cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deformation state extraction from electron backscatter diffraction patterns via simulation-based pattern-matching

Abstract A new simulation-based pattern-matching method is developed to retrieve the deformation tensor from electron backscatter diffraction patterns. Minimizing the least-squares difference between a target pattern and simulated deformed patterns, the deformation state of the target pattern can be inferred with an average absolute error of ∼ 10 − 8 for the distortion tensor under ideal conditions. The new approach is robust against significant pattern rotation compared to the cross-correlation based method. Additionally, the pattern center can be simultaneously optimized with an average absolute distortion tensor error of ∼ 10 − 4 for noise-free patterns.
Field Verification of an Improved Mine Fire Location Model

Underground mine fires remain a concern for mine operators, posing a health and safety risk to mineworkers. In the last decade, the number of mine fires has decreased significantly; however, dealing with an unknown fire in underground mines can be a challenging task, which could lead to a hazardous condition for miners during an evacuation and rescue operation. A timely detection of a mine fire and monitoring its characteristics, namely size and location, are of great importance in reducing the risk of mine fire injuries. A new improved fire location algorithm has been developed and integrated into an Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS) program by researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This paper describes the new fire location model and presents the results of verification fire tests conducted at the Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) facility of the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division (PMRD) using the collected AMS data. NIOSH is endeavoring to develop workplace solutions to improve detection of and reduce the risk of hazardous conditions in mines. The results demonstrate successful application of the improved fire location model and provide a useful tool for solving the problem of unknown fire location and reducing the risk of hazardous conditions.
Using Symbolic Execution to Analyze Linux KBuild Makefiles

The Linux kernel can be customized and built from over 13,000 configuration options, making it one of the most highly-configurable systems in modern computing. To understand how the kernel is built over these configurations, we present a symbolic execution approach to analyze the Linux kbuild system. By exploiting several unique features in kbuild, we believe our approach can provide accurate results and scale well to the high level of configuration in Linux. Preliminary results show that our prototype can handle hundreds of build files in Linux and provide interesting information about the Linux build system.
Tests of Quantum Gravity and Large Extra Dimensions Models Using High Energy Gamma Ray Observations

Observations of the multi-TeV spectra of the nearby BL Lac objects Mkn 421 and Mkn 501 exhibit the high energy cutoffs predicted to be the result of intergalactic annihilation interactions, primarily with IR photons having a flux level as determined by various astronomical observations. After correcting for such intergalactic absorption, these spectra can be explained within the framework of synchrotron self-Compton emission models. Stecker & Glashow have shown that the existence of this annihilation via electron-positron pair production puts strong constraints on Lorentz violation. Such constraints have important implications for quantum gravity models and large extra dimension models. We also discuss the implications of observations of high energy gamma-rays from the Crab Nebula on constraining quantum gravity models.
Vocal fold kinematics and relative fundamental frequency as a function of obstruent type and speaker age

The acoustic measure, relative fundamental frequency (RFF), has been proposed as an objective metric for assessing vocal hyperfunction; however, its underlying physiological mechanisms have not yet been fully characterized. This study aimed to characterize the relationship between RFF and vocal fold kinematics. Simultaneous acoustic and high-speed videoendoscopic (HSV) recordings were collected as younger and older speakers repeated the utterances /ifi/ and /iti/. RFF values at voicing offsets and onsets surrounding the obstruents were estimated from acoustic recordings, whereas glottal angles, durations of voicing offset and onset, and a kinematic estimate of laryngeal stiffness (KS) were obtained from HSV images. No differences were found between younger and older speakers for any measure. RFF did not differ between the two obstruents at voicing offset; however, fricatives necessitated larger glottal angles and longer durations to devoice. RFF values were lower and glottal angles were greater for stops relative to fricatives at voicing onset. KS values were greater in stops relative to fricatives. The less adducted vocal folds with greater KS and lower RFF at voicing onset for stops relative to fricatives in this study were in accordance with prior speculations that decreased vocal fold contact area and increased laryngeal stiffness may decrease RFF.
Improvement of Benin Patties and The Effects of Added Some Flour on Physicochemical Properties

The residue of peanut oil extraction in Benin entered manufacture of snack locally called kluiklui. This snack was obtained after deep frying defatted dough of crushed seeds. This paper dealt with exploration and determination of patties physichochemical characteristics linked to crunchy descriptors and induced effects of adding some flour such as banana flour and glucomannan to defatted groundnut cake. Obtained results showed that, incorporating flour at reasonable percentages 5 % (mass basis) improve crunchy quality and increase the indigestible fractions. However, recorded high value of remanant moisture 6.39 to 9.3% (dry basis) and fat 26.42 to 31.95% (dry basis), in the fried snack required further drying and improved oil cooking. The addition of flour increased the indigestible fraction in the kluiklui. Sample made with de-oiled peanut paste, glucomannan and type 3 resistant starch banana flour exhibited the highest indigestible fraction values attributed to the synergistic presence of the resistant starch, dietary fiber, protein and non-starch polysaccharides. The same sample exhibited lower fracturability and higher hardness than others. Results of the sensory quality evaluation showed that incorporation of flour into the kluiklui showed no significant differences in liking scores in terms of appearance, aroma, taste and overall acceptability; whereas, the texture and the color scores were significantly different than the control kluiklui. Although the use of flour does not arouse consumer’s acceptability. Flour-enriched kluiklui was significantly higher in all the sensory attributes considered. Overall, the flour-enriched kluiklui produced, was favorably and acceptable, thus showing prospects for industrial application of the flour-enriched kluiklui. In addition, the low resistance to rupture of flour-enriched kluiklui has confirmed their crispy behavior compared to those resulting from defatted pure cake. The resistance of the texture indicated that the production conditions were unfavorable for handling and transport and Overall, banana flour and glucomannan can be successfully incorporated into kluiklui to enrich its values contents.
IVcache: Defending Cache Side Channel Attacks via Invisible Accesses

The sharing of last-level cache (LLC) among different CPU cores makes cache vulnerable to side channel attacks. An attacker can get private information about co-running applications (victims) by monitoring their accesses in LLC. Cache side channel attacks can be mitigated by partitioning cache between the victim and attacker. However, previous partition works either make weak assumptions about the attacker's strength or force their security mechanisms and thus overhead to every user on the system, regardless of their security requirement. We argue that offering security protection as a service is a better choice for secure cache design. To achieve this, we propose Invisible-Victim cache (IVcache), a new cache partition design targeting both the original LLC attack and the new variant. IVcache classifies all security domains on the system as protected and unprotected. For LLC accesses from protected domains, IVcache handles cache state changes in a slightly different way to make those accesses invisible to any other security domains. We implement and evaluate IVcache in Gem5. The experimental results show that IVcache can defend against real-world attacks, and that it introduces negligible performance overhead to protected domains and no overhead to unprotected domains.
Stepwise binding of inhibitors to human cytochrome P450 17A1 and rapid kinetics of inhibition of androgen biosynthesis

Cytochrome P450 (P450) 17A1 catalyzes the 17α-hydroxylation of progesterone and pregnenolone as well as the subsequent lyase cleavage of both products to generate androgens. However, the selective inhibition of the lyase reactions, particularly with 17α-hydroxy pregnenolone, remains a challenge for the treatment of prostate cancer. Here, we considered the mechanisms of inhibition of drugs that have been developed to inhibit P450 17A1, including ketoconazole, seviteronel, orteronel, and abiraterone, the only approved inhibitor used for prostate cancer therapy, as well as clotrimazole, known to inhibit P450 17A1. All five compounds bound to P450 17A1 in a multistep process, as observed spectrally, over a period of 10 to 30 s. However, no lags were observed for the onset of inhibition in rapid-quench experiments with any of these five compounds. Furthermore, the addition of substrate to inhibitor–P450 17A1 complexes led to an immediate formation of product, without a lag that could be attributed to conformational changes. Although abiraterone has been previously described as showing slow-onset inhibition (t1/2 = 30 min), we observed rapid and strong inhibition. These results are in contrast to inhibitors of P450 3A4, an enzyme with a larger active site in which complete inhibition is not observed with ketoconazole and clotrimazole until the changes are completed. Overall, our results indicate that both P450 17A1 reactions—17α-hydroxylation and lyase activity—are inhibited by the initial binding of any of these inhibitors, even though subsequent conformational changes occur.
Association of the extent of return to fasting state 2-hours after a glucose challenge with incident prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: The CARDIA study.

Abstract Aim To evaluate whether the extent of return to fasting state 2-hours after a glucose challenge among normoglycemic individuals is associated with lower risk of incident prediabetes/ type 2 diabetes in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort study. Methods We evaluated this association among 1879 normoglycemic adults who were categorized into three groups: ‘Low post load’ (2hPG FPG and ≥ 75th percentile of the difference). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate the association of the difference in 2hPG and FPG with incident diabetes/prediabetes after adjustment for demographic and clinical covariates. Results During 20 years of follow-up, 8% developed type 2 diabetes and 35% developed prediabetes. Compared to those with ‘Low post load’, the risk of type 2 diabetes was higher for participants with ‘High post load’ [HR: 1.56, 95% CI (1.03, 2.37)] and similar for participants with ‘Medium post load’ [HR: 0.99, 95% CI (0.64, 1.52)]. However, HRs for incident prediabetes among participants with ‘High post load’ [HR = 1.2, 95 %CI = (0.98, 1.46)] was not significantly different compared to participants with ‘Low post load’. Conclusion Among normoglycemic individuals, a difference between 2hPG and FPG concentration > 0.9 mmol/L can be used to stratify individuals at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
WE-G-204-09: Medical Physics 2.0 in Practice: Automated QC Assessment of Clinical Chest Images

Purpose: To determine whether a proposed suite of objective image quality metrics for digital chest radiographs is useful for monitoring image quality in our clinical operation. Methods: Seventeen gridless AP Chest radiographs from a GE Optima portable digital radiography (DR) unit (Group 1), seventeen (routine) PA Chest radiographs from a GE Discovery DR unit (Group 2), and sixteen gridless (non-routine) PA Chest radiographs from the same Discovery DR unit (Group 3) were chosen for analysis. Groups were selected to represent “sub-standard” (Group 1), “standard-of-care” (Group 2), and images with a gross technical error (Group 3). Group 1 images were acquired with lower kVp (90 vs. 125), shorter source-to-image distance (127cm vs 183cm) and were expected to have lower quality than images in Group 2. Group 3 was expected to have degraded contrast versus Group 2.This evaluation was approved by the institutional Quality Improvement Assurance Board (QIAB). Images were anonymized and securely transferred to the Duke University Clinical Imaging Physics Group for analysis using software previously described1 and validated2. Image quality for individual images was reported in terms of lung grey level(Lgl); lung noise(Ln); rib-lung contrast(RLc); rib sharpness(Rs); mediastinum detail(Md), noise(Mn), and alignment(Ma); subdiaphragm-lung contrast(SLc); and subdiaphragm area(Sa). Metrics were compared across groups. Results: Metrics agreed with published Quality Consistency Ranges with three exceptions: higher Lgl, lower RLc, and SDc. Higher bit depth (16 vs 12) accounted for higher Lgl values in our images. Values were most internally consistent for Group 2. The most sensitive metric for distinguishing between groups was Mn followed closely by Ln. The least sensitive metrics were Md and RLc. Conclusion: The software appears promising for objectively and automatically identifying substandard images in our operation. The results can be used to establish local quality consistency ranges and action limits per facility preferences.
On a Certain Optimal Harvesting Problem with Continuous Age Structure

We consider an optimal harvesting problem for a population with continuous age and time structure. On the basis of a version of Pontryagin’s principle, we investigate the form of an optimal solution in a special situation..
An Answer Set Prolog formalization of shikake principles and examples

Shikake is a design approach that proposes solving problems by inducing spontaneous behavior, rather than by relying on the use of extensive resources or expertise. This paper contributes to the study of Shikake principles and examples by describing a methodology for their formalization in the declarative, logic-based language of Answer Set Prolog (ASP). Modeling qualitative theories and principles such as Shikake in the precise language of ASP can play a significant role in indicating possible areas for their future refinement and improvement, as shown here. Our formalization is used in creating a system, ShAsp, that can automatically determine if a design is a Shikake or not, as illustrated by two examples and one counterexample.
Trends in Genetic Parameter Estimates for Ultrasound Back Fat and Rump Fat Thickness Measures in Angus Bulls and Heifers

The objective of the current study was to evaluate heritability and repeatability of serially measured ultrasound 12–13th rib fat thickness (UBF) and rump fat thickness (URF) measures in purebred Angus bulls and heifers.Data included 5000 observations from 912 bulls and heifers.Results from multiple trait analysis showed h2 of 0.29 and 0.40 for yearling UBF and URF, respectively.However, the difference in h2 estimates between yearling measures based on random regression models was smaller.At one year of age, h2 of URF was 0.37 as compared to 0.33 for UBF.Heritability and repeatability values were at their optimum at one year of age. Therefore, yearling bull and 13 to 14 months old heifer ultrasound subcutaneous fat thickness measures from good quality images can be used to evaluate genetic potential of next generation parents in Angus cattle.Information from URF measures may not have an apparent advantage in terms of improving rate of genetic change in percentage retail product in yearling Angus cattle than what could be achieved through selecting against 12th and 13th rib fat thickness.
New photocrosslinkable polymers for second-order nonlinear optical processes

Abstract : Polymeric systems have been established as useful materials for second order nonlinear optical (NLO) processes, viz. frequency doubling, linear electro-optic effect, frequency mixing and parametric oscillation. Crosslinked systems are reported to exhibit stable second order properties. The system can be poled and photocrosslinked in the poled state to yield a material with stable optical nonlinearity. This approach is based on the inter- and intra- molecular photocrosslinking reactions of a photoreactive functionalized polymer. Since the second order susceptibility is directly proportional to the concentration of the nonlinear the polymer species and the temporal stability is dependent on the mobility of the nonlinear species in matrix, large and stable second order NLO properties are expected from these photocrosslinked polymers. In this communication, we report the synthesis and detailed characterization of this class of polymer.
Alcohol-mediated Increases in Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity: Role of CYP2E and CYP3A

This commentary focuses on the roles of CYP3A and CYP2E in alcohol-mediated increases in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. CYP2E has been considered to be the main form of P450 responsible for such toxicity in animals and humans. However, CYP3A, which is also induced by alcohol, has been shown to have a greater affinity for acetaminophen than CYP2E. Previous experiments implicating CYP2E in alcohol-mediated increases in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity have used inhibitors of this form of P450 that are now proving to be non-specific. Triacetyloleandomycin (TAO) is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A that maintains specificity in vitro over a large concentration range. In rats treated with ethanol or the combination of ethanol and isopentanol, the major higher chain alcohol in alcoholic beverages, TAO protects animals from increases in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, suggesting a major role of CYP3A. CYP2E may not have a major role due to the rapid loss of induced levels in the absence of continued exposure to ethanol. Knockout mice, which are being used to define the role of particular proteins in biological responses, have been developed for CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 but not CYP3A. Cyp2e1(-/-) and Cyp1a2(-/-) mice are more resistant to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity than wild-type strains, even though the amounts of the other forms of P450s are unaltered in the liver. These findings suggest that the relative amounts of P450s and not just kinetic characteristics determine their role in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. The clinical implications of the findings that CYP3A can have a major role in acetaminophen-mediated hepatotoxicity are discussed.
Value Chain Creation through Digital Innovation: The Ebb and Flow of Communality and Connectivity in a Networked Interorganizational System

Communality and connectivity are types of public goods offered in online spaces. As theoretical concepts, they provide design insight for the creation and understanding of interorganizational collaboration tools in multisided networks and value chains. In this paper, we present an extension of communality and connectivity that enables an examination of how organizations create value with networked organization-to-organization (O2O) systems. We use the framework as a lens for a case study involving the historical development of an online technology and its organization (Market Maker) over 16 years that reframed the backbone of the agricultural market in the U.S. From a supply chain to a network. Market Maker successfully interwove consumers, farmers, universities, government agencies, and states based on its innovation to connect stakeholders in novel ways around information and communication. As a central system in reconfiguring the value chain, Market Maker provided services to the food industry not previously enabled. A number of important lessons learned about effective use of communality and connectivity are discussed.
Efficient run time optimization with static single assignment

We introduce a novel optimization engine for META4, a new object oriented language currently under development. It uses Static Single Assignment (henceforth SSA) form coupled with certain reasonable, albeit rare language features. The result is a reduction of the optimizer’s code footprint and an increase of its “reuse” factor. This engine performs the following optimizations; Dead Code Elimination (DCE), Common Subexpression Elimination (CSE) and Constant Propagation (CP). It performs these optimizations at both runtime and compile time with linear complexity time. Also, CP is essentially free, whether the values are really source-code constants or specific values generated at runtime. CP runs along side with the other optimization passes, thus allowing the efficient runtime specialization of the code during any point of the program’s lifetime.
The Staffing Cycles Framework: Viewing Staffing as a System of Decision Events

We propose an alternative staffing framework that adopts a systems view of staffing and articulates the internal structures and influence mechanisms that determine “how” staffing outcomes occur. The staffing cycles framework (SCF) portrays the interrelationships among the actors, contexts, and activities of staffing as staffing cycles composed of decision events. A staffing cycle is a sequence of seven decision events controlled alternately—not mutually—by individuals and organizational decision makers. Staffing cycles are the smallest unit of analysis that still retains all staffing components and frames how and when staffing outcomes are affected. Decision events capture the primary decision activities of staffing systems. All decision events share a common structure that depicts how actors, contexts, and activities are combined to influence staffing outcomes.
Case studies of the history and politics of wild canid restoration in Korea

Wild canids were historically abundant in Korea; however, the gray wolf, dhole, and red fox were extirpated during the twentieth century. The causes varied. “Pest control” during the Japanese occupation, ecological destruction during wars, disease epizootics, and “vermin control” after the Korean War contributed to the complete demise of wolves. The fox had succumbed to unregulated hunting, rodenticides, habitat loss, and disease epizootics. The dhole was naturally rare; its extirpation from northeastern Asia including Korea is not established. Although the wolf and fox are extirpated, the Korean government still lists both as endangered species to facilitate the recently implemented restoration programs. Restoration will face the challenges of importing genetically diverse populations and the critical loss, fragmentation, and alteration of peri-urban habitats. The overall social support for these efforts is not clear: it may be low because of changes in social mores or simply an unintended consequence of land and water use choices and policies that people may not perceive in everyday life. In this critical analysis, we postulate that the current restoration programs are misdirected toward inappropriate species and likely employ outdated techniques. We propose that a reallocation of restoration efforts and resources to populations of existing rare or threatened species would be more ecologically beneficial with higher probabilities of success. We recognize that there can be good reason to restore the upper trophic levels, especially keystone species, but are concerned that the impetus is more about focusing on charismatic megafauna rather than pragmatic choices more likely to be effective.
Flyboost power factor correction cell and its applications in single-stage AC-DC converters

A novel power factor correction (PFC) cell with direct-power-transfer (DPT) concept, called flyboost, is presented. This PFC cell combines power transfer characteristics of conventional flyback and boost topologies. Based on the proposed flyboost PFC cell, a new family of single-stage (S/sup 2/) topologies is derived, and an example converter is experimentally verified with a 150 W/28 V prototype. While still achieving high power factor (above 0.97) and tight output regulation. The flyboost PFC cell helps improve the converter's efficiency by 3-5% over conventional converters.
Solid-state chemistry: crystal tennis rackets.

The idea of bendy crystals, especially ones that move rapidly and reversibly in response to light, seems strange. Such materials have now been prepared — but how do they change shape so dramatically without cracking? Some materials will change size or shape upon light irradiation. Such triggering of mechanical deformations without direct contact offers the intriguing prospect of actuators that can be operated remotely. But the light-deformable polymers and gels developed so far all respond relatively slowly and become unstable after deformation. A new material developed by Kobatake et al. avoids these shortcomings: the molecular crystals, based on diarylethene chromophores and with sizes ranging from 10 to 100 µm, can be switched rapidly and reversibly between two different stable states by irradiation with ultraviolet and visible light, respectively. And when put in the spotlight, a rod-shaped crystal of the material attached to a surface can even 'bat' away a tiny gold particle. Video streams of the crystals in action are online at http://www.nature.com/nature .
Amiloride inhibits 22Na uptake and [3H]QNB binding in rat submandibular cells

Dispersed acini isolated by collagenase digestion of the rat submandibular gland were used to compare the effects of amiloride and furosemide on the uptake of the isotopic tracer 22Na and on the binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzylate ([3H]QNB). In mM concentrations, both inhibitors reduced 22Na uptake in resting cells 34 and 25-29%, respectively. Acetylcholine (1 microM) enhanced uptake 23% and this effect was reduced 45% by amiloride and 26% by furosemide. Amiloride inhibited the binding of [3H]QNB to crude membranes prepared from fresh submandibular glands in a dose-dependent fashion (IC50 = 8 x 10(-6) M). Furosemide (3 x 10(-8) to 10(-3) M) did not inhibit radioligand binding. Na influx into resting salivary acini thus appears to occur by both amiloride-sensitive and furosemide-sensitive transport systems. The similar inhibition by furosemide of unstimulated and stimulated uptake of 22Na suggests that acetylcholine does not significantly activate the cotransport system within the time frame (i.e., 2 min) of the experiments. Acetylcholine appears to activate an amiloride-sensitive Na/H antiport, but amiloride blocks cholinergic receptors and may thus affect Na transport by receptor blockade. Other actions of amiloride, such as its ability to penetrate into cells and to act as a weak base which alters intracellular pH, may also contribute to the inhibition of Na entry into salivary cells.
Redress and conscientiousness in the attribution of responsibility for accidents

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to test the possibility that greater attributed responsibility to persons potentially at fault for severe accidents reflects a greater perceived necessity for compensation of the victim of the accident. Experiment I was a 2 × 2 factorial design in which the severity of the accident's consequences and whether or not the stimulus person had insurance that compensated the victim were varied. Contrary to previous findings (Walster, 1966) , there were no differences in attributed responsibility based on the severity of the consequences. Regardless of the severity, less responsibility was attributed when the stimulus person had insurance that provided redress than when he carried no insurance. Experiment II showed that this latter finding was not due to provision of compensation, but rather to the fact that the stimulus person had carried insurance. Possible reasons for the failure to replicate findings of severity-dependent attributed responsibility were discussed.
Vernal Pool Conservation in Connecticut: An Assessment and Recommendations

Vernal pools, a variety of ephemeral wetlands, are threatened in many areas of the United States. As habitat fragmentation and degradation increase, some vernal pool amphibian species are declining in numbers. Uneven implementation of state regulations further hampers effective conservation. To prevent further species decline and vernal pool loss, we evaluated alternatives for improving vernal pool conservation. We used transcripts from a recent vernal pool conference, interviews with members of relevant interest groups, and a literature review to determine opportunities for and constraints on improving vernal pool conservation policy. Participants from different interest groups had very diverse views about appropriate protection strategies. We have examined these different perspectives and alternatives and offer policy recommendations on both the state and local level. These recommendations can foster awareness of vernal pools as unique habitats, increase protection of these areas, and expand citizen participation in the vernal pool regulatory process.
A Comparative Study of Lead Nephrotoxicity and Tissue Deposition Between Rats, Mice, and Pigeons Exposed to Drinking Water Containing 2, 20, or 200 ppm Lead:

White Carnaew pigeons were exposed to drinking water containing various concentrations of lead to study the relationship between exposure and tissue deposition and the relationship between the concentrations of lead in kidney and morphologic alterations. The concentration of lead in the blood was the only tissue which showed a linear increase with respect to the concentration of lead in the drinking water. The concentration of lead in the liver, kidney, brain, heart, aorta, and pancreas increased in response to lead in the drinking water; however, these increases were not linear with respect to lead exposure. Similar results were obtained for rats and mice exposed via the drinking water to 2, 20, or 200 ppm lead; however, the concentration of lead in tissues was substantially greater in pigeons. Kidneys from rats and mice appeared normal following the exposure of 200 ppm lead for 4 months, whereas, in kidneys from pigeons exposed to 200 ppm for a similar period of time there was tubular degeneration, fibr...
12-deoxyphorbol-13- O -phenylacetate 20 acetate [an agonist of protein kinase Cβ1 (PKCβ1)] induces DNA synthesis, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, IL-2 receptor α-chain (CD25) and β-chain (CD122) expression, and translocation of PKCβ isozyme in human peripheral blood lymphocytes: Evidence for a role of PKCβ1 in human T cell activation

To determine a role of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in lymphocyte activation, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated with 12-deoxyphorbol-13-O-phenylacetate (dPP; an agonist of both calcium-dependent and calcium-independent PKC isozymes), thymeleatoxin (TX; an activator of calcium-dependent PKCα, β, and γ), and 12-deoxyphorbol-13-O-phenylacetate 20 acetate (dPPA; an activator of PKCβ1 isozyme) and examined for DNA synthesis, lymphocyte proliferation, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, expression of IL-2 receptor α and β chains on CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD20+ B lymphocytes, and translocation of PKCβ isozyme from cytosol to membrane fraction. The results show that dPPA activates lymphocytes by inducing the above changes in a manner analogous to that of dPP, TX, and phorbol myristate acetate. These data suggest that PKCβ1 is involved in the activation of human peripheral blood T and B lymphocytes.
Sparse Matrix Factorization Using Overlapped Localizing LOGOS Modes on a Shifted Grid

Different types of local global solution (LOGOS) modes have been proposed to develop fast direct solvers for electromagnetic wave problems. While radiating LOGOS modes are suitable for high frequency problems, this paper focuses on the localizing LOGOS modes, which are suitable for low-to-mid frequency problems. Factorizations relying on non-overlapped, localizing LOGOS (NL-LOGOS) modes are provably error controllable, but fail to provide acceptable asymptotic computational efficiencies. Factorizations using overlapped, localizing LOGOS (OL-LOGOS) modes provide improved asymptotic computational performance, but have been observed to suffer from significant overhead and, in some cases, poorer error control. This paper describes a new procedure for obtaining the OL-LOGOS modes. It is observed that the asymptotic efficiency is similar to previously reported OL-LOGOS schemes while providing stable error control for standard problem formulations. The overhead associated with computing the OL-LOGOS modes is also reduced significantly.
Thermal expansion measurements of cryoprotective agents. Part II: measurements of DP6 and VS55, and comparison with DMSO

As part of an ongoing effort to characterize the mechanical behavior of biological tissues in the cryogenic temperature range, the current study focuses on thermal expansion measurements of cryoprotective agents. Utilizing the experimental apparatus described in the previous report (Part I), the current report (Part II) includes thermal expansion measurements of the cryoprotectant mixtures DP6 and VS55, and comparison with available data from the literature on DMSO. In the temperature range in which the cryoprotectant mixture behaves like low viscosity liquid, results of this study show that the thermal expansion coefficient of VS55 and DP6 is 22% and 40% lower than that of 3M DMSO, respectively, where 3M DMSO is only one component of each cryoprotectant mixture. This significant difference is attributed to the presence of 3M formamide in VS55.
A cascading neural-net for traffic management of computer networks

An effective method to execute the traffic management of computer networks using a cascading neural-net (CNN) is proposed in this paper. The proposed CNN consists of a two-level neural model. The lower level, the back-propagation neural model, will detect whether the tested network is overloaded or not. The higher level, the counter-propagation neural model, will classify and exclude the status of congestion derived from the overload of tested network. Therefore, if the diagnostic effect gained from the lower level neural model is positive, the higher level neural model will be triggered to map one of flow exemplars to reroute the traffic of computer networks. These two-level neural model is iteratively and interchangeably executed to achieve the objective of traffic management. To validate the feasibility, the proposed CNN has been applied to a LAN environment. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed CNN can efficiently and effectively provide substantial assistance for decision making in network traffic management.
The differentiation of Stegastes partitus populations using lapillar and sagittal otolith chemistry

The comparison of elemental concentrations of sagittal and lapillar otoliths from the same individuals of Stegastes partitus indicated significant differences for several elements. Sagittal otoliths were superior at differentiating individuals, yet the differentiation of individuals was further improved when the elemental concentrations of both otolith types were used in the same analysis.
Reduction of pesticide residues in human adipose tissue with diphenylhydantoin.

Abstract Daily oral doses of 300 mg diphenylhydantoin given to 14 prisoner volunteers for periods of up to 9 months resulted in a significant depletion of pesticide residues in the adipose tissues. At 9 months, DDT, DDE and dieldrin residues were depleted by 75, 61 and 73% of pretreatment levels, respectively. Apart from gingival hypertrophy in one subject and transient elevation of alkaline phosphatase in 95% of treated cases, no other adverse effect was noted. In nine placebo controls from the same prison, a natural decline in residues was also noted, though the observed changes were not significant over the period of study. Estimates of pesticide-residue depletion rates in adipose tissue revealed a significantly shorter half-life in the treated than in the control subjects. For DDT, DDE and dieldrin this half-life was 6·4, 7·2 and 4·4 months, respectively, after diphenylhydantoin treatment compared with 26, 18 and 12 months, respectively, in the placebo controls. Although deliberate lowering of residues in man for therapeutic purposes is not recommended, the implications and potential application of the procedure are emphasized.
Biological Characterization of Low-Energy Ions with High-Energy Deposition on Human Cells

During space travel, astronauts are exposed to cosmic radiation that is comprised of high-energy nuclear particles. Cancer patients are also exposed to high-energy nuclear particles when treated with proton and carbon beams. Nuclear interactions from high-energy particles traversing shielding materials and tissue produce low-energy (<10 MeV/n) secondary particles of high-LET that contribute significantly to overall radiation exposures. Track structure theories suggest that high charge and energy (HZE) particles and low-energy secondary ions of similar LET will have distinct biological effects for cellular and tissue damage endpoints. We investigated the biological effects of low-energy ions of high LET utilizing the Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), and compared these to experiments with HZE particles, that mimic the space environment produced at NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at BNL. Immunostaining for DNA damage response proteins was carried out after irradiation with 5.6 MeV/n boron (LET 205 keV/μm), 5.3 MeV/n silicon (LET 1241 keV/μm), 600 MeV/n Fe (LET 180 keV/μm) and 77 MeV/n oxygen (LET 58 keV/μm) particles. Low-energy ions caused more persistent DNA damage response (DDR) protein foci in irradiated human fibroblasts and esophageal epithelial cells compared to HZE particles. More detailed studies comparing boron ions to Fe particles, showed that boron-ion radiation resulted in a stronger G2 delay compared to Fe-particle exposure, and boron ions also showed an early recruitment of Rad51 at double-strand break (DSB) sites, which suggests a preference of homologous recombination for DSB repair in low-energy albeit high-LET particles. Our experiments suggest that the very high-energy radiation deposition by low-energy ions, representative of galactic cosmic radiation and solar particle event secondary radiation, generates massive but localized DNA damage leading to delayed DSB repair, and distinct cellular responses from HZE particles. Thus, low-energy heavy ions provide a valuable probe for studies of homologous recombination repair in radiation responses.
Social Network Analysis and Professional Practice: Exploring New Methods for Researching Technical Communication

This article provides background on social network analysis, an innovative research paradigm that focuses on the importance of social networks. The article begins by giving background on the development of social network analysis and different methods used by social network analysis researchers. The article then examines how these methods can be used in the field of technical communication by focusing on how technical communicators form social networks and connect diverse audiences.
Variety development for multiple cropping systems

Multiple cropping systems are the mainstay of agricultural production for limited‐resource farmers in most developing countries. Little attention has been given to the introduction of modern technology into these traditional cropping patterns. One key element of “green revolution technology” is the high yielding crop variety or hybrid. The only varieties available for multiple cropping patterns are those which have been developed for monoculture. Through studies of genotype by system interaction and empirical testing of existing varieties in complex cropping patterns, some conclusions are emerging about breeding varieties for these systems. Intensive patterns are characterized by competition for one or more limiting growth factors, and this may impose on one or more component species a stress for that factor at some point in the growing season. A combined approach is needed with monoculture scrrening for disease and insect resistance, general adaptation to temperature, photoperiod, soil, and related facto...
Design, synthesis and in vitro activities of a series of benzimidazole/benzoxazole glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

Abstract A potent centrally constrained series of benzimidazole and benzoxazole glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors has been discovered based on the solution conformation of a cyclic RGD-containing peptide, DMP 728. The high potency of this series of compounds in the inhibition of platelet aggregation requires a benzamidine as the basic moiety and an α-carbamate or sulfonamide substituted β-alanine as the acidic moiety.
Publishing in an era of excess

Why publish? Probably there are as many answers to this question as there are authors. Accordingly, I answer from my own perspective, as a scholar employed in a university, a journal editor, and a science educator for 47 years. Throughout my career, my purpose in publishing was to share what I had learned from my research with the science education community. I enjoyed writing for journals and books and have not personally felt pressure to publish in order to keep my employment, obtain salary increases, or be more competitive for jobs. Simply put, I continued to do research throughout my career and to the extent possible I wrote regularly for publication. It is difficult to say how successful I was in maintaining balance in terms of the requirements of being a university level teacher/ researcher. However, among the pearls of advice I was given during my doctoral studies was to routinely do research on my own teaching. The purpose of the advice was to use research to improve practice, but following the advice made it possible to maximize connections between teaching and research and not to feel that those activities were competing for my time. In the sections ahead I address the pressures on scholars to publish in high impact journals and to be cited by colleagues, implications of quantifying scholarship in terms of the number of publications in high impact journals and the number of citations, using the literature in a context of excess publication and electronic accessibility of publications, and signs of excess publishing and consideration of the implications for the quality of science education. Finally, I provide a look ahead at what is to come in this issue, pointing out that there is considerable diversity among the authors of the papers that comprise this issue, the topics addressed and the theoretical frameworks that provide a foundation for the research and methodologies. On three occasions I provide comments from Catherine Milne, Peter Taylor, and Yew-Jin Lee, members of the Editorial Board, who participated in the review of this Editorial.
SU-E-E-02: Dashboard for Tracking Physics Resident Progress

Purpose: Design a system to easily and securely track the progress of medical physics residents through their residency. Paper sign-offs while offering a real signature are not easily updated or summarized. A resident or mentor needs to be able to quickly assess what the current assignments are, what are overdue, and whether the resident is on track to complete all the tasks in a timely fashion. An electronic version can accomplish all these goals. Methods: An electronic dashboard was created in excel to not only house the tasks and sign-off but to succinctly summarize the residents progress. The first tab contains the dashboard which displays tables of the progress of the residents in each rotation, their current task, and overdue tasks. It also displays the last meetings with the residents, and timeline of important items, and a burn-down chart of the remaining tasks. This are all tied to the data and current date which auto fills the tables. The second tab contains the data. This is comprised of lists of rotations and their associated tasks along with their due dates. A signature column was also created which is password protected but allows special subset users i.e. mentors to alter without using a password. Results: The dashboard has allowed residents to better track their progress and tells them what they should be working on. It has also allowed the mentors and the program director to rapid assess their progress. Conclusion: The dashboard is successful and has been created to allow easy addition and subtraction of required tasks as the residency evolves. The next step is to create a web app version of the excel sheet with logins.
A 25-Year Single Institution Experience With Surgery for Primary Mediastinal Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors

Background The treatment of primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (PMNSGCT) with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, followed by surgical resection of residual disease, has been established. We reviewed our institution's 25-year experience in the cisplatin era to determine surgical risks and predictors of survival after surgery for PMNSGCT. Methods A total of 158 patients (mean age, 29 ± 8 years) who underwent postchemotherapy operations for PMNSGCT were reviewed and multiple variables analyzed. Results Ten (6%) operative deaths occurred, nine of which were attributed to respiratory failure, and 26 (18%) patients experienced postoperative complications, including 9 with respiratory failure. None of 17 recent patients who received chemotherapy regimens that did not contain bleomycin experienced pulmonary complications ( p = 0.12 vs patients who received bleomycin). Operative survivors were followed up a median of 34 months (range, 1 to 194 months). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the postchemotherapy pathologic category of complete necrosis vs teratoma), persistent germ cell or nongerm cell cancer, and elevated serum tumor markers after operation were independently predictive of survival. Conclusions Operative risks for PMNSGCT appear to be improved with the use of chemotherapy regimens that do not contain bleomycin. Patients pathologically demonstrating complete tumor necrosis in the residual mass after chemotherapy have excellent long-term survival, with decreasing survival after resection of teratoma and persistent germ cell or nongerm cell cancer. Patients pathologically demonstrating persistent germ cell or nongerm cell cancer have poor but possible long-term survival, which justifies an aggressive surgical approach in patients who are deemed operable.