cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Technical Skills Test to Improve Assessment and Evaluation in Neuroendoscopic Education.

Background Endoscopy requires a unique set of skills that are difficult to acquire in most training programs. A method to test technical skills, in a validated manner, has rarely been attempted. The purpose of this study was to develop a technical skills examination for objective assessment in neuroendoscopic education. Methods Twenty-nine participants were included for analysis and divided by seniority level into 2 groups defined as before or upon postgraduation year (PGY) 5 (n = 18, junior surgeons) or after PGY5 (n = 11, senior surgeons). Study participants were assessed for baseline performance and then again following a 4-hour neuroendoscopy course. Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate for performance differences between cohorts. Correlation analyses were performed using the Pearson or Spearman coefficient. Results Increasing PGY level was correlated with a decreased average time to complete all 3 tasks (r = −0.44, P = 0.03) at baseline. Overall performance improved in both cohorts following the course (P Conclusions A neuroendoscopic skills test can distinguish between more or less experienced surgeons. Significant overall performance improvement, regardless of seniority level, following neuroendoscopic training demonstrates the accuracy of the test at detecting operating improvement in all stages of learning.
The interpretation of Creative Commons licenses by US federal courts

Abstract Over the past decade, a handful of copyright holders who offer their work under Creative Commons (CC) licenses have brought legal claims against parties who allegedly violated the license terms. This article identifies key issues in these lawsuits – e.g., fair use, attribution, remedies, commercial use– and examines the ways in which US federal courts have interpreted CC licenses in light of statutory law and case law. These cases show that the licenses serve as a legal contract that stands up in US federal courts.
Natively Periodic Fast Multipole Method: Approximating the Optimal Green Function

The Fast Multipole Method (FMM) obeys periodic boundary conditions "natively" if it uses a periodic Green function for computing the multipole expansion in the interaction zone of each FMM oct-tree node. One can define the "optimal" Green function for such a method that results in the numerical solution that converges to the equivalent Particle-Mesh solution in the limit of sufficiently high order of multipoles. A discrete functional equation for the optimal Green function can be derived, but is not practically useful as methods for its solution are not known. Instead, this paper presents an approximation for the optimal Green function that is accurate to better than 1e-3 in LMAX norm and 1e-4 in L2 norm for practically useful multipole counts. Such an approximately optimal Green function offers a practical way for implementing FMM with periodic boundary conditions "natively", without the need to compute lattice sums or to rely on hybrid FMM-PM approaches.
Birth Weight and Cancer Associations

Birth weight is an established risk factor for development of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, the biological mechanism of this correlation is unknown. Some possible mechanisms of birth weight association in childhood cancer are increased cell proliferation rate; the combination of high IGF and low IGFBP levels; maternal estrogen level; and higher iron (nutrient for cancer cells) levels in heavier babies. Birth weight increases with gestational age; therefore it is important to adjust birth weight for gestational age or use percentile of weight for gestational age or fetal growth rate in birth weight related studies. Further studies are still needed to explore biological reasons of confounder of the association between birth weight and cancer, so ultimately, preventive and therapeutic interventions can be initiated.
Later high school start time is associated with lower migraine frequency in adolescents

OBJECTIVE To determine whether high school start time is associated with headache frequency in adolescents with migraine. BACKGROUND Adolescence is marked by a physiologic delayed circadian phase, characterized by later bedtimes and wake times. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m., but most high schools in the United States start earlier. The study hypothesis was that adolescents with migraine whose high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later (late group) would have lower headache frequency than those whose schools start earlier than 8:30 a.m. (early group). METHODS This was a cross-sectional Internet survey study of US high schoolers with migraine recruited online through social media. Comparisons were made between the late group and the early group. The primary outcome measure was self-reported headache days/month. RESULTS In total, 1012 respondents constituted the analytic set: n = 503 in the late group versus n = 509 in the early group. Mean (SD) self-reported headache days/month was 4.8 (4.6) versus 7.7 (6.1) in the late and early groups, respectively (p < 0.001); mean difference -2.9 (95% CI -2.2 to -3.6). Mean (SD) self-reported hours of sleep on a school night was 7.9 (0.9) versus 6.9 (1.3), p < 0.001. Adjusting for total hours of sleep, sex, taking a migraine preventive, days of acute medication use, hours of homework, grade level, and missing breakfast, mean (SD) self-reported headache days/month remained lower in the late group than in the early group: 5.8 (95% CI 5.3-6.2) versus 7.1 (95% CI 6.7-7.4), (p < 0.001); mean difference -1.3 (95% CI -1.9 to -0.7). CONCLUSION Adolescents with migraine who attend high schools that follow AAP recommendations for start times have lower self-reported headache frequency than those whose high schools start before 8:30 a.m. If prospective studies confirm this finding, shifting to a later high school start time may be an effective strategy for migraine prevention in adolescents.
Role of renewable energy technologies in climate change adaptation and mitigation: A brief review from Nepal

Abstract Renewable energy plays a crucial role in both climate change mitigation and adaptation in highly climate-vulnerable nations such as Nepal. This paper reviews various types of renewable energy technologies and their status, potential for adoption, relationship to climate change, and mitigative and adaptive roles in Nepal. Nepal has installed micro-hydro projects, solar power, improved cooking stoves, biogas technology, improved water mills, and wind energy to mitigate and adapt to climate change. There is a growing potential for renewable energy development in Nepal, such as hydropower, solar, wind energy, biogas, and improved cooking stoves. Roughly 70% of Nepal's energy consumption is generated from traditional energy sources while renewable energy accounts for approximately three percent. The gradual increase in the use of renewable energy has reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced carbon sequestration. By adopting renewable energy technologies, Nepal has reduced emissions by 221,129 tCO2e from 2017 to 2018. Nepal's second Nationally Determined Contribution targets a 15% increase in national energy use from renewables with a reduction of 23% of CO2 emissions by 2030 using biogas and improved cooking systems. Furthermore, a significant increase in the adoption of renewable energy has become a pivotal strategy in adaptation to climate change in social, health, and economic sectors resulting in time savings, alternative income sources, improved health and educational status, local job opportunities, and the promotion of social capital. The benefits of adapting to climate change and mitigating CO2 emissions via renewable energy are significant at the local, national, and international levels. This study recommends that the government of Nepal focus work on energy policy reviews to address local energy demand and climate change issues by utilizing renewable energy resources at the local level, which has global implications.
Sustained Ranavirus outbreak causes mass-mortality and morbidity in imperiled amphibians.

A persistent two-month long outbreak of Ranavirus in a natural community of amphibians contributed to a mass die-off of gopher frog tadpoles (Lithobates capito) and severe disease in striped newts (Notophthalmus perstriatus) in Florida. Ongoing mortality in L. capito and signs in N. perstriatus continued for five weeks after the first observation. Hemorrhagic disease and necrosis were diagnosed from pathological examination of L. capito tadpoles. We confirmed detection of a Frog Virus 3 (FV3)-like Ranavirus via quantitative PCR in all species. Our findings highlight the susceptibility of these species to Rv and the need for long-term disease surveillance during epizootics.
Prognostic Impact of Matted Lymphadenopathy in Oropharynx Cancer Treated With Chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Identifying prognostic factors beyond p16 status and smoking history in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) is an area of active research. Prior data have suggested that the relatively straightforward radiologic finding of matted lymphadenopathy (ML) was strongly associated with disease-specific survival after chemoradiotherapy (CRT), but these results have not been validated in larger datasets. In this analysis, we evaluated the impact of ML on oncologic outcomes in a large cohort of patients treated with CRT for OPC. We hypothesized that ML would be associated with poorer outcomes as measured by rates of regional recurrence, distant metastasis and overall survival. MATERIALS/METHODS All OPC patients treated with definitive CRT at our institution between 2005 and 2018 were eligible for this retrospective analysis. ML was defined by three adjacent nodes without an intervening fat plane. Each subject scan was evaluated manually for these characteristics. Patients were stratified into favorable OPC (p16-positive with ≤ 10 pack-years smoking history) or unfavorable OPC (p16-negative or 10+ pack-years). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined using Kaplan-Meier statistics, and Cox regression was performed for multivariable adjustment. The cumulative incidences of distant metastasis (DM) and regional recurrence (RR) were calculated with death as a competing risk. RESULTS A total of 417 patients (220 favorable, 197 unfavorable) were included, with a median follow-up time for surviving patients of 49.9 months. For patients with favorable OPC, there were no associations between ML and OS, PFS, RR, or DM. In contrast, the presence of ML was significantly and independently associated with worsened OS in patients with unfavorable OPC; the 3-year OS without and with ML was 74% vs. 56% (P = 0.05). On multivariable regression, only ML (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03-2.65) and active smoking were significantly related to OS. Similarly, 3-year PFS was 67% vs 44% without vs. with ML (P < 0.01), and ML retained significance for decreased PFS on multivariable analysis (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.28-2.93). Finally, ML predicted increased rates of DM on both univariable and multivariable analysis (31% with vs. 9% without, HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.71-6.48, P < 0.01) for patients with unfavorable OPC. CONCLUSION Matted lymphadenopathy carried no meaningful prognostic impact in patients with favorable oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, arguing ML should not be a contraindication for treatment de-escalation. However, for patients with either a significant smoking history or HPV-negative disease, ML was associated with a markedly adverse outcome. This population of OPC may be particularly well-suited for treatment intensification.
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Mechanistic Knowledge and Innovation from Computer Models

Computational simulation is increasingly recognized as an integral aspect of modern cardiovascular research. Realistic and biophysically detailed models of the cardio-circulatory system can help interpret complex experimental observations, dissect underlying mechanisms, and explain emerging organ-scale phenomena resulting from subtle changes at the tissue, cellular, and/or sub-cellular scales. This chapter provides an overview of recent advances in the simulation of cardiac electrical behavior, focusing specifically on detailed models of the initiation, perpetuation, and termination of ventricular arrhythmias, including fibrillation. The development and validation of such models has opened several noteworthy avenues of research, including close scrutiny of arrhythmia dynamics in healthy and diseased hearts, dissection of arrhythmogenic and cardioprotective properties of specialized cardiac tissue regions such as the Purkinje system, and exploration of emerging paradigms for anti-arrhythmia treatment, such as optogenetics. Excitingly, the clinical community is currently taking the first steps towards using patient-specific ventricular models to stratify arrhythmia risk, personalize treatment planning, and optimize device placement for difficult or unusual procedures.
Translational efficiency of phi X174 lysis gene E is unaffected by upstream translation of the overlapping gene D reading frame.

Abstract The lysis gene E of bacteriophage phi X174 is entirely embedded in gene D. Expression studies of genes D and E in Escherichia coli minicells and lysis times obtained in the presence or absence of D translation showed that the simultaneous expression of gene D does not affect protein E production. Thus, unlike other overlapping gene pairs, gene E expression is independent from the upstream translation of gene D. lacZ fusion studies and primer extension inhibition analysis (toeprinting) revealed an intrinsically weak E ribosome-binding site, which seems to be the major factor determining the low expression rate of the gene and thus proper scheduling of cell lysis.
ROSAT Observations of 3 Cataclysmic Variables

We studied the cataclysmic variables MV Lyr, KR Aur, and EP Dra using the ROSAT PSPC; we report on each.
Application of set-membership identification to lightly damped systems

In this paper, we consider the problem of determining bounds on the uncertainty of lightly damped systems. We assume we have frequency domain input-output data. The system is parameterized in a way which is appropriate for modern robust control techniques. Bounds on the parameters of this model are then determined using set-membership identification. The a priori information necessary is a rough estimate of the natural frequency for each mode, an upper bound on the damping ratio for each mode, an upper bound on the error in each mode at points away from its natural frequency, and an upper bound on the magnitude of the noise as a function of frequency.
Advanced methods for teaching electronic-nose technologies to diagnosticians and clinical laboratory technicians

Electronic-detection technologies and instruments increasingly are being utilized in the biomedical field to perform a wide variety of clinical operations and laboratory analyses to facilitate the delivery of health care to patients. The introduction of improved electronic instruments for diagnosing diseases and for administering treatments has required new training of laboratory technicians in order that they may perform routine clinical operations, point-of-care testing, and laboratory analyses using these new diagnostic tools. Continuous education and competency of clinical laboratory technicians in the proper use of these new healthcare tools, such as electronic-nose (e-nose) devices, is required to obtain accurate and timely information needed for making patient management decisions and for developing better and more efficient treatments for patients than are possible with conventional methods. E-nose devices are ideal instruments for the rapid detection and diagnosis of disease via detection of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are effective bioindicators of disease found within human breath, fluid and tissue samples sent to clinical laboratories for analysis. The proper training of technicians in the effective use of e-nose instruments for healthcare applications requires thorough understanding of the theoretical workings of e-nose devices and practical knowledge of specialized methodologies. This paper provides a summary of some advanced e-nose methodologies and techniques necessary for training clinical laboratory technicians in the proper use and operation of e-nose devices.
p‐type gallium nitride by reactive ion‐beam molecular beam epitaxy with ion implantation, diffusion, or coevaporation of Mg

Gallium nitride is one of the most promising materials for ultraviolet and blue light‐emitting diodes and lasers. The principal technical problem that limits device applications has been achieving controllable p‐type doping. Molecular beam epitaxy assisted by a nitrogen ion beam produced p‐type GaN when doped via ion implantation, diffusion, or coevaporation of Mg. Nearly intrinsic p‐type material was also produced without intentional doping, exhibiting hole carrier concentrations of 5×1011 cm−3 and hole mobilities of over 400 cm2/V/s at 250 K. This value for the hole mobility is an order of magnitude greater than previously reported.
Gene-environment interactions in Parkinson's disease: Specific evidence in humans and mammalian models

Interactions between genetic factors and environmental exposures are thought to be major contributors to the etiology of Parkinson's disease. While such interactions are poorly defined and incompletely understood, recent epidemiological studies have identified specific interactions of potential importance to human PD. In this review, the most current data on gene-environment interactions in PD from human studies are critically discussed. Animal models have also highlighted the importance of genetic susceptibility to toxicant exposure and data of potential relevance to human PD are discussed. Goals and needs for the future of the field are proposed.
Beam-gas spectrum of sulfur, 500–1200 Å*

The beam-gas technique has been used to obtain the vuv spectra of the sulfur ions in an attempt to provide additional spectroscopic information on S. Digital recording and analysis were used to reduce uncertainties of measured wavelengths to ±0.1 A. Over 120 new lines were analyzed, many of which were comparable in intensity to well known transitions in the various S ions. In addition, peak intensity-vs-beam-energy measurements were used to suggest charge-state assignments for most of the new transitions. Where possible, the new transitions were correlated with previously known energy levels in the S ions. The majority of the newly observed transitions apparently arise from presently unknown term values.
THE GENETIC VERSUS THE AXIOMATIC METHOD: RESPONDING TO FEFERMAN 1977

Feferman (1977) argues that category theory cannot stand on its own as a structuralist foundation for mathematics: he claims that, because the notions of operation and collection are both epistemically and logically prior, we require a background theory of operations and collections. Recently [2011], I have argued that in rationally reconstructing Hilbert’s organizational use of the axiomatic method, we can construct an algebraic version of category-theoretic structuralism. That is, in reply to Shapiro (2005), we can be structuralists all the way down; we do not have to appeal to some background theory to guarantee the truth of our axioms. In this paper, I again turn to Hilbert; I borrow his (Hilbert, 1900a) distinction between the genetic method and the axiomatic method to argue that even if the genetic method requires the notions of operation and collection, the axiomatic method does not. Even if the genetic method is in some sense epistemically or logically prior, the axiomatic method stands alone. Thus, if the claim that category theory can act as a structuralist foundation for mathematics arises from the organizational use of the axiomatic method, then it does not depend on the prior notions of operation or collection, and so we can be structuralists all the way up.
Uric acid: a participating factor in the symptoms of hyperactivity.

Uric acid has been implicated in behavioral processes for hundreds of years, starting with Sydenham in the 1600s (Garrod 1876), who regarded gouty patients to be more often than not among the intelligentsia of society. More recent evidence for the behavioral actions of uric acid have been noted in uric acid-treated rats showing improved learning and memory, even after electroconvulsive therapy (Essman 1970). Uric acid has also been correlated with drive and achievement among 51 college professors; drive, achievement and leadership among gouty patients (Murray 1980); and motivation and overachievement behavior as well as scores on aptitude tests among high school students (Kasl et al. 1970a,b). Hyperuricemics were found to score higher than normouricemics in a dominance (leadership) scale, an achievement scale, and an achievement motivation composite test (Fowler 1973). Uric acid, because it contains a xanthine ring as other methyl-xanthines, such as caffeine and theophylline, has been postulated to be a mild cortical stimulant in humans (Growan 1955). The purpose of this preliminary research was to correlate behavioral factors used in the diagnosis of the hyperactive syndrome with serum uric acid levels in a normal population of pre-
Two-photon coherent transients

Two-photon nutation, free-induction decay, and population inversion by adiabatic rapid passage have been studid in NH3. These effects are easily visualized with a vector model. Relaxation times T1 and T2, have been measured.
Three Mistakes about Retributivism

Retributive theories of punishment maintain that criminal guilt merits or deserves punishment, regardless of considerations of social utility. Such theories may be put forth for either of two reasons: (1) It could be argued (e.g. by a Moral Sense theorist) that the claim is a primitive and unanalysed proposition which is morally ultimate. Every ethical theory necessarily involves at least one such primitive (e.g. ‘happiness is good’, ‘freedom is to be respected’, etc.) and the retributivist may be offering this as his candidate. We can, he may argue, just intuit the “fittingness” of guilt and punishment. (2) It might be maintained (as it was, I believe, by both Kant and Hegel) that the retributivist claim is demanded by a general theory of political obligation which is more plausible than any alternative theory. Such a theory will typically provide a technical analysis of such notions as crime and punishment and will thus not regard the retributivist claim as an indisputable primitive. It will be argued for as a kind of theorem within the system.
Kinetics and reactivity of the flavin and heme cofactors of cellobiose dehydrogenase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

ABSTRACT : The flavin cofactor within cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) was found to be responsible forthe reduction of all electron acceptors tested. This includes cytochrome c, the reduction of which hasbeen reported to be by the reduced heme of CDH. The heme group was shown to affect the reactivity andactivation energy with respect to individual electron acceptors, but the heme group was not involved inthe direct transfer of electrons to substrate. A complicated interaction was found to exist between theflavin and heme of cellobiose dehydrogenase. The addition of electron acceptors was shown to increasethe rate of flavin reduction and the electron transfer rate between the flavin and heme. All electron acceptorstested appeared to be reduced by the flavin domain. The addition of ferric iron eliminated the flavinradical present in reduced CDH, as detected by low temperature ESR spectroscopy, while it increased theflavin radical ESR signal in the independent flavin domain, more commonly referred to as cellobiose:quinone oxidoreductase (CBQR). Conversely, no radical was detected with either CDH or CBQR uponthe addition of methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Similar reaction rates and activation energies were determinedfor methyl-1,4-benzoquinone with both CDH and CBQR, whereas the rate of iron reduction by CDH wasfive times higher than by CBQR, and its activation energy was 38 kJ/mol lower than that of CBQR.Oxygen, which may be reduced by either one or two electrons, was found to behave like a two-electronacceptor. Superoxide production was found only upon the inclusion of iron. Additionally, information ispresented indicating that the site of substrate reduction may be in the cleft between the flavin and hemedomains.A cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH)
Bull's-Eye Maculopathy in an Infant With Leigh Disease

Purpose To report a bull's-eye maculopathy-like fundus abnormality in an infant with Leigh disease. Design Observational case report. Methods We reviewed the medical, ophthalmic, and genetic records of an eight-month-old boy who presented with hypotonia and bilaterally decreased vision. Results The ophthalmic examination revealed poor fixation, marked hyperopia, attenuated retinal vessels, and bull's-eye maculopathy. A white blood cell mitochondrial DNA analysis demonstrated a T to G mutation at position 8993 in the mitochondrial ATPase 6 gene. A skeletal muscle biopsy was homoplasmic for this mutation, consistent with a severe mitochondrial disorder. Conclusion Leigh disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with neurologic deficits and a bull's-eye maculopathy.
An association between RBMX, a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein, and ARTS-1 regulates extracellular TNFR1 release.

The type I, 55-kDa tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR1) is released to the extracellular space by two mechanisms, the constitutive release of TNFR1 exosome-like vesicles and the inducible proteolytic cleavage of TNFR1 ectodomains. Both pathways appear to be regulated by an interaction between TNFR1 and ARTS-1 (aminopeptidase regulator of TNFR1 shedding). Here, we sought to identify ARTS-1-interacting proteins that modulate TNFR1 release. Co-immunoprecipitation identified an association between ARTS-1 and RBMX (RNA-binding motif gene, X chromosome), a 43-kDa heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein. RNA interference attenuated RBMX expression, which reduced both the constitutive release of TNFR1 exosome-like vesicles and the IL-1β-mediated inducible proteolytic cleavage of soluble TNFR1 ectodomains. Reciprocally, over-expression of RBMX increased TNFR1 exosome-like vesicle release and the IL-1β-mediated inducible shedding of TNFR1 ectodomains. This identifies RBMX as an ARTS-1-associated protein that regulates both the constitutive release of TNFR1 exosome-like vesicles and the inducible proteolytic cleavage of TNFR1 ectodomains.
Face-bow transfer in prosthodontics: a systematic review of the literature

Summary An extensive search for randomised controlled clinical trials was accomplished to compare dental prostheses and occlusal splints constructed with or without face-bow transfer, and question whether face-bow transfer may present better clinical results than simpler approaches. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on the Health Science, and Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry). The keywords ‘dental articulator’, ‘semi-adjustable articulator’, ‘face-bow’, ‘jaw relation record’ and ‘occlusal splint therapy’ were used. The minimum inclusion requirements were (i) randomised controlled trials with patients of any age, (ii) comparison between dental prostheses or occlusal splints constructed with or without face-bow transfer and (iii) assessment of clinician's time, number of occlusal contacts, patient satisfaction or masticatory function. The search resulted in the identification of 8779 articles. Subsequently, 8763 articles were excluded on the basis of title and abstract. By the end of the search phase, eight randomised controlled trials were considered eligible. Current scientific evidence suggests that face-bow transfer is not imperative to achieve better clinical results in prosthodontics. Randomised clinical trials suggest that simpler approaches for the construction of complete dentures and occlusal splints may present acceptable results, while no clinical study has investigated its use in fixed and removable partial dentures.
Hydraulic flow tests of APWR reactor internals for safety analysis

Abstract A concept of radial neutron reflector of APWR brings about safety problems relevant to the flow induced vibration and thermal deformation. The CFD code has been expected to solve them by calculating pressure fluctuations of turbulent flow in the downcomer and the flow distribution into the neutron reflector. A series of hydraulic flow tests was conducted by NUPEC from 1998 to 2002 to demonstrate the new design of the neutron reflector and to obtain test data for validating the CFD code. The measured pressure fluctuations in the downcomer and their statistics were utilized for validating the specific turbulent model to be able to calculate a spectrum of pressure fluctuation such as the LES model. The measured flow rates at inlet holes of the lower core plate were utilized for validating for the general turbulent model, for example, the k – ɛ turbulent model. The calculated results with the LES model agreed well with the measured pressure fluctuations and their spectrum, but did not agree with the correlation between adjacent pressure fluctuations. On the other hand, the calculation results with the k – ɛ turbulent model agreed well with the measured flow rates at inlet holes of the lower core plate.
Computational models of hair cell bundle mechanics: I. Single stereocilium

A distributed parameter model for describing the response of a stereocilium to an applied force is presented. This model is based on elasticity theory, plus the geometry and material properties of the stereocilium. The stereocilia shaft above the taper is not assumed to be perfectly rigid. It is assumed to be deformable and that two separate mechanisms are involved in its deformation: bending and shear. The influence of each mode of deformation is explored in parametric studies. Results show that the magnitude of tip deflection depends on the shear compliance of the stereocilium material, the degree of base taper, and stereocilium height. Furthermore, the deformation profiles observed experimentally will occur only if there are constraints on the geometry and material properties of the stereocilium.
Negative Roles of Salt in Gelation Properties of Fish Protein Isolate

: Salt effect on gelling properties of fish protein isolate (FPI) prepared by acid- and alkali-aided extraction was investigated. Acid- or alkali-extracted FPI formed significantly better gel texture with 0% NaCl than with 3% NaCl. Texture properties of acid- or alkali-extracted FPI decreased as NaCl content increased, especially at 2% to 3% salt. Contrarily, salt significantly promoted texture qualities of conventional surimi gels. The effect was highlighted when they were subjected to low temperature setting. The myofibrillar proteins in FPI were not solubilized when NaCl was added, perhaps due to protein aggregation caused by acid or alkali extraction. FPI solubility, however, was not closely related to their texture properties. Cold setting did not promote texture properties of FPI gels as much as conventional surimi gels. Acid-extracted gels gave the best color properties.
Perturbation approach to orientational memory functions: Comparison with simulations and experiment

The predictions of a recent theoretical proposal for the calculation of orientational time-correlation functions for low-torque fluids are tested against experiment and computer simulation. In the theory, memory functions are modeled as the product of the free-rotor function multiplied by the perturbation term due to the intermolecular torques. This term is taken to be a Gaussian function of time. The liquids considered include: O2 (experimental); N2, F2, HCl, CCl4, CH4 and CBr4 (all simulated). In most cases agreement with theory was very good, considering that no adjustable parameters were available.
Sucrose in storage media and cultivar affects post-storage regrowth of in vitro Hosta propagules

The goal of this research was to investigate if culturing in high sucrose (5%) liquid media during multiplication phase (stage II) would enhance endogenous sugar levels and dry matter sufficiently to allow storage of in vitro plants in sugar free media without adversely affecting post-storage recovery. Hosta tokudama ‘Newberry Gold (NBG)’ and Hosta ‘Striptease’ were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing 5% sucrose during stage II and transferred to rooting phase (stage III) in MS medium without (0%) sucrose or with 3% sucrose for 4 weeks. At the end of stage III, cultures were stored, with the remaining media, at 10 °C with 5 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) from cool white fluorescent lamps for 7 or 14 weeks with or without a 2-week dark period prior to removal from storage. In both cultivars, stage III plants cultured in 3% sucrose media had higher soluble sugar levels and greater shoot and root biomass than those cultured in 0% sucrose media. Shoot and root soluble sugars decreased during storage. Shoot growth ceased during storage in both media. Root dry matter continued to increase in plants stored in 3% sucrose media but did not change in 0% sucrose media. Plants cultured in 3% sucrose media had less leaf chlorosis and less mortality after 7 or 14 weeks of low temperature storage than the plantlets from sugar free media. Extending the storage period from 7 to 14 weeks or introduction of 2-week dark period at the end of storage did not affect leaf chlorosis or plant mortality during acclimatization. Post-storage growth varied with the cultivar. Benefit of having sucrose in storage media was to develop a strong root system that aided the acclimatization and post-storage growth following 7 or 14 week storage. Sucrose ‘loading’ by culturing plants in liquid media containing 5% sucrose did not allow storage in sugar free media without adversely affecting post-storage growth in both cultivars.
Shot Noise in Transistors

The shot noise generated in a transistor may be represented in an equivalent circuit by a current generator ip across the collector junction and an emf es in series with the emitter junction. The characteristics of ip have been established by measurements of output equivalent saturated diode current made with the input open. The noise is independent of frequency up to approximately f??1-?0/L-l\ I-? o where?fa is the a-cutoff frequency of the transistor. It increases sharply in the neighborhood of f?, but then levels off at higher frequencies. The collector saturated current shows full shot effect up to frequencies well beyond the ?-cutoff frequency. Information about es and about the correlation between es and ip has been obtained from measurements of the noise figure. At low frequencies (f<<f?), es and ip are partially correlated for some transistors, while in others there is little or no correlation. Except for very small values of the source resistance, the main contribution to the noise figure comes from ip rather than from es. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of a recent theory by van der Ziel. Good agreement has been obtained.
Synthetic iron III phosphates: Topotactic transformation of Fe 2 (P 2 O 7 )(HPO 4 ) to Fe 4 (P 2 O 7 ) 3 , a more condensed magnetic structure

Aspects of the magnetism, structure and synthesis of the topotactically related synthetic Iron III phosphates, Fe2(P2O7)(HPO4) and Fe4(P2O7)3, are presented.
Elliptically Polarized High-Order Harmonic Emission from Molecules in Linearly Polarized Laser Fields

We perform an accurate polarimetry measurement of high-order harmonic emission from aligned molecules. We find that harmonic emission from N2 can be strongly elliptically polarized even when driven by linearly polarized laser fields. These data have broad implications for understanding molecules in strong fields because they cannot be explained by simple theories based on the strong field approximation and single active electron models. Finally, this work also shows that it is possible to engineer the polarization properties of harmonic emission by carefully preparing a molecular medium. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.073902
SRAM-based NBTI/PBTI sensor system design

NBTI has been a major aging mechanism for advanced CMOS technology and PBTI is also looming as a big concern. This work first proposes a compact on-chip sensor design that tracks both NBTI and PBTI for both logic and SRAM circuits. Embedded in an SRAM array the sensor takes the form of a 6T SRAM cell and is at least 30× smaller than previous designs. Extensively reusing the SRAM peripheral circuitry minimizes control logic overhead. Sensing overhead is further amortized as the sensors can be both reconfigured and recycled as functional SRAM cells, potentially increasing SRAM yield when other bit cells fail due to initial process variation or long time aging effects. The paper also proposes a variation-aware sensor system design methodology by quantifying and leveraging the tradeoff between the size and number of sensors and the system sensing precision. Design examples show that a system of 500 sensors can achieve 4mV precision with 98.8% confidence, and a system of 1K sensors designed for 1M SRAM bit cells achieves 2000× area overhead reduction compared to a worst-case based approach.
Accessibility of sulfhydryl residues induced by cytochalasin B binding and conformational dynamics in the human erythrocyte glucose transporter

Abstract Studies with intact cells have implicated essential sulfhydryl groups in the carrier-mediated glucose transport of human erythrocytes. In an attempt to identify and characterize such essential sulfhydryl residues we have studied the interaction of p -chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) with a purified glucose transporter preparation (band 4.5) from human erythrocytes, in the presence and absence of its ligands, and the effects of this interaction on the binding of cytochalasin B (CB) to the transporter. At least 3 mol of PCMB reacted per mol of this preparation. A portion of the reaction was significantly enhanced in the presence of cytochalasin B. This enhancement was a saturable function of CB concentration, and was half-maximal at a CB concentration equal to the dissociation constant for the CB binding to the preparation. This CB-sensitive, PCMB reaction product comigrated with the band 4.5 on lithium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An excess of d -glucose did not affect the PCMB reaction by itself in the absence of CB, but totally abolished the CB-induced enhancement of the PCMB reaction. PCMB inhibited the CB binding activity of the transporter preparation, and this inhibition was also enhanced in the presence of CB. These results suggest that CB binding perturbs the conformational dynamics of the glucose transporter resulting in an exposure of at least two sulfhydryl residues to PCMB reaction, and that some of these CB-sensitive sulfhydryl groups are essential for CB binding to the transporter.
Prediction of Secchi disc depths in Florida lakes: Impact of algal biomass and organic color

A model for the prediction of Secchi disc depths in Florida lakes was developed and tested using data from 205 lakes. A statistical analysis showed that the best estimate of lake Secchi disc depths could be obtained by In (SD) = 2.01 − 0.370 In (Chla) − 0.278 In (C) where SD is Secchi disc depth (m), Chla is the chlorophyll a concentration (mg/m3) and C is the organic color concentration (mg/l as Pt). The model yields unbiased estimates of lake Secchi disc depths over a wide range of algal and organic color concentrations and has a 95% confidence interval of 47 to 224% of the calculated Secchi disc depth. Other published Secchi-Chlorophyll models are less precise but can be used almost equally well. This indicates organic color concentrations do not affect lake Secchi disc depths as much as algal levels. Further reductions in the remaining error term, however, might be accomplished by including a variable for suspended inorganic sediment.
An objective means of diagnosing anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa using 15N/14N and 13C/12C ratios in hair

An objective means based on the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of five hairs per individual is presented for distinguishing between individuals with anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia nervosa from non-clinical individuals (i.e. clinically normal controls). Using discriminant analysis, an algorithm has been developed that provides both sensitivity and specificity of 80% in making diagnoses of individuals with these eating disorders. With further refinements, the results suggest that it may be also possible to distinguish between individuals with anorexia or bulimia. Finally, the study shows the value of conducting blind tests and using larger sample sizes of both control and treatment groups. Both groups are needed to validate the diagnostic value of a method and to provide measures of sensitivity and specificity of any diagnostic test.
Greenhouse warming and changes in the seasonal cycle of temperature: Model versus observations

Thomson [1995] argues that an enhanced green-house effect may be altering the seasonal cycle in temperature. We compare trends in the amplitude and phase of the seasonal cycle in observational temperature data in the northern hemisphere with the response of two general circulation models to increased CO2 concentrations. Sizeable amplitude decreases are observed in both models and observations. Significant phase delays (ie, later seasonal transitions) are found in the simulations, opposite to the phase advances isolated in the observations. The retreat of winter sea ice in high-latitude regions appears to explain the models' response to CO2 increase. Much of the variability in the observational data is not predicted by the models.
Oyster amoebocytes in vitro

Abstract Oyster amoebocytes migrate from heart explants, and survive up to 70 days in tissue-culture systems. Such cells are phagocytic; several types may be distinguished by cytological characteristics. The techniques described may be used to gain more detailed information concerning molluscan cellular defense mechanisms.
Classification of Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes: Molecular Biologic Approaches

Abstract Adrenergic receptors have been studied extensively for more than 30 years, first by physiological means, later with pharmacologic and biochemical approaches, and within the past several years by molecular biology. This extensive body of work provided the basis for subdividing the adrenergic receptors into β-, α 1 -, and α 2 -adrenergic receptor types and, subsequently, into β 1 -, β 2 -, α 1A -, α 1B -, α 2A -, and α 2B -adrenergic receptor subtypes. Although the pharmacologic approach indicated that there exist multiple subtypes of each type of adrenergic receptor, it was the molecular cloning of adrenergic receptor cDNAs/genes that demonstrated the existence of three genes encoding each adrenergic receptor type in humans and rats (and therefore probably in all mammals). The nine adrenergic receptor proteins expressed in cultured cells faithfully mimic the basic pharmacologic and biochemical properties ascribed to these receptors. In this article, we review the molecular cloning and characterization of the adrenergic receptors with special emphasis on the α 2 -adrenergic receptors and we discuss a classification scheme based on the hypothetical molecular evolution of the adrenergic receptors.
Long-Term Outcome and Toxicity of Salvage Brachytherapy for Local Failure After Initial Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Purpose To describe long-term outcomes and toxicity after salvage brachytherapy (BT) for local failure after initial radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Methods and Materials Between 1994 and 2008, 37 men with local failure after initial prostate radiotherapy (32 external-beam radiation therapy [EBRT] and 5 BT) underwent salvage BT with 103 Pd or 125 I. Estimates of freedom from biochemical failure (FFbF, Phoenix definition) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Toxicities were graded using CTCv3.0. Results Median follow-up was 86 months (range, 2–156). The median dose to 90% of the prostate volume was 122 Gy (range, 67–166). The 10-year FFbF and CSS were 54% and 96%, respectively. On univariate analysis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >10 ng/mL at initial diagnosis was significantly associated with FFbF ( p = 0.01), and there were trends for both age p = 0.08) and PSA p = 0.08) at the time of salvage BT. On multivariate analysis, only presalvage PSA p = 0.046) was significantly associated with improved FFbF. There were three Grade 3 toxicities and one Grade 4 toxicity. Pelvic lymph node dissection before salvage BT was the only variable significantly associated with Grade ≥2 toxicity ( p = 0.03). Conclusion With a median follow-up of 86 months, salvage prostate BT was associated with a 10-year FFbF of 54% and CSS of 96%. Improved FFbF was associated with a presalvage PSA
Academic excellence in manufacturing engineering

Abstract Manufacturing Systems are inherently complex and interdisciplinary, and are normally analyzed in a piecewise fashion using experimental techniques which provide relatively little physical insight or theoritical methods brrowed from other disciplines (e.g., structural mechanics, control theory, etc.). For these reasons Manufacturing Engineering is often considered an unscientific and intuitive subject. With the increasing demand for manufacturing systems to operate at higher production rates without human intervention to reduce manufacturing costs, it is becoming increasingly important to develop scientifically based, general, and efficient analysis tools specifically tailored to the complex interdisciplinary problems encountered in Manufacturing Engineering. In addition to having direct practical benefits, such tools would stimulate academic interest in this field and help alleviate current academic and industrial personnel shortages in the manufacturing area. This paper describes one such analysis tool, the Dynamic Data System (D.D.S.) methodology, which has been developed at the University of Wisconsin. The D.D.S. methodology combines time series and systems analysis concepts in a computer-based modeling strategy for obtaining a physically meaningfully model of a system directly from input and output data in the form of stochastic difference/differential equations. The methodology can be applied to forecasting, control, system identification, characterization, signature analysis, and design. The basic features of the methodology, representative applications to the on-line detection and suppression of chatter in turning and the active compensation for roundness errors in boring, and areas for future development are discussed.
meso-1,2-bis(methylazo)-1,2-diphenylethane.

The title compound, meso-1,2-bis­(methyl­diazenyl)-1,2-di­phenyl­ethane, C16H18N4, is arranged in a disordered manner around an inversion point. The N—N atom distances in the azo group of 1.192 (8) and 1.195 (8) A, and the C—C atom distances in the ethyl­ene moiety at 1.512 (8) and 1.503 (8) A in the two models [refined to 51.7 (6) and 48.3 (6)% occupancies] were not significantly different.
Associative mediational processes in the acquired equivalence and distinctiveness of cues.

Three experiments used rats to examine the acquired equivalence or distinctiveness of cues occurring when 2 auditory and 2 visual stimuli were associated with either the same or with different reinforcing outcomes (A1+, A2+, V1*, and V2* vs. A1+, A2*, V1+, and V2*). Subsequent single modality discrimination learning (e.g., A1+, A2-) was assessed in Experiment 1, whereas in Experiment 2, visual and auditory discriminations were tested concurrently (i.e., A1+, A2-, V1-, V2*). In Experiment 3, auditory and visual discriminations (A1+, A2-, V1-, V2*) were trained and then reversed, using either the same (A1-, A2+, V1*, V2-) or different outcomes (A1-, A2*, V1+, V2-) within each stimulus modality. Discriminations were learned more rapidly in these studies when different outcomes were associated with stimuli from the same modality. These results challenge associative mediational theories of acquired equivalence and distinctiveness.