cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of adjuvant FOLFOX versus 5FU for colon cancer treatment in community oncology practice using a hybrid study approach.

7067Background: Treatment effects may differ between trials and community settings, in part due to underrepresentation of certain patient subgroups in trials. We used a hybrid approach combining cl...
Study on the Application of Information Technologies on Suitability Evaluation Analysis in Agriculture

It is expounded the suitability evaluation research in agriculture in three aspects: land suitability, climatic suitability and crop ecological suitability in this paper. The suitability evaluation methods in agriculture are summarized systematically, which including of traditional mathematic model methods (fuzzy comprehensive assessment analysis, AHP etc.) and modern information technologies (GIS, RS and ES etc.). The future development trends of suitability evaluation in agriculture is pointed out that GIS etc. other information technologies and systems can be used and developed for impact assessments of agricultural practices and for studying the effects of land, climate and ecology etc. change.
Quality-control mechanisms targeting translationally stalled and C-terminally extended poly(GR) associated with ALS/FTD.

Maintaining the fidelity of nascent peptide chain (NP) synthesis is essential for proteome integrity and cellular health. Ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) serves to resolve stalled translation, during which untemplated Ala/Thr residues are added C terminally to stalled peptide, as shown during C-terminal Ala and Thr addition (CAT-tailing) in yeast. The mechanism and biological effects of CAT-tailing–like activity in metazoans remain unclear. Here we show that CAT–tailing-like modification of poly(GR), a dipeptide repeat derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD)-associated GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in C9ORF72, contributes to disease. We find that poly(GR) can act as a mitochondria-targeting signal, causing some poly(GR) to be cotranslationally imported into mitochondria. However, poly(GR) translation on mitochondrial surface is frequently stalled, triggering RQC and CAT-tailing–like C-terminal extension (CTE). CTE promotes poly(GR) stabilization, aggregation, and toxicity. Our genetic studies in Drosophila uncovered an important role of the mitochondrial protease YME1L in clearing poly(GR), revealing mitochondria as major sites of poly(GR) metabolism. Moreover, the mitochondria-associated noncanonical Notch signaling pathway impinges on the RQC machinery to restrain poly(GR) accumulation, at least in part through the AKT/VCP axis. The conserved actions of YME1L and noncanonical Notch signaling in animal models and patient cells support their fundamental involvement in ALS/FTD.
A Monolithic CMOS Realization of the Double-Quadrature Image-Reject Weaver Receiver

This work presents a fully-integrated double-quadrature Weaver receiver for monitoring the NIST time and frequency reference radio station WWV across multiple channels in the 2.5–20 MHz range. The design takes advantage of the Weaver architecture's elimination of image rejection filters. The receiver uses a broadband low-noise amplifier (LNA) with an input-referred noise power spectral density (PSD) of 40 dB, noise figure (NF) < 2.9 dB, and maximum image rejection ratio (IRR) of 29 dB without calibration.
Review helpfulness evaluation and recommendation based on an attention model of customer expectation

With the fast growth of e-commerce, more people choose to purchase products online and browse reviews before making decisions. It is essential to identify helpful reviews, given the typical large number of reviews and the various range of quality. In this paper, we aim to build a model to predict review helpfulness automatically. Our work is inspired by the observation that a customer’s expectation of a review can be greatly affected by review sentiment and the degree to which the customer is aware of pertinent product information. Consequently, a customer may pay more attention to that specific content of a review which contributes more to its helpfulness from their perspective. To model such customer expectations and capture important information from a review text, we propose a novel neural network which leverages review sentiment and product information. Specifically, we encode the sentiment of a review through an attention module, to get sentiment-driven information from review text. We also introduce a product attention layer that fuses information from both the target product and related products, in order to capture the product related information from review text. Our experimental results for the task of identifying whether a review is helpful or not show an AUC improvement of 5.4% and 1.5% over the previous state of the art model on Amazon and Yelp data sets, respectively. We further validate the effectiveness of each attention layer of our model in two application scenarios. The results demonstrate that both attention layers contribute to the model performance, and the combination of them has a synergistic effect. We also evaluate our model performance as a recommender system using three commonly used metrics: NDCG@10, Precision@10 and Recall@10. Our model outperforms PRH-Net, a state-of-the-art model, on all three of these metrics.
A Brief Overview of Supraventricular Tachycardias

Supraventricular tachycardias are a group of arrhythmias that include atrio-ventricular nodal tachycardias (AVNRT), atrial tachycardia, atrio-ventricular reentry tachycardias (AVRT) including Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. The approach to SVT must be systematic, evidence based an within the context of the patients clinical presentation. A thoughtful balance between risks and benefits is required in all patients. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a basic overview of the mechanisms, management and practical considerations in the electrophysiology laboratory.
Lead (Pb2+)-induced calcium oxalate crystallization ex vivo is ameliorated via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) knockdown in a Drosophila melanogaster model of nephrolithiasis.

Abstract Nephrolithiasis causes severe pain and is a highly recurrent pathophysiological state. Calcium-containing stones, specifically calcium oxalate (CaOx), is the most common type accounting for approximately 75 % of stone composition. Genetic predisposition, gender, geographic region, diet, and low fluid intake all contribute to disease pathogenesis. However, exposure to environmental pollutants as a contribution to kidney stone formation remains insufficiently studied. Lead (Pb2+) is of particular interest as epidemiological data indicate that low-level exposure (BLL = 0.48–3.85 μM) confers a 35 % increased risk of developing CaOx nephrolithiasis. However, mechanisms underlying this association have yet to be elucidated. Drosophila melanogaster provide a useful genetic model where major molecular pathophysiological pathways can be efficiently studied. Malpighian tubules (MT) were isolated from either Wild-Type or InsP3R knockdown flies and treated with oxalate (5 mM) ± Pb2+ (2μM) for 1 h. Following exposure, MTs were imaged and crystals quantified. CaOx crystal number and total area were significantly increased (˜5-fold) in Pb2+(pre-treatment) + oxalate-exposed MTs when compared to oxalate alone controls. However, CaOx crystal number and total crystal area in Pb2+ + oxalate-exposed InsP3R knockdown MTs were significantly decreased (˜3-fold) indicating the role for principal cell-specific InsP3R-mediated Ca2+ mobilization as a mechanism for Pb2+-induced increases in CaOx crystallization inset model of nephrolithiasis.
Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell dyscrasia that remains fatal. Despite efforts over the past 3 to 4 decades, the median survival of patients with MM does not exceed 3 to 4 years. Although patients receiving combination chemotherapy have higher response rates compared with those receiving oral melphalan and prednisolone, they have no survival advantage. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation has documented benefit over conventional treatment and is currently the accepted mode of treatment for symptomatic MM. Allogeneic transplantation is associated with high complete remission rates, but at the cost of high therapy-related mortality. Maintenance treatment with interferon-a shows benefit, albeit in a small fraction of MM patients. The use of bisphosphonates in patients with MM has clearly demonstrated benefit and reduced morbidity associated with bone disease. All of these measures have improved remission rates and survival, but all patients with MM ultimately relapse and succumb to their disease. Novel therapeutic strategies are therefore required to improve outcome of MM patients. The responses noted to thalidomide in MM are encouraging. Immune-based strategies, including both adoptive immunotherapy and vaccinations, are currently being investigated in the preclinical and clinical setting, with the goal of enhancing autologous and allogeneic anti-MM immunity for therapeutic applications.
The History of the Anesthetist as a Perioperative Physician

This essay provides exemplars contributing to the evolution of anesthesia from empiricism and technical skill to a present focus on evidence based medicine.
Real-time inverse kinematics of the human arm

A simple inverse kinematics procedure is proposed for a seven degree of freedom model of the human arm. Two schemes are used to provide an additional constraint leading to closed-form analytical equations with an upper bound of two or four solutions, Multiple solutions can be evaluated on the basis of their proximity from the rest angles or the previous configuration of the arm. Empirical results demonstrate that the procedure is well suited for real-time applications.
Online Games, Cooperation and Competition in

This entry gives an overview of the theorization of cooperation and competition in social interactions and applies it to online games, including browser based online casual games, massively multiplayer online games, and networked multiplayer gaming. Empirical evidence of the effects of cooperation and competition, and their interactions with other variables, in online games are summarized. Directions of future research on cooperation and competition in online games are discussed. Keywords: aggression; teams; video games; virtual communities
The design of PIRS, a peer-to-peer information retrieval system

We describe the design of PIRS, a peer-to-peer information retrieval system. Unlike some other proposed approaches, PIRS does not require the centralization of data onto specially designated peers. It is therefore applicable to a larger environment. We explain our design decisions, analyzing its benefits and potential shortcomings. We then show that PIRS significantly improves over search performance found in todays P2P file sharing systems.
Concerns generated by islanding [electric power generation]

The purpose of this article is to discuss islanding operation and to provide end-users with items to consider when determining distributed generation plant and equipment design requirements. Islanding is operating an electric generating plant without an external voltage and frequency reference. Operating in parallel is the opposite of islanding. This article attempts to describe the valid concerns that grid operators have regarding distributed generators. Grid computing could offer an inexpensive and efficient means for participant to compete in providing reliable, cheap and sustainable electrical energy supply. With a keen awareness of the issues involved and open communication among the grid operators, generator control system manufacturers, clients and design firms, distributed generators can be operated in islanded mode without negatively impacting the grid and can continue to support facility operations.
Multispecies approach to reconstructing eastern equatorial Pacific thermocline hydrography during the past 360 kyr

[1] Stable isotope data from eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) core TR163-19 (2°15′N, 90°57′W, 2348 m) are presented for the surface-dwelling foraminifers Globigerinoides ruber and G. sacculifer and thermocline-dwelling Globorotalia menardii and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei. Using species-specific normalization factors derived from experimental and plankton tow data, we reconstruct a 360 kyr record of water column hydrography across the past three glacial cycles. We demonstrate that G. ruber maintains a mixed layer habitat throughout the entire record, while G. sacculifer records a mixture of thermocline and mixed layer conditions and G. menardii and N. dutertrei record thermocline properties. We conclude that G. sacculifer is not appropriate for paleoceanographic applications in regions with steep vertical hydrographic gradients. Results suggest that this region of the EEP had a thicker mixed layer and deeper δ13CDIC boundary between the surface and equatorial undercurrent during the last two glacial periods. A shift in N. dutertrei and G. sacculifer geochemistry prior to ∼185 kyr suggests water column structure and chemocline gradients changed, possibly due to a shift in the position of the undercurrent relative to this site. The timing and magnitude of glacial-interglacial δ13C variations between species indicates that near-surface carbon chemistry is controlled by changes in productivity, atmospheric circulation, and advected intermediate water sources north of the Antarctic polar front. These results demonstrate that when properly calibrated for species differences, multispecies geochemical data sets can be invaluable for reconstructing water column structure and properties in the past.
A theory of the MJO horizontal scale

Here we ask, what controls the horizontal scale of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, i.e., what controls its zonal wave number k? We present a new one-dimensional (1D) β-plane model that successfully simulates the MJO with the same governing mechanism as the 2D shallow water model of Yang and Ingersoll (2013). Convection is parameterized as a short-duration localized mass source that is triggered when the layer thickness falls below a critical value. Radiation is parameterized as a steady uniform mass sink. Both models tend toward a statistically steady state—a state of radiative-convective equilibrium, not just on a global scale but also on the scale of each MJO event. This gives k ~ (S_(c)/c)^(1/2), where S_c is the spatial-temporal frequency of convection events and c is the Kelvin wave speed. We offer this scaling as a prediction of how the MJO would respond to climate change.
The relative importance of relative nonlinearity and the storage effect in the lottery model

Although it is likely that many coexistence mechanisms contribute to maintenance of species diversity, most approaches to understanding species coexistence proceed as if only one mechanism would be present. In studies of species coexistence in a temporally fluctuating environment, the storage effect, believed to be the most important coexistence mechanism, has been the focus. Although a different coexistence mechanism--relative nonlinearity--is also predicted to arise frequently with environmental variation, its effect has been overshadowed by the storage effect. The relatively nonlinear growth rates on which the mechanism depends arise simply from differences in life history traits. Many kinds of temporal variation can then interact with these nonlinearity differences to create the relative nonlinearity coexistence mechanism. Much is unknown about when this mechanism is important and its total neglect is not justified. Here, we use the lottery model to provide a much needed quantitative assessment of the relative and combined effects of relative nonlinearity and the storage effect. Our analysis takes advantage of recently developed techniques for quantifying coexistence mechanisms when multiple mechanisms operate in concert. We find that relative nonlinearity is able to contribute substantially to species coexistence in the lottery model when two conditions are satisfied: (1) species must differ greatly in their adult death rates, (2) sensitivity of recruitment to environmental variation must be greater for species with larger adult death rates. In addition, relative nonlinearity has a critical role in compensating for a weakened storage effect when there is high correlation between species in their responses to the varying environment. In some circumstances relative nonlinearity is stronger than the storage effect or is even the sole mechanism of coexistence.
Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation in Higher Education.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation projects are unique to each institution and yet are expensive, time consuming, and result in change across the institution. Five Midwest public and private 4-year higher education institutions were studied to determine the impact of five specific key factors on the overall success of the ERP implementation project. These factors were, (1) the definition and communication of goals, reasons, and expectations, (2) stakeholders perceptions of values and benefits, (3) investment of the financial and human resources, (4) steps taken to prepare and protect against potential drawbacks, pitfalls, and shortcomings, and (5) measures taken to prepare stakeholders for changes in work functionality. The data indicated each of the ERP implementation projects were highly successful. The definition and communication of goals, visions, and expectations to the campus community was important, even at the level to ensure the success of the project. Value and benefits were achieved with conducting and implementing the outcomes of the business process analysis/reengineering activities, but did not ensure the success of the projects. The investment in financial and human resources was important to the success of the ERP implementation project. Preparing the campus for the potential drawbacks, pitfalls, and shortcomings was also important, and at a level that ensured the success of an ERP implementation project. Preparing for the many changes associated with an ERP implementation project is important and is a key factor to the success of the project.
A node expansion method for current-mode synthesis

A node expansion method for current-mode synthesis is presented. This method introduces an active element in a network to control the entries of the nodal admittance matrix without changing the dimensions of the matrix. It lends itself readily to the design of continuous-time signal processing circuits including filters. It is also an effective tool for comparing active circuits. >
Foundations of Mathematics

This article discusses what can be proved about the foundations of mathematics using the notions of algorithm and information. The first part is retrospective, and presents a beautiful antique, Godel's proof, the first modern incompleteness theorem, Turing's halting problem, and a piece of postmodern metamathematics, the halting probability Omega. The second part looks forward to the new century and discusses the convergence of theoretical physics and theoretical computer science and hopes for a theoretical biology, in which the notions of algorithm and information are again crucial.
Reduced rhodopsin phosphorylation during retinal dystrophy

Abstract During inherited retinal dystrophy in Irish Setter dogs, decreased activity of cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) results in high cGMP levels and retinal degeneration (1–3). This defect could be in PDE itself, or in its interactions with other proteins of the rod outer segment. We report herein that when retinas from 8-week-old dogs were phosphorylated with γ-32P-ATP, and separated on SDS-PAGE, phosphorylation of rd dog rhodopsin was reduced. When rd retinas were mixed with normal dog retinas, phosphorylation of the latter was inhibited. Since rd -mediated inhibition was prevented by 1 mM NaF, the results suggest that the cause of reduced rd phosphorylation is increased phosphatase activity. Together, these results demonstrate that decreased phosphorylation of rhodopsin due to increased phosphatase activity is a fundamental biochemical change which may partially account for the degenerative process and loss of visual acuity during inherited retinal dystrophy.
The gold standard for interpretation of slow wave frequency in in vitro and in vivo recordings by extracellular electrodes

The slow wave in gastric and intestinal smooth muscle is a periodic depolarization that sets up electrical conditions for smooth muscle cells to contract in response to the release of acetylcholine from the myenteric excitatory motor neurons. Accordingly, the smooth muscle cells contract only once during a slow wave. Therefore, the maximum frequency of contractions at a given location in the gastrointestinal tract cannot exceed the frequency of slow wave at that location. Alvarez and colleagues (Alvarez & Mahoney, 1922; Berkson et al. 1932), using extracellular electrodes, were the first to identify the slow wave in the canine stomach and small intestine and noted a one-to-one relationship between slow wave and contraction when the muscles were active. Since then, many investigators have validated the recording of slow wave s by extracellular electrodes and their relationship to the maximum contraction frequency in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and experimental animals. Starting in the sixties, intracellular recordings from smooth muscle cells confirmed slow waves in these cells (Daniel, 1966; el-Sharkawy et al. 1978). Since then the recording of slow waves by extracellular and intracellular electrodes has served as an important tool to understand gut motility function in health and disease.
Analysis Of Lung Scans Using Fractals

Measurement of the average power spectra of perfusion lung scans shows that the distribution of macroaggregated albumin in the walls of the lung lobules behaves as a fractal object. Measures related to the power spectral slope for all views in a study, mean slope and slope standard deviation, have a high correlation with the visual interpretation of the radiologist. Application of appropriate fractal models reveals that the surface dimension of normal lung parenchyma range between 2.7 and 3.0.
Appearance frequency modulated gene set enrichment testing

Background Gene set enrichment testing has helped bridge the gap from an individual gene to a systems biology interpretation of microarray data. Although gene sets are defined a priori based on biological knowledge, current methods for gene set enrichment testing treat all genes equal. It is well-known that some genes, such as those responsible for housekeeping functions, appear in many pathways, whereas other genes are more specialized and play a unique role in a single pathway. Drawing inspiration from the field of information retrieval, we have developed and present here an approach to incorporate gene appearance frequency (in KEGG pathways) into two current methods, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and logistic regression-based LRpath framework, to generate more reproducible and biologically meaningful results.
Biochemical characterization of a neuroserpin variant associated with hereditary dementia

Neuroserpin isolated from inclusion bodies in the brain of a patient with a neurodegenerative disease was characterized biochemically. The protein consisted of residues 20 to 410 of the neuroserpin precursor deduced from its cDNA sequence indicating the entire molecule was deposited. A minor amount started with residue 19 of the precursor, and the carboxyl terminus was heterogeneous ending at residues 405, 407, 409, and 410. Arg was present at position 52. No normal Ser52 was found indicating that only mutant neuroserpin was present in the inclusion bodies. The three potential Asn glycosylation sites all contained carbohydrate. DNA sequence analysis of exons 2 to 9 of the neuroserpin gene in the proband showed the published normal neuroserpin sequence except for the presence of both adenine and cytosine at the first position of codon 52, that indicates heterozygosity for both the normal Ser(AGT) and variant Arg(CGT) at this position in the expressed protein. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of a polymerase chain reaction product from exon 2 revealed the propositus and his affected sibling both were heterozygous for the mutation whereas 100 unaffected controls were negative. Chemical characterization of the variant neuroserpin will significantly enhance the understanding of this protein in both normal physiology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Staging: A sampling technique for the Monte Carlo evaluation of path integrals

We introduce a new sampling technique, called staging, which is likely to have applicability in the Monte Carlo evaluation of path integrals. In order to circumvent the problem of high attrition rates in the isomorphic classical system, allowed configurations are constructed with the use of a staging technique (algorithm). To illustrate the utility of this approach, the method is applied to a single quantum particle in a rigid bcc hard-sphere lattice and in a disordered system of fixed hard spheres.
Dust-mediated loading of trace and major elements to Wasatch Mountain snowpack

Depth-integrated snow columns were collected at 12 sites across the central Wasatch Mountains, Utah, during March and April 2010 to determine concentrations of trace elements, major anions and cations, and pH. Sample collection was conducted at or near maximum snow accumulation prior to the onset of melt, and included spring dust events driven by southerly pre-frontal winds. Snow samples were melted in the laboratory and subsampled for analyses on filtered (0.45 μm) and unfiltered fractions. All measured elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V, and Zn) and major anions (Cl, NO(3), and SO(4)) displayed significant increases in concentration (for example, factor of 2 to 5 increases for As, Cr, Hg, and Pb) between the six sites sampled in March (prior to dust events) and the six sites sampled in April (after dust events). Acid neutralizing capacity and pH were also elevated in April relative to March snowpack. Comparison of elemental concentration in the particulate (>0.45 μm; difference between unfiltered and filtered concentration) and soluble ( 0.45 μm. The results suggest that the majority of trace element loading to the Wasatch snowpack occurs via dust deposition. The major elements were primarily loaded in the <0.45 μm fraction, suggesting deposition of soluble dust particles. The overall findings of this paper are similar to other studies regarding the role of dust on nutrient and trace element accumulation in soils and lake sediments, but to our knowledge this is the first study that compares trace element chemistry of seasonal snowpack before and after dust deposition events.
Triterpenes from Douglas fir sapwood

Abstract The saponified ether-soluble extractives of Douglas fir sapwood contained (24R)- 4α,14α,24-trimethyl-9β,19-cyclo-5α-cholestan-3β-ol(24R-cyclocucalanol),a new natural product; 4α,14α-dimethyl-9β,19-cyclo-24-methylene-5α-cholestan-3β- ol (cycloeucalenol); and (24R)-4α,24-dimethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol (24R- methyllophenol); this is the first time they have been reported from Douglas fir.
The Calibration and Use of Direct Reading Isotonicity Meters

A thermistor thermometer for determining freezing-point depressions is described in principle. Methods for establishing scales for the direct reading of freezing-point depressions and the corresponding isotonicity values in per cent NaCl are discussed in detail. It is shown that a linear isotonicity scale defined in terms of per cent NaCl is practicable. The instrument is easily calibrated by taking advantage of two fixed temperatures, one established by the ice point and the other by a three-phase equilibrium made by partially freezing one selected saturated solution. Several saturated solutions suitable for this purpose have been studied and their freezing points and corresponding isotonicity scale values are reported.
Challenges to understanding spatial patterns of disease: Philosophical alternatives to logical positivism

Most studies of disease distribution, in medical geography and other related disciplines, have been empirical in nature and rooted in the assumptions of logical positivism. However, some of the more newly articulated philosophies of the social sciences, and of social theory, have much to add in the understanding of the processes and mechanisms underlying disease distribution. This paper represents a plea for creative synthesis between logical positivism and realism or structuration, and uses specific examples to suggest how disease distribution, as a surface phenomenon, can be explained using deeper analysis.
Comment: mitochondrial genes and cancer.

Abstract As a result of an experimental confluence between carcinogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation, we published in 1971 ‘A Unitary Hypothesis for Carcinogenesis’ [(1971) J. Antibiot. Tokyo 24, 405-417]. According to this hypothesis, damaged mitochondria release mitochondrial genetic material which like that from an oncogenic virus could enter the nuclear genome. Our original hypothesis and its justification cover the hypothesis recently presented by Dr C. Richter [(1988) FEBS Lett. 241, 1-5]. Mitochondrial DNA; Carcinogenesis
Two-dimensional mechanically resonating fiber optic scanning display system

A microdisplay system based on an optical fiber driven by a 2-D piezoelectric actuator is presented. An optical fiber is extended from the free end of a 2-D piezoelectric actuator free length 4.3 mm. A field programmable gate array FPGA drives the actuator using a triangular waveform to deflect the optical fiber in orthogonal directions. The FPGA also controls a LED light source, and the light is coupled into a chemi- cally tapered single-mode fiber SMF-28, core diameter 10 m .A t a preset pairing of near-resonance frequencies horizontal 22 Hz, vertical 5070 Hz, the deflected optical fiber in combination with controlled light produces an output image with an approximate dimension of 0.1 0.1 mm 2 , and a potential resolution of 400 lines per scan. This work details the design and fabrication of the microdisplay system. The me- chanical and optical design for the microresonating scanner is dis- cussed. In addition, the mechanical and optical performance and the resulting output of the 2-D scanner is presented. © 2010 Society of Photo-
Evolution of bulk damage initiation in DKDP

We investigate the evolution of laser-induced damage initiated in the bulk of DKDP crystals using in-situ microscopy. Experimental results indicate that at peek fluences greater than 10 J/cm2, damage sites are formed with increasing number as a function of the laser fluence. Following plasma formation, cracks are observed which grow in size for tens of seconds after the termination of the laser pulse. Subsequent irradiation leads to modest increase in size only during the initial 2-5 pulses. Experimental results suggest that there is also relaxation of the stresses adjacent to a damage site for several hours after initial damage.
Intergranular cracking in WC-6% Co: An application of the von mises criterion

Abstract Intergranular cracks between WC grains in the plastic zones of indentations in WC-6% Co have been analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. The primary slip systems in the carbide are of the type {1100} 〈1123〉. Such a combination can generate only four independent strains, one less than the five required for compatible plastic flow in a polycrystalline aggregate. In particular, WC is incompressible along [0001]. A model is proposed to predict the likelihood of the failure of a grain boundary, given both its crystallographic orientation and those of the two adjoining grains. The experimental evidence on both cracked and uncracked grain boundaries bears out the theoretical predictions, i.e. that cracking is a consequence of large normal stresses acting on a boundary and arising from the incompatible deformation of neighboring grains.
Noise-induced transitions for random versions of Verhulst model

Abstract According to the Verhulst model the rate of increase/decrease of a biological population with size x(t) at time t is equal to the sum of ρ x ( t ) and − x ( t ) 2 , where ρ ∈ R is a constant. The constant ρ is positive and negative for favorable and hostile environments, respectively. The limitation of resources is quantified by the term − x ( t ) 2 . We examine random versions of the Verhulst model obtained by replacing ρ with ( ρ + white noise ) . Gaussian (GWN) and Poisson (PWN) white noise processes are considered. The state X(t) of the random Verhulst model satisfies stochastic differential equations driven by Gaussian and Poisson white noises. Our objective is to identify noise-induced transitions, that is, noise levels at which the stationary density of X(t) exhibits qualitative changes. It is shown that noise levels causing transitions under Poisson white noise approach those under Gaussian white noise as the frequency of Poisson jumps increases indefinitely while their size approaches zero.
Understanding the SAM influence on the South Pacific ENSO teleconnection

The relationship between the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode (SAM) is examined, with the goal of understanding how various strong SAM events modulate the ENSO teleconnection to the South Pacific (45°–70°S, 150°–70°W). The focus is on multi-month, multi-event variations during the last 50 years. A significant (p < 0.10) relationship is observed, most marked during the austral summer and in the 1970s and 1990s. In most cases, the significant relationship is brought about by La Nina (El Nino) events occurring with positive (negative) phases of the SAM more often than expected by chance. The South Pacific teleconnection magnitude is found to be strongly dependent on the SAM phase. Only when ENSO events occur with a weak SAM or when a La Nina (El Nino) occurs with a positive (negative) SAM phase are significant South Pacific teleconnections found. This modulation in the South Pacific ENSO teleconnection is directly tied to the interaction of the anomalous ENSO and SAM transient eddy momentum fluxes. During La Nina/SAM+ and El Nino/SAM− combinations, the anomalous transient momentum fluxes in the Pacific act to reinforce the circulation anomalies in the midlatitudes, altering the circulation in such a way to maintain the ENSO teleconnections. In La Nina/SAM− and El Nino/SAM+ cases, the anomalous transient eddies oppose each other in the midlatitudes, overall acting to reduce the magnitude of the high latitude ENSO teleconnection.
A modified stress distribution for a subsonic moving dislocation

In earlier moving edge dislocation theory the stresses across a slip plane are not continuous. A modification is proposed which corrects for this defect using smeared out dislocation theory at subsonic speed. Near the Rayleigh velocity, the smeared out subsonic dislocation theory is no longer applicable. The proposed modification may be extended for use in theory on earthquake faults.
Correlation between the leading-particle distributions in πp and pp collisions

Abstract The flatness of the leading-particle distributions in πp and pp collisions at large c.m. longitudinal momenta is explained in terms of single-excitation processes. Their heights are related to their total cross sections and a certain universality relation is shown to exist between the πp and pp processes. The relation is in agreement with the available experimental data.
Discrimination and goodness of fit of multiresponse mechanistic models

Criteria are derived for objective choice among rival models of multiresponse processes. Formulas are given for the relative posterior probabilities of candidate models and for their goodness of fit as tested on a common data set with Normally distributed errors. The formulas are demonstrated with examples from chemical kinetics and catalysis.
Simply presented tag modules

A tag module is a generalization, in any abelian category, of a torsion abelian group. The theory of such modules is developed, it is shown that countably generated tag modules are simply presented, and that Ulm's theorem holds for simply presented tag modules. Zippin's theorem is stated and proved for countably generated tag modules.
Acid–base properties of dissolved organic matter from pristine and oil-impacted marshes of Barataria Bay, Louisiana

Abstract Five samples of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were isolated from Barataria Bay, Louisiana using the coupled reverse osmosis/electrodialysis method. Two of the samples (BU) were isolated from relatively pristine waters and three samples (BC) were isolated from waters that were strongly impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April–July, 2010. The acid–base properties of these five samples were investigated by potentiometric titration. Carboxyl contents were estimated using an empirical pH-based method, and carboxyl contents, average pKa's, and the range of pKa in each sample were determined by fitting two numerical models (the Gaussian distribution model and the modified Henderson–Hasselbalch model) to the titration data. The carboxyl contents of the titrated samples range from 6.0 to 6.9 meq gC− 1 and the average pKa's for carboxyl groups range from 4.0 to 4.6. The distribution of pKa values is somewhat broader for the BU samples than for the BC samples, but all other acid–base properties of the five samples were comparable. Phenolic hydroxyl groups could not be detected in any of the samples. These samples of coastal DOM are much less acidic than fulvic acids from soils and fresh waters.
WE‐G‐BRE‐02: Biological Modeling of Gold Nanoparticle Radiosensitization for Proton Therapy

Purpose: The aim of this work is to investigate the radiosensitization effect of gold nanoparticles (GNP) in a proton beam. A computational model was built using the Local Effect Model (LEM) to predict the biological outcome of gold nanoparticle (GNP) sensitization. We present the results using a clinical proton beam, 6MV photon beam and two kilovoltage photon beams. Methods: First, Monte Carlo simulations were carried out using TOPAS (TOol for PArticle Simulation) to obtain the spatial dose distribution in the vicinity of GNPs. The dose distribution was then used as an input for LEM, which predicts dose-response curves for high linear energy transfer radiation using the track structure. The cell survival curves were evaluated for three particle sources (proton beam, MV photon beam and kV photon beam), various treatment depths for each particle source, various GNP uptakes and two different GNP sizes. Results: For proton therapy, the GNP sensitization effect is highly dependent on the treatment depth due to the energy-dependent interaction probability. We predict that if GNPs can be taken up by the cell nucleus, proton therapy can be significantly enhanced. If GNPs are only internalized into the cytoplasm, proton therapy can still be enhanced by GNPs and if GNPs are not internalized into cells, there will be no direct damage to the nucleus. For the same GNP uptake and concentration, the cell survival at 2Gy is reduced by 80% using kilovoltage photons, 50% using protons and only 2% using clinical MV photons. Finally, for the same weight of GNPs taken up by the cells, 10 nm GNPs causes 3 times more damage than 50 nm GNPs. Conclusion: We showed that GNPs have potential to be used to enhance radiation therapy for clinical proton beams.
Sexual attitudes and moral values: The importance of idealism and relativism

The present study tested a model of individual differences in moral thought, which assumes that attitudes concerning prescribed and proscribed social actions are part of an integrated conceptual system of personal ethics. When individuals who have varying personal moral philosophies were compared, those who emphasize the validity of fundamental moral principles (nonrelativists) expressed relatively negative attitudes about proscribed forms of sexual behavior, whereas relativists’ reactions were more positive. The impact of relativism on attitudes, however, was tempered by idealism: when individuals endorsed highly idealistic ideologies, relativism was unrelated to attitudes. These findings suggest that variations in sexual attitudes are linked to individual differences in moral outlook.
Teraherz vibrational spectroscopy of E. coli and molecular constituents: Computational modeling and experiment

In this paper we present the results of our research of E. coli cells and cellular components, DNA and protein thioredoxin, using highly resolved sub-Terahertz (THz) vibrational spectroscopy. In this combined research, the results from experimental spectroscopy are analyzed via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of vibrational modes and absorption spectra from E. coli cells and constituents in the sub-THz range. Simplified models of DNA macromolecules with a short sequencing have been constructed for several E. coli strains with the goal to predict their absorption spectra. The similarity between spectral characteristics of E. coli cells and cellular components observed in experiments helps us to better understand the mechanism of material interaction with THz radiation and to add genetic information to the characteristic signatures from biological objects. Modeling results supported by experimental characterization using a spectroscopic sensor prototype developed and built by Vibratess confirm that an optical, label and reagent free technique can be used to examine, detect, and identify bacterial cells with high accuracy and selectivity to the level of strains.
Inadequate Health Literacy among Elderly Immigrants: Characteristics, Contributing, and Service Utilization Factors

Inadequate health literacy among elderly immigrants in the United States is an important social issue that needs immediate attention to decrease health disparities. This study examines the causes and consequences of inadequate health literacy among the elderly immigrants. Characteristics of the elderly immigrants are presented including their diverse backgrounds, physical health, mental health, and substance use. Barriers and contributing factors such as elderly immigrants' education and English proficiency, income and poverty levels, Medicare or insurance, immigration issues, and social support are also examined. The literature regarding heath literacy service options (print and online sources, health literacy training for caregivers, and church health literacy training) are reviewed. Findings from the reviewed literature indicate that immigrants' social network, particularly family members, play significant roles in their health care decision making and, thus, health literacy intervention and services s...
Isolation of oversecreting mutant strains of the yeast Yarrowia lypolytica

Abstract A random mutagenesis approach was utilized to isolate supersecreting mutants from the yeast strain, Yarrowia lipolytica YLASIn, using rice α-amylase as a marker for heterologous protein expression. Following mutagenic treatment with either ethylmethanesulfonic acid (EMS) or N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG), six oversecreting mutants, designated YLOS ( Y . l ipolytica o ver s ecretor), were recovered at a frequency of 1.2 × 10−3 on the basis of their capacity to increase amylase yields in the culture supernatant by at least 2 fold relative to the parent strain. Isolation of these mutants was greatly facilitated using a rapid and simple screening method which allows the detection of amylase activity by the formation of transparent zones around colonies on starch-containing solid medium. By curing mutant cells of the plasmid and retransforming with a new copy of the rice α-amylase expression vector, the origin of the mutations in two supersecretors was determined to be chromosomal, based on their ability to retain the oversecreting phenotype. When Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase I was utilized as a marker for secretion, the levels of secreted enzyme were also enhanced, indicating that the effects of these supersecreting mutations are not specific for amylase. Northern blot analysis revealed that whereas YLOS 9 has a mutation on transcriptional level, YLOS 10 and 11 contain their mutations on a post-transcriptional level.
Effect of excitation on supersonic jet afterburning

High-temperature Mach 2 jets that consisted of ethylene-oxygen combustion products diluted with nitrogen were used in an experimental study of supersonic jet excitation. Afterburning reaction was observed under certain conditions in which excess fuel was present, as a result of the fuel-rich gas mixing with fresh oxygen in the surrounding air. By fitting an adjustable-geometry cavity at the nozzle exit, the jets were passively excited at various frequencies via a flow-induced cavity resonance mechanism. Mie-scattering flow visualization and chemiluminescence measurements were used to measure the response of the excited jets under both afterburning and non-afterburning conditions. The effects on supersonic mixing and afterburning reaction were quantified in terms of changes in initial shear layer growth rate and chemiluminescence from the flames. Three cases having similar compressibility conditions but with different exit temperature and composition were investigated ; the shear-flow convective Mach numbers ranged between 1.3 and 1.4 for all cases while the exit temperature ranged between 1300 K and 1510 K. Mie-scattering images revealed that the excited shear layers in the near-jet region rolled up into organized large-scale structures, which are extraordinary at such a high convective Mach number. The dynamics of the large coherent structures was manipulated by varying the excitation frequencies. The results showed that flow excitation increased the initial shear layer growth rate by an amount that was sensitive to excitation frequency. For the present compressibility condition, the increase of as much as 50 % was observed when the frequency was at or near the jet preferred mode. However, the net effect on afterburning reaction was determined by a delicate balance between afterburning suppression due to large-scale cold-flow entrainment that caused quenching and afterburning enhancement which was a result of faster mixing. The results showed that global emission from the afterburning flames could be either reduced or increased from the natural state by as much as 80% depending on the excitation frequency and flow conditions. While the effect of excitation was strongest when the frequency was within the jet-preferred-mode bandwidth, the afterburning reaction in general appeared to be intensified at higher frequencies.
Interest group PAC contributions and the 1992 regulation of cable television

Abstract The literature concerning political action committee (PAC) influence over congressional roll-call decisions offers mixed findings. Some studies find strong effects, others weak effects, while some detect no PAC impact on congressional roll-call voting. These mixed results imply that PAC influence might vary across contexts and perhaps interact with other variables. In this paper, we suggest that PAC influence might vary with two contexts. First, we hypothesize that PAC influence will vary with chamber, and in particular, PAC effects will be stronger in the House than in the Senate. Second, we hypothesize that PAC effects will be stronger in policy subsystems than at the macropolitical level. We test these hypotheses with the votes on the 1992 Cable Television Reregulation Act. The fact that both chambers twice voted upon identically worded bills, once for passage, once to override President Bush’s veto, allows us to construct a quasi-experimental design. Results of the analysis generally support our hypotheses. We conclude with some suggestions for future research on the linkage between interest groups, PAC contributions, and congressional policy making.