cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cycle Trades for Nuclear Thermal Rocket Propulsion Systems

Nuclear fission has been used as a reliable source for utility power in the United States for decades. Even in the 1940's, long before the United States had a viable space program, the theoretical benefits of nuclear power as applied to space travel were being explored. These benefits include long-life operation and high performance, particularly in the form of vehicle power density, enabling longer-lasting space missions. The configurations for nuclear rocket systems and chemical rocket systems are similar except that a nuclear rocket utilizes a fission reactor as its heat source. This thermal energy can be utilized directly to heat propellants that are then accelerated through a nozzle to generate thrust or it can be used as part of an electricity generation system. The former approach is Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and the latter is Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), which is then used to power thruster technologies such as ion thrusters. This paper will explore a number of indirect-NTP engine cycle configurations using assumed performance constraints and requirements, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each cycle configuration, and present preliminary performance and size results. This paper is intended to lay the groundwork for future efforts in the development of a practical NTP system or a combined NTP/NEP hybrid system.
Effect of Object Size on Scatter Fraction Estimation Methods for PET—A Computer Simulation Study

Scatter fraction (SF ) for PET scanners is typically estimated by making a single measurement using a solid cylindrical phantom with a line source radially offset from the center. The radial displacement of the line source is expected to give a value for scatter fraction that is representative of a typical PET scan for a scanner. A range of phantom sizes suitable for small animal and whole-body PET scanners is investigated. For whole-body imaging, we simulate phantom diameters ranging from 15 to 42 cm, whereas for small animal scanners, we simulate phantom diameters ranging from 2.5 to 15 cm. We find that the line source displacements suggested by the NEMA NU 4-2008 for three phantoms results in a scatter fraction very similar to the one that would arise from uniformly activated phantoms of similar size. On the other hand, the 20 cm phantom used for count rate performance assessment for wholebody scanners is shown to overestimate by about 25% the SF of the corresponding uniform phantom, a result that agrees well with that reported by the NEMA committee for the NU 2-2001 standard protocol. Combining the results obtained with small animal and whole-body scanners, we show that the optimal displacement of the line source for estimating the scatter fraction of an equivalent uniformly filled phantom is well approximated by a linear function of the phantom radius and is only weakly dependent on scanner size or detector material. The optimum radial displacement position appears to be at approximately four-fifths of the phantom radius from the center.
Computer-assisted instruction for a first course in computer science

The promise of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) was recognized long ago, but CAI is not widely used in college-level science and engineering curricula. Standup lectures remain the method of choice for delivering classroom instruction. In this paper, we describe an educational software package called ALECS (A Learning Environment for Computer Science). ALECS has been used in a first-semester computer science course to dramatically reduce the time devoted to standup lectures, which gives the instructor more time for tutoring. ALECS provides assistance in three areas: instruction, feedback and student tracking. We describe each of these areas and the changes ALECS enables in the structure of our courses and in the classroom.
The influence of social network graph structure on disease dynamics in a simulated environment

The fight against epidemics/pandemics is one of man versus nature. Technological advances have not only improved existing methods for monitoring and controlling disease outbreaks, but have also provided new means for investigation, such as through modeling and simulation. This dissertation explores the relationship between social structure and disease dynamics. Social structures are modeled as graphs, and outbreaks are simulated based on a well-recognized standard, the susceptible-infectious-removed (SIR) paradigm. Two independent, but related, studies are presented. The first involves measuring the severity of outbreaks as social network parameters are altered. The second study investigates the efficacy of various vaccination policies based on social structure. Three disease-related centrality measures are introduced, contact, transmission, and spread centrality, which are related to previously established centrality measures i, betweenness, and closeness, respectively. The results of experiments presented in this dissertation indicate that reducing the neighborhood size along with outside-of-neighborhood contacts diminishes the severity of disease outbreaks. Vaccination strategies can effectively reduce these parameters. Additionally, vaccination policies that target individuals with high centrality are generally shown to be slightly more effective than a random vaccination policy. These results combined with past and future studies will assist public health officials in their effort to minimize the effects of inevitable disease epidemics/pandemics.
Phase I Study of Paclitaxel Given by Seven-Week Continuous Infusion Concurrent With Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

PURPOSE: Paclitaxel is one of the most active agents for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and an in vitro radiosensitizer. The dose-response relationship for paclitaxel may depend more on exposure duration than on peak concentration. This National Cancer Institute–sponsored phase I trial was designed to determine the feasibility of combining continuous-infusion (CI) paclitaxel with concurrent radiation therapy (RT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with previously untreated stage IVA/B SCCHN were eligible. Primary end points were determination of the maximum-tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicity, and pharmacokinetics for paclitaxel given by CI (24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 7 weeks) during RT (70 Gy/7 weeks). RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled and assessable for toxicity. Nineteen of the patients who completed ≥ 70 Gy were assessable for response. Grade 3 skin and mucosal acute reactions occurred at 10.5 mg/m2/d, but uninterrupted treatment was possible in five of six pati...
Calcitonin gene-related peptide mediates capsaicin-induced neuroendocrine responses in rat antrum

Abstract Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino acid peptide localized to primary sensory afferent nerves in the rat stomach. The actions of CGRP in regulating antral neuroendocrine function were examined in vitro through the use of capsaicin, an agent capable of evoking neuropeptide release from peripheral sensory nerve endings. These results were compared with the effects of exogenous CGRP and CGRP antagonist, CGRP 8−37 . Methods: Rat antral mucosal/submucosal fragments were incubated in either static or dynamic perifusion experiments. Media were assayed for gastrin, somatostatin, CGRP, and acetylcholine. Results: Capsaicin, like exogenous CGRP, stimulated antral somatostatin release and inhibited both gastrin release and acetylcholine discharge. Low dose capsaicin (1 × 10 −5 mol/L) caused significant stimulation of CGRP release: 33 ± 0.2 vs. 14 ± 1 pg/ mL protein; P 8−37 prevented capsaicin-induced D-cell stimulation and inhibition of G-cell secretion and cholinergic discharge. Conclusions: The effects of capsaicin-induced changes in antral D- and G-cell secretion and acetylcholine discharge are due primarily to release of CGRP. Antral CGRP release from primary sensory afferent nerve terminals may act as a local effector substance to regulate antral neuroendocrine function.
21st Century Crofting: Strengths and Opportunities for Community Development

Scotland has one of the most uneven land ownership patterns in the world. In a country of 5.2 million people, about 969 people control 60% of the land. Over 20% of privately owned land in Scotland is held in some form of offshore or beneficial ownership (Committee on the Inquiry of Crofting, 2008). This land ownership pattern has a unique expression in the northern and western parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands with a 300-year-old system of tenant farmers known as crofters. Unlike other tenant farmers across the world, crofters have gained legal rights to stay on the land if they are productive. While crofting has managed to survive, there are competing resources for land in rural Scotland; urbanites from England and Glasgow view rural Scotland as sites for holiday homes, thus raising land prices. Further, as with other places around the world, market forces in Scotland are merging small parcels of land into larger tracts for agriculture. This qualitative case study examines crofting on an island off the western coast of Scotland. Our primary research question is: Is there a sense of solidarity among residents about crofting for the island's economic vitality and its role in sustaining or preserving local culture?
Abstract 261: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) in glioblastoma cell lines involves multiple signaling pathways

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a devastating disease with an extremely poor prognosis primarily due to its invasive and infiltrative nature. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes that regulate tumor microenvironment, alter cellular behavior and increase invasion and metastasis in wide variety of cancers. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that MMP-1 is over expressed in GBM tissue and can influence glioma cell invasion in vitro. Since the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is amplified in human GBM, we wanted to determine the effect of EGFR activation by epidermal growth factor (EGF) on MMP-1 expression and invasion in human glioma cell lines and if so, determine the signaling mechanisms responsible for this induction. We stimulated glioma cell lines (T98 and U87) with EGF in the presence and absence of the EGFR inhibitor, AG1478. Inhibitors to multiple signaling pathways activated by EGFR induction were also used. All inhibitors tested were added to cells for 2 hrs prior to addition of EGF. In addition, transfections using AKT and STAT3 siRNA were conducted. Western Blotting was performed to examine the levels of MMP-1, EGFR, AKT, STAT3 and ERK. We observed that with EGF treatment, in addition to EGFR activation, AKT was phosphorylated, MMP-1 was induced and that in the presence of AG1478, AKT and EGFR phosphorylation was inhibited in a dose dependent manner. Importantly, MMP-1 up-regulation by EGF was abrogated in cells pretreated with AG1478. EGFR has been shown to up-regulate MAPK, PI3K and STAT3 pathways in glioma and other malignancies. Involvement of the MAPK pathway in the EGFR- mediated induction of MMP-1 was examined using the MAPK inhibitor, U0126. Only a modest decrease in MMP-1 levels was observed following treatment with EGF and U0126, suggesting potential inputs from other signaling pathways. Although there was a modest inhibition of AKT protein levels in cells treated with AKT siRNA, the levels of MMP-1 in these cells were significantly reduced. Current experiments focus on the role of AKT/PI3K and STAT3 signaling pathways in MMP-1 mediated glioma cell invasion. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 261.
Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells strike back

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are engineered molecules designed to endow a polyclonal T-cell population with the ability to recognize tumor-associated surface antigens. In their simplest form, CARs comprise a targeting moiety in the form of a single-chain variable fragment from an antibody connected to various intracellular signaling domains allowing for T-cell activation. This powerful approach combines the specificity of an antibody with the cytotoxic ability of a T cell. There has been much excitement since early phase trials of CAR-T cells targeting CD19 expressed on B-cell malignancies demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inducing long-term, stable remissions in otherwise relapsed/refractory disease. Despite these successes, we have just begun to understand the intricacies of CAR biology with efforts underway to utilize this platform in the treatment of other, previously refractory malignancies. Challenges currently include identification of viable cancer targets, management strategies for potentially severe and irreversible toxicities and overcoming the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment. This review will focus on basic CAR structure and function, previous success and new approaches aimed at the broader application of CAR-T-cell therapy.
The electrochemical behavior and determination of isoquercitrin at glassy carbon electrode

Objective:To study the voltammetric behavior of isoquercitrin at glassy carbon electrode and develop a new electrochemical method for its determination.Methods:The sample was dissolved in 50% (V/V)methyl alcohol solution.Voltammetric behavior of isoquercitrin was studied by Cyclic voltammetry (CV)and the content was determined by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV)in Britton-Robinson buffer (containing 0.1 mol·L-1 KCl).Results:Linear relationship was held between the peak current and the concentration of isoquercitrin in the range from 3×10-7 mol·L-1 to 2×10-5 mol·L-1 and the detection limit was 1×10-7 mol·L-1,RSD 4.8%.Conclusion:The method is accurate,rapid,sensitive,which can be used for the determination of isoquercitrin.
Retention in tungsten resulting from extremely high fluence plasma exposure

Abstract PISCES-B was used for a series of high-fluence plasma exposures to investigate the deuterium fuel retention properties of tungsten, when exposed to continuous plasma irradiation. The goal was to determine whether the fuel retention in the tungsten saturates at sufficiently high fluence, or continues to increase as a function of the plasma fluence. During pure deuterium plasma exposure, up to a maximum deuterium fluence of 2 × 1028 m−2, retention results indicate that saturation is not reached and that retention scales as the square root of time, indicative of diffusion dominating the fuel uptake of the tungsten. However, measurements performed while sculpting the PISCES plasma to replicate a burning plasma, by adding a small amount (5%) of helium ions to the incident deuterium plasma, indicate the deuterium uptake in the target is severely inhibited.
Optimal Two-impulse Formation Keeping Control in Near Circular Orbit Based on J_2 Invariant Perturbation Conditions

The minimum-fuel,optimal two-impulse control strategy of formation keeping in near circular orbit with consideration of the J2 perturbations is mainly studied.The relative motion equations are set up using reference orbital elements,the J2 invariant perturbation conditions to remove the long term relative perturbation are deduced,by which,the initial conditions obtained from C-W equations are corrected and the relative orbit insensitive to the J2 perturbations is obtained.And then,the mathematical model of optimal two-impulse formation keeping control is set up,and the required optimal impulses are obtained using nonlinear programming method.The simulation results show that the effects of the J2 perturbations on the relative motion are reduced obviously,and the proposed control method is very effective for the formation keeping with high accuracy.
C-TODIM Decision Making Method Considering Correlated Attributes

With respect to the multi-attribute decision making problem with correlated attributes,in which the decision maker's reference dependence and loss aversion behaviors are considered,a novel C-TODIM decision making method is proposed. Based on the classical TODIM method,considering the reference dependence behavior of decision maker,the gain and loss values of each alternative relative to the other alternative concerning each attribute are calculated. Then,considering the loss aversion behavior of decision maker,the perceived dominance degree for each alternative over the other one is obtained by integrating the corresponding gain and loss values on multi-attribute. Furthermore,the total perceived dominance degree for each alternative can be computed to obtain the ranking result of alternatives. Finally,an example of venture investment is given to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
Toxicology of lead: primer for analytical chemists.

Through the years, considerable amounts of Pb have been mobilized into our environment, and Pb may represent one of the most ubiquitous of all toxic metal contaminants. Excluding occupational exposure, the general population receives almost 70% of its total exposure to Pb from food. Other important sources of exposure include drinking water and air; minor sources include tobacco products, decorative glassware, and other types of food utensils. For young children, ingestion of Pb-containing soil or dust via normal hand-to-mouth activity or, in extreme cases, pica (the abnormal intake of soil, paint chips, etc.) may represent a significant source of exposure. The severity of clinical manifestations of Pb toxicity depends on both duration and intensity of exposure. Infants and young children are more susceptible to the effects of Pb than are adults. Although there is little debate over the serious consequences of acute, high-level Pb exposure, both controversy and concern have been expressed about the degree of risk that may be associated with chronic exposure to Pb levels that are closer to contemporary levels in the general environment. This concern is particularly high with regard to infants and young children, who may undergo Pb-induced changes that have long-term neurological impact (e.g., learning deficits, gross and/or fine motor dysfunction, impaired cognitive abilities).
Interactive and adaptive data-driven crowd simulation: User study

We present an adaptive data-driven algorithm for interactive crowd simulation. Our approach combines realistic trajectory behaviors extracted from videos with synthetic multi-agent algorithms to generate plausible simulations. We use statistical techniques to compute the movement patterns and motion dynamics from noisy 2D trajectories extracted from crowd videos. These learned pedestrian dynamic characteristics are used to generate collision-free trajectories of virtual pedestrians in slightly different environments or situations. The overall approach is robust and can generate perceptually realistic crowd movements at interactive rates in dynamic environments. We also present results from preliminary user studies that evaluate the trajectory behaviors generated by our algorithm.
The Future of Genetics and Genomics: Closing the Phenotype Gap in Precision Medicine.

In this forward-facing review, we briefly summarize what we see as the state of modern cardiovascular genetics and genomics before outlining some of the key areas in which we believe there is a need for investment if we are to realize the full clinical potential of the field. There is clearly substantial overlap with the field of precision medicine, yet it may be in understanding where genetics and genomics currently fall short that we will identify how precision medicine might move forward.1,2 The recognition over the last decade that genetics or genomics alone is unlikely to offer the predictive utility necessary for precision medicine is matched by our dependence on genetics and genomics for much of the mechanistic insight necessary to achieve precision diagnostics or precision therapeutics.2 The overarching strategies we discuss emphasize that the future of cardiovascular genetics and genomics is inextricably linked with those of every other field of medicine. We must move beyond the silos of traditional organ-based disease if we are to realize fully the need for generalizable biological rules that constitute the truly mechanistic medicine or molecular medicine first envisaged >40 years ago.3 The cardiovascular arena has been a focus of much work on the practical application of genetics. Given the potential for coincident presentation and demise in sudden death and the availability of the implantable defibrillator (a mechanism-agnostic preventive therapy), cardiovascular medicine has been focused on the predictive utility of genetics for some time.4 The long tradition of physiological measurements and classic epidemiology in cardiovascular research has facilitated large genotype-phenotype correlation studies.5,6 Cardiovascular research has also had to tackle truly complex paroxysmal phenotypes such as arrhythmias that have challenged our ability to resolve traits into their constituent components.7 Large kindreds, with what in retrospect …
Molecular Design of Compounds Targeting Histone Methyltransferases

Abstract Research on cancer epigenetics has flourished in the last decade as growing evidence points to the importance of understanding the mechanisms by which epigenetic changes regulate the genesis and progression of several pathologies, especially cancer. Several epigenetic targets have been discovered and are currently under validation for different therapies. In this context, drug discovery approaches aiming at developing new small-molecule modulators have produced the first preclinical and clinical outcomes and many other compounds are now entering the pipeline as new epi-drugs. While most of the efforts have been dedicated in the past to histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases, other classes of enzymes are also likely to represent new frontiers for therapeutic interventions. In this chapter we describe the increasing importance of histone methyltransferases in the drug discovery arena and discuss the drug design perspectives enabled by computational techniques to develop new small-molecule inhibitors for these classes of enzymes.
Image-based querying of urban photos and videos

We extend recent automated computer vision algorithms to reconstruct the global three-dimensional structures for photos and videos shot at fixed points in outdoor city environments. Mosaics of digital stills and embedded videos are georegistered by matching a few of their 2D features with 3D counterparts in aerial ladar imagery. Once image planes are aligned with world maps, abstract urban knowledge can propagate from the latter into the former. We project geotagged annotations from a 3D map into a 2D video stream and demonstrate their tracking buildings and streets in a clip with significant panning motion. We also present an interactive tool which enables users to select city features of interest in video frames and retrieve their geocoordinates and ranges. Implications of this work for future augmented reality systems based upon mobile smart phones are discussed.
Bone morphogenetic protein use in spine surgery in the United States: how have we responded to the warnings?

Abstract Background Context Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been widely adopted as a fusion adjunct in spine surgery since its approval in 2002. A number of concerns regarding adverse effects and potentially devastating complications of rhBMP-2 use led to an FDA advisory issued in 2008 cautioning its use, and a separate warning about its potential complications was published by The Spine Journal in 2011. Purpose To compare trends of rhBMP-2 use in spine surgery after the FDA advisory in 2008 and The Spine Journal warning in 2011. Study Design/Setting Retrospective cross-sectional study using a national database. Patient Sample All patients from 2002 to 2013 who underwent spinal fusion surgery at an institution participating in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Outcome Measures Proportion of spinal fusion surgeries utilizing rhBMP-2. Methods We queried the NIS from 2002-2013 and used international classification of disease, ninth revision, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) procedure codes to identify spinal fusion procedures and those which used rhBMP-2. Procedures were subdivided into primary and revision fusions, and by region of the spine. Cervical and lumbosacral fusions were further stratified into anterior and posterior approaches. The percentage of cases utilizing BMP was plotted across time. A linear regression was fit to the data from quarter 3 of 2008 (FDA advisory) through quarter 1 of 2011, and a separate regression was fit to the data from quarter 2 of 2011 ( Spine J warning) onwards. The slopes of these regression lines were statistically compared to determine differences in trends. No funding was received to conduct this study and no authors had any relevant conflicts of interest. Results A total of 4,167,079 patients in the NIS underwent spinal fusion between 2002 and 2013. We found a greater decrease in rhBMP-2 use after The Spine Journal warning compared to the FDA advisory for all fusion procedures (p=0.006), primary fusions (p=0.006), and revision fusions (p=0.004). Lumbosacral procedures also experienced a larger decline in rhBMP-2 use after The Spine Journal article as compared to the FDA warning (p=0.0008). This pattern was observed for both anterior and posterior lumbosacral fusions (p= The Spine Journal article (p=0.02). Conclusions Warnings sanctioned through the spine literature may have a greater influence on practice of the spine surgery community as compared to advisories issued by the FDA. Comprehensive guidelines regarding safe and effective use of rhBMP-2 must be established.
Sustainable Initiatives for Public Bus Networks

The public bus mass transit industry in the past two decades made a large transformation concerning saving energy and reducing emissions, and made massive strides to make mass transit even more sustainable. Cleaner and alternative fuels, and environmentally sustainable vehicles including hybrid buses, CNG, fuel cell, and an all-electric bus all contribute to saving fuel, decreasing toxic tailpipe exhaust, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Coastal Tourist Interest in Value-Added, Aquaculture-Based, Culinary Tourism Opportunities

ABSTRACTDespite increasing focus on sustainable aquaculture investment in the U.S. coastal zones, the aquaculture industry continues to face skepticism among consumers due to perceived negative environmental impacts, and health and food safety concerns. Partnering with culinary tourism and local food promotion efforts has potential for improving public outreach about the benefits of aquaculture, especially in coastal destinations where sustainable marine aquaculture and tourism are both occurring. Culinary tourism implies that local foods reflect the local livelihood and culture, and may be important to the tourist's experience. Aquaculture is becoming increasingly valuable to coastal destinations for assuring the steady availability of local seafood to meet demand and retaining commercial fisheries as a means to differentiate themselves to tourists. This study examined the role of subjective knowledge and attitude about aquaculture, and their effect on intention to participate in value-added culinary aqu...
“Sea”-ing Is Believing: In Vivo Imaging of Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Cancer Using Zebrafish

Communication between cells and their environment regulates their behaviors. Like a naturalist who watches animals to understand them, visualizing cells within their native ecosystems provides clues into how they work. In this review, we discuss recent findings using in vivo imaging in zebrafish to understand the behaviors of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and cancer. Recent studies visualizing the birth and migration of HSPCs throughout development and adulthood have revealed the contributions of signals from somites, immune cells, and stromal cells in modulating HSPC fate decisions. New studies in zebrafish cancer have also revealed the earliest initiation of tumorigenesis, the complex interplay of heterogenous tumor cells with each other and their environment, and how these interactions influence tumor migration and metastasis. These insights aid our understanding of cell-cell communications that are critical for making advances in regenerative medicine and cancer therapeutics.
Utility of optical coherence tomography angiography in detecting glaucomatous damage in a uveitic patient with disc congestion: A case report.

Abstract Purpose To report a case of uveitic glaucoma with a congested optic disc where optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) provided diagnostic utility in assessing glaucomatous damage but optical coherence tomography (OCT) alone had limited utility. Observations We report a case of a 33-year-old Caucasian female referred to the USC Roski Eye Institute for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) in the left eye. She was managed by an outside provider for 6 months, where her IOP ranged from 28 to 42 mm Hg in the left eye on maximally tolerated medical therapy. Her clinical exam was consistent with Herpes family trabeculitis, optic nerve congestion, and possible glaucomatous damage. Initial evaluation of the optic nerve by standard modalities (fundus exam and OCT) was limited by optic nerve congestion; however, OCT-A showed peripapillary hypoperfusion, as commonly observed in glaucomatous eyes. She underwent aqueous shunt implantation for elevated IOPs poorly controlled by medications. Conclusions and importance OCT-A can be a useful tool in the evaluation of glaucoma in instances where disc congestion masks both nerve excavation and retinal nerve fiber thinning normally seen on exam and on standard OCT of the optic nerve.
Crown Gall Tumors

Crown gall is one of several plant tumor diseases typified by a non-self-limiting tissue overgrowth usually on the roots and bottom portions of stems of mainly woody plants. The appearance of tumors is rough on the surface with semi-soft, smooth, and spongy inner layers of tissue. With age, the tumors are easily dislodged, and their outer layers are friable. Unlike other tumor diseases, crown gall is the result of genetic transformation caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens , a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that resides in soil preferably on the surface of roots. Very rare among bacteria is the ability of A. tumefaciens to transfer its tumor-inducing genes (oncogenes) into the host plant cell, culminating in the integration of the oncogenes into the plant chromosomes at one or more sites. The products of the integrated oncogenes modify synthesis of and sensitivity to the plant growth regulators cytokinin and auxin, causing the abnormal proliferation of the transformed cells and resulting in the neoplastic growth.
Influence of steaming time on site of digestion of flaked corn in steers.

Four crossbred steers (395 kg) with cannulas in the rumen, proximal duodenum and distal ileum were used to evaluate effects of steaming time of corn on characteristics of digestion. The basal diet contained (DM basis) 12% forage-and 75% corn. The corn portion of the diet was provided as either dry-rolled (DR) or steam-flaked (SF), which had been exposed to steam for 34, 47 or 67 min prior to flaking to a mean density of .34 kg/liter. Longer steaming times linearly increased in vitro reactivity of corn starch to amyloglucosidase. Steaming time had a quadratic effect (P less than .05) on ruminal starch digestion. Ruminal starch digestibility of corn steamed for 47 min was 7% less than for corn steamed for 34 or 67 min. Longer steaming time linearly increased (P less than .05) flow of non-ammonia N to the small intestine with the principal increase (5.4%) between 34 and 47 min steaming time. Steaming time did not influence (P greater than .10) small intestinal or total tract digestibility of OM, starch or N. Compared with DR, SF increased (P less than .01) ruminal, small intestinal and total tract digestibility of starch 21.9, 75.1 and 9.2%, respectively. Although SF resulted in marked improvements in digestibility over DR, steaming times greater than 34 min were not beneficial.
Binding into superlative descriptions

Attributive superlative adjectives are famously ambiguous between readings in which they compare elements of the description they modify, and readings in which they compare competitors to some description-external element of the sentence. The literature is braided with two analytical origin stories for these different interpretations. One strand of analysis attributes the difference in meaning to a difference in the compositional scope of the superlative morpheme. The other attributes the difference to a difference in how the superlative's implicit domain of quantification is resolved. Here, I present new data showing that pronouns in superlative descriptions have sloppy readings, akin to familiar cases of adverbial association with focus, and I argue that these readings are compatible with scope-taking analyses, but cannot be generated by any plausible variety of domain restriction.
Craniometaphyseal dysplasia: Report of a case

Abstract Craniometaphyseal dysplasia, often referred to as Pyle's disease, is a hereditary disease involving the expansion of the metaphyses of the long bones, giving the appearance of an Erlenmeyer flask. There is diffuse hyperostosis of the entire cranial vault, along with absence or decreased development of the paranasal sinuses. In the case presented here the mouth demonstrated an abnormally wide maxilla with a slight palatal vault. Genetically, this appeared to be a dominant form of dysplasia.
Synthesis of chiral titanium-containing phosphinoamide ligands for enantioselective heterobimetallic catalysis

Abstract The synthesis of six chiral titanium-containing phosphinoamide ligands is discussed. These ligands assemble chiral heterobimetallic Pd–Ti complexes, enable enantioselective intramolecular allylic aminations with hindered amine nucleophiles and achieve selectivity up to 53% ee. Mechanistic studies demonstrate the reversibility of the enantio-determining C–N bond forming step, which leads to a gradual increase in the % ee of the reaction over time. These results represent a rare example of enantioselective heterobimetallic catalysis and suggest that these new ligands could find broad application in enantioselective transition metal catalysis.
Bivalirudin Versus Heparin During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients with acute myocardial infarction who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Earlier trials comparing bivalirudin and UFH during PCI demonstrated that bivalirudin caused less bleeding with more stent thrombosis. Since then, adjunct antiplatelet strategies have evolved. Improved upstream platelet inhibition with potent P2Y12 inhibitors decreased the need for routine glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI), resulting in similar outcomes among UFH and bivalirudin. Therefore, the role of bivalirudin in modern PCI practices is questionable. Methods: We utilized Cochrane Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 to perform a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 22,844 patients to compare bivalirudin to UFH in patients with acute myocardial infarction requiring revascularization. Results: There was no difference between bivalirudin and UFH regarding major adverse cardiac events (MACE), risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 - 1.12; P = 0.83) or cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.71 - 1.07; P = 0.18). Bivalirudin increased acute stent thrombosis (RR 2.77, 95% CI 1.49 - 5.13; P = 0.001), which was only significant among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) only trials. Bivalirudin caused less major bleeding (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49 - 0.90; P = 0.007), which was negated when GPI was used provisionally (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.64 - 1.33; P = 0.67). Conclusions: Among patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent PCI, bivalirudin and UFH demonstrated similar MACE and cardiovascular mortality. Bivalirudin increased acute stent thrombosis, which was more remarkable among STEMI. Bivalirudin decreased major bleeding, but this benefit was negated when GPI was used provisionally. Cardiol Res. 2019;10(5):278-284 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr921
Early postfire response of a northern range margin coast redwood forest community

Abstract Projected increases in fire occurrence and severity in the western United States have created heightened interest in postfire ecological research in Pacific Northwest forest communities. A 2017 mixed-severity fire event at the northern range margin of Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood) provided a rare opportunity to analyze early postfire data on the interacting effects of burn severity, stem size, and species biology on survivorship and recovery of coast redwood and three forest community associates (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii, “Douglas-fir”; Notholithocarpus densiflorus, “tanoak”; and Rhododendron macrophyllum, “coast rhododendron”). We employed recursive partitioning to build decision trees that accurately classified (80–88% prediction accuracy) the postfire response of the four primary woody species present in this community. Species specific postfire responses were variable across stem diameters and burn severities, but the ability of three of the four primary woody species to resprout resulted in a resilient postfire community that quickly initiated recovery. Large coast redwood parent stems most typically survived and resprouted from their bole and base, regardless of fire severity, and even the smallest redwood individuals resprouted from their base. Basal sprouting characteristics of coast redwood including sprout presence, growth, and abundance were found to be positively correlated with increasing burn severity. Douglas-fir showed considerable fire resistance at low to moderate burn severities, but high severity fire killed trees of all sizes. Tanoak and coast rhododendron parent stems typically died and resprouted from the base except where burn severity was very low. We conclude by using our findings to discuss the utility and role of fire in forest management, and consider future research avenues that could help to solidify our understanding of the impact and role of fire in these and similar communities.
[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 family clustering in Zhejiang Province].

Objective Family clusters of Novel coronavirus pneumonia in Zhejiang province were analyzed to provide epidemiological basis for disease control. Methods The data of family clusters occurred from January 20 to February 10 in Zhejiang Province were collected. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the clinical symptoms and the serial interval between the subsequent cases and the index cases. Chi-square test was used to analyze the age distribution, gender distribution and the relationship between the subsequent cases and the index cases. Results 391 cases including 148 family index cases, 189 subsequent cases and 54 asymptomatic infected cases. The clinical symptoms between family index cases and subsequent cases are similar, fever is the most common symptoms in the two groups 114 (77.03%) and 92 (48.68%) respectively, the cases with diarrhea symptoms accounted for the least proportion, which were 7 (4.73%) and 5 (2.65%). The serial interval between the family index cases and the subsequent cases [M (P25, P75)] was 3.00 (1.00, 6.00) days. Family secondary attack rate for subsequent cases and asymptomatic infected cases are 31.61% and 43.20% respectively, the family secondary attack rate of the spouses of the family index cases is 63.87%, and are higher than that of their children (30.53%), parents (28.37%) and other family members (20.93%), the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion 2019 novel coronavirus has shorter serial interval and higher family secondary attack rate, the secondary attack rate of spouses is higher than other family members. Key words: Novel coronavirus pneumonia; Family aggregation; Secondary attack rate; Serial interval
Chapter 11 – Applying First-Best Principles of Taxation—What to Tax and How

Chapter 11 presents a wide-ranging discussion of the ability-to-pay principle of taxation, with the U.S. personal income tax serving as the application. Topics include the debate over Haig-Simons income versus consumption as the ideal tax base, Young’s approach to vertical equity in accordance with the equal-sacrifice principle, Auerbach’s proposal for retrospective taxation of capital, indexing for inflation, and Kaplow’s proposal for taxing human capital.
Attaining the quadruple aim of worker well-being in the CovID-19 crisis: Competing ethical priorities

The COVID-19 pandemic presents ethical challenges to health care organizations and society as a whole regarding protection from a lethal communicable disease. In traditional medical ethics, we make an appeal to the duty of the professional to serve in the face of personal peril. At the same time, health care organizations are obligated to furnish protective equipment and provide a safe workplace in order to mitigate risk. The ethical calculus of utility, or greatest good for the greatest number, supplies some guidance in situations of scarce resources by sustaining as large a presence of front line workers through prevention or therapeutic intervention to combat disease. Determinations of utility do not absolve health care organizations of a duty to protect and avert future crises through better planning. A misguided pursuit of efficiency has resulted in excessive burden of risk for health workers providing direct patient care and for workers in supporting roles. There is an important duty to plan to lessen such risk in future pandemics. Keywords: COVID-19, hospital, ethics
Drivers of Cost Differences Between Nurse Practitioner and Physician Attributed Medicare Beneficiaries.

Background Although recent research suggests that primary care provided by nurse practitioners costs less than primary care provided by physicians, little is known about underlying drivers of these cost differences. Research objective Identify the drivers of cost differences between Medicare beneficiaries attributed to primary care nurse practitioners (PCNPs) and primary care physicians (PCMDs). Study design Cross-sectional cost decomposition analysis using 2009-2010 Medicare administrative claims for beneficiaries attributed to PCNPs and PCMDs with risk stratification to control for beneficiary severity. Cost differences between PCNPs and PCMDs were decomposed into payment, service volume, and service mix within low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk strata. Results Overall, the average PCMD cost of care is 34% higher than PCNP care in the low-risk stratum, and 28% and 21% higher in the medium-risk and high-risk stratum. In the low-risk stratum, the difference is comprised of 24% service volume, 6% payment, and 4% service mix. In the high-risk stratum, the difference is composed of 7% service volume, 9% payment, and 4% service mix. The cost difference between PCNP and PCMD attributed beneficiaries is persistent and significant, but narrows as risk increases. Across the strata, PCNPs use fewer and less expensive services than PCMDs. In the low-risk stratum, PCNPs use markedly fewer services than PCMDs. Conclusions There are differences in the costs of primary care of Medicare beneficiaries provided by nurse practitioners and MDs. Especially in low-risk populations, the lower cost of PCNP provided care is primarily driven by lower service volume.
How Do Equity Analysts Impact Takeovers

Firms covered by more analysts are more likely to become takeover targets and more likely to enter deals in which their acquirers initiate private merger negotiations. Moreover, when equity analysts’ pre-acquisition price forecasts imply greater target undervaluation, target firms are more likely to initiate their own sale, takeover premiums are higher, those premiums tend to be revised upwards during private merger negotiations, and acquirer firms use less cash to structure the transaction. These results imply a material role for equity analysts during the M&A process: their coverage affects takeover probabilities while their price forecasts influence merger premiums and the merger consideration. Our findings support both investor recognition and information generation theories about the role of equity analysts in financial markets.
Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics Are Remaking America: by William H. Frey, Washington, DC, The Brookings Institution, 2018, 332 pp., $24.99 (paperback), ISBN: 978-0-8157-732846

If current trends continue, non-Hispanic whites will no longer be a majority in the United States (US) by 2050.1 1 Frey classifies groups differently than the federal government. Most notably, he t...
Generative Adversarial Networks-Based Synthetic PMU Data Creation for Improved Event Classification

A two-stage machine learning-based approach for creating synthetic phasor measurement unit (PMU) data is proposed in this article. This approach leverages generative adversarial networks (GAN) in data generation and incorporates neural ordinary differential equation (Neural ODE) to guarantee underlying physical meaning. We utilize this approach to synthetically create massive eventful PMU data, which would otherwise be difficult to obtain from the real world due to the critical energy infrastructure information (CEII) protection. To illustrate the utility of such synthetic data for subsequent data-driven methods, we specifically demonstrate the application of using synthetic PMU data for event classification by scaling up the real data set. The addition of the synthetic PMU data to a small set of real PMU data is shown to have improved the event classification accuracy by 2 to 5 percent.
A multi-site study of emerging adults in collegiate recovery programs at public institutions.

Abstract Background Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) are campus-based support programs for substance use and recovery needs among college students. These CRPs utilize a variety of program activities and components aimed at promoting healthy development and sobriety while encouraging college retention among participants. Objectives Describe the types of activities and administrative structures used in CRPs, examine the characteristics of students involved in this sample, and explore changes in students’ outcomes after they have enrolled in a CRP. Methods This multi-site study collected de-identified data from six CRPs on participating students’ sociodemographic characteristics, academic performance, substance use, and socioemotional well-being. One CRP administrator from each participating site completed a survey on CRP programming. Data were harmonized across sites and descriptively summarized. Results Participating CRPs had been in operation since 2007 to 2012. Five of the six sites provided individual-level student data for a total of 861 students (56% male, 89% White, 91% undergraduate). Student histories indicated the majority had received treatment for a substance use disorder (82%) or mental health concern (77%), 56% had criminal justice involvement, and the majority were in recovery less than five years. Student GPA improved in three of the four sites that provided student GPA data. Conclusions CRPs collect diverse types of data on participating students, but more effort is needed to focus on systematic data collection. Findings from this study suggest that CRPs play an important role in providing needed services for this vulnerable population of college students.