cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Security sector corruption and military effectiveness: the influence of corruption on countermeasures against Boko Haram in Nigeria

The paper explores connections between corruption and military effectiveness. It positions efforts to defeat Boko Haram in Nigeria within the doorstep of governance challenges. The empirical eviden...
Teaching introductory progamming using multiplayer board game strategies in Greenfoot

Introducing programming concepts to students that are new to the subject is a challenging task. In this paper we discuss the use of multiplayer board game strategies to teach fundamentals of programming in Java with the Greenfoot environment. These strategies will expose students to complex problem solving within an object oriented framework in a fun and engaging activity. By devising strategies to beat fellow classmates, students actively engage skill sets important to programming. We use the Quriodor board game, of which a game engine was developed in Greenfoot. Students spent the first half of the semester learning basic programming constructs such as classes, variables, functions, expressions, control flow and inheritance, as well as familiarizing themselves with the Greenfoot environment. The second half of the semester was spent, paired in teams of two, applying what students had learned to more challenging concepts such as arrays, recursion and use of the game engine's Application Programming Interface (API) to develop a robust player strategy. At the conclusion of the course, students pitted their best strategies against each other in an end of semester Battle Royal.
Activin type II receptor ligand signaling inhibition after experimental ischemic heart failure attenuates cardiac remodeling and prevents fibrosis

Activin type II receptor ligand inhibition resulted in preserved cardiac function, a decrease in cardiac fibrosis, improved SERCA2a levels, and a prevention of the unfolded protein response in mice...
On the Efficacy of Using Android Debugging Bridge for Android Device Forensics

Mobile device forensics is an expanding field. As mobile devices permeate society, the ability to effectively extract forensic data from such devices is critical. Malware for mobile devices is also a growing threat. The efficacy of forensic tools is of critical importance to both researchers and practitioners. Evaluating a wide range of tools enables the selection of the appropriate tool for a given investigation. One method of evaluating forensic tools is to analyze the tools ability to detect mobile malware. Many commercial and open source forensic tools do not effectively find malware on a mobile device. This gap in capabilities requires a manual approach to extracting such data. This current study documents an experimental study to determine the efficacy of specific commercial tools in identifying malware on an Android phone. Then a methodology for utilizing the Android Debugging Bridge to identify suspect files that have a high probability of being malware. That methodology is expanded into a generalized forensic analysis approach utilizing the Android Debugging Bridge.)
MULTI-SCALE ANALYSIS OF JACK PINE SAPLINGS AFTER FIRE ACROSS BURN SEVERITIES

Abstract. Fire serves as a successional initiation in jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forests of North America, as jack pine reproduce using seratonous cones that open only in intense heat. Jack pine seedling resilience after fire is characterized by high numbers of mortality. The estimation of sapling survivability and density is useful for understanding dynamics of carbon sequestration, forest structure and dynamic, and supporting management of the landscape. Most studies concerning the interaction of forest disturbances occurs at moderate spatial resolution. These moderate resolution data analyses do not adequately capture the fine scale spatial variation of the landscape after fire for understanding sapling survival. Thus, high-resolution data, such as aerial photography may provide more detailed information to support decision-making. A key to the types of spatial patterns that emerge in these early years is the pre-fire stand condition. In heavily managed areas, the mosaic of forest patches may include extensive variety in disturbance conditions. In this current research we address the problem of scale in relation to understanding the influence of pre-fire condition on post-fire early recovery patterns. To do this, we combine data output from the LandTrendr algorithm in Google Earth Engine with spectral data from aerial photography collected by airplane and Unmanned Aerial System to perform a random forest classification. The result is a finer scale resolution map of forest conditions of varying sapling density.
Determining the Energy of Activation of a Salt, Water, and Alcohol Emulsion

A highly visual, inexpensive, straightforward laboratory experiment for the determination of the activation energy of a demulsification process is presented. The experiment uses low-density polyeth...
Associations between prenatal maternal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and birth outcomes among pregnant women in San Francisco

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used in consumer products for their water repellent and flame retardant properties, respectively. However, there is widespread prenatal exposure and concern about their potential harm to the developing fetus. Here, we utilized data from a demographically diverse cohort of women in San Francisco, CA to examine associations between prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDEs with gestational age and birth weight for gestational age z-scores. Women included in this analysis were enrolled in the Chemicals in our Bodies (CIOB) cohort study (N = 506). PFAS and PBDEs were measured in serum obtained during the second trimester of pregnancy. Linear regression models were used to calculate crude and adjusted β coefficients for the association between PFAS and PBDE concentrations in tertiles and gestational age and birth weight z-scores. Individual PFAS and PBDE concentrations, as well as their sums, were examined in separate models. The highest compared to lowest tertile of BDE-47 was associated with shorter gestational age (β = − 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = − 0.95, − 0.02). Additionally, exposure to BDE-47 and BDE-99 in the middle tertile was also associated with a reduction in birth weight z-scores (β = − 0.26, 95% CI = -0.48, − 0.04; β = − 0.25, 95% CI = -0.47, − 0.04, respectively) compared to those in the lowest tertile of exposure. No consistent associations were observed between increasing PFAS concentrations and gestational age or birth weight z-scores. Among a diverse group of pregnant women in the San Francisco Bay Area, we found non-linear associations between prenatal exposure to PBDEs during the second trimester of pregnancy and birth weight z-scores. However, most PFAS congeners were not associated with adverse birth outcomes. PFAS and PBDE concentrations were lower in our cohort relative to other studies. Future research should assess the effects of emerging and persistent PFAS and PBDEs on birth outcomes, as some congeners are being phased out and replaced by chemically similar structures.
CNS non-germinomatous germ cell tumor causing obstructive hydrocephalus, Parinaud’s syndrome, and secondary Parkinsonism (P3.6-016)

Objective: NA Background: CNS germ cell tumors occur at an incidence of 0.10 per 100,000 in the United States, belonging to a spectrum of extragonadal germ cell malignancies thought to arise from aberrant rostral-to-caudal migration during embryogenesis. In the brain, the majority are located in the pineal and suprasellar regions. Response to treatment depends on the degree of differentiation and recent data indicate that six alternating cycles of carboplatin/etoposide and ifosfamide/etoposide offer the best result for non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT). Design/Methods: NA Results: A 23-year-old man with history of hepatic abscess complicated by portal vein thrombus and secondary splenomegaly being treated with warfarin presented in early June 2018 with headache, blurry vision, and fatigue. Head CT and gadolinium-enhanced MRI revealed a left thalamic mass with compression of the cerebral aqueduct, requiring an immediate ventriculoperitoneal shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus. He was discharged and re-presented in late June 2018 with worsening encephalopathy, Parinaud’s syndrome, and secondary Parkinsonism. A stereotactic biopsy was performed with pathology showing a NGGCT with yolk sac component. His serum and cerebrospinal fluid AFP were 1011 ng/ml and 677.9 ng/ml, respectively, an increase from 115.8 ng/ml and 0.6 ng/ml in early June. He was initiated on six alternating cycles of carboplatin/etoposide and etoposide/ifosfamide, with an appropriate decrease in AFP and tumor size. The patient’s clinical course was complicated initially by shunt malfunction and hydrocephalus, requiring repeated ventriculostomies, which later resolved when the tumor responded to treatment. He also received carbidopa-levodopa for secondary Parkinsonism and intensive rehabilitation to regain his motor functions. Conclusions: This case demonstrates positive response of a pineal region NGGCT to alternating cycles of carboplatin/etoposide and ifosfamide/etoposide in a young adult. Complications that developed include obstructive hydrocephalus, Parinaud’s syndrome, and secondary Parkinsonism, which can all be addressed with appropriate interventions. Disclosure: Dr. Cole has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sarangi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Einstein has received research support from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Trovagene Inc., and Oncbiomune Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr. Wong has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Advance Medical, Merck, and Novocure. Dr. Wong has received research support from Novocure.
“We’re open to all”: The paradox of diversity in the U.S.-based free fitness movement

Recent interdisciplinary scholarship has drawn increased critical attention to issues related to race, gender, class, and culture within public physical activity (PA) spaces, foregrounding the impo...
Physiology of Enterococci

Enterococci are medically important bacteria that also happen to comprise part of the normal human intestinal flora. This chapter reviews an expanding literature on enterococcal physiology, emphasizing those topics that have been more thoroughly studied: central carbon metabolism, respiration, ion transport, pyrimidine and folate pathways, stress responses, and the metabolism of reactive oxygen species. The newly completed genome databases for Enterococcus faecalisand E. faecium speeds up progress in many areas under current investigation. In addition, these databases should catalyze new studies on metabolism. These resources are used here to help identify putative genes in known or suspected metabolic pathways and spur additional interest in the many fascinating and unusual aspects of physiology for these medically important organisms. A wide variety of carbohydrates can be fermented by enterococci. Essential components of the E. faecalisrespiratory chain-de-methylmenaquinone, cytochrome bd, fumarate reductase, and F0F1-ATP synthase are described in the chapter. Oxidation of lactate for energy is also potentially linked to respiratory components. Growth on lactate is well characterized for E. faecalis, but surveys of other enterococci are lacking. For enterococci, investigators have commonly used E. hirae (formerly Streptococcus faecalis) to study ion transport mechanisms. Iron is an essential nutrient for aerotolerant microorganisms like enterococci. In a survey of enterococci, several strains were identified that produced two or three different siderophores. Except for folate, lipoic acid, demethylmenaquinone, and hematin, little is known about this topic for enterococci. Enterococci are potent producers and scavengers of reactive oxygen species.
Abnormal Organogenesis in the Limbs

The embryonic limb is a favorite tool of developmental biologists and teratologists. Not only does it serve as a model for highly interdependent developmental events in the embryo as a whole, it provides an excellent example wherein slight deviations in ontogeny are relatively easy to observe and quantify. In this chapter some recent advances in the knowledge of normal limb development in vertebrate embryos will be summarized. The discussion is mostly confined to developmental stages ranging from the initial appearance of a hillock of cells as an outgrowth from the embryonic flank through its elongation and formation of a pentadactyl appendage approximating the adult spatial pattern of cartilage and muscle. Since normal developmental events of the limb are better known in the chick embryo, these are correlated with embryonic stages of mammalian species at which corresponding events are thought to occur. A brief discussion of abnormal organogenesis caused by genetic and environmental factors follows and is illustrated by those few examples for which some information about the initial pathogenesis of the defect is available.
A model of palliative care: the palliative medicine program of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. A World Health Organization Demonstrations Project.

Patients with advanced diseases, both cancer and noncancer, experience high symptom prevalence and psychosocial distress. Multiple unmet needs in the physical, psychosocial and spiritual domains are common. In the United States, palliative medicine is an emerging discipline that focuses on meeting these needs to achieve optimal quality of life for the patient–family unit. The majority of palliative care programs in the U.S. are consultation based. In contrast, the Palliative Medicine Program of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation offers multidisciplinary, comprehensive care from a primary or a consultative focus. The program has clinical, research, and educational components. Established as a consultation service in 1987, the clinical component now includes inpatient and outpatient consultation services, a dedicated acute care inpatient hospital unit, outpatient palliative medicine and cancer pain clinics, palliative home care, hospice home care and hospice residential care. Over 800 new patient consultations took place in 1997. In this paper, development of the program and its structure are described. Challenges to effective communication in a large program within a tertiary care institution are discussed, and strategies designed to meet these challenges are presented.
Is Your Business Website Effective

Abstract This article presents a model for strategically evaluating an organization's website. Most website evaluation tools concentrate on technical observations like number of clicks to reach a page or time to download. The current model takes an upper-management strategic view of the site: Does it contribute all that it can to the organization's strategic initiatives? The model is organized around five categories of activities of marketing: (1) outgoing communication, (2) incoming communication, (3) customer support, (4) sales transactions, and (5) delivery. Using this model will help ensure an organization that its website is adding optimal value to the organization.
Field experiments in the control of a Jellyfish tracking ROV

Continuing ocean experiments demonstrate specific applications in which a jelly-tracking ROV pilot assist enhances collection of scientific data. Recent results have repeatedly demonstrated the tracker's ability to follow a jelly target for extended periods, as long as 34 minutes. Thus far, experimental demonstrations of the jelly tracker have incorporated a linear control law. This paper presents extensions to the control law that enable two new capabilities. The first extension compensates for steady ROV disturbances. The second extension gives pilots full authority in the null space of the jelly tracking regulation law. Bias compensation serves to smooth transition from human pilot to combined computer-human control and to establish a clear zero reference for supplementary pilot commands issued during tracking. Use of the regulator null space enables the pilots to view the target from multiple angles.
Long-term consequences of upper extremity peripheral neuropathy in former Vietnam prisoners of war

Background At the time of repatriation in 1973, a substantial number of Vietnam prisoners of war (POWs) were diagnosed with upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (UEPN). Objective To assess the long-term functional consequences of UEPN among former Vietnam POWs diagnosed with UEPN at repatriation. Subjects Former POWs with an International Classification of Diseases, Eighth Revision, code of peripheral neuropathy identified from a central database registry. Methods Cross-sectional survey. Standardized survey instruments and the SF-12 questionnaire were mailed to all subjects. A subsample of subjects completing the mailed survey was contacted by telephone to complete a semistructured questionnaire on current symptoms and physical limitations attributable to peripheral neuropathy. Results Seventy-nine percent of POWs diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy at repatriation currently experience some numbness or tingling more than 25 years after repatriation, and 63% currently experience pain in one or both hands. Although the average severity rating for numbness and pain was mild, 23% of the POWs still have moderate to severe pain. Ulnar neuropathy was present in more than 30% of the POWs. SF-12 physical composite scores were substantially lower among this group of POWs compared with an age-matched group from the Medical Outcomes Study. Conclusions For those POWs diagnosed with UEPN at repatriation, nearly 80% continue to experience symptoms of numbness, tingling, and pain, with nearly 25% reporting a moderate or greater degree of symptoms. The low physical function scores of this cohort are particularly troubling. More research concerning physical symptoms and conditions among former POWs is needed, and this research should also investigate what causes are responsible for the significantly lower physical functional status.
Profiles of Urine Drug Test in Clinical Pain Patients vs Pain Research Study Subjects

Objective. To examine similarities and differences in urine drug test (UDT) results in clinical pain patients and pain subjects participating in pain research studies. Design. An observational study with retrospective chart review and data analysis. Methods. We analyzed 1,874 UDT results obtained from 1) clinical pain patients (Clinical Group; n = 1,529) and 2) pain subjects consented to participate in pain research studies (Research Group; n = 345). Since several medications such as opioids used in pain management are drugs of abuse (DOA) and can result in a positive UDT, we specifically identified those cases of positive UDT due to nonprescribed DOA and designated these cases as positive UDT with DOA (PUD). Results. We found that 1) there was a higher rate of PUD in clinical pain patients (41.3%) than in pain research study subjects (14.8%); 2) although subjects in the Research Group were informed ahead of time that UDT will be conducted as a screening test, a substantial number (14.8%) of pain research study subjects still showed PUD; 3) there were different types of DOA between clinical pain patients (cannabinoids as the top DOA) and research study subjects (cocaine as the top DOA); and 4) a common factor associated with PUD was opioid therapy in both Clinical Group and Research Group. Conclusion. These results support previous findings that PUD is a common finding in clinical pain patients, particularly in those prescribed opioid therapy, and we suggest that UDT be used as routine screening testing in pain research studies.
Magnetospheric plasma flows associated with boundary waves and flux transfer events

We describe plasma flow perturbations in the outer magnetosphere during the passage of magnetopause boundary waves and cylindrically shaped flux transfer events (FTEs). Spacecraft which remain within the magnetosphere observe bipolar flows normal to the nominal magnetopause accompanied by flows nearly opposite to the direction of boundary wave and/or FTE motion. Flows are generally discontinuous across FTE and magnetopause boundaries, with reversals in the component of flow tangential to the nominal magnetopause expected during all magnetopause crossings and some entries into FTEs. No bipolar flows normal to the nominal magnetopause occur within FTEs unless they rotate and none occur in the magnetosheath unless the boundary waves propagate relative to the magnetosheath flow. IRM satellite observations on October 28, 1984 may be interpreted either in terms of FTEs or boundary waves.
The effect on anterior column loading due to different vertebral augmentation techniques.

Abstract Background. Vertebral compression fractures are a significant cause of morbidity amongst the elderly, resulting in pain, kyphosis, decreased mobility, and often depression. The two most popular operative treatments of compression wedge fractures are vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, however, which method leads to restoration of normal spinal loading is unknown. Methods. A cadaveric thoracolumbar spine model was fractured and then treated using one of two techniques: vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Three non-destructive loading regimes were applied to the intact, fractured and treated cases. Sub-adjacent nuclear pressure, used as a measure of anterior column loading, was determined for each experimental variant and loading case. Findings. The data indicate that nuclear pressure was substantially reduced after the spine was fractured. These pressures were minimally increased after treatment, however, not to the level of the pre-fractured condition. In all loading cases, there were no significant differences between the two treatment types. Interpretation. While our data show that both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty allow the disc to generate higher nuclear pressures, neither treatment increased nucleus pulposus pressure above the level of the intact state. This directly relates to the clinical condition in that adjacent segment fractures sustained subsequent to either treatment is likely the result of overall disease progression, and not a direct result of the intervention.
A variational method to model G1 surfaces over triangular meshes of arbitrary topology in R3

This article presents a method for constructing a G1-smooth surface, composed of independently parametrized triangular polynomial Bezier patches, to fit scattered data points triangulated in R3 with arbitrary topology. The method includes a variational technique to optimize the shape of the surface. A systematic development of the method is given, presenting general equations provided by the theory of manifolds, explaining the heuristic assumptions made to simplify calculations, and analyzing the numerical results obtained from fitting two test configurations of scattered data points. The goal of this work is to explore an alternative G3 construction, inspired by the theory of manifolds, that is subject to fewer application constraints than approaches found in the technical literature; e.g., this approach imposes no artificial restrictions on the tangents of patch boundary curves at vertex points of a G1 surface. The constructed surface shapes fit all test data surprisingly well for for a noniterative method based on polynomial patches.
The synthesis of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-α-d-manno-pyranosyl-d-glucose

Abstract Condensation of tetra- O -acetyl-α- D -mannopyranosyl bromide with either benzyl 2-acetamido-3- O -acetyl- or 3,4-di- O -acetyl-2-deoxy-α- D -glucopyranoside (obtained via the 6-O-trityl- and 3,4-di-O-acetyl-6-O-trityl derivatives) gave benzyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6- O -α- D -mannopyranosyl-α- D -glucopyranoside penta- and hexa- acetate in 42% and 65% yield, respectively. Removal of the protective O -acetyl and O -benzyl groups gave the title compound, which was characterized by a hepta- O -acetyl derivative. All intermediates were obtained in crystalline form. The title compound is useful as a reference standard for determination of the structure of the carbohydrate core of glycoproteins.
Thymidine Phosphorylase Mediates the Sensitivity of Human Colon Carcinoma Cells to 5-Fluorouracil *

Interferon-α (IFNα) potentiates the antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) in colon cancer in vitro, in vivo, and clinically. A likely mechanism for this action is the induction by IFNα of thymidine phosphorylase (TP), the first enzyme in one pathway for the metabolic activation of FUra to fluorodeoxyribonucleotides. To test this hypothesis, an expression vector containing the TP cDNA was transfected into HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. Five stable transfectants were selected and analyzed. All showed increased sensitivity to FUra cytotoxicity, ranging from a 2-fold to a 19-fold decrease in the IC50 for FUra, compared to wild-type cells. Levels of TP mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity were elevated in the transfectants, and there was a significant correlation between the relative increase in sensitivity to FUra and both the increase in both TP mRNA levels and TP activity. Transfected cells exhibited increased formation of FdUMP, but not the ribonucleotides FUDP and FUTP, from FUra when compared to wild-type cells. The changes in TP activity, FdUMP formation, and FUra sensitivity in the transfected cells were comparable with those seen after treatment of wild-type cells with IFNα. These studies provide direct evidence for the role of TP in mediating the sensitivity of colon carcinoma cells to FUra, and further support the importance of the induction of TP in the biomodulating action of IFNα on FUra chemosensitivity.
Personal safety in thin film photovoltaic cell industries

Abstract Health and safety hazards in production of major thin film photovoltaic cells are systematically evaluated in a three-step process consisting of hazard identification, hazard characterization and hazard management. The largest risk to occupational health are related to explosive and toxic gases used in large quantities by the industry; the most serious occupational exposures will occur during an accident. Radio-frequency (r.f.) radiation, laser beams and electrical fields may also present occupational hazards. Engineering and administrative options should be implemented to reduce risks from accidental events. Emergency response planning by facility managers can further reduce the magnitude of these hazards.
Cytological studies on cytomegalovirus infected mouse cells.

Cytomegalovirus infection of mouse embryonic fibroblasts inhibited mitosis and induced chromosome aberrations. These effects were observed late in the course of infection at a time when cytopathic effect and extracellular virus production were evident in the cell cultures. The changes occurred within a single cell division cycle and appeared irreversible.
Soil organic carbon sequestration, storage, retention and loss in U.S. croplands: Issues paper for protocol development

Abstract The atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been due largely to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, cultivation of the grasslands, drainage of the land, and land use changes. This has led to increase in greenhouse gases, created concerns about the potential for long-term climate change and interest in developing methods to sequester some of this atmospheric carbon. In agricultural land areas no-tillage (NT) systems have been proposed, to replace moldboard plow and chisel systems as a way to sequester soil organic carbon (SOC). Numerous estimates have been published of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration total and rates as a result of a switch to NT systems. Other researchers have proposed the use of cover crops, synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizer, manure, liming, agricultural systems and management, agroforestry, forages, compost, crop rotations, and reduced row crop use as ways to sequester SOC. For SOC sequestration to occur as a result of a treatment applied to a land unit, all of the SOC sequestered must have come from atmosphere and be transferred into the soil humus through the unit plants, plant residues and other organic solids. The amount of SOC present in the soil humus at the end of the study has to be greater than the pre-treatment SOC levels in the same land unit and there needs to be a net depletion of atmospheric CO2 as a result. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) determine long-term study SOC levels and trends in agricultural lands, (2) application of the SOC sequestration concept to a specific site, (3) identify appropriate experimental designs for plot area use in determining SOC sequestration, (4) develop a procedure, such as pre-treatment measurements of SOC levels in the plots before treatments are applied, to verify SOC sequestration at a site (5) equivalent soil mass sampling method, (6) compare laboratory methods for quantifying SOC content, and (7) account for the loading of C rich amendments. To unequivocally demonstrate SOC sequestration at a specific site has occurred, a temporal increase must be documented relative to pre-treatment SOC level and linked to a net depletion of atmospheric CO2.
Bioassay to determine the effect of commercial preparations of Bacillus thuringiensis on entomogenous rhabditoid nematodes

Abstract Infective stage juveniles of the entomogenous rhabditoid nematodes, Neoaplectana carpocapsae (Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis heliothidis (Heterorhabditidae) were not affected when placed in commercial preparations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. san diego, israelensis and kurstaki . However, nematode development in larvae of the elm-leaf beetle and wax-moth larvae that were simultaneously infected with B.t. var. san diego and kurstaki , respectively, was reduced considerably. Such reductions were dependent on the timing of the initial infections of the two organisms. When nematodes were allowed to enter wax-moth larvae 24 h before B.t. kurstaki was introduced, nematode development was almost normal. Both groups of organisms could be used in a pest-management program, preferably against different target insects.
Data acquisition system for soil-tire interface stress measurement

In today's production agriculture industry, a renewed interest has been placed on input costs and energy efficiency. The fact that the soil-tire interface of a tractive vehicle is inherently inefficient is widely known but not widely understood. To support evaluation of the soil-tire interface a measurement system was created to sense the normal stress at the interface of the tire and soil. To acquire and log the data from this sensor array, a unique data acquisition system was developed and is presented in this paper. The system utilized a microcontroller to process and write data to a compact flash card from a total of 56 analog channels. It also used a two-dimensional accelerometer to determine the angular position of the vehicle tire and the attached sensors. Custom data acquisition software was developed to log the data to the compact flash card in an efficient, organized manner. Results confirmed that the data acquisition system was capable of operating at 887Hz per-channel analog sampling frequency. Data from field testing illustrated the capability of the accelerometer to determine wheel angular rotation and associate the applied normal stress with that angular rotation. Results also confirmed the capability of the data acquisition system to estimate the rotational angle of contact of the tire while engaging soil.
Circadian locomotor rhythms in individual honeybees

ABSTRACT. The circadian locomotor (walking) rhythms of individual forager honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica L.) were measured under a variety of conditions. In constant dark the rhythms exhibited endogenous periodicities that were less than 24 h, whereas under constant light the periods tended to be greater than 24 h. Individual honeybees readily entrained to photoperiods, displaying a diurnal pattern of entrainment with most of the activity occurring in late photophase. Evidence is presented which suggests that foraging behaviour and general locomotor behaviour may be governed by two different circadian clock systems.
Impact of Marital Status and Race on Survival for Patients With Colon Cancer: An Analysis of Data From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) Program

Purpose/Objective(s): This study included 165,226 individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1988 and 2001. Colorectal cancer cases were identified from 16 population-based registries of the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Materials/Methods: Survival probabilities were compared among white and black patients. Kaplan-Meier curves and proportional hazard ratios from Cox regression analysis were calculated accounting for marital status, age, gender, stage at diagnosis and year of diagnosis. Patients lacking complete information were excluded from analysis. Results: Multivariate analysis demonstrated that older age, male gender, non-recent year of diagnosis, and advanced stage at diagnosis were associated with worse survival. Black race independently predicted for a worse survival compared with whites. Marital status was a greater predictor of survival when analyzed in conjunction with race: compared to married white patients, black single/separated/divorced (unmarried) and black married patients were found to have hazard ratios (HR) of 1.63 (1.56-1.71) and 1.21 (1.17-1.25), respectively. While stage I patients experienced better survival, when compared to white married patients, the HR for black unmarried and black married patients was 2.11 (1.84-2.41) and 1.35 (1.241.47), respectively. Conclusions: Marital status and race are independent predictors of colorectal cancer survival. Additional strategies must be defined that address the social factors that account for disparities in cancer outcome. Author Disclosure: A. Blackstock: E. Research Grant; NIH/NCI P30 CA012197-36. B. Lally: None. S. Isom: None. E. Paskett: None.
Computer Simulation Studies of the Catalytic Mechanism of Human Aldose Reductase

Aldose reductase, an NADPH dependent oxidoreductase, has received considerable attention due to its possible link to diabetic and galactosemic complications. It is known that the catalytic reaction involves a hydride shift from NADPH and a proton transfer from a suitable proton donor to the carbonyl group of the substrate. However, the details of the process are still unclear. The present work explores the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme by using the semi-microscopic protein dipoles Langevin dipoles (PDLD/S) and the empirical valence bond (EVB) methods. The pKa values of His-110 and Tyr-48 are evaluated to determine which of these two residues donates the proton in the reaction. It is found that the free energy of protonation of His-110 in its protein site is ∼9 kcal/mol and hence the pKa of this residue is abnormally low. Consequently, His-110 is not protonated in the active site of aldose reductase. On the other hand, it is found that the pKa of Tyr-48 is lowered to ∼8.5 in the active site due to the ...
Computation of flows with shocks using the Spectral Difference method with artificial viscosity, II: Modified formulation with local mesh refinement

Abstract The current work focuses on applying an artificial viscosity (AV) approach to the Spectral Difference (SD) method to enable high-order computation of compressible fluid flows with discontinuities. The study improves on the AV approach proposed in our prior work [1] to obtain a formulation that performs better on curvilinear and non-cartesian unstructured grids. A dilatation sensor for the AV coefficient, combined with a dilatation-based switch and filter for smoothing, is found to reduce the oscillatory behavior and enable sharp capturing of discontinuities. The work also incorporates the capability for local mesh refinement, which is used in conjunction with AV to obtain improved shock profiles. A mortar element method is used to handle the non-conforming interfaces generated from mesh-refinement of quadrilateral elements. Promising results are demonstrated for 2D test problems.
The Bachelor of Innovation™ Family of Degrees: Transforming Education in Engineering to Education in Innovation

Abstract- This paper focuses on the transformation of education in engineering to education in engineering innovation. In particular, this paper describes the award winning Bachelor of InnovationTM (BI) family of degrees at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, which is a unique partnership between the schools of business and engineering that includes four BI degrees in engineering. We first examine the motivation and need for a radically new approach. This approach is based on a new common core of innovation courses and family of degrees and majors, in contrast to efforts at many schools that offer only a single major or course. A critical element of this radical approach is that the program span across departments, colleges, and even beyond the boundaries of the university. Second, we describe in detail the BI degree structure and summarize the unique aspects of the program, from the three-year multi-disciplinary team experience to the trademarked name. We present our BI program as its own case study in innovation within higher education and review the key challenges we faced. We then review existing university engineering programs and demonstrate the unique position of the BI family of degrees relative to these other programs. We conclude with lessons learned and a look at some accomplishments so far.
Sine-Gordon kinks on a discrete lattice. I. Hamiltonian formalism.

We derive a complete Hamiltonian formalism for a kink on a one-dimensional discrete lattice in which the position of the center of the kink appears as one of the canonical variables. Our method is a generalization to the discrete lattice of the method used in field theory to introduce the soliton as a canonical degree of freedom. The derivation is valid for a particle chain in a periodic potential when there exists a solitary-wave solution in the continuum limit. We show that the discrete lattice is responsible for an adiabatic dressing of the kink and for spontaneous emission of phonons. In the limit where the effective length of the kink is much larger than the interparticle spacing the kink experiences the well-known periodic Peierls-Nabarro potential. In the case of a short kink, the discrete lattice causes the continuum kink configuration to be adiabatically dressed, leading to a renormalization of the Peierls-Nabarro potential and in turn to an enhancement of corresponding small-amplitude oscillatory frequency. In addition, we formally derive an equation that describes the radiation of phonons by the moving kink, an effect of the lattice discreteness.
Studies of mouse polyoma virus infection. II. Virus stability.

Mouse polyoma virus was stored at 4° and –60°C. for 8 weeks without any loss in hemagglutination or infectivity titer; storage at 37° for 8 weeks reduced infectivity titer by approximately 2.5 log10 units. Repeated freezing and thawing of infectious tissue culture fluid had no effect on virus titer. The stability of the virus to storage for 1 week at 4°C. was unaffected by suspension of infected tissue culture fluid in saline, demineralized distilled water, or 5 per cent horse serum in Eagle's basal medium. Heating the virus for 30 minutes at 60°C. had no effect on infectivity and hemagglutination titers. Heating at 65°C. for 30 minutes produced a 3 log unit loss of infectivity and a 4-fold decline in HA titer, and heating at 70°C. for 30 minutes usually produced complete inactivation of infectivity and HA. The virus was resistant to ultraviolet irradiation; ultraviolet irradiation for 2 hours caused a 4 log unit decrease in infectivity titer without affecting the HA titer. The virus was resistant to exposure to 2 per cent phenol and 50 per cent ethyl alcohol but was inactivated by 100 per cent ethyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol-iodine mixtures. Lyophilization had no effect on the stability of the virus.
APPLICATION of LASER DOPPLER ANEMOMETRY to MEASURE VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION INSIDE the SCREW CHANNEL of A TWIN‐SCREW EXTRUDER

Velocity measurements inside the screw channels of a co-rotating, self-wiping twin-screw extruder (ZSK-30) have been carried out using the noninvasive technique of Laser Doppler Anemometry. A two-dimensional Argon-ion laser Doppler system was used to measure tangential and axial velocity components in one of the screws, away from the intermeshing zone. Heavy corn syrup with naturally occurring particles was used in the extrusion experiments. the measured tangential velocity distribution agreed with the expected distribution for a Newtonian fluid. Measurements also indicated that near the screw root and away from the flights, shear rates were substantially lower as compared to the shear rates near the barrel. the results indicated that this technique is suitable for making velocity measurements in a twin-screw extruder using model fluids.
Polarization of Protons Elastically Scattered by Oxygen

Measurements of the polarization of protons elastically scattered by oxygen have been made between 2 and 12 MeV by double scattering using gas targets. Scattering by helium at 46\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} was used as the polarization analyzer for most of the work. In addition, four angular distributions of the cross section were measured between 2.5 and 3.8 MeV. The experimental results show that away from the known sharp resonances at 2.66 and 3.47 MeV the polarization changes slowly with energy between 2 and 5 MeV. At 3 MeV the polarization is negative at forward angles and positive at back angles, the observed extrema being -0.14\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 at 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 0.43\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 at 115\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. At higher energies the pronounced resonance structure causes rapid fluctuations of the polarization with energy. Angular distributions of the polarization were measured at eleven energies away from sharp resonances. At 10.7 MeV the observed extrema in the polarization are -0.88\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 at 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 0.92\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 at 65\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. and -0.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 at 133\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. A phase shift analysis of the polarization and cross section was made between 2 and 5 MeV and at four energies between 5 and 7 MeV. The phase shifts obtained differ from those of Salisbury and Richards by less than 10 deg. The measured angular distributions of the polarization between 8 and 12 MeV are also compared with the predictions of the optical model. New results of the polarization for $p\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ scattering and $p$-C scattering between 2 and 4 MeV are also reported.
Thermodilatometric Characterization for Devitrification of a Micaceous Dental Glass‐Ceramic

The devitrification of an uncerammed micaceous glass-ceramic used for dental applications was studied by thermodilatometry and compared with the kinetics of mica crystallization studied by differential thermal analysis. The thermodilatometry plots and their derivative plots revealed thermally impeded processes, namely, structural relaxation, glass softening and nucleation, and crystallization, and they were characterized by glass-transition temperature, glass-softening temperatures, and crystallization temperature. The heating-rate dependence for these characteristic temperatures was used to determine the activation energy for structural relaxation of 338 kJ·mol-1, the activation energy for viscous flow of 276 kJ·mol-1, and the apparent activation energy for crystallization of 286 kJ·mol-1 by one model and 342 kJ·mol-1 by another model. The similar magnitudes for these activation energies suggested the mechanisms for different thermal processes involved analogous molecular motions. Furthermore, the activation energy for crystallization of the micaceous phase of the glass-ceramic could be estimated from thermodilatometry plots, because it was comparable in magnitude to that obtained from the widely used nonisothermal differential thermal analysis method. Finally, the dilatometry and scanning electron microscopy studies strengthened the earlier opinion that the devitrification of the base glass is a single-step process, that is, without occurrence of an intermediate phase before the formation of the final crystalline phase.
Ergonomic predictors of visual system complaints in VDT data entry work

Abstract The relationship between ergonomic demands and visual system complaints was investigated among video-display-terminal (VDT( operators at two state agencies. Ergonomic factors suspected of posing visual demands were objectively assessed at 40 data-entry workstations. A questionnaire survey was also administered to gather information on somatic discomfort, demographic and personal characteristics, and extent of VDT use for operators at these workstations, and for several hundred additional operators in the two agencies. Regression analyses indicated that personal factors such as age and use of corrective eyewear accounted for relatively little of the variance in measures of visual system complaints. However, regression models that incorporated viewing distance and illumination measures accounted for 38%-49% of the variance in these measures. The present investigation is one of the few attempts to assess objectively an array of physical workplace factors and to examine, within a multivariate framewo...
Authigenic magnetite formation in suboxic marine sediments

The resolution and reliability of magnetostratigraphy and reconstructed time series of geomagnetic field behaviour depend critically on where remanence is acquired and fixed in the sediment column and whether the magnetization is altered chemically after deposition. If authigenic magnetic minerals are formed at depth or if the magnetic carriers are changed after deposition, then the nature and timing of magnetic events can be affected by depth offsets in remanence acquisition and mixing of detrital and authigenic signals. Using palaeo- and rock-magnetic and sediment geochemical analyses, we have studied how early diagenesis affects the magnetic properties of suboxic hemipelagic sediments. Here, we report evidence of the formation of fine-grained authigenic magnetites near the commonly observed brown–tan-green colour boundary, which marks the transition from Fe-oxidizing to Fe-reducing conditions. We propose that biogenic magnetite, produced by magnetotactic bacteria, forms as part of the microbially mediated sequence of reactions involved in the oxidation of organic matter. The magnetite is created as a metabolic by-product of the microorganisms' use of iron redox transitions as a source of energy. Active magnetite formation appears to be restricted to a zone between the levels of nitrate and iron reduction.
Formation of ordered nanodroplet chains on a solid surface by enhanced surface diffusion and shadow effect

Abstract We report on a mechanism that under an off-normal incident ion beam, ordered nanodroplets may emerge spontaneously from a flat solid surface and line-up into chains perpendicular to the beam direction, forming a highly ordered hexagonal pattern. This behavior is in contrast to the general belief that an off-normal bombardment produces surface ripples, while the formation of dots requires either normal bombardment or off-normal bombardment with simultaneous sample rotation. The self-assembled nanodroplets reveal a mechanism different from the usual sputtering process. We propose a continuum theory which shows that the balance of mass flux plays an important role for the hexagonal pattern formation while the shadow effect causes the droplets to align into chains. The simulations suggest that the fundamental mechanism may be applicable to other systems, which may lead to an effective approach for nanofabrication.