cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRIM28 functions as the SUMO E3 ligase for PCNA in prevention of transcription induced DNA breaks

In human cells, the DNA replication factor proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) can be conjugated to either the small ubiquitinlike modifier SUMO1 or SUMO2, but only SUMO2-conjugated PCNA is induced by transcription to facilitate resolution of transcription-replication conflict (TRC). To date, the SUMO E3 ligase that provides substrate specificity for SUMO2-PCNA conjugation in response to TRC remains unknown. Using a proteomic approach, we identified TRIM28 as the E3 ligase that catalyzes SUMO2-PCNA conjugation. In vitro, TRIM28, together with the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-interacting protein RECQ5, promotes SUMO2-PCNA conjugation but inhibits SUMO1-PCNA formation. This activity requires a PCNA-interacting protein (PIP) motif located within the bromodomain of TRIM28. In cells, TRIM28 interaction with PCNA on human chromatin is dependent on both transcription and RECQ5, and SUMO2-PCNA level correlates with TRIM28 expression. As a consequence, TRIM28 depletion led to RNAPII accumulation at TRC sites, and expression of a TRIM28 PIP mutant failed to suppress TRC-induced DNA breaks.
Game Design for High-Order Thinking in Review Activities

Game-based learning offers a compelling prospect for innovative teaching and student engagement, but popular examples often involve either complex, time-consuming systems that invite high-order thi...
The effects of microstructures and radiation damage on the deformation behavior of a HT-9 alloy using microtensile testing

Abstract Understanding the influence of radiation damage on the mechanical properties of HT-9 and other tempered martensitic alloys is part of the mission in developing radiation-tolerant materials for the next generation of nuclear reactors. Although there has been extensive data on the macroscopic mechanical properties of the irradiated HT-9 alloys and microstructural changes, it is not well-understood how radiation damage and the resulting microstructural changes influence the local mechanical properties. In this study, we utilized in situ SEM microtensile testing to investigate the deformation behavior of specific martensitic boundaries in 1 dpa proton-irradiated HT-9 and answered the question of what is the weakest link. We provided the direct observation of the failure modes of microtensiles containing high angle and low angle martensitic boundaries. In the unirradiated condition, the deformation is ductile and no martensitic boundary failure is observed. In the irradiated condition, the high angle martensitic boundaries are more susceptible to radiation-induced boundary failure as compared to the low angle martensitic boundaries.
Exact Characterization of Phase Locking in a Linear Recurrent Spiking Neural Network

This paper presents a graphical method for determining the phase-tracking behavior of a linear spiking neuron with a recurrent connection. By employing what we refer to as the response surface method, we show that the response of the neuron to a steady input spike train is of three types: convergence to a stable fixed point, divergence from an unstable fixed point and finite firing, or chaotic firing. We also present a matrix formula for spiking times in a recurrent linear spiking neural network.
Efficient Methods for Sampling Responses from Large-Scale Qualitative Data

The World Wide Web contains a vast corpus of consumer-generated content that holds invaluable insights for improving the product and service offerings of firms. Yet the typical method for extracting diagnostic information from online content—text mining—has limitations. As a starting point, we propose analyzing a sample of comments before initiating text mining. Using a combination of real data and simulations, we demonstrate that a sampling procedure that selects respondents whose comments contain a large amount of information is superior to the two most popular sampling methods—simple random sampling and stratified random sampling—-in gaining insights from the data. In addition, we derive a method that determines the probability of observing diagnostic information repeated a specific number of times in the population, which will enable managers to base sample size decisions on the trade-off between obtaining additional diagnostic information and the added expense of a larger sample. We provide an illustration of one of the methods using a real data set from a website containing qualitative comments about staying at a hotel and demonstrate how sampling qualitative comments can be a useful first step in text mining.
OTME-20. Chitinase-3-like-1(CHI3L1) Protein Complexes Regulate the immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and highly malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite advances in multimodal treatment, GBM remains largely incurable. While immunotherapies have been highly effective in some types of cancer, the disappointing results from clinical trials for GBM immunotherapy represent continued challenges. GBM is highly immunosuppressive and resistant to immunotherapy because of glioma cells escaping from immune surveillance by reprograming the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, understanding the mechanisms of immune evasion by GBM remains elusive. Based on unbiased approaches, we found that Chitinase-3-like-1 (CHI3L1), also known as human homolog YKL-40, is highly expressed in GBM, which is regulated by the CHI3L1-PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in a positive feedback loop. Gain- and loss-function studies reveal that CHI3L1 plays a predominant role in regulating an immunosuppressive microenvironment by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and orthogonal structure-based screening, we found that Galectin-3 binding protein (Gal3BP) and its binding partner, Galectin-3 (Gal3), can interact competitively with the same binding motif on CHI3L1, leading to selective migration of M2-like versus M1-like bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and resident microglia (MG). Mechanistically, the CHI3L1-Gal3 protein complex governs a transcriptional program of NFκB/CEBPβ to control the protumor phenotype of BMDMs, leading to inhibition of T cell infiltration and activation in the GBM TME. However, Gal3BP can reverse CHI3L1-Gal3 induced signaling pathway activation and subsequent protumor phenotype in TAMs. Based on protein binding motifs, a newly developed Gal3BP mimetic peptide can attenuate immune suppression and tumor progression in the syngeneic GBM mouse models, including decreasing M2-like TAMs and increasing M1-like TAMs and T cell infiltration. Together, these results shed light on the role of CHI3L1 protein complexes in immune evasion by glioblastoma and as a potential immunotherapeutic target for this devastating disease.
Evidence-Based Recommendations for Nurse Monitoring and Management of Immunotherapy-Induced Cytokine Release Syndrome: A Systematic Review from the Children’s Oncology Group:

Children with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B-cell lymphoma, particularly those with relapsed or refractory disease, are increasingly enrolled on phase II and phase III clinical trials studying immunotherapies. These therapeutic agents may be associated with a high risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and nurses lack standardized guidelines for monitoring and managing patients with CRS. Six studies and one clinical practice guideline were included in this systematic review that examined the evidence of CRS following administration of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy or the bi-specific T-cell engager antibody, blinatumomab. Six nursing practice recommendations (five strong, one weak) were developed based on low or very low-quality evidence: three reflect preinfusion monitoring, one focuses on monitoring during and postinfusion, and three pertain to the nurse's role in CRS management.
Pathogenesis of Neo-Mull-Soy (Syntex) Alkalosis

During the last year several reports of metabolic alkalosis associated with soy protein formula have appeared. We were involved in the evaluation of thirteen infants who developed alkalosis while ingesting a formula with a low chloride content. Ten cases are presented below.
Collective computation, content-addressable memory, and optimization problems

A collective decision network is described which can function as a computational element in a digital computer or signal processor. It differs from conventional digital circuit designs in emphasizing the large connectivity and analog response that biological “computational” systems employ. When such circuits have symmetric connections, they display a dynamics which is complex enough to use for computation, but simple enough to yield some general theorems about the dynamics of the circuits. Associative memory and error correcting codes are both computations which fit naturally onto the network dynamics. A large class of computational problems describable as optimizations can be mapped onto such networks. While the networks can be used to make binary decisions, during the decision process they transit the interior of a logical space of which only the boundaries have defined logical meaning.
Cost of Capital

The required returns by debt and equity investors represent a cost to the firms raising capital to finance their projects. Debt is generally less costly than equity because debt investors are exposed to lower risk. To estimate the net present value of future opportunities, the firm's management discounts expected future cash flows at the weighted average cost of capital, taking into account the relative weights of different sources of capital and the costs of each. Keywords: equity; debt; capital; capital structure; project financing; discounted cash flow models; net present value
Wireless sensor networks: a new life paradigm

Computers, Communication, and sensing technologies are converging to change the way we live, interact, and conduct business. Wireless Sensor networks reflect such convergence. These networks are based on collaborative efforts of a large number of sensor nodes. They should be low-cost, low-power, and multifunction. These nodes have the capabilities of sensing, data processing, and communicating. Sensor networks have wide range of applications, from monitoring sensors in industrial facilities to control and management of energy applications to military and security fields. Because of the special features of these networks, new network technologies are needed for cost effective, low power, and reliable communication. These network protocols and architectures should take into consideration the special features of sensor networks such as: the large number of nodes, their failure rate, limited power, high desity..etc. In this talk the impact of wireless sensor networks will be addressed, several of the design and communication issues will be discussed, and a case study of a current project of using such networks in drilling and management off-shore oil will be given.
Monte Carlo Methods for Simulating Thin Film Deposition

Thin solid films are used in a wide range of technologies. In many cases, strict control over the microscopic deposition behavior is critical to the performance of the film. For example, today’s commercial microelectronic devices contain structures that are only a few microns in size, and emerging microsystems technologies demand stringent control over dimensional tolerances. In addition, internal and surface microstructures can greatly influence thermal, mechanical, optical, electronic, and many other material properties. Thus it is important to understand and control the fundamental processes that govern thin film deposition at the nano- and micro-scale.
Integrative approaches to couple therapy: a clinical case illustration

Although meta-analyses affirm that various treatments for couple distress produce statistically and clinically significant outcomes, research findings also indicate that a large percentage of couples fail to benefit from treatment or subsequently deteriorate following current therapies. Based on these findings, we advocate potential advantages of integrative approaches to couple therapy. The clinical practice of integrative approaches to couple therapy requires conceptual and clinical decision-making skills transcending those of any one theoretical modality and emphasizes the selection, sequencing and pacing of diverse interventions in a coherent manner. Principles of an integrative approach are explicated in a clinical case illustration.
Duality of innate stress responses in cardiac injury, repair, and remodeling

The ability of the myocardium to successfully adapt to cardiac injury ultimately determines whether the heart will decompensate and fail, or whether instead it will maintain preserved function. Despite the importance of the myocardial response to cardiac injury, very little is known with respect to the biochemical mechanisms that are responsible for mediating and integrating the stress response in the heart. In the present review we will summarize recent experimental material which suggests that the heart possess a germ-line encoded "innate" stress response that is activated in response to diverse forms of tissue injury. The extant literature suggests that this innate stress response plays an important role in initiating and integrating homeostatic responses within the heart. Nonetheless, as will be discussed further herein, these inflammatory mediators all have the potential to produce cardiac decompensation when expressed at sufficiently high concentrations.
Crystallization of Ultrafine Amorphous Si3N4 During Sintering

Ultrafine amorphous Si3N4 powders were synthesized from laser-heated gases and cold-pressed into pellets for sintering experiments. At temperatures >1300°C, the powders crystallized with a concurrent, linearly proportional decrease in surface area. These powders densified on a local scale without additives or pressure.
Computerized Analysis And Information Extraction' Of Medical Magnetic Resonance Images (Mri)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a relatively new diagnostic imaging modality that is rapidly finding broad clinical application. MRI differs from other diagnostic techniques in its capacity to obtain multiple qualitatively different images of the same anatomic region each emphasizing a different fundamental parameter of the tissue. This multiparametric nature of MRI provides the potential for greatly improved sensitivity and specificity in the detection of pathological conditions. However, the complexity of MRI can produce a potentially overwhelming volume of image data for the physician to analyze visually utilizing the traditional grey-scale. Additionally, "visual synthesis" of images from multiple data sets is only semi-quantitative at best and subject to errors introduced by observer bias. Data dimension reduction techniques are needed for analysis of these image sets of multi-parametric MRI data. It is hoped that improved diagnostic specificity of MRI will come from such a quantitative analysis of multiple MR images. Our initial experience with application of fuzzy clustering analysis to these MR images as a method of data dimension reduction suggests that such an approach can improve tissue specificity.
A highly compact third-order silicon microring add-drop filter with a very large free spectral range, a flat passband and a low delay dispersion

We demonstrate highly compact third-order silicon microring add-drop filters. The microring resonator has a small radius of 2.5 mum and a very large free spectral range of 32 nm at 1.55 mum. Experimental results show a low add-drop crosstalk of around -20 dB. Box-like channel dropping response is demonstrated, and it has a passband of ~ 1 nm (125 GHz), fast rolling-off (slope ~ 0.2 dB/GHz), high out-of-band signal rejection of around 40 dB and a low drop loss. Simulation agrees well with experiments in power transmission, and the group delay is also simulated and the variation is less than 1 ps within the passband. The propagation loss in microring resonators is optimized.
Near Wake Properties of a Strumming Marine Cable: An Experimental Study

Resonant flow-induced oscillations of a flexible cable can occur when the damping of the cable system is sufficiently small. The changes in the flow field that occur in the near wake of the cable during these resonant oscillations are closely related to the changes in the fluid forces that accompany these oscillations. The present wind tunnel experiments were undertaken to examine the effects that forced synchronized vibration and the helically-wound cross section of the cable have on near wake vortex shedding-related parameters; specifically the shedding frequency, vortex formation length Lf , reduced velocity Ur , vortex strength and the wake width Lw . The range of flow speeds over which the vortex shedding was locked on to the vibration frequency varied directly with the vibration amplitude. The helical cross section and the synchronized vibration caused significant changes in the near wake development that could be directly related to the increase in hydrodynamic forces associated with unforced synchronized vibration.
A sentiment analysis of U.S. local government tweets: The connection between tone and citizen involvement

Abstract As social media tools become more popular at all levels of government, more research is needed to determine how the platforms can be used to create meaningful citizen–government collaboration. Many entities use the tools in one-way, push manners. The aim of this research is to determine if sentiment (tone) can positively influence citizen participation with government via social media. Using a systematic random sample of 125 U.S. cities, we found that positive sentiment is more likely to engender digital participation but this was not a perfect one-to-one relationship. Some cities that had an overall positive sentiment score and displayed a participatory style of social media use did not have positive citizen sentiment scores. We argue that positive tone is only one part of a successful social media interaction plan, and encourage social media managers to actively manage platforms to use activities that spur participation.
In search of a bulk-Earth composition

Refined estimates of primitive upper-mantle (PUM) composition are derived here from the major-element and rare-earth-element (REE) contents of mantle lherzolites, using the approaches pioneered by Loubet et al. (1975) and Jagoutz et al. (1979). Because the PUM composition of Jagoutz et al. (1979) is distinctly non-chondritic in certain “refractory” element ratios, such as Mg/Si and Ca/Al, either the upper and lower mantles are chemically different, or the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) is non-chondritic with respect to these elements. We argue that the high Ca/Al ratios observed in lherzolites are not in fact representative of PUM composition, but are caused by excess and non-representative modal abundances of clinopyroxene in analyzed lherzolite samples. Corrections for this excess Cpx lead to REE ratios (to Ca or Al) in the least depleted lherzolites which are essentially chondritic. Furthermore, we argue that this corrected PUM composition is also equivalent to a BSE composition, as it seems unlikely that significant intramantle chemical fractionations can occur without serious distortion of the relative abundances of highly incompatible (e.g., Nd) and moderately compatible (e.g., Ca) elements. If the upper and lower mantles are chemically similar, then the Earth is deficient in Si and Mg relative to C1 chondrites; that is, Si and Mg do not behave as true refractory elements during the Earth's condensation and accretion. Any C1 model which treats Si and Mg as purely refractory elements demands different compositions for upper and lower mantles, and demands that O and/or S cannot be the only light elements in the core; Si (and/or Mg) must be present as well. In addition, heterogeneous accretion or intramantle differentiation processes are then required which preserve C1 ratios of REE/Al in the upper mantle, while simultaneously allowing for non-chondritic relative abundances of Ca, Al, Mg and Si. On the other hand, if Si and Mg are allowed to be slightly deficient in the Earth (19% and 8%, respectively), relative to Ca or Al in C1 chondrites (LOSIMAG C1 model), then the upper and lower mantles need not be chemically different (i.e. PUM = BSE), and an Earth size core is attainable with only ∼ 9% light (O or S) element in it (no Si or Mg is required). Our LOSIMAG C1 model, with PUM = BSE, leads to refractory element abundances in BSE of 2.51 × C1 chondrites (as given by Anders and Ebihara, 1982). Crust-mantle budgets constructed using this PUM-derived concentration for Nd (= 1.17 ppm) show that the present-day lower mantle (> 670 km) is moderately depleted in the light REE's and cannot be wholly characterized by undifferentiated (chondritic) Sm/Nd ratios. This argues for at least minor mass transfer (convection) between the upper and lower mantles in the past. The U content of the BSE (20.8 ppb) leads to a relatively high value (∼ 2.8) for the reduced Urey ratio (mantle heat flow/heat production); this documents poor thermal efficiency of present mantle convection regimes.
Dynamic Crack Initiation in Ductile Steels

The goal of the work presented here is to study dynamic crack initiation in ductile steels (Ni–Cr steel and 304 stainless steel) at different loading rates and to establish appropriate dynamic failure criteria. A variety of infrared and visible optical methods and high-speed photography are used in this study. Precracked steel specimens are subjected to dynamic three-point bend loading by impacting them in a drop weight tower. During the dynamic deformation and fracture initiation process the time history of the transient temperature in the vicinity of the crack tip is recorded experimentally using a high-speed infrared detector. The dynamic temperature trace in conjunction with the HRR solution is used to determine the time history of the dynamic J-integral J^d(t), and to establish the dynamic fracture initiation toughness, J^d_c. The measurements made using high-speed thermography are validated through comparison with determination of J^d(t) by dynamic optical measurements of the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD). Finally, the micromechanisms of fracture initiation are investigated by studying the fracture surface using scanning electron microscopy.
Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Risk in Older Adults: Value Placed on Autonomy as a Moderator for Men but Not Women

Risk for suicide is elevated among older men. We examined whether value placed on autonomy amplifies the relation between depressive symptoms and suicide risk differently for older men and women. Participants were 98 community-dwelling older adults, M age 73.6 (SD = 8.6), 65.1% female, 93.1% White. Questionnaires measured suicide risk (SBQ-R), depressive symptoms (CESD), and value placed on autonomy (PSI-II autonomy). Among men, depressive symptoms were associated with suicide risk only when PSI-II autonomy was elevated. Among women, greater depressive symptoms were associated with suicide risk at all levels of PSI-II autonomy. Further research on attitudes toward autonomy is warranted.
Nurses Sharing Clinical Knowledge and Expertise: Empowering Nurses to Become Certified in Their Specialty

Background: Due to the increased complexity of postoperative patients, certification in these areas of expertise would empower clinical nurses to utilize the standards put forth by their professional organizations. Objectives: To encourage perioperative clinical nurses to become certified. To implement a plan that would improve patient care and nurse satisfaction. Implementation: Plan a meeting between CPAN certified nurses and nurses in the PACU/APU. Implementation of a CPAN/CAPA review class. The instructors developed and provided didactic presentations and interactive discussions for the certification candidates. Practice: PACU/APU clinical nurses’ knowledge would be increased as well as their confidence in caring for their patient population resulting in the improvement of patient care. Outcomes: The collaborative process facilitates the interest of clinical nurses to attend a review class and take the CPAN/CAPA exam. As a result of becoming certified, clinical nurses will confidently and safely meet the needs of the patients according to ASPAN standards. Implications: The development of review class will stimulate nurses to become certified in their specialty, thereby improving the quality of postoperative patient care and increasing staff development and progression in nursing education.
Density and density matrix from optimized linearly independent product basis functions for Be

The density matrix was computed from the density using basis orbitals which form linearly independent products (LIP). Calculations were performed on the Be atom using LIP bases containing several of the natural spin orbitals from an accurate nonrelativistic 650-term configuration interaction (CI) wavefunction. Calculations were also performed using a basis set of 6 s-type orbitals optimized so that the lowest eigenvalue, d1, of the overlap matrix of products is maximized and the energy of a small CI wavefunction is minimized. The value of d1 in the optimized basis is 1 × 10−7. The density and the potential energy obtained from the 650-term CI wavefunction were accurately reproduced by the density matrix expressed in the optimized LIP basis, but the kinetic energy was somewhat less accurate.
Preliminary experience using the Neuroform stent for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

Introduction The Neuroform microstent-a flexible, self-expandable, microcatheter-delivered, nitinol stent designed for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms-was recently approved for use in patients. We present the results of our initial experience in using the Neuroform stent to treat patients with cerebral aneurysms, with an emphasis on potential applications, technical aspects of deployment, and associated intra- and periprocedural complications. Methods The records of all patients treated with the Neuroform stent were entered prospectively into a database. We assessed the clinical history, indications for stent use, aneurysm dimensions, and technical details of the procedures, including any difficulties with stent placement and/or deployment, degree of aneurysm occlusion, and complications. Results During a 5-month period, 19 patients with 22 aneurysms were treated with the Neuroform stent. Twenty-five stents were deployed. Five patients had multiple stents placed. Five patients had ruptured aneurysms at the time of treatment. The indications for use were broad-necked aneurysms (n = 13; average neck length, 5.1 mm; average aneurysm size, 9 mm), fusiform or dissecting aneurysms (n = 3), salvage and/or bailout (n = 1), and giant aneurysms (n = 2). Technical problems included difficulty in deploying the stent (n = 6), inability to deploy the stent (n = 1), stent displacement (n = 2), inadvertent stent deployment (n = 1), and coil stretching (n = 1). Twenty-one of the 22 aneurysms were treated. Four aneurysms were stented without additional treatment, and 17 aneurysms were stented and coiled. Of the coiled aneurysms, complete or nearly complete (more than 95%) occlusion was achieved in 6 aneurysms, and partial occlusion was achieved in 11. Two clinically significant adverse events occurred, both of which were sequelae of periprocedural thromboembolic complications. One patient died after thrombolysis was attempted. The other patient made an excellent functional recovery after undergoing successful thrombolysis of a thrombosed basilar artery stent. Conclusion The Neuroform stent is a useful device for the treatment of patients with aneurysms that may not otherwise be amenable to endovascular therapy. In the majority of cases, the stent can be deployed accurately, even within the most tortuous segments of the cerebral vasculature. Although delivery and deployment may be technically challenging, clinically significant complications are uncommon.
A quantitative analysis of isotope concentration profiles and rapid transport velocities in the C‐fibers of the garfish olfactory nerve

In the olfactory nerve of the long-nosed garfish (Lepisosteus osseus), unusually well-defined isotope concentration distributions can be established with the rapid transport process. Transport velocities of two profile loci can be accurately described and a quantitative profile analysis is possible after profile normalization. Results from such studies indicate that: (1) peak amplitudes decrease exponentially as a function of distance from the olfactory mucosa according to the equation p = 2130 exp (-0.109chi); (2) the wavefront base and the peak apex loci move at rates of 221 +/- 2 and 201 +/- 4 mm/day, respectively (at 23 degrees C), revealing a peak dispersion or broadening during transport; (3) the broadening is asymmetric with material shifting to the rear of the peak; (4) plateau regions are established behind the peak with material deposited by the peak; (5) only 20% of the total radioactivity in a cut nerve reaches the nerve terminals in the rapid transport peak while 80% is deposited along the axon; (6) profile areas from cut nerves decrease and lose 15% of their activity in 20 hr, while intact nerve profiles increase 10% in 16 hr due to continued somal contribution to the profile; (7) the displacement of the wavefront base (WFB) and peak apex (PA) profile loci can be described by the functions s(WFB) = (0.055T - 0.345)t - 1.43 s(PA) = (0.053T - 0.391)t - 2.71 (8) transport velocities are linear functions of temperature between 10 and 25 degrees C and increase 370% in that range. A linear extrapolation of the WFB and PA functions to 37 degrees C yields 410 and 377 mm/day, respectively.
Service needs and service gaps among refugees with disabilities resettled in the United States

Purpose: To examine the adequacy of existing service systems in addressing the needs of refugees with disabilities resettled in the USA. Methods: A cross-disability group of eight Cambodian and seven Somali refugees were purposively selected to participate in a 2-year qualitative study in the Midwestern USA. Ten disability/refugee service providers and key experts on refugee resettlement were also recruited to participate. Data sources included in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observations and social network surveys with disabled refugees. Participant observations and semi-structured interviews were also conducted with service providers and key experts. Data were analyzed using coding procedures based on a grounded theory approach. Results: Disabled refugee participants experienced several unmet disability-related needs and limited access to resettlement resources on account of their disability. These findings were associated with refugee service providers having limited awareness of disabil...
Evaluation of perfect paint assumptions in modeling of cathodic protection systems

Abstract Computational modeling often involves making assumptions; assumptions about geometric features, material characterizations or loading conditions. The validity of these assumptions will directly impact accuracy. It is an accepted practice in computational modeling of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems to define painted surfaces as perfectly insulated (‘perfect paint’). While many paint systems have a high resistance, the resistance is finite rather than infinite. In this work, painted surfaces are defined with varying material properties ranging from relatively high resistance (0.0001 of the polarization response of steel) to relatively low (steel). These different material properties are assigned to the painted surfaces of a previously validated shipboard ICCP system model. All other boundary conditions are held constant. A comparison of results quantifies the effects of large but finite paint resistance on computational results and validates use of the perfectly insulated surface assumption for painted surfaces.
Light pressure forces on multi-level atoms in intense polychromatic light fields: a continued fraction approach

Abstract Described is the application of a matrix form of the continued fraction technique to the calculation of the velocity dependent force experienced by a multi-level atom interacting with a complex optical field. Unlike other techniques, this approach provides a solution which is valid for a wide range of optical field configurations and atomoc velocities and which includes the effects of both single and multi-photon processes. As a specific example of this technique the force experienced by a three-level atom (V) in a bichromatic light field is calculated.
The laryngeal vestibule and voice quality

Most of the literature on voice quality focuses on the vocal folds while six other gestures involving the laryngeal entry and epilaryngeal structures are largely ignored. Whole organ tracer series histograms of the larynx are examined and suggestions are made as to which muscles and/or forces might cause these gestures. An examination of photographs of the larynx indicates that the latter must be described in three dimensions: (1) medio-lateral, (2) antero-posterior, and (3) vestibule cross-sectional area. The article is aimed at laryngologists in general, not surgeons in particular, and has implications for laryngology (being a putative model of diagnostic procedures), physiology (what forces create epilaryngeal configurations?), neuroscience (does the motor cortex control single muscles or whole gestures?), speech pathology (what is the ragbag called “hypertenseness”?), linguistics (how is one to describe lower pharynx phenomena?) and paralinguistics (what is the extrasystemic laryngeal component of voice quality?).
Treatment paradigms with epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapies in colorectal cancer.

Abstract Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been validated as an important target in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). While initial studies focused on the treatment of disease that was refractory to available chemotherapy agents, 2 recent themes have emerged: the use of KRAS mutation status to select those who will benefit from anti-EGFR therapy, and the movement of these agents to earlier “lines” of therapy. We review the use of the EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab in mCRC including the incorporation of KRAS testing in patients, and also review the use of prophylactic therapy for skin toxicity associated with EGFR-targeted therapies.
Improving object detection in 2D images using a 3D world model

A mobile robot operating in a netcentric environment can utilize offboard resources on the network to improve its local perception. One such offboard resource is a world model built and maintained by other sensor systems. In this paper we present results from research into improving the performance of Deformable Parts Model object detection algorithms by using an offboard 3D world model. Experiments were run for detecting both people and cars in 2D photographs taken in an urban environment. After generating candidate object detections, a 3D world model built from airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and aerial photographs was used to filter out false alarm using several types of geometric reasoning. Comparison of the baseline detection performance to the performance after false alarm filtering showed a significant decrease in false alarms for a given probability of detection.
Spectral resolution in multivariate optical computing.

Abstract An examination of spectral resolution effects on multivariate optical computing (MOC) and the design of multivariate optical elements (MOEs) is presented. A solution of napthalene and pyrene in CCl4 is used as a test mixture, with spectra recorded in the nominal 2–2.5 μm spectral region at resolutions varying from 1 to 128 cm−1. Spectra were treated in absorption mode and in transmission mode at sample pathlengths of 1, 0.5, and 0.2 cm. Principal components regression is used to provide comparison to MOE models. Conventional model prediction errors using all methods are presented as well as results of applying low-resolution models to high-resolution validation sets. This latter calculation is aimed at understanding the limits of calibration transfer when a model is based on spectra acquired with marginal spectral resolution. A theory is developed describing calibration transfer in the case of linear spectroscopy, which is shown to be consistent with the results observed in absorption mode and to represent the case of the short-pathlength limit in transmission mode. A definition of the necessary spectral resolution as a function of apodization function is given for linear spectroscopy, and a brief discussion of how non-linearity affects the results is provided.
Entropy formulations for signal reconstruction from sensor arrays

Correlative interferometric imaging from sensor arrays relies on reconstructing source intensity by using the cross-correlation across near-field or far-field measurements from multiple sensor elements. Often the reconstruction problem is ill-posed resulting in unrealistic reconstructions of signals and images. This paper examines the consequences of using extremal entropy metrics in the reconstruction. These range from inducing sparsity to the closer conformance of the reconstruction boundaries to the support of the actual signal source. Situations involving far-field interferometric imaging of extended sources are considered and experimental results are provided.
Coulomb-deflection effect in inner-shell ionization by heavy charged particles

K-shell x-ray production cross sections were measured for /sub 28/Ni(K) in collision with /sup 1//sub 1/H ions of kinetic energies 55 to 300 keV, /sup 2//sub 1/H ions of 100 to 300 keV, and /sup 4//sub 2/He ions of 200 to 300 keV; for /sub 46/Pd(K) with /sup 1//sub 1/H ions of 215 to 300 keV, and for /sub 47/Ag(K) with /sup 1//sub 1/H ions of 200 to 300 keV. L-shell x-ray cross sections were measured for /sub 47/Ag(L) in collision with /sup 1//sub 1/H ions of kinetic energies 35 to 300 keV, with /sup 2//sub 1/H ions of 60 to 300 keV, with /sup 4//sub 2/He ions of 110 to 300 keV, and for /sub 79/Au(L) with /sup 1//sub 1/H ions of 140 to 300 keV. The collisions conditions were such that the effect of the projectile energy loss during the ionizing collision became significant for the K-shell ionizations, but remained unimportant for the L-shell ionizations. The measurements extend the experimental range of the Coulomb-deflection variable dq/sub 0S/ over previous measurements for the shells S=K by a factor of approx.1.2, and for S=L by a factor of approx.2. This permits a decisive test of current theories for the effectmore » of the deflection of the projectile in the Coulomb field of the target nucleus on inner-shell ionization cross sections.« less
Comparison of actual dividing-streamline heights to height predictions using the Froude number

La ligne de courant separatrice (dividing streamline) delimite deux regions de l'ecoulement stratifie de facon stable, lorsque l'ecoulement contourne un obstacle. Utilisation du nombre de Froude pour prevoir la hauteur de cette ligne. confrontation avec les observations
Analysis of interstitial water during culture of Hydrilla verticillata with controlled release fertilizers

Abstract The dioecious strain of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle) was cultured outdoors with fertilizer placed as a layer in a sand rooting medium. Plant dry weight averaged 77 g per culture container after 12 weeks of summer growth and was more than three times that for plants cultured for the same length of time during the following winter season. Concentrations of nitrate, ammonia-nitrogen, and phosphate-phosphorus in interstitial water after 12 weeks of hydrilla growth were 90, 88, and 47% lower, respectively, than in containers without plants. However, potassium in interstitial water was 61% higher after 12 weeks of plant growth as compared to containers without plants suggesting hydrilla was transporting this nutrient from the upper ambient pond water to the root zone. Results for the winter season were similar but differences in nutrient concentrations between containers with and without plants were not as great as during the summer season.
Founders versus non-founders in large companies: financial incentives and the call for regulation

This paper is intended to question some of the premises in the ever increasing calls to regulate executive pay. We focus on founders, and extend Shleifer and Vishny’s (1989, Journal of Political Economy, 94, 461–488) manager-specific investments model by explicitly modeling managerial effort and pay performance sensitivity. Tests of this model on a data set of large companies, controlling for the endogeneity of managerial compensation, indicate that founders tend to be less responsive to performance incentives and generally more entrenched. At the same time, founders’ led firms are more valuable, supporting our predictions. This suggests that for founders, regulation of compensation may not be very effective.
Total and specific complementary and alternative medicine use in a large cohort of men with prostate cancer.

Abstract Objectives To assess specific complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE), a large, community-based national registry of men with prostate cancer. Methods We examined more than 50 types of CAM use in a large, national, community-based registry of men with prostate cancer (CaPSURE). Participants completed biannual surveys within 2 years of diagnosis and treatment. We analyzed associations of CAM use with sociodemographic and clinical features, using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results One third of 2582 respondents reported using CAM. Common practices included vitamin and mineral supplements (26%), herbs (16%), antioxidants (13%), and CAM for prostate health (12%; eg, saw palmetto, selenium, vitamin E, lycopene). In multivariate analyses, users were more likely to have other comorbid conditions, worse cancer grade at diagnosis, higher incomes, more education, and to live in the West. Conclusions Complementary and alternative medicine use was associated with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in this large sample of men with prostate cancer. These results should be considered by health care professionals counseling men with prostate cancer regarding diet and secondary prevention.
The linear system for self-dual gauge fields in a spacetime of signature 0

The overdetermined linear system for the self-dual Yang—Mills (SDYM) equations is examined in a flat four-dimensional space whose metric has signature 0. There are three different domains for the system, and correspondingly three (essentially) different solutions to the linear system for a given gauge field. If the gauge potential is real analytic, two of the solutions patch together to give a holomorphic function in an annular region of projective twistor space. Conversely, an arbitrary holomorphic GL(n, C)-valued function in such a domain can be uniquely factored (on the real lines) to give a solution to SDYM with gauge group U(n). The set of all real analytic u(n)-valued gauge fields can thus be parametrized by the points of a certain double coset space.
Forging Democracy at Gunpoint

Can liberal interventionism build liberal democracy? This manuscript examines the military interventions undertaken by the U.S., U.K., France, and the UN in the post-World War II era to see if they had a positive impact on democracy in target countries. Empirical analysis centers on multivariate time series, cross section PCSE and relogit regressions of political liberalization and democratization from 1946 to 1996. The former is operationalized with annual difference data drawn from the Polity IV data collection, whereas the latter is a binary variable denoting countries that cross a threshold commonly used to indicate the establishment of democratic institutions. An updated version of the International Military Intervention data set enumerates foreign military interventions. We find little evidence that military intervention by liberal states helps to foster democracy in target countries. Although a few states have democratized in the wake of hostile U.S. military interventions, the small number of cases involved makes it difficult to draw generalizable conclusions from the U.S. record. We find stronger evidence, however, that supportive interventions by the UN's “Blue Helmets” can help to democratize target states.
P T symmetry in relativistic quantum mechanics

In nonrelativistic quantum mechanics and in relativistic quantum field theory, the time coordinate $t$ is a parameter and thus the time-reversal operator $\mathcal{T}$ does not actually reverse the sign of $t$. In contrast, in the five-dimensional approach to relativistic quantum mechanics introduced by Feynman, time $t$ is a quantum-mechanical operator. In this paper it is shown how one can use this five-dimensional approach to extend $\mathcal{T}$ and $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry from nonrelativistic to relativistic quantum mechanics and implement time-reversal as an operation that effects $\mathcal{T}\text{ }t\mathcal{T}=\ensuremath{-}t$ just as $\mathcal{P}$ effects $\mathcal{P}x\mathcal{P}=\ensuremath{-}x$, with $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ thus effecting $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}\text{ }{x}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}=\ensuremath{-}{x}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$. Some illustrative relativistic quantum-mechanical models are constructed whose associated Hamiltonians are non-Hermitian but $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetric, and it is shown that for each such Hamiltonian the energy eigenvalues are all real.
Fusing concurrent visible and infrared videos for improved tracking performance

Visible and infrared video cameras are the most common imaging sensors used for video surveillance systems. Fusing concurrent visible and infrared imageries may further improve the overall detection and tracking performance of a video surveillance system. We performed image fusion using 13 pixel-based image fusion algorithms and examined their effects on the detection and tracking performance of a given target tracker. We identified five fusion methods that produced significantly better performance, three of which also managed to achieve that with a relatively high efficiency.
Optional stopping on ascending and descending series

Abstract For an optional stopping task on which the value of the alternatives is a positive or a negative function of their sequential position, the optimal decision rule for unknown distributions (“sample the first X and then select the next new maximum”) yields much too short search on the ascending series and much too long search on the descending series. One hundred and twelve undergraduate subjects playing such a game did in fact continue much longer on a descending series than on an ascending series. Though subjects playing the descending series eventually learned to optimize better than subjects playing the ascending series, the latter saw themselves as more successful on the task. Implications are discussed for real world situations in which people fail to maximize their gains in an improving environment, or fail to minimize their losses in a deteriorating environment.