cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National Scenic Byways: Diversity Contributes to Success

National Scenic Byways have both similar and diverse traits. Similarities include common intrinsic qualities, completed corridor management plans, and substantial efforts toward program goals of preserving and promoting their intrinsic qualities. Variations include corridor characteristics, land management and ownership patterns, and the maturity and capacity of byway organizations. Despite differences, most National Scenic Byways achieve a high degree of productivity as measured by planning activity, program development, and facility improvements. It is argued that the degree of diversity accommodated in the national program is a contributing factor to byway success.
The Analysis of Current Status Data on Point Processes

Abstract This article considers the analysis of event count data in which each subject is observed at only one time point and no information is available on subjects between their entry time and observation points. This type of data, often referred to as current status data, arises frequently—for example, in demography, epidemiology, and reliability studies. Statistical methods for the analysis of current status data from point processes are proposed. Specifically, a statistic for testing the equality of the mean functions of point processes is presented and its asymptotic distribution obtained. For illustration, the proposed method is used to analyze multiple tumor data from a tumorgenicity experiment, with focus on the comparison of tumor growth rates in male and female rats. The adequacy of the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is evaluated in a small simulation study. Power comparisons with the usual parametric model are also obtained. Finally, some possible directions for further research...
Weak truth table degrees of structures

We study the weak truth table (wtt) degree spectra of rst-order relational structures. We prove a dichotomy among the possible wtt degree spectra along the lines of Knight’s upward-closure theorem for Turing degree spectra. We prove new results contrasting the wtt degree spectra of nite- and innite-signature structures. We show that, as a method of dening classes of reals, the wtt degree spectrum is, except for some trivial cases, strictly more expressive than the Turing degree spectrum.
Clinical and laboratory findings of 21 patients with radiation-induced myopathy

Background Limited data are available on radiation-induced myopathy (RIM) in adult cancer survivors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, electrophysiological, serological, radiological and pathological findings of patients with RIM seen in the neurology clinic over a 11-year period (2002–2013). Results Out of 251 patients with radiotherapy-induced neuromuscular complications, 21 had RIM (11 men and 10 women). Cancers included: Hodgkin9s lymphoma (13), non-Hodgkin9s lymphoma (one), pinealoblastoma (one), tongue (two), nasopharyngeal (one), thyroid (one) and testicular cancer (two). Various radiotherapy protocols were used but all patients received neck and upper torso radiation. The mean latency between radiation exposure and onset of RIM was 15 years (range 2–45 years). The most common presentation was head drop (43%) followed by neck pain (38%). Axial (86%) and periscapular (81%) muscle weakness and atrophy were frequent findings. Two patients died in follow-up from hypercapnic respiratory failure secondary to neuromuscular weakness. Serum creatine kinase values were usually normal or slightly elevated. EMG revealed predominantly myopathic changes in the axial and periscapular muscles. Half of the muscle biopsies (6/12) showed myopathic changes; increased connective tissue elements were observed in seven of eight muscle biopsies performed in the irradiated field; and mitochondrial dysfunction in two. Conclusions RIM is a potential long-term neuromuscular adverse effect of radiation exposure in Hodgkin9s disease and other types of cancer manifesting predominantly as head drop and can be fatal due to neuromuscular respiratory failure. Improved radiotherapy protocols might reduce the risk of RIM and other radiation-induced neuromuscular complications.
Survivable all-optical cross-connect meshed-ring communications networks

We introduce a meshed ring communication s network which employs cross-connect switches. Such a network provides higher reliability, security, and throughput capabilities than those offered by a SONET ring. The cross-connect switches can be implemented as ATM Virtual Path switches leading to an ATM compatible network system, or as wavelength routers yielding a WDM operation. We show here that this network architecture results in a significant increase in throughput performance in comparison with ring networks. The meshing of the ring topology contributes to increasing the network's reliability, survivability and security features. For a certain class of meshed rings, under a uniform traffic matrix, we derive the optimal topology which achieves maximum throughput efficiency. We also obtain lower and upper bounds on the number of identifiers required to achieve that efficiency. Wavelength graphs are constructed to demonstrate the implementation of the routing scheme when the above mentioned bounds are used to synthesize the optimal architecture. For practical implementation reasons, we also investigate the performance of networks which employ a reduced number of identifiers. We demonstrate the extent to which the attainable throughput efficiency is decreased as the number of wavelength is reduced.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Heterogeneity of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in cultured thoracic aorta and renal artery of rats

Abstract Replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus vectors have been used to transfer foreign genes effectively to a wide variety of cell types in vivo and in vitro. We have now used adenovirus containing either the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (β-gal) gene (AdHCMVsp1LacZ) or the firefly luciferase gene (Ad5-luc3) to test the hypothesis that efficiencies of adenovirus-mediated gene delivery into organ cultures of smooth muscle differ according to the anatomic origin of the muscle. Thoracic aorta and renal artery were isolated from 9-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats and exposed to adenovirus after 16 hours of incubation with serum-free medium (Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium). With the use of histochemical methods, β-gal staining was noted in both endothelial and adventitial cells but not in the muscular media of thoracic aorta and renal artery exposed to AdHCMVsp1LacZ. The efficiency of the transfection, assessed either by counting of β-gal–stained cells in intact vessels or by measurement of β-gal activity in tissue extracts, was higher in renal artery than thoracic aorta ( P 6 relative light units per milligram protein) was higher than that in thoracic aorta (8.3±2.0×10 6 , P 3 H]thymidine incorporation. [ 3 H]Thymidine uptake by thoracic aorta was only 63% of that in renal artery ( P
Vascular remodeling and plaque composition between focal and diffuse coronary lesions assessed by intravascular ultrasound

Coronary remodeling and plaque composition were compared between focal and diffuse coronary lesions. Negative remodeling and fibrous and calcified plaque compositions contribute to stenosis development in diffuse lesions more frequently than in focal lesions.
Apomab: an agonist monoclonal antibody directed against Death Receptor 5/TRAIL-Receptor 2 for use in the treatment of solid tumors.

Background: Apomab is a pro-apoptotic anticancer agonist monoclonal antibody against Death receptor 5 (DR5)/TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2). Objective: To review available preclinical and clinical data and compare Apomab with similar agents. Methods: Manuscripts were identified (PubMed) using the terms TRAIL-R2, DR5 and Apomab. Abstracts from major oncology meetings in 2005 – 2008 were hand-searched. Results/conclusion: Apomab demonstrates preclinical activity against a range of solid tumors, both as monotherapy and in combination with cytotoxics. Clinical data are limited but Apomab exposures appear compatible with intermittent dosing alongside standard chemotherapy regimens. Transaminitis has been noted in 1 out of 37 patients but the true frequency and severity of this and other toxicities cannot yet be determined. Apomab has shown early signs of anticancer activity in heavily pretreated patients. Several similar agents are at similar stages of development. No direct compari...
The demon algorithm

This paper introduces a generalization of the simulated annealing algorithm for global optimization. Simulated annealing has been successfully applied to a number of combinatorial and continuous optimization problems. The original approach has been significantly improved by introducing adaptive annealing schedules and annealing several copies of the problem in parallel. In this paper we make a further step and propose a generalized simulated annealing algorithm called Demon Algorithm. This algorithm is constructed in analogy to the action of Maxwell's Demon and has been motivated by an information-theoretic analysis of simulated annealing. The algorithm is based on an ensemble of identical systems that are annealed in parallel. The ensemble evolves according to a sequence of target distributions with the aim to end up in a distribution that is concentrated on optimal solutions. The evolution of the ensemble is based on collective moves. The algorithm is implemented for the problem of graph bipartitioning ...
Zonadhesin assembly into the hamster sperm acrosomal matrix occurs by distinct targeting strategies during spermiogenesis and maturation in the epididymis

Zonadhesin is the only sperm protein known to bind in a species-specific manner to the zona pellucida. The zonadhesin precursor is a mosaic protein with a predicted transmembrane segment and large extracellular region composed of cell adhesion, mucin, and tandem von Willebrand D domains. Because the precursor possesses a predicted transmembrane segment and localizes to the anterior head, the mature protein was presumed to be a sperm surface zona pellucida-binding protein. In this study of hamster spermatozoa, we demonstrate that zonadhesin does not localize to the sperm surface but is instead a constituent of the acrosomal matrix. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that distinct targeting pathways during spermiogenesis and sperm maturation in the epididymis result in trafficking of zonadhesin to the acrosomal matrix. In round spermatids, zonadhesin localized specifically to the acrosomal membrane, where it appeared to be evenly distributed between the outer and inner membrane domains. Subsequent redistribution of zonadhesin resulted in its elimination from the inner acrosomal membrane and restriction to the outer acrosomal membrane of the apical and principal segments and the contents of the posterior acrosome. During sperm maturation in the epididymis, zonadhesin dissociated from the outer acrosomal membrane and became incorporated into the forming acrosomal matrix. These data suggest an important structural role for zonadhesin in assembly of the acrosomal matrix and further support the view that the species specificity of zona pellucida adhesion is mediated by egg-binding proteins contained within the acrosome rather than on the periacrosomal plasma membrane.
Pathogen detection using microfluidic bead-based polymerase chain reaction

This paper presents a microfluidic device which uses bead-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and detect genomic DNA of Bordetella Pertussis. PCR is a biochemical amplification process in which template DNA is duplicated by repeated thermal cycling and enzymatic amplification. The device uses an integrated resistive heater and temperature sensor beneath a (poly) dimethylsiloxane microfluidic chamber to control the temperature of a solution containing the template DNA and PCR reagents, including bead-based primers. The PCR reaction results in fluorescently tagged double-stranded DNA immobilized on microbeads. The combination of chemical amplification and fluorescent signal concentration on microbeads allows sensitive detection of template DNA at a concentration of 1 pM in only 10 PCR cycles within 13 minutes.
Preventing wormhole attacks on wireless ad hoc networks: a graph theoretic approach

We study the problem of characterizing the wormhole attack, an attack that can be mounted on a wide range of wireless network protocols without compromising any cryptographic quantity or network node. A wormhole, in essence, creates a communication link between an origin and a destination point that could not exist with the use of the regular communication channel. Hence, a wormhole modifies the connectivity matrix of the network, and can be described by a graph abstraction of the ad hoc network. Making use of geometric random graphs induced by the communication range constraint of the nodes, we present the necessary and sufficient conditions for detecting and defending against wormholes. Using our theory, we also present a defense mechanism based on local broadcast keys. We believe our work is the first one to present analytical calculation of the probabilities of detection. We also present simulation results to illustrate our theory.
Declarative Visualization In The Shared Dataspace Paradigm

This paper is concerned with the use of program visualization as a means for the understanding, debugging, and monitoring of large-scale concurrent programs. Following an overview of the shared dataspace paradigm and the declarative approach to visualization, the paper discusses: (1) mechanisms for specifying declarative visualization in the shared dataspace paradigm and ways of relating the specifications to program verification; (2) a computational model which provides a unified framework for comparing both visual and nonvisual algorithms; and (3) strategies for implementing declarative visualization on parallel machines.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy vs Ureteroscopy: Variation in Surgical Management of Kidney Stones at Freestanding Children's Hospitals

Purpose: Although shock wave lithotripsy has long been considered the gold standard for treatment of kidney stones in children, ureteroscopy has become increasingly common. The factors determining procedure choice at individual centers are unclear. We sought to identify patient and hospital factors associated with the choice between shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy.Materials and Methods: We searched the Pediatric Health Information System hospital database to identify patients with renal calculi who underwent inpatient or outpatient shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy between 2000 and 2008. We used multivariate regression to evaluate whether procedure type was associated with hospital level factors, including treating hospital, region, size and teaching status, or patient level factors, including age, race, gender and insurance type.Results: We identified 3,377 children with renal stones, of whom 538 (16%) underwent surgery (shock wave lithotripsy in 48%, ureteroscopy in 52%). Procedures in 445 ...
The Female Voice: Applications to Bowen's Family Systems Theory

This paper is written in response to calls from feminist scholars to address potential biases against women in theories of family therapy. Findings from studies offemale development are summarized and integrated into an expanded model of Bowen's family systems theory. A case example comparing the expanded model with a traditional application of Bowen's theory is included.
Towards a model of storage jamming

Storage jamming can degrade real-world activities that share stored data. Storage jamming is not prevented by access controls or cryptographic techniques. Verification to rule out storage jamming logic is impractical for shrink-wrapped software or low-cost custom applications. Detection mechanisms do offer more promise. In this paper, we model storage jamming and a detection mechanism, using Unity logic. We find that Unity logic, in conjunction with some high-level operators, models storage jamming in a natural way and allows us to reason about susceptibility, rate of jamming, and impact on persistent values.
Local and metrical tone shift in Nguni

In this paper I argue that the Nguni languages have both a metrical tone shift rule and a non-metrical (local) tone shift rule which precedes and feeds assignment of metrical prominence (accent). As Goldsmith, Peterson, and Drogo [1986] and Peterson [1989b] have argued, a metrical tone shift rule best accounts for the fact that the rightmost high tone in most words surfaces on the antepenult. Not all high tones shift to the antepenult, however; instead, they shift one syllable to the right. Earlier metrical analyses accounted for (some) of these cases by proposing rules of accent shift. The present analysis accounts for all these cases by a local tone shift rule ordered before accent assignment. This approach not only is more general and more natural than the accent shift analyses, but it also straightforwardly accounts for a number of tonal phenomena which were inadequately treated in earlier analyses.
Contraceptive education for women after childbirth.

Postpartum education may increase contraceptive use and reduce unplanned repeat pregnancies, although the evidence is mixed. The optimal timing and content of educational programs are not known.
Krüppel-Like Transcription Factor KLF1 Is Required for Optimal γ- and β-Globin Expression in Human Fetal Erythroblasts

In human adult erythroid cells, lower than normal levels of Kruppel-like transcription factor 1 (KLF1) are generally associated with decreased adult β- and increased fetal γ-globin gene expression. KLF1 also regulates BCL11A, a known repressor of adult γ-globin expression. In seeming contrast to the findings in adult cells, lower amounts of KLF1 correlate with both reduced embryonic and reduced fetal β-like globin mRNA in mouse embryonic erythroid cells. The role of KLF1 in primary human fetal erythroid cells, which express both γ- and β-globin mRNA, is less well understood. Therefore, we studied the role of KLF1 in ex vivo differentiated CD34+ umbilical cord blood cells (UCB erythroblasts), representing the fetal milieu. In UCB erythroblasts, KLF1 binds to the β-globin locus control region (LCR), and the β-globin promoter. There is very little KLF1 binding detectable at the γ-globin promoter. Correspondingly, when cultured fetal UCB erythroblasts are subjected to lentiviral KLF1 knockdown, the active histone mark H3K4me3 and RNA pol II recruitment are diminished at the β- but not the γ-globin gene. The amount of KLF1 expression strongly positively correlates with β-globin mRNA and weakly positively correlates with BCL11A mRNA. With modest KLF1 knockdown, mimicking haploinsufficiency, γ-globin mRNA is increased in UCB erythroblasts, as is common in adult cells. However, a threshold level of KLF1 is evidently required, or there is no absolute increase in γ-globin mRNA in UCB erythroblasts. Therefore, the role of KLF1 in γ-globin regulation in fetal erythroblasts is complex, with both positive and negative facets. Furthermore, in UCB erythroblasts, diminished BCL11A is not sufficient to induce γ-globin in the absence of KLF1. These findings have implications for the manipulation of BCL11A and/or KLF1 to induce γ-globin for therapy of the β-hemoglobinopathies.
Nursing student attitudes toward oncology nursing: an evidence-based literature review.

Abstract Oncology education can impact nursing students' attitudes toward oncology and their interest in oncology nursing. To explore that relationship, a literature search was conducted using the CINAHL®, Cochrane Library, ERIC®, PubMed, and Scopus® databases. Nineteen pertinent studies were incorporated into the review, and recommendations were graded by strength of evidence schemas. The reviewed literature indicated undergraduate oncology education may be effective in encouraging nursing students to consider oncology as a practice area. Negative attitudes toward oncology such as fear and pessimism often are seen in students and practicing nurses. Educational interventions for students and nurses are effective in increasing knowledge and skills that are instrumental in fostering confidence and positive attitudes toward oncology nursing. All nursing students should have organized, mandatory clinical and didactic oncology nursing education experiences. Additional research is needed to support the effectiveness of educational strategies in influencing students' intent to practice oncology nursing. Innovative strategies including nontraditional clinical experiences, internships, fellowships, high-fidelity simulation, and postgraduate residencies are needed to provide adequate educational opportunities for nursing students to foster a strong and proficient oncology nursing workforce.
What's the Difference Between a US$0 Million and a US$0 Billion Company? [Entrepreneur Viewpoint]

Attempts to answer the question: What is the difference between a US$0 million and a US$0 billion company? Companies that are just starting out do not have a product, employees, or revenue—only a promise. So why, then, do different companies end at up very different places?
Uracil Nucleosides with Reactive Group at C5 Position: 5-(1-Halo-2-sulfonylvinyl)uridine Analogues

The transition-metal-catalyzed or radical-mediated halosulfonylation of 5-ethynyluridine provided (E)-(1-halo-2-tosylvinyl)uridines. These (β-halo)vinyl sulfones undergo efficient stereoselective addition–elimination with amines or thiols to provide Z-β-aminovinyl or E-β-thiovinyl sulfones tethered to the C5 position of the uracil ring.
Nonlinear Estimation of Hypersonic Flight Using Polynomial Chaos

In this paper we present a nonlinear estimation algorithm to estimate state trajectories of a hypersonic vehicle due to uncertainty in initial conditions. Polynomial chaos theory is used to predict the evolution of uncertainty of the nonlinear system, and Bayesian estimation algorithm is used to estimate the posterior non Gaussian probability density function of the random process. The state estimates are found, minimizing the variance of the posterior density function. The nonlinear estimation algorithm is then applied to the hypersonic re-entry of a spacecraft in Martian atmosphere. Its performance is compared with linear estimators based on extended Kalman filtering framework. We observe that for the particular application, the proposed estimator outperforms the linear estimator, thus highlighting the need of nonlinear estimator in this scenario.
On Linear Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients

(1971). On Linear Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 8, pp. 896-899.
Timing of traumatic upper extremity free flap reconstruction: a systematic review and progress report.

Background:The recommendations on the timing of microsurgical extremity reconstruction are as variable and numerous as the flaps described for such reconstruction. Original articles suggested that reconstruction should take place within 72 hours of injury. However, significant changes in perioperati
Molecular characterization of inhibiting biochar water-extractable substances using electrospray ionization fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Biochar has gained significant interest worldwide for its potential use as both a carbon sequestration technique and soil amendment. Recently, research has shown that pinewood-derived biochar water extracts inhibited the growth of aquatic photosynthetic microorganisms, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae, while chicken litter- and peanut shell-derived biochar water extracts showed no growth inhibition. With the use of electrodialysis, the pinewood-derived biochar water extract is separated into 3 fractions (anode-isolated, center chamber retained, and cathode-isolated substances) all with varying toxic effects. Because of its ultrahigh resolution and mass precision, electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled to Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) is utilized in this study to analyze biochar water extracts at a molecular level to enhance our understanding of the toxic nature of pinewood-derived biochar water extracts as compared to benign peanut shell-derived biochar water e...
Monitoring results analysis on residents consuming iodized salt of Fengrun district in Tangshan city during 2011-2013

Objective Grasp the household iodized salt coverage of Fengrun district in Tangshan city,to provide the basis for targeted prevention measures timely,and conduct scientific intervention strategies. Methods Based on the requirements of National monitoring program on iodine deficiency disorders( trial) and Tangshan residents iodized salt monitoring implementation program,to conduct sampling and monitoring. Results Total888 samples were monitored during 2011-2013,651 qualified iodized salt samples,196 samples not qualified,41 non-iodized salt samples. Iodized salt coverage was 95. 4% yearly during 2011-2013,76. 9%qualification rate; qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 73. 3% for households. Conclusions Iodine salt coverage in Fengrun district during 2011-2013 reached national iodine lack disease elimination standard,residents households qualified iodine salt edible rate didn't reach national iodine lack disease elimination standard,there were supply of non-iodine salt in the market for 3 years continuously,therefore to strengthen salt market management is necessary,to increase the intensity of iodine lack disease control knowledge publicity,guide residents to take edible iodine salt scientifically,the measures of salt plus iodine must be long-term insisted,to achieve the target of elimination iodine lack disease continually.
A new translocation, t(10;14)(q24;q11), in T cell neoplasia

Four cases of T cell neoplasia are reported: three presenting as T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and one presenting in the leukemic phase of a T cell lymphoma. In all cases, the cells of the leukemic clone were characterized by an identical cytogenetic abnormality. This abnormality was a unique reciprocal translocation involving chromosomes 10 and 14. The breakpoint in chromosome 14 was in band q11, coincident with the assigned locus of the alpha-chain gene of the T cell antigen receptor. The breakpoint in chromosome 10 was in band q24, a region reported to include the locus of the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) gene. Our observations suggest that translocation t(10;14)(q24;q11) is specific for T cell neoplasia and that a gene in chromosomal band 10q24, possibly the TdT gene, plays an important role in T cell neoplasia when its expression or coding sequence is altered by aberrant recombination involving a T cell antigen receptor gene.
Cloning and widespread distribution of the rat rod-type cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel.

We used Northern blot analysis, ribonuclease protection assay (RPA), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization to investigate the hypothesis that the CNG1 isoform o...
Probing Mechanisms for Inverse Correlation between Rate Performance and Capacity in K–O2 Batteries

Owing to the formation of potassium superoxide (K+ + O2 + e– = KO2), K–O2 batteries exhibit superior round-trip efficiency and considerable energy density in the absence of any electrocatalysts. For further improving the practical performance of K–O2 batteries, it is important to carry out a systematic study on parameters that control rate performance and capacity to comprehensively understand the limiting factors in superoxide-based metal–oxygen batteries. Herein, we investigate the influence of current density and oxygen diffusion on the nucleation, growth, and distribution of potassium superoxide (KO2) during the discharge process. It is observed that higher current results in smaller average sizes of KO2 crystals but a larger surface coverage on the carbon fiber electrode. As KO2 grows and covers the cathode surface, the discharge will eventually end due to depletion of the oxygen-approachable electrode surface. Additionally, higher current also induces a greater gradient of oxygen concentration in th...
Novel r(2)(p25q31) Cytogenetic Abnormality in a Pediatric Patient With Acute Leukemia of Ambiguous Lineage

ABSTRACT We describe a case of acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage with a novel cytogenetic abnormality. A 1-year-old boy presented with abnormal complete blood count findings, and was found to have blasts and mild dysgranulopoiesis. The blasts showed immunophenotypic evidence of myeloid and T-lineage differentiation. Subsequent cytogenetic analysis showed r(2)(p25q31) as the sole stem line cytogenetic defect with clonal evolution. While cytogenetic abnormalities can have a critical role in the classification and prognostication of acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemia, the significance of cytogenetic abnormalities in acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage remains unclear. This finding has not been reported previously to the best of our knowledge.
Numerical Modeling of Moist Airflow over Topography

Although mountain waves have been the subject of extensive study, most previous theoretical work has neglected the effects of moisture on the dynamics of these waves. When the influence of moisture has been studied, the investigators have generally assumed that the governing equations were linear, and that moisture effects could be parameterized by changes in the stability (see Barcilon et al., 1979, 1980, Fraser et al., 1973), or by pre-specified regions of heating and cooling (Smith and Lin, 1982). In order to allow a more realistic representation of the moist processes, and to include nonlinear dynamics, Durran and Klemp (1982, 1983) have developed a numerical model to study the effects of moisture on mountain waves. When applied to low mountains (i.e. the linear case) they obtain results which agree with those derived from linear theory. In the following we will consider the effects of moisture in a very nonlinear situation (the 11 January 1972 windstorm in Boulder, Colorado). In addition, we will discuss the formulation of an appropriate upper boundary condition for the successful numerical simulation of highly nonlinear mountain waves.
Thomas Wolsey on stage and screen

Prof. Dr Hornbeck is participating in the research project, ‘Theology and Nature’, directed by Prof. Dr Johan Buitendag, Department of Dogmatics and Christian Ethics, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria and Dean of the Faculty of Theology.
Functional characterization of the active Mutator- like transposable element, Muta1 from the mosquito Aedes aegypti

Mutator-like transposable elements (MULEs) are widespread with members in fungi, plants, and animals. Most of the research on the MULE superfamily has focused on plant MULEs where they were discovered and where some are extremely active and have significant impact on genome structure. The maize MuDR element has been widely used as a tool for both forward and reverse genetic studies because of its high transposition rate and preference for targeting genic regions. However, despite being widespread, only a few active MULEs have been identified, and only one, the rice Os3378, has demonstrated activity in a non-host organism. Here we report the identification of potentially active MULEs in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. We demonstrate that one of these, Muta1, is capable of excision and reinsertion in a yeast transposition assay. Element reinsertion generated either 8 bp or 9 bp target site duplications (TSDs) with no apparent sequence preference. Mutagenesis analysis of donor site TSDs in the yeast assay indicates that their presence is important for precise excision and enhanced transposition. Site directed mutagenesis of the putative DDE catalytic motif and other conserved residues in the transposase protein abolished transposition activity. Collectively, our data indicates that the Muta1 transposase of Ae. aegypti can efficiently catalyze both excision and reinsertion reactions in yeast. Mutagenesis analysis reveals that several conserved amino acids, including the DDE triad, play important roles in transposase function. In addition, donor site TSD also impacts the transposition of Muta1.
The Surgeon as the Second Victim? Results of the Boston Intraoperative Adverse Events Surgeons' Attitude (BISA) Study

Background An intraoperative adverse event (iAE) is often directly attributable to the surgeon's technical error and/or suboptimal intraoperative judgment. We aimed to examine the psychological impact of iAEs on surgeons as well as the surgeons' attitude about iAE reporting. Study Design We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of all surgeons at 3 major teaching hospitals of the same university. The 29-item questionnaire was developed using a systematic closed and open approach focused on assessing the surgeons' personal account of iAE incidence, emotional response to iAEs, available support systems, and perspective about the barriers to iAE reporting. Results The response rate was 44.8% (n = 126). Mean age of respondents was 49 years, 77% were male, and 83% performed >150 procedures/year. During the last year, 32% recalled 1 iAE, 39% recalled 2 to 5 iAEs, and 9% recalled >6 iAEs. The emotional toll of iAEs was significant, with 84% of respondents reporting a combination of anxiety (66%), guilt (60%), sadness (52%), shame/embarrassment (42%), and anger (29%). Colleagues constituted the most helpful support system (42%) rather than friends or family; a few surgeons needed psychological therapy/counseling. As for reporting, 26% preferred not to see their individual iAE rates, and 38% wanted it reported in comparison with their aggregate colleagues' rate. The most common barriers to reporting iAEs were fear of litigation (50%), lack of a standardized reporting system (49%), and absence of a clear iAE definition (48%). Conclusions Intraoperative AEs occur often, have a significant negative impact on surgeons' well-being, and barriers to transparency are fear of litigation and absence of a well-defined reporting system. Efforts should be made to support surgeons and standardize reporting when iAEs occur.
Consent and Exploitation

We argue that Elliott’s four-element account of informed consent can be adapted to create a test to identify potential instances of exploitation. Exploitation is often defined as involving two parts: (1) an exchange resulting in an unfair distribution of benefits and costs where (2) the party that experiences the greater proportion of costs enters into the exchange in part due to limits to their autonomy. Consent, as it is framed by Elliott, can be a useful concept for identifying when (2) obtains.
Searching in the Dark: Practical SVRG Methods under Error Bound Conditions with Guarantee

This paper develops practical stochastic variance reduced gradient (SVRG) methods under error bound conditions with theoretical guarantee. Error bound conditions, an inherent property of the optimization problem, have recently revived in optimization for developing fast algorithms with improved global convergence without strong convexity. A particular condition of interest is the quadratic error bound (aka the second-order growth condition), which is weaker than strong convexity but can be leveraged for developing linear convergence for many gradient and proximal gradient methods. Several recent studies have also derived linear convergence under the quadratic error bound condition of the stochastic variance reduced gradient method, itself an important milestone in stochastic optimization for solving machine learning problems. However, these studies have overlooked the critical issue of algorithmic dependence on an unknown parameter (analogous to the strong convexity modulus) in the error bound conditions, which is usually difficult to estimate and therefore makes the algorithm not practical for solving many interesting machine learning problems. To address this issue, we propose novel techniques to automatically search for the unknown parameter on the fly of optimization, while maintaining almost the same convergence rate as an oracle setting assuming the involved parameter is given.
Spot Fire Ignition of Natural Fuels by Hot Aluminum Particles

The ignition of combustible material by contact with hot metal particles is an important pathway by which wildland and urban spot fires are started. This work examines how fuel characteristics such as density, morphology and chemical composition effect the ability of the fuel to be ignited by a hot metal particle. Fuels were prepared out of three materials: alpha-cellulose, a barley/wheat/oat grass blend, and pine needles. Each material was prepared as a powder and as larger, long pieces: strips of cellulose paper, loose grass, and pine needles. These fuels are representative of thermal insulation (cellulose strips), dry grasses (grass blend), forest litter (pine needles) and duff (powders). Aluminum particles ranging from 2 mm to 8 mm in diameter heated to temperatures between 575°C and 1100°C were dropped onto these fuels. The particle temperature required for ignition becomes higher as the particle size decreased. The results show that the required temperatures for ignition of powders were lower, with this trend particularly pronounced for the alpha-cellulose fuels. The biomass fuels required higher temperature particles to ignite, indicating that the presence of other ligno-cellulosic materials make ignition more difficult.
Neuromorphic computing with memristive devices

Technology advances in the last a few decades have resulted in profound changes in our society, from workplaces to living rooms to how we socialize with each other. These changes in turn drive further technology developments, as the exponential growth of data demands ever increasing computing power. However, improvements in computing capacity from device scaling alone is no longer sufficient, and new materials, devices, and architectures likely need to be developed collaboratively to meet present and future computing needs. Specifically, devices that offer co-located memory and computing characteristics, as represented by memristor devices and memristor-based computing systems, have attracted broad interest in the last decade. Besides tremendous appeal in data storage applications, memristors offer the potential for efficient hardware realization of neuromorphic computing architectures that can effectively address the memory and energy walls faced by conventional von Neumann computing architectures. In this review, we evaluate the state-of-the-art in memristor devices and systems, and highlight the potential and challenges of applying such devices and architectures in neuromorphic computing applications. New directions that can lead to general, efficient in-memory computing systems will also be discussed.
The Use of GPS Data for Global Gravity Field Determination

GPS tracking data collected by a low-Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite provides global and continuous coverage of the orbit. Consequently, this data set contains valuable information for both precise orbit determination (POD) and gravity model improvement. The GPS experiment on TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) presents the first opportunity to use GPS data for POD (Bertiger et al., 1994; Schutz et al., 1994) and global gravity field development.
Trust, Dependency, and Control in the Contemporary Organization

Trust is an essential element in productive and effective intraorganizational communication and interaction. The present study examined several consequences of trust in terms of influence strategies used and the frequency with which people interact with each other. The study also examined the extent to which the technology of work affects management's dependency on their employees. It was found that distrust of subordinates by managers (n = 275) was associated with the use of strong tactics of influence, little dependency on employees, and the use of personal-related characteristics to explain distrust. It was also found that distrust of managers by subordinates (n = 267) was associated with the use of strong methods of influence, less interaction, less attempts to influence, and the use of personal-related characteristics to explain lack of trust. These findings have clear implications for understanding the relation among worker trust, dependency, and social influence. The data suggest that both employees and employers could benefit from considering the importance of a trusting relationship in the workplace.
A small molecule inhibitor of the perinucleolar compartment, ML246, attenuates growth and spread of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer remains a major health problem for women as it is often diagnosed at a late stage with metastatic disease. There are limited therapeutic agents and survival rates remain poor. The perinucleolar compartment (PNC) has been shown to be associated with malignancy and is considered a surrogate phenotypic marker for metastatic cancer cells. A small molecule, ML246, was derived from a screen against PNCs. In this study, the effect of ML246 on ovarian cancer growth and spread was investigated. SKOV3 or OVCAR3 cells were treated with ML246 in vitro and PNC was visualized with immunofluorescent staining. Cell invasion was assessed using Matrigel-coated transwell systems. SKOV3 cells were xenografted orthotopically under the ovarian bursa of immunocompromised mice. Additionally, a patient derived ovarian cancer cell line was grafted subcutaneously. Mice were treated with ML246 and tumor growth and spread was assessed. PNCs were prevalent in the ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR3 and SKOV3 with higher prevalence in OVCAR3 cells. Treatment with ML246 significantly reduced PNC prevalence in OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells. Moreover, the invasive activity of both cell lines was significantly inhibited in vitro. Orthotopic implantation of SKOV3 cells resulted in growth of the tumor on the ovary as well as spread of tumor tissues outside of the primary site on organs into the abdominal cavity. Treatment with ML246 decreased the incidence of tumors outside of the ovary. In addition, a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) line was grafted subcutaneously to monitor tumor growth. ML246 significantly attenuated growth of tumors over a 5-week treatment period. PNC’s are present in ovarian cancer cells and treatment with ML246 decreases invasion in vitro and tumor growth and spread in vivo. Additional studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of ML246 as an inhibitor of metastatic disease in ovarian cancer and to determine its precise mechanism of action.
Current Smoking: An Independent Predictor of Elevated A1C in Persons With Type 2 Diabetes:

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the association of current smoking as one of several potential predictors of elevated A1C in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsUsing a cross-se...
A geochronology-supported soil chronosequence for establishing the timing of shoreline parabolic dune stabilization

Abstract Detailed dune chronologies are required to understand the complex drivers of dune stabilization and activation. Stabilized parabolic dunes provide ideal study sites to examine dune stabilization because their geomorphic histories are more straightforward than other dune types. Here, we present optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) stabilization chronologies for two complexes of fully stabilized, parabolic dunes along the eastern coast of Lake Michigan with the goal of clarifying the timing and consistency of dune stabilization along the shoreline. Further, we use this chronology to calibrate a soil chronosequence for use in future dune chronologies. We found periods of stabilization at 4.0 ka, 2.8–2.0 ka, and 1.2–0.4 ka that complement existing periods of stabilization identified as the Nipissing, the Algoma, and Modern. Soils in the area appear to develop consistently and predictably over the last ~4000 years. The strongest indicators of age are depth to the B horizon and thickness of the E horizon. Well-developed E horizons also appear to form between the Algoma and Modern stabilization periods creating a useful proxy for quickly differentiating between otherwise similar landforms. The impact of leaching is also evident in the soil chemistry as Zn, Co, Mg, and Fe all decrease in the eluvial zone through time while Ba steadily increases. Overall, our study closes a gap between chronologies further to the north and south, clarifies the consistency of stabilization periods along the coastline, and creates new tools for quickly estimating dune stabilization ages.
An energy-conserving and asymptotic-preserving charged-particle orbit implicit time integrator for arbitrary electromagnetic fields

Abstract We present a new implicit asymptotic preserving time integration scheme for charged-particle orbit computation in arbitrary electromagnetic fields. The scheme is built on the Crank-Nicolson integrator and continues to recover full-orbit motion in the small time-step limit, but also recovers all the first-order guiding center drifts as well as the correct gyroradius when stepping over the gyration time-scale. In contrast to previous efforts in this direction, the new scheme also features exact energy conservation. In the derivation of the scheme, we find that a new numerical time-scale is introduced. This scale is analyzed and the resulting restrictions on time-step are derived. Based on this analysis, we develop an adaptive time-stepping strategy the respects these constraints while stepping over the gyration scale when physically justified. It is shown through numerical tests on single-particle motion that the scheme's energy conservation property results in tremendous improvements in accuracy, and that the scheme is able to transition smoothly between magnetized and unmagnetized regimes as a result of the adaptive time-stepping.
Effects of Obesity and Exercise Training on Testosterone Levels in Male Rats

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of obesity and chronic exercise on sex organ testosterone levels in male rats. Lean and obese male Zucker rats were randomly assigned to a sedentary group and an exercise training group (lean sedentary: n=7, lean exercise: n=8, obese sedentary: n=7, obese exercise: n=7). The exercise group walked on a rat treadmill for 8 weeks. Testicular testosterone was extracted and total testosterone levels were measured by using radioimmunoassay. Compared to lean sedentary rats, obese sedentary rats had lower levels of testicular testosterone (concentration: 17.2±11.0 vs. 61.5±21.2 ng/g; total content: 50.8±29.4 vs. 191.5±80.3 ng; both P<0.001). There were no group differences between lean sedentary and lean exercise rats in testicular testosterone levels. However, compared to obese sedentary rats, obese exercise rats had higher testicular testosterone levels (concentration: 40.6±20.0 vs. 17.2±11.0 ng/g; total content: 119.6±52.4 vs. 50.8±29.4 ng, both P<0.05...
Coagulopathy in Cirrhotic Patients: Evaluation and Management

Cirrhotic patients pose a challenge to surgeons based on liver dysfunction leading to increased complications and mortality. This is often believed to be a result of a coagulopathy leading to excessive bleeding. However, under general conditions, the patient with liver cirrhosis is in hemostatic balance and at risk for both bleeding and thrombotic events. Standard laboratory evaluations (platelet count, PT, and APTT) are poor predictors of bleeding risk. Correction based on these laboratory values may actually exacerbate bleeding by increasing portal pressures with volume overload. The strategy for preventing bleeding should be keeping CVP and total circulating volume low intraoperatively and modifying known risk factors for bleeding in patients with cirrhosis such as infection and renal failure. Ideally procedures should be undertaken in facilities with experience in dealing with patients with cirrhosis such as transplant centers where physicians from all disciplines dealing with liver disease can provide a comprehensive treatment plan. Although it is clear that prophylactic correction of abnormal hemostatic parameters should be abandoned, specific data to support treatment schemes based on this new approach are scarce. Further research is needed to accurately predict bleeding risk in patients with liver disease.