cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental toxicants inhibit neuronal Jak tyrosine kinase by mitochondrial disruption

Abstract Cadmium, mercury and rotenone are environmental pollutants whose neurotoxic mechanisms are not fully understood. We have shown previously that exposure of nerve cells to these agents produces oxidative stress which reversibly blocks growth factor and cytokine-mediated Janus kinase (Jak)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling. Here we determined a critical role for mitochondrial dysfunction in inhibiting Jak/STAT activity in human BE(2)-C neuroblastoma cells. Exposure of BE(2)-C cells to the heavy metals CdCl2 and HgCl2 and to the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone inhibited interleukin-6, interferon-γ and ciliary neurotrophic factor-mediated Jak/STAT signaling, reduced Jak1 and Jak2 auto-phosphorylation and induced Jak tyrosine nitration. However, identical exposure of HepG2 hepatoma cells produced no inhibition of these cytokine responses. In contrast, mitochondria in both BE(2)-C and HepG2 cells showed reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased superoxide production after exposure to CdCl2, HgCl2 and rotenone. Further, in an in vitro Jak auto-phosphorylation assay Jak2 isolated from either BE(2)-C or HepG2 cells was equally inhibited by mitochondria made dysfunctional by treatment with CdCl2, HgCl2 and rotenone. Each of these pro-oxidant effects was reversed by the mitochondrial antioxidant α-lipoic acid. The actions of cadmium were also blocked by the mitochondrial complex III bypass agent, 2,6-dichloroindophenol. Therefore, in BE(2)-C cells CdCl2, HgCl2 and rotenone disrupt mitochondria to increase intracellular ROS, which directly inhibits neuronal Jak tyrosine kinase activity. Non-neuronal cells such as HepG2 cells that are resistant to oxidative stress-mediated inhibition of cytokine signaling possess some as yet unknown mechanism that protects Jak kinases from oxidative insults. Pro-oxidant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in selective neuronal Jak inhibition provides a potential mechanism for environmental agents to promote neurodegeneration.
Direct collapse black hole formation from synchronized pairs of atomic cooling haloes

High-redshift quasar observations imply that supermassive black holes (SMBHs) larger than $\sim 10^9 ~ M_\odot$ formed before $z=6$. That such large SMBHs formed so early in the Universe remains an open theoretical problem. One possibility is that gas in atomic cooling halos exposed to strong Lyman-Werner (LW) radiation forms $10^4-10^6 ~ M_\odot$ supermassive stars which quickly collapse into black holes. We propose a scenario for direct collapse black hole (DCBH) formation based on synchronized pairs of pristine atomic cooling halos. We consider halos at very small separation with one halo being a subhalo of the other. The first halo to surpass the atomic cooling threshold forms stars. Soon after these stars are formed, the other halo reaches the cooling threshold and due to its small distance from the newly formed galaxy, is exposed to the critical LW intensity required to form a DCBH. The main advantage of this scenario is that synchronization can potentially prevent photoevaporation and metal pollution in DCBH-forming halos. Since the halos reach the atomic cooling threshold at nearly the same time, the DCBH-forming halo is only exposed to ionizing radiation for a brief period. Tight synchronization could allow the DCBH to form before stars in the nearby galaxy reach the end of their lives and generate supernovae winds. We use N-body simulations to estimate the abundance of DCBHs formed in this way. The largest source of uncertainty in our estimate is the initial mass function (IMF) of metal free stars formed in atomic cooling halos. We find that even for tight synchronization, the density of DCBHs formed in this scenario could explain the SMBHs implied by $z=6$ quasar observations. Metal pollution and photoevaporation could potentially reduce the abundance of DCBHs below that required to explain the observations in other models that rely on a high LW flux.
On Some Benchmark Results for the Interaction of a Crack With a Circular Inclusion

Stress intensity factor calculations for crack-inclusion interaction problems are presented. The problems considered include the benchmark problems first discussed by Helsing and Jonsson, and subsequently by Wang, Mogilevskaya and Crouch. The numerical results are obtained using the symmetric-Galerkin boundary element method in conjunction with an improved quarter-point element for evaluating the stress intensity factors by means of the displacement correlation technique. The converged results confirm the accuracy of the previous simulations, and demonstrate that accurate solutions for these interaction problems can be obtained with numerical methods that are applicable in three dimensions.
Franchising: category issues, changing dynamics and competitiveness

Purpose – Within a competitiveness perspective, the main purpose of this paper is to investigate and analyze franchise categories and changing profiles and trends of the franchising industry.Design/methodology/approach – Based on data from The Franchising Handbook, the study investigates 1,464 franchisors in 67 franchise categories that encompass 445,314 franchisees. The work uses content analysis in the investigation of franchise categories.Findings – The study finds that franchise categories tend to be diverse regarding their category issues, franchising fees, capital requirements, and category franchisees. The work also provides meaningful implications and future research directions.Research limitations/implications – The author believes that fast‐growing mid‐sized and newly formed franchisors may need to be included in the survey from the USA and other countries. The study's implications are that the franchising industry requires new business models regarding franchising fees, capital, and sales that ...
On the electrical and numerical properties of high Q resonances in frequency selective surfaces : Abstract

The goal of this paper is to expose the existence of extremely narrow bandwidth (high Q) resonances in infinitely periodic Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) composed of Perfect Electric Conductors (PEC). These narrow bandwidth resonances occur when the current induced on the elements of the FSS has an odd (antisymmetric) distribution. For such resonances of odd current distributions, it is shown that as the incident plane wave approaches normal incidence, the bandwidth approaches 0 Hz (Q approaches ∞). The resonance bandwidth becomes identically 0 (infinite Q) at normal incidence. The currents sustaining such high Q resonances are of very large magnitude. PEC do not dissipate any power, but a small amount of surface resistance of real metals can dissipate enough power (due to the large currents) to completely dampen the high Q resonances. Numerically, as the resonant bandwidth decreases, the condition number of the matrix resulting from the Method of Moments (MoM) formulation increases. For normal incidence (zero bandwidth), the matrix is singular. It is shown that the matrix is ill-posed because of a loss of stability, which comes about in the sense that a small change in the frequency yields a large change in the result.
The microwave spectrum, structure, and dipole moment of cis-1,2,3-trifluorocyclopropane

Abstract The microwave spectrum of cis-1,2,3-triflurocyclopropane has been investigated in the region 8–40 GHz. A fit of the oblate symmetric top spectrum gives a rotational constant of 4064.925 ± 0.022 MHz. A molecular structure was determined using the rotational constants obtained from assignments of the monodeutero species and the carbon-13 species. The molecular parameters are r (CH) = 1.095 ± 0.002 A , r (CC) = 1.507 ± 0.001 A , r (CF) = 1.354 ± 0.001 A and ∠(HCF) = 112.3 ± 0.2°. The dipole moment was determined to be 3.89 ± 0.02 D. The structural parameters are compared to other substituted cyclopropyl ring structures and to molecular orbital predictions as well as to related fluorocarbons. The molecule provides another example of the effect of fluorine substitutions on shortening adjacent bonds. It is also found that nonbonded F⋯F distances tend to be constant.
Meanings of Health: Interrogating Structure and Culture

Based on the argument that context ought to be centralized in discourses of health communication, this article applies the culture-centered approach to engage in dialogue about issues of health with 18 men in rural West Bengal. The culture-centered approach is based on dialogue between the researcher and the community members, with the goals of listening to the voices of cultural members in suggesting culture-based health solutions. In this project, our discursive engagement with the participants suggests that health is primarily constructed as an absence, framed in the realm of minimal access to healthcare resources. In a situation where the resources are limited, the participants discussed the importance of trust in their relationship with the local provider. Health was also seen as a collective resource that was both an asset of the collective and a responsibility of the collective. Finally, the participants also pointed out the ways in which corruption in the structure introduced a paradox in policy d...
Uncertainties in the two-nucleon potential and nuclear matter predictions

The effects of uncertainties in the two-nucleon potential on the saturation properties of nuclear matter are studied. The nuclear matter energy is calculated by a recently developed ring-diagram method. The largest variations in the energy are due to ambiguities in the (off-shell) strength of the nuclear tensor force. For the six different realistic potential models considered, the total uncertainty is about 3 MeV for the saturation energy and 0.2 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for the saturation Fermi momentum. This variation is substantially smaller than the corresponding one obtained in standard lowest-order Brueckner calculations (6 MeV, 0.3 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$). The relevance of the tensor force for ring-diagram contributions is investigated systematically.
Investigating individual differences among targets of workplace incivility.

The present study focused on individual differences in Big Five traits among targets of workplace incivility. The authors hypothesized a negative relation between agreeableness and incivility, a positive relation between neuroticism and incivility, and a negative relation between extraversion and incivility. The authors also hypothesized that provocative target behavior is the mediating force that drives these relations. Multisource data from a diverse sample of employees and their coworkers indicate that individuals low in agreeableness and those high in neuroticism experience more incivility than their counterparts. The mediation model was supported for agreeableness and neuroticism. Findings suggest that target traits are important components in incivility research, and should be considered in future research as well as in efforts to alleviate the consequences of incivility. Language: en
THE MICROBIOLOGY OF VEGETABLE SPROUTS DURING COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION

Repeated surveys of a factory producing vegetable sprouts showed that these foods commonly yielded aerobic plate counts of 108/g and coliform counts of 107/g. Most of the microbial growth occurred during the first two days of the germination process. Mung beans germinated in the laboratory in sterilized containers yielded comparable counts indicating that growth of the bean microflora rather than insanitary conditions was responsible. Populations were reduced to a limited extent with germicidal rinses. None of the samples yielded high counts of Bacillus cereus or Staphylococcus aureus and all were negative for salmonellae.
Moving beyond the current state of the Internet

Abstract Whereas the Internet has been greatly publicized in the past few years, its effects on education are still largely unexplored. Here, we discuss the future of the Internet itself and the effect on education. Expanding educational and commercial requirements will result in improved bandwidth and connectivity. Larger address spaces will be required, and the next generation of Internet Protocols will provide the addressability required. The real question—how will all of these changes affect education—is explored here. We believe that Internet resources will be a superb supplement to education, but not replace either tutored learning or written texts.
Input shaping algorithm using the s curve velocity command for gantry stage

This paper proposes modified input shaping algorithm to improve settling time of stage which is closely related with productivity in flat panel display. The modified input shaping uses the s curve velocity command to convolve with impulse, which is called s curve input shaping, while conventional input shaping uses the trapezoidal velocity command. Since the s curve velocity command is including the multi impulses, s curve input shaping algorithm has the similar effect with input shaping using the multi impulse. Thus, it is more effective to system having multi vibration mode than conventional input shaping. This paper uses the some constrain conditions to easily implement about the delay time and s curve time. Constrain conditions are obtained from primary test which is performed to search parameters to be able to obtain best performance. The performance of proposed algorithm is verified simulation and experiment. This algorithm shows that the settling time is effectively reduced by it than conventional input shaping algorithm.
Comparison of three accelerated aging procedures to assess bio-oil stability

Abstract The current study utilizes three stability ranking methods to compare oxidative and thermal stability of alcohol-stabilized and un-stabilized slow pyrolysis bio-oil. Procedures were based on standard methods established by ASTM (D5304 and E2009) for hydrocarbon fuels and on a widely used method that assesses viscosity change over time. Each method involves an accelerated aging procedure ranging from several minutes to 24 h. Average stability rankings for bio-oils produced from two biomass feedstock (pine and peanut hull) in two pyrolysis units were compared. Bio-oils in order from most to least stable included; methanol-stabilized pine pellet oil, un-stabilized pine pellet oil, ethanol spray-condensed pine pellet oil, methanol-stabilized peanut hull oil, and un-stabilized peanut hull pellet oil. FT-IR spectra from pre- and post-aging showed an increase in the relative concentration of C–O (phenols, carboxylic acids, esters, and ethers) and C O (carbonyl) functional groups for aged samples.
Indocyanine green: A test of hepatic function and a measure of plasma volume in the duck

Abstract 1. 1. The exponential removal of ICG from the plasma by the mallard duck liver made possible the measurement of fractional dye clearance (K), plasma volume (PV) and plasma clearance (PC). 2. 2. Values obtained for K (14.9%/min), PV (39.2 ml/kg) and PC (5.8 ml/min per kg) agreed with those obtained by other techniques used in a number of species. 3. 3. Sex did not affect the removal of ICG by the liver. However, increases in K, PV and PC were noted in hen mallards in laying condition. 4. 4. The data should prove useful as baseline values for physiological and pathological studies on the avian liver.
Evaluatively Integrative Thinking about Characteristics of the Self

A process of evaluatively integrative thinking may limit the impact of negative self-knowledge by strengthening associative links between negative and positive items of knowledge about the self. Subjects generated lists of items to describe themselves in social situations and in academic situations. Subjects whose lists were evaluatively integrated (i.e., positive and negative items were intermixed) reported higher self-esteem or less negative affect than subjects who clustered items of similar valence. In paragraph descriptions of their most negative characteristic, subjects who used evaluatively integrative statements had higher self-esteem even when the importance and negativity of the characteristics were held constant. These findings may hold only for evaluative integration with respect to negative characteristics. They suggest that there are important individual differences in the organization of the self-concept, not just in content.
Increased intake of oil in obese OLETF rat is driven by caloric deficit.

CCK-1 receptor-deficient Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats are hyperphagic, become obese and diabetic. Also, they have an increased sham intake and enhanced preference for sucrose solutions relative to control, Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats. To determine the effects of oil on ingestion, we first measured real feeding of various concentrations of oil emulsions (12.5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) in rats that were food deprived overnight or non-deprived. OLETF rats consumed more corn oil than LETO in both feeding conditions, however, the strain difference was greater in the deprived compared to non-deprived. To assess the orosensory effects of oils as a function of caloric deprivation, sham feeding of 100% corn or mineral oil was measured in food deprived and non-deprived animals. Under deprived condition, OLETF sham fed more corn oil that LETO, and more corn than mineral oil. No differences in mineral oil intake were noted between strains. When non-deprived, OLETF's sham intakes were lower than under deprived condition. However, there were no significant differences in either corn or mineral oil intakes between strains. In a 2-botle sham feeding preference tests, food-deprived OLETF preferred corn more than mineral oil while LETO's preference was equal for both oils. In non-deprived condition, OLETF and LETO preferred both oils equally, however, mineral oil was less preferred than corn oil. These results show that increased oil intake in OLETF is primarily calorically driven. Supported by DK065709.
Matrix solutions of the functional equation of the gamma function

On introduit des fonctions matricielles correspondant a des suites de fonctions scalaires de facon a inclure les fonctions qui peuvent etre caracterisees par des equations fonctionnelles sans supposer de conditions de regularite. On obtient les solutions matricielles de l'equation fonctionnelle F(z+1)=zf(z) pour des blocs de Jordan et pour des matrices generales
Effect of a Direct Current on the Frequency of a Sonometer Wire

IN a communication in NATURE of May 31, p. 819, Messrs. D. V. Gogate and Y. G. Naik describe an experiment showing that a vibrating sonometer wire undergoes a lowering in frequency when placed in a D.C. circuit. They affirmed that this unexpected result was due neither to the heating of the wire nor to a magnetic action, but at the time offered no explanation of the cause. In their experiment a sonometer wire was tuned to the frequency of an electrically driven fork so that synchronous vibrations of a large amplitude were set up in the wire. When a direct current was sent through it, the amplitude was immediately reduced, and could be restored again to its original width by shortening a little the distance between the bridges, thus showing that the frequency of the wire had been lowered.
Microstructure and properties of MoSi2–MoB and MoSi2–Mo5Si3 molybdenum silicides

Abstract MoSi 2 -based intermetallics containing different volume fractions of MoB or Mo 5 Si 3 were fabricated by hot-pressing MoSi 2 , MoB, and Mo 5 Si 3 powders in vacuum. Both classes of alloys contained approximately 5 vol.% of dispersed silica phase. Additions of MoB or Mo 5 Si 3 caused the average grain size to decrease. The decrease in the grain size was typically accompanied by an increase in flexure strength, a decrease in the room temperature fracture toughness, and a decrease in the hot strength (compressive creep strength) measured around 1200 °C, except when the Mo 5 Si 3 effectively became the major phase. Oxidation measurements on the two classes of alloys were carried out in air. Both classes of alloys were protected from oxidation by an in-situ adherent scale that formed on exposure to high temperature. The scale, although not analyzed in detail, is commonly recognized in MoSi 2 containing materials as consisting mostly of SiO 2 . The MoB containing materials showed an increase in the scale thickness and the cyclic oxidation rate at 1400 °C when compared with pure MoSi 2 . However, in contrast with the pure MoSi 2 material, oxidation at 1400 °C began with a weight loss followed by a weight gain and the formation of the protective silica layer. The Mo 5 Si 3 containing materials experienced substantial initial weight losses followed by regions of small weight changes. Overall, the MoB and Mo 5 Si 3 additions to MoSi 2 tended to be detrimental for the mechanical and oxidative properties.
Fluid dynamics of dilute suspensions and fouling of tubular membrane modules

Abstract The role of dilute suspensions in fouling a ultrafilter tubular membrane module is studied in detail for a wide range of wall permeation flux conditions. The inlet flow profiles are assumed to be either uniform (plug flow) or parabolic (fully developed) shape. It is assumed that the particles are neutrally buoyant and the concentrations are so low that it does not influence the fluid flow. Furthermore, the particle-particle interactions and the forces of interaction between the particle and the membrane wall are assumed to be unimportant. The governing equations of motion for the fluid are solved by a finite difference scheme. To compute the particulate fouling, the equations of motion for the particles are solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta-Gill method. Results are presented for both hydrodynamics and membrane fouling by dilute suspensions for conditions such as the effect of assumed inlet velocity profiles, and a wide range of wall permeation flux conditions.
Inferences, questions and possibilities in Toll-like receptor signalling

The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the key proteins that allow mammals--whether immunologically naive or experienced--to detect microbes. They lie at the core of our inherited resistance to disease, initiating most of the phenomena that occur in the course of infection. Quasi-infectious stimuli that have been used for decades to study inflammatory mechanisms can activate the TLR family of proteins. And it now seems that many inflammatory processes, both sterile and infectious, may depend on TLR signalling. We are in a good position to apply our understanding of TLR signalling to a range of challenges in immunology and medicine.
Characterization of Lunar Polar Illumination from a Power System Perspective

This paper presents the results of illumination analyses for the lunar south and north pole regions obtained using an independently developed analytical tool and two types of digital elevation models (DEM). One DEM was based on radar height data from Earth observations of the lunar surface and the other was a combination of the radar data with a separate dataset generated using Clementine spacecraft stereo imagery. The analysis tool enables the assessment of illumination at most locations in the lunar polar regions for any time and any year. Maps are presented for both lunar poles for the worst case winter period (the critical power system design and planning bottleneck) and for the more favorable best case summer period. Average illumination maps are presented to help understand general topographic trends over the regions. Energy storage duration maps are presented to assist in power system design. Average illumination fraction, energy storage duration, solar/horizon terrain elevation profiles and illumination fraction profiles are presented for favorable lunar north and south pole sites which have the potential for manned or unmanned spacecraft operations. The format of the data is oriented for use by power system designers to develop mass optimized solar and energy storage systems.
Children Exposed to Violence in the Child Protection System: Practice-Based Assessment of the System Process can Lead to Practical Strategies for Improvement

Child protection cases often involve children exposed to violence. Children exposed to violence and families experiencing domestic violence are at a higher risk of being disproportionately impacted by inadequate child protection system practices that fail to properly address their safety and well-being. Evidence continues to accumulate that these children and their families require improved methods in identification, assessment, and treatment. This article summarizes 5 years of research that evaluated the practices of child protection departments, the courts, and service providers. The research design allowed for examination of each entity's practices to determine their effect on the overall operation of the child protection system and the potential these practices have on negatively or positively impacting case outcomes.
Methylene blue photoinactivation abolishes West Nile virus infectivity in vivo.

Abstract The prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) infections and associated morbidity has accelerated in recent years. Of particular concern is the recent demonstration that this virus can be transmitted by blood products and can cause severe illness and mortality in transfusion recipients. We have evaluated methylene blue (MB) + light as a safe and cost-effective means to inactivate WNV in vitro. This regimen inactivated WNV with an IC50 of 0.10 μM. Up to 107 pfu/ml of WNV could be inactivated by MB + light with no residual infectivity. MB + light inactivated three primary WNV isolates from the years 1999, 2002 and 2003 and prevented mortality in a murine model for WNV infection. Since MB is already approved for human use at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day, we conjecture that MB + light treatment of blood products for high-risk patients will be efficacious and suitable for use in resource-limited settings.
Probing the Structural and Signalling Roles of Ceramide using 6-Bromo-7-Hydroxycoumarin Caged Derivatives

A number of critical cell functions including apoptosis are regulated by the sphingomyelin-ceramide pathway, a ubiquitous signal transduction system that has been evolutionarily conserved. Several different sphingomyelinases can hydrolyze sphingomyelin to generate ceramide in distinct intracellular compartments; however, the specific functions of these dynamic ceramide sub-populations are not completely understood. Ceramide has also attracted interest for its effects on the physical properties of biological membranes. In model membrane studies ceramide has been shown to promote phase separation and domain formation, non-lamellar phases, and enhanced membrane permeability. We recently reported the synthesis and photochemical characterization of long-chain ceramides caged with a 6-bromo-7-hydroxycoumarin group. These derivatives were readily dispersed in aqueous solution, successfully delivered into cells and uncaged therein. Caged compounds such as these can be released in their biologically active form with a high degree of spatial and temporal control. These characteristics are attractive in applications where well-defined amounts of ceramide must be generated. Previous work has largely relied on exogenous delivery of synthetic short-chain ceramides or sphingomyelinase treatments where enzyme activity can be difficult to control. Further studies are currently under way in HL-60 cells using the caged compounds to probe the role of long-chain ceramides in pro-apoptotic pathways. Concurrently, we have incorporated caged ceramides into supported lipid bilayers as part of ongoing work to model ceramide's mechanical and morphological effects in membranes.
Isolation of Piperitenone and 6‐Methyl‐5‐Hepten‐2‐One from Orange Oil

SUMMARY— During the investigation of the oxygenated compounds of cold-pressed Valencia orange oil, two ketones, piperitenone and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2.one were isolated from this source for the first time.
The effects of water and food deprivation on the heart rate of rats

The heart rate (HR) of male hooded rats was recorded in a nonhome cage for three weeks. Then they were deprived of water (Group 1, N = 6) or food (Group 2, N = 6) up to 96 h. HR was recorded at 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h of deprivation. The HR of Group 1 increased linearly with the duration of water deprivation, while that of Group 2 showed an inverse U-shaped function. These functions suggest that HR is influenced by two concomitant conditions: dehydration and metabolism.
A Test of the Debt‐Monitoring Hypothesis: The Case of Corporate R&D Expenditures

Studies that test for shareholder wealth effects of announcements of plans to increase R&D expenditures find an average positive effect, but also a significant cross-sectional variation. This study determines whether the effect can be predicted when the announcing firm's capital structure is considered. Results suggest a positive relation between the debt ratio and the R&D induced abnormal stock returns. These results are robust using different industry-adjusted and unadjusted measures of capital structure and while controlling for several potentially influential variables. In addition, the gains to shareholders do not seem to be wealth transfers from bondholders. This evidence provides support to the debt-monitoring hypothesis.
Human disturbance in Western Gull Larus occidentalis livens colonies and possible amplification by intraspecific predation

Abstract Indirect evidence is presented that human disturbances are having a profound effect on reproductive efforts of Larus occidentalis livens at several colonies in the Gulf of California. Breeding adults that lose their eggs or chicks apparently practise conspecific predation whether or not humans are present, thus increasing effects of human intrusions. These combined effects could lead to a severe decline in numbers or even pose a threat to the survival of this endemic population, if human disturbance is widespread. Attempts to assess breeding success throughout the Gulf seem warranted and, if necessary, some action to regulate human contact may be essential.
The Law of Large Numbers for $U$-statistics Under Absolute Regularity

We prove the law of large numbers for $U$-statistics whose underlying sequence of random variables satisfies an absolute regularity condition ($\beta$-mixing condition) under suboptimal conditions.
Factors associated with long-term dysphagia after definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced head-and-neck cancer

Purpose The use of altered fractionation radiotherapy (RT) regimens, as well as concomitant chemotherapy and RT, to intensify therapy for locally advanced head-and-neck cancer can lead to increased rates of long-term dysphagia. Methods and Materials We identified 122 patients who had undergone definitive RT for locally advanced head-and-neck cancer, after excluding those who had been treated for a second or recurrent head-and-neck primary, had Stage I-II disease, developed locoregional recurrence, had Results A composite dysphagia outcome occurred in 38.5% of patients. On univariate analysis, the primary site ( p = 0.01), use of concurrent chemotherapy ( p = 0.01), RT schedule ( p = 0.02), and increasing age ( p = 0.04) were significantly associated with development of composite long-term dysphagia. The use of concurrent chemotherapy ( p = 0.01), primary site ( p = 0.02), and increasing age ( p = 0.02) remained significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusion The addition of concurrent chemotherapy to RT for locally advanced head-and-neck cancer resulted in increased long-term dysphagia. Early intervention using swallowing exercises, avoidance of nothing-by-mouth periods, and the use of intensity-modulated RT to reduce the dose to the uninvolved swallowing structures should be explored further in populations at greater risk of long-term dysphagia.
Can Prior Offers and Arbitration Outcomes Be Used to Predict the Winners of Subsequent Final-Offer Arbitration Cases?

preferences is past outcomes. Given its goal of driving negotiated settlements, an effective FOA process requires bargainers to infer useful information about arbitrator preferences from past outcomes. Using data from major league baseball, this article provides evidence that past FOA decisions are positively correlated with the outcomes of future FOA cases.
When law and ethics collide--why physicians participate in executions.

States have affirmed that physicians and nurses — including those who are prison employees — have a right to refuse to participate in any way in executions. Yet they have found physicians and nurses who are willing to participate. Who are these people? And why do they do it? Dr. Atul Gawande interviewed four physicians and a nurse who have participated and writes that they all acted against long-standing principles of their professions.
DataLens: making a good first impression

When a database query has a large number of results, the user can only be shown one page of results at a time. One popular approach is to rank results such that the "best" results appear first. This approach is well-suited for information retrieval, and for some database queries, such as similarity queries or under-specified (or keyword) queries with known (or guessable) user preferences. However, standard database query results comprise a set of tuples, with no associated ranking. It is typical to allow users the ability to sort results on selected attributes, but no actual ranking is defined. An alternative approach is not to try to show the estimated best results on the first page, but instead to help users learn what is available in the whole result set and direct them to finding what they need. We present DataLens, a framework that: i) generates the most representative data points to display on the first page without sorting or ranking, ii) allows users to drill-down to more similar items in a hierarchical fashion, and iii) dynamically adjusts the representatives based on the user's new query conditions. To the best of our knowledge, DataLens is the first to allow hierarchical database result browsing and searching at the same time.
Heat Transfer From Vertical/Inclined Boundaries of Heat-Generating Boiling Pools

A model for heat transfer from the sides of a volume heated boiling pool is proposed. Because of the density difference caused by volume boiling and by thermal expansion due to the temperature difference between the bulk fluid and the fluid near the wall, the lighter liquid and vapor bubbles cause movement of the bulk fluid in the upward direction. The rising liquid between the bubbles finds a return path along the walls or sides of the pool and forms a boundary layer which may be laminar in its initial length followed by transition to turbulent depending, of course, on the conditions prevailing at the entry to the sides and in the bulk of the pool. The analysis for the laminar case provides the definition of equivalent Grashof number for the combined two-phase and thermal expansion driven natural convection along the sides of pool. The turbulent boundary layer is analyzed by assuming a two-layer model in which the inner layer is characterized by viscous and conduction terms and the outer by mean convection terms. The similarity analysis of the governing equations yields universal profiles for temperature and velocity and the scaling laws for the inner and outer layers. An asymptoticmore » matching of the temperature profile in the overlap region leads to a heat transfer law which correlates the available experimental data on volume heated boiling pools exceedingly well.« less
If Looks Could Kill: Anger Attributions are Intensified by Affordances for Doing Harm

Emotion perception is necessarily imprecise, leading to possible overperception or underperception of a given emotion extant in a target individual. When the costs of these two types of errors are recurrently asymmetrical, categorization mechanisms can be expected to be biased to commit the less costly error. Contextual factors can influence this asymmetry, resulting in a concomitant increase in biases in the perception of a given emotion. Anger motivates aggression, hence an important contextual factor in anger perception is the capacity of the perceived individual to inflict harm. The greater the capacity to harm, the more costly it is to underestimate the extent to which the target is angry, and therefore the more that perception should be biased in favor of overestimation. Consonant with this prediction, in two studies, U.S. adults perceived greater anger when models were holding household objects having affordances as weapons (e.g., garden shears) than when they were holding objects lacking such affordances (e.g., a watering can) or were empty-handed. Consistent with the unique relationship between anger and aggression, this positive bias did not appear in judgments of other negative emotions.
Brown carbon absorption linked to organic mass tracers in biomass burning particles

Abstract. Traditional gas and particle phase chemical markers used to identify the presence of biomass burning (BB) emissions were measured for a large forest fire near Boulder, Colorado. Correlation of the organic matter mass spectroscopic m / z 60 with measured particle light absorption properties found no link at 532 nm, and a strong correlation at 404 nm. Non-black carbon absorption at 404 nm was well correlated to the ratio of the mass fractions of particulate organic matter (POM) that was m / z 60 ( f 60 ) to m / z 44 ( f 44 ). The f 60 to f 44 ratio did not fully explain the variability in non-BC absorption, due to contributions of brown carbon (BrC) absorption and absorption due to internal mixing of POM with black carbon (BC). The absorption Angstrom exponent ( A Abs ) showed a good correlation to f 60 / f 44 ; however the best correlation resulted from the mass absorption efficiency (MAE) of BrC at 404 nm (MAE POM-404 nm ) and f 60 / f 44 . This result indicates that the absorption of POM at low visible and UV wavelengths is linked to emissions of organic matter that contribute to the m / z 60 mass fragment, although they do not contribute to 532 nm absorption. m / z 60 is often attributed to levoglucosan and related compounds. The linear relationship between MAE POM-404 nm and f 60 / f 44 suggests that the strength of BrC absorption for this fire can be predicted by emissions of f 60 -related organic matter.
Prophylactic anticoagulation in nephrotic syndrome: a clinical conundrum

It has long been recognized that nephrotic syndrome is associated with an increased risk for thromboembolic complications, including deep venous thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. This risk varies with the nature of the underlying disease and seems to be greatest for membranous nephropathy. Other factors, including the level of serum albumin, previous thromboembolic episodes, and a genetically determined predisposition to thrombosis, may also be involved. Prevention of thromboembolic events with oral anticoagulants in nephrotic syndrome requires a careful case-by-case analysis of the risks for thromboembolic events balanced by the risks for anticoagulant induced bleeding. Markov-based decision analysis using literature-based assumptions regarding these risks has suggested that prophylactic anticoagulants may be indicated in certain circumstances. Such decisions need to take into account the nature of the underlying disease, the severity of the nephrotic syndrome (as assessed by serum albumin concentration), preexisting thrombophilic states, and the overall likelihood of serious bleeding events consequent to oral anticoagulation (as assessed by the international normalized ratio for prothrombin time). The optimal duration of prophylactic anticoagulation is unknown but very likely extends to the duration of the nephrotic state per se.
Application of high performance liquid chromatography in the characterization of iron stress response

Abstract When Fe‐efficient plants become Fe deficient, physiological responses occur which may increase the availability of Fe in the root environment. Iron‐stress responses of the sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) include a lowering of the medium pH, an increase in the reducing capacity of the root, and a release of riboflavin into the root medium. In this investigation, compounds released into the root medium during Fe‐stress were characterized using high performance liquid chrbmatography (HPLC). Samples of nutrient solution from hydroponically grown sunflowers (cultivar Large Russian) were analyzed by HPLC using an acetonitrile : water gradient.. Absorbance at 254 nm was recorded as compounds were separated. Negligible concentrations of compounds absorbing at 254 nm were found to be released by non‐stressed sunflower plants; however, nutrient solutions from Fe‐stressed plants contained riboflavin and at least two other compounds not present in control nutrient solutions. The concentration of these compou...
Weight Gains of Heifers Fed Grass-Legume Silage through a Self-feeding Gate from a Bunker Silo

Abstract The practicality of allowing Holstein yearling heifers to self-feed direct-cut, orchardgrass-clover silage from a bunker silo through a self-feeding gate was studied. Corn meal was added during ensiling in a bunker silo at rates of 10%, 5%, 5%, and 0% of the wet forage weight in trials 1, 2, 3, and 4. Holstein yearling heifers were allowed to self-feed the resulting complete feed mix directly from the bunker silo through the use of a self-feeding gate for 112 days. During trial 5, two groups of heifers were allowed to self-feed direct-cut orchardgrass-clover silage from the bunker silo. During periods 1 (61 days), 2 (59 days), and 3 (46 days), corn meal was fed to groups 1 and 2 at .69 and 1.38, 2.08 and 4.16, and 2.08 and 2.08 kg/head per day, respectively. During trials 1, 2, 3, and 4, the average daily rates of gain were 1.07, .62, .64, and .41 kg. During trial 5, periods 1, 2, and 3, heifers in groups 1 and 2 gained .12 and .18, .68 and 1.23, and .64 and .44 kg/day. Labor studies during trial 3 indicated that 2.19 min of labor/head per day was saved by feeding the heifers through a self-feeding gate in a bunker silo as compared with the time required for conventional time feeding.
Copper treatment increases recombinant baculovirus production and polyhedrin and p10 expression

Treatment with 2 mM CuSO4 was used to induce a Drosophila melanogaster metallothionein (Mtn) promoter that had been cloned into a recombinant baculovirus. Careful study revealed that the Mtn promoter functioned as an inducible, if somewhat "leaky" promoter within the context of baculovirus-infected cells. In the process of generating a recombinant-baculovirus, it was discovered that post-transfection treatment with copper resulted in a 10-fold increase in the production of recombinant virus. This effect on virus production was specific to transfection, as treatment of infected cells with copper did not increase the production of virus. Treatment of infected cells with copper did, however, extend the period of expression of the polyhedrin and p10 proteins by at least 12 h. These findings have practical applications for the production of recombinant baculoviruses and the subsequent expression of foreign proteins using baculovirus expression vectors.
The full B\to {D^{*}}{\tau^{-}}{{\overline{v}}_{\tau }} angular distribution and CP violating triple products

We perform a comprehensive study of the impact of new-physics operators with different Lorentz structures on $ \overline{B}\to {D^{*+ }}{l^{-}}{{\overline{\nu}}_{\ell }} $ decays, (l = e,μ,τ) involving the b → clν l transition. We present the full three angle and q 2 angular distribution with new physics operators with complex couplings. Various observables are constructed from the angular distribution with special focus on the CP violating triple product asymmetries which vanish in the Standard Model without any hadronic complications. Two of the three triple products are only sensitive to vector/axial vector new physics operators. Hence, the measurements of non-zero triple-product asymmetries will be a clear sign of new physics and a strong signal for vector/axial vector new physics operators. Even though we focus on τ final state, one can use the triple-products to search for new physics with e and μ in the final state.
The effect of streptomycin on the lesions of tuberculous meningitis.

The pathological findings in the central nervous system of 10 fatal cases of tuberculous meningitis are presented; all patients had received streptomycin therapy. The clinical course was prolonged up to 25 months. Acute inflammatory lesions in the leptomeninges showed regression except in the cases of short duration, and all degrees of fibrosis was observed. In general the arteries exhibited extensive intimal fibrosis and narrowing of the lumen, while the arterioles were severely obstructed or infiltrated by leucocytes. Obstructive adhesions about the spinal cord caused spinal fluid block in four patients who were treated by the intrathecal route. Internal hydrocephalus was a common complication, even in cases where the acute meningitis was largely healed. Infarction of the basal nuclei was not infrequent and could be ascribed to the vascular lesions. Tubercle bacilli were identified in the meninges and in small meningeal tuberculomas in patients who had received large doses of streptomycin.
Evaluation of interfacial adhesion in sheath/core composite fibers

Rayon/nylon sheath/core composite fibers were produced using a wire coating-type process. Fumaric acid (FA) was chosen as an adhesion promoter to pretreat the nylon core fiber before rayon coating to improve the adhesion between skin and core. Different FA pretreatment concentrations and times were used and the effects of the pretreatment conditions on the adhesion were evaluated. A fiber pull adhesion test technique was developed to determine the interfacial shear strength of the composite fibers. The results indicated that the interfacial adhesion in the rayon/nylon composite fibers was significantly improved for specific sets of FA application conditions. Adhesion results were confirmed with electron microscopy. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Paranatal oxygen consumption and respiratory frequency in the Laysan Albatross.

Abstract The oxygen consumption and respiratory frequency of Laysan Albatross eggs were measured during the different phases of pipping (paranatal period) and in hatchlings. The initial phase of pipping—penetration of the aircell of the egg by the embryonic beak—coincided with the beginning of pulmonary ventilation, the embryo rebreathing aircell gas, but it did not result in a statistically significant increase in oxygen consumption. The second phase of pipping—star-fracture of the shell (external pipping)—was the shortest (25 h) of the three phases of pipping, and it did not result in a significant increase in either oxygen consumption or respiratory frequency. The longest phase of pipping (65 h)—the pip-hole phase—represented 54% of the total duration of pipping, and it was accompanied by significant increases in oxygen consumption and respiratory frequency. When the eggs hatched, the oxygen consumption increased further but respiratory frequency diminished significantly. It was calculated that the paranatal period, which represented 7.9% of the total incubation period of the egg, accounted for 37.2% of the total oxygen consumption of the egg.