culture Overlays

IN the course of experiments designed to assay non-cytopathogenic animal viruses by Dulbecco's plaque-count method1 using fluorescent antibody2 to identify the plaques, a non-fluorescent substitute was required for the agar used in the overlay. Methyl cellulose has been used by Earle3 to increase the viscosity of tissue-culture fluids for suspended-cell cultures, and appears to be harmless to animal tissue. An investigation of its properties showed it to be capable of forming highly viscous aqueous solutions which would gel spontaneously on raising their temperature. The presence of salts at physiological concentrations lowers the temperature of gelation. Thus one can make a solution of methyl cellulose containing tissue nutrients which, after being added as a liquid at room temperature to the tissue, will set quite firmly soon after being placed in an incubator at 37° C. A further advantage is that this overlay can be removed entirely without disturbing the tissue; this is achieved by cooling the culture in a refrigerator for a short time, during which the gel liquefies, enabling it to be removed by pipetting.
Clinical microneedle injection of methyl nicotinate: stratum corneum penetration

Background/purpose: In recent years, microneedles were proposed as a method to painlessly deliver drugs past the stratum corneum. Microneedles have been fabricated in several designs, but limited studies have tested microneedle injections in humans. In this work, we compare microneedle injections with topical application (TA) to investigate if microneedles enhance in vivo drug delivery past the stratum corneum. Method: In vitro tests were used to measure microneedle pressures and injection volumes. In vivo microneedle injections were performed on the volar forearm of 11 healthy volunteers. Two sets of microneedles, pointed and symmetric, were used to develop microneedle/syringe apparatuses that were used to inject approximately 1 μL of 0.1 M methyl nicotinate, and were compared against TA. A Laser Doppler Perfusion Monitor was used to record maximum blood flow and the time to maximum blood flow at the treatment sites. Results: Pointed and symmetric microneedle-injected sites showed a significantly faster time to maximum blood flow than TA. The pointed microneedle injections also resulted in a higher maximum blood flux. Volunteers reported feeling pressure but no pain from the microneedles during the injections. Conclusion: The microneedles aid in bypassing the stratum corneum and enhance drug delivery through it. The design of the microneedle influences its delivery capabilities, because the pointed microneedles seem to be less susceptible to clogging during the injection.
One-step waferscale synthesis of 3-D ZnO nanosuperstructures by designed catalysts for substantial improvement of solar water oxidation efficiency

We investigated a rational mechanism for one-step waferscale synthesis of ZnO three dimensional (3-D) nanosuperstructures using designed catalysts via chemical vapor deposition. By precisely engineering the morphology and chemistry of the catalysts, we obtained 3-D nanosuperstructures from one dimensional (1-D) nanowire and two-dimensional (2-D) network catalysts (porous gold) in one-step. Tuning the material chemistry along the lengths of the nanowire catalysts yielded 3-D ZnO nanosuperstructures with distinct morphology on each segment. The growth mechanism and roles of chemistry of catalysts in growth of ZnO nanosuperstructures were studied. Compared with nanowire arrays synthesized from commonly used zero-dimensional (0-D) dot catalysts, 3-D nanosuperstructures significantly enhanced water oxidation efficiency by 150%. This work may inspire a new general paradigm for synthesis of 3-D semiconductor nanostructures as electrode materials for various energy related applications.
Linkages in tubulin-colchicine functions: the role of the ring C (C') oxygens and ring B in the controls.

Linkages between structural components of colchicine (COL) and its biphenyl analogues (allocolchicine, ALLO, and its analogues) in the binding to tubulin and its functional consequences were scrutinized. Three ring ALLO analogues with the carbomethoxyl in position 4‘ of ring C‘ replaced by a carbomethyl (KAC) and methoxy (MAC) groups were synthesized. The binding properties and consequences of binding (microtubule inhibition, abnormal polymerization, and induction of GTPase activity) were compared within the series of three ring and two ring compounds, as well as between pairs consisting of a two ring and a three ring compound with identical groups in position 4‘. Binding measurements showed that the binding of KAC to the COL binding site proceeded with similar chemical characteristics as that of its two ring analogue (TKB), but with the kinetic characteristics of ALLO. The binding constant of KAC was found to be 1.9 × 106 M-1 and that of MAC was 4.6 × 105 M-1. The binding strength of the three ring analo...
Management of anticoagulation-associated toxicity during large-volume leukapheresis of peripheral blood stem cell donors.

We write to direct attention to the management of anticoagulation-associated toxicity during large-volume leukapheresis (LVL), a potential source of donor morbidity as described in a recent comprehensive report comparing experiences during marrow and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation.[1][1
The Gibbs-Ewald Reciprocal Lattice

THE Gibbs-Ewald reciprocal lattice is now of such general use in the discussion of problems in crystal physics that it seems worth while to record a simple analytical expression for its definition.
Changes in temporal structure of heart rate variability during clinical stress testing

the use of the neutral networks is restricted to assigning IVA strains to reservoirs. All of the populations are treated as well mixed, so there is no network structure within any reservoir. That is, any agent in a given reservoir is equally likely to contact any other agent. The reservoirs are connected by weighted edges, where the weight of an edge determines how strongly the IVA strains can be passed between the different reservoirs. Each population is assigned characteristics such as birth and death rates, transmission rates, and seasonal effects. Within each population, we model every individual as an agent, where on the order of 10 agents are currently being simulated. Each agent retains a history of all previous IVA infections as well as the strains with which it is currently infected. Agents are added and removed from the populations. The trans-reservoir transmissions are done between specific agents. Two main types of evolutionary processes are incorporated in our model. The first is point mutations of the IVA strains' genotypes. Here we conceptualize each of the 8 genes to have a certain number of loci. This allows the strains to evolve over a particular reservoir's neutral network. If a strain evolves onto a network that can infect multiple reservoirs, we can have trans-reservoir infections. The second evolutionary process is the reassortment of 2 IVA strains within an agent. The genome of IVA is composed of 8 individual strands of RNA. If an agent is currently infected by more than a single strain, the RNA strands can be reassorted, allowing for the rise of novel strains. Results: We hope to demonstrate that using a multi-reservoir model can reproduce the effects of using neutral networks. In this way, the model will reproduce the phylodynamics of the IVA. We have also included the important features of multiple different species and strain reassortment for IVA evolution. Conclusions: We have examined an agent-based model of IVA evolution and epidemiology. The model includes multiple interacting reservoirs (eg, avian, swine and human) of agents. Each reservoir is assigned IVA strains by which it can be infected. One of the reservoirs acts as a bridge between other reservoirs. In this, transreservoir transmission is allowed. In addition, IVA can evolve within each reservoir through the processes of mutation and reassortment.
On the “Prenzie” Crux in Measure for Measure

In Measure for Measure, Lord Angelo, deputizing for the absent Duke of Vienna, has sentenced Claudio to death for the capital offence of fornication, despite the young man's claim that he was valid...
On the Stability of a Flexible Vehicle Controlled by a Human Pilot

SUMMARY This paper presents a stability analysis of a vehicle flexible in the plane of yawing and being controlled by a human pilot. The vehicle is represented by a two degrees-of-freedom model and the pilot is assumed to respond to the lateral displacement and to the lateral velocity with a time delay. It is shown that in order for the pilot model to exhibit a realistic human operator behavior, driver's gain must be linearly proportional to vehicle velocity and also inversely related to frontal visibility. Moreover, application of the Hurwitz criterion indicated that flexibility of the vehicle frame has a destabilising effect on the lateral stability and reduces the stable domain of operation.
Diallate inhibition of gibberellin biosynthesis in sorghum coleoptiles

Abstract Diallate [S-(2,3-dichloroallyl)diisopropylthiocarbamate] incorporated into sand significantly inhibited sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv Funks G 522DR) growth of 14-day-old seed lings. Inhibition was competitively reversed by exogenous giberellic acid (GA 3 ) (0.1 and 10 ppmw). Diallate inhibited gibberellin (GA) precursor biosynthesis in a cell-free enzyme preparation from unruptured, etiolated sorghum coleoptiles. Diallate (10 μ M ) inhibited kaurene oxidation 40% with a 2.7 × increase in kauren-ol and a 50% decrease in kaurenoic acid. The GA biosynthesis inhibition correlates with symptom phenology and field use application concentrations. Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate accumulated 5 × at 0.1 μ M diallate concentrations but concomitant kaurene concentration decreases did not occur. At 10 μ M diallate, kaurene synthetase was inhibited 33%.
Exploring stakeholder perceptions of facilitators and barriers to accessing methadone maintenance clinics in Yunnan Province, China

Injection drug use is an ongoing public health crisis in China and one of the largest contributors to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Though the government has rapidly scaled up methadone maintenance treatment clinics, they have not been extensively evaluated to analyze factors influencing rates of attendance. We explored the facilitators and barriers to accessing methadone maintenance clinics in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. Using in-depth qualitative interviews conducted from February 2008 to June 2008 with 35 informants - injection drug users (IDUs) and key stakeholders - we explored factors that determine whether drug users decide to present at methadone clinics. Interviews were digitally recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and translated. Content analysis was conducted to identify themes which included general attitudes toward methadone treatment, barriers and challenges to access, and suggestions for improvement. Within these, topics included responses to methadone, its side effects, and fear of discrimination, loss of privacy, and police interference. Respondents also listed numerous suggestions for improvement including raising awareness of harm reduction both among drug users and the community, providing additional support in the form of psychological counseling, job training and behavioral therapy, and increasing communication between police, government, and public health officials. High rates of HIV infection among IDUs in China have prompted public health responses including the scale up of methadone maintenance clinics. Our results may inform policy strategists in implementing social-structural changes to create enabling environments that facilitate an increase in access to methadone clinics among IDUs in Kunming.
Effectiveness of the Sixth Moment to Eliminate a Kurtosis Blind Spot in the Detection of Interference in a Radiometer

The kurtosis statistic is an effective detector of pulsed sinusoidal RFI in a microwave radiometer, but it fails to detect RFI when the pulsed sinusoid is present for exactly half of the integration period. That is, the kurtosis is blind at an RFI duty cycle of 50%. In this paper, we explore the possibilities of using a higher order statistic to eliminate this detection blind spot in the kurtosis statistic. The higher order statistic does have sensitivity at an RFI duty cycle of 50%, but sensitivity is relatively low.
EFFECT OF VISUAL DETAIL ON SCENE RECOGNITION : SOME UNEXPECTED SEX DIFFERENCES

30 adults received two learning trials on which they viewed computer images of urban scenes followed by a recognition test to assess the effect of visual detail on scene recognition. The scenes were shown in either high detail (photographic) or reduced detail. Analysis showed no main effect of detail on scene recognition; however, analysis of the interaction for sex x detail indicated that women recognized significantly more scenes in the photographic condition than in the two with reduced detail. Men showed no differences. The unexpected sex differences suggest the relevance of subjects' strategies during visual processing.
Minute pulmonary chemodectoma.

The minute chemodectomas of the lung belong to the paraganglioma group of neoplasms, which include carotid and aortic body tumors. They are frequently multiple, small in size, and are nearly always detected fortuitously on histologic examination of sections of a lung taken from an older patient. They are believed to arise from the normal chemoreceptors of the lung. There is no indication that these small neoplasms are functional. It has been proposed that pulmonary chemodectomas may be induced by pulmonary thromboemboli. This possibility gains some support from an analysis of 10 new cases and a review of 46 cases previously reported.
Simulations of Flow in Curved Tubes

ABSTRACT Flow patterns in curved tubes have important applications to fundamental problems in engineering (e.g., heat and mass transfer analyses) and practical problems in aerosol science and technology (e.g., instrumentation for aerosol generation and characterization). Quite different from flow in a straight tube, flow in a curved tube has secondary motion in the plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The new elements of the flow pattern will affect particle and gas transport mechanisms. Although the effects of the curvature of tubes on internal flow patterns have been realized for a long time, the problem is still studied due to the complexities introduced in specific applications. A major difficulty in describing the problem has been recognition of the importance of flow development at the entrance of a curved tube. Therefore, the formulation of transport mechanisms should portray developing conditions. In this work, flows in curved tubes were simulated numerically using FIDAP. The findings were ...
Neurosurgical Applications of Fibrin Glue: Augmentation of Dural Closure in 134 Patients

In a wide variety of neurosurgical procedures performed on 134 patients over a 3-year period, fibrin glue has been applied as an adjunct to dural closure. Overall success at preventing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was 90% (121 of 134, 90% effective). In patients considered to be at high risk for CSF leakage intraoperatively but without pre-established fistulae (Group 1), the success rate was higher (111 of 119, 93% effective). In patients with pre-established CSF fistulae (Group 2), the success rate was lower (10 of 15, 67% effective). As single donor sources of concentrated fibrinogen are now available with reduced risks of blood-borne disease transmission, fibrin glue may be a valuable clinical tool for the neurosurgeon.
GAL4 derivatives function alone and synergistically with mammalian activators in vitro

Summary We show that derivatives of the yeast transcriptional activator GAL4, synthesized in and purified from E. coli, stimulate transcription of a mammalian gene (the adenovirus E4 gene) in a HeLa cell nuclear extract. Stimulation depended upon GAL4 binding sites inserted in the template. When the GAL4 sites were placed immediately upstream of the E4 TATA box, GAL4 stimulated efficiently. When the GAL4 sites were further upstream from TATA, however, efficient stimulation by GAL4 required, in addition, a site for a mammalian transcriptional activator immediately upstream of TATA. Under these conditions, the GAL4 derivatives functioned synergistically with the proximally bound activator. Previous experiments have defined two "activating regions" in GAL4, and our current experiments define a third, whose function is observed in vitro but not in vivo.
Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia into the Pericardium: Verification of Diagnosis by Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a useful modality in the evaluation of mediastinal abnormalities and in the assessment of mediastinal masses for fat content. A case of posttraumatic herniation of the omentum and large bowel into the pericardial sac is presented. The mediastinal configuration, depicted on a CT scan, is thought to be diagnostic of this extremely rare abnormality.
SNP identification, verification, and utility for population genetics in a non-model genus

Background: By targeting SNPs contained in both coding and non-coding areas of the genome, we are able to identify genetic differences and characterize genome-wide patterns of variation among individuals, populations and species. We investigated the utility of 454 sequencing and MassARRAY genotyping for population genetics in natural populations of the teleost, Fundulus heteroclitus as well as closely related Fundulus species (F. grandis, F. majalis and F. similis). Results: We used 454 pyrosequencing and MassARRAY genotyping technology to identify and type 458 genome-wide SNPs and determine genetic differentiation within and between populations and species of Fundulus. Specifically, pyrosequencing identified 96 putative SNPs across coding and non-coding regions of the F. heteroclitus genome: 88.8% were verified as true SNPs with MassARRAY. Additionally, putative SNPs identified in F. heteroclitus EST sequences were verified in most (86.5%) F. heteroclitus individuals; fewer were genotyped in F. grandis (74.4%), F. majalis (72.9%), and F. similis (60.7%) individuals. SNPs were polymorphic and showed latitudinal clinal variation separating northern and southern populations and established isolation by distance in F. heteroclitus populations. In F. grandis, SNPs were less polymorphic but still established isolation by distance. Markers differentiated species and populations. Conclusions: In total, these approaches were used to quickly determine differences within the Fundulus genome and provide markers for population genetic studies.
The effect of plant growth substances on the development of tension wood in horizontally inclined stems ofAcer rubrum seedlings

In horizontally placedAcer rubrum seedlings the development of tension wood is inhibited by auxin especially when applied along the upper side of the axis. Treatment separately with GA and K does not alter the normal pattern of tension wood formation. The development of tension wood appears to be correlated with a reduced auxin level on the upper side of the stem. Geotropic reorientation of the woody stem ofAcer rubrum seedlings that are placed in the horizontal position is related closely to the amount of tension wood that is formed on the upper side of the axis. Evidence is discussed which indicates that tension wood itself participates actively in the reorientation mechanism.
Compact perturbations of m-accretive operators in banach spaces

This paper continues a discussion that arose twenty years ago, concerning the perturbation of an m-accretive operator by a compact mapping in Banach spaces. Indeed, if A is m-accretive and g is compact, then the boundary condition tx ∉ A(x)g(x) for x ∈ ∂G n D(A) and t < 0 implies that 0 is in the closure of the range of A + g. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this result is the proof itself, which does not appeal to the classical degree theory argument used for this type of problem.
Complete recovery from hemiplegia following excision of a giant basal ganglia arteriovenous malformation

A young female harbored a large arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the basal ganglia associated with marked arteriovenous shunting. The complete recovery of her neurological deficit subsequent to excision of the AVM illustrates the reversibility of such severe cerebral impairment. Large lesions in the basal ganglia often have been deemed inoperable. However, modern advances in microsurgical techniques have provided the necessary illumination, magnification, and instrumentation that was needed for the exposure and gentle resection of the lesion in our patient.
Jet decay rate effects on hover jet-induced loads

The paper explains the mechanisms for observed jet decay rate effects on jet-induced loads on a flat plate for cross-flow and hover configurations. Examples are presented for the influence of the decay rate on integrated loads on a flat plate induced by the jet issuing at a right angle from the plate into still air; knowledge of these jet-induced loadings is of particular importance for VTOL aircraft design because they produce an effective loss in the lift force available in hover. The apparent inconsistency between existing lift loss vs jet decay rate trends is explained in light of the different mechanism which determine the jet mixing and trajectory, i.e., entrainment, blockage, and the vortex pair associated with a jet in crossflow.
Robust parameter identification with adaptive sparse grid-based optimization for nonlinear systems biology models

A major limiting step in the creation of systems biology models is the determination of appropriate parameter values that fit available experimental data. Parameter identification is hindered by the experimental difficulties in examining biological systems and the growing size and complexity of nonlinear models. In addition, the majority of systems biology models are ‘sloppy,’ allowing many parameter sets to fit the data. Typically, these sets are only distinguished by their quantitative fit, with the goal to minimize the least square error between simulation and data. Instead of this single-minded focus on error, parameter sets can also be distinguished by the model's relative robustness to parameter changes with that set. Robustness of a model in general has been explored, but choosing model parameters based on relative robustness is fairly new. This choice is reasonable both from the biological perspective, in that a system would be more resistant to mutations with robust parameters, and from the modeling prospective, in that robust parameters could allow easier re-fitting of the model to new data. A sparse grid-based parameter identification method has been recently developed for nonlinear models with large uncertain parameter spaces. Sparse grid parameter identification has the added benefit of storing information about the entire global parameter space, unlike commonly used stochastic methods and most deterministic algorithms. This information can be exploited for a robustness analysis that requires no additional model simulations or manipulation of the model equations. Herein, sparse grid-based identification is extended to include a novel parameter robustness analysis method that can be applied to any type of quantitative model.
Scaling, Power and the Future of CMOS

In the mid 1980's the power growth that accompanied scaling forced the industry to focus on CMOS technology, and leave nMOS and bipolars for niche applications. Now 20 years later, CMOS technology is facing power issues of its own. After first reviewing the "cause" of the problem, it will become clear that there are not easy solutions this time - no new technology or simple system/circuit change will rescue us. Power, and not number of devices is now the primary limiter of chip performance, and the need to create power efficient designs is changing how we do design. This talk will review power optimized design methods and shows how power is strongly tied to performance and that variability aversely effects power efficiency. Projecting forward, it shows that unless die size shrinks, in future technologies most of the devices will need to be idle most of the time which has strong ramifications for the both the underlying device and system design.
Spatial variability in the speciation and bioaccumulation of mercury in an arid subtropical reservoir ecosystem.

Patterns of spatial variation of mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) were examined in sediments and muscle tissue of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from Amistad International Reservoir, a large and hydrologically complex subtropical water body in the Rio Grande drainage. The distributions of both Hg and MeHg were compared with environmental and biological factors known to influence production of MeHg. The highest concentrations of total Hg (THg) in sediment were found in the Rio Grande arm of the reservoir, whereas MeHg was highest at sites in the Devils River arm and inundated Pecos River (often more than 3.0 ng/g). Conditions in the sediments of the Devils River arm and Pecos River channel were likely more favorable to the production of MeHg, with higher sediment porewater dissolved organic carbon, and porewater sulfate levels in the optimal range for methylation. Although the detection of different groups of sulfate-reducing bacteria by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was generally correlated with MeHg concentrations, bacterial counts via fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) did not correlate with MeHg. A sample of 156 largemouth bass ( 35 cm), 77% exceeded the 0.3 mg/kg U.S. Environmental Protection Agency screening value. This study shows that significant variation in sediment MeHg and biotic Hg concentration can exist within lakes and reservoirs and that it can correspond to variation in environmental conditions and Hg methylation.