cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TECHNIQUES AND MARKER GENES FOR USE IN MACROCYST GENETICS WITH POLYSPHONDYLIUM PALLIDUM

Previous work has shown that genetic exchange occurs in the macrocyst of Polysphondylium pallidum, as in species of Dictyostelium. These studies are extended here. Mutants resistant to six different poisons have been isolated for use as genetic markers. A replica-plating technique has been engineered whereby 14 progeny clones growing on a master plate may be simultaneously transferred to test plates containing individual poisons. Germination percent of macrocysts has been greatly increased by the presence of a growing fungus during the resting stage. These means have been used to analyze crosses showing that: (1) Vegetative amebae are haploid, at least at the three marker loci tested. (2) Amebae emerging from a single macrocyst are identical about 90% of the time. (3) Any single combination of parental markers may emerge from a given macrocyst, and all combinations appear in approximately equal frequencies. These findings suggest that normally one of four nuclei produced by meiosis survives in every macrocyst and that all markers examined are unlinked. (4) About 10% of the macrocysts germinate to give two or more classes of progeny. These may result from the presence of a second zygote in the macrocyst or from the survival of two nuclei after meiosis. (5) If genetic exchange occurs during spore formation or microcyst formation, its frequency is low (<0.01%).
A Structured Approach to Developing Real-Time, Distributed Network Applications for ITS Deployment∗

This paper describes a structured approach to developing ITS applications which are instantiated as real-time, distributed computing applications that are suitable for distributing dynamic data in real time to a large but authorized group of users. The approach is based on an asynchronous, distributed, client/server architecture and relies on the creation of autonomous, reusable pieces of software. Within this approach, applications are seen not as clients, but rather as configurations of the various structured software components. The paper first presents the general development framework and then demonstrates the approach by describing several applications that have been created and deployed in the domain of Intelligent Transportation System. The paradigms presented here fit within the context of the FHWA ITS Architecture.
Doing My Best: Poverty and Self-Care Among Individuals With Schizophrenia and Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is more common among individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders than among the general population. Eleven mental health consumers diagnosed with comorbid schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and DM participated in a grounded theory study that examined their approaches to diabetic self-care. The resulting model, Evolving Self-Care, describes the process by which respondents developed health beliefs about the self-care of dual illnesses. One subcategory of the model, Doing My Best, was further analyzed to examine the social context of respondents' diabetic self-care. Limited financial resources and material deprivation interfered with access to the resources necessary for adequate diabetic self-care. Mental health providers are encouraged to provide treatment and patient education that are consistent with the real world living situations of individuals with schizophrenia. Policymakers at the federal and state levels need to address the impact of financing of mental health services on the overall health of vulnerable individuals with serious mental illnesses.
Basic carboxypeptidases: regulators of peptide hormone activity

Abstract The importance of basic carboxypeptidases (i.e. enzymes that cleave C-terminal arginine or lysine from proteins or peptides) has recently become more evident, in part because of the dramatic growth of research on biologically active peptides. It has been known for many years that carboxypeptidase B acts in concert with other digestive enzymes to degrade proteins and peptides in the digestive tract and that plasma carboxypeptidase N (kininase I) can inactivate peptides such as kinins and anaphylatoxins in the circulation . Randal Skidgel reviews more recent findings that have expanded the possible roles for this type of carboxypeptidase to include participation in the processing of peptide hormone precursors and in the regulation of the receptor specificity of active peptides. Two recently described basic carboxypeptidases have these roles: carboxypeptidase H (enkephalin convertase), an enzyme in secretory granules involved in peptide hormone processing; and carboxypeptidase M, a plasma membrane-bound enzyme, which could regulate peptide hormone activity at the cell surface .
Backcalculation of Pavement Profiles from Spectral-Analysis-of-Surface-Waves Test by Neural Networks Using Individual Receiver Spacing Approach

The Spectral-Analysis-of-Surface-Waves (SASW) method is a seismic technique for in situ evaluation of elastic moduli and layer thicknesses for layered systems, such as pavements and soils. The objective of the SASW test is to obtain the experimental dispersion curve and, through an inversion procedure, obtain the profile of an elastic moduli of the layered system. The inversion process in practice uses an average of dispersion curves for different receiver spacings. Results of theoretical studies indicate that differences in dispersion curves for various spacings are a result of interference of a number of body and surface waves. The development and application of neural networks to perform the inversion procedure for SASW testing of asphalt concrete (AC) pavements is presented. The most important feature of the developed network is that training of the network was done by the dispersion curves for individual receiver spacings. The training set consists of dispersion curves for seven receiver spacings and 78 dimensionless frequencies, while output is presented by elastic moduli and layer thicknesses of a four-course AC pavement. The dispersion curves used to train the neural networks are synthetic dispersion curves developed from numerical simulations of the SASW test. The obtained neural network model is compared to the previously developed model for backcalculation of moduli from the SASW test based on the averaged dispersion curve. Although both approaches can accurately define profiles, each has some advantages in evaluation of the thickness of the subbase.
Genetic analysis of synaptotagmin 2 in spontaneous and Ca2+‐triggered neurotransmitter release

Synaptotagmin 2 resembles synaptotagmin 1, the Ca2+ sensor for fast neurotransmitter release in forebrain synapses, but little is known about synaptotagmin 2 function. Here, we describe a severely ataxic mouse strain that harbors a single, destabilizing amino-acid substitution (I377N) in synaptotagmin 2. In Calyx of Held synapses, this mutation causes a delay and a decrease in Ca2+-induced but not in hypertonic sucrose-induced release, suggesting that synaptotagmin 2 mediates Ca2+ triggering of evoked release in brainstem synapses. Unexpectedly, we additionally observed in synaptotagmin 2 mutant synapses a dramatic increase in spontaneous release. Synaptotagmin 1-deficient excitatory and inhibitory cortical synapses also displayed a large increase in spontaneous release, demonstrating that this effect was shared among synaptotagmins 1 and 2. Our data suggest that synaptotagmin 1 and 2 perform equivalent functions in the Ca2+ triggering of action potential-induced release and in the restriction of spontaneous release, consistent with a general role of synaptotagmins in controlling ‘release slots' for synaptic vesicles at the active zone.
Emissions trading: An improved technique for air quality management

Abstract The emissions trading program was one of the first major regulatory reform efforts at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Reagan Administration. This program is a set of guidelines for the states to develop federally approved transactions in discharge permits, called an Emission Reduction Credit. The rules governing emissions trading apply within a total ambient constraint or “pollution budget.” This paper provides a discussion of the emissions trading program as an improved technique for air quality management. The paper begins with a discussion of the concept of emissions trading and how the EPA emissions trading program fits into the U.S. Clean Air Act. It is then argued that emissions trading provides a more cost-effective set of implementation incentives in comparison to a “command and control” regulatory system. A number of important attributes of the emissions trading program are discussed, and estimates of cost reductions are provided. The current status of the implementation of the emissions trading program is discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of several legal, technical, and administrative obstacles to obtaining the efficiencies of emissions trading.
Influence of Surface Parameters on Anode Losses in Arcjets

Surface parameters influence on energy transfer to arc jet anode, discussing work function, accommodation coefficient and diffuse reflection coefficient of electrons
Excitons, biexcitons, and trions in self-assembled "In,Ga…As/ GaAs quantum dots: Recombination energies, polarization, and radiative lifetimes versus dot height

We calculate the height dependence of recombination energies, polarization, and radiative lifetimes of the optical transitions of various excitonic complexes: neutral excitons $({X}^{0})$, negatively $({X}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ and positively charged $({X}^{+})$ trions, and biexcitons $(X{X}^{0})$ in lens-shaped, self-assembled ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.6}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.4}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}$ quantum dots. By using an atomistic pseudopotential method combined with the configuration-interaction method, we predict the following. (i) The recombination energy of the lowest transition of ${X}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ blueshifts as height increases, whereas that of ${X}^{+}$ redshifts. Remarkably, the recombination of $X{X}^{0}$ shows a redshift at small heights, reaches a maximum shift, and then blueshifts for taller dots. This feature results from the height dependence and relative magnitude of the interelectronic direct Coulomb interaction. (ii) Changes in dot height lead to a bound-to-unbound crossover for ${X}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${X}^{+}$, and $X{X}^{0}$. (iii) When considering the [110] and $[1\overline{1}0]$ directions, the lowest transitions of ${X}^{0}$ and $X{X}^{0}$ manifest [110] vs $[1\overline{1}0]$ in-plane polarization anisotropy that switches sign as a function of height as well as alloy randomness. ${X}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${X}^{+}$ show transitions with negligible polarization anisotropy regardless of height. (iv) The ground state of ${X}^{0}$ is split in a low-energy pair that is forbidden (dark) and a high-energy pair that is allowed; thus, at $T=0\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, the radiative lifetime $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}({X}^{0})$ is long $(\ensuremath{\sim}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms})$ due to the dark exciton. On the other hand, at $T=10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}({X}^{0})$ decreases moderately as height increases and its magnitude ranges from $2\char21{}3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns}$. The ground state of ${X}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${X}^{+}$, and that of $X{X}^{0}$ is allowed (bright); so, $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}({X}^{\ensuremath{-}})$, $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}({X}^{+})$, and $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}(X{X}^{0})$ are fast $(\ensuremath{\sim}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns})$ even at $T=0\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. These radiative lifetimes depend weakly on height. In addition, $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}({X}^{\ensuremath{-}})\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}({X}^{+})\ensuremath{\simeq}1.1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns}$, while $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}(X{X}^{0})\ensuremath{\simeq}0.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns}$. We compare our predictions with available spectroscopic data.
Amenity values of public and private forests: examining the value-attitude relationship.

Public values toward forests have changed since the late 1980s, from a commodity-oriented perspective toward a more inclusive (commodity and non-commodity) orientation. This study examines the influence of four indicators of population diversity (age, ethnic background, place of residence, and gender) on amenity values of forests, environmental attitudes, and forest value-attitude correspondence. Four values of public and private forests were assessed, wood production (utilitarian value), clean air (a life support value), scenic beauty (an aesthetic value), and heritage (a spiritual value). Environmental attitudes were measured using a modified version of the New Environmental Paradigm scale. Five hundred and forty-eight randomly selected residents of households in 13 states of the Southern United States participated in a telephone interview. Age and ethnic background were found to moderate the value-attitude relationship, with the strength of the association being dependent upon the type of forest (i.e., public or private) and the forest value (i.e., utilitarian, life support, spiritual, and aesthetic). Females, younger persons (less than 43 years old), and whites reported lower utilitarian values of forests than their respective counterparts. Results are interpreted within the context of an emerging post-material society, in which a biocentric orientation to forests and the natural environment may be favored more by a younger (versus older) generation and increasingly racially diverse U.S. population. Implications for managing forests using a multiple-values (versus multiple-uses) approach are discussed.
Cavity modes in Josephson coupled superconductor/insulator superlattices☆

Abstract Cavity modes in Josephson coupled superconductor/insulator superlattices have been studied based on a theoretical model recently proposed by Sakai et al. In such systems the Swihart velocities form a band bounded by two limiting velocities c + and c − corresponding to the in-phase and out-of-phase (in the two neighboring junctions) states, respectively. Cavity modes in stacked double Josephson junctions have also been discussed as a special case.
Dietary caloric restriction may delay the development of cataract by attenuating the oxidative stress in the lenses of Brown Norway rats.

Dietary caloric restriction (CR) is the only experimental intervention that can reliably retard the development of cataract in a normal animal model. Here we have studied the possible mechanisms by which CR retards the age-related degeneration of the lens of Brown Norway rats. We have found that CR slowed protein insolubilization and blunted declines of the total soluble thiols, protein thiols, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid levels in the lenses of old BN rats. From the lens protein point of view, the development of cataract in rat lenses has 3 stages: (1) the precipitation of γ-crystallin, (2) the insolubilization of β-crystallin, and (3) the final precipitation of α-crystallin which was saturated with other denatured lens proteins. A similar sequence is also observed when the lens proteins are subjected to oxidative stress in vitro. These data are the first to suggest that CR may retard the age-related degeneration of the lens by attenuating the oxidative stress in the lens. Since oxidative stress is likely a main cause of human cataract, CR intervention may be relevant to humans as well.
Sulfonated 1,3-bis-(4-pyrid-yl)propane.

In the title compound, 4-[3-(3-sulfonato­pyridin-1-ium-4-yl)prop­yl]pyridin-1-ium-3-sulfonate, C13H14N2O6S2, the mol­ecule is zwitterionic, with the sulfonic acid proton transfered to the basic pyridine N atom. Also, the structure adopts a butterfly-like conformation with the sulfonate groups on opposite sides of the `wings'. The dihedral angle between the two pyridinium rings is 83.56 (7)°, and this results in the mol­ecule having a chiral conformation and packing. There is strong inter­molecular hydrogen bonding between the pyridinium H and sulfonate O atoms of adjoining mol­ecules. In addition, there are weaker inter­molecular C—H⋯O inter­actions.
Use Of Nanosecond Pulse Fluorimetry For The Study Of Protein Structure

Nanosecond pulse fluorescent spectroscopy is a very powerful method for studying protein structure in solution. Studies using this methodology fall into two main categories, measurement of the decay of total fluorescence to evaluate fluorescence lifetime, and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements of the decay of polarization. The experiments are performed by attaching fluorescent probes to various known sites on protein molecules. The lifetime experiments tell us about the dynamic properties of the fluorescent moiety itself, while the anisotropy measurements provide information about the shape and hydrodynamic properties of the protein to which the fluorescent moiety is attached. Fluorescent probes that show only simple fluorescence can be used for studies with lifetimes up to about 120 ns; probes that form triplets will have longer lifetimes into the microsecond or even millisecond range.
Color stability of new-generation indirect resins for prosthodontic application * **

Abstract Statement of problem. Several new-generation indirect resins are being advocated for full contour restoration of teeth. Previous indirect resin systems have failed in this application, due in part to color instability. Purpose. This study evaluated and characterized the color stability of various new-generation indirect resins (ceramic-polymers) when subjected to accelerated aging. Material and methods. Four new-generation indirect resin systems, 1 direct resin system, and 1 dental porcelain control were subjected to accelerated aging for a period of 300 hours. Initial specimen color parameters were determined in the Commission International de l'Eclairage Lab (CIELAB) color order system with a colorimeter. Color changes (ΔE) were calculated between baseline color measurements and measurements made after 150 and 300 hours of accelerated aging. Color difference data were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance to examine the interaction between material and time interval of aging. Where significant interactions occurred, a least-squared means test was performed to identify differences in the color stability between the materials ( P ≤.05). Results. After 300 hours of accelerated aging, color changes of the indirect resins ranged between 0.62 and 3.40 ΔE units. Two of the products tested demonstrated color stability that was not significantly different from the porcelain control. Conclusion. All the indirect resins tested demonstrated color stability at or below a quantitative level that would be considered clinically acceptable. Color changes of ceramic-polymers occurred because of changes in chroma, rather than alterations in lightness. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;83:166-70.)
NaCl rejection by an inorganic nanofiltration membrane in relation to its central pore potential

Abstract The effects of pH and ionic strength on the performance of an iron-modified silica inorganic nanofiltration (NF) membrane were evaluated. Inorganic NF membranes rely heavily on the charge exclusion mechanism to promote electrolyte rejection. However, the charge characteristics on the membrane surface are altered with changes in feed solution pH and ionic strength conditions. Another important aspect of charge exclusion is the need for double layer overlap within the pore, but the attenuation of the potential with distance is rarely evaluated to determine the extent of this potential overlap. In this paper, the Gouy-Chapman model was used to calculate the potential distribution across the pore and evaluate the magnitude of the potential at the center of the pore for a range of pore sizes. A quantitative relationship was then built to relate the potential at the pore center with the rejection of NaCl by the membrane under various feed solution conditions. The potential at the center of the pore could be decreased by increasing the ionic strength of solution and/or by decreasing the pH. A decrease in the potential at the pore center led to a decrease in membrane rejection of NaCl. Using the rejection and potential data acquired through this investigation, an operational pore diameter was defined that coincided well with the pore diameter calculated using nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Other physical traits of the iron-modified silica material are also evaluated to give a complete description of the membrane's attributes.
PATTERNS OF RESOURCE CONSUMPTION IN MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE

Intensive care is being scrutinized as a major factor in increasing health care costs. We examined 404 consecutive admissions to the medical ICUs at a university medical center to study patterns of consumption of ICU resources and the proportion of resources used by patients admitted for monitoring only. We found a skewed distribution of ICU resource consumption, with the "high-cost" 8 percent using as many ICU resources as the "low-cost" 92 percent. Forty-one percent of admissions did not receive acute ICU treatments, but these admissions consumed less than 10 percent of ICU resources. Reducing the number of patients admitted for monitoring will have a relatively small impact on hospital charges. Since over 70 percent of the high-cost patients died, improved understanding of prognosis and better physician-patient communication may substantially reduce the proportion of critical care resources expended on futile treatment.
Electron acceptors of bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers. II. H+ binding coupled to secondary electron transfer in the quinone acceptor complex.

The photoreduction of ubiquinone in the electron acceptor complex (Q1Q11) of photosynthetic reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides, R26, was studied in a series of short, saturating flashes. The specific involvement of H+ in the reduction was revealed by the pH dependence of the electron transfer events and by net H+ binding during the formation of ubiquinol, which requires two turnovers of the photochemical act. On the first flash Q11 receives an electron via Q1 to form a stable ubisemiquinone anion (Q−11); the second flash generates Q−1. At low pH the two semiquinones rapidly disproportionate with the uptake of 2 H+, to produce Q11H2. This yields out-of-phase binary oscillations for the formation of anionic semiquinone and for H+ uptake. Above pH 6 there is a progressive increase in H+ binding on the first flash and an equivalent decrease in binding on the second flash until, at about pH 9.5, the extent of H+ binding is the same on all flashes. The semiquinone oscillations, however, are undiminished up to pH 9. It is suggested that a non-chromophoric, acid-base group undergoes a pK shift in response to the appearance of the anionic semiquinone and that this group is the site of protonation on the first flash. The acid-base group, which may be in the reaction center protein, appears to be subsequently involved in the protonation events leading to fully reduced ubiquinol. The other proton in the two electron reduction of ubiquinone is always taken up on the second flash and is bound directly to Q−11. At pH values above 8.0, it is rate limiting for the disproportionation and the kinetics, which are diffusion controlled, are properly responsive to the prevailing pH. Below pH 8, however, a further step in the reaction mechanism was shown to be rate limiting for both H+ binding electron transfer following the second flash.
Hematologic abnormalities among HIV-infected patientsAssociations of significance for dentistry

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of and the factors associated with peripheral blood cytopenias among HIV-infected patients. Study Design. The investigation involved 516 HIV-infected adults in a longitudinal study of oral disease. Prevalence of hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet values below the lower limit of normal and certain hematologic “critical values” were determined. Demographic, clinical/immunologic/viral stage, medications, and oral lesions were assessed for association with cytopenias by χ 2 and bivariate analyses. Results. Findings with respect to prevalence were as follows: anemia, 51%; leukopenia, 43.4%; neutropenia, 27.5%; lymphopenia, 20.7%; thrombocytopenia, 15.5%. Severe cytopenias were detected in fewer than 1% of the patients. Severity of HIV clinical disease and CD4 cell count depletion were significantly associated with all cytopenias. High viral load was associated only with the leukopenias. Black race, antiparasitic therapy, and some oral lesions were associated with certain cytopenias. Conclusions. In HIV-infected patients, mild cytopenias are common; however, severe anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia that may predispose to certain oral manifestations and dental surgical complications are rare. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;88:561-7)
Identifying crucial parameter correlations maintaining bursting activity.

Recent experimental and computational studies suggest that linearly correlated sets of parameters (intrinsic and synaptic properties of neurons) allow central pattern-generating networks to produce and maintain their rhythmic activity regardless of changing internal and external conditions. To determine the role of correlated conductances in the robust maintenance of functional bursting activity, we used our existing database of half-center oscillator (HCO) model instances of the leech heartbeat CPG. From the database, we identified functional activity groups of burster (isolated neuron) and half-center oscillator model instances and realistic subgroups of each that showed burst characteristics (principally period and spike frequency) similar to the animal. To find linear correlations among the conductance parameters maintaining functional leech bursting activity, we applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to each of these four groups. PCA identified a set of three maximal conductances (leak current, Leak; a persistent K current, K2; and of a persistent Na+ current, P) that correlate linearly for the two groups of burster instances but not for the HCO groups. Visualizations of HCO instances in a reduced space suggested that there might be non-linear relationships between these parameters for these instances. Experimental studies have shown that period is a key attribute influenced by modulatory inputs and temperature variations in heart interneurons. Thus, we explored the sensitivity of period to changes in maximal conductances of Leak, K2, and P, and we found that for our realistic bursters the effect of these parameters on period could not be assessed because when varied individually bursting activity was not maintained.
Estimating the Benefits and Costs of a Universal Substance Abuse Screening and Treatment Referral Policy for Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT Prenatal substance exposure poses a significant public health problem in terms of both its economic costs to society and the health and development of those children affected. While substance abusing pregnant women and their children could benefit from early identification and appropriate interventions, drug testing of infants is controversial, and there is currently no national policy regarding the drug testing of infants, nor substance abuse screening for pregnant women. This paper provides a cost-benefit analysis of a universal substance abuse screening and treatment referral policy for pregnant women. Results suggest that the monetary benefits of such a policy will only outweigh its costs if it does little to increase post-birth child protective services reporting and/or foster care placement rates. Thus, additional policies regarding the ways in which screening results are utilized may be important factors in determining the effects of a universal substance abuse screening policy for pregnan...
Modeling Variations in Annular Pressure Due to Fluid Injection

Monitoring of the liquid pressure in a casing-tubing annulus confined by the wellhead at the surface and by a packer above the injection interval is a simple and inexpensive method of detecting the loss of mechanical integrity in wells used for disposal of liquid wastes. However, variations in annular pressure which occur in response to changes in injection rate and injected fluid temperature complicate the interpretation of annular pressure data. The variation of fluid and formation temperatures with depth, the expansion and contraction of fluids and metal tubing with pressure and temperature, and wellbore depth and geometry, have been combined in a model of annular pressure response to fluid injection. The response to changes in injected fluid rate and temperature have been simulated with the model and verified by field experiment. Although the response to a change in injection rate or temperature is greatest in the first two hours following the change, annulus pressure continues to vary with time and a true steady-state was not attained.
A neural network approach for grinding processes: Modelling and optimization

Abstract The objective of this study is to show how back propagation (BP) neural networks can be used to model and optimize grinding processes, using creep feed grinding of alumina with diamond wheels as an example. First, a generalized back propagation neural network with two-hidden layers is used to establish the process model. Then the back propagation algorithm with Boltzmann factor is used to find the global optimal settings for the grinding process. From the simulation results obtained, it is found that the implemented neural network approach yields a more accurate process model than the regression method. It is also shown that, unlike the conventional back propagation network, proper use of the Boltzmann factor with BP can effectively avoid local minima and generate the global optimal solution.
Peer Code Review to Prevent Security Vulnerabilities: An Empirical Evaluation

Peer code review, as an effective quality improvement practice, has also been considered important for reducing security vulnerabilities. There is a lack of empirical evidence to quantify and support this claim. Therefore, we propose a research plan to analyze mature open source projects to gather empirical evidence regarding the relationship between peer code review and security vulnerabilities. As a proof-of-concept, we analyzed the Chromium OS project and found that reviewers identified potential vulnerabilities in 32 review requests.
Onboard cone beam CT with flexible image trajectories to improve image quality and longitudinal coverage: simulation and phantom study

Onboard CBCT for radiation linear accelerators suffers from limited longitudinal coverage and various image quality problems, especially at wider cone angles. Such problems prevent CBCT being applied in full potentials for many clinical cancer sites, including head-neck, and for many quantitative applications, including tumor response evaluation and daily radiation dose computation. We propose to use CBCT with flexible X-ray source trajectories to overcome these limitations. The core idea is to combine gantry rotation with simultaneous couch motion. Longitudinal coverage can therefore be extended without limitation. Image quality can be enhanced by applying advanced exact CBCT reconstruction algorithm. However, unlike diagnostic CT where helical CBCT is widely used, LINAC onboard CBCT because gantry can only rotate within 360 degrees and couch table cannot move during gantry rotation. To solve the hardware problem, we program the new Varian TrueBeam LINAC machine in developer mode to realize simultaneous gantry and couch motion so to simulate any flexible scan trajectories. We also implemented CBCT simulation algorithms with digital phantoms to support any flexible source trajectories. We implemented and improved Katsevich exact reconstruction algorithm for image reconstruction from projection data obtained in phantom simulations. We have studied a few different source trajectory models including double circle, helical and saddle. The initial digital phantom results were encouraging. The longitudinal coverage was extended. Image quality has been improved using Katsevich reconstruction algorithm. Physics phantom studies on TrueBeam LINAC machine is our next step.
Conceptual process as a function of age and enforced attention in learning-disabled children: Evidence for deficient rule learning

Abstract Adapting a modified reception paradigm, three bidimensional rules (conjunctive, disjunctive, conditional) and two instructional conditions (enforced attention vs standard rule learning) are used to test the assumption that deficient rule learning rather than inattention is responsible for poor learning with learning-disabled children. Main findings indicate learning-disabled children are deficient on binary conceptual rule tasks for three age groups (6 to 7, 8 to 9, 12 to 13) compared to normal children matched on sex and IQ regardless of experimental instructions. For both groups, learning is retarded by rule complexity while rate of learning diminishes with increasing age. Data reflect a truth-table logic at all ages for both groups, although there is evidence that disabled children perseverate with a rule-learning hypothesis characteristic of younger nondisabled children. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that rule learning is deficient in children with learning disabilities.
Should co-operative groups be more vigilant than selfish groups?

We develop four simple models of group vigilance that illustrate the conditions under which co-operative groups should be more or less vigilant than selfish groups. In the first model, prey individuals that directly detect the predator have a lower chance of being captured than those that were not vigilant at the time of the attack; but the predator's choice of a specific individual is not influenced by the prey's behavior. In this case, the expected level of vigilance in a co-operative group always equals or exceeds that in a selfish group. In the second model, the predator always attacks an individual that was not vigilant at the time of the attack. Co-operative vigilance can now be lower than selfish vigilance, providing that being warned by a vigilant flockmate has a sufficiently small effect on the chances of escape by a nonvigilant group member. The third model is a generalization of the first two models for the case of small groups. It can be used to consider all situations in which the predator bases its selection on the prey's behavior at the time of its attack. It reveals a variety of conditions in which selfish groups are expected to be more vigilant than co-operative groups. In the fourth model, the predator assesses the vigilance levels of each prey prior to its attack and attacks the individual that it judges to be least vigilant. If the predator is sufficiently accurate in assessing the least vigilant prey, selfish groups are always more vigilant than co-operative groups. In this case, there are circumstances where a selfish population will be expected to undergo endless cycles in its level of vigilance.
Hybrid fire testing for assessing performance of structures in fire—Methodology

Abstract A new performance-based assessment approach for structures in fire, referred to as hybrid fire testing (HFT) method, is presented in this article. The HFT was developed based on a sub-structuring method, by dividing the whole structure into two substructures, one being tested in a furnace and one being simulated by a computer. This represents a form of “hardware-in-the-loop” simulation. Using HFT, the performance of the whole building can be evaluated at a very reasonable cost, significantly less than the cost of the direct whole building test. More reliable results than the prescriptive method can also be achieved with comparable and even more comprehensive results than that of a direct full-scale test. A 6-storey reinforced concrete building was designed, as a prototype for application of the hybrid fire testing approach. Two fire scenario examples were considered; a 6-storey building with a fire compartment on the first floor, in the center of the building and a 6-storey building with a fire compartment on the third floor. The two substructures for these two HFT scenarios were; one the column in the fire compartment and two the rest of the building. This paper includes the description of the hybrid testing methodology, details of the 6-storey building prototype and the methodology verification. Using the HFT approach, various scenarios could be explored to couple modeling and testing globally. This may also provide the possibility of running one test in a testing facility, e.g. NRC's, and running the analysis remotely at a different location. This would make furnace facilities more accessible to the research communities around the globe.
Compassionism and the Design Studio in the Aftermath of 9/11

The events of 9/11 are dramatically reshaping society. The terrorist attacks in New York City and in Washington, DC, have been extensively examined in the media and addressed in the work of professionals and academicians across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The profession and discipline of architecture is reassessing its position in relation to these events. Architectural education, and the functions of the design studio in particular, are similarly subject to this process of reappraisal. A case study is presented of a studio project on the topic of transportable medical facilities for disaster mitigation. This work is discussed against a backdrop of societal constructs concerning the functions of compassionism in architecture in the aftermath of 9/11. The case study is but one example of the potential of the studio to emerge as a rapid-response vehicle to foster in the student a genuine attitude of social and civic engagement.
Investigating breast cancer cell behavior using tissue engineering scaffolds.

Despite early detection through the use of mammograms and aggressive intervention, breast cancer (BC) remains a clinical dilemma. BC can resurge after >10 years of remission. Studies indicate that BC cells (BCCs) with self-renewal and chemoresistance could be involved in dormancy. The majority of studies use in vitro, two-dimensional (2-D) monolayer cultures, which do not recapitulate the in vivo microenvironment. Thus, to determine the effect of three-dimensional (3-D) microenvironment on BCCs, this study fabricated tissue engineering scaffolds made of poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL) having aligned or random fibers. Random and aligned fibers mimic, respectively, the random and highly organized collagen fibers found in the tumor extracellular matrix. Chemoresistant BCCs were obtained by treating with carboplatin. Western blot analysis of carboplatin resistant (treated) MDA-MB-231 (highly invasive, basal-like) and T47D (low-invasive, luminal) BCCs showed an increase in Bcl-2, Oct-4 and Sox-2, suggesting protection from apoptosis and increase in stem-like markers. Further studies with MDA-MB-231 BCCs seeded on the scaffolds showed little to no change in cell number over time for non-treated BCCs whereas on tissue culture polystyrene (TCP), non-treated BCCs displayed a significant increase in cell number at days 4 and 7 as compared to day 1 (p<0.05). Treated BCCs did not proliferate on TCP and the fibrous scaffolds. Little to no cyclin D1 was expressed for non-treated BCCs on TCP. On fibrous scaffolds, non-treated BCCs stained for cyclin D1 during the 7-day culture period. Treated BCCs expressed cyclin D1 on TCP and fibrous scaffolds during the 7-day culture period. Proliferation, viability and cell cycle analysis indicated that this 3-D culture prompted the aggressive BCCs to adopt a dormant phenotype, while the treated BCCs retained their phenotype. The findings indicate that random and aligned fibrous PCL scaffolds may provide a useful system to study how the 3-D microenvironment affects the behavior of BCCs.
Personality Differences Associated with Smoking Experimentation Among Adolescents with and without Comorbid Symptoms of ADHD

This study evaluated differences in adolescent personality (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, and reward dependence), lifetime cigarette smoking, and symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among 1051 youths enrolled in several public high schools in middle Atlantic towns in the United States in 2000 and 2001. Psychological and behavioral data were obtained via self-report on the Temperament and Character Inventory (personality), standard epidemiological survey items (smoking), and the Current Symptoms Scale (ADHD). The results indicated that adolescent “ever smokers” with high-normal symptoms of ADHD had the highest novelty seeking scores compared to all other study groups. These data highlight the greater “vulnerability” to smoking that is associated with novelty seeking and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. To the extent that novelty seeking and ADHD share cognitive and/or behavioral elements that may negatively impact upon youths’ ability to attend to tobacco control commun...
Hepatic perfusion abnormalities after liver transplantation

The angiographic and CT findings in a liver transplant patient with perioperative hepatic ischemia are reported. Extensive arterial collaterals and unusual portal-to-hepatic venous shunting in the transplanted liver were observed. Post-trans-plant clinical, laboratory, and CT findings were compatible with partial right lobe hepatic infarction that was confirmed at autopsy. The possible relationship between the ischemic damage and intrahepatic shunting is discussed. The need for caution during preoperative angiography in potential liver transplant recipients is emphasized.
Engaging African-Americans about biobanks and the return of research results

We conducted a deliberative engagement to assess attitudinal changes regarding biobank research, governance, and the return of results. We recruited African-Americans from two Southside Chicago health care facilities that serve communities of very different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds in order to examine similarities and differences within the African-American population. We used a mixed method, deliberative engagement process involving a convenience sample of parents recruited from a Federally Qualified Health Clinic (FQHC) [n = 23] and a university-based practice (UBP) [n = 22]. Four coding categories illustrate similarities and differences between participants from the two different practices: (1) reasons for and against participation; (2) trust and mistrust; (3) return of research results; and (4) religion. Overall, there was strong interest in receiving results, which was a main motivator for participation. While participants from both health care facilities expressed distrust of research, UBP participants also expressed trust in the research enterprise. FQHC participants more frequently mentioned religion. Studies about participation in biobanks often focus on participants’ race as the sole significant variable, while our work supports the importance of other demographic factors. Medical researchers must move beyond research analyses that consider the African-American population to be monolithic and value the diversity within it.
Riparian habitat changes across the continental United States (1972–2003) and potential implications for sustaining ecosystem services

Riparian ecosystems are important elements in landscapes that often provide a disproportionately wide range of ecosystem services and conservation benefits. Their protection and restoration have been one of the top environmental management priorities across the US over the last several years. Despite the level of concern, visibility and management effort, little is known about trends in riparian habitats. Moreover, little is known about whether or not cumulative efforts to restore and protect riparian zones and floodplains are affecting the rates of riparian habitat change nationwide. To address these issues, we analyzed riparian land cover change between the early 1970s and the late 1990s/early 2000s using existing spatial data on hydrography and land cover. This included an analysis of land cover changes within 180 m riparian buffer zones, and at catchment scales, for 42,363 catchments across 63 ecoregions of the continental US. The total amount of forest and natural land cover (forests, shrublands, wetlands) in riparian buffers declined by 0.7 and 0.9%, respectively across the entire study period. Gains in grassland/shrubland accounted for the 0.2% lower percentage of total natural land cover loss relative to forests. Conversely, urban and developed land cover (urban, agriculture, and mechanically disturbed lands) increased by more than 1.3% within riparian buffers across the entire study period. Despite these changes, we documented an opposite trend of increasing proportions of natural and forest land cover in riparian buffers versus the catchment scale. We surmise that this trend might reflect a combination of natural recovery and cumulative efforts to protect riparian ecosystems across the US. However, existing models limit our ability to assess the impacts of these changes on specific ecosystem services. We discuss the implications of changes observed in this study on the sustainability of ecosystem services. We also recommend opportunties for future riparian change assessments.
Crystal structures of tris(8-dimethylaminonaphthyl)phosphane and its hydrochloride salt. The first seven-coordinate phosphorus compound.

The first seven-coordinate phosphorus compound, the hydrochloride salt of tris(8-dimethylaminonaphthyl)phosphane, is reported as a tricapped tetrahedron with the nitrogen atoms acting as the capping ligands. It was synthesized from the reaction of N,N-dimethyl-1-naphthylamine with butyllithium followed by treatment with phosphorus trichloride. Three carbon atoms, three nitrogen atoms, and a proton surrounded the phosphorus atom.
Augmentation Vaginoplasty of Colonic Neovagina Stricture Using Oral Mucosa Graft

Abstract Background Vaginal reconstruction is performed for a variety of congenital and acquired anomalies, and several techniques have been described. Conventional neovaginal reconstructions typically involve skin grafts or vascularized intestinal segments. Oral mucosa has been used successfully in urethral reconstruction, and several long-term studies have demonstrated its surgical versatility and durability. Case Report Here we present the successful use of an oral mucosal graft in the surgical treatment of a strictured, colonic neovagina in a 19-year-old, 46XX female with cloacal exstrophy. Conclusion Though the literature contains reports of oral mucosal grafts in primary gynecologic surgeries, this is the first report describing the use of buccal mucosa for a secondary, neovagina reconstruction. Based on the outcome of our case, we conclude that oral mucosa is a promising graft material suitable for vaginal reconstructions.