cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility, acceptability and future adaptation of the Chinese translated Behavioural activation (C-BA) treatment for depression: A pilot study.

Background Although depression is prevalent among Chinese international students (CIS), only 4% of CIS seek treatment. Behavioural activation (BA) has been suggested as a culturally sensitive treatment for depression that has the potential to meet the clinical needs of CIS. The current pilot study tested the feasibility, acceptability and themes for future cultural adaptations of a Chinese translated BA treatment (C-BA) among CIS. Methods Six CIS with elevated depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI ≥ 14) completed a six-session individual C-BA treatment and assessments at pre- and post-treatment and a 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome measures included treatment feasibility, acceptability and qualitative interview data informing future adaption of C-BA. Exploratory analyses examined group changes in depressive symptoms over time and clinically significant symptom changes on individual levels. Results All participants found the treatment to be highly feasible and culturally acceptable, and were highly engaged in the treatment. Themes of future cultural adaptions were generated from the qualitative interviews. Significant decreases in depressive symptoms were observed at a one1-month post-treatment follow-up assessment. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests that C-BA has the potential to be a culturally sensitive treatment for depression among CIS. CIS demonstrated openness to psychotherapy and high treatment engagement.
Western population-based study of oncologic surgical quality and outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma

While studies have reported improved morbidity of laparoscopic (LG) compared with open gastrectomy (OG), it remains unclear whether comparable oncologic outcomes can be achieved. This study aims at comparing not only short-term outcomes, including 30- and 90-day mortality, but also survival of LG vs OG. The National Cancer Database was searched for adult patients with histologically proven gastric cancer and complete information regarding M0 disease, tumor size, differentiation grade, T stage, nodal status, comorbidities, type of hospital, hospital stay, type of surgery, oncological treatment and survival data were included. Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze margin status, 30- and 90-day mortality, and 30-day re-admission rate. Linear regression was performed for length of hospital stay and lymph node yield. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed to evaluate median survival. Cox multivariable regression models were created to correct for confounders and identify factors affecting survival. A query of the National Cancer Database identified 13,538 patients with complete dataset. A significant regression equation favoring LG for lymph node yield, hospital stay, and unplanned re-admission rate was identified. There was no significant effect of surgical approach on R1 margin rate, 30-day mortality, or 90-day mortality. Median survival was comparable between LG and OG (44.8 vs 40.2 months, p = 0.804). LG offers a safe surgical approach to gastric cancer with shorter hospital stay and lower re-admission rates than OG, and also similar and sometimes improved operative oncologic quality parameters (margin, lymph node yield). More importantly, this Western series demonstrates that equivalent long-term outcomes of LG vs. OG are being achieved.
Systolic Blood Pressure <110 mm Hg as a Threshold of Hypotension in Patients with Isolated Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Hypotension is a known risk factor for poor neurologic outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Current guidelines suggest that higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) thresholds likely confer a m...
Bayesian placement of fossils on phylogenies from quantitative morphometric data

Jointly developing a comprehensive tree of life from living and fossil taxa has long been a fundamental goal in evolutionary biology. One major challenge has stemmed from difficulties in merging evidence from extant and extinct organisms. While these efforts have resulted in varying stages of synthesis, they have been hindered by their dependence on qualitative descriptions of morphology. Though rarely applied to phylogenetic inference, traditional and geometric morphometric data can improve these issues by generating more rigorous ways to quantify variation in morphological structures. They may also facilitate the rapid and objective aggregation of large morphological datasets. I describe a new Bayesian method that leverages quantitative trait data to reconstruct the positions of fossil taxa on fixed reference trees composed of extant taxa. Unlike most formulations of phylogenetic Brownian motion models, this method expresses branch lengths in units of morphological disparity, suggesting a new framework through which to construct Bayesian node calibration priors for molecular dating and explore comparative patterns in morphological disparity. I am hopeful that the approach described here will help to facilitate a deeper integration of neo- and paleontological data to move morphological phylogenetics further into the genomic era.
Recovery efficiency of applied and residual nitrogen fertilizer in tomatoes grown on sandy soils using the 15N technique

Abstract Plant use efficiency of applied N is estimated to be around 50 % for most crops. In coastal plain sandy soils particularly, leaching along with volatilization in warmer climates may be a predominant pathway for N loss to the environment. A replicated field study to determine both crop N requirement and recovery efficiency of N (REN) in tomatoes (var. BHN 602) grown on sandy soils under a plastic-mulched bed system was conducted in north Florida. Isotope labeled-ammonium nitrate (15NH415NO3) was applied in spring at four different N rates (0, 168, 224, 280 kg N ha−1). A subsequent study in the fall was conducted in order to determine the recovery of residual N fertilizer in tomatoes. In spring, no appreciable response to applied fertilizer N rate above 168 kg N ha−1 (lowest rate) were observed, indicating recommended N rates may be more than what is required. On average, approximately, 62 % of N accumulation in the plant came from fertilizer, whereas 38 % came from soil N. In the fall, recovery of residual 15N fertilizer at harvest ranged from 1.9 to 5.4 kg N ha−1. At the end of both studies, a 15N balance was calculated to estimate total crop and soil recovery of N fertilizer, where approximately 15.4 % of applied 15N fertilizer was recovered. Unrecovered N in this study shows that optimizing N fertilizer management in warmer climates is critical in order to avoid unnecessary excess application of fertilizer and minimize loss of N to the environment.
Generation of Pathogenic TPP1 Mutations in Human Stem Cells as a Model for CLN2 Disease

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2 disease) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder generally with onset at 2 to 4 years of age and characterized by seizures, loss of vision, progressive motor and mental decline, and premature death. CLN2 disease is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) gene leading to deficiency in TPP1 enzyme activity. Approximately 60% of patients have one of two pathogenic variants (c.509-1G>C or c.622C>T [p.(Arg208*)]). In order to generate a human stem cell model of CLN2 disease, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in technology to introduce these mutations in a homozygous state into H9 human embryonic stem cells. Heterozygous lines of the c.622C>T (p.(Arg208*)) mutation were also generated, which included a heterozygous mutant with a wild-type allele and different compound heterozygous coding mutants resulting from indels on one allele. We describe the methodology that led to the generation of the lines and provide data on the initial validation and characterization of these CLN2 disease models. Notably, both mutant lines (c.509-1G>C and c.622C>T [p.(Arg208*)]) in the homozygous state were shown to have reduced or absent protein, respectively, and deficiency of TPP1 enzyme activity. These models, which we are making available for wide-spread sharing, will be useful for future studies of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying CLN2 disease and for therapeutic development.
Effect of oral meloxicam on feed intake and pain perception in Jersey calves following cautery dehorning with a local anesthetic

Pain management during the dehorning of calves is an important welfare issue on dairy farms. The traditional approach of using only local anesthesia (i.e. a cornual nerve block with lidocaine) is only temporarily effective, and delays but does not prevent significant pain and distress to the calf. Recent research findings suggest that administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as injectable meloxicam in addition to local anesthesia can significantly reduce the signs of pain for ≥ 24 hours after cautery dehorning in 6- to 12-week-old Holstein calves. The objective of the current study was to conduct a randomized placebo-controlled trial to describe the effect of administration of oral meloxicam in addition to local anesthesia on behavioral measures of pain and distress following cautery dehorning in preweaned Jersey calves.
A social network analysis of collaborative governance for the food-energy-water nexus in Phoenix, AZ, USA

Despite the known benefits of integrated policy and planning, traditional governance decisions in the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus are often made without cross-sector collaboration, potentially leading to unintended consequences and decreased resource security. Applying collaborative governance approaches to the FEW nexus provides an opportunity to shift towards integrated policy of food, energy, and water governance; doing so first requires an understanding of the limitations of current governance structures and the opportunities for change. We conduct a social network analysis of stakeholders in Phoenix, AZ using secondary data sources to construct the social network of collaboration and to analyze the ability of the governance landscape to facilitate or hinder collaborative governance. The social network measures indicate potential challenges to collaborative governance of FEW nexus stakeholders, such as limited trust between actors. However, leveraging bridging actors provides opportunities to increase collaborative governance between sectors. This research is important for implementing collaborative FEW nexus governance in practice.
Research on Personality Structure in the Retardate

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the Lewin–Kounin formulation, the motivational hypothesis, social deprivation and institutionalization, positive- and negative-reaction tendencies, the reinforcer hierarchy, expectancy of failure, and outer directedness. Institutionalized retarded children tend to be relatively deprived of adult contact and approval, and hence have a higher motivation to secure such contact and approval than do normal children. While retarded children possess a higher positive-reaction tendency than normal children because of a higher motivation to interact with an approving adult, they also possess a higher negative-reaction tendency. Institutionalized retarded children learn to expect and settle for lower degrees of success than normal children. Although many of the findings related to the hypotheses discussed are more suggestive than definitive, the factors enumerated in these hypotheses are extremely important ones in determining the retardate's general level of functioning.
Nanoscale Magnesium Oxide Used to Adsorb SO2 and CO2

Sol-gel techniques and heat treatments have been employed to prepare nanoscale, high surface area magnesium oxide with properties unique from its conventionally prepared counterpart. Surface area and reactivity are highly related to their thermal treatment. Reactivities of two magnesium oxides with respect to adsorption of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide with be demonstrated. Insight to the reactive surface sites on nanoscale magnesium oxide will be given.
Density Functional Theory Study of Ag-Cluster/CO Interactions

The interactions between carbon monoxide and small clusters of silver atoms are examined. Optimal geometries of the cluster-molecules complexes, i.e. silver cluster - carbon monoxide molecule, are obtained for different sizes of silver clusters and different numbers of carbon monoxide molecules. This analysis is performed in terms of different binding energy of these complexes and analysis of the frontier orbitals of the complex compared to those of its constituents. The silver atom and the dimer (Ag2 ) bond up to three carbon monoxide molecules per Ag atom, while the larger clusters appear to saturate at two CO's per Ag atom. Analysis of the binding energy of each CO molecule to the cluster reveals that the general trend is a decrease with the number of CO molecules, with the exception of Ag where the second CO molecule is the strongest bound. A careful analysis of the frontier orbitals shows that the bent structures of AgCO and Ag2 CO are a result from the interaction of the highest occupied orbital of Ag (5s) and Ag2 (*** ) with the lowest unoccupied orbital of CO (*** *). The same bent structure also appears in the bonding of CO to some of the atoms in the larger clusters. Another general trend is that the CO molecules have a tendency to bond atop of an atom rather than on bridge or face sites. These results can help us elucidate the catalytic properties of small silver clusters at the atomic level.
MARKERLESS DELETIONS OF PIL GENES IN MYXOCOCCUS XANTHUS GENERATED BY COUNTERSELECTION WITH THE BACILLUS SUBTILIS SACB GENE

In-frame deletions of pilA and pilS were constructed in Myxococcus xanthus with a plasmid integration-excision strategy facilitated by sacB. sacB conferred sucrose sensitivity upon its M. xanthus host only when it lay in the same orientation as adjacent M. xanthus genes. Gene orientation also affected the efficiency of sucrose counterselection in the sucrose-sensitive strains. The deltapilA mutant lacked pili and social motility, while the deltapilS mutant showed no defect in either phenotype.
A Note Regarding Prioritization on Congestible Networks

This paper examines the effect of allowing prioritization of traffic on a congestible network under three demand scenarios. First, it is shown that when prioritization does not affect usage, average congestion on the network increases. Second, this result is shown to hold when there is demand shifting toward the prioritized network service but no impact on total network traffic. Finally, it is proven that for prioritization to reduce average congestion on a network it must reduce the total traffic on the network.
Guanine for DNA synthesis. A compulsory route through ribonucleotide reductase.

Two alternative pathways for the synthesis of dGTP and its incorporation into DNA were studied: guanine (Gua)----GMP----GDP----dGDP----dGTP----DNA and dG----dGMP----dGDP----dGTP----DNA. To determine the contribution of each pathway to DNA synthesis independently of each other, [14C]Gua and [3H]dG tracer experiments were performed in a double-mutant S-49 mouse T-lymphoma cell line, dGuo-L, with purine nucleoside phosphorylase (EC 2.4.2.1)-deficiency and dGTP-feedback-resistant ribonucleotide reductase (RR, EC 1.17.4.1). In this cell line, dGTP pools can be selectively elevated by exogenous dG without affect RR and DNA synthesis. Although [3H]dG, but not [14C]Gua (up to 200 microM), readily expanded the cellular dGTP pool in a dose-dependent fashion in asynchronous cells, only a small fraction of the Gua flux into DNA was derived from [3H]dG, with the major fraction coming from [14C]Gua. H.p.l.c. analysis of G1- and partially enriched S-phase cells revealed that [3H]dGTP only accumulates in G1- but not in S-phase cells because of a rapid turnover of the dGTP pool during DNA synthesis. These results fail to provide evidence for cellular dGTP compartmentation and suggest that the pathway dG----dGMP----dGDP----dGTP alone has insufficient capacity to maintain DNA synthesis.
A Comparison of Zero, Moderate, and Liberal Levels of Grain Feeding for Lactating Cows on Permanent, Improved, and Supplemental Pasture

Summary Two grain-feeding trials, involving the continuous employment of 24 and 18 lactating dairy cows, were conducted during the 1956 and 1957 pasture seasons. Three types of pasture were utilized in each of the two seasons. The feeding of a moderate (5–6lb.) or a liberal (10–12lb.) amount of grain had no significant effect on milk production or on body weight. Grain feeding caused a reduction in the consumption of pasture dry matter of 1.8–3.8 and 3.0–7.5lb. at the moderate and liberal rates of grain feeding. The net gains in total dry matter consumption were 1.3 and 1.4lb. for the moderate and liberal grain levels in 1956. In 1957, these values were 2.4 and 5.5lb., respectively. The different response from grain feeding in the two seasons likely was due to a lower-quality pasture in 1957. In both trials, there was a highly significant difference in average dry matter digestibility among pastures in favor of orchardgrass-Ladino clover and orchardgrass-Ladino clover plus Sudan grass over Kentucky bluegrass-white clover pasture. Protein digestibility was greater during the 1956 pasture season, probably as a result of the greater and more even distribution of rainfall.
Tropical Cyclone Convection and Intensity Analysis Using Differenced Infrared and Water Vapor Imagery

Abstract A technique to identify and quantify intense convection in tropical cyclones (TCs) using bispectral, geostationary satellite imagery is explored. This technique involves differencing the water vapor (WV) and infrared window (IRW) channel brightness temperature values, which are available on all current operational geostationary weather satellites. Both the derived IRW minus WV (IRWV) imagery and the raw data values can be used in a variety of methods to provide TC forecasters with important information about current and future intensity trends, a component within the operational TC forecasting arena that has shown little improvement during the past few decades. In this paper several possible uses for this bispectral technique, both qualitative and quantitative, are explored and outlined. Qualitative monitoring of intense convection can be used as a proxy for passive microwave (MW) imager data obtained from polar-orbiting satellite platforms when not available. In addition, the derived imagery may...
The Mean Squared Error of the Generalized Ridge Regression Estimator and the Orientation of β

Newhouse and Oman (1971) identified the orientations with respect to the eigenvectors of X'X of the true coefficient vector of the linear regression model for which the ordinary ridge regression estimator performs best and performs worse when mean squared error is the measure of performance. In this paper the corresponding result is derived for generalized ridge regression for two risk functions: mean squared error and mean squared error of prediction.
Solubilization of hydroxyapatite by Enterobacter agglomerans and cloned Escherichia coli in culture medium

Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possessing the ability to solubilize insoluble inorganic phosphate were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of wheat. A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the solubilization of phosphate by a known PSB, Enterobacter agglomerans, and by a genetically manipulated bacterium, Escherichia coli. A second laboratory study investigated the release of P from E. agglomerans compared with known acids. For the first laboratory study, a cosmid (pHC79) library of phosphate-solubilizing gene(s) from E. agglomerans chromosome DNA was constructed in E. coli JM109. The clone JM109 (pKKY) showing phosphate solubilization properties was screened on standard medium containing hydroxyapatite (HY). The P concentration significantly increased at 5 and 10 days for JM109 (pKKY) compared with JM109 (pHC79), the control. Although the P concentration increased, there was no significant change in their pHs. Furthermore, an increase in colony-forming units (CFUs) was seen at 5 and 10 days for JM109 (pKKY) but not for JM109 (pHC79). Artificial acidification of the culture medium with HCl, citric acid, oxalic acid, and lactic acid was achieved by shaking for 48h. Acidification with these selected acids solubilized more HY than E. agglomerans growing for 42h at similar pHs. However, a high P concentration was measured in culture medium with E. agglomerans growing for 84h despite similar pHs. Our results suggest that acid production may play an important role in HY solubilization, but is not the sole reason for the increase in P concentration in culture medium.
A causal analysis of car ownership and transit use

The causal structure underlying household mobility is examined in this study using a sample obtained from the Dutch National Mobility Panel survey. The results indicate that car ownership is strongly associated with mode use, but that it has no influence on weekly person trip generation by household members. Characteristics of mode use are examined through a causal analysis of changes in car ownership, number of drivers, number of car trips, and number of transit trips. It is shown that observed changes in mode use cannot be adequately explained by assuming that a change in transit use influences car use. The finding suggests that the increase in car use, which is a consequence of increasing car ownership, may not be suppressed by improving public transit.
Trajectories and predictors of symptom occurrence, severity, and distress in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Abstract Context Radiation therapy (RT) is a common treatment for prostate cancer. Despite available research, prostate cancer patients report that information about side effects is their most important unmet need. Additional research is needed that focuses on specific dimensions of the patient's symptom experience. Objectives The study's purposes were to evaluate the trajectories of occurrence, severity, and distress of the six most prevalent symptoms reported by patients undergoing RT for prostate cancer and the effects of selected demographic and clinical characteristics on these trajectories. Methods Patients completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale 11 times before, during, and after RT. For problems with urination, pain, lack of energy, feeling drowsy, difficulty sleeping, and diarrhea, the trajectories of occurrence, severity, and distress were evaluated using multilevel generalized linear models. Results Across all three dimensions, pain, lack of energy, feeling drowsy, and difficulty sleeping followed a decreasing linear trend. Problems with urination and diarrhea demonstrated more complex patterns of change over time. Conclusion Although longitudinal data on pain, lack of energy, feeling drowsy, and difficulty sleeping are limited, they are highly prevalent symptoms in these patients. In addition, diarrhea becomes a significant problem for these patients over the course of RT. A number of demographic and clinical characteristics affect the trajectories of these common symptoms differentially.
microRNAs under the microscope

Once regarded as a biological anomaly, microRNAs (miRNAs) have since been recognized as a prevalent RNA species that regulates a wide array of biological processes, from fat storage and insulin secretion, to apoptosis and cell growth. Recent studies show that miRNAs are expressed at precise times and locations in embryonic development. Moreover, disruption of miRNA processing triggers widespread developmental defects. These findings bolster the idea that miRNAs also regulate multiple aspects of embryonic development. This primer focuses on the emerging roles of miRNAs in development. The basics of miRNA biogenesis and miRNA and mRNA target identification are covered, with an emphasis on miRNA function in development. The primer also features a dialog about current topics in the field. Developmental Dynamics 235:846–853, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Chemical and physical ”hardness”

A common theme links chemical, mechanical, and optical hardnesses. It is the gap in the bonding energy spectra of materials. This gap determines molecular stability, and therefore ”chemical hardness”. Chemists call it the LUMO-HOMO gap between anti-bonding and bonding molecular orbitals. Physicists call it the band-gap between the conduction and valence energy bands. It forms a basis of various properties; including: chemical reactivity, elastic stiffnesses, plastic flow resistance (dislocation mobility), crystal structure stability, and optical polarizability (refractive indices). These unifying relationships are the subject here. Manipulation of these gaps and their cross-connections plays a critical role in current technology and has led to recent new devices.
Psychographic characteristics affecting behavioral intentions towards pop‐up retail

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore relationships between consumer innovativeness, market mavenism, shopping enjoyment, and beliefs, attitude, and patronage intentions toward pop‐up retail.Design/methodology/approach – A survey technique using a national sample of consumers resulted in 869 usable responses. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypothesized relationships among variables.Findings – Findings show that consumer innovativeness and shopping enjoyment influence beliefs about the importance of hedonic elements of pop‐up retail (novelty/uniqueness factor) and attitude toward pop‐up retail, which affects patronage intentions.Practical implications – Findings provide support for the effectiveness of pop‐up retail, an experiential marketing strategy, at enhancing the appeal of a retail venue to consumers exhibiting higher tendencies in innovativeness and shopping.Originality/value – This paper provides an investigation of consumer psychographic characteristics and their effe...
Maternal morbidity in patients with morbidly adherent placenta treated with and without a standardized multidisciplinary approach.

Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a standardized multidisciplinary treatment approach in patients with morbidly adherent placenta, which includes accreta, increta, and percreta, is associated with less maternal morbidity than when such an approach is not used (nonmultidisciplinary approach). Study Design A retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients from 3 tertiary care hospitals from July 2000 to September 2013. Patients with histologically confirmed placenta accreta, increta, and percreta were included in this study. A formal program that used a standardized multidisciplinary management approach was introduced in 2011. Before 2011, patients were treated on a case-by-case basis by individual physicians without a specific protocol (nonmultidisciplinary group). Estimated blood loss, transfusion of packed red blood cells, intraoperative complications (eg, vascular, bladder, ureteral, and bowel injury), neonatal outcome, and maternal postoperative length of hospital stay were compared between the 2 groups. Results Of 90 patients with placenta accreta, 57 women (63%) were in the multidisciplinary group, and 33 women (37%) were in the nonmultidisciplinary group. The multidisciplinary group had more cases with percreta ( P = .008) but experienced less estimated blood loss ( P = .025), with a trend to fewer blood transfusions ( P = .06), and were less likely to be delivered emergently ( P = .001) compared with the nonmultidisciplinary group. Despite an approach of indicated preterm delivery at 34-35 weeks of gestation, neonatal outcomes were similar between the 2 groups. Conclusion The institution of a standardized approach for patients with morbidly adherent placentation by a specific multidisciplinary team was associated with improved maternal outcomes, particularly in cases with more aggressive placental invasion (increta or percreta), compared with a historic nonmultidisciplinary approach. Our standardized approach was associated with fewer emergency deliveries.
Survival and mutagenesis of bacterial plasmids with localized carcinogen adducts

Restriction fragments from nonessential gene regions in bacterial plasmids were covalently modified with benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-oxide (BPDE) and ligated to the remaining unmodified fragment to construct the plasmid with a localized patch of BPDE adducts. These preparations were introduced into appropriate strains of E. coli and the effect of the carcinogen adducts on plasmid survival and mutagenesis determined. Survival as a function of adduct concentration of randomly modified plasmids was the same as that of plasmids with localized adducts in both repair-proficient and -deficient strains, indicating that the simple presence of the carcinogen is the main factor in plasmid mortality. The results of these and other experiments indicate that plasmid survival is a function of the adduct/plasmid molecule ratio not the adduct/nucleotide ratio. Plasmids with mutations produced in the region (tetracycline resistance) containing the localized adducts were selected and the nature of the mutations determined by direct sequence analysis. The mutations included frameshifts, transitions, and transversions.
Teaching protection in computing: A research-oriented graduate course

This paper describes a graduate course entitled ''Protection in Computing'' given at Virginia Tech. The course emphasizes selected Computer Science and research aspects of protection. Following a general course description, the various topics and reading references are detailed. A chronological course outline indicates the sequence of coverage and shows the correlation of reading references to the topical areas. The use of oral presentations is described.
Decoherence of an exchange qubit by hyperfine interaction

We study three-electron-spin decoherence in a semiconductor triple quantum dot with a linear geometry. The three electron spins are coupled by exchange interactions ${J}_{12}$ and ${J}_{23}$, and we clarify inhomogeneous and homogeneous dephasing dynamics for a logical qubit encoded in the $(S=1/2,{S}^{z}=1/2)$ subspace. We first justify that qubit leakage via the fluctuating Overhauser field can be effectively suppressed by sufficiently large Zeeman and exchange splittings. In both ${J}_{12}={J}_{23}$ and ${J}_{12}\ensuremath{\ne}{J}_{23}$ regimes, we construct an effective pure dephasing Hamiltonian with the Zeeman splitting ${E}_{Z}\ensuremath{\gg}{J}_{12},{J}_{23}$. Both effective Hamiltonians have the same order of magnitude as that for a single-spin qubit, and the relevant dephasing time scales (${T}_{2}^{*},{T}^{\mathrm{FID}}$, etc.) are of the same order as those for a single spin. We provide estimates of the dynamics of three-spin free induction decay, the decay of a Hahn spin echo, and the decay of echoes from a CPMG pulse sequence for GaAs quantum dots.
VCSEL applications in sensors and microsystems

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are uniquely suited to miniaturized free-space optical systems in which surface-mounting and hybrid assembly techniques can be used to combine different technologies together. Two examples are described of such microsystems that are being developed for sensing applications. The first example is a optical position sensing system for rotating parts. Progress on fabricating similar systems by flip-chip bonding techniques is then discussed. The second example is a chemical sensing/analysis system which uses a miniature fluorescence detection module that is based on surface-mounted VCSELs and diffractive optical elements. The detection module is integrated with a capillary electrochromatography separation system and uses substrate-mode light propagation to focus the VCSEL beam on the capillary channel.
Automated determination of critical oxygen concentration for routinely active fish

We describe an automated respirometer and control system that determines critical (metabolism-limiting) oxygen concentration for routinely active fish. A microcomputer monitors fish metabolic rate as oxygen concentration in the closed respirometer declines; the critical oxygen concentration is signaled by metabolic-rate change, which is resolved via statistically based rules that consider both magnitude and consistency of rate deviations. After the critical oxygen concentration is found, data are written to disk, the respirometer is reoxygenated and another trial is initiated. This sequence can be repeated indefinitely without human intervention, allowing replicate estimates from a single fish. Ideally, metabolic rate should be calculated frequently during a trial, to minimize exposure of the fish to sub-critical oxygen concentrations. However, precision of measurement is limited by ‘noise’ related to length of time interval over which changes in oxygen concentration are determined, respirometer chamber volume, and fish respiration rate. Short time intervals lead to excessive noise, whereas long time intervals result in insufficient numbers of rate measurements. In a respirometer chamber of calculable optimum volume, measurements made by averaging oxygen readings taken very rapidly over two to three minute intervals provide a good compromise. We present data from experiments with bluegill,Lepomis macrochirus, to illustrate the method and show that critical oxygen concentrations identified by the system are consistent with estimates made by humans viewing graphs of the same experiments
SU-E-T-189: A Protocol for 3D IMRT Quality Assurance of Prostate Radiotherapy

Purpose: Define a set of statistical parameters and plan structures that will characterize the pass/fail criteria for a 3D prostate pre‐treatment IMRT quality assurance protocol. Methods: For this study, 3D IMRT QA measurements were performed on thirteen IMRT prostate patients. All plans were for an initial treatment course to the prostate and the seminal vesicles with prescription dose of 45Gy, and planned with step‐and‐shoot IMRT. All patients plans passed traditional QA methods, including point measurement with ion chamber and 2D gamma analysis at 3mm/3%. A total of 75 3D IMRT QA measurements were performed on all patients, on different days and on different beam matched linear accelerators. IBA COMPASS system was used for 3D QA measurements. For each patient, nine structures of interest were selected: femoral heads, two planning target volumes (PTV1, PTV2), prostate, seminal vesicles, anterior and posterior rectal wall and bladder. For each structure the following statistical parameters were evaluated: average dose, 3D gamma test, volume at 4% and 6% difference, and volume that receives between 5%‐105% of the prescription dose. Two QA protocols are proposed, a conservative with pass/fail QA thresholds the maximum of these 75 passing measurements; standard protocol with pass/fail QA threshold value at the maximum of the 75 measurements +50% increase. Results: Out of the 153 statistical parameters investigated, 65 were excluded from the QA protocol. The reason is that their values were constant for all 75 measurements. Assessment of the validity of the conservative protocol and standard protocol are ongoing. Conclusion: 3D IMRT QA is a powerful and versatile tool for pre‐treatment prostate IMRT QA, with ability to perform variety of statistical tests and overlay dose and anatomy. However, because 3D QA provides more information than single ion chamber measurement and/or 2D gamma analysis, a protocol is needed to establish pass/fail thresholds.
Simultaneous detection of multiple designer drugs in serum, urine, and CSF in a patient with prolonged psychosis.

This case report is considered exempt from University of California-San Diego Investigational Review Board.Introduction. There is a limited published experience detailing detection and toxicity of ...
Experiment and visualization on R134a upward flow in the vertical header of microchannel heat exchanger and its effect on distribution

Abstract R134a upward flow in four different vertical headers and its effect on R134a distribution into parallel microchannel tubes were investigated experimentally. R134a was provided into the header by (5 or 10) tubes in the bottom pass and exits through the (5 or 10) tubes in the top pass representing the flow in the heat pump mode of reversible systems. The inlet quality was varied from 0.2 to 0.8, and the mass flux from 92.26 to 276.79 kg m−2 s−1 per tube. The best distribution was at high flux and low quality. Experiment and visualization reveals the flow pattern effect in terms of homogeneity and momentum: churn flow has better distribution than separated flow since the two-phase mixture is more homogeneous; distribution is better at high mass flux in the header (by increasing mass flow rate, tubes number and/or tubes protrusion) because the higher momentum liquid can reach the top exit tube.
The CES‐‐Translog Production Function, Returns to Scale and AES

The translog functional form imposes no a priori restrictions on the substitution possibilities between the factor inputs, by relaxing the assumption of strong separability, and the CES–translog cost function specification allows for testing homothetic technology with Hicks-neutral technical change. In this paper an n-factor CES–translog production function is presented which develops the parameters to directly assess scale effects from those due to technology in the production structure. In addition, by applying Shephard’s lemma it was possible to derive the input demand functions, as well as the partial elasticities of substitution and the cross-partial price elasticities of demand for a generalized CES–translog production structure.
Anisotropic ferromagnetic resonance linewidth in Ni platelets.

In-plane and out-of-plane ferromagnetic resonance line widths in Ni single crystal platelets noting cubic crystalline anisotropy at 25.92 GHz
Recombinant human CD4 elicits antibody responses different in epitope specificity from those that cellular CD4 elicits

Recombinant proteins have been proposed as subunit vaccines for many viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases, to reduce adverse side effects associated with inactivated or attenuated vaccines. Yet little is known about the comparative immunogenicity of recombinant proteins vs native forms present in cells or on organisms, and little is known about comparisons of the specificities of such immune responses. In another observation about differing forms of an antigen, about 10% of AIDS patients have anti-CD4 autoantibodies recognizing sites seen in recombinant CD4 (rCD4) but not present on cell surface CD4. We have analyzed antibody responses of mice to human CD4 when presented in recombinant or in cellular form. The response to the whole molecule was examined, as well as the responses to two sites within the molecule. In addition, any effect of immune response genes in the responding animal was sought, which might potentially restrict or modify any response to CD4. Mice immunized with rCD4 generated a large response to rCD4, but a lower response to the cell surface form, implying that additional sites are recognized on the recombinant form that are not recognized in the cellular form. Mice immunized with cells containing surface CD4 had high titers of antibody reactive with whole cells, of which only a small portion was reactive with rCD4. Titers on rCD4 are much lower for these mice than in rCD4-immunized mice. Both forms of CD4 induced antibodies to the gp120 binding site with comparable efficiency. For another site in domain 3 or 4 of CD4, cellular CD4 induced antibodies more frequently than the recombinant form. Immune response gene differences did not play a detectable role in the anti-CD4 response.
Tightly (covalently) bound fatty acids in cell membrane proteins

Abstract We find tightly (covalently) bound fatty acids in membrane proteins from human red cells and polymorphonuclear cells and several tissues of the rat. These fatty acids are not removed by exhaustive extraction with organic solvents, by phospholipase A 2 treatment, or by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The fatty acids are released by refluxing with hot methanolic-HCl. They account for 0.2–6.8% of the total fatty acids. 50–60% of the tightly bound fatty acids are removed by mild alkaline hydrolysis. [ 3 H]Palmitic acid is incorporated into lipids and proteins of the red cell membrane. In red cell ghosts incorporation is stimulated by ATP and CoA but maximal incorporation is achieved with [ 14 C]palmityl-CoA. The labeling of lipids and proteins by [ 14 C]palmityl-CoA is greater in ghosts than in cells, however basal incorporation of [ 3 H]palmitic acid into lipids and proteins is greater in cells than in ghosts. [ 3 H]Palmitic acid is also incorporated into proteins of polymorphonuclear cells. The incorporation in polymorphonuclear cell proteins is inhibited by cycloheximide but not by actinomycin D. Labeled stearic, linoleic, linoleic, and palmitic acid are incorporated into red cell membrane proteins. These incorporated fatty acids are not removed by exhaustive solvent extraction, by prolonged dialysis or by SDS. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis several protein bands are labeled by all the fatty acids although each fatty acid gives a different pattern of labeling. In all cases, the major protein band which is labeled stains very weakly with Coomassie blue and runs between band 4.2 and 5. Other proteins which have appreciable label are bands 1, 2 and 3. We postulate that fatty acids are covalently attached to certain proteins as a post-translational event and act to direct, insert, and anchor the proteins in cell membranes. A similar postulate has been enunciated by Schmidt and Schlessinger (Cell 17, 813–819 (1979)).
Influence of microstructural disorder on the current transport behavior of varistor ceramics

Microstructural disorder in the form of variations in grain size, grain boundary area between adjacent grains and grain boundary barrier heights are characteristic features of semiconducting ceramics exhibiting varistor behavior. We investigate the effect of such disorder by computing the current flow through a network of grains whose boundaries are described by nonlinear electrical characteristics. Disorder is found to decrease the maximum attainable nonlinearity of the varistor current-voltage characteristics and also cause a rounding of the breakdown portion of the curve. Disorder also has the effect of introducing high conductance percolative paths into the microstructure which can cause localization in current flow. We show that current localization can be quantitatively described by two statistical parameters: an effective number of current paths through the network and a participation ratio. The former is related to the infinite moment of the current distribution whereas the latter is related to the second moment.
On three-machine flow shops with random job processing times

Abstract The paper deals with scheduling n jobs on three machines in Johnson’s flow shops. The job processing times are assumed to be independent random variables, and the problem is to minimize stochastically the makespan. Using a convenient makespan representation, we present sufficient conditions on the job processing time distributions which imply that the makespan becomes stochastically smaller when two adjacent jobs in a given job sequence are interchanged. They lead, in particular, to an extension of Talwar’s rule known for two-machine stochastic flow shops with exponential job processing times. Extensions of other results are also included.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE EMBRYOLOGY OF BEHAVIOR.

In the past, the development of behavior in vertebrate embryos has been interpreted in terms of two opposing viewpoints. Coghill, on the basis of his observations on the salamander Ambystoma, has maintained that behavior represents an integrated pattern from beginning to end; partial patterns segregate from total patterns by a developmental process which he calls “individuation.” The opposing view, advocated by Windle and other students of the behavior of mammalian embryos and fetuses, contends that local reflexes are the elementary units of behavior that combine secondarily to form integrated patterns
Extracellular-signal regulated kinase signaling pathway mediates downregulation of type I procollagen gene expression by FGF-2, PDGF-BB, and okadaic acid in osteoblastic cells.

Although basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) had been shown to inhibit type I collagen gene expression in osteoblast, its inhibitory mechanism is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms by which growth factors downregulate type I collagen gene expression. Treatment of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells with okadaic acid (40 ng/ml), an inhibitor of phosphoserine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase and activator of ERK1/2, for 24 h and 48 h completely inhibited steady-state mRNA levels of type I collagen. FGF-2 (30 ng/ml), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), 30 ng/ml, and serum, which activate ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway also inhibited collagen type I gene expression, suggesting that the activation of ERK pathway mediates inhibition of type I collagen mRNA. This observation was further confirmed by experiments using inhibitors of the ERK pathway (i.e., PD and U0126), which increased type I collagen mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells, indicating that the inhibition of ERK pathway upregulates type I collagen gene expression. Low serum (0.3%) markedly increased type I collagen mRNA. MEK inhibitor PD inhibited c-fos induction by FGF-2 and PDGF-BB, suggesting that c-fos is the downstream target of ERK pathway. Our data have clearly demonstrated for the first time that the ERK MAPK pathway play an important role in the regulation of type I collagen gene expression in osteoblastic cells. Results also showed that one of the mechanisms by which FGF-2 and PDGF-BB downregulate type I collagen gene expression in the osteoblast is through the activation of ERK signaling pathway.
Role of NF-κB in the oxidative stress-induced lung inflammatory response to iron and selenium at ambient levels

Metals enriched in ambient air fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of PM2.5-induced inflammatory lung diseases. An important mechanism involved in metal-induced lung injury involves increased oxidative stress due to generation of reactive oxygen species. The redox sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) converts extracellular oxidative stress signals into changes in expression of genes associated with diverse cellular activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which exposure to Fe or Se, at environmentally relevant concentrations, leads to an increased release of chemokines by cultured human lung epithelial cells (A549). We tested the hypothesis that NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in the metal induced IL-8 and MCP-1 release by Fe and Se. Exposure to Fe or Se induced an enhanced release of chemokines at 6 and 24 h, and mediated nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Levels of chemokines in response to Fe were significantly suppressed in the presence of BMS-345541, a specific inhibitor of NF-κB. Similar effects were seen in response to Se, indicating the involvement of NF-κB in the metal-induced chemokine release, while not affecting the AP-1 c-Jun-DNA binding activity. Overall, results indicate that both Fe and Se, at ambient levels, possess the potential for inducing lung inflammation via an oxidative stress pathway in lung epithelial cells.