cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flexural Behavior of Hybrid Composite Beam (HCB) Bridges

A new hybrid composite beam (HCB) has recently been used in the construction of three bridges in Missouri, USA. HCB consists of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) that is poured into classical arch shape and tied at the ends by steel tendons. Both the concrete and the steel are tucked inside a durable fiberglass shell, and the voids are filled with polyiso foam. This paper aims to examine the flexural behavior of an in-service HCB, evaluate the current methodology and assumptions, and propose modifications to that methodology. To achieve these goals, the strains induced in HCB elements due to different loading stages were experimentally measured. Numerical predictions of the strains were performed via the existing methodology, the modified procedure, and a finite element model (FEM) that was constructed using ANSYS V14. The linear FEM predicted the strains with acceptable accuracy. The model clarified that the foam achieves partial composite action between the HCB elements, resulting in a strain incompatibility between them. The current methodology was found to be unable to predict the maximum compressive strain in the concrete arch. The modified procedure is based on the strain compatibility assumption. However, it models the HCBs as curved beam rather than a straight one, using a simplified spring model to represent the beam supports. These modifications achieved significant enhancements in estimating the strains under service loads.
Genomic analysis and clinical outcomes of Primary Gleason Pattern 5 (PG5) prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radical prostatectomy (RP).

54Background: PG5 (5+5 and 5+4) PCa is historically associated with poor clinical outcomes such as progression to metastatic disease, poor response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and short s...
All-electronic line width reduction in a semiconductor diode laser using a crystalline microresonator

This study examines the capability to significantly suppress the frequency noise of a semiconductor distributed feedback diode laser using a universally applicable approach: a combination of a high-Q crystalline whispering gallery mode microresonator reference and the Pound–Drever–Hall locking scheme using an all-electronic servo loop. An out-of-loop delayed self-heterodyne measurement system demonstrates the ability of this approach to reduce a test laser’s absolute line width by nearly a factor of 100. In addition, in-loop characterization of the laser stabilized using this method demonstrates a 1-kHz residual line width with reference to the resonator frequency. Based on these results, we propose that utilization of an all-electronic loop combined with the use of the wide transparency window of crystalline materials enable this approach to be readily applicable to diode lasers emitting in other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, especially in the UV and mid-IR .
The Letter and the Literary Circle: Mary Leadbeater, Melesina Trench, and the Epistolary Salon

As ‘a central part of everyday life in eighteenth-century Britain’, letters were fundamental markers of free speech and the free circulation of ideas, whether about business, politics, religion, the arts, or quotidian details of human existence—as well as a formal literary genre. To explore the quarter century following 1800, in which women’s correspondence has received proportionally less attention than that of the previous century, I examine here the correspondence of the rural Irish Quaker Mary Leadbeater (nee Shackleton; 1758–1826) and the urban Irish writer Melesina Chenevix (later Trench; 1768–1827), which formed the nexus of a paradigmatic epistolary salon that approximated the social dynamic of more familiar eighteenth-century Bluestocking salons. In doing so, I draw upon social networking models propounded especially by Charles Kadushin, and upon Lewis Hyde’s studies of gift culture.
Origametry: Mathematical Methods in Paper Folding

Origami, the art of paper folding, has a rich mathematical theory. Early investigations go back to at least the 1930s, but the twenty-first century has seen a remarkable blossoming of the mathematics of folding. Besides its use in describing origami and designing new models, it is also finding real-world applications from building nano-scale robots to deploying large solar arrays in space. Written by a world expert on the subject, Origametry is the first complete reference on the mathematics of origami. It brings together historical results, modern developments, and future directions into a cohesive whole. Over 180 figures illustrate the constructions described while numerous 'diversions' provide jumping-off points for readers to deepen their understanding. This book is an essential reference for researchers of origami mathematics and its applications in physics, engineering, and design. Educators, students, and enthusiasts will also find much to enjoy in this fascinating account of the mathematics of folding.
Results and Impact of Intensive SARS-CoV-2 Testing in a High Volume, Outpatient Radiation Oncology Clinic in a Pandemic Hotspot

Abstract Background In an attempt to reduce interruptions in radiation treatment, our department implemented universal SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing during the peak of the New York City COVID-19 epidemic. Methods Starting 4/18/20, outpatients coming into the Department of Radiation Oncology for either simulation or brachytherapy were required to undergo PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2. Starting on 5/6/20, patients were offered simultaneous SARS CoV-2 IgG antibody testing. Results Between 4/18/20-6/25/20, 1360 patients underwent 1,401 outpatient screening visits (Table 1). Of the patients screened, 411 were screened between 4/18/20 and 5/6/20 (Phase 1) with PCR testing: 13 (3.1%) patients were PCR positive. From 5/7/20 to 6/25/20, 990 patients were scheduled for both PCR and antibody testing (Phase 2), including 41 previously screened in Phase 1. Of those with known antibody status (n=952), 5.5% were seropositive. After 5/21/20, no screened patient (n=605) tested PCR positive. In the month prior to screening (3/17/20-4/19/20), 24 of 625 patients initiating external radiation had treatment interrupted due to COVID-19 infection (3.8%) vs 7 of 600 patients (1.1%) in the month post screening (4/20/20-5/24/20) (p=0.002). Conclusions State-wide mitigation efforts, coupled with intensive departmental screening, helped prevent interruptions in radiation during the COVID-19 epidemic that could have compromised treatment efficacy.
Clinical Trials in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Current Status.

Background Uveal melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma. Prognosis and survival rates for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma remain poor. No current FDA-approved standard of care therapy is available for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. Thus, clinical trials are essential for the development of new therapies and to provide patients hope for improved survival and outcomes. Summary In this article, we review clinical trials identified on the database https://clinicaltrials.gov that are open and enrolling patients with metastatic uveal melanoma as of November 26, 2019. This search produced 17 active trials involving liver-directed therapy, CNS-directed therapy, and systemic therapy with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or oncolytic virus therapy. Here, we discuss liver and CNS-directed therapy as well as systemic targeted therapy and oncolytic virus therapy. Immunotherapy clinical trials are discussed in a companion review article by Dr. Marlana Orloff. Key messages Various novel therapeutic targets and immunomodulatory approaches are on the horizon for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and may yield incremental therapeutic benefit. Selecting a clinical trial must be individualized and made jointly with the patient and his/her oncologist.
In-Frame 12-Nucleotide Deletion within Open Reading Frame 3a in a SARS-CoV-2 Strain Isolated from a Patient Hospitalized with COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain UF-8, with an in-frame 12-nucleotide deletion within open reading frame 3a (ORF3a), was isolated from a 78-year-old COVID-19 patient in March 2020.
Laser-based synthesis of atomically thin monolayer 2D quantum materials

The vapor or gas-phase synthesis methods (e.g., CVD) are widely adopted to grow mono and few-layer two-dimensional (2D) materials. However, uncontrolled gas-phase reactions, complex flow dynamics, and limited reproducibility have made the gas phase growth of monolayer TMDCs crystals extremely challenging. Here we introduce a novel laser-assisted synthesis method for the rapid growth of various 2D materials. To produce the atomically-thin crystals, instead of using conventional multi-component precursors, this synthesis method utilizes stoichiometric powders as precursors that are laser vaporized to create the right vapor flux for the controlled growth of mono and few-layer crystals. We demonstrate a successful synthesis of four semiconducting TMDC monolayers such as MoS2, MoSe2, WSe2, and WS2 crystals. This laser vaporization process promises an efficient general synthesis solution for the accelerated growth of a variety of high-quality 2D quantum materials.
To Travel, II

To Travel, II. Whitman’s journey to Denver, Colorado, and back, with much time in St. Louis and on the Mississipppi River and the Great Lakes. Touring Canada; staying in Boston while Leaves of Grass, new edition, is published, and then banned. Buys Mickle Street house in 1874. Discussion of “Unseen Buds,” “Grand Is the Seen,” “Joy, Shipmate, Joy!” “The Untold Want,” and others.
Histone Demethylases: Background, Purification, and Detection

Posttranslational modification of histone proteins is a highly regulated epigenetic event. Lysine demethylases modulate gene expression states and chromatin structure by catalyzing the removal of methyl groups from lysine residues in the histone tails. This chapter provides a historical background of the discovery and different classes of demethylase enzymes and a summary of the methods most commonly used to express and purify these proteins. We also provide an overview of current technologies used to assess demethylase enzymatic activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Chinese Contract Law

This volume presents a well-analyzed inside view of Chinese contract law in theory and practice, which will be of interest to both academic researchers and practitioners in this area.
In search of the tumour-suppressor functions of BRCA1 and BRCA2

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes can be caused by loss-of-function germline mutations in one of two tumour-suppressor genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 (ref. 1). Each gene product interacts with recombination/DNA repair proteins in pathways that participate in preserving intact chromosome structure. However, it is unclear to what extent such functions specifically suppress breast and ovarian cancer. Here we analyse what is known of BRCA gene function and highlight some unanswered questions in the field.
Proteins of Avian Tumor Viruses with Different Coat Antigens

Isoelectric focusing of avian tumor viruses with distinct type-specific envelope antigens demonstrated no differences in isoelectric points. Viruses with different type-specific antigens were found to contain different glycoprotein components when virion proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Multiple Gene Expression Analyses in Paraffin- Embedded Tissues by TaqMan Low-Density Array Application to Hedgehog and Wnt Pathway Analysis in Ovarian Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma

Recent studies have shown the hedgehog and Wnt families of signaling proteins to be associated with tumor initiation, growth, and survival. However, these pathways remain unexplored in ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma (OEA). Here, we describe a novel TaqMan low-density array to examine the expression of 26 and 20 genes in the hedgehog and Wnt pathways, respectively, in six matched snap-frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FPE) OEA specimens. Expression values were normalized to uninvolved ovarian epithelium. Gene expression in matched frozen and FPE tissues demonstrated significant concordance (r = 0.92, P
The Role of Signage in Marketing: Outdoor Advertising, Out‐of‐Home Media, and On‐Premise Signs

Signage plays an important, but often overlooked, role in marketing and advertising. This article focuses on recent findings pertaining to what makes for effective advertising on billboards and other out-of-home media. It also discusses the role of on-premise signs as marketing and advertising devices. Keywords: outdoor advertising; billboards; on-premise signs; out-of-home media; integrate marketing communications; brand equity; media planning
Mouse primase p49 subunit molecular cloning indicates conserved and divergent regions.

Primase is a specialized RNA polymerase that synthesizes RNA primers for initiation of DNA synthesis. A full cDNA clone of the p49 subunit of mouse primase, a heterodimeric enzyme, has been isolated using a primase p49-specific polyclonal antibody to screen a λgt11 mouse cDNA expression library. The cDNA indicated the subunit is a 417-amino acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 49,295 daltons. The p49 mRNA is approximately 1500 nucleotides long with a 5′-untranslated region of 74 nucleotides and a 3′-untranslated region of 200 nucleotides. Comparison with a similar sized primase subunit from yeast showed highly conserved amino acid sequences in the N-terminal halves of the polypeptides and included a potential metal-binding domain suggesting the functional importance of this region for DNA binding. In contrast, the 3′ portion of the cDNA has rapidly diverged in nucleotide sequence, as primase mRNA can be detected in mouse and rat cells with a 3′ probe (including coding and noncoding) but not in RNA from hamster or human cells. A full-length cDNA probe detected mRNA from hamster and human cell lines, indicating a conserved 5′ portion and divergent 3′ region of the expressed gene. The rapid divergence may be related to the species-specific protein interactions found for the DNA polymerase α-primase complex. The mRNA is detected in proliferating but not in quiescent cells consistent with its function in DNA replication.
Thinking Outside the Little Boxes

Herwig Schlunk, in his paper "Little Boxes: Can Optimal Commodity Tax Methodology Save the Debt-Equity Distinction?" argues that the theory for line drawing in the tax law developed in several of my prior articles is flawed. In particular, Schlunk argues that the method is path dependent and, therefore, arbitrary. Moreover, he argues that it will be defeated by taxpayer manipulation, such the use of arbitrage or hybrid positions. This article responds to Schlunk's paper. I show here that the line drawing methodology is not path dependent in any unique way. Schlunk's argument relies on an unjustified assumption that prior line drawing decisions in the tax law will not be revisited when new information become available. Without this assumption, his claim fails. Moreover, if decisions cannot be revisited, line drawing theory would not become arbitrary, contrary to Schlunk's claim. Instead, line drawing decisions would have an option element that would have to be priced in the decisions.
The DRFT-a rotation in time-frequency space

The continuous-time angular Fourier transformation (AFT) represents a rotation in continuous time-frequency space and also serves as an orthonormal signal representation for chirp signals. We present a discrete version of the AFT (DRFT) that represents a rotation in discrete time-frequency space and some properties of the transform that support its interpretation as a rotation. The transform is a generalization of the DFT. The eigenvalue structure of the DFT is then exploited to develop an efficient algorithm for the computation of this transform.
Sparing of Methionine Requirements: Evaluation of Human Data Takes Sulfur Amino Acids Beyond Protein

The intimate relation between amino acids and protein and nitrogen requirements is well recognized. Nutrition research has focused on the capacity of food to meet the need for nitrogen and indispensable amino acids (IAA) and led to the conclusion that the quality, not just the quantity, of protein is critical. This is especially relevant in regard to the sulfur amino acids (SAA) methionine and cysteine because of the increased understanding of their relation to chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, dementia, cirrhosis), immunomodulation, DNA transcription, and RNA translation. Considerable effort has been expended to determine whether and to what extent cysteine can spare the requirement for the IAA methionine. In vivo studies in humans generally concur that the dietary requirement of the SAA ranges between 13 and 16 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 , but how much can be met by cysteine relative to methionine remains controversial. This review examines the current status of in vivo estimates of methionine and cysteine requirements in human adults and considers needs beyond what is necessary for protein synthesis. Factors influencing the utilization of methionine and cysteine, especially those conditions that lead to toxicity on the one hand or beneficial effects on the other, are discussed. Data on alternative dietary sources of methyl groups (e.g., betaine, choline, phosphatidylcholine, S-adenosylmethionine, S-methylmethionine) or sulfur (e.g., N-acetylcysteine or L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid) support a role for the SAA "beyond protein." Other pathways may influence the specific requirement for methionine and/or cysteine, especially when the person is challenged by disease, inadequate availability of food, or environmental stress.
Medical signal processing in the neonatal intensive care unit using Motorola's DSP56001

Premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit respond to medications and treatments by altering the frequency patterns of their physiological processes. This alteration can be seen in impedance respiratory waveforms, ventilator sensed airway pressure waveforms, electroencephalograms and blood pressure waveforms. The DSP56001 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) system is used to record, process and evaluate these signals over long periods of time. Pilot studies have been conducted in the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit at the Geisinger Medical Center. Respirogram data have been collected from the impedance respiratory monitors of small neonates, along with airway pressure data from the ventilators. The DSP56001 NICU system is able to resolve respiratory waveform data into component frequencies; this data has been recorded and graphically displayed. >
Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence Revictimization: The Relative Impact of Distinct PTSD Symptoms, Dissociation, and Coping Strategies

Psychological distress and coping strategies following intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization may impact survivors' risk for future IPV. The current study prospectively examined the impact of distinct posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters (reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, and hyperarousal), dissociation, and coping strategies (engagement and disengagement coping) on IPV revictimization among recently abused women. Women (N = 69) who were seeking services for IPV and experienced their most recent episode of physical IPV between 2 weeks and 6 months prior to study enrollment completed measures of physical IPV, psychological distress, and coping strategies at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. The women averaged 36 years of age and 67% of the sample was African American. Separate Poisson regression analyses revealed that PTSD hyperarousal symptoms, dissociation, engagement coping, and disengagement coping each significantly predicted physical IPV revictimization at the 6-month follow-up (with effect sizes ranging from a 1.20-1.34 increase in the likelihood of Time 2 physical IPV with a 1 SD increase in the predictor). When these significant predictors were examined together in a single Poisson regression model, only engagement and disengagement coping were found to predict physical IPV revictimization such that disengagement coping was associated with higher revictimization risk (1.29 increase in the likelihood of Time 2 physical IPV with one SD increase in disengagement coping) and engagement coping was associated with lower revictimization risk (1.30 decrease in the likelihood of Time 2 physical IPV with one SD increase in engagement coping). The current findings suggest that coping strategies are important and potentially malleable predictors of physical IPV revictimization.
Breathhold abdominal and thoracic proton MR spectroscopy at 3T

The clinical utility of proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) has been well demonstrated in the brain, prostate, and breast. The aims of this work were to investigate 1) the feasibility of abdominal and thoracic (1)H-MRS at 3T, 2) the benefits of breathholding to MRS in these regions, and 3) the utility of multiple breathhold averaging for MRS. Breathholding either eliminated or markedly reduced phase and frequency shifts and outer voxel contamination that were associated with the motion of the abdomen and the thorax during breathing. Breathholding was found to be essential to spectroscopic investigation of the thorax. Spectra of renal cell carcinoma metastases in the abdomen and thorax were obtained utilizing multiple breathhold averaging. These spectra exhibited a resonance at 3.2 ppm attributed to the trimethylamine moiety of choline metabolites. The results of this study suggest a practical strategy for implementation of (1)H-MRS in the body.
Determination of silicon in biological and botanical reference materials by epithermal INAA and Compton suppression

Abstract Silicon determination in sixteen botanical and biological standard reference materials is described using the 29Si(n, p)29Al reaction through instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis and Compton suppression gamma-ray spectroscopy. By simultaneous utilization of both cadmium and boron epithermal filters along with anticoincidence gamma-counting, detection limits as low as 12 ppm were obtained for certain matrices, much lower than previously reported values for this type of analysis. The method is applicable to many botanical and biological matrices and is attractive with its interference free, purely instrumental nature, compared with methods using the 28Si(n, p)28Al reaction or chemical separation techniques.
Beyond dependency, autonomy, and exchange: Prosocial behavior in late-life adaptation

This paper focuses on prosocial and altruistic behavior in late life. Empirical data on prevalence of helping behaviors among the elderly and the range of motives underlying their helping are reviewed. The authors consider implications of these data for theories of social behavior in late life. Questions are raised regarding the universal applicability of models of social behavior which have been implicit in much of existing research in social gerontology. Data on helping by the elderly are related to “dependency” and “autonomy” models of social interaction. Futhermore, the potential for altruistic as opposed to extrinsic motivations for helping among older adults is considered, challenging the exclusive reliance on exchange principles for understanding social interactions by older persons. Empirical evidence of prosocial behavior in late life is placed in the context of life-span developmental theories of personality and a contributory model of late life social behavior is proposed.
Three-dimensional finite/infinite elements analysis of fluid flow in porous media

Fluid flow in naturally fractured porous media can always be regarded as an unbounded domain problem and be better solved by finite/infinite elements. In this paper, a three-dimensional two-direction mapped infinite element is generated and combined with conventional finite elements and one direction infinite element to simulate poroelasticity. Therefore, the entire semi-infinite domain can be included in the numerical analysis. Both single- and dual-porosity porous media are considered. For the purpose of validation, we compare the results of finite/infinite elements with those of finite elements under two extreme boundary conditions. The comparison indicated that mapped infinite element is an appropriate approach to model fluid flow in porous media and provides an intermediate solution.
On the Disagreement between Atmospheric and Coronal Electron Densities

Electron densities in the lower solar atmosphere (photosphere and chromosphere) are derived using a number of different atmospheric models which are constrained by observed spectral lines. Comparing these atmospheric densities to coronal electron densities derived from polarization brightness measurements in the region from about 1.1 to several solar radii, it is shown that there is a discrepancy between the two sets of densities. The atmospheric electron densities are in agreement with a density of maximum 107 cm-3 at 1.1 R☉. The polarized brightness densities given in the literature are typically 5 × 107 cm-3 or higher. It is shown that this discrepancy might be due to an overestimation of the coronal electron densities below 1.5-2 R☉.
Reproductive fitness and tooth wear: Milking as much as possible out of dental topographic analysis

Researchers have known for generations that mammalian tooth form reflects function. The basic idea is that natural selection favors molars that are efficient at fracturing whatever foods an animal is adapted to eat. Most studies of mammalian (and, more particularly, primate) dental functional morphology have been limited to the study of unworn teeth, although such studies beg the questions, What about worn teeth? Does natural selection act to maintain their efficiency for food breakdown? This issue of PNAS contains an innovative report by King et al. (1) that addresses this very important question. Early work on primate teeth suggested that their molars evolved to improve mechanical efficiency for chewing (2, 3). Primates that eat hard, brittle foods tend to crush these between flat, blunt molars, whereas species that consume softer and tougher items shear and slice them between long, sharp blades (Fig. 1) (4, 5 …
Stalking in the Twilight Zone: Extent of Cyberstalking Victimization and Offending Among College Students

Over the last decade, researchers have consistently reported that stalking is a disturbing reality for many individuals, especially youths. Cyberstalking, however, has received much less attention from the research community than stalking. Few estimates of cyberstalking victimization or cyberstalking offending have been published. The current study attempts to address these gaps by estimating lifetime prevalence of both cyberstalking victimization and offending among a sample of undergraduates from a large urban university in the Midwest. Results show that 40.8% had experienced cyberstalking victimization, with females, nonwhites, non-heterosexuals, and non-singles disproportionately experiencing cyberstalking. Approximately 4.9% of students had perpetrated cyberstalking, but there were few differences in offending across students’ demographic characteristics.
Kinetics of acid-catalyzed cleavage of procyanidins

Abstract Comparisons of the rates of cleavage of isomeric procyanidin dimers in the presence of excess phenylmethane thiol and acetic acid showed that compounds with a C(4)–C(8) interflavanoid bond were cleaved more rapidly than their C(4)–C(6) linked isomers, that 2,3-cis isomers with an axial flavan substituent were cleaved more rapidly than a 2,3-trans isomer with an equatorial substituent, and that cleavage rate was independent of the stereochemistry in the terminal unit. Cleavage rate constants followed Arrhenius temperature dependence. The C(4)–C(8) interflavanoid bond in 2,3-cls procyanidins should be labile to cleavage at 20°C over a pH range of 3.6 to 5.4. Reaction of loblolly pine bark tannins in the presence of excess (+)-catechin with acetic acid rapidly produced oligomeric procyanidins. The ratio of the procyanidin Bl to B7 decreased from 2.9:1 after 4 hours to 1.3:1 after 50–100 hours at 90°C. The structure and reactions of condensed tannins are interpreted in light of these results.
Status of spin physics

This is a slightly updated summary of the new results which were presented at the 13th International Symposium on High Energy Spin Physics, that was held at IHEP-Protvino during 7–12, September 1998. I subdivided the results into the topics of: spin physics history; polarized beams and Siberian snakes; polarized targets, jets and sources; nucleon structure function experiments; electro-weak spin experiments; hadronic spin experiments; spin theory; and finally future polarized beam facilities.
A Formulation for Mixed QFT/H 2 Optimization

Alternative formulations for the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) optimal loop synthesis problem are developed including a non-linear programming approach as well as a real-function optimal control formulation. As a result, a definitive link is established between the traditional QFT problem formulation and H2 optimization theory.
Enhancing MODIS land cover product with a spatial–temporal modeling algorithm

Abstract MODIS Collection 5 land cover product (MCD12Q1) provides annually updated global land cover maps since 2001. This time series product has become an essential data source for the generation of many other land surface products and for a variety of regional and global studies. However, classification errors are inherent in the land cover product, which can misrepresent land cover transitions. In particular, land cover transitions are illogical if they contradict ecological rules and are unlikely to be observed. In this study, we evaluated the MODIS land cover product by analyzing the nature and magnitude of its illogical land cover transitions using annual MCD12Q1 land cover maps from 2001 to 2010. Our analysis revealed that illogical transitions exist in the product for all consecutive years, and are distributed most commonly in several regions over the world. To enhance the MODIS land cover product, we applied a spatial–temporal modeling algorithm that incorporates expert knowledge to reduce illogical transitions on five such “hotspot” tiles. The results showed substantial improvements in both accuracy and consistency of the land cover product using the spatial–temporal modeling algorithm. The percentage of illogical transitions in each of the five tiles was significantly reduced among consecutive years and across the entire time series. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the spatial–temporal modeling algorithm for producing high quality time series of land cover maps, and also highlights the importance of temporal consistency in land cover mapping.
A standardized multi-branched thoracoabdominal stent-graft for endovascular aneurysm repair

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair using a standard off-the-shelf multi-branched stent-graft. Methods: The aortic anatomy of 66 patients (45 men; mean age 74 years, range 57–87) referred for endovascular repair of TAAA was measured using 3-dimensional reconstructed images from computed tomographic angiograms. In particular, the orientation and longitudinal position of the orifice of each celiac artery, right renal artery, and left renal artery were measured relative to the location of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) orifice. Based on prior experience, branch insertion with a standard endograft was considered feasible under the following conditions: (1) no more than 4 indispensable (target) arteries to the abdominal viscera, (2) the celiac artery and SMA were 6 to 10 mm in diameter, (3) the renal arteries were 4 to 8 mm in diameter, (4) all target arteries were accessible from a transbrachial approach, (5) the distance between each cuff and the corresponding arterial orifice was ≤50 mm, and (6) the line between the cuff and the orifice deviated by ≤45° from the long axis of the aorta. Results: Seven (11%) of 66 patients violated conditions 1 through 4: 2 had target arteries that were either too wide or too narrow, 2 had >4 indispensable visceral or renal branches, and 3 patients had inaccessible upward directed renal artery branches. Three of the remaining 59 patients had renal arteries outside the boundaries defined by conditions 5 and 6 when the hypothetical stent-graft was positioned with its SMA cuff 25 mm proximal to the corresponding SMA orifice. However, if the stent-graft were deployed in a more caudal location, only 1 of these 3 renal arteries would have been out of range. Therefore, 58 (88%) of 66 patients met all the eligibility criteria for repair using the off-the-shelf stent-graft. Conclusion: A standardized, off-the-shelf, multi-branched stent-graft is applicable in 88% of cases of TAAA that would otherwise have been treated using customized stent-grafts. The use of a pre-made stent-graft has the potential to eliminate long manufacturing delays and expand the scope of endovascular repair of TAAA.
Evaluating promotional strategy effectiveness for a health care organization

Abstract As advertising, public relations, and marketing promotion budgets increase, health care marketing communicators are being held more accountable for their efforts by management. While evaluation of individual promotional efforts is often conducted, most health care marketing communicators are unable to measure the overall effects of their promotional programs due to financial and manpower constraints. Market researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation have developed a health care organizational information dissemination model that has provided the marketing communicators with a better understanding of patients' decision- making processes. The model is also used as the basis for comprehensively evaluating the organization's marketing promotional efforts. CCF's marketing communicators have used the results to inform management 1) how its programs influence patients to come to CCF, 2) the number of new patients attributed to the marketing communicators efforts, and 3) the dollar contribution to the bottom line.
Industry-Specific Risk Models for Numerical Scoring of Hazards and Prioritization of Safety Measures

Risk analysis consists of five cornerstones that have to be viewed holistically by risk practitioners of any organization regardless of the industry type or nature of its critical infrastructures. The cornerstones are hazard identification, risk assessment and consequence analysis, determination of risk management actions required to reduce risks to acceptable levels, communication of risk insights among the stakeholders, and continuous monitoring and verification to ensure sustained attainment of tolerable risk levels. Our primary objectives in this research are two fold: first, we compare and contrast a wide spectrum of current industry-specific and application-dependent semi-quantitative risk models. Secondly, based on the insights to be gained from the first task, we propose a framework for a robust risk-based approach for conducting security vulnerability assessment (SVA). Risk practitioners of critical infrastructures, such as commercial nuclear power plants, water utilities, chemical plants, transmission and distribution substations ... etc., could readily use this proposed approach to classify, evaluate, and prioritize risks to support allocation of resources required to ensure protection of public health and safety.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Antigen mimicry by an anti-idiotypic antibody single chain variable fragment

For the therapy of cancer patients whose disease is positive for Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), we developed an active specific immunotherapy based on the idiotypic network. The anti-idiotype monoclonal antibody (mAb), 3H1 was generated by immunization of mice with the anti-CEA mAb, 8019. 3H1 mimics CEA both functionally and structurally and acts as a surrogate for CEA. To define the minimum structural requirements for antigen mimicry by 3H1, we constructed plasmid vectors for expression of single chain Fv (scFv) variants of 3H1 in Escherichia coli. Variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) chain domains of 3H1 were linked by a 15 amino acid linker (Ln), (Gly4Ser)3 in two constructs, VH-Ln-VL and VL-LnVH. Ln was omitted in two constructs, VH-VL and VL-VH. Each of the scFv constructs has a tag of six His [(His)6 tag] for purification by metal chelate affinity chromatography and detection by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Comparisons of the binding of 8019 to purified scFv proteins by ELISA and immunoblot experiments showed that only VH-Ln-VL had significant activity. VH-Ln-VL also showed maximum inhibition of binding of 8019 to CEA. Immunization of mice with naked VH-Ln-VL and VH-Ln-VL conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin induced anti-CEA antibodies in mouse sera. Sera from immunized mice inhibited the binding of 8019 to 3H1 as well as CEA. Induction of anti-CEA antibodies in the immunized mice was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis using CEA positive MC-38cea cells. These results demonstrate that for antigen mimicry of 3H1 scFv, the presence of Ln is necessary and the domain order should be VH followed by VL.
Simulations of imaging Fabry–Perot interferometers for measuring upper-atmospheric temperatures and winds

We apply an onion-peeling inversion to simulated imaging Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) observations for retrieving altitude profiles of neutral temperatures and winds in the thermosphere in order to investigate the effects of realistic gradients in thermospheric parameters on the retrieved parameters. A forward model is developed that simulates the interference spectrum observed by an FPI using the redline (630.0 nm) and greenline (557.7 nm) emissions simulated based on climatological models. This forward model is applicable to both ground- and satellite-based simulations and generates a two-dimensional interference ring pattern. We simulate both a single-band ground-based FPI and a dual-band satellite-based FPI in order to study the effects of realistic vertical and horizontal gradients on the retrieved parameters.
Epitaxial growth of zinc-blende AIN on Si(100) substrates by plasma source molecular beam epitaxy

Epitaxial zinc-blende AlN films were deposited on Si(100) substrates by plasma source molecular beam epitaxy (PSMBE). The lattice parameter of the zinc-blende AlN was determined to be 4.373A. The epitaxial relationship between film and substrate was (100)AlN‖(100)Si and [011]AlN‖[011]Si. The zinc-blende AlN films were formed using a hollow cathode source with a pulse d.c. power supply in the PSMBE system. The high energy and large density of the Al+ and N+ species emerging from the hollow cathode and the presence of a substrate surface with cubic symmetry are probably the main factors for the formation of the metastable zinc-blende phase of AlN.
Syringolin B-inspired proteasome inhibitor analogue TIR-203 exhibits enhanced biological activity in multiple myeloma and neuroblastoma.

Context: The bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) is a pathogen of many plant species and causes, for example, brown spot disease in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris). Pss excretes the syringolins, natural product molecules that act as a virulence factors and inhibit the proteasome of the host plants.Objective: Proteasome inhibitors belong to an important class of anticancer agents and bortezomib (Velcade®) has been Food and Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle cell lymphoma. Syringolins represent a new class of proteasome inhibitors and the present work was undertaken to design a potent syringolin-inspired analogue (TIR-203) for anticancer drug development.Materials and methods: TIR-203 was tested against human MM and neuroblastoma (NB) cells. Cancer cells were treated with TIR-203 at various concentrations (0–10 µM) and the cell viability was measured using the MTS assay. To determine the effects on proteasomal activities, the cell culture-based ...
Low Temperature Electronics: Physics, Devices, Circuits, and Applications

1. Physics of Silicon at Cryogenic Temperatures 2. Silicon Devices and Circuits 3. Reliability Aspects of Cryogenic Silicon Technologies 4. Radiation Effects and Low-Frequency Noise in Silicon Technologies 5. Heterostructure and Compound Semiconductor Devices 6. Compound Heterostructure Semiconductor Lasers and Photodetectors 7. High-Temperature Superconductors/Semiconductor Hybrid Microwave Devices and Circuits 8. Cryocooling and Thermal Management 9. Applications, Trends, and Perspectives Index
Some limitations of demand revealing processes: Comment

In their five warnings about demand-revealing processes, Groves and Ledyard do not mention the limitation that we regard as most serious, namely, that, like all other methods of making collective decisions, it undermotivates participants to obtain relevant information, or even to ascertain their own preferences. Thus, a great deal of random grit may be thrown into the process. But this is true not only of other methods of making collective decisions, but also of markets for private goods (see Grossman and Stiglitz). The suggestion by Green and Laffont in this volume might ameliorate the problem, and there may be corresponding adjustments that could be made in other collective decision procedures and in markets, but such improvements would clearly leave us, at best, in a situation inferior to what we could imagine in the absence of transactionscosts. However, in evaluating any proposal, the relevant standard is not a count of the number of defects it possesses in comparison to an unattainable ideal, but rather a judgement of the seriousness of those defects, and a comparison with available alternatives. In that spirit, we turn to the specific warnings of Groves and Ledyard. Their first point, that the demand-revealing process may lead to a waste of resources compared to the results of majority rule, is obviously true. And dictatorship may lead to allocations that are more efficient than those of majority rule, but that is not relevant. Expected waste is the relevant criterion. Majority rule requires a distribution of marginal net benefits with a mean equal to its median to achieve efficiency in decisions about continuous parameters. Since such a coincidence would generally happen with "probability zero," majority rule is generally somewhat inefficient. If one believed that the distribution over potential *Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Activity of aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase in pheochromocytoma cells.

Abstract The activity of aromatic- L -amino-acid decarboxylase in pheochromocytoma cells was assayed by measuring the formation of 14 CO 2 by cells incubated with L -[1- 14 C]dopa. The V max of dopa decarboxylation in intact cells was about 3 nmoles CO 2 produced/min per mg protein, and the apparent K m of this process was approximately 32μM. The V max of decarboxylase activity was at least an order of magnitude greater than the rate of dopa synthesis in these cells. Incubation of the cells with cholera toxin or with 56 mM K + caused an activation of tyrosine 3-monooxygense and an increase in the rate of dopa production, but it did not affect the activity of the decarboxylase in the cells. The pheochromocytoma ocytoma cells contained about 12 pmoles dopa/mg protein. Treatment of the cells with cholera toxin or with high K + increased the dopa content of the cells. Aromatic- L -amino-acid decarboxylase was not the rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway of catecholamine synthesis in these sells; moreover, it appeared that the activities of this enzyme and of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase were not regulated coordinately.
Multifactorial analysis of the learning curve for robot-assisted laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of surgeon, patient, and case-specific factors on the learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (RA-LBPD/DS). BACKGROUND The BPD/DS has better resolution of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, and the best long-term weight loss compared to the laparoscopic gastric band or the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Despite excellent results, the BPD/DS is least commonly performed because of greater malabsorption, longer operative duration, and higher technical complication rates. A reduction in technical complications and operative duration will enable the BPD/DS to be offered more frequently. METHODS Consecutive patients (N = 120) undergoing RA-LBPD/DS between October 2000 and August 2008 were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine the influence of surgeon and patient factors on complications and operative duration. Independent variables were case number, age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, difficult anatomy, and need for extensive adhesiolysis. Dependent variables were complications (leaks, bleeding, and conversion) and operative duration. The best-fit model predicted the risk factors for complications, and a risk-adjusted cumulative sum analysis estimated the learning curve. RESULTS : Operative duration decreased an average of 3 minutes with each successive case (P < 0.001, R² = 0.63) and with patient's female gender. Adhesiolysis, difficult anatomy, liver biopsy, and higher ASA score increased operative duration. The incidence of high blood loss (13.3%), conversion (2.2%), and leaks (5.8%) were experienced by a total of 22 patients (18.3%). There was no mortality. Complications declined after 50 cases and were strongly predicted by increasing surgeon case number. CONCLUSIONS The learning curve for the RA-LBPD/DS is 50 cases. Risk factors influencing outcomes were identified.
Economic Convergence in Seven Asian Economies

The impressive economic growth in a select group of Asian economies in the last several decades prompts some to argue that authoritarianism helps rapid economic growth while democracy hampers it. In this paper, we used the panel data approach to test this hypothesis for seven Asian economies, including South Korea, Singapore, and China. Our results reject the strong version of this hypothesis but fail to reject the weak version of it. Specifically, we found insignificant impacts of political freedom but significant effects of economic freedom on advancing economic convergence in these economies.
Magnetic Resonance and Superconductivity: Some History, Ancient and in the Making

The Ginzburg–Landau equation and the discovery of the isotope effect launched two scientific pathways in 1950 that led to the discovery of type II superconductors and the Bardeen, Cooper, Schrieffer theory of superconductivity, culminating in discovery of the relationship of the two pathways to each other by Gorkov. The role of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in confirming the BCS theory is described, as is the impact of the discovery of type II superconductors on NMR. Examples of the use of NMR today are given showing how NMR helps determine the superconducting pairing state for the cuprates, some organics, the alkali fullerides, and heavy fermion materials.
Heme controls the expression of cell cycle regulators and cell growth in HeLa cells

Heme plays a central role in oxygen utilization and in the generation of cellular energy. Here we examined the effect of heme and heme deficiency on cell cycle progression and the expression of key regulators in HeLa cells. We found that inhibition of heme synthesis causes cell cycle arrest and induces the expression of molecular markers associated with senescence and apoptosis, such as increased formation of PML nuclear bodies. Our data show that succinyl acetone-induced heme deficiency increases the protein levels of the tumor suppressor gene product p53 and CDK inhibitor p21, and decreases the protein levels of Cdk4, Cdc2, and cyclin D2. Further, we found that heme deficiency diminishes the activation/phosphorylation of Raf, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2-components of the MAP kinase signaling pathway. Our results show that heme is a versatile molecule that can effectively control cell growth and survival by acting on multiple regulators.