cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3869: A nanofiber-based biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of serum CRP in melanoma

Purpose: Early detection of melanoma is important to improve survival; however, the technology for accurate early diagnosis is still challenging. This study is to develop a novel polymeric biosensor that could provide superior sensitivity in the detection of potential early biomarkers (e.g., CRP) of melanoma. Experimental Procedure: Our strategy is to construct a highly specific molecular recognition core and a highly responsive transducer made of conductive polypyrrole (PPy) nanofibers. Briefly, a polymeric matrix was produced by polymerization of acrylamide (AM), methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA), N-Isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and CRP/CRP-aptamer complex first. Next, taking advantage of the porous structure of this NIPAAm-AM-CRP-aptamer/CRP polymeric matrix, we synthesized a polypyrrole-based conductive nanofiber structure using copper phthalocyanine-3,49,499,4‴-tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (CuPT) as a dopant counterion in situ to achieve uniformly dispersed nanofibers within the polymeric network of NIPAAm-AM-CRP-aptamer/CRP. After removing CRP recombinant protein, we were able to obtain a robust CuPT-PPy/NIPAAm-AM polymeric sensor for the detection of CRP with high sensitivity and selectivity. Two-step signal amplification cascades were involved in this CRP-specific polymeric sensor: 1) CRP binding-induced polymeric network shrinkage; 2) shrinkage-triggered conductance change of the polymeric network. Therefore, serum CRP levels could be quantitatively analyzed through monitoring the conductance change caused by polymeric network shrinkage upon aptamer-CRP binding. Results: The limit of detection (LOD) of the polymeric sensor for detection of human recombinant CRP could reach 10^−19 M. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra confirmed the chemical structure of the polymeric network, and the morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results of FT-IR reveal that CuPT-PPy nanofiber was successfully synthesized in situ. The nanostructure of the nanofibers was clearly observed using SEM and AFM, indicating that the diameter of nanofiber is about 20 nm. This CRP-specific biosensor and a commercial CRP ELISA kit were used to perform side-by-side measurement of serum CRP in melanoma patients. Conclusion: Our results indicated that this CRP-specific conductive polymeric senor is highly sensitive and selective in accurately discriminating melanoma patients from healthy controls. Such a flexible conductive polymeric biosensor may hold great promise as a point-of-care device in the diagnostics of melanoma or other cancers. Citation Format: Zuan-Tao Lin, Yaxi Li, Tianfu Wu. A nanofiber-based biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of serum CRP in melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3869.
Topological Cavity QED: Landau Levels in Curved Space to Microwave Chern Insulators

We demonstrate Landau levels for optical photons in a twisted cavity and explore the impact of placing these photons in curved space. We further realize a microwave Chern-insulator. We conclude with work to mediate photon-photon interactions.
Liver Failure in the ICU

In this chapter, we would like to focus on four cases which highlight presentation and management of patients with acute liver failure (ALF), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and complications observed in the post-liver transplantation period.
Time reversal acoustics applied to rooms of various reverberation times

Time Reversal (TR) is a technique that may be used to focus an acoustic signal at a particular point in space. While many variables contribute to the quality of TR focusing of sound in a particular room, the most important have been shown to be the number of sound sources, signal bandwidth, and absorption properties of the medium as noted by Ribay, de Rosny, and Fink [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117(5), 2866-2872 (2005)]. However, the effect of room size on TR focusing has not been explored. Using the image source method algorithm proposed by Allen and Berkley [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 65(4), 943-950 (1979)], TR focusing was simulated in a variety of rooms with different absorption and volume properties. Experiments are also conducted in a couple rooms to verify the simulations. The peak focal amplitude, the temporal focus quality, and the spatial focus clarity are defined and calculated for each simulation. The results are used to determine the effects of absorption and room volume on TR. Less absorption increases the amplitude of the focusing and spatial clarity while decreasing temporal quality. Dissimilarly, larger volumes decrease focal amplitude and spatial clarity while increasing temporal quality.
Language Style Matching in Preschooler–Adult Dyads: Associations with Dyad Familiarity and Children’s Age:

Language style matching (LSM) offers promise as an unobtrusive measure of synchrony between members of conversational dyads, but no studies have explored key questions related to LSM in development...
Saudi Population's Adherence to the Healthy Food Palm: A Cross-sectional Study (P16-066-19)

Objectives The Healthy Food Palm (HFP) was developed based on the culture and eating habits of Saudi Arabians to preserve and enhance nutrient adequacy and improve health by emphasizing foods and food groups that attenuate the risk of chronic diseases. Limited work has been done to assess the diet quality of Saudi Arabians based on the HFP. Therefore, our objective was to assess adherence to the guidelines among Saudi Arabians.
A Method to Use the SoS Explorer Application with Fuzzy-Genetic Algorithms to Support Military Veterans within Higher Education

This paper presents an example of applying a fuzzy-genetic algorithm method to generate, evaluate, and develop an architecture within the system of higher education. Higher education, necessarily, is an adaptive and dynamic system with many competing objectives, requirements, and regulations. The author’s goal is to develop a system to support our military student veterans and enable them to complete their degree requirements with minimum interruptions. The objectives for our meta-architecture are to gather, manage, and utilize data to support the most efficacious programs while remaining within current laws and regulations. The results of our analyses parallel many currently known best practices and policies, offering evidence that we can utilize a data-driven model to develop and improve services within higher education.
IDDF2018-ABS-0062 Functional outcome of hirchsprung’s disease, postsurgical transanal enodorectal pullthrough at national children’s hospital

Background Hirschprung’s Disease is a congenital illness secondary to lack of ganglion cells in the intestinal tract leading to mechanical obstruction. In the Philippines, Hirschsprung’s Disease ranks 9th over the top 10 cases causing morbidity to Filipino children and the mortality rate can reach up to 50%. The treatment is still surgery, such as Soave procedure. Design Descriptive cross-sectional study. Subjects The participants of the study were followed up patients at the Surgery Out Patient Department from March 2016 to August 2017, ages 0–7 years old, diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease, post Transanal endorectal pull-through. Methodology Purposive sampling was used to select participants. The sample size was 40 based on the proportion of good functional outcome among patients who underwent transanal endorectal pull through. Statistical Analysis Descriptive Analysis using proportion and percentages were used to present the results in all the variables. Results Out of the 40, 82% were diagnosed with the disease as early as the newborn period, and 55% of the patients were operated at an age from 1 to 3 years old, and about 80% were males. It also showed that postoperatively, 60% had normal z scores, and 65% of the population still had an abnormal stool. Moreover, the study showed that 95% of the subjects returned to schooling or playing post surgery. Conclusions Comparing it to the 96% result of Dela Merced 2003, this study had 95% of patients who were able to achieve a good functional outcome, 4–6 weeks post-surgery.
Chinese & Iranian Artificial Intelligence in Low Earth Orbit to THAAD Space Wars

This paper addresses what the role of artificial intelligence will be in low earth orbit (LEO) and space war is and specifically, what China and Iran’s latest research in artificial intelligence on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for LEO space war domains has been, is, and strives to become. The author first presents testimony from scholars and space research scientists from many countries who all categorically state, without a trace of doubt, that all future space warfare will be in satellites and unmanned UAVs and how they in turn will rely heavily on artificial intelligence. This paper includes an analysis on China’s strengths in space artificial intelligence and, Iran’s systematic approach or arming its UAVs. The second portion of this research drills down into what are the specific mathematical theoretical research areas of artificial research for LEO space wars in various countries, including China. The author concludes with research strategies that will combat China’s dominance of space wars.
S10.3 Cervical cancer prevention in LMICs: are we on the path to elimination?

In May 2018, the World Health Organization announced that a cosmmitment to cervical cancer elimination. In October 2018, modelers from Australia showed that with current rates of vaccine implementation and screening, cervical cancer could be eliminated in that country within the next ten years. Researchers are working on clinical, implementation and modeling studies to determine the most effective strategies to achieve cervical cancer elimination. We examined prior commitments to disease elimination, modeling data on public health strategies for cervical cancer elimination in high and low-income countries, and possible challenges to successfully achieving elimination in the world’s most vulnerable populations. Cervical cancer elimination, defined as fewer than four cases per 100,000 women, could be achievable in high-income countries (HICs) within the next 25 to 50 years. The speed and ultimate success of elimination is driven by high rates of coverage with the 9-valent vaccine, with screening providing only a small contribution. The most effective models in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) include targeting female adolescents for two-dose vaccination, followed by either one or two lifetime screens. Challenges include a global shortage of the 9-valent vaccine, slower than anticipated roll-out to GAVI countries and low uptake rates in countries with vaccination programs. Remarkable advances in biomedical technologies have made cervical cancer elimination a potentially attainable goal within the next generation. Focusing efforts on widespread and effective implementation of evidence-based strategies to prevent the disease will be crucial. We must work to ensure that progress toward elimination is shared equally between HICs and LMICs to avoid a perpetuation of the global health disparity seen in cervical cancer. Disclosure No significant relationships.
A student nurse in the MICU: Leveraging unexpected leadership on the frontlines of COVID-19.

• COVID-19 is a global fight that requires innovative action by nursing leadership. • Unexpected frontline leaders are taking initiative to consolidate/repurpose resources. • Leadership in academia/practice must harness the energy of these emerging leaders. • This will improve work flow, reduce cost, and ease stress during the crisis and beyond.
Low Serum Albumin Levels are Associated with Increased 30-Day Cardiopulmonary Complications, Reoperation, and Readmission Rates Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background Hypoalbuminemia has been associated with several medical complications following surgery in a variety of orthopedic procedures. Hypoalbuminemia has previously been shown to have an increased risk for transfusions, hospital stay longer than three days, and mortality following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). This study seeks to further assess the relationship between low serum albumin and morbidity to allow surgeons to both preoperatively optimize patients and assess the risk of surgery prior to TSA. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program® database was queried to identify 14,494 TSA patients, 6,129 (42.23%) who met inclusion criteria. Patients who had shoulder hemiarthroplasty, revision TSA, or incomplete serum albumin data were excluded. Demographic factors, preoperative comorbidities, and acute complication rates were assessed between hypoalbuminemic (n=485; 7.91%) and a propensity-matched control cohort (n=485), controlling for differences in patient demographics and comorbidities. Multivariate propensity-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess hypoalbuminemia as an independent risk factor for specific postoperative complications. Results Hypoalbuminemic patients undergoing TSA demonstrated significantly higher rates of pulmonary complications (p=0.006), unplanned intubation (p=0.014), DVT/PE (p=0.014), cardiac complications (p=0.033), infectious complications (p=0.025), blood transfusions (p 4 days) (p=0.036), unplanned readmission (p=0.001), and mortality (p=0.025) in the 30-day postoperative period when compared to the propensity-matched control cohort. On multivariate regression analyses, hypoalbuminemia independently increased the risk for pulmonary complications (OR 9.678, p=0.031), blood transfusions (OR 2.539, p Conclusions Hypoalbuminemic patients undergoing TSA had increased rates of overall cardiac and pulmonary complications, unplanned intubations, DVT/PE's, overall infectious complications, increased incidence of blood transfusions, reoperation, extended LOS (> 4 days), readmission, and death. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that low albumin was independently associated with increased risk for pulmonary complications, blood transfusions, reoperation, and readmission. Preoperative albumin levels in patients undergoing TSA may help with preoperative risk stratification and optimization.Level of evidence: III.
Trying again (and again): Weight cycling and depressive symptoms in U.S. adults

As the prevalence of overweight and obesity have risen over the past few decades, so have weight control attempts. Research has shown, however, that intentional weight loss results are often short-lived, with people regaining the weight over time. This can lead to weight cycling-losing and gaining weight repeatedly. Previous research, mostly done over two decades ago, concluded there was no relationship between weight cycling and psychological health. The goal of the current paper was to re-examine the relationship between weight cycling and depressive symptoms in a national sample of American adults (N = 2702; 50.7% female; mean age = 44.8 years). If, as hypothesized, there is a relationship between more frequent weight cycling and depressive symptoms, then internalized weight stigma will be examined as a potential mediator of the relationship. Results of a cross-sectional survey showed that 74.6% of adults report they have intentionally tried to lose weight. Amongst those who have tried to lose to weight, the average number of weight cycles over the lifetime was 7.82 cycles. Simultaneous regression showed that greater weight cycling was related to greater reported depressive symptoms (β = .15, p < .001), controlling for age, gender, education, income, and body mass index. Internalized weight stigma was a partial mediator of this relationship. Discussion focuses on the potential implications for weight cycling and mental health.
Picosecond laser ultrasonic measurements of interlayer elastic properties of 2H-MoSe2 and 2H-WSe2

Abstract We have used the ultrafast pump-probe technique known as picosecond ultrasonics to generate and detect coherent acoustic phonon pulses with frequencies reaching 40 GHz in exfoliated crystals of MoSe2 and WSe2 on Si and sapphire substrates. We report picosecond time-resolved reflectivity data from samples ranging from 180 nm to 920 nm in thickness and compare our results to a 1D simulation of strain-induced changes in the optical reflectivity. We find the longitudinal sound velocity along the c-axis (the interlayer direction) to be 2800 m/s ± 40 m/s for MoSe2 and 2510 m/s ± 60 m/s for WSe2. We also report the measured lifetime of longitudinal acoustic phonons approaching 40 GHz to be 0.85 ± 0.2 ns and compare this value with predictions of relaxation damping and 3-phonon models, as well as discuss its relationship to the predicted thermal conductivity of MoSe2.
Nanodroplet Mediated Intravascular Sonothrombolysis of Retracted Clots

Current sonothrombolysis techniques have limited efficacy for treating retracted clots. Nanodroplet (ND) mediated sonothrombolysis has the potential to facilitate tPA penetration into the dense fibrin networks of retracted clots via nanodroplet-induced cavitation. Intravascular sonothrombolysis is of interest to improve catheter directed clot treatments and mitigate off-target effects. This paper investigates the feasibility of nanodroplet-mediated sonothrombolysis with tPA to treat retracted clots, in vitro, using a forward-viewing intravascular transducer. The percent mass decrease of the retracted clots (mean ± std) were 4 ± 2%, 20 ± 3%, 23 ± 5%, 38 ± 9% for the control, tPA + US, ND + US, and ND + tPA + US groups, respectively. All of the sonothrombolysis conditions resulted in statistically significantly higher clot lysis compared to the control group (p<0.05). The combined ND + tPA + US treatment significantly outperformed the ND + US condition (p<0.05) and approached significance for the tPA + US group (p = 0.09). In summary, our forward-viewing intravascular transducer was demonstrated, for the first time, for sonothrombolysis in a retracted clot model by combining NDs and tPA.
Examining and Presenting Cycles in Temperature Logs from the Vulcan Diffractometer

As scientific facilities produce more and more data, it is the job of scientists to parse through and present the data in clear, well-formatted, and accurate mediums in order to apply this information to future projects. This was the primary goal when processing the Spallation Neutron Source’s challenge data for the VULCAN diffractometer. The diffractometer generates high-intensity neutron pulses towards a material and the changes in temperature over time are recorded. This information can reveal the molecular structure of the material as well as their behavior under certain conditions and duress. As the material was rapidly heated and cooled, we examine the change in temperature, eliminate stagnant data, and divide information into cycles. Doing so provides insight into the composition and behavior of the material, as well as the diffractometer’s process.
The 150-Hour Requirement and the Number of CPA Exam Candidates, Pass Rates, and Number Passing

This study examines the association of the 150-hour education requirement with the number of CPA exam candidates, pass rates, and the number passing. Proponents of the 150-hour requirement argue that additional education produces higher quality students who are better prepared for the CPA exam and accounting careers. Opponents argue it imposes opportunity costs on students and costly barriers to entry into public accounting. On average we find a large drop (36 percent) in the number of candidates in each state taking each exam, a small increase in pass rates for first-time candidates only (3 percent), and a large drop (31.5 percent) in the number passing the CPA exam after the 150-hour requirement. Our results may be useful to accounting educators evaluating the success of their 150-hour programs, state boards considering revisions of their 150-hour requirements, and public accounting firms setting strategies to achieve audit quality.
A simple sufficient condition for a unique and student-efficient stable matching in the college admissions problem

Consider the college admissions problem. Let us say that (student and college) preferences are student-oriented iff whenever two students disagree about the ranking of two colleges, each one of the two students is ranked higher by the college he prefers than the other student. We show that when preferences are oriented there is a unique stable matching, and that no other matching, stable or not, is weakly preferred by every student.
From Global to Multi-Scalar Sovereignty: Intersectional Political Community as Resistance

With the publication of Empire, Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri announced a new form of sovereignty, Empire, which implied moving from nation-state sovereignty to global sovereignty. This paper revises some of the main aspects of the theory to understand Imperial sovereignty as well as its post-territorial political community of resistance, multitude. In this critical reading of some of Hardt and Negri’s concepts, sovereignty is conceived as two-sided: a conflictual relationship between the one who rules and those who are ruled. This conflictual approach implies the revitalization of popular sovereignty (as opposed to the constituted order) and of territory, albeit not limited to the nation-state. As a result, an alternative framework is offered to explain the existing forms of sovereignties consisting of three elements: multi-scalar sovereignty, interdependence and intersectional political community. This approach, rather than taking the point of view of the states, explores the forms of sovereignty promoted by social movements and civil society in general.
CEO political preference and credit ratings

Abstract This study investigates whether a CEO's personal political ideology, as captured by his or her political contributions, is associated with a firm's credit ratings. Republican CEOs, we find, are associated with higher credit ratings, especially when their firms are headquartered in conservative areas. In addition, the link between political ideology and credit rating is more pronounced in firms that exhibit high financial distress or weak corporate governance. Changes in political ideology are associated with changes in credit rating. Our results support the behavior consistency, upper echelon, and social identity theories, as well as the risk acceptance hypothesis, and are robust to a number of alternative specifications as well as when alternate approaches and measures of credit risk are introduced. Using Republican CEOs as a proxy for conservative CEOs, our evidence implies that credit rating agencies justifiably view a CEO's political ideology and conservatism as indicative of corporate policies and, therefore, as an important determinant of the firm's credit ratings.
New Structure, Traditional Essence: Patterns of Helping Non-Coresident Parents by Own and Sibling(s)' Gender in China.

As Chinese households are becoming smaller with increasing numbers of adult children and older parents living apart, the extent to which patterns of parental support reflect traditional gender dyna...
IOT Based Put Rubbish,Get Goodish System

The problems that we are facing in our day to day life are improper waste disposal, un segregated waste and over flowing of dust bins. Smart Bins are used to collect the garbage and it can send alert messages to the municipal authorities. In order to prevent the overflow and avoid people disposing their wastes outside the bin.A system is innovated where the user is rewarded with a printed gift coupon each time when the garbage level they put exceeds more than 1 kg.This “IOT based Put Rubbish, Get Goodish System” will be an innovative solution that will help to keep our cities clean and healthy. A point based Incentivized Tech Bin will have the facility to generate gift token for the bin users based on the frequency of the user using the bin. A gamified portal will be designed to provide rewards motivating users to throw more and more garbage. Using ultrasonic sensor ,the level of the dustbin is checked to find whether the dustbin is filled or not Using Gas sensor, bad odour is detected. Also we use water sensor and IR sensor for solving some additional problems. The Arduino UNO consists of a Wi-Fi module, which is used for server client communication and the process is monitored by using blynk server. This is used for passing information about the current state of the dustbin. This innovative solution will automatically detect the garbage level and send message to respective municipal authorities updating the status of bin and thereby they can come and empty the bin. This project provides an efficient solution to the real world problem i.e. keeping our city clean and healthy.
Exploring Patterns in ICT Growth and Development in Africa: A Kohonen Map Analysis

This paper explores whether the adoption and use of mobile phones in Africa following the United Nations Millennium Development Goal #8 is seminal relative to other Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The dataset consists of the number of Internet users, computer users, and mobile subscribers per 100 people. We use Kohonen Self Organizing Maps on a panel of 48 countries organized in four geographic regions and two cohorts over the 2001-2007 period. Results show the existence of a digital divide in Africa overall, with northern and southern countries making significant progress while the western and eastern regions lag behind.
Neutron single-particle states above the N=164 subshell in 98 251 Cf and 96 249 Cm studied by neutron transfer reactions

Single-particle state assignments in $^{251}\mathrm{Cf}$ and $^{249}\mathrm{Cm}$ at $~1$ MeV excitation have been deduced from cross sections previously measured for the $^{250}\mathrm{Cf}(d,p)^{251}\mathrm{Cf}$ and $^{248}\mathrm{Cm}(^{4}\mathrm{He},^{3}\mathrm{He})^{249}\mathrm{Cm}$ reactions. The assignments are supported by observed cross-section signatures and intraband level spacings. The observed energies of these single-particle states, after pairing effects are removed, are in good agreement with values calculated using a Woods-Saxon single-particle potential. Neutron level diagrams, showing level spacings as a function of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{2},{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{4},$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{6}$, are extended to include neutron orbitals above $N=164$.
Physical processes of phase noise in differential LC oscillators

There is an unprecedented interest among circuit designers today to obtain insight into the mechanisms of phase noise in LC oscillators. For only with this insight is it possible to optimize oscillator circuits using low-quality integrated resonators to comply with the exacting phase noise specifications of modern wireless systems. In this paper we concentrate on an understanding of the popular differential LC oscillator. We introduce simple models to capture the nonlinear processes that convert voltage or current thermal noise in resistors or transistors into phase noise in the oscillator. The analysis does not require hypothetical elements, such as limiters or amplitude control loops, to fully explain phase noise. A simple expression at the end accurately specifies thermally induced phase noise, and lends substance to Leeson's original hypothesis. Next, the upconversion of flicker noise into phase noise is traced to mechanisms first identified in the 1930's, but apparently since forgotten. Unlike thermally induced phase noise, which appears as phase modulation sidebands, flicker noise is shown to upconvert by bias-dependent frequency modulation. The results are validated against SpectreRF simulations and measurements on two differential CMOS oscillators tuned by resonators with very different Q's.
Comment on Sofi et al. pH of Drinking Water Influences the Composition of Gut Microbiome and Type 1 Diabetes Incidence. Diabetes 2014;63:632-644.

We read with interest the report by Sofi et al. (1) in Diabetes . This article is of practical interest to many groups who use the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. As this group observed, we have also observed that mice that are ordered from The Jackson Laboratory tend to get diabetes sooner than those bred in National Institutes of Health facilities. The results in this article suggest this is partly due to the use of acidic (pH 3.0–3.2) water. If true, it would be a …
Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Three-Dimensional Alginate Gels

We characterized the temporal changes in chondrogenic genes and developed a staging scheme for in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in three-dimensional (3D) alginate gels. A time-dependent accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, aggrecan, and type II collagen was observed in chondrogenic but not in basal constructs over 24 days. qRT-PCR demonstrated a largely characteristic temporal pattern of chondrogenic markers and provided a basis for staging the cellular phenotype into four stages. Stage I (days 0–6) was defined by collagen types I and VI, Sox 4, and BMP-2 showing peak expression levels. In stage II (days 6–12), gene expression for cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, HAPLN1, collagen type XI, and Sox 9 reached peak levels, while gene expression of matrilin 3, Ihh, Homeobox 7, chondroadherin, and WNT 11 peaked at stage III (days 12–18). Finally, cells in stage IV (days 18–24) attained peak levels of aggrecan; collagen IX, II, and X; osteocalcin; fibromodulin; PTH...
Optimization of the absorbed power distribution for an annular phased array hyperthermia system

One of the systems under investigation for producing hyperthermia noninvasively for treating deep-seated tumors is the annular phased array. This device consists of two rings of eight electromagnetic apertures that are placed concentrically about the long axis of the patient and radiate energy toward the center. Previous theoretical and clinical studies have concentrated primarily on systems where the amplitude and phase of the signal applied to each aperture were the same, and these studies have shown that the system is capable of depositing power deep within the patient. Nevertheless, in many situations the system was not capable of producing desirable temperature distributions in the tumor and normal tissue. In this paper we report on a 2-dimensional theoretical investigation where an optimization routine was used to select the amplitude and phases of each of eight apertures. The optimization procedure and resulting calculations were based on CT scans of patients with tumors. The electrical and thermal properties of the different organs and tissues were taken into account. The optimization routine tried to achieve uniform absorbed power in the tumor region with zero absorbed power outside. Using the optimized amplitudes and phases, the SAR (specific absorption rate, W/kg) was calculated for the array. The results show that in general the optimization procedure was successful in that the power deposited within the tumor volume was increased with less power deposited into normal tissue when compared to the equal amplitude and phase case. This SAR data was then used as the input to a program based on the bioheat transfer equation, which calculated the temperature distribution in the patient model for an assumed set of blood perfusion rates. Depending on the location, size of the tumor, and blood perfusion rates, the improvement in the percentage of the tumor brought to therapeutic temperature varied from 0% to as much as 80%.
The role of membrane cholesterol in determining bile acid cytotoxicity and cytoprotection of ursodeoxycholic acid

In cholestatic liver diseases, the ability of hydrophobic bile acids to damage membranes of hepatocytes/ductal cells contributes to their cytotoxicity. However, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC), a hydrophilic bile acid, is used to treat cholestasis because it protects membranes. It has been well established that bile acids associate with and solubilize free cholesterol (CHOL) contained within the lumen of the gallbladder because of their structural similarities. However, there is a lack of understanding of how membrane CHOL, which is a well-established membrane stabilizing agent, is involved in cytotoxicity of hydrophobic bile acids and the cytoprotective effect of UDC. We utilized phospholipid liposomes to examine the ability of membrane CHOL to influence toxicity of individual bile acids, such as UDC and the highly toxic sodium deoxycholate (SDC), as well as the cytoprotective mechanism of UDC against SDC-induced cytotoxicity by measuring membrane permeation and intramembrane dipole potential. The kinetics of bile acid solubilization of phosphatidylcholine liposomes containing various levels of CHOL was also characterized. It was found that the presence of CHOL in membranes significantly reduced the ability of bile acids to damage synthetic membranes. UDC effectively prevented damaging effects of SDC on synthetic membranes only in the presence of membrane CHOL, while UDC enhances the damaging effects of SDC in the absence of CHOL. This further demonstrates that the cytoprotective effects of UDC depend upon the level of CHOL in the lipid membrane. Thus, changes in cell membrane composition, such as CHOL content, potentially influence the efficacy of UDC as the primary drug used to treat cholestasis.
A framework for the study of migration destination selection

This article raises a number of issues that have generally not been addressed in previous studies of migration destination selection. Destination selection is seen as the result of two processes; (1) the sorting among a relatively large number of potential destinations over a lifetime, and (2) the selection among a relatively few (usually one or two) places at the time of the migration decision. Decision rules may differ in the two processes. The actual selection of a destination is based on place utilities derived from a combination of factors including: economic and noneconomic; micro (those attributes unique to one place); and macro (those applicable to larger geographic areas).
A model of the effect of the satellite photosheath on a double floating probe system

Description of a model developed to predict the interactions between multiple electrostatic probes separated by distances that are shorter than or comparable to the characteristic plasma shielding length. The computation involves crude approximations accounting for space charge effects, currents due to the emission and exchange of photoelectrons, and currents from the ambient plasma. Floating potentials are calculated by requiring current balance for each probe and solving by iterating the resulting coupled nonlinear equations. Although only qualitative accuracy is claimed, predictions using the model are found to be in good agreement with observations from the Explorer 45 satellite. The Explorer 45 satellite measures the potential difference between a pair of symmetrical spherical floating probes. The Explorer 45 data show that with increasing altitude, first, the sunward sphere will typically assume a more negative potential than the antisunward sphere; second, the polarities of the probes in the region L = 2 to 4 may switch, sometimes several times; and, finally, near the plasmapause the detector output may saturate, the sunward sphere being more negative.
Pulsed plasma etching for semiconductor manufacturing

Power-modulated (pulsed) plasmas have demonstrated several advantages compared to continuous wave (CW) plasmas. Specifically, pulsed plasmas can result in a higher etching rate, better uniformity, and less structural, electrical or radiation (e.g. vacuum ultraviolet) damage. Pulsed plasmas can also ameliorate unwanted artefacts in etched micro-features such as notching, bowing, micro-trenching and aspect ratio dependent etching. As such, pulsed plasmas may be indispensable in etching of the next generation of micro-devices with a characteristic feature size in the sub-10nm regime. This work provides an overview of principles and applications of pulsed plasmas in both electropositive (e.g. argon) and electronegative (e.g. chlorine) gases. The effect of pulsing the plasma source power (source pulsing), the electrode bias power (bias pulsing), or both source and bias power (synchronous pulsing), on the time evolution of species densities, electron energy distribution function and ion energy and angular distributions on the substrate is discussed. The resulting pulsed plasma process output (etching rate, uniformity, damage, etc) is compared, whenever possible, to that of CW plasma, under otherwise the same or similar conditions.
Differences in the response of several cell types to inhibition of surface receptor mobility by local concanavalina binding

Abstract Concanavalin A (conA) modulates the lateral mobility of cell surface receptors differently on different cell types. This was demonstrated by using fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR) to measure the inhibition of the lateral mobility of conA receptors by localized binding of conA on lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and macrophages. On mouse spleen lymphocytes, binding of conA platelets above a threshold coverage (about 12% of the upper cell-surface area) reduced the diffusion coefficient of mobile TMR-SconA-receptor complexes from 3.0×10−10 cm2/sec to 0.6× 10−10 cm2/sec (a 5-fold decrease), and the fraction of mobile receptors was concomitantly reduced from 0.4 to 0.11. Below the threshold occupancy, no effect on either parameter was detected. On 3T3 cells, a qualitatively similar threshold phenomenon was observed: coverage of over 9% of the upper cell surface by conA platelets induced a 3-fold reduction in the diffusion coefficient of TMR-SconA-receptor complexes from 5×10−10 cm2/sec to 1.7× 10−10 cm2/sec. However, no effect on the mobile fraction (about 0.4) was observed. In contrast, neither the diffusion coefficient nor the mobile fraction of TMR-SconA-receptor complexes on mouse peritoneal macrophages (both resident and thioglycolate-stimulated) or on the mouse macrophage cell line P388D1 were affected by the binding of conA platelets in amounts covering over 50% of the upper cell surface (approx. 4.6× 10−10 cm2/sec and 0.5 for the diffusion coefficient and mobile fraction, respectively). These differences are correlated to the different cytoskeletal functions of the various cell types studied, and are discussed regarding the mechanism of the conA-induced modulation.
Dear ???: Understanding British Forms of Address:

Since Britons historically have placed a high value on the use of correct fortns of address, those who write to and speak with them should be familiar with their generally accepted address-related customs. In relatively formal commu nication settings, the use of titles and surnames is generally sanctioned, although there are some notable exceptions. In relatively informal communi cation settings, the use of first names or appropriate substitute expressions is generally sanctioned. Business communication teachers can incorporate infor mation about British forms of address into both general business communica tion and specialized international business communication courses as the provided examples suggest.
Linguistic conceptual-patterns and key-idea profiles as a new kind of property for a taxonomy of neurotic patients

Abstract An algorithm analyzing patient descriptions of themselves is described. The algorithm converts natural language expressions into conceptual patterns and key-ideas. A profile of key-ideas for each patient is formed and patients with similar key-idea profiles are grouped into equivalence classes. The procedure provides a new way of contributing to a taxonomy of neurotic patients.
Genome screen for twinning rate QTL in four North American Holstein families

Summary The objective of this study was to identify twinning rate quantitative trait loci (QTL) by typing pooled samples in a preliminary screening followed by interval mapping to test QTL effects. Four elite North American Holstein half-sib sire families with high twinning rate predicted transmitting abilities (PTA) were used in this study. Chromosomes 5, 7, 19 and 23 were not genotyped as these chromosomes were scanned for QTL in these families in a previous study. DNA was extracted from phenotypically extreme sons in each sire family. Two pools were prepared from sons of sires in each phenotypic tail, two each for high and low PTA levels for twinning rates. Each pool contained DNA from 4 to 15% of all sons of the sire depending on family. A total of 268 fluorescently labelled microsatellite markers were tested for heterozygosity in sires. About 135–170 informative markers per family were genotyped using pooled DNA samples. Based on the preliminary evidence for potential twinning rate QTL from pooled typing, interval mapping was performed subsequently on 12 chromosomal regions by family combinations. Evidence of QTL for twinning rate was found in one family on BTA21 and 29 at a chromosome-wide P < 0.05 and on BTA8, 10 and 14 with a chromosome-wide P < 0.01.
Shortcomings in climate model simulations of the ENSO-Atlantic hurricane teleconnection

A number of recent studies have used model projections to investigate how the North Atlantic environment in which tropical storms develop, as well as hurricane activity itself, might change in a warming world. However, accurate projection of the North Atlantic environment in the future requires, at a minimum, accurate representation of its mean state and variability in the current climate. Here we examine one metric of Atlantic basin tropical cyclone variability—its well-documented association with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—in reanalyses and Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) 4th Assessment Report (AR4) twentieth century and Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project simulations. We find that no individual model provides consistently good representation of ENSO-related variability in the North Atlantic for variables relevant to hurricane activity (e.g. vertical wind shear, genesis potential). Model representation of the ENSO influence is biased due to both inaccurate representation of ENSO itself and inaccurate representation of the response to ENSO within the North Atlantic. Among variables examined, ENSO impacts on vertical wind shear and potential intensity were most poorly simulated. The multi-model ensemble mean representation of North Atlantic environmental response to ENSO is better matched with reanalysis than most individual AR4 models; however, this mean response still possesses some considerable bias. A few models do provide comparable or slightly better simulation of these ENSO-North Atlantic teleconnections than the multi-model ensemble average; however, for both the multi-model mean and the well performing models, good simulation of the ENSO-related variability of genesis potential within portions of the North Atlantic does not stem from accurate representation of the ENSO-related variability of the individual environmental variables that comprise genesis potential (e.g. vertical wind shear, potential intensity).
SU-E-T-147: Efficacy of Prostate SBRT When the Daily Anatomy Differs Significantly From the Baseline Anatomy

Purpose: To determine the effects of interfraction motion on the efficacy of prostate SBRT when the daily anatomy differs significantly from the baseline anatomy. Methods: A daily CBCT was acquired for a patient who was treated with 44–1.8 Gy fractions of a VMAT plan from Varian's Eclipse treatment planning system. This plan was then escalated into 2 hypofractionated regimes (4.3 Gy for 12 fractions and 7.25 Gy for 5 fractions) and applied to all datasets collected. For one particular fraction, the prostate anatomy was found to be significantly different from the simulated anatomy. A VMAT plan was created for this outlier dataset that had identical dosimetric goals as the original 44-fraction plan. This plan was also escalated into 2 hypofractionated regimes and applied to all datasets. To make comparisons between all plans, the biologically effective dose (BED) was calculated for each fraction for the bladder, rectum, and prostate. To increase the statistical significance of the average BED for each structure, the 44 individual fractions were uniquely combined for the hypofractionated regimes resulting in 21,090,682,613 instances of 4.3 Gy/fraction regiments and 1,086,008 instances of 7.25 Gy/fraction regiments. Results: Despite the large difference between the simulated and daily anatomy, the plan created from the outlier dataset resulted in a higher average BED for the prostate and a lower average BED for the rectum when compared to the original plan. The average BED for the bladder increased for the plan created from the outlier dataset. The BEDs varied more for the normal tissues than for the target when the daily anatomy was significantly different from the baseline. Conclusion: SBRT is still a viable option even when the daily anatomy differs significantly from the baseline anatomy. The dose to the prostate was not negatively affected, while the dose to the rectum improved.
Anti-angiogenic activities of two recombinant disintegrins derived from the Mohave and Prairie rattlesnakes

Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the growth and spread of cancer. New vascularization nourishes cancer cells with oxygen and nutrients, allowing these cells to grow, invade nearby tissue, spread to other parts of the body, and form new colonies of cancer cells. Tumor angiogenesis consists of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation into the tumor mass. The study of natural and synthetic angiogenesis inhibitors is a promising area for therapeutics since tumors cannot grow or spread without the formation of new blood vessels. Anti-angiogenic activities have been identified in peptides known as disintegrins. Disintegrins are a family of small proteins (45-84 amino acids in length), many which are found in snake venom that function as potent inhibitors of both platelet aggregation and integrin-dependent cell adhesion. This study reports two recombinant disintegrins (r-mojastin 1 and r-viridistatin 2) inhibiting, with similar effectiveness, distinct steps in angiogenesis such as proliferation, adhesion to fibronectin, migration, and tube formation in vitro and in vivo. Both recombinant disintegrins bind to α(v)β₃ and α(v)β₅ receptors that are upregulated in tumor endothelial cells, having a higher binding activity to α(v)β₃ integrin.
Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor-2 and hyaluronic acid on tracheal wound healing.

Objectives: To evaluate basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (BFGF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) effects on a surgically produced tracheal defect. Study Design: Animal model. Methods: Anterior punch lesions were created on 33 male rabbits divided into three equal groups. Group 1 (Control) received a normal saline (NS)-soaked collagen sponge directly on the defect, group 2 (HA alone) a NS-soaked HA sponge, and group 3 (BFGF+HA) a 10 ng/mL BFGF-soaked HA sponge. Sponge fixation and surgical closure were followed by a 90-day healing period, then animal sacrifice. Harvested tracheas were fixed, imbedded, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin or safranin-O. Histopathological measures included: chondrocyte death, chondrocyte proliferation (both reported as number of rabbits displaying death or proliferation per group/total rabbits per group [%]), connective tissue (CT) organization (graded on a scale), epithelial closure (1-3 scale), and inflammation (1-4 scale). The final three measures are reported as an average grade per group, where values closer to 1 signify improved healing, whereas higher values signify poorer healing. Results: Chondrocyte death: Control, 8/11 (72.7%); HA alone, 5/11 (45.5%); BFGF+HA 5/11 (45.5%). Chondrocyte proliferation: 3/11 (27.3%), 7/11 (63.6%), and 9/11 (81.8%), respectively. CT organization: 2.00, 1.82, 1.64. Epithelial closure: 1.18, 1.09, and 1.00. Inflammation: 2.82, 1.82, and 1.73. Statistical comparisons: significantly improved chondrocyte proliferation for BFGF+HA (P =.015) and reduced inflammation for HA alone (P =.011) and BFGF+HA (P =.004) compared to controls. Conclusions: BFGF+HA applied to an anterior tracheal defect significantly improves chondrocyte proliferation; HA alone and BFGF+HA significantly reduce inflammation. BFGF+HA and HA alone may improve tracheal wound healing.