cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propagation of microcracks in collagen networks of cartilage under mechanical loads.

Summary Objective We recently demonstrated that low-energy mechanical impact to articular cartilage, usually considered non-injurious, can in fact cause microscale cracks (widths 30 μ m) in the collagen network of visually pristine human cartilage. While research on macro-scale cracks in cartilage and microcracks in bone abounds, how microcracks within cartilage initiate and propagate remains unknown. We quantified the extent to which microcracks initiate and propagate in the collagen network during mechanical loading representative of normal activities. Design We tested 76 full-thickness, cylindrical osteochondral plugs. We imaged untreated specimens (pristine phase) via second harmonic generation and assigned specimens to three low-energy impact groups (none, low, high), and thereafter to three cyclic compression groups (none, low, high) which simulate walking. We re-imaged specimens in the post-impact and post-cyclic compression phases to identify and track microcracks. Results Microcracks in the network of collagen did not present in untreated controls but did initiate and propagate under mechanical treatments. We found that the length and width of microcracks increased from post-impact to post-cyclic compression in tracked microcracks, but neither depth nor angle presented statistically significant differences. Conclusions The microcracks we initiated under low-energy impact loading increased in length and width during subsequent cyclic compression that simulated walking. The extent of this propagation depended on the combination of impact and cyclic compression. More broadly, the initiation and propagation of microcracks may characterize pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, and may suggest therapeutic targets for future studies.
Induced transparency by coupling of Tamm and defect states in tunable terahertz plasmonic crystals

Tamm states on subwavelength, reconfigurable plasmonic crystals are studied in the terahertz regime. By introducing an independently controlled plasmonic defect, an electromagnetically induced transparency phenomenon is revealed.
Linguistic Cues to Deception: Identifying Political Trolls on Social Media

The ease with which information can be shared on social media has opened it up to abuse and manipulation. One example of a manipulation campaign that has garnered much attention recently was the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, with Russia accused of, among other things, using trolls and malicious accounts to spread misinformation and politically biased information. To take an in-depth look at this manipulation campaign, we collected a dataset of 13 million election-related posts shared on Twitter in 2016 by over a million distinct users. This dataset includes accounts associated with the identified Russian trolls as well as users sharing posts in the same time period on a variety of topics around the 2016 elections. To study how these trolls attempted to manipulate public opinion, we identified 49 theoretically grounded linguistic markers of deception and measured their use by troll and non-troll accounts. We show that deceptive language cues can help to accurately identify trolls, with average F1 score of 82% and recall 88%.
Tracer study of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

This research aimed to determine the employability of its graduates as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BSM) program of a Philippine Higher Educational Institution. Adapting the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Graduate Tracer Survey Questionnaire, the study provided data that were used as basis in the review and revision of the said program. Results of this research may be used to answer the needs of society by adjusting the curriculum to meet the needs of the 21 st century learners, help prepare the students not only for the world of work and land relevant employment but also to innovate in the future. Results of the study were utilized to document the employment characteristics, transition to employment and the level of satisfaction of the fifty (50) BSM graduates in terms of the level of satisfaction of the school’s services, learning environment and facilities. The findings revealed that the graduates claimed their pre-service training under the BSM program helped them acquire 21 st Century skills and competencies which were not only effective and adequate but also relevant in responding to the demands of their chosen occupations. Providing soft training on applied computer software, forming partnership with software developers, offering foreign language and major courses that merge machine learning and data science were some of the recommendations suggested by the graduates to further improve the BS Mathematics program.
High-Quality Skilled Nursing Facilities Are Associated With Decreased Episode-of-Care Costs Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background With the increasing popularity of alternative payment models following total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA), efforts have focused on reducing post-acute care (PAC) costs, particularly patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The purpose of this study is to determine if preferentially discharging patients to high-quality SNFs can reduce bundled payment costs for primary THA and TKA. Methods At our institution, a quality improvement initiative for SNFs was implemented at the start of 2017, preferentially discharging patients to internally credentialed facilities, designated by several quality measures. Claims data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were queried to identify patients discharged to SNF following primary total joint arthroplasty. We compared costs and outcomes between patients discharged to credentialed SNF sites and those discharged to other sites. Results Between 2015 and 2018, of a consecutive series of 8778 primary THA and TKA patients, 1284 (14.6%) were discharged to an SNF. Following initiation of the program, 498 patients were discharged to an SNF, 301 (60.4%) of which were sent to a credentialed facility. Patients at credentialed facilities had significantly lower SNF costs ($11,184 vs $8198, P Conclusion Quality improvement efforts through partnership with selective SNFs can significantly decrease PAC costs for patients undergoing primary THA and TKA.
A Survey of School Discipline Gatekeepers about the Implementation of the Non-Exclusionary Discipline Practices Reform in Illinois Schools.

Two years after the State of Illinois enacted an extensive non-exclusionary discipline reform in schools, 322 key discipline gatekeepers in schools were surveyed about the extent and impact of its implementation. The results showed that a number of core provisions of the reform had not been fully implemented or addressed through professional development. Creating re-entry plans for students with long suspensions , eliminating zero tolerance policies , and limiting disciplinary transfers to alternative schools were the least implemented provisions. Furthermore, contrary to principals’ wishful and embellished self-reporting, large proportions of school personnel still had not received required professional development in key topics such as adverse consequences of school exclusion and justice-system involvement , culturally responsive discipline , and developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote positive and healthy school climate . Finally, sharp differences were found between principals and teachers and support personnel about the continuing prevalence and high frequency of discipline incidents, and about improvement in the overall school climate. If the reform is going to be impactful, it was recommended that more emphasis be placed on ensuring that teachers and support personnel receive adequate and timely professional development on the provisions of the policies.
Orchiectomy in transgender individuals: A motivation analysis and report of surgical outcomes.

Background: Different surgical procedures are available for transgender women wishing to undergo genital gender-affirming surgery.Aim: To assess preoperative motivations, the frequency of orchiecto...
RET in a dielectric medium: insights from molecular QED theory

Molecular quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory is used to study the challenging problem of resonance energy transfer (RET) in a dielectric medium characterised by a complex refractive index. First,...
Development of a vulnerability index for diagnosis with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in Washington State, USA.

● In the United States, morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection varies substantially among populations and geographic regions ● Variation has been attributed to chronic disease burden, and certain sociodemographic factors ● We developed an index of COVID-19 vulnerability using a regression modeling approach with observed diagnosis at the Zipcode level in Washington State ● The resulting index can be used by policy makers for the targeting of public health and health care resources.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling and profiling of portal circulation in human patients for metabolic research studies and biomarker assessment

The technical aspects, feasibility, and safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided needle access for portal venous blood collection are presented in this technical report. Despite the very small ...
Spatial Inequity in Access to Intensive Care Unit Beds at Regional Level in Italy

The high demand of hospitalization in the intensive care units (ICUs) during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak brought out the critical issues of the limited capacity of the regional systems to deal with high patient inflows in a short period of time. In this view, a rapid and efficient reallocation of resources is one of the main challenges to be addressed by regional systems to prevent overload and saturation. Aim of this study is to assess the spatial accessibility of ICU beds in the 20 Italian regions to capture the equity distribution of critical care services across the country. This analysis may contribute to gain a deeper understanding of the allocation of health resources. It can provide input for policy makers in view of a possible reorganization of the national system in terms of both its preparedness for emergency period and routine capability.
Doxorubicin-Induced Fetal Mesangial Cell Death Occurs Independently of TRPC6 Channel Upregulation but Involves Mitochondrial Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

Doxorubicin (DOX), a category D pregnancy drug, is a chemotherapeutic agent that has been shown in animal studies to induce fetal toxicity, including renal abnormalities. Upregulation of the transient receptor potential cation (TRPC) 6 channel is involved in DOX-induced podocyte apoptosis. We have previously reported that TRPC6-mediated Ca2+ signaling promotes neonatal glomerular mesangial cell (GMC) death. However, it is unknown whether DOX alters mesangial TRPC expression or viability in the fetus. In this study, cell growth was tracked in control and DOX-treated primary GMCs derived from fetal pigs. Live-cell imaging demonstrated that exposure to DOX inhibited the proliferation of fetal pig GMCs and induced cell death. DOX did not alter the TRPC3 expression levels. By contrast, TRPC6 protein expression in the cells was markedly reduced by DOX. DOX treatment also attenuated the TRPC6-mediated intracellular Ca2+ elevation. DOX stimulated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) generation and mitophagy by the GMCs. The DOX-induced mtROS generation and apoptosis were reversed by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone. These data suggest that DOX-induced fetal pig GMC apoptosis is independent of TRPC6 channel upregulation but requires mtROS production. The mtROS-dependent GMC death may contribute to DOX-induced fetal nephrotoxicity when administered prenatally.
Determinants of using children’s mental health research in policymaking: variation by type of research use and phase of policy process

Research use in policymaking is multi-faceted and has been the focus of extensive study. However, virtually no quantitative studies have examined whether the determinants of research use vary according to the type of research use or phase of policy process. Understanding such variation is important for selecting the targets of implementation strategies that aim to increase the frequency of research use in policymaking. A web-based survey of US state agency officials involved with children’s mental health policymaking was conducted between December 2019 and February 2020 (n = 224, response rate = 33.7%, 49 states responding (98%), median respondents per state = 4). The dependent variables were composite scores of the frequency of using children’s mental health research in general, specific types of research use (i.e., conceptual, instrumental, tactical, imposed), and during different phases of the policy process (i.e., agenda setting, policy development, policy implementation). The independent variables were four composite scores of determinants of research use: agency leadership for research use, agency barriers to research use, research use skills, and dissemination barriers (e.g., lack of actionable messages/recommendations in research summaries, lack of interaction/collaboration with researchers). Separate multiple linear regression models estimated associations between determinant and frequency of research use scores. Determinants of research use varied significantly by type of research use and phase of policy process. For example, agency leadership for research use was the only determinant significantly associated with imposed research use (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). Skills for research use were the only determinant associated with tactical research use (β = 0.17, p = 0.03) and were only associated with research use in the agenda-setting phase (β = 0.16, p = 0.04). Dissemination barriers were the most universal determinants of research use, as they were significantly and inversely associated with frequency of conceptual (β = −0.21, p = 0.01) and instrumental (β = −0.22, p = 0.01) research use and during all three phases of policy process. Decisions about the determinants to target with policy-focused implementation strategies—and the strategies that are selected to affect these targets—should reflect the specific types of research use that these strategies aim to influence.
Geochemical evidence of microbial activity within ooids

Ooid formation remains elusive despite their importance as palaeoclimatic indicators and important contributors to global carbonate budget. Based on stable isotopes, nutrient and elemental analyses on solid components and ooidal leachates, this study supports the notion of microbial involvement in the development of ooids from Great Bahama Bank. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses on organic fractions identified geochemical signatures of microbial activity. The δ13C values for organic carbon in the bulk (−11·9 to −16·9‰); intercrystalline/intracrystalline (−11·9 to 16·7‰); and intracrystalline phases (−12·4 to −17·7‰) were similar and, except for the more enriched values of ooids from Butterfly Beach, were within the range of photosynthesisers. The δ15N values for the bulk (+0·5 to −0·2‰); intercrystalline/intracrystalline (−0·3‰ to −0·7‰) and intracrystalline organic matter (−0·3 to −1·7‰) showed a narrow range consistent with nitrogen fixation. While positive δ15N and δ18O values of the leached from the ooids provided evidence of denitrification, the carbonate associated sulphate δ34SCAS of the bulk sediments (+19·2 to +19·6‰) and δ34S of the leachates (+16·6 to +18·3‰) provided weak indication of sulphate reduction, suggesting either that high concentrations of isotopically enriched S are overriding bio-signatures of sulphate reduction or that microbes are preferentially using as an electron acceptor. In contrast, the elevated sulphate concentrations of the leachates suggest the occurrence of microbial sulphide oxidation within ooids. The high Mg/Ca of the leachates and scanning electron microscope analyses provide putative evidence of amorphous calcium carbonate and a formative role in CaCO3 precipitation. Together, these findings indicate that a redox dependent microbial consortium may influence CaCO3 precipitation in the form of ooid accretion, cementation and micritization. It is also inferred that ooid deposits are not suitable indicators of palaeoclimate because ooids are affected throughout their life by a complex chain of abiotic and biological processes which can lead to large geochemical offsets.
Perceived Repeated Risk and the Allais Paradox

Empirical evidence on the common ratio effect, a version of the Allais paradox, indicates that people are nonlinearly sensitive to probabilities. The leading explanation of this effect is prospect theory and its nonlinear weights applied to probabilities. We propose an alternative explanation: expected utility under the perception that one-shot risks will be repeated. We follow a stream of literature which suggests that evolutionary forces have shaped human tendencies to choose actions which are adapted to recurrent situations. We show that expected utility under perceived repeated risk can explain the common ratio effect and give rise to nonlinear sensitivity to probabilities. We provide several classes of utilities that can satisfy conditions that are necessary and sufficient for the existence of a common ratio effect. These utility functions have context-dependent inflection points: a zero inflection point that resets itself in each choice frame and other non-zero inflection points around which an individual is increasingly absolute risk averse. We argue that such inflection points may arise from frequent social comparison of the outcomes from one-shot risks.
A new adaptive backstepping design for motion control systems

A new adaptive backstepping motion control system design is proposed. The closed loop system can be formulated as a linear-nonlinear cascaded system, with a linear time-invariant plant in the feedforward loop and a nonlinear element in the feedback loop, whose content is the second time derivative of the given reference position signal. The system can adapt itself to operational, system and/or environmental variations. One of the advantages of the new design is that it links system gain tuning with the variations explicitly and quantitatively. The effectiveness of the system is verified by an existing experiment.
Why a Negative Number Times a Negative Number Equals a Positive Number

One of the most mysterious mathematical topics taught in any elementary mathematics classroom is the concept that a negative time a negative equal a positive. This fundamental mathematical idea is listed in most elementary algebra text books as a rule without any justification for the validity of the rule. In this paper, I will present numerous mathematical arguments that attempt to justify this concept.
“Coming to our Senses: Historicizing Sound and Noise in the Middle East”

This speculative essay is a call for further research and the beginning of a long overdue conversation among historians of the Middle East about the importance of sounds and soundscapes in studying history. In the process, I will suggest some research strategies for uncovering the sounds and noises of the past – especially before the introduction of recording technologies. All the while, I hope to encourage more multidisciplinary conversations by Middle East historians with other scholarly disciplines that examine sound and listening.
Ignition dynamics in microwave-generated microplasmas

Microwave resonators are used to generate microplasmas in atmospheric-pressure argon. We investigate the ignition and filamentation dynamics in two systems with different techniques for modulating the microwave power: a diode-switched resonator in an array1 with constant input power, and a single resonator with pulsed input power. The plasma evolution is examined using time-resolved photography and spectroscopic gas temperature measurements over time scales from tens of nanoseconds up to milliseconds.
Monkeypox virus: responses of infection in chick embryos.

SummaryChick embryos developed generalized infection from MPV. Sequential distribution of MPV in situ suggested that the virus was transported hematogenously, first to the extracorporeal membranes, and secondarily to embryonic tissues. Embryonic organs of the reticuloendothelial system were principal primary cell targets. The specificity of the cellular pathology was confirmed by retrieval of MPV from, and the immunological demonstration of fluorescent antigen in cells of affected organs.
Facteurs prédictifs d’amputation ou d’occlusion de greffon un an après pontage des membres inférieurs en Nouvelle Angleterre du Nord

Objectif La selection optimale des patients pour une chirurgie de pontage des membres inferieurs implique pour le chirurgien de predire ceux chez lesquels les resultats fonctionnels seront durables apres la revascularisation. Par consequent, nous avons examine les facteurs de risque predictifs d’amputation ou d’occlusion de greffon dans la premiere annee suivant le pontage de membres inferieurs. Methodes Grâce a notre programme d’amelioration regional de la qualite de 11 hopitaux dans la Nouvelle Angleterre du Nord, nous avons etudie 2306 procedures de pontages de membres inferieurs effectues chez 2031 patients entre janvier 2003 et decembre 2007. Soixante chirurgiens ont contribue a cette base de donnees et plus de 100 variables demographiques et cliniques ont ete extraites par des assistants de recherche. Les modeles de hasard proportionnel de Cox ont ete utilises pour calculer les ratios de probabilite et les intervalles de confiance a 95% (ICs) pour notre critere combine d’amputation majeure (au-dessus du genou ou en dessous du genou) ou d’occlusion permanente du greffon (perte de la permeabilite secondaire) survenant au cours de la premiere annee post-operatoire. Resultats Dans notre cohorte de 2306 procedures de pontage, nous avons observe 17% d’amputation ou d’occlusion de greffon dans la premiere annee suivant la chirurgie. Parmi les 143 amputations effectuees (8% de tous les membres pontes), 17% sont survenues malgre un pontage permeable. De meme, parmi les 277 occlusions de pontage (12% de tous les pontages), 42% ont conduit a une amputation majeure. Nous avons identifie huit caracteristiques pre-operatoires des patients associees a l’amputation ou a l’occlusion de pontage en analyse multivariee : l’âge p Conclusion La presence de facteurs de risque pre-operatoires permet aux chirurgiens de predire le risque d’amputation ou d’occlusion de greffon apres pontages des membres inferieurs et de mieux informer les patients sur leur risque operatoire et leurs resultats fonctionnels. De plus, notre modele facilite la comparaison de resultats ajustes selon les risques a travers notre region. Nous pensons que de telles mesures d’amelioration de la qualite peuvent permettre aux chirurgiens d’identifier les meilleures pratiques et d’ameliorer ainsi les resultats a travers les centres.
Excitation of stable auroral red arcs at sub-auroral latitudes

Stable auroral red arcs excitation at subauroral latitudes by electric field and heat conducted downward from magnetosphere plasma
The NASA GSFC MEMS Colloidal Thruster

A number of upcoming missions require different thrust levels on the same spacecraft. A highly scaleable and efficient propulsion system would allow substantial mass savings. One type of thruster that can throttle from high to low thrust while maintaining a high specific impulse is a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) colloidal thruster. The NASA GSFC MEMS colloidal thruster has solved the problem of electrical breakdown to permit the integration of the electrode on top of the emitter by a novel MEMS fabrication technique. Devices have been successfully fabricated and the insulation properties have been tested to show they can support the required electric field. A computational finite element model was created and used to verify the voltage required to successfully operate the thruster. An experimental setup has been prepared to test the devices with both optical and Time-Of-Flight diagnostics.
Partial purification and study of pollen glucuronokinase.

Abstract Glucuronokinase was purified 31-fold from pollen of Lilium longiflorum . The enzyme was inhibited by its product, α- d -glucuronate-1-P, and by UDP- d -glucuronate, and these compounds were competitive inhibitors. Inhibitor constants were 0.18 m m for d -glucuronate-1-P and 0.55 m m for UDP- d -glucuronate. These effects may have regulatory significance; both inhibitors are intermediates in the pathway by which plant cells convert myo -inositol into cell wall uronides and pentoses, and glucuronokinase is a likely step for regulation in this pathway. The enzyme exhibited considerable specificity concerning inhibitors, and an additional 22 compounds were not inhibitory. These included uronic acids other than d -glucuronate and compounds related structurally or metabolically to d -glucuronate.
Post-Embryonic Development of Laboratory-Reared Ocean Shrimp, Pandalus Jordani Rathbun

[Pandalus jordani wurde im Laboratorium vom Ei bis zur vollendeten Metamorphose gezuchtet. Fur diese Studien wurde ein temporares Laboratorium mit einem geschlossenen Seewassersystem konstruiert. Eiertragende Weibchen wurden vor Crescent City, Kalifornien, USA, gesammelt, und zwar am 23. Marz 1965. Die Larven begannen am 28. Marz 1965 zu schlupfen. Sie wurden in siebartig durchbrochene, aus Plastik bestehende Kompartments uberfuhrt, welche in zirkulierendem, gefilterten und ultraviolettbehandelten Meerwasser (temperaturkontrolliert) schwammen. Das Futter fur die sich entwickelnden Larven bestand aus frisch geschlupften Salinenkrebslarven, Artemia salina, Die Metamorphose dauerte insgesamt etwa 80 Tage, wobei die Larven 11 Hautungen durch-machten, bevor sie das postlarvale oder juvenil-adulte Stadium erreichten., Pandalus jordani wurde im Laboratorium vom Ei bis zur vollendeten Metamorphose gezuchtet. Fur diese Studien wurde ein temporares Laboratorium mit einem geschlossenen Seewassersystem konstruiert. Eiertragende Weibchen wurden vor Crescent City, Kalifornien, USA, gesammelt, und zwar am 23. Marz 1965. Die Larven begannen am 28. Marz 1965 zu schlupfen. Sie wurden in siebartig durchbrochene, aus Plastik bestehende Kompartments uberfuhrt, welche in zirkulierendem, gefilterten und ultraviolettbehandelten Meerwasser (temperaturkontrolliert) schwammen. Das Futter fur die sich entwickelnden Larven bestand aus frisch geschlupften Salinenkrebslarven, Artemia salina, Die Metamorphose dauerte insgesamt etwa 80 Tage, wobei die Larven 11 Hautungen durch-machten, bevor sie das postlarvale oder juvenil-adulte Stadium erreichten.]
Characterization of leukotriene B4 synthesis in canine polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Abstract The synthesis and release of leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) from canine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was characterized in terms of incubation time, temperature and effects of calcium ionophore A23187 concentrations. Maximal LTB 4 concentrations were determined when canine PMNs were incubated with 10 μM A23187. Increasing LTB 4 concentrations were determined through 10 min incubation. The maximal LTB 4 concentrations (310 ± 30 pg LTB42.5 × 105 cells) determined at 10 min did not change through a 55 min incubation period. Greater LTB 4 concentrations were synthesized by canine PMNs at 37°C (268 ± 12 pg LTB42.5 × 105 cells) than at 25°C (206 ± 11 pg LTB42.5 × 105 cells) or 5°C (59 ± 3 pg LTB42.5 × 105 cells). The synthesis of LTB 4 in canine PMNs was inhibited by incubation of the cells with either of two known lipoxygenase inhibitors, BWA4C or BW755C. BWA4C inhibited LTB 4 synthesis with an approximate IC 50 = 0.1 μM, whereas BW755C inhibited LTB 4 synthesis with an approximate IC 50 = 10 μM. These results indicate canine PMNs have the capability to synthesize large quantities of LTB 4 when stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. Furthermore, the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors BWA4C, an acetohydroxyamic acid, and BW755C, a phenyl pyrazoline, can readily inhibit LTB 4 synthesis in canine PMNs.
Analog and digital image enhancement using fuzzy expert systems

Image enhancement is a field that is being used in various areas and disciplines. Advances in computers, microcontrollers and DSP boards have opened new horizons to digital image processing, and have opened many avenues to the design and implementation of new innovative techniques. This paper compares image enhancement via the modification of the probability density function of the gray levels with the new techniques that involves the use of knowledge-base (fuzzy expert) systems that are capable of mimicking the behavior of a human expert. A fuzzy expert system based software for image enhancement, called SmartPhotoLab has been introduced for the above purpose.
The application of gene therapy in autoimmune diseases

The application of gene therapy in autoimmune disease represents a novel use of this technology. The goal of gene therapy in the treatment of autoimmune disease is to restore 'immune homeostasis' by countering the pro-inflammatory effects of the CD4+ T cells in the lesions of autoimmunity. This can be accomplished by adoptive therapy with transduced T cells which can specifically home to the site of inflammation and secrete 'regulatory' protein(s) to ameliorate the inflammation or by direct targeting of the retroviral vector to activated T cells in the sites of inflammation. Transduction of autoantigen recognizing CD4+ T cells, to secrete anti-inflammatory products, may become the 'magic bullet' to combat the ravages of autoimmune inflammation and tissue destruction. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 9-13.
Variational methods for cellular models.

Two complementary variational principles are derived for the one-electron Schr\"odinger or local-density-functional equation in a closed cell of arbitrary shape, for external Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions, respectively. The surface operators scrR and ${\mathrm{scrR}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, respectively, are stationary in these two variational principles. Subject to a condition of compatibility of the boundary conditions, these results are combined to give variational equations that are valid for an arbitrary cluster of atomic cells, assumed to fill space within an outer boundary. Cell interface terms agree with prior variational derivations for discontinuous functions. It is shown that structure constants of multiple scattering theory can be used within the variational formalism, giving contracted Hermitian matrix equations linearized in energy. New variational prescriptions are given for two broad classes of applications: (i) electron scattering by a cluster, or bound states using scattering theory; (ii) embedding a cluster in a substrate.
Studying the top quark

The top quark, discovered at the Fermilab Tevatron collider in 1995, is the heaviest known elementary particle. Its large mass suggests that it may play a special role in nature. It behaves differently from the other known quarks due to both its large mass and its short lifetime. Thus far we have only crude measurements of the properties of the top quark, such as its mass, weak interactions, strong interactions, and decay modes. These measurements will be made more precise when the Tevatron begins operation again in 2001. I review the present status of these measurements, and discuss their anticipated improvement.
Trading latency for energy in densely deployed wireless ad hoc networks using message ferrying

Wireless mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) have the potential for use in important application environments, such as remote environmental monitoring, where energy resources are limited. Efficient power management is necessary to allow these networks to operate over a long period of time. One of the key factors affecting the design of power management mechanisms is the routing protocol in use within the network. In this paper, we investigate the Message ferrying (MF) routing paradigm as a means to save energy while trading off data delivery delay. In MF, special nodes called ferries move around the deployment area to deliver messages for nodes. While this routing paradigm has been developed mainly to deliver messages in partitioned networks, here we explore its use in a connected MANET. The reliance on the movement of ferries to deliver messages increases the delivery delay if a network is not partitioned. However, delegating message delivery to ferries provides the opportunity for nodes to save energy by aggressively disabling their radios when ferries are far away. To exploit this feature, we present a power management framework, in which nodes switch their power management modes based on knowledge of ferry location. We evaluate the performance of our scheme using ns-2 simulations and compare it with a multihop routing protocol, dynamic source routing (DSR). Our simulation results show that MF achieves energy savings as high as 95% compared to DSR without power management and still delivers more than 98% of messages. In contrast, a power-managed DSR delivers many fewer messages than MF to achieve similar energy savings. In the scenario of heavy traffic load, the power-managed DSR delivers less than 20% of messages. MF also shows robust performance for highly mobile nodes, while the performance of DSR suffers significantly. Thus, delay tolerant applications can use MF rather than a multihop routing protocol to save energy efficiently when both routing approaches are available.
Comparisons of granular pesticides for the control of soil-inhabiting arthropod pests of sugar beet

Abstract From 1979 to 1991, surveys show that on average about 50% of the UK sugar-beet crop was treated with a granular pesticide applied in the seed furrow at sowing, and a further 10% with gamma-HCH spray worked into the seed-bed before sowing. Between 9 and 18% was treated with granules specifically to control a complex of soil-inhabiting arthropod pests such as springtails, symphylids, millipedes and pygmy beetle. Between 1978 and 1988 the efficacy of various granular insecticides was assessed in 24 field experiments situated where attack by these pests was expected. These experiments indicated that the replacement of aldicarb, largely by carbofuran or carbosulfan, in situations where soil pests were the main target, was justified. Furathiocarb and tefluthrin tested in the later experiments were, respectively, at least equal to, or better than, the best commercially available treatments.
Quasilinear form of Rankine-Hugoniot jump conditions

On montre que la condition de saut de Rankine-Hugoniot associee a la forme «conservative» de l'equation d'Euler peut etre mise sous la forme equivalente correspondant a l'equation «non conservative»
Virtual Processing of Hybrid Shape Memory Alloy Composites

The capability of using recoverable martensitic transformation to modify the residual stress-state of hybrid Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) composites is explored. It is shown that through careful selection of a thermomechanical loading path the composite can be “processed” such that the constituent phases have a beneficial residual stress-state. Specifically, for materials which have preferred loading conditions (i.e., compression versus tension) resulting in improved material properties, such processing places the considered phase into a preferred stress state. This processing is explored here by considering composites with an SMA phase whose constititutive behavior is described by a recent phenomenological model and an elasto-plastic second phase. To consider realistic microstructural effects, a 3D numerical representation of the composite is generated using microtomography. It is shown that through an actuation (isobaric) loading path, the martensitic transformation of the SMA phase generates irrecoverable strains in the elasto-plastic phase which, upon unloading, results in a favorable residual stress-state. To consider the applicability of this methodology for a variety of composites, the effect of thermal residual stresses due to thermal expansion mismatch is identified and matrix phases with different elastic moduli and plastic hardenings are considered. Specifically, it is shown that martensitic transformation is the driving force behind the generation of the new composite residual stress-state. Through computational simulation, it is shown that increased elastic moduli or plastic hardening coefficients of the elasto-plastic phase yield small increases in residual stresses.© 2011 ASME
High-resolution crystal structure of human Dim2/TXNL4B.

TXNL4A (thioredoxin-like 4A) is an essential protein conserved from yeast to humans and is a component of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery. TXNL4B was identified as a TXNL4-family protein that also interacts with Prp6, an integral component of the U4/U6·U5 tri-snRNP complex, and has been shown to function in pre-mRNA splicing. A crystal structure of TXNL4B was determined at 1.33 A resolution and refined to an R work of 0.13 and an R free of 0.18 with one native dimer in the asymmetric unit. Residues 1–33 of TXNL4B have previously been reported to be responsible for its interaction with Prp6. However, this region extends to the β-sheet core of the thioredoxin-fold structure of TXNL4B. This suggests that the interpretation of the previously reported GST pull-down results without considering the structure and stability of TXNL4B is debatable.
The dense core vesicle protein IA-2, but not IA-2β, is required for active avoidance learning.

The islet-antigens IA-2 and IA-2β are major autoantigens in type-1 diabetes and transmembrane proteins in dense core vesicles (DCV). Recently we showed that deletion of both IA-2 and IA-2β alters the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters and impairs behavior and learning. The present study was designed to evaluate the contribution to learning of each of these genes by using single knockout (SKO) and double knockout (DKO) mice in an active avoidance test. After 5 days of training, wild-type (WT) mice showed 60-70% active avoidance responses, whereas the DKO mice showed only 10-15% active avoidance responses. The degree of active avoidance responses in the IA-2 SKO mice was similar to that of the DKO mice, but in contrast, the IA-2β SKO mice behaved like WT mice showing 60-70% active avoidance responses. Molecular studies revealed a marked decrease in the phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII) in the striatum and hippocampus of the IA-2 SKO and DKO mice, but not in the IA-2β SKO mice. To evaluate the role of CREB and CAMKII in the SKO and DKO mice, GBR-12909, which selectively blocks the dopamine uptake transporter and increases CREB and CAMKII phosphorylation, was administered. GBR-12909 restored the phosphorylation of CREB and CAMKII and increased active avoidance learning in the DKO and IA-2 SKO to near the normal levels found in the WT and IA-2β SKO mice. We conclude that in the absence of the DCV protein IA-2, active avoidance learning is impaired.
Identification of prismatic slip bands in 4H SiC boules grown by physical vapor transport

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and KOH etching have been used to study the dislocation structure of 4H SiC wafers grown by physical vapor transport. A new type of threading dislocation arrays was observed. Rows of etch pits corresponding to dislocation arrays were observed in vicinity of micropipes, misoriented grains and polytypic inclusions at the periphery of the boules and extended along the \( \) directions. Plan view conventional and high resolution TEM showed that the arrays consisted of dislocations threading along the c-axis with Burgers vectors having edge components of the a/3\( \) type. The Burgers vectors were parallel to the corresponding arrays. The dislocation arrays were interpreted as slip bands formed by dislocation glide in the prismatic slip system \( \)\(\{ \bar 1100\} \) of hexagonal SiC during post-growth cooling.
Primary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Skene's Glands

A unique case of a 50-year-old woman is reported who presented with a suburethral mass in the anterior vaginal wall. The resected tumor was an adenoid cystic carcinoma arising from Skene's glands. Tumor was not involving Bartholin's glands. In addition to the typical glands and areas with cysts containing periodic acid-Schiff positive intraluminal material, less well-differentiated areas with neoplastic cells growing in a trabecular or solid pattern were also seen. Prominent perineural invasion was noted throughout the tumor. Immunostaining revealed positive reactions for cytokeratins, carcinoembryonic antigen, and focally for S-100 protein. Ultrastructural studies showed epithelial cells with well-formed basal lamina and prominent microvilli. This case illustrates an uncommon site, the Skene's glands for adenoid cystic carcinoma in the female genitourinary tract.
Interactions and outcomes using the Social Relations Model in a health care group

Abstract Health care today necessitates a group effort, in part, due to the availability of complex interventions. Often measures of central tendency are used to examine groups which can result in misleading interpretations. Interactions within groups can influence outcomes so a multi-level approach to examining individual and dyad contributions is helpful to determine where interventions may be needed. The Social Relations Model (SRM) ( Cook & Kenny, 2004 ) is a mathematical technique used for estimating the variances due to interaction effects from individuals and dyads within the group. This exploratory research used the SRM to examine 43 triads, composed of a patient, telehealth nurse and home helper, from three western U.S. Veterans Health Administration systems. The purpose of this research is to utilize the SRM to examine communication and information integration among individuals and dyads within groups that may influence outcomes in a health care example. Three triads with identical communication and information integration group scores were compared for Perceiver, Target and Relational Effect scores. Results identified individual and relational variances within the groups that may influence satisfaction and self-care outcomes. SRM techniques are beneficial not only to examine existing group interactions but to prevent potential group combinations that may inhibit desirable outcomes in a complex health care environment.
A systematic investigation of the functional neuroanatomy of auditory and visual phonological processing

Neuroimaging studies of auditory and visual phonological processing have revealed activation of the left inferior and middle frontal gyri. However, because of task differences in these studies (e.g., consonant discrimination versus rhyming), the extent to which this frontal activity is due to modality-specific linguistic processes or to more general task demands involved in the comparison and storage of stimuli remains unclear. An fMRI experiment investigated the functional neuroanatomical basis of phonological processing in discrimination and rhyming tasks across auditory and visual modalities. Participants made either "same/different" judgments on the final consonant or rhyme judgments on auditorily or visually presented pairs of words and pseudowords. Control tasks included "same/different" judgments on pairs of single tones or false fonts and on the final member in pairs of sequences of tones or false fonts. Although some regions produced expected modality-specific activation (i.e., left superior temporal gyrus in auditory tasks, and right lingual gyrus in visual tasks), several regions were active across modalities and tasks, including posterior inferior frontal gyrus (BA 44). Greater articulatory recoding demands for processing of pseudowords resulted in increased activation for pseudowords relative to other conditions in this frontal region. Task-specific frontal activation was observed for auditory pseudoword final consonant discrimination, likely due to increased working memory demands of selection (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex) and monitoring (mid-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). Thus, the current study provides a systematic comparison of phonological tasks across modalities, with patterns of activation corresponding to the cognitive demands of performing phonological judgments on spoken and written stimuli.
FORMATION OF PITS ON CERAMIC SURFACES COATED WITH GOLD

It was shown through two experiments that submicron-size pits formed on the surfaces of a dense fused quartz substrate and a Y2O3-ZrO2 ceramic thin film that were coated with gold and then heat-treated in air at 1200 °C. The formation of the pits is believed to be caused by the positive capillary pressure (approximately 22 MPa) generated in the molten gold droplets (<1 μm in diameter) that were formed as the gold coating melted.
Star Formation Activity in the Large Magellanic Cloud: Far-Infrared Emission from IRAS High-Resolution Data

We present an investigation of the properties of 21 molecular clouds in the LMC. Our data consist of 60 μm and 100 μm IRAS images that we compare with fully sampled 12CO (J = 1 → 0) maps. The CO data were taken on the 15 m Swedish-ESO Submillimeter Telescope (SEST), which has a beamwidth at 2.6 mm of 45'', or 10 pc at the distance of the LMC. We use the IRAS high-resolution reprocessed data, with approximate resolutions of 60'' and 75'' at 60 μm and 100 μm, respectively. The clouds mapped are in three regions: two complexes south of 30 Doradus, and one at the H II region N11. We measure the far-infrared luminosities for each cloud that has a good CO-FIR correspondence and compare these results with those from similar studies done on Milky Way molecular clouds. The far-infrared luminosities range from 3.5 × 104 to 2.8 × 106 L☉, with an average value of 4 × 105 L☉. This average is lower than that seen for H II regions in the inner Milky Way, as reported by Scoville & Good in 1989 and slightly higher than that for outer Galaxy clouds as reported by Mead et al. in 1990. Virial masses of these clouds are from 4 × 104 to 1 × 106 M☉. Star formation activity (LFIR/MVIR), defined as the ratio of the luminosity from recently formed stars to the total cloud mass, has a range of 2 orders of magnitude for any MVIR. In addition, we find that LFIR/MVIR is independent of cloud mass over the entire range of measured virial masses. These results indicate that although less luminous in CO and FIR than their inner Milky Way counterparts, LMC molecular clouds are undergoing significant massive star formation. LFIR is used to determine the numbers and types of stars embedded in the GMCs. We compare these findings with those from the Milky Way and discuss the implications for star formation theories.