cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physically-Based Particle Size Distribution Models of Urban Water Particulate Matter

A particle size distribution (PSD) of particulate matter (PM) is a primary metric to examine PM transport and fate, as well as PM-bound chemicals and pathogens in urban waters. To facilitate physical interpretation and data sharing, a series of concise analytical models are examined to reproduce unit operation (UO) influent and effluent PSD data and indices. The models are a (1) single-parameter exponential and two-parameter (2) gamma, (3) lognormal, and (4) Rosin-Rammler distributions. Two-parameter models provide physical interpretations for the central tendency of PM diameters, and shape as an index of PSD hetero-dispersivity. Goodness-of-fit is used to test models and PSDs. For influent data from two disparate areas, a paved source area and a larger watershed delivering unique PSDs, lognormal and gamma models provide consistent representation of influent and effluent complexity. In these areas, contrasting UOs (a clarification basin and a volumetric filter), subject to type I settling, scour, and filter PM elution, are differentiated based on flow, surface area, volume, and residence time. Surface overflow rate (SOR) as a common heuristic design tool for only type I settling is used to further test PSD models by simulating effluent PSDs for a scaled basin design. Lognormal and gamma models of SOR-generated effluent PSDs were not statistically different. In conclusion, two-parameter PSD models have physical interpretations and lower errors compared to an exponential model. Gamma and lognormal distributions are physically-based models that reproduce actual complex influent or effluent or through SOR as a tool for PSD transformation. Results indicate that PSD models and parameters can be applied to evaluate behavior of common UOs.
Antitumor Responses in the Absence of Toxicity in Solid Tumors by Targeting B7-H3 Via Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells

The cell surface expression of B7-H3 across multiple tumor subtypes and its restricted expression in normal tissues make it an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. We generated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting B7-H3 (B7-H3.CAR-Ts), and tested them in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), ovarian cancer (OC) and neuroblastoma (NB) models in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that B7-H3.CAR-Ts effectively controlled the growth of PDAC, OC and NB tumor cells in vitro and in orthotopic, metastatic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. In addition, we found that 4-1BB costimulation promotes lower PD1 expression in B7-H3.CAR-Ts, and thus have superior antitumor activity when targeting PD-L1 constitutively expressing tumor cells. Finally, taking the advantage of the cross-reactivity of B7-H3.CAR with murine B7-H3 (mB7-H3), we investigated the antitumor efficacy and safety of B7-H3.CAR-Ts in a syngeneic pancreatic orthotopic tumor model in immunocompetent mouse. The mB7-H3.CAR-Ts significantly controlled the tumor growth in immunocompetent mice tumor model without decreasing the hematopoietic or immune cell numbers, and no tissue damage in any analyzed organs was observed, these findings further support the safety and efficacy of B7-H3.CAR-Ts for clinical application.
A cutaneous mechanoneural interface for neuroprosthetic feedback

Amputation destroys sensory end organs and does not provide an anatomical interface for cutaneous neuroprosthetic feedback. Here, we report the design and a biomechanical and electrophysiological evaluation of the cutaneous mechanoneural interface consisting of an afferent neural system that comprises a muscle actuator coupled to a natively pedicled skin flap in a cuff-like architecture. Muscle is actuated through electrical stimulation to induce strains or oscillatory vibrations on the skin flap that are proportional to a desired contact duration or contact pressure. In rat hindlimbs, the mechanoneural interface elicited native dermal mechanotransducers to generate at least four levels of graded contact and eight distinct vibratory afferents that were not significantly different from analogous mechanical stimulation of intact skin. The application of different patterns of electrical stimulation independently engaged slowly adapting and rapidly adapting mechanotransducers, and recreated an array of cutaneous sensations. The cutaneous mechanoneural interface can be integrated with current prosthetic technologies for tactile feedback. A neuroprosthetic interface comprising a muscle actuator coupled to a natively pedicled skin flap in a cuff-like architecture elicits graded contact and vibratory afferent signals analogous to those elicited by mechanical stimulation of intact skin.
Neuroprotective effect of lysophosphatidic acid on AβP31-35-induced apoptosis in cultured cortical neurons

It has been reported that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) at its lower concentrations prevents apoptosis induced by serum-deprivation in cultured cortical neurons when LPA is added into the cultural medium with serum withdrawal. The present study wasdesigned to investigate whether LPA could also block the apoptosis induced by β-amyloid peptide fragment 31-35 (AβP31-35) incultured cortical neurons by using techniques of DNA fragmentation electrophoresis, HO33342 staining, and TUNEL examinations.The results showed that pretreatment of LPA suppressed the AβP31-35-induced apoptosis only when LPA was applied to the culturedneurons with lower concentrations (1~10 μmol/L) and especially, with a preceding time of 12~24 h before the AβP31-35 exposure.These facts imply that LPA also acts as a neuroprotective factor against AβP31-35-induced apoptosis, though the mechanism under-lying the protective action in this case may be more complex than that involved in the serum deprivation-induced apoptosis.
Time-Resolved OSL Experiments

In this chapter we discuss experimental data and models for time-resolved optically and infrared stimulated luminescence (TR-OSL, TR-IRSL).These techniques can help researchers understand the luminescence mechanisms involved in dosimetric materials. We show how to use R in order to extract the luminescence lifetimes from TR experimental data and show how to analyze the temperature dependence of luminescence lifetimes and luminescence intensity. Specific R codes are provided for TR experiments in quartz and how they can be analyzed with R to obtain the thermal quenching parameters W and C, based on the Mott–Seitz competition mechanism. We show how to analyze TR-OSL signals from delocalized transitions and also TR-IRSL signals involving localized transitions in feldspars involving quantum tunneling. This chapter concludes with the presentation of a TR-photoluminescence (TR-PL) model for the important dosimetric material Al2O3:C.
Prevalence, risk and protective factors of alcohol use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic in U.S. military veterans.

Abstract Background There have been reports of increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population. However, little is known about the impact of the pandemic on the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD), especially in high-risk samples such as U.S. military veterans. Methods Data were analyzed from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative, prospective cohort of 3078 U.S. veterans. Pre-pandemic and 1-year peri-pandemic risk and protective factors associated with incident and chronic probable AUD were examined. Results A total of 6.9 % (n = 183) of veterans were classified as chronic probable AUD, 3.2 % (n = 85) as remitted from AUD, and 2.7 % (n = 71) as incident probable AUD during the pandemic; the prevalence of probable AUD in the full sample remained stable —10.1 % pre-pandemic and 9.6 % peri-pandemic. Younger age, greater pre-pandemic alcohol use severity, and COVID-related stressors were associated with incident AUD during the pandemic, whereas higher pre-pandemic household income was associated with lower risk of this outcome. Younger age, combat experience, lifetime substance use disorder, greater drug use severity, lower dispositional optimism, and more COVID-related worries and social restriction stress were associated with higher risk of chronic AUD. Conclusions Nearly 1-in-10 US veterans screened positive for AUD 1-year into the pandemic; however, the pre- and 1-year peri-pandemic prevalence of probable AUD remained stable. Veterans who are younger, have served in combat roles, endorse more COVID-related stressors, and have fewer socioeconomic resources may be at higher risk for AUD during the pandemic.
Treatment of indolent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with hypofractionated radiation therapy in three cats.

Background Feline indolent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (ICL) is an uncommon neoplastic disease. There is currently no consensus on treatment recommendations for ICL. Objective To report the clinical outcome of three cats with ICL treated with hypofractionated electron-beam radiotherapy (RT). Animals Three privately owned cats with ICL. Materials and methods Medical records and client surveys were reviewed. A diagnosis of probable ICL was based on history, clinical presentation and histopathological findings, and confirmed using CD3 immunohistochemical analysis and PCR for antigen receptor gene rearrangement (PARR). All cats were treated with hypofractionated RT (four fractions of 8 Gy). Results All cats presented with skin lesions characterised by erythema and alopecia that were refractory to previous treatment with systemic glucocorticoids. Before hypofractionated RT treatment, lesions were histologically described as having diffuse infiltration of the dermis with CD3+ T cells. Molecular clonality analysis revealed clonal T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement. After RT, two cats showed histological improvement defined by decreased infiltration of lymphocytes, with cellular infiltrate present only in the deeper dermis; one cat had near complete histological resolution of lesions with only minimal residual lymphocytes. One cat was determined to have a complete clinical response while the other showed partial responses. No acute adverse effects of radiation were observed; chronic effects included leukotrichia, partial alopecia and mild fibrosis. All clients reported improvement in quality of life for their cats. Conclusions and clinical importance Clinical and histological improvement in these cats suggests that hypofractionated RT can be a useful treatment modality for cats with ICL.
Somatic Symptom Severity, Not Injury Severity, Predicts Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder in Wounded Service Members

Although previous studies have reported an association between patient-reported somatic symptom severity and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) in injured military service members (SMs), conclusions from other studies regarding the association between clinician-determined injury severity and PTSD or MDD remain unclear. The present study investigated whether somatic symptoms or injury severity predict the development of probable PTSD or MDD in wounded SMs medically evacuated from combat areas. Data including SM demographic characteristics, clinician-determined injury severity (i.e., Injury Severity Score [ISS] and Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] values), and self-report assessments of PTSD (PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version), MDD (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9), and somatic symptoms (PHQ-15) were analyzed. A total of 2,217 SMs completed at least one self-assessment between 2003 and 2014, with 425 having completed assessments at each assessment period (AP), conducted 1-75 (AP1), 76-165 (AP2), and 166-255 (AP3) days postinjury. Between AP1 and AP3, the rates of probable PTSD and MDD increased from 3.0% to 11.7% and from 2.8% to 9.2%, respectively. Somatic symptom severity at AP1 predicted probable PTSD and MDD at all three APs, odds ratios (ORs) = 3.5-11.5; however, ISS values did not predict probable PTSD or MDD at any AP, ORs = 0.6-0.9. This suggests that the initial severity of self-reported somatic symptoms rather than clinician-determined injury severity predicts the development of probable PTSD and MDD in wounded SMs.
Trajectory Pattern Identification for Arrivals in Vectored Airspace

Grouping similar flight trajectories into a cluster, or a pattern, is an important data preprocessing step for data-driven methods in air traffic control as it affects the performance of applications such as separation assurance, anomaly detection and trajectory prediction. Especially in vectored airspace, it is challenging to obtain trajectory patterns as they are deeply embedded in the air traffic data. In this paper, we propose a clustering framework that can identify deeply embedded trajectory patterns in vectored airspace from the historical surveillance data using agglomerative hierarchical clustering and dynamic time warping. The proposed framework is illustrated with the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data collected in the Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea.
Cocktail Party Effect & Attention Capture in Semi-Autonomous Driving

A personal name has proven to be an effective stimulus to capture attention. The goal of this pilot study is to test if a personal name can be used as an effective audio warning for drivers of semi-autonomous vehicles. Participants drove a driving simulator in both manual and semiautonomous driving conditions while doing a secondary task. An emergency situation was simulated, and participants were presented with a warning tone or his/her personal name. Reaction times for braking, steering, and eye disengagement were recorded. There was no significant main effect for cue type, a marginally significant interaction effect across driving condition and cue type, and a significant main effect for driving condition. These results suggest that engagement in a secondary task while driving semi-autonomously causes diverted driver attention to be at its highest. Importantly, however, the use of one’s personal name shows promise in capturing attention back to the driving task and warrants deeper investigation for future research.
Animal models of bipolar mania: The past, present and future

Bipolar disorder (BD) is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world according to the World Health Organization and affects nearly six million (∼2.5% of the population) adults in the United State alone each year. BD is primarily characterized by mood cycling of depressive (e.g., helplessness, reduced energy and activity, and anhedonia) and manic (e.g., increased energy and hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, impulsivity, reduced anxiety and depression), episodes. The following review describes several animal models of bipolar mania with a focus on more recent findings using genetically modified mice, including several with the potential of investigating the mechanisms underlying 'mood' cycling (or behavioral switching in rodents). We discuss whether each of these models satisfy criteria of validity (i.e., face, predictive, and construct), while highlighting their strengths and limitations. Animal models are helping to address critical questions related to pathophysiology of bipolar mania, in an effort to more clearly define necessary targets of first-line medications, lithium and valproic acid, and to discover novel mechanisms with the hope of developing more effective therapeutics. Future studies will leverage new technologies and strategies for integrating animal and human data to reveal important insights into the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of BD.
Transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste after long-term storage

The intent in many countries to store spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste for long periods of time before eventual transportation to a permanent geologic repository or other processing sites requires that there be a means of transporting these materials after this storage. The intent of this chapter is to discuss the issues related to transportation after a long-term storage period and to suggest methods that utilities and other material management entities can utilize to ensure that it will be possible to transport this material when a destination is available. Relevant concerns include deterioration of the fuel cladding, deterioration of the basket structure, deterioration of seals, deterioration of neutron absorbers, deterioration of cask/canister walls, reduction of decay heat, and build-up of internal pressure. A rigorous aging management program can help to allay these concerns.
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Using SmartPLS Software: Analyzing Path Models Using Partial Least Squares (PLS) Based SEM

This ‘hands-on’ workshop will demonstrate how to obtain and use sophisticated, but (currently) free, visual software for assessing the measurement and structural model characteristics of path-based SEM quantitative models using a partial least squares (PLS) approach. The workshop will be presented as a teaching aid for faculty, doctoral students, and for other researchers who are engaged in SEM modeling. The workshop will demonstrate how to use the features of SmartPLS software. SmartPLS, developed at the University of Hamburg (Germany), is (currently) a freeware application for (graphical) path modeling with latent variables using the PLS approach. Currently, there are more than 10,000 registered SmartPLS users worldwide. As opposed to covariance-based SEM approaches (exemplified by software such as LISREL or EQS), the PLS method has been documented as possibly more appropriate for a majority of SEM studies and data sets typically used by researchers. PLS has different requirements for sample size, missing data and data distribution characteristics (e.g. normality, skewness, kurtosis, etc.). Numerous research articles reporting PLSbased SEM analyses have been published in leading MIS journals, including MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, and Journal of Management Information Systems, among others. Workshop leader information Name: Geoffrey S. Hubona Affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of CIS, Georgia State University Postal address: 35 Broad St., 9 th floor, Atlanta, GA 30302 Telephone: 404-413-7364
A Review of “Optimizing Academic Library Services in the Digital Milieu: Digital Devices and Their Emerging Trends”

In his preface to Optimizing Academic Library Services in the Digital Milieu: Digital Devices and Their Emerging Trends, author Brendan Ryan writes that the “library as solely a physical space will...
gPrune: a constraint pushing framework for graph pattern mining

In graph mining applications, there has been an increasingly strong urge for imposing user-specified constraints on the mining results. However, unlike most traditional itemset constraints, structural constraints, such as density and diameter of a graph, are very hard to be pushed deep into the mining process. In this paper, we give the first comprehensive study on the pruning properties of both traditional and structural constraints aiming to reduce not only the pattern search space but the data search space as well. A new general framework, called gPrune, is proposed to incorporate all the constraints in such a way that they recursively reinforce each other through the entire mining process. A new concept, Pattern-inseparable Data-antimonotonicity, is proposed to handle the structural constraints unique in the context of graph, which, combined with known pruning properties, provides a comprehensive and unified classification framework for structural constraints. The exploration of these antimonotonicities in the context of graph pattern mining is a significant extension to the known classification of constraints, and deepens our understanding of the pruning properties of structural graph constraints.
The paradox of voting: An elementary solution for the case of three alternatives

Considerable attention has recently been focused on the probability of a cyclical voting paradox's obtaining under conditions of a majority rule. The ultimate object research in this area is an elementary formula which will provide, for n voters choosing among m alternatives, the probability P(m,n) that a cyclical majority will occur in an unbiased societyl operating under majority rule. The most elementary case, where m = n = 3, was set forth by Black [1, p. 50], the solution being P(3,3) = 0.05555556. Additional precise results have, until recently, proven elusive, although Guilbaud [4] offered without proof a limit of 0.08773983876 ... for P(3,oo) as early as 1952.2
The commodification of government information. A summary and analysis of the reagan administration's restrictions on federal information

Abstract Federal policies on the collection and dissemination of government statistics were recently changed to restrict data collection only for essential agency functions, to institute user fees to recover costs, and to include private enterprise in the process wherever possible. These changes reflect social processes of commodification, privatization, and possible censorship of federal information. This article documents the scope of the cutbacks and analyzes the policies' social implications for federal data users, scholars, and the general public.
Navigating 3D electron microscopy maps with EM-SURFER

The Electron Microscopy DataBank (EMDB) is growing rapidly, accumulating biological structural data obtained mainly by electron microscopy and tomography, which are emerging techniques for determining large biomolecular complex and subcellular structures. Together with the Protein Data Bank (PDB), EMDB is becoming a fundamental resource of the tertiary structures of biological macromolecules. To take full advantage of this indispensable resource, the ability to search the database by structural similarity is essential. However, unlike high-resolution structures stored in PDB, methods for comparing low-resolution electron microscopy (EM) density maps in EMDB are not well established. We developed a computational method for efficiently searching low-resolution EM maps. The method uses a compact fingerprint representation of EM maps based on the 3D Zernike descriptor, which is derived from a mathematical series expansion for EM maps that are considered as 3D functions. The method is implemented in a web server named EM-SURFER, which allows users to search against the entire EMDB in real-time. EM-SURFER compares the global shapes of EM maps. Examples of search results from different types of query structures are discussed. We developed EM-SURFER, which retrieves structurally relevant matches for query EM maps from EMDB within seconds. The unique capability of EM-SURFER to detect 3D shape similarity of low-resolution EM maps should prove invaluable in structural biology.
Alkali Silicate Glass Coatings for Mitigating the Risks of Tin Whiskers

Alkali silicate glass (ASG) coatings were investigated as a possible method for inhibiting tin whisker initiation and growth. The aqueous-based ASG formulations used in this study were deposited with equipment and conditions that are typical of those used to apply conventional conformal coatings. Processes for controlling ASG coating properties were developed, and a number of ASG-based coating combinations were applied to test components with pure tin surfaces. Coatings were applied both in a laboratory environment at Rockwell Collins and in a manufacturing environment at Plasma Ruggedized Solutions. Testing in elevated humidity/temperature environments and subsequent inspection of the test articles identified coating combinations that inhibited tin whisker growth as well as other material combinations that actually accelerated tin whisker growth. None of the coatings evaluated in this study, including conventional acrylic and Parylene conformal coatings, completely prevented the formation of tin whiskers. Two of the coatings were particularly effective at reducing the risks of whisker growth, albeit through different mechanisms. Parylene conformal coating almost, but not completely, eliminated whisker formation, and only a few tin whiskers were found on these surfaces during the study. A composite of ASG and alumina nanoparticles inhibited whisker formation to a lesser degree than Parylene, but did disrupt whisker growth mechanisms so as to inhibit the formation of long, and more dangerous, tin whiskers. Additional testing also demonstrated that the conformal coatings had relatively little effect on the dielectric loss of a stripline test structure operating at frequencies over 30 GHz.
An SNR threshold for 2-D damped harmonic models

Consider the problem of finding a lower bound on the signal to noise ratio (SNR) at which any unbiased 2-D harmonic estimation scheme may resolve closely spaced parameters. In particular, consider the Cramer-Rao bounds associated with the parameters. If the parameter estimates are unbiased and normally distributed, the bounds give the smallest possible ellipsoid about each of the parameters which contains a given amount of probability mass. These ellipsoids increase in size with decreasing SNR. The paper presents a method for determining the largest SNR at which any two of the ellipsoids touch. This is deemed the resolution threshold SNR.
Mechanical Testing and Properties

We select a material by matching its mechanical properties to the service conditions required of the component. The first step in the selection process requires that we analyse the application to determine the most important characteristics that the material must possess. Should it be strong, or stiff, or ductile? Will it be subjected to repeated application of a high force, sudden intense force, high stress at elevated temperature, or abrasive conditions? Once we know the required properties, we can select the appropriate material using data listed in handbooks. We must, however, know how the properties listed in the handbook are obtained, know what the properties mean, and realise that the properties listed are obtained from idealised tests that may not apply exactly to real-life engineering applications.
Retinoic acid receptor β2 agonists restore glycaemic control in diabetes and reduce steatosis.

To investigate the effects of specific retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists in diabetes and fatty liver disease.Synthetic agonists for RARβ2 were administered to wild-type (wt) mice in a model of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to ob/ob and db/db mice (genetic models of obesity-associated T2D).We show that administration of synthetic agonists for RARβ2 to either wt mice in a model of HFD-induced T2D or to ob/ob and db/db mice reduces hyperglycaemia, peripheral insulin resistance and body weight. Furthermore, RARβ2 agonists dramatically reduce steatosis, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the liver, pancreas and kidneys of obese, diabetic mice. RARβ2 agonists also lower levels of mRNAs involved in lipogenesis, such as sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP1) and fatty acid synthase, and increase mRNAs that mediate mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, such as CPT1α, in these organs. RARβ2 agonists lower triglyceride levels in these organs, and in muscle.Collectively, our data show that orally active, rapid-acting, high-affinity pharmacological agonists for RARβ2 improve the diabetic phenotype while reducing lipid levels in key insulin target tissues. We suggest that RARβ2 agonists should be useful drugs for T2D therapy and for treatment of hepatic steatosis.
Laboratory‐scale investigation of saltwater intrusion dynamics

[1] Experiments were completed in a laboratory-scale, porous media tank to study the transport patterns of a saltwater wedge in a freshwater aquifer. Three types of experiments were performed to develop: (1) steady state salt-wedge data observed under different hydraulic gradient conditions; (2) transient salt-wedge data observed under intruding-wedge conditions; and (3) transient salt-wedge data observed under receding-wedge conditions. Furthermore, flux measurements were made to quantify the flow characteristics of three distinct steady state experiments. The saltwater intrusion model SEAWAT was used to simulate these data sets. The model results along with the experimental data are presented as benchmark problems for testing density-coupled groundwater flow models. A worthiness analysis was completed to test the sensitivity of these experimental problems to density-coupling effects. The results of our analysis show that the proposed benchmark is a more robust alternative to the traditional Henry problem. These new experimental data sets can be used to assess the performance of saltwater intrusion models under both steady state and transient conditions.
Chromosomal assignments of human genes for serine proteases trypsin, chymotrypsin B, and elastase.

The genes for the serine proteases trypsin, chymotrypsin B, and elastase were chromosomally assigned in man using cDNA probes that have been isolated from a rat pancreatic cDNA library. DNA from human × rodent somatic cell hybrids was cleaved with BamHI or EcoRI and analyzed by Southern filter hybridization methods for the segregation of the genes for trypsin-1 (TRY1), chymotrypsin B (CTRB), and elastase-1 (ELA1). TRY1 was assigned to human chromosome 7q22→qter, CTRB to chromosome 16, and ELA1 to chromosome 12. Although the three genes are members of the same gene family, they are dispersed over different chromosomes.
Cosmic rays, gamma rays and synchrotron radiation from the Galaxy

Galactic cosmic rays (CR), interstellar gamma-ray emission and synchrotron radiation are related topics. CR electrons propagate in the Galaxy and interact with the interstellar medium, producing inverse-Compton emission measured in gamma rays and synchrotron emission measured in radio. I present an overview of the latest results with Fermi/LAT on the gamma-ray diffuse emission induced by CR nuclei and electrons. Then I focus on the recent complementary studies of the synchrotron emission in the light of the latest gamma-ray results. Relevant observables include spectral indices and their variations, using surveys over a wide range of radio frequencies. This paper enphasizes the importance of using the parallel study of gamma rays and synchrotron radiation in order to constrain the low-energy interstellar CR electron spectrum, models of propagation of CRs, and magnetic fields.
Empowering the Underserved, One App at a Time

Cellular phones are bringing computing to underserved communities. As people in these communities across the globe lack access to information, but do own cellular phones, apps are filling the gap by delivering meaningful information and important services to improve lives. In this paper, we describe some projects through which students have been helping underserved communities in the United States and globally by developing apps to serve specific social needs.
Predictions of the geochemical behavior of aqueous electrolytes at high temperatures and pressures

Abstract Applications of ionization and solubility constants, of interest to geochemistry, obtained from electrical conductance and solubility measurements over wide ranges of temperature (0–800°C) and pressure (1–4000 bars) are described. The ionization constants have been correlated with solvent concentration as a variable in deriving complete constants that are experimentally independent of pressure. In some examples where complete constants are used to predict thermodynamic behavior, methods are given for estimating partial molar volumes and standard volume changes of electrolytes. Although solubilities adhere well to extended Debye-Huckel theory to moderately high ionic strengths at high temperatures, a difficulty that arises in predicting solubilities in mixed electrolytes is discussed.
Family of origin history, psychological distress, quality of childhood memory, and content of first and recovered childhood memories

Abstract Objective: Individual differences in quality of childhood memory and recovered memories from childhood remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study tested several hypotheses which may help account for the large amount of variation that individuals report in the general quality of their childhood memory and the valence of the memories that many individuals report recovering from their childhoods. It was hypothesized that family of origin dysfunction would be associated with poorer childhood memory, that current depressed mood would be associated with impaired childhood recall and the recall of negative memories, and that the content of recovered childhood memories would be disproportionately negative because they include a significant number of memories which had been repressed or dissociated. Method: Questionnaires were administered to 553 college students, 27% of whom reported a history of child abuse. Results: The participants reported substantial variation in the general quality of their childhood memories and also a wide variety of different types of experiences for both their first childhood memories and the recovered memories that most of them had from their childhoods. Weak associations were found between family of origin dysfunction and poorer general quality of childhood memory, but the study as a whole resulted in few significant findings. Conclusions: Only weak support was found for some of the factors that have been hypothesized to distort autobiographical memory. The substantial individual variation in childhood memory that has been reported by college student samples remains poorly understood.
The kinetics of nitrate uptake from flowing solutions by rice: Influence of pretreatment and light

Abstract The kinetics of nitrate (NO − 3 ) uptake by intact 23 day old rice plants was studied by measuring the depletion of NO − 3 in solutions flowing over the plant roots. A Michaelis-Menten kinetic model was applied, allowing the uptake kinetics to be characterized by two parameters: the apparent half-velocity constant, K m , and the apparent maximum uptake rate, V max . A propagation of uncertainty calculation revealed that the kinetic parameters could be determined with a high degree of accuracy; the standard deviation in K m was typically 15% of the K m value; the standard deviation in V max was typically 7% of the V max value. The plants were exposed to full nutrient solutions containing NO − 3 at 50, 200, 500 and 800 μ m for 24 h prior to kinetic testing, and both K m and V max were found to vary with pretreatment NO − 3 concentration, [NO − 3 ]; plants pretreated at high [NO − 3 ] had lower V max and higher K m values than plants pretreated at lower [NO − 3 ]. However, the variations in V max were more consistent than those in K m . These changes in the kinetic parameters reflect an uptake system which is capable of compensating for changes in the external [NO − 3 ] to maintain a virtually constant NO − 3 uptake rate in the range studied. Changes in K m and V max begin within 4 h of a change in [NO − 3 ]. Light deprivation during pretreatment in 200 μ m NO − 3 resulted in a complete cessation of NO − 3 uptake; 4–8 h of illumination were required before the uptake resumed, and uptake rates had not yet reached normal levels 8 h after the resumption of illumination.
Diagnostic efficiency of several methods of identifying socially rejected children and effect of participation rate on classification accuracy

Abstract Social rejection is associated with a wide variety of negative outcomes. Early identification of social rejection and intervention to minimize its negative impact is thus important. However, sociometric methods, which are considered high in validity for identifying socially rejected children, are frequently not used because of (a) procedural challenges, (b) community apprehension, and (c) sensitivity to missing data. In a sample of 316 students in grades K through 8, we used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses to compare the diagnostic efficiency of several methods for identifying socially rejected children. When not using least-liked nominations, (a) most-liked nominations yielded the greatest diagnostic efficiency (AUC = .96), (b) peer ratings were more efficient (AUC = .84 to .99) than teacher ratings (AUC = .74 to .81), and (c) teacher report of social status was more efficient (AUC = .81) than scores from teacher behavior rating scales (AUC = .74 to .75). We also examined the effects of nominator non-participation on diagnostic efficiency. At participation as low as 50%, classification of sociometric rejection (i.e., being rejected or not rejected) was quite accurate (κ = .63 to .77). In contrast, at participation as high as 70%, classification of sociometric status (i.e., popular, average, unclassified, neglected, controversial, or rejected) was significantly less accurate (κ = .50 to .59).
Early Presentation of Very Long Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Nursing Action Resulting in a Positive Outcome

A clinical case of very long chain fatty acid acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency with cardiac manifestation, is presented. A 2-day old newborn, delivered after a normal pregnancy, birth, and immediate post-natal period, was transported from an outside hospital (OSH) with episodic wide complex tachycardia. In this case, the newborn screen returned suggesting VLCAD deficiency, positively redirecting treatment. An overview of VLCAD, one category of inborn error of metabolism (IEM), is presented. Additionally, the importance of newborn screening, the role of genetic testing, and nursing implications to improve outcomes, will also be discussed.
Homological interpretation of a theorem of L. Washington

We give a homological interpretation of Washington's theorem about non-vanishing mod p of special L-values twisted by Dirichlet characters with l-power conductors. Then we make some conjectures to generalize the argument to the case of elliptic modular L-values using modular symbols. The conjecture is checked using numerical calculations.
Keynote Papers: Basic Concepts in Design for Producibility

“Are there basic principles and concepts that can put the design for producibility on a more scientific basis?” That is the subject of this keynote paper. To meet the needs of the society, products must be designed and manufactured. This design/manufacturing process involves at least five steps: the formulation of the product requirements (i.e., the generation of ideas for the product and for manufacturing processes, execution of manufacturing operations, and the development of marketing strategies for the final product. Some basic concepts have been advanced to address various aspects of the complex product life cycle design issues. The most subjective element of the design process which is difficult to rationalize is the formulation of functional requirements from a set of perceived needs. In order to facilitate the second element of the design process, i.e., idea generation, morphological techniques and knowledge based expert systems have been proposed. Once the ideas are generated, design decisions must be made to choose the best among those ideas proposed. There are two approaches in making design decisions: algorithmic and axiomatic. Prescriptive design procedure for assembly, which has been generated to lower the assembly cost, and knowledge based expert systems for use in CAD/CAM are examples of an algorithmic approach. On the other hand, the Design Axioms have been introduced to establish the general scientific basis for making design decisions in evaluating the requirements. The consequent theorems and corollaries provide specific criteria for “design for producibility.” The axiomatic approach provides the general conceptual framework and decision making basis, while the algorithmic approach facilitates the design process in solving specific problems.
DNA as a target for drug action.

Abstract DNA is the presumed target for a number of clinically useful anticancer drugs. In this review, Laurence Hurley and Leslie Boyd discuss the appropriateness of the term ‘receptor' for DNA and outline the forseeable problems in designing drugs that will produce a defined pharmacological response through interaction with DNA. They describe the structural features which present DNA as an attractive target for drug design, and the possible characteristics of drugs that react with DNA to produce a predetermined biochemical response. Finally, they outline modern approaches to elucidating the structural and biological consequences of drug modification.
Vitamin D, respiratory infections, and asthma

Over the past decade, interest has grown in the role of vitamin D in many nonskeletal medical conditions, including respiratory infection. Emerging evidence indicates that vitamin D-mediated innate immunity, particularly through enhanced expression of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (hCAP-18), is important in host defenses against respiratory tract pathogens. Observational studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency increases risk of respiratory infections. This increased risk may contribute to incident wheezing illness in children and adults and cause asthma exacerbations. Although unproven, the increased risk of specific respiratory infections in susceptible hosts may contribute to some cases of incident asthma. Vitamin D also modulates regulatory T-cell function and interleukin-10 production, which may increase the therapeutic response to glucocorticoids in steroid-resistant asthma. Future laboratory, epidemiologic, and randomized interventional studies are needed to better understand vitamin D’s effects on respiratory infection and asthma.
In situ formation of a loop snare for retrieval of a foreign body without a free end

A technique is described that allowed percutaneous retrieval of an endoscopically placed, obstructed biliary stent using loop snare capture of an angled hydrophilic wire which was wrapped around the stent initially.
Speaking Up, Remaining Silent: The Dynamics of Voice and Silence in Organizations

Within organizations, people often have to make decisions about whether to speak up or remain silent whether to share or withhold their ideas, opinions, and concerns. In many cases, they choose the safe response of silence, withholding input that could be valuable to others or thoughts that they wish they eould express. Researchers have referred to this as employee silence (Morrison and Milliken, 2000; Pinder and Harlos, 2001). There are many different types of issues that people in organizations are silent about and many reasons why people may elect to be silent. An employee may keep quiet about unethical practices that he or she has observed, for example, out of fear of being punished. Members of a group may choose to not express dissenting opinions in the interest of maintaining consensus and cohesiveness in the group. Thus, silence can be caused by fear, by the desire to avoid conveying bad news or unwelcome ideas, and also by normative and social pressures that exist in groups.
Modulated-impurity-concentration transferred-electron devices exhibiting large harmonic frequency content

We report large increases in the harmonic components of the oscillation current waveforms for InP and GaAs TEDs by appropriate modulation of the device doping profile. The results are based on accurate drift-diffusion simulations of Gunn-diode structures. An unoptimized InP modulated-impurity-concentration transferred-electron device demonstrated a 100% increase in second-harmonic power generation as compared with its companion TED. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
SU-C-WAB-04: Auto-Contouring Accuracy in the Presence of a Rectal Balloon

Purpose: To determine if the presence of rectal balloons improves the accuracy of prostate and rectum auto‐contouring on kV cone‐beam CTs (CBCTs). Methods: Seven patients undergoing five fraction prostate SBRT were selected. Rectal balloons were placed and consistently inflated at simulation and treatment to increase organ stability and reproducibility. All five pre‐treatment CBCTs were contoured using ABAS (Elekta) which deformably registers the plan CT or previous CBCTs to the current CBCT and then morphs their contours according to this deformation field. Six patients undergoing 40 fraction prostate IMRT without rectal balloons were also chosen. Nine fractions each were contoured similarly with ABAS. All scans were manually contoured by a physician and Dice Coefficient (DC) calculated between the physician and auto‐contours as our measure of accuracy. Results: Average accuracy of auto‐to physician rectal contours significantly improved with rectal balloons from DC of 0.85 to 0.91 (P<0.0001). The prostate contour accuracy also improved from DC 0.84 to 0.88 (P=0.0016). Balloons reduced variability between the plan and treatment image, allowing the registration to successfully recover the deformation and morph the contours. Bladder filling is the overriding factor in its auto‐contouring, so its accuracy is not affected by the rectal balloon, DC 0.91 with, 0.92 without. Prostate auto‐contouring was more accurate than the intra‐observer agreement DC of 0.83, and consistent with the bladder agreement of 0.92. The rectal balloon significantly boosted intra‐observer agreement from 0.85 to 0.97 (P<0.001). This is higher than auto‐contouring accuracy, indicating it could be further improved. Visually the tissue air boundary is clear but CBCTs have a scan dependent, ∼5 mm border of rapidly rising intensity that currently confounds the deformation. Auto‐contours are produced in ∼20 seconds. Conclusion: The use of rectal balloons significantly improves the accuracy of prostate and rectum auto‐contours on daily CBCTs, enabling online adaptive therapy. A research version of ABAS was provided by Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Polarized Raman modes of a single wurtzite GaAs needle

We report the polarization properties of Raman scattering in a single wurtzite GaAs nanoneedle. Micro-Raman measurements are performed with varying incident and scattered light polarizations, affecting the relative intensities of the observed zone-center phonon lines.
Spatially resolved ground-state number densities of calcium and strontium ion in an inductively coupled plasma in contact with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry sampling interface

Abstract Radial profiles of Ca and Sr ion number densities in an ICP at 6, 7 and 8 mm above the load coil (ALC) and at 1.25 kW of input rf power were measured by saturated fluorescence induced by an Nd:YAG laser-pumped dye laser at 396.85 nm and 421.55 nm, respectively. The measurements were performed in the presence and in the absence of an ICP-MS sampling interface. When in place, the orifice of the sampling cone was positioned 13 mm ALC on the axis of the plasma torch. The results show that the interface can either raise or lower the ion number densities, depending on the central-gas-flow rate, and can cause a vertical shift of their entire radial profiles with respect to the ICP axis. The introduction of Li, Cu and Zn as matrix elements reduced the ion number densities of the analytes, both in the presence and in the absence of the interface. This effect became more significant at higher central-gas-flow rates. In addition, the peak value of the radial ion number density was found to depend strongly on the central-gas-flow rate maximum occurred at 1.1 l/min for both Ca ion and Sr ion under the ICP operating conditions used in this study. This behavior is very similar to the mass spectrometric signals previously observed downstream and reported in the literature.