cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous Adverse Events to Type I BRAF Inhibitors: An Analysis of Effects Associated with Each Inhibitor and Therapeutic Time Interval to Onset

The treatment of malignant melanoma with inhibitors targeting the BRAF V600E mutation has demonstrated dramatic clinical and radiographic response with improved progression-free and overall survival in the majority of patients receiving treatment. However, cutaneous adverse effects-from proliferative processes to more classic drug side effects-are increasingly being reported in patients on BRAF inhibitors. In this comprehensive literature review we provide (1) an all-inclusive list of cutaneous adverse effects associated with selective class I RAF inhibitors, (2) specific adverse effects associated with each inhibitor, and (3) the therapeutic time interval associated with the onset of all reported lesion types. Twenty-two studies reporting cutaneous adverse reactions with selective class I RAF inhibitor therapy were retrieved from PubMed and sourced from relevant articles referenced by other papers. We identified over 45 differently described lesion types, corresponding to close to 2,000 cases. The most commonly reported lesion types in order of decreasing frequency include inflammatory dermatoses, benign lesions, malignant lesions, and hair/nail-related abnormalities. For the most part, the terminologies used in the original studies were retained. Case totals and time-to-lesion onset are presented for every group, and where available, for individual lesion types, by associated BRAF inhibitor.
Educational Quality - A Macroergonomics Approach

The institution of education has been one of many institutions that has been negligent in the nurturing and development of underrepresented groups in society. This institution has all but failed this significant segment of the population and, as a result, has failed society as a whole. Providing access to equal educational opportunities is vital to the survival of our communities, and society as a whole. Statistics suggest that by the millennium, underrepresented populations will encompass a large portion of the population. If our society is to remain competitive, not only will it be necessary to better develop the concept of equal educational opportunity but it will also be imperative to put these ideas into practice. The global village in which we find ourselves makes it essential that we focus on areas such as creating a diverse pipeline for future engineers and scientists. If we are to meet the demands of the 21st century, it is necessary that we focus on the academic environment and the education of ...
Using Computerized Case Simulations in Undergraduate Psychology Courses

Three computerized case simulations, originally developed for graduate training, were used as adjuncts to undergraduate courses in Abnormal Psychology and Counseling Theories. The simulations reflect problems of agoraphobia, chronic headache pain, and bulimia. In using the simulations, students took a therapist's role and were to assess, diagnose, and treat the simulated clients' problems. Students found the simulation task to be a valuable learning tool, enabling them to test many concepts covered in course material. Conclusions and implications are discussed.
Loss of autumn colors under domestication: a byproduct of selection for fruit flavor?

According to the coevolution hypothesis the red autumn leaves of certain tree species are a warning signal towards insects that lay their eggs on the trees. A recent study has shown that red leaves are common in wild varieties of apple (Malus pumila) but not in cultivated varieties. This suggests that autumn colors have been lost during domestication due to relaxed selection against insects. The few varieties with red leaves have small fruits, similar to their wild ancestors, which shows that they have been under less effective artificial selection. As expected by the coevolution hypothesis these red varieties are very susceptible to an insect-borne disease, fire blight. Here I report further data on the loss of autumn colors under domestication. Since red leaf color is correlated with red fruit flesh color, if red fruit flesh has more astringent taste it is possible that loss of autumn colors is not only due to relaxed selection against insect, but also to direct artificial selection against astringent taste. However even varieties with yellow flesh turn out to have astringent taste. Moreover, while red fruit flesh is common in cultivated varieties with red leaves, it is very rare in wild varieties. It is unclear, therefore, whether loss of autumn color under domestication was a byproduct of artificial selection against red fruit flesh.
Top Quark Physics, AN Experimental Perspective

An experimental review of the current status of the top quark physics program at hadron colliders is presented. Since the discovery of the top quark at the Fermilab Tevatron collider in 1995, its production and the decay have been studied with an extraordinary level of sophistication both at the Tevatron and at the Large Hadron Collider. The top quark is the heaviest known elementary particle, with possible unique connections to the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking.
Two-dimensional metamaterial designs for line-source radiation from a virtual location

Using a coordinate transformation on a folded geometry, appropriate transformation media can make an embedded antenna appear as if it is positioned at a virtual location. For the TE polarization in two dimensions, embedding media for an electric line source are designed in transmission-line and inclusion-based resonant metamaterial configurations. For a line source positioned inside a recess in a conducting ground plane, the metamaterials are specifically designed to form a virtual line source above the ground plane. Metamaterial design details and simulation results for predicted radiation patterns are presented.
Nanobiophotonics and Nanoclinics for Multimodal Imaging and Targeted Therapy

This talk will highlight major activities and challenges in emerging nanobiophotonics created by fusion of photonics, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Nanoclinic, a multifunctional nanoparticle platform, provides opportunities for multimodal optical imaging and light controlled targeted therapy.
Immunology: a look toward the sea and what we have learned from tunicates

Abstract Modern immunology can now trace its molecules, cells, organs and functions that fight infectious diseases to prototypic ancestors in both the aquatic and terrestrial environments. It is not clear which environment exerted the greatest evolutionary pressure during the development of immunologic characteristics. Clearly immune responsiveness began as recognition even at the unicellular level when eukaryotes appeared. Multicellularity brought with it the simultaneous differentiation and specialization of multiple functions including immune competence. For comparative immunologists to adhere to the dogmatic deuterostome/protostome classification of complex metazoans may prove to be inadequate since this taxonomic scheme concerns embryologic origins of the mouth and anus. Other theories that relate to homology/analogy, convergence/divergence may help us to explain what are (for now) common, functional immune traits among both animal groups. Origins deciphered by amino acid and nucleotide sequences will resolve the dilemma of immunologic characteristics common to deuterostomes and protostomes. Precise characterizations and analyses of the resulting homologies and comparisons will yield fruitful information. First, we may then deduce common origins as has been revealed, for example, in functional molecules and cells such as actin/myosin that govern motility. Second, in contrast, we may arrive at what are clear analogies. With respect to origins of immunity there seems to be a preponderance of characteristics associated with tunicates [those of lymphocyte-like cells; IL-1; (IL-2 like) molecules, putative members of the Ig superfamily (Thy-1; Lyt); lectins] that may prove to be homologous once stringent requirements of sequence analyses are fully described. The self/non-self view should be rescued from ad nauseam preoccupation with examining yet more species with respect to (for example) phagocytosis, graft rejection or agglutinin synthesis. Instead, we should direct our research at the membrane level of hemocytes.
Development and validation of a comprehensive model of large-scale production of microalgae

Abstract The development and implementation of a mathematical model defining the key relationships of a continuous flow mass culture of microalgae are described. Based on primary inputs of solar radiation, water temperature and influent flow-rate of wastewater medium of given chemical composition, the model predicts algal production, carbonate equilibria, pH and concentrations of phosphate, ammonia and dissolved oxygen. Modelling is predicated on continuous-flow kinetics and assumes a symbiotic relationship between the bacterial and algal populations. Validation of the model was accomplished using data collected from a pilot-scale field production unit consisting of four channels 40 m × 5 m × 0·4 m, with input from a pig-waste lagoon diluted with clarified channel effluent. An average of 40,000 litres of effluent was harvested daily, resulting in a detention time of 8 days. Output of the model shows an agreement to within 5% between simulated and real data.
Hedonic response of rats to polysaccharide and sugar solutions.

The palatability of glucose, sucrose, maltose and polysaccharide (Polycose) was assessed by examining the consummatory response of nondeprived female rats to equicaloric or equimolar solutions of these saccharides. Both 30-min one-bottle acceptance and 30-min two-bottle preference tests were conducted: initial (3-min) lick rates were also recorded. At low molar concentrations the relative palatability of the saccharides was ordered as follows: Polycose > maltose > sucrose > glucose. At higher concentrations the rats were more attracted to sucrose than to Polycose; however Polycose remained more palatable than maltose at all but the highest concentration. In the one-bottle tests gram solute intakes varied as a function of percentage concentration, and was not influenced by saccharide type or solution osmolarity. The results along with other recent findings indicate that rats can taste starch-derived polysaccharides and find them quite palatable.
Mechanically Reconfigurable, Dual-Band Slot Dipole Antennas

Mechanically reconfigurable dual-band slot dipole antennas with wide tuning ranges are developed in this communication. The dual-band operation is achieved by inserting parallel slots with different lengths and the tuning is realized by incorporating a dual rack and pinion mechanism to slide parasitic patches to vary the slot lengths and the frequency of operation of each band. To demonstrate the proposed approach, two frequency-tunable antennas are prototyped. The first design uses two motors to tune the frequency band ratio between 1 and 2.6. The second design uses one motor to maintain a constant frequency band ratio of 2 over the tuning range of 2–3 GHz for the lower band and 4–6 GHz for the upper band. Both designs show minimal variation in gain, polarization, and radiation pattern over the tuning range.
Protein concentration in the pancreatic zymogen granule

Abstract We have estimated the concentration of protein in the zymogen granule, a major storage depot for secretory protein in the pancreatic acinar cell, in four different ways. Each of these approaches yielded roughly similar values. The protein concentration in the granule is approx. 135–270 mg protein/ml granule volume in rat and rabbit, as compared to an average value for the protein concentration of tissue of 135 mg/g tissue for rabbits and 183 mg/g tissue for rats. This is equivalent to an average molarity for the contained proteins of between 4–9 mM based on an estimated average molecular weight for the mixture of 30 000–40 000. An upper limit for the concentration of protein in these granules can reasonably be set at about double the overall concentration of protein in the non-granule portion of the cell.
Measurement of dissociative states with the clinician-administered dissociative states scale (CADSS)

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument for the measurement of present-state dissociative symptoms, the Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS). Reported here are interrater reliability and internal consistency of the CADSS, validity as assessed by comparisons with other instruments for the assessment of dissociation, and sensitivity of the CADSS to discriminate patients with dissociative disorders from patients with other psychiatric disorders and healthy subjects. Initial analyses indicated good interrater reliability and construct validity for the CADSS. Scores on the CADSS discriminated patients with dissociative disorders from the other groups.
An Observed Decline in the Amplitude of Recent Solar-Cycle Peaks

There has been much speculation about the extended minimum between Solar Cycles 23 and 24. Cycle 24 itself has been unusually weak compared with recent cycles. We present quantitative evidence for the weakness of both Cycles 23 and, particularly, 24. The data are objective indices derived from precision photometric images obtained on a daily basis at the San Fernando Observatory. These data form the longest running, homogeneous photometric record known to us. We show sunspot areas from red images and facular/network areas from Ca ii K-line images. Spot and facular area are a simple and direct measurement of the strength of solar activity. The data clearly show the decline in the amplitude of sunspot maxima for Cycles 23 and 24 compared with Cycle 22. The relative amplitudes of mean spot area for Cycles 22 through 24 are 1.0, 0.74, and 0.37, respectively. There is also an indication that the facular-to-spot area ratio has increased in Cycle 24.
Effects of Congenital Hypothyroidism and Partial and Complete Food Deprivation on Phenolic and Tyrosyl Ring Iodothyronine Deiodination in Rat Brain

We have investigated the effects of congenital hypothyroidism, partial nutritional deficiency in the neonatal period, and total food deprivation in adulthood on thyroid hormone deiodinative metabolism in rat brain tissue. Congenital hypothyroidism was induced by adding 0.02% methimazole to the drinking water of pregnant rats from gestational day 17 through the end of lactation. T4 5′-deiodination rates were 4-fold higher in cerebral cortical homogenates of the hypothyroid pups than in homogenates of normal cortex at 1 day and remained higher at 7, 14, and 21 days. In cerebellar and hypothalamic homogenates, T4 5′-deiodination rates were unmeasurably low at 1 day in hypothyroid and control groups, but at 7, 14, and 21 days, rates were 4-5 times higher in tissue from the hypothyroid rats. In incubations with 2 μM T3, T3 tyrosyl ring deiodination was measurable only in hypothalamic homogenates, in which there was no difference between the groups at 1, 7, 14, or 21 days. Neonatal rats were rendered undernouri...
Effects of Reciprocal Peer Tutoring and Self-Graphing on Reading Fluency and Classroom Behavior of Middle School Students With Emotional or Behavioral Disorders:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an intervention involving reciprocal peer tutoring and self-graphing of reading data on the disruptive behavior, active responding, and reading fluency of students with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD). Four middle school students with EBD participated in this research. Results indicated that during the intervention phase students' disruptive behavior decreased and active responding increased. Furthermore, during the intervention phase each student made progress on words read correctly per minute. This is represented by each student attaining the goal of typical reading growth, compared with only one student achieving this goal during the baseline phase. Limitations of the study and implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Compatibilization of polymer blends by reactive processing

This review examines some recent developments in the field of reactive compatibilization of polymer blends by melt processing in extruders and intensive batch mixers. Three routes to reactive compatibilization are considered, namely, the use of suitably functionalized blend constituents, the incorporation of polymeric compatibilizers, and the addition of low molecular weight compounds. Representative systems from the recent patent and open literature are classified according to method and assumed mechanism of compatibilization, and the types of chemical reactions involved. A variety of polymer blends are discussed, including impact modified thermoplastics, polymer modified engineering thermoplastics, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers, and co-crosslinked rubber/rubber blends. Examples of potential opportunities in reactive compatibilization are also presented.
Biomass: Is it a useful tool in paleocommunity reconstruction?

In general, more of the biomass of the community is preserved than is its numerical abundance. Thus, the paleontologist, on the average, works with more of the community when biomass is used. Community characteristics such as taxon dominance and habitat proportions are at least as accurately derived from biomass as numerical abundance. The use of biomass is clearly more appropriate in describing energy flow and trophic proportions. Whenever possible, biomass should be used as a complement to numerical abundance in future paleoecologic reconstructions.
Fault-tolerant distributed algorithm for election in complete networks

Electron in asynchronous complete networks is considered for the case in which the links may fail intermittently and undetectably. Undetectable link failure is consistent with the standard model of distributed algorithms in which link delays can be arbitrary but finite. An algorithm is given that correctly solves the problem when the links fail before or during the execution of the algorithm. If n is the number of nodes in the network, f the maximum number of fault links, and r a design parameter, the algorithm uses no more than O(nrf+(nr/(r-1) log(n/(r-1)f))) messages, runs in time O(n/(r-1)) f, and uses at most O(log mod T mod ) bits per message, where mod T mod is the cardinality of the set of node identifiers. >
New materials for tissue engineering: towards greater control over the biological response

One goal of tissue engineering is to replace lost or compromised tissue function, and an approach to this is to control the interplay between materials (scaffolds), cells and growth factors to create environments that promote the regeneration of functional tissues and organs. An increased understanding of the chemical signals that direct cell differentiation, migration and proliferation, advances in scaffold design and peptide engineering that allow this signaling to be recapitulated and the development of new materials, such as DNA-based and stimuli-sensitive polymers, have recently given engineers enhanced control over the chemical properties of a material and cell fate. Additionally, the immune system, which is often overlooked, has been shown to play a beneficial role in tissue repair, and future endeavors in material design will potentially expand to include immunomodulation.
Psychosocial adjustment following unsuccessful in vitro fertilization

This retrospective study investigated by mailed questionnaire all couples (n = 86) who completed in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and did not become pregnant. Fifty-two percent of the questionnaires were returned. The effect of IVF failure on couples' marital relationship, sexual functioning, and lifestyle was significant. Sixty-six percent of the women and 40% of the men reported depression following IVF failure, the severity of depression decreasing over time. Ninety-four percent of the women and 64% of the men reported somatic and psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety. The stress of undergoing IVF was compared to other stressful life events. Coping mechanisms and support systems are described. Suggestions for helping couples cope with IVF failure are discussed.
Multiclass classification with potential function rules: Margin distribution and generalization

Motivated by the potential field of static electricity, a binary potential function classifier views each training sample as an electrical charge, positive or negative according to its class label. The resulting potential field divides the feature space into two decision regions based on the polarity of the potential. In this paper, we revisit potential function classifiers in their original form and reveal their connections with other well-known results in the literature. We derive a bound on the generalization performance of multiclass potential function classifiers based on the observed margin distribution of the training data. A new model selection criterion using a normalized margin distribution is then proposed to learn ''good'' potential function classifiers in practice.
Budgetary Reform in Haiti from 1996‐98: A Case Study of Issues and Obstacles in Implementing Change

With the restoration of democracy and new lending agreements with the international community, the Haitian government embarked upon an ambitious program of budgetary reforms in 1996. For the next two years, Haiti's Ministry of Economy and Finance pursued administrative and legislative changes intended to address significant problems with the country's budget preparation and execution. This article examines the types of problems the Ministry faced and how it chose to address them. The author concludes that though the Ministry made important progress, the ultimate success of the reforms was impeded by weakness in the administrative capacity of the government and a persistent lack of clear political consensus and direction in the country.
tmRDB (tmRNA database)

The tmRNA database (tmRDB) is maintained at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Texas, and is accessible on the WWW at URL http://psyche.uthct.edu/dbs/tmRDB/tmRDB.html . A tmRDB mirror site is located on the campus of Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, reachable at the URL http://www.ag.auburn.edu/mirror/tmRDB/ . Since April 1997, the tmRDB has provided sequences of tmRNA (previously called 10Sa RNA), a molecule present in most bacteria and some organelles. This release adds 17 new sequences for a total of 60 tmRNAs. Sequences and corresponding tmRNA-encoded tag peptides are tabulated in alphabetical and phylogenetic order. The updated tmRNA alignment improves the secondary structures of known tmRNAs on the level of individual basepairs. tmRDB also provides an introduction to tmRNA function in trans-translation (with links to relevant literature), a limited number of tmRNA secondary structure diagrams, and numerous three-dimensional models generated interactively with the program ERNA-3D.
Medical and Medical/Urologic Approaches in Acute and Chronic Urologic Stone Disease

Urinary stone disease is a condition with far-reaching implications. Patients with their initial presentation of acute renal colic generally enter the health care system through 2 routes. Severe cases are seen in the emergency room, whereas more tolerable cases may be seen by primary care physicians. Patients with urinary stone disease are then managed in the long-term by a urologist. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, and short- and long-term management of acute and chronic urinary stone disease. EPIDEMIOLOGY In the United States, the 1988 to 1994 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) prospective cohort study found the lifetime prevalence of urinary stone disease to be 5.2%. 1 Stone disease seems to be on the rise, because the 1976 to 1980 NHANES II study recorded a lifetime prevalence of only 3.2%. In NHANES III, lifetime prevalence of stone disease was higher in men at 6.3% compared with 4.1% in women. The risk of stone disease generally seemed to increase as one aged, with the highest prevalence of stone disease in men occurring in the 70- to 74-year-old age group at 13.3%. Women experienced a peak prevalence in their sixth decade of 7.0%. In general, non-Hispanic Caucasian patients had the highest risk of urinary stone disease with a prevalence of 5.9%. Hispanic and African American patients had lower risks of stone disease with prevalences of 2.6% and 1.7%, respectively. Geography
Mechanisms of Muscle Injury, Repair, and Regeneration

Skeletal muscle continuously adapts to changes in its mechanical environment through modifications in gene expression and protein stability that affect its physiological function and mass. However, mechanical stresses commonly exceed the parameters that induce adaptations, producing instead acute injury. Furthermore, the relatively superficial location of many muscles in the body leaves them further vulnerable to acute injuries by exposure to extreme temperatures, contusions, lacerations or toxins. In this article, the molecular, cellular, and mechanical factors that underlie muscle injury and the capacity of muscle to repair and regenerate are presented. Evidence shows that muscle injuries that are caused by eccentric contractions result from direct mechanical damage to myofibrils. However, muscle pathology following other acute injuries is largely attributable to damage to the muscle cell membrane. Many feaures in the injury-repair-regeneration cascade relate to the unregulated influx of calcium through membrane lesions, including: (i) activation of proteases and hydrolases that contribute muscle damage, (ii) activation of enzymes that drive the production of mitogens and motogens for muscle and immune cells involved in injury and repair, and (iii) enabling protein-protein interactions that promote membrane repair. Evidence is also presented to show that the myogenic program that is activated by acute muscle injury and the inflammatory process that follows are highly coordinated, with myeloid cells playing a central role in modulating repair and regeneration. The early-invading, proinflammatory M1 macrophages remove debris caused by injury and express Th1 cytokines that play key roles in regulating the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of satellite cells. The subsequent invasion by anti-inflammatory, M2 macrophages promotes tissue repair and attenuates inflammation. Although this system provides an effective mechanism for muscle repair and regeneration following acute injury, it is dysregulated in chronic injuries. In this article, the process of muscle injury, repair and regeneration that occurs in muscular dystrophy is used as an example of chronic muscle injury, to highlight similarities and differences between the injury and repair processes that occur in acutely and chronically injured muscle.
Innovative Outreach Methods for Adult Education in the 21st Century: Knowing Your Audience and Moving From the Centerpiece to the Sideline

O utreach has taken on various forms during the past 10 years, and because technology has be- come such an integral part of teaching, changes continue to occur at an even greater speed. The pace of life for educators has us reaching for the newest tech- nology and calling ourselves innovative if we embed a You- Tube video or a couple of iClicker (a participant response system that allows you to poll the participants and display the results; Macmillan, New York, NY ) questions into our exist- ing PowerPoint presentation. We plan our programs and en- tice participants to attend with food and Continuing Educa- tion Units (CEUs), the perpetual carrot on a string for most education programs, and hope the weather prohibits our clientele from doing something they view as more valuable. But what if our programs were viewed by people as the most valuable use of their time? How can we make that transition from a boring necessity to an investment in their future? DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i3_mealor
Procedure-Specific Estimates of Structural and Strategic Factors in the Horizontal-Vertical Illusion:

The present study examined potential differences in structural and strategic factor estimates involved in the Horizontal-Vertical (HV) illusion. Performance on adjustment and production-task forms of the illusion was examined under the conditions of intertrial feedback, continued visual inspection, combined feedback and visual inspection, as well as control procedures. Estimates of structural and strategic factors were procedure-specific and, for each task, the correction of inaccurate strategic factors was significantly greater for the feedback than the visual-inspection and control groups. There were no significant additive effects when feedback was combined with visual inspection. The illusion results from an overestimation of the length of vertical lines, seems to be predominantly cognitive in nature, and exists in the absence of line bisection and a comparison line.
NOTE ON LADLE BRICK1

Review of Literature on Ladle Brick.—(1) American ladle in which it is stated no chemical reactions occur; (2) English ladle in which four or five chemical reactions occur simultaneously. Fusion Point of Ladle Brick ranging from cones 17 to 30 depending on behavior of clay at temperatures below the fusion point. Process of Manufacture.—Two processes, namely dry press and stiff-mud with preference for dry press. Modification of standard refractories is suggested.
Tops, bottoms, and versatiles

Amongst gay men, the self-label – top, bottom or versatile – reflects the sexual role preference during anal intercourse. This study explored whether this label could predict preferences for other sexual behaviors and the roles within those behaviors. First, the accuracy of the sexual self-label was tested. We confirmed that tops strongly preferred insertive anal intercourse; bottoms, receptive anal intercourse; and versatiles, both behaviors. Further tests showed that sexual self-label was indeed correlated with corresponding roles within sexual behaviors aside from intercourse, e.g. insertive urination or receptive fisting. About 75% of these sexual behaviors followed posited trends: tops being insertive; bottoms, receptive; and versatiles, between the two. Finally, within groups, tops were found to strongly prefer playing insertive rather than receptive roles; bottoms strongly prefer playing receptive to insertive roles; and versatiles were found to have an equal preference for playing both.
Examination, Clarification, and Simplification of Stability and Dispersion Analysis for ADI-FDTD and CNSS-FDTD Schemes

We describe a rigorous analysis of unconditional stability for the alternating-direction-implicit finite-difference time-domain (ADI-FDTD) and Crank-Nicholson split step (CNSS-FDTD) schemes avoiding use of the von Neumann spectral criterion. The proof is performed in the spectral domain, and uses skew-Hermitivity of matrix terms in the ADI and CNSS total amplification matrices. A bound for the total ADI amplification matrix is provided. While the CN and CNSS-FDTD amplification matrices are unitary, the bound on the ADI-FDTD depends on the Courant number. Importantly, we have found that the ADI-FDTD amplification matrix is not normal, i.e., the unit spectral radius alone cannot be used to prove the ADI-FDTD unconditional stability. The paper also shows that the ADI-FDTD and CNSS-FDTD schemes share the same dispersion equation by a similarity of their total amplification matrices, and the two schemes have identical numerical dispersion in the frame of plane waves.
Electrochemical sensing performance of nanodiamond-derived carbon nano-onions: Comparison with multiwalled carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoflakes, and glassy carbon

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs) are emerging carbon nanomaterials with unique microstructure and electronic properties. CNOs are 0-D carbon analogs of 1-D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2-D graphenes. CNOs are composed of sp2-bonded, concentric nanographene shells surrounding a hollow core. Microstructure, electrochemical properties, and biosensing performances of nanodiamond-derived CNOs (N–CNOs) were studied in comparison with other popular carbon electrodes: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphite nanoflakes (GNFs), and glassy carbon (GC). First, morphology and microstructure of N–CNOs were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM, TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. Chemical composition and chemical functional groups were probed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Raman spectra of N–CNOs showed a large value of ID/IG, indicating that N–CNOs include defects, i.e., exposed edge planes. Second, electrocatalytic activity of N–CNOs toward oxygen reduction reaction was tested in comparison with MWCNTs, GNFs, and GC. Last, biosensing performances of N–CNOs were studied. Cyclic voltammetric and differential pulse voltammetric measurements were carried out for the detection of redox-active biomolecules such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The results showed remarkable electrochemical activities of N–CNOs with high sensitivity, high selectivity, and stable electrode responses for the detection of biologically important molecules.
Chromosome Aberrations and Mammalian Reproduction

Chromosome heteroploidy is responsible for a substantial segment of observed birth defects and reproductive inefficiency. Sterility, reduced fertility, embryonic or fetal death, stillbirths, and/or congenital malformation may result from an aberration in chromosome number. Sandier and Hecht (1973) argue that the maximum nonlethal excess of autosomal DNA in humans is 5–6% and that deletion of more than 2–3% of the haploid autosomal complement is incompatible with life.
A Novel Blood Transfusant Candidate: Intact Human Erythrocytes Containing Hemoglobin Exclusively Nitrosylated in the α-Subunits

The transport of oxygen from lungs to peripheral tissues is carried out by hemoglobin (Hb), the main protein component inside red blood cells. However, the modulation of its physiological performance is regulated by the intracellular content of metabolites, mainly 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG), which lower the oxygen affinity of Hb to optimal levels, so that an efficient oxygen delivery is accomplished within a narrow gradient in partial pressures of oxygen between lungs and tissues. However, intracellular levels of DPG in stored blood decay with time, which causes a gradual increase in oxygen affinity, thus imposing a limit to the lifetime of blood for practical use.
Patient-reported sleep disturbance in advanced cancer: frequency, predictors and screening performance of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System sleep item

Aims Sleep Disturbance (SD) is a severe debilitating symptom in advanced cancer patients (ACP). However, routine screening of SD is uncommon. The primary aim of this study was to determine the optimal cutoff score for SD screening for Edmonton Symptom Assessment system (ESAS) sleep item using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as a gold standard. We also determined the frequency of SD, obstructive sleep apnea symptoms (OSA) and restless leg syndrome (RLS) and factors associated with SD. Methods We prospectively surveyed 180 consecutive ACP. Patients completed validated assessment for symptoms. We determined epidemiological performance, receiver operating characteristics, and correlations of SD. Results SD according to PSQI was diagnosed in 112/180 (62%), and median (IQR) ESAS sleep was 5 (2-7). ESAS sleep ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 74% and 80%, and specificity of 71% and 64% in the training and validation samples, respectively for screening of SD. The frequency of OSA was 61%; RLS was 38%. ESAS sleep was associated [r, p-value] with PSQI (0.61, Conclusions SD is frequent and ESAS SD item ≥ 4 has good sensitivity for SD screening.
Quantifying the effects of sensor coatings on body temperature measurements

A characterization of an organism’s thermoregulatory ability informs our understanding of its physiology, ecology and behavior. Biotelemetry studies on thermoregulation increasingly rely on in situ body temperature measurements from surgically implanted data loggers. To protect the organism and the instrument, the electronics and the temperature sensor are often encased in non-conductive materials prior to insertion into the organism. These materials thermally insulate the sensor, thus potentially biasing temperature measurements to suggest a greater degree of thermoregulation than is actually the case. Here we present methodology to quantify and correct for the effect of sensor coatings on temperature measurements by data recording tags. We illustrate these methods using Wildlife Computer’s Mk9 archival tag, field data from the peritoneal cavity of a juvenile albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) and simulated data of several species of ectotherms (fish: Hemitripterus americanus, Catostomus commersoni and Maxostoma macrolepidotum; reptiles: Macroclemys temminckii, Varanus spp.), ranging in size from 10 to 1000 g. Mk9 tags had rate constants (measures of the sensor’s ability to respond to changes in temperature) of 1.79 ± 0.06 and 0.81 ± 0.07 min−1 for the external and internal sensors, respectively. The higher rate constant of the external sensor produced smaller errors than the internal sensor. Yet, both sensors produced instantaneous errors of over 1 °C for all species tested, with the exception of T. alalunga. The effect of sensor coatings on body temperature measurements is shown to depend on the relative values of the sensor’s and the organism’s rate constant and the rate of change of environmental temperature. If the sensor’s rate constant is lower than that of the organism, the temperature measurements will reflect the thermal properties of the sensor rather than the organism.
A hybrid genetic-greedy approach to the skills management problem

The Naval Surface Warfare Center wishes to create a task assignment schedule with a minimal training cost for workers to raise their skills to the required levels. As the number of workers, skills, and tasks increase, the problem quickly becomes too large to solve through brute force. Already several greedy heuristics have been produced, though their performance degrades for larger data sets. As Genetic Algorithms (GA) are effective for large combinatorial problems, their application to the task assignment problem may prove successful. The innovation in applying a GA to this problem is the utilization of existing greedy heuristics in the crossover operator. As the population begins to converge in the GA, the greedy algorithm benefits by having fewer tasks to assign. Likewise, the GA benefits from the addition of the greedy heuristic by increasing the likelihood of good valid solutions within the population. To explore the effectiveness of the proposed method, several different crossover operators are defined. The first method is purely random to act as a control, as the only improvements will be due to the genetic algorithm. The second method provides a basic heuristic to improve upon the random crossover operator, while still primarily stochastic and therefore relying on the GA for convergent behavior. The final two techniques incorporate existing greedy heuristics. The four crossover operators are tested against several data sets of varying sizes to ascertain their relative performance. Crossover methods are compared based on the best score found over all runs. In addition, the evolution and convergence of populations for the different operators are examined, offering further insight into their performance. The combination of a greedy heuristic and genetic algorithm proves to be an effective method for approaching the task assignment problem. This method compares favorably to existing techniques, as well as a purely genetic approach. While the greedy genetic approach suffers some shortcomings, the success of the combined algorithm warrants further development of this methodology.
A Numerical Study of Non-Symmetric Joints

A great deal of analytical, numerical, and experimental research has focused on characterizing symmetric lap-type joints, in which the joint connects dynamic systems with nominally the same descriptions. In this paper, we numerically examine dynamically non-symmetric jointed structures. Starting with the analytical treatments of Pratt and Williams (1981) as verification of our simulation model and approach, we then introduce structural stiffness asymmetries ranging from small perturbations to large differences. The results are presented in both the time and frequency domains, and the role of the dynamic asymmetry is critically examined. The results of this numerical study suggest that both the relative displacement profile and the stick-slip behavior at the joint are sensitive to the dynamics of the two substructures, with frequency tuning of the substructures being an important indicator of joint performance.© 2007 ASME
Water Mites of the Genus Feltria in Central and Western United States (Acarina: Feltriidae)

Descriptions and figures are given for 16 species of Feltria known from central and western United States, including 11 that are new: F . polyplacophora , F . multiscutata , F . rubra nearctica , F . montanensis , F . major , F . lundbladi , F . curviseta , F . oregonensis , F . flatheadensis , F . parva , and F . laversi . New synonymy: F. macroplata geometrica Habeeb (= F. occidentalis Habeeb). A schematic drawing of the basic dorsal plates and glandularia is given.
Biaxial strain effects on adatom surface diffusion on tungsten from first principles

Using first-principles electronic structure calculations, the energy barriers for diffusion mechanisms of adatoms on the tungsten (W) (001) and (110) surfaces under externally applied biaxial strain fields are determined. Adatoms move either by hopping on the surface or by an exchange process with a surface atom, which is found to be completed in one step (direct exchange), or via the formation of a surface crowdion (crowdion-mediated exchange). As a result of the compact atomic stacking, hopping is found to be the major diffusion mechanism on the W(110) surface, irrespective of the surface strain state. On the other hand, the main diffusion mechanism on the less compact W(001) surface is found to be a competition between direct exchange and crowdion-mediated exchange, depending on the magnitude of the surface biaxial strain. Results of the model reveal that, if surface crowdions form, they will be highly mobile and migrate anisotropically. A microscopic explanation is presented by analyzing the charge density associated with surface crowdions. A ``mechanism diagram'' for atomic surface diffusion on the W(001) indicates that the diffusion direction and its rate can both be modulated by an applied biaxial strain. Migration volumes for the three mechanisms are calculated, and the significance of the results to the understanding of surface evolution under plasma or other energetic ion bombardment is highlighted.
It's Time to Teach Citation Basics

Many students’ citation problems are caused by a lack of basic knowledge of citation, and academic libraries should take the lead to teach students this information. This article describes a Citation Basics class to experiment with systematic instruction on citation.
Using Katsurada’s determination of the Eisenstein series to compute Siegel eigenforms

We compute Hecke eigenform bases of spaces of level one, degree~three Siegel modular forms and 2-Euler factors of the eigenforms through weight 22. Our method uses the Fourier coefficients of Siegel Eisenstein series, which are fully known and computationally tractable by the work of H. Katsurada; we also use P. Garrett's decomposition of the pullback of the Eisenstein series through the Witt map. Our results support I. Miyawaki's conjectural lift, and they give examples of eigenforms that are congruence neighbors.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Primary Osteogenic Sarcoma

The choice of a chemotherapeutic agent or agents for adjuvant therapy in osteosarcoma is not clear; the value of prophylactic lung irradiation and immunotherapy is also not clear. Resection of pulmonary metastases is unequivocally a major advance in thoracic surgery.
Tilt servo using Modal wavefront actuator

Correcting disk tilt aberrations have been studied extensively in recent years. One example is using LCD phase shift modulating devices. Another example is using a comatic lenses. The other example is combined tracking position and tilt sensor for actuator. Method 1 has the advantage ofless space, lower cost; but disadvantage of low wavefront resolution. Method 2 and 3 has the disadvantage of precise mechanical control.
Intention, Text and Response

Charles Dickens’s literary intentions, as he expressed them, were simple enough. He said again and again in his letters, his speeches, and in the Prefaces he wrote for various editions of his novels that he wanted to ‘brighten up the lives and fancies of others’. He wanted to ‘increase the stock of harmless cheerfulness’ in the world; to tell his audience ‘that the world is not utterly to be despised’. He wrote to please and to entertain. Being a writer for an audience whom John Butt and Kathleen Tillotson have described as ‘delicately responsive’3 to his every move, he was delighted each time he was smitten by what he often called ‘a pretty idea’, and always eager to see ‘what effects’ its execution would generate in his readers.
Altered Glucuronyl Transferase Activity in Magnesium Depleted Rats

Magnesium intake for the population often appears to be suboptimal. However, the occurrence of magnesium deficiency in man is most frequently associated with a complicating disease state, such as alcoholism, malabsorption syndromes, burns, and acute or chronic renal disease. Drug therapy may also exacerbate magnesium deficiency, and conversely magnesium depletion may affect the efficacy of drug therapy.
Beyond the Fact-Value Dichotomy

Several years ago I was a guest at a dinner party at which the hostess made a remark that stuck in my mind. It was just after the taking of the American embassy in Iran, and we were all rather upset and worried about the fate of the hostages. After a while, my hostess said something to the effect that she envied, or almost envied, the consolation that their intense faith in Islam must give the Iranian people, and that we are in a disconsolate position because “science has taught us that the universe is an uncaring machine.”
Histological Disease Activity as a Predictor of Clinical Relapse Among Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Histological Disease Activity as a Predictor of Clinical Relapse Among Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis