cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Andreev reflections and the quantum physics of black holes

We establish an analogy between superconductor-metal interfaces and the quantum physics of a black hole, using the proximity effect. We show that the metal-superconductor interface can be thought of as an event horizon and Andreev reflection from the interface is analogous to the Hawking radiation in black holes. We describe quantum information transfer in Andreev reflection with a final state projection model similar to the Horowitz-Maldacena model for black hole evaporation. We also propose the Andreev reflection analogue of Hayden and Preskill's description of a black hole final state, where the black hole is described as an information mirror. The analogy between crossed Andreev reflections and Einstein-Rosen bridges is discussed: our proposal gives a precise mechanism for the apparent loss of quantum information in a black hole by the process of nonlocal Andreev reflection, transferring the quantum information through a wormhole and into another universe. Given these established connections, we conjecture that the final quantum state of a black hole is exactly the same as the ground state wave function of the superconductor/superfluid in the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory of superconductivity; in particular, the infalling matter and the infalling Hawking quanta, described in the Horowitz-Maldacena model, forms a Cooper pairlike singlet state inside the black hole. A black hole evaporating and shrinking in size can be thought of as the analogue of Andreev reflection by a hole where the superconductor loses a Cooper pair. Our model does not suffer from the black hole information problem since Andreev reflection is unitary. We also relate the thermodynamic properties of a black hole to that of a superconductor, and propose an experiment which can demonstrate the negative specific heat feature of black holes in a growing/evaporating condensate.
How does machine translated user interface affect user experience?: a study on android apps

For global-market-oriented software applications, it is required that their user interface be translated to local languages so that users from different areas in the world can use the software. A long-term practice in software industry is to hire professional translators or translation companies to perform the translation. However, due to the large number of user-interface labels and target languages, this is often too expensive for software providers, especially cost-sensitive providers such as personal developers of mobile apps. As natural language processing and machine techniques advance, more mature machine translation techniques are providing a cheap though imperfect alternative, and the Google Translation service has already been widely used for translating websites and apps. However, the effect of lower translation quality on user experience has not been well studied yet. In this paper, we present a user study on 6 popular Android apps, which involves 24 participants performing tasks on app variants with 4 different translation quality levels and 2 target languages: Spanish and Chinese. From our study, we acquire the following 3 major findings, including (1) compared with original versions, machine translated versions of apps have similar task completion rate and efficiency on most studied apps; (2) machine translated versions have more tasks completed with flaws such unnecessary steps and missed optional steps, and (3) users are not satisfied with the GUI of machine translated versions and the two major complaints are misleading labels of input boxes, and unclear translation of items in option lists.
Engagement, Satisfaction, and Belonging of International Undergraduates at U.S. Research Universities

International students face challenges that their U.S. classmates rarely encounter, but few studies examine specific ways in which undergraduate experiences of international students compare to those of their U.S. classmates. This study examines U.S. and international student responses to an undergraduate survey administered at nine U.S. research universities in order to identify similarities and differences in ways that these two groups perceive their experiences. Findings suggest that in many ways, experiences with faculty for the two groups are more similar than different. However international students consistently report lower levels of social satisfaction and feelings of being welcome and respected on campus, suggesting that interactions among students are a significant factor in international student sense of belonging at the university.
Some Factors Affecting N-Nitroso Compound Formation from Ingested Nitrate in the Stomach: Achlorhydria, Bacterial N-Nitrosation and its Modulation

Bacterial N-nitrosation and nitrate reduction in the mouth and achlorhydric stomach may play an important role in determining the carcinogenic risk of nitrate exposure through N-nitroso compound (NNC) formation. The factors known to modulate the extent of these two processes are numerous, and through their differential action between individuals may promote profound differences in levels of NNC formation from particular levels of nitrate exposure. It may be difficult at present to allow for this in epidemiological studies.
Becoming a Competent and Ethical Clinical Supervisor

Whether you realize it or not, if you are in a professional psychology training program, it is likely that you will be asked to be a clinical supervisor at some point in your career. In fact, based on an extensive survey of the members of the American Psychological Association (APA) division that represents clinical psychologists (Division 12; Society of Clinical Psychology), it was determined that clinical supervision is provided by 55 % of University Professors, 71 % of Hospital Psychologists, and 36 % of Independent Practitioners (Norcross et al., 2005). For many of you, this is an eagerly anticipated activity, and for others, it may be a source of some uncertainty or even anxiety. The purpose of this chapter is to demystify the idea of becoming a supervisorby providing broad theoretical models for conceptualizing the practice of supervision and practical suggestions to guide you through the process of learning to be a supervisor. We will also discuss current competency-based supervision practice and provide suggestions for how to incorporate ethical and multicultural considerations into supervision. Throughout the chapter, we will include the perspectives of an experienced clinical supervisor (EHW) and an advanced graduate student (EFC) who is starting her journey towards becoming a competent supervisor in an effort to provide you with different perspectives on this learning process.
Intelligence in the Wild: A Dispositional View of Intellectual Traits

Most accounts of intelligence are “abilities-centric.” They aim to explain intelligent behavior in terms of IQ or other measures of intellectual aptitude. However, several investigators have proposed that intelligent behavior in the wild—in everyday circumstances in which carefully framed tests do not tell people exactly what intellectual task to attempt—depends in considerable part on thinking dispositions. Definitionally, dispositions concern not what abilities people have, but how people are disposed to use those abilities. Everyday language includes a number of dispositional terms such as curiosity, open-mindedness, and skepticism. We review several dispositional constructs that researchers have investigated, sometimes under the label dispositions. The findings in trend show that dispositions are stable traits that help to explain intellectual performance over and above measures of intellectual aptitude. It is argued that a dispositional view of intelligence is warranted, and that it is an important area for continued research.
ENERGETIC MODELS | Bioenergetics in Ecosystems

A bioenergetics model for a fish can be defined as a quantitative description of the fish’s energy budget. Bioenergetics modeling can be applied to a fish population in a lake, river, or ocean to estimate the annual consumption of food by the fish population; such applications have proved to be useful in managing fisheries. In addition, bioenergetics models have been used to better understand fish growth and consumption in ecosystems, to determine the importance of the role of fish in cycling nutrients within ecosystems, and to identify the important factors regulating contaminant accumulation in fish from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Bivalve Impacts in Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems

Bivalve molluscs are abundant in marine and freshwater ecosystems and perform important ecological functions. Bivalves have epifaunal or infaunal lifestyles but are largely filter feeders that coup...
How AI Is Optimizing the Detection and Management of Prostate Cancer

Annually, approximately 20 million men are prostate-specific-antigen screened, and 1.3 million undergo an invasive biopsy to diagnose roughly 200,000 new cases, 50% of which end up being indolent. Approximately 30,000 men die of prostate cancer (PCa) yearly. Importantly, an estimated US$8 billion is spent on unnecessary biopsies. Thus, an integrative analysis and predictive model of prognosis is needed to help identify only lethal and aggressive forms of the disease.
Challenges of a frontotemporal dementia patient

Abstract Families of patients with frontotemporal dementia living in the community face many challenges. Access to quality care, effective treatment modalities, and short or long-term placements are several of the challenges. Early recognition, family education, and appropriate specialist referral can lessen the burden for families as they navigate the health system during this progressive disease.
Belief about seat belt use and seat belt wearing behavior among front and rear seat passengers in the United States

Abstract Introduction: Unrestrained drivers and passengers represent almost half of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in the United States. The current study assessed the relationship between the belief about importance of seat belt use and the behavior of always wearing a seat belt. Method: Data from 2012 ConsumerStyles were analyzed separately for front and rear passenger seating positions. Multivariable regression models were constructed to identify the association between seat belt belief and behavior (i.e., always wears seat belt) among adults. Models controlled for type of state seat belt law (primary, secondary, or none). Results: Seat belt use was higher in front passenger seats (86.1%) than in rear passenger seats (61.6%). Similarly, belief that seat belt use was very important was higher in reference to the front passenger seat (84.2%) versus the rear passenger seat (70.5%). For the front passenger seat, belief was significantly associated with seat belt use in states with both primary enforcement laws (adjPR 1.64) and secondary enforcement laws (adjPR 2.77). For the rear passenger seat, belief was also significantly associated with seat belt use, and two 2-way interactions were observed (belief by sex, belief by region). Conclusions: Despite overall high rates of seat belt use in the United States, certain groups are less likely to buckle up than others. The study findings suggest that efforts to increase seat belt use among high-risk populations, such as those who live in states with secondary or no seat belt laws and those who ride in rear seats (which include people who utilize taxis or ride-hailing vehicles) could benefit from interventions designed to strengthen beliefs related to the benefits of seat belt use. Practical applications: Future research that uses a theoretical framework to better understand the relationship between beliefs and behavior may inform interventions to improve seat belt use.
Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control and Lifestyle Factors in Young to Middle-Aged Adults with Newly Diagnosed Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: While progress in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been noted over the past several decades, there are still those who develop CVD earlier in life than others. Objective: We investigated traditional and lifestyle CVD risk factors in young to middle-aged patients compared to older ones with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with a new diagnosis of obstructive CAD undergoing coronary intervention was performed. Young to middle-aged patients were defined as those in the youngest quartile (n = 281, mean age 50 ± 6 years, 81% male) compared to the other three older quartiles combined (n = 799, mean age 69 ± 7.5 years, 71% male). Obstructive CAD was determined by angiography. Results: Young to middle-aged patients compared to older ones were more likely to be male (p < 0.01), smokers (21 vs. 9%, p < 0.001), and have a higher body mass index (31 ± 6 vs. 29 ± 6 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Younger patients were less likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and fish and had fewer controlled CVD risk factors (2.7 ± 1.2 vs. 3.0 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). Compared to older patients, higher levels of psychological stress (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4), financial stress (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.5), and low functional capacity (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.4–4.5) were noted in the young to middle-aged population as well. Conclusion: Lifestyle in addition to traditional CVD risk factors should be taken into account when evaluating risk for development of CVD in a younger population.
Effects of exposure to nixtamalization liquid on bone collagen δ13C and δ15N and archaeological implications

Abstract The use of stable isotopes in zooarchaeology is common; however, the effects of many cooking and post-depositional processes on the chemical composition of faunal remains are understood poorly. People of the Americas processed maize through nixtamalization, a method of preparing grains by soaking and cooking them in an alkaline solution. Once discarded, nixtamalization wastewater may have contacted other food waste, such as bone. We examine the effects of alkaline exposure on stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in fish bone collagen. Bony structures of four modern shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus), a commonly identified taxon in eastern North American zooarchaeological assemblages, were exposed to four treatments that varied in alkalinity and duration of exposure. No significant differences were observed between treated and untreated specimens in δ13C values. Prolonged exposure to a highly alkaline solution caused a shift in bone collagen δ15N values of approximately −0.44‰. The extreme conditions required to cause this shift suggests that the byproduct of nixtamalization would have negligible effects on archaeological bone collagen δ13C and δ15N values.
"Buzzwords": Crowd-sourcing and quantifying U.S. young adult terminology for subjective effects of alcohol and marijuana use

Prevalence of heavy alcohol use remain high, and daily marijuana use is at an all-time high in young adults. As perceptions of drug effects may guide risky decision making, understanding subjective feelings for alcohol and marijuana use is critical. Existing laboratory-based and diary metrics (0-100 rating of "how drunk/high do you feel?") may be problematic in differentiating levels of subjective effects. Measures incorporating contemporary language may better capture subjective feelings in experimental and ambulatory assessment designs. We developed 2 sliding scales based on crowd-sourced and rank-ordered feelings of subjective alcohol and marijuana effects. Two U.S. young adult (18-25 years) samples were drawn from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). In the first study, 323 (53.6% women, 68.4% White, M age = 23.0 years) alcohol and marijuana users provided words to describe subjective effects from alcohol use and from marijuana use. In a second study, 289 (46.4% female, 66.4% White, M age = 23.0 years) users rank-ordered the most common terms to correspond with subjective levels. The sliding scale for alcohol effects resulted in 4 anchors ranging from 0 to 100: slightly buzzed, tipsy/"happy," drunk, and wasted. The sliding scale for marijuana effects also had 4 anchors: relaxed, calm/chill, high, and stoned/baked. By incorporating broader and more contemporary subjective effects language, our metrics may better capture variability in young adults' perceived subjective effects from alcohol and marijuana use. Future work could build upon these findings by pairing sliding scales with measures of actual intoxication to understand within- and between-person covariation in subjective effects, actual impairment, and consequences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Detection and quantification of renal fibrosis by computerized tomography.

Objectives Reliable biomarkers for renal fibrosis are needed for clinical care and for research. Existing non-invasive biomarkers are imprecise, which has limited their utility. Methods We developed a method to quantify fibrosis by subject size-adjusted CT Hounsfield units. This was accomplished using CT measurements of renal cortex in previously irradiated non-human primates. Results Renal cortex mean CT Hounsfield units that were adjusted for body size had a very good direct correlation with renal parenchymal fibrosis, with an area under the curve of 0.93. Conclusions This metric is a promising and simple non-invasive biomarker for renal fibrosis.
27 – Water and Yield

Publisher Summary This chapter looks at water and yield and, in particular, the relationship between evaporation (or transpiration) and yield. If we could develop a reasonably simple relation (equation), we could predict the effect of water deficits on field yields, a desirable goal. To assess the relation between water and yield, five different analyses done by the following investigators: de Wit (1958); Arkley (1963); Bierhuizen and Slatyer (1965); Stewart (1972); and Hanks (1974) have been considered. The chapter presents only de Wit's analysis, the earliest one and basis for subsequent work. Crops can be grown in humid climates where the vapor pressure deficit is small and advection is minimal. However, in these regions, sunlight is usually less and total yields may be smaller. Second, the partitioning of total dry matter can be changed to create more marketable products.
Choosing Here and Now versus There and Later: The Moderating Role of Psychological Distance on Assortment Size Preferences

Consumers prefer larger assortments, despite the negative consequences associated with choosing from these sets. This article examines the role of psychological distance (temporal and geographical) in consumers’ assortment size decisions and rectifies contradicting hypotheses produced by construal level theory. Six studies demonstrate that while consumers prefer larger assortments when the choice takes place in the here and now, they are more likely to prefer small assortments when choices pertain to distant locations and times. This decrease in preference for large assortments is due to psychological distance increasing the similarity of the options in a category, making them appear more substitutable. This effect of psychological distance reverses when consumers consider desirability/feasibility trade-off information inherent in the assortment size decision. These findings point to important outcomes of psychological distance, resolving opposing predictions of construal level theory, and identify bounda...
18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT imaging versus conventional imaging alone to guide postprostatectomy salvage radiotherapy for prostate cancer (EMPIRE-1): a single centre, open-label, phase 2/3 randomised controlled trial

Summary Background Molecular imaging is increasingly used to guide treatment decisions and planning in prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the role of 18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT in improving cancer control compared with conventional imaging (bone scan and either CT or MRI) alone for salvage postprostatectomy radiotherapy. Methods In EMPIRE-1, a single-centre, open-label, phase 2/3 randomised controlled trial, patients with prostate cancer with detectable PSA after prostatectomy and negative conventional imaging (no extrapelvic or bone findings) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to radiotherapy directed by conventional imaging alone or to conventional imaging plus 18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT. Computer-generated randomisation was stratified by PSA concentration, adverse pathology indicators, and androgen deprivation therapy intent. In the 18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT group, radiotherapy decisions were rigidly determined by PET findings, which were also used for target delineation. The primary endpoint was 3 year event-free survival, with events defined as biochemical or clinical recurrence or progression, or initiation of systemic therapy, using univariate and multivariable analyses in patients who received radiotherapy. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT01666808 and is closed to new participants. Findings From Sept 18, 2012, to March 4, 2019, 165 patients were randomly assigned, with median follow-up of 3·52 years (95% CI 2·98–3·95). PET findings resulted in four patients in the 18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT group having radiotherapy aborted; these patients were excluded from survival analyses. Median survival was not reached (95% CI 35·2–not reached; 33% of 81 patients had events) in the conventional imaging group compared with not reached (95% CI not reached–not reached; 20% of 76 patients) in the 18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT group, and 3 year event-free survival was 63·0% (95% CI 49·2–74·0) in the conventional imaging group versus 75·5% (95% CI 62·5–84·6) for 18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT (difference 12·5; 95% CI 4·3–20·8; p=0·0028). In adjusted analyses, study group (hazard ratio 2·04 [95% CI 1·06–3·93], p=0·0327) was significantly associated with event-free survival. Toxicity was similar in both study groups, with the most common adverse events being late urinary frequency or urgency (37 [46%] of 81 patients in the conventional imaging group and 31 [41%] of 76 in the PET group), and acute diarrhoea (11 [14%] in the conventional imaging group and 16 [21%] in the PET group). Interpretation Inclusion of 18F-fluciclovine-PET into postprostatectomy radiotherapy decision making and planning significantly improved survival free from biochemical recurrence or persistence. Integration of novel PET radiotracers into radiotherapy decisions and planning for prostate cancer patients warrants further study. Funding National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Particle-by-particle in situ characterization of the protein corona via real-time 3D single-particle tracking spectroscopy

Nanoparticles (NPs) adsorb proteins when exposed to biological fluids, forming a dynamic protein corona that affects their fate in biological environments. A comprehensive understanding of the protein corona is lacking due to the inability of current techniques to precisely measure the full corona in situ at the single-particle level. Herein, we introduce a 3D real-time single-particle tracking spectroscopy to "lock-on" to single freely diffusing polystyrene NPs and probe their individual protein coronas, primarily using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model system. The fluorescence signals and diffusive motions of the tracked NPs enable quantification of the "hard corona" using mean-squared displacement analysis. Critically, this method's particle-by-particle nature enabled a lock-in-type frequency filtering approach to extract the full protein corona, despite the typically confounding effect of high background signal from unbound proteins. From these results, the dynamic in situ full protein corona is observed to contain twice the number of proteins compared to the ex situ-measured "hard" protein corona.
Development of a novel framework to evaluate the localization accuracy of tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsy units

PURPOSE To develop a scheme to quantitatively assess localization accuracy of tomosynthesis-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy apparatus. METHODS A phantom containing a metallic pellet on a flexible plastic shaft was constructed and was tested in cranio-caudal (CC) and lateral (LAT) arm biopsy geometries following the standard clinical breast biopsy workflow. Three points were manually digitized on tomosynthesis images including: the center of the target, and the tip of the needle in pre- and postfire positions. The needle trajectory was determined and four error metrics were defined: (1) stroke length error (difference between the nominal and measured stroke lengths); (2) Euclidian distance between the target and center of trough (i.e., aperture); (3) longitudinal distance between target and center of trough; and (4) lateral distance between target and needle. The proposed methodology was also evaluated on a breast gel phantom and the complete biopsy procedure, including vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed. RESULTS Three biopsy geometries were investigated: (i) LAT arm on a prone table unit (Hologic, Affirm Prone), (ii) CC- and (iii) LAT arm in an upright unit (Hologic Affirm Upright). Both biopsy units passed the vendor-provided daily localization accuracy test, with <1 mm nominal error in each dimension. The aforementioned error metrics (1) to (4) were (0.6, 1.8, 0.4, 1.7) mm, (0.4, 4.2, 4.1, 1.1) mm, and (0.3, 2.4, 0.7, 2.3) mm, respectively, for geometry-I, -II, and -III. The gel phantom was tested on the upright unit with lateral arm and the error metrics (1) to (4) were 0.4, 2.5, 0.8, and 2.4 mm respectively. CONCLUSIONS A framework was developed to evaluate the tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsy localization error, allowing quantitative comparisons between different systems and biopsy configurations. The proposed framework can also be extended to the stereotactic breast biopsy units. We suggest that a quantitative tolerance level for localization accuracy of breast biopsy units be established.
Blacked Out: Government Secrecy in the Information Age

1. The glass case Part I. Context: 2. Secrecy and security 3. Gulliver 4. Message discipline 5. Soft states Part II. Structure: 6. Opaque networks 7. The corporate evil 8. Remote control Part III. Technology: 9. Liquid paper Part IV. Conclusion: 10. We like to watch Notes.
The transplantation biology of mammalian gestation.

I FEEL GREATLY privileged to be the recipient of the 1971 Adair Award, partly on account of the scientific eminence of my predecessors, but principally because of the distinction of Dr. Fred Lyman Adair himself, as a scholar, physician, pioneer, and leaader of his own specialty. The theme of my lecture is an analysis of mammalian reproductive activity from the viewpoint of an immunogeneticist, with special emphasis upon nature’s striking success in ensuring exemption from rejection for her own, all-important, histoincompatible organismic grafts. I believe that no apology is needed for inclusion of a brief introductory account of the basic principles governing the success of the conventional grafts of the experimentalist and the surgeon.
Incidence of delirium in children with cancer

There are limited data on the incidence of delirium in children with cancer. We performed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric oncology admissions over a 1 year period to determine the incidence of delirium in this population. We identified seven patients with delirium (10% incidence). Delirium is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and is likely under-recognized in this population. Improved diagnosis and treatment of delirium may improve outcomes in children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2094–2095. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating decision support and expert systems

Evaluation Perspective and Approach - Overview and Case Study Integrating Evaluation Into Development Subject Evaluation Methods Technical Evaluation Methods Empirical Evaluation Methods Managing the Evaluation Process.
Biological reactions at phosphorus: VII. The nature of metaphosphate ion, PO3−, as a reaction intermediate (1)

Abstract In order to improve our understanding of biological phosphorylations by “high-energy” compounds such as ATP, the hypothesis of metaphosphate ion as an intermediate in certain phosphorylation reactions has been critically examined. We have studied the rates and product composition for the solvolysis of the neutral form of N,N -dimethylphosphoroguanidinate (DMPG) at 30.5°C in various water-alcohol mixtures. The rates of solvolysis were found to decrease as the mole percent of the alcohol increased, but no systematic relationship with dielectric constant or Grunwald-Winstein y values was evident. A 1 : 1 correspondence between the percentage alkyl phosphate produced and the mole percent alcohol present was found with methanol, ethanol, and low concentrations of 2-propanol. At higher concentrations of 2-propanol, the product ratio favors water as nucleophile probably due to selective solvation of the metaphosphate precursor by water. These results indicate that metaphosphate mechanisms have a variable amount of nucleophilic participation. Although the reaction of phosphoroguanidines appears to involve metaphosphate ion as a free intermediate, analysis of results in the literature indicate that less reactive metaphosphate precursors react with nucleophilic participation. Extrapolation of these results to biological phosphorylations leads to the conclusion that nucleophilic participation may be an important feature of enzymic transition states due to the favorable orientation of nucleophile and incipient metaphosphate at enzymic active sites.
A comparison of electrically small HF antennas

The performance properties of several electrically small HF antennas are compared. The antennas are made self-resonant near 30 MHz by increasing the total wire length within a fixed spherical volume of ka ap 0.2, where k = 2pi/lambda and a is the radius of an imaginary sphere circumscribing the maximum dimension of the antenna. Three configurations are considered: a single arm spherical helix antenna, a multiple arm folded spherical helix and a top-loaded spherical helix. An impedance match to 50 Ohms is accomplished through several techniques: the use of multiple folded arms, a parallel stub match and an inductively coupled loop. Since all of the configurations are resonant and have a resistance near 50 Ohms, the primary performance properties of interest in this comparison are the antennas' radiation efficiency and bandwidth, which is characterized by the antenna's quality factor, or Q. All of the antennas exhibit reasonable radiation efficiency. The lowest quality factor is exhibited by the multiple folded arm spherical helix configuration
FAST-2 Is a Mammalian Winged-Helix Protein Which Mediates Transforming Growth Factor β Signals

The mechanisms by which transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and related ligands regulate transcription remain poorly understood. The winged-helix (WH) transcription factor fork head activin signal transducer 1 (FAST-1) was identified as a mediator of activin signaling in Xenopus embryos (X. Chen, M. J. Rubock, and M. Whitman, Nature 383:691–696, 1996). We have cloned a novel WH gene from the mouse which shares many properties with FAST-1. We find that this gene, which we call FAST-2, is able to mediate transcriptional activation by TGF-β. FAST-2 also interacts directly with Smad2, a cytoplasmic protein which is translocated to the nucleus in response to TGF-β, and forms a multimeric complex with Smad2 and Smad4 on the activin response element, a high-affinity binding site for FAST-1. Analysis of the sequences of FAST-1 and FAST-2 reveals substantial protein sequence divergence compared to known vertebrate orthologs in the WH family. This suggests that FAST-2 represents a new WH gene related to FAST-1, which functions to mediate TGF-β signals in mammals. We have also examined the structure of the FAST-2 gene and find that it overlaps with a kinesin motor protein gene. The genes are transcribed in opposite orientations, and their transcripts overlap in the 3′ untranslated region.
Influence of body mass index on outcomes after major resection for cancer

Background Evidence supporting worse outcomes among obese patients is inconsistent. This study examined associations between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes after major resection for cancer. Methods Data from the 2005–2012 ACS-NSQIP were used to identify cancer patients (≥18 years) undergoing 1 of 6 major resections: lung surgery, esophagectomy, hepatectomy, gastrectomy, colectomy, or pancreatectomy. We used crude and multivariable regression to compare differences in 30-day mortality, serious and overall morbidity, duration of stay, and operative time among 3 BMI cohorts defined by the World Health Organization: normal versus underweight, overweight-obese I, and obese II–III. Propensity-scored secondary assessment and resection type-specific stratified analyses corroborated results. Results A total of 529,955 patients met inclusion criteria; 32.06% had normal BMI, 3.45% were underweight, 32.52% overweight, and 17.76%, 7.51%, and 4.94% obese I–III, respectively. Risk-adjusted outcomes for underweight patients consistently were worse. Overweight-obese I fared similarly to patients with normal BMI but had greater odds of isolated complications. Obese II–III patients experienced only marginally increased odds of morbidity. Analyses among propensity-scored cohorts and stratified by cancer-resection type reported similar trends. Worse outcomes were observed among morbidly obese hepatectomy and pancreatectomy patients. Conclusion Evidence-based assessment of outcomes after major resection for cancer suggests that obese patients should be treated with the aim for optimal oncologic standards without being hindered by a misleading perception of prohibitively increased perioperative risk. Underweight and certain types of morbidly obese patients require targeted provision of appropriate care.
A nonsmooth Coulomb friction oscillator

Abstract A forced Coulomb friction oscillator, whose frictional force is allowed to vary with displacement, is analyzed geometrically. The equation of motion for the oscillator is piecewise linear. We geometrically observe the nature of the flow in each region of solvability, and then see how these solutions interact at the boundary of the regions. The dynamics of the flow is viewed in terms of a map on the boundary between the regions. For chaotic motion, we geometrically construct the strange attractor, and show that its exact behavior is that of a one-dimensional map. The following dynamical properties arise from the nonsmooth nature of the Coulomb friction law: the flow may not be invertible; the flow may reach its attractor in finite time; the dimension of the attractor may be less than or equal to two; embeddings of an observable may not be diffeomorphic to the full phase flow.
On the order of singular optimal control problems

In singular optimal control problems, the functional form of the optimal control function is usually determined by solving the algebraic equation which results by successively differentiating the switching function until the control appears explicitly. This process defines the order of the singular problem. Order-related results are developed for singular linear-quadratic problems and for a bilinear example which gives new insights into the relationship between singular problem order and singular are order.
Guidelines and limitations for the design of high-efficiency InGaN single-junction solar cells

Astract Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) alloys offer great potential for high-efficiency photovoltaics, yet theoretical promise has not been experimentally demonstrated. Several major challenges remain including polarization effects, suitable p-type doping, improved surface passivation, and growth of thick, high-quality InGaN layers. In this paper, we present numerical simulations of InGaN p-i-n single-junction solar cells to provide guidelines for performance improvement through optimization of device structures given achievable material characteristics. The performance of both InGaN/GaN heterojunction devices that are presently achievable and InGaN homojunction solar cells that should be feasible in the future are investigated through the calculation of characteristic parameters: short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, and conversion efficiency. These simulations study the effect of indium content, thickness, and background doping of the unintentionally-doped InGaN absorbing layer on the performance of both InGaN solar-cell designs. While the maximum efficiency of a p-i-n InGaN/GaN heterojunction solar cell with low indium composition is 11.3%, the conversion efficiency of heterojunction devices with high indium composition needed for longer wavelength absorption drastically reduces because of polarization effects. Above an indium composition of 45%, the modeled heterojunction devices do not operate as solar cells. Using presently achievable values of minority carrier lifetime and surface recombination velocity, the maximum efficiency of InGaN single-homojunction solar cells with optimized parameters is ~17%, which is significantly smaller than the theoretical maximum energy-conversion efficiency for single-junction cells.
Effects of Atrial Defibrillation Shocks on the Ventricles in Isolated Sheep Hearts

Background—The effects of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation on the activation sequence of the ventricles have not been previously studied. In this study we examined the events in the ventricle that follow the application of atrial defibrillatory shocks. Methods and Results—We used video imaging technology to study the sequence of activation on the surface of the ventricles in the Langendorff-perfused sheep heart. We recorded transmembrane potentials simultaneously from over 20 000 sites on the epicardium before and after biphasic shocks applied by a programmable atrial defibrillator. The first epicardial activation after the shock depended on both the voltage and timing of the shock. During ventricular diastole shocks as low as 10 V produced ventricular excitation, although the time between the shock and the first epicardial activation (latency) was ≈30 ms. As the shock voltage was increased to 120 V, latency decreased to zero and the entire epicardium was depolarized within 30 ms. For 120-V shocks del...
FAST NEUTRON CAPTURE GAMMA-RAY SPECTRUM FROM 238U(n,γ)239U

Abstract The gamma-ray spectrum from the capture of 30 keV neutrons in 238U has been measured with a 22.9 cm×30.5 cm NaI(Tl) spectrometer. Agreement with a statistically calculated spectrum is obtained. Evidence is given for a K π = 1 2 + band in 239U at an excitation energy of 0.13 MeV, which can be identified as the [631] 1 2 + band. The experimental gamma-ray spectrum is compatible with the number of levels below an excitation energy of about 1 MeV found in other experiments.
Spontaneous CP violation in SU(5) and the invisible axion

Abstract The Peccei-Quinn symmetry is implemented in the spontaneous CP -violating model in SU(5) with natural flavor conservation. An appreciable cosmological baryon asymmetry can be generated through the decays of superheavy Higgs bosons if the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is broken at the grand unification scale. The axion is superlight and invisible.
SENSITIVITY OF Vibrio parahaemolyticus TO SPICES AND ORGANIC ACIDS

The effects of 13 dried spices added to growth media at concentrations ranging from 0.l–1.0% were studied with respect to their bactericidal activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Rates of growth of V. parahaernolyticus in culture media containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and sassafras and in media containing citric, ascorbic, and malic acids were determined. Survival of the organism in tomato sauce adjusted to pH 4.4–6.5 and incubated at 10, 22 and 35°C were examined. Dried oregano and thyme were highly toxic to V. parahaemolyticus when present in growth media at a concentration of 0.5%. Essential oils of oregano, thyme, and sassafras were bactericidal at a 100 μg/ml level. Growth curves were similar in media adjusted to identical pH values, regardless of whether citric, ascorbic or malic acid was used to attain these values. No viable V. parahaemolyticus were detected in inoculated tomato sauce adjusted to pH 4.4 and held 24 hr at 10 and 22°C or after 4 hr at 35°C. After 24 hr, only a slight reduction in viable cell count was noted in tomato sauce adjusted to pH 5.6-6.5.
Stereospecific Sex Attractant for Diabrotica cristata (Harris) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Feral males of Diabrotica cristata (Harris) responded to pheromone traps baited with racemic 8-methyl-2-decyl acetate. Further studies revealed that the 2 S ,8 R configuration was the only active stereoisomer. Males of D. cristata were captured on pheromone traps in corn and sunflower fields, crops not commonly associated with this insect.
Stimulation of insulin secretion and associated nuclear accumulation of iPLA2β in INS-1 insulinoma cells

Accumulating evidence suggests that the cytosolic calcium-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)beta) manifests a signaling role in insulin-secreting (INS-1) beta-cells. Earlier, we reported that insulin-secretory responses to cAMP-elevating agents are amplified in iPLA(2)beta-overexpressing INS-1 cells (Ma Z, Ramanadham S, Bohrer A, Wohltmann M, Zhang S, and Turk J. J Biol Chem 276: 13198-13208, 2001). Here, immunofluorescence, immunoaffinity, and enzymatic activity analyses are used to examine distribution of iPLA(2)beta in stimulated INS-1 cells in greater detail. Overexpression of iPLA(2)beta in INS-1 cells leads to increased accumulation of iPLA(2)beta in the nuclear fraction. Increasing glucose concentrations alone results in modest increases in insulin secretion, relative to parental cells, and in nuclear accumulation of the iPLA(2)beta protein. In contrast, cAMP-elevating agents induce robust increases in insulin secretion and in time-dependent nuclear accumulation of iPLA(2)beta fluorescence, which is reflected by increases in nuclear iPLA(2)beta protein content and specific enzymatic activity. The stimulated effects are significantly attenuated in the presence of cell-permeable inhibitors of protein phosphorylation and glycosylation. These findings suggest that conditions that amplify insulin secretion promote translocation of beta-cell iPLA(2)beta to the nuclei, where it may serve a crucial signaling role.
Stereoselective synthesis of the C1–C13 segment of dolabelide B

The efficient construction of the C1–C13 segment of dolabelide B is described. A key element of the synthesis entails BITIP catalyzed asymmetric methallylation to establish the C7 stereocenter, which was then used to direct the stereoselective installation of the C9 and C11 centers through Evans reduction and 1,5-anti aldol condensation, respectively.
The uniqueness of moving average representations with independent and identically distributed random variables for non-Gaussian stationary time series

SUMMARY Full-spectrum, non-Gaussian stationary series can have at most one representation as a moving average of independent and identically distributed random variables having finite moments of all orders.
A de Novo Designed Template for Generating Conformation-specific Antibodies That Recognize α-Helices in Proteins

The generation of antibodies directed toward the surface-exposed regions of a protein using synthetic peptides as immunogens representing surface loops and turns has been widely successful. However, peptides representing α-helical regions are typically unstructured in solution and unable to produce antibodies that recognize α-helices in native proteins. We describe a de novo designed parallel two-stranded α-helical coiled-coil template for immunization to prepare antibodies that recognize α-helical protein sequences in the native protein. This template was designed for maximum stability through an Ile/Leu hydrophobic core and an interchain disulfide bridge. Surface-exposed helical residues are inserted into the template and used for immunization to generate polyclonal antibodies. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, 15 residues of the yeast transcription factor GCN4 were inserted into this template, and the resultant antibodies were screened for conformational specificity. Peptide antigens that contain the same surface-exposed residues but differ in structure were used as competitors in a competition assay. Direct competition between the capture peptide immobilized on a biosensor chip, the peptide antigens, and the antibodies generated by the template demonstrated that the antibodies were specific for helical structure in the native coiled-coil (synthetic GCN4 residues 250–280). These antibodies were unable to recognize the same inserted sequence in an unstructured analog. The helix-specific antibodies were also able to identify native GCN4 (31.3 kDa) from yeast whole cell extracts.
The ultraviolet spectrum of a strongly reddened, high-excitation Herbig-Haro object

Short- and long-wavelength IUE spectra of the rather strongly reddened, high radial velocity Herbig-Haro object HH 32A have been obtained. The object is well known for its large positive radial velocity and for its unusually large velocity dispersion. In consequence of the large ultraviolet extinction, the spectra are faint. The semiforbidden C III 1909 and Mg II 2800 emission lines are, however, clearly detected, and their fluxes can be measured with reasonable accuracy. C IV 1550 and Si III 1892 are very probably present. The continuum can be detected convincingly in the wavelength range 1500-1900 A. In other regions it is just barely detectable. The continuum has an energy distribution which is probably very similar to that of HH 1 and HH 2H. If an average galactic extinction curve is used, the line fluxes for semiforbidden C III 1909 and C IV 1550 indicate a shock velocity of at least 140 km/s which is higher than for HH 1 or HH 2. If a Theta Ori-type extinction curve is used instead, ultraviolet line ratios are obtained which are rather similar to those in HH 1 and HH 2.
The virtual crack extension method for nonlinear material behavior

Abstract The linear elastic, stiffness-derivative, finite element technique of Parks [ 1 ]is generalized to determine the ductile fracture parameter J from elastic-plastic finite element solutions. The method, based on energy comparison of two slightly different crack lengths, requires only one elastic-plastic finite element solution, and the altered crack configuration is obtained by changing nodal point positions. The technique is applied to finite element solutions for a deeply cracked, plane-strain bend specimen - a configuration for which J can be otherwise obtained - and the results are encouraging. The extension of the method to obtain arc-length-weighted J values in three-dimensional crack configurations is also proposed.
A brief history of 25 years (or more) of infrared imaging radiometers

Modern thermal imaging radiometers are infrared systems usually endowed with some means of making surface temperature measurements of objects, as well as providing an image. These devices have evolved considerably over the past few decades, and are continuing to do so at an accelerating rate. Changes are not confined to merely camera size and user interface, but also include critical parameters, such as sensitivity, accuracy, dynamic range, spectral response, capture rates, storage media, and numerous other features, options, and accessories. Familiarity with this changing technology is much more than an academic topic. A misunderstanding or false assumption concerning system differences, could lead to misinterpretation of data, inaccurate temperature measurements, or disappointing, ambiguous results. Marketing demands have had considerable influence in the design and operation of these systems. In the past, many thermographers were scientists, engineers and researchers. Today, however, the majorities of people using these instruments work in the industrial sector and are involved in highly technical skilled trades. This change of operating personnel has effectively changed the status of these devices from a 'scientific instrument', to an 'essential tool'. Manufacturers have recognized this trend and responded accordingly, as seen in their product designs. This paper explores the history of commercial infrared imaging systems and accessories. Emphasis is placed on, but not confined to, real time systems with video output, capable of temperature measurements.