cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Establishing the Impact of Vascular Damage on Tumor Response to High-Dose Radiation Therapy

Approximately half of all patients with cancer receive radiotherapy, which is conventionally delivered in relatively small doses (1.8-2 Gy) per daily fraction over one to two months. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), in which a high daily radiation dose is delivered in 1 to 5 fractions, has improved local control rates for several cancers. However, despite the widespread adoption of SBRT in the clinic, controversy surrounds the mechanism by which SBRT enhances local control. Some studies suggest that high doses of radiation (≥10 Gy) trigger tumor endothelial cell death, resulting in indirect killing of tumor cells through nutrient depletion. On the other hand, mathematical models predict that the high radiation dose per fraction used in SBRT increases direct tumor cell killing, suggesting that disruption of the tumor vasculature is not a critical mediator of tumor cure. Here, we review the application of genetically engineered mouse models to radiosensitize tumor cells or endothelial cells to dissect the role of these cellular targets in mediating the response of primary tumors to high-dose radiotherapy in vivo These studies demonstrate a role for endothelial cell death in mediating tumor growth delay, but not local control following SBRT.
Growth Measurements of Invasive Plant Mikania micrantha Kunth (Mile a Minute Weed), A Threat of Biodiversity

This study attempts to measure the growth of invasive plant species Mikania micrantha Kunth, which is considered as one among the top hundred worst invasive weeds worldwide. Seedlings of Mikania micrantha were propagated through vegetative part as well as seed for the study. The juvenile plants were allowed to grow on different hosts such as poles (nonliving support) and a garden plant (living support) in a soil that contains minimum requirements for growth. Growth of the seedlings was recorded daily by measuring the length of the stem, a number of twines and number of leaves for a growth period of fourteen days. The plants thrived on both types of support. The growth rate was higher in vegetatively propagated plants. It ensures re-growth even from a single node and is responsible for successful invasion of the weed after mechanical weeding.
The effect of the microalgae-bacteria microbiome on wastewater treatment and biomass production

The use of microalgae for wastewater treatment has been proposed as a cost-effective method to produce biofuels while remediating waste streams. This study examined the microalgae biomass production rate, wastewater treatment efficiency, and prokaryotic organism microbiome associated with microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana cultivated on anaerobic digestate effluent. Final microalgae biomass concentrations from nine photobioreactors were highly variable and had values that ranged between 0.14 g/L and 0.90 g/L. Nutrient removal efficiencies for TN (total nitrogen), N-NH4 (ammonium nitrogen), and COD (chemical oxygen demand) ranged from 34% to 67%, 65% to 97%, and-60% to 14%, respectively. Analysis of individual OTUs (operational taxonomic units) from the microbial community revealed that microalgae biomass concentrations were significantly correlated with the relative abundance of OTUs in the genus Pusillimonas. Predictive metagenomic analyses identified additional correlations associated with biomass production and nutrient removal. These results suggest that the microbial community present during microalgae cultivation on wastewater can impact the performance of the system for biomass production and wastewater treatment.
Current status of seroepidemiological analysis of enterovirus 71 infection

In recent years,the outbreaks of hand,foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71 ( EV71 ) have occurred in China.The epidemiological research of EV71 is an important basis for prevention and control of HFMD caused by EV71.This article reviews the seroprevalence and level of neutralizing antibody against EV71 in population. Key words: Enterovirus; Epidemiology; Seroprevalence; Antibodies
Employing Multivariate Statistics and Latent Variable Models to Identify and Quantify Complex Relationships in Typical Compression Studies.

The effect of storage condition (% RH) on flufenamic acid:nicotinamide (FFA:NIC) cocrystal compressibility, compactibility, and tabletability profiles was not observed after visual evaluation or linear regression analysis. However, multivariate statistical analysis showed that storage condition had a significant effect on each compressional profile. Shapiro and Heckel equations were used to determine the compression parameters: porosity, Shapiro’s compression parameter (f), densification factor (Da), plastic yield pressure (YPpl), and elastic yield pressure (YPel). Latent variable models such as exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and principal component regression were employed to decode complex hidden main, interaction, and quadratic effects of % RH and the compression parameters on FFA:NIC tablet mechanical strength (TMS). Statistically significant correlations between f and Da, f and YPpl, and Da and YPel supported the idea that both rearrangement and fragmentation, and plastic deformation are important to FFA:NIC TMS. To the authors knowledge, this is the first time that simultaneously operating dual mechanisms of fragmentation and plastic deformation in low and midrange compression, and midrange plastic deformation have been identified and reported. A quantitative PCR model showed that f, Da, and YPel had statistically significant main effects along with a significant antagonist storage condition–porosity “conditional interaction effect”. f exhibited a 2.35 times greater impact on TMS compared to Da. The model root-mean-square error at calibration and prediction stages were 0.04 MPa and 0.08 MPa, respectively. The R2 values at the calibration stage and at the prediction stage were 0.9005 and 0.7539, respectively. This research demonstrated the need for caution when interpreting the results of bivariate compression data because complex latent inter-relationships may be hidden from visual assessment and linear regression analysis, and result in false data interpretation as illustrated in this report.
Impact of COVID-19 Second Wave on Healthcare Networks in the United States

Abstract The risk of overwhelming healthcare systems from a second wave of COVID-19 is yet to be quantified. Here, we investigate the impact of different reopening scenarios of states around the U.S. on COVID-19 hospitalized cases and the risk of overwhelming the healthcare system while considering resources at the county level. We show that the second wave might involve an unprecedented impact on the healthcare system if an increasing number of the population becomes susceptible and/or if the various protective measures are discontinued. Furthermore, we explore the ability of different mitigation strategies in providing considerable relief to the healthcare system. The results can aid healthcare planners, policymakers, and state officials in making decisions on additional resources required and on when to return to normalcy. One Sentence Summary A second wave of COVID-19 will have an unprecedented impact on the healthcare system.
Modeling the geographic distribution of pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) in a portion of its northern range limits, western New York State, USA

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) is a small deciduous tree in eastern North America notable for its edible fruit. Its northern range extends into New York State (NYS) where it is listed as threatened, with only approximately 20 sites known to contain pawpaw. This research models the geographic distribution of pawpaw in western NYS (land area = 27,263 km2) for four reasons: to understand factors shaping its distribution, to assess the degree to which it is protected, to locate potential introduction or reintroduction sites, and to locate potential sites with undiscovered pawpaw. This study uses an ensemble of small models (ESM) approach devised for modeling the distribution of rare species, which averages predictions from simple (i.e., bivariate) models weighted by model predictive performance. The ESM in this study, constructed from boosted regression tree (BRT) models, demonstrated a high ability to discern pawpaw presences from pseudo-absences. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value was 0.986 when calculated using training data, and BRT models comprising the ESM exhibited AUC values calculated using cross-validation data as high as 0.957. The ESM suggests that pawpaw is found in the warmest (mean annual temperature > 9.0 °C,) and driest (May–September precipitation 110 cm) soils. Locations predicted to be suitable for pawpaw are overwhelmingly found on unprotected lands; forested areas in PAs with “high” or “highest” suitability for pawpaw only comprise 0.1–0.2% of the study area.
The Crisis of Online Contracts (as Told in 10 Memes)

This essay explains the “crisis” of online contracts, the legal fiction that consumers have assented to online contract terms when we have ample empirical evidence that they didn’t really mean to assent. The essay describes the crisis, and some possible solutions, using 10 Internet memes. The essay concludes that the crisis of online contracts may be the least-worst option among the alternatives.
Association of reductions in PSA screening across states with increased metastatic prostate cancer in the United States.

228Background: While PSA screening was found to reduce prostate cancer metastasis and mortality in a large European randomized trial, PSA screening has also resulted in over-treatment of prostate c...
Inverse analysis of diffuse reflectance for surface-distributed particles using absorbance basis functions

This study describes inverse spectral analysis of diffuse reflectance for surface-distributed material particles on substrates. In particular, an algorithm for extraction of target spectral features for surface-distributed materials of specified dielectric response. This algorithm is based on diffuse-reflectance theory and linear combinations of basis functions representing response characteristics of different types of scattering processes. The basis functions are constructed using absorbance functions and analytical models of Mie-type scattering. Prototype inverse spectral analysis of diffuse reflectance for surface-distributed explosive particles on substrates are described, which demonstrate characteristics of the algorithm.
Measures of Burnout and Empathy in United States Doctor of Pharmacy Students: Time for a Change?

Purpose:To review interim data regarding longitudinal burnout and empathy levels in a single Doctor of Pharmacy class cohort.Methods:Students were emailed an electronic survey during their first se...
Functionality, Impact, and Satisfaction of a Web-Based and Mobile Application Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This paper presents the functionality, impact and satisfaction of a self-management web-based or mobile application student support program (i.e., College Connect ) for post-secondary students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PSS-ASD) in the United States. Five professionals and four successful college graduates with ASD evaluated College Connect and completed an intervention satisfaction rating and an ePlatform performance questionnaire. College Connect and ePlatform function was modified based on reviewers’ feedback. Following modification, the program was piloted with three high school seniors and one freshman at a two-year college with ASD. Results pointed toward strengths and limitations of the program protocol and future directions.
Management and Regulatory Focus: Three New Domains of Application

This article highlights practical applications for managers and leaders of organizations stemming from recent research on regulatory focus theory. Research has shown that individuals with promotion concerns with growth and gain versus prevention concerns with security and non-loss have different: (1) risk-taking responses to change, both below and above the status quo; (2) values and cultural norms; and (3) moral judgments and ethical responses. Each of these new lines of research offers important dos and don’ts to members of diverse organizations.
The Importance of Learning Style in Case Formulation–Driven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Case Study:

Rather than structuring treatment based on diagnoses, case formulation–driven cognitive behavior therapy (CF-CBT) focuses on building an individualized formulation or map of how a patient’s present...
Reprogrammed Synovial Fluid-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Acquire Enhanced Therapeutic Potential for Articular Cartilage Repair.

ObjectivesFunctions of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are affected by patient-dependent factors such as age and health condition. To tackle this problem, we used the cellular reprogramming t...
LR parsing for global index languages (GILs)

We present here Global Index Grammars (GIGs) and the characterizing 2 Stack automaton model (LR-2PDA). We present the techniques to construct an LR parsing table for deterministic Global Index Grammars. GILs include languages which are beyond the power of Linear Indexed Grammars/Tree Adjoining Grammars. GILs generalize properties of CF Languages in a straightforward way and their descriptive power is relevant at least for natural language and molecular biology phenomena.
Learning from Demonstration and Case-Based Planning for Real-Time Strategy Games

Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques have been successfully applied to several computer games. However, in the vast majority of computer games traditional AI techniques fail to play at a human level because of the characteristics of the game. Most current commercial computer games have vast search spaces in which the AI has to make decisions in real-time, thus rendering traditional search based techniques inapplicable. For that reason, game developers need to spend a big effort in hand coding specific strategies that play at a reasonable level for each new game. One of the long term goals of our research is to develop artificial intelligence techniques that can be directly applied to such domains, alleviating the effort required by game developers to include advanced AI in their games.
Metaphysics and economy – the problem of interest

Understanding the differences in the Islamic and Christian view of interest requires coming to terms not with the acts constitutive of the practice but the meaning of the practice in two different views of what an economy produces and delivers. The difference in the norms that govern interest transactions differ because the metaphysical foundations about what the practice means differ. The Islamic norms are broader via public accountability for the good produced by an economy as a social good than the normative regulation of interest transactions in Christian cultures that focuses on the goods delivered by an economy to more or less independent individuals participating in an economy. However, some reconciliation of the Christian and Islamic view is possible when we recognize that the ethical accountability of interest rests on a view of economic justice as increasing the degree of economic participation in an economy as an economic and social good. When this view is taken, we see that the range of potentially illicit practices in Christian economies is larger than is actually the case in the actual regulation of interest transactions.
Helen P. Bruder and Tristanne J. Connolly, eds., Blake, Gender and Culture

Review by Nicholas M. Williams (Indiana University Bloomington) of Helen P. Bruder and Tristanne J. Connolly, eds., Blake, Gender and Culture . London: Pickering & Chatto, 2012. Pp. 242. £60. ISBN 9781848933040.
Section 1983 Litigation (Discussion from Symposium: The Supreme Court and Local Government Law The 1993-94 Term)

There were a number of decisions rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1994 dealing with Section 1983 litigation. In the author’s opinion, the two most important of those decisions dealt with the litigation of malicious prosecution claims brought under Section 1983, Albright v. Oliver; and with prisoners' rights claims that are litigated under the Eighth Amendment deliberate indifference standard, Farmer v. Brennan. Somewhat significantly, both of those decisions were in favor of Section 1983 defendants, and this Article concentrates its analysis on those two cases. There are two other cases that are also discussed, in a more abbreviated form. One dealt with attempts by prisoners to attack the constitutionality of their convictions or sentences under Section 1983, Heck v. Humphrey. The other, Elder v. Holloway, dealt with qualified immunity issues.
On the stability of the spectral Galerkin approximation

We study stability properties of the spectral Galerkin approximation of the solutions of semilinear problems. Assuming that the data of the problem are known within a certain error, we investigate when the solution of the Galerkin approximate equation provides a desired accuracy uniformly with respect to small perturbations of the data. We show that for certain classes of semilinear problems an additional compactness assumption is sufficient to assure that the spectral Galerkin method provides an accurate approximation to the exact solution uniformly with respect to small perturbations of the data.
Regulation of N-Formyl Peptide-Mediated Degranulation by Receptor Phosphorylation

One of the major functions of the N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR) is to mediate leukocyte degranulation. Phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of the FPR is required for receptor internalization and desensitization. Although arrestins mediate phosphorylation-dependent desensitization, internalization, and initiation of novel signaling cascades for a number of G protein-coupled receptors, their roles in FPR regulation and signaling remain unclear. CXCR1-mediated degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells is promoted by arrestin binding. To determine whether receptor phosphorylation or arrestin binding is required to promote FPR-mediated degranulation, we used RBL-2H3 cells stably transfected with either the wild-type FPR or a mutant form, ΔST, which is incapable of undergoing ligand-stimulated phosphorylation. We observed that stimulation of wild-type FPR resulted in very low levels of degranulation compared with that mediated by cross-linking of the FceRI receptor. Stimulation of the ΔST mutant, however, resulted in levels of degranulation comparable to those of the FceRI receptor, demonstrating that neither receptor phosphorylation nor arrestin binding was necessary to initiate FPR-mediated degranulation. Degranulation initiated by the ΔST mutant was proportional to the level of active cell surface receptor, suggesting that either receptor internalization or desensitization may be responsible for terminating degranulation of the wild-type FPR. To distinguish between these possibilities, we used a partially phosphorylation-deficient mutant of the FPR that can undergo internalization, but not desensitization. Degranulation by this mutant FPR was indistinguishable from that of the ΔST mutant, indicating that FPR phosphorylation or binding of arrestin but not internalization terminates the degranulation response.
Social Capital and the Number of Governments within a County: A Potential Problem with Social Capital

AbstractSocial capital has been demonstrated to be a benefit to a community in a variety of ways. However, researchers have begun to point out that social capital does have a downside. Communities that use bonding social capital to mobilise residents to action have the potential to exclude outsiders from their communities. The number of governments in a county could be used as an indicator of bonding social capital within a region. Residents use their local government to create and pass laws that have the potential to exclude others. The current analysis used the number of governments as a proxy for bonding social capital. Findings demonstrate that as the level of bonding social capital (the number of governments) increased the social capital in the county increased. Residents use their bonding social capital to respond to others, which then increases the level of social capital to be able to mobilise in the future.
Obesity and outcomes in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma

Summary Body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for comorbid illnesses and cancer development. It was hypothesized that obesity status affects disease outcomes and treatment-related toxicities in esophageal cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). From March 2002 to April 2010, 405 patients with non-metastatic esophageal carcinoma at MD Anderson Cancer Center treated with either definitive or neoadjuvant CRT were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized as either obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) or nonobese (BMI 0.05) or worse positron emission tomography tumor response (P = 0.46) on univariate analysis, nor with worse pathologic complete response (P = 0.98) on multivariate analysis. There was also no difference in overall survival, locoregional control, or metastasis-free survival between obese and nonobese patients (P = 0.86). However, higher BMI was associated with reduced risk of chemoradiation-induced high-grade esophagitis (P = 0.021), esophageal stricture (P < 0.001), and high-grade hematologic toxicity (P < 0.001). In esophageal cancer patients treated with CRT, obesity is not predictive of poorer disease outcomes or operative morbidities; instead, data suggest it may be associated with decreased risk of acute chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related treatment toxicities.
Identification of Structured Nonlinear Systems

Abstract This paper is concerned with the identification of static nonlinear components in a complex interconnected system. These nonlinear components are treated nonparametrically, in the sense that no natural parameterization is assumed to be available. A unified framework based on linear fractional transformations for exploring these identification problems is developed. Two key assumptions are made: the linear components of the interconnection are known, and the inputs to all the nonlinear components are available. Under these assumptions, a novel identification algorithm is offered. This algorithm estimates the nonlinear components by minimizing a quadratic cost function. A critical component of this cost function is the inclusion of a dispersion function that captures the requirement that the estimated nonlinearities be static. It is shown that the estimated nonlinearities converge asymptotically to their “true” values under certain identifiability and persistence of excitation conditions. Computable tests for identifiability and sufficient conditions for persistence of excitation are offered. The results in this paper strongly suggest that the most tractable identification problems for nonlinear interconnected systems are those where the inputs to all the nonlinear blocks are measured.
Pacemaker syndrome in activity-responsive VVI pacing

Abstract The “pacemaker syndrome” refers to a wide variety of clinical presentations of intolerance to ventricular pacing ranging from mild light-headedness to frank syncope. 1 These problems are thought to result from the loss of atrioventricular synchrony with consequent loss of the atrial contribution to left ventricular filling, and, in some cases, intact ventriculoatrial conduction with inappropriate atrial-ventricular systole, increased systemic and pulmonary venous pressure and consequent reflex drop in systemic arterial pressure. 2 Some studies have suggested that it is the loss of chronotropic response during VVI pacing that leads to symptoms in many patients; this response can be improved by activity-responsive VVI pacing. 3 We report a case of pacemaker syndrome that resulted from the use of an activity-responsive VVI pacing system.
Random preferences towards bioenergy environmental externalities: A case study of woody biomass based electricity in the Southern United States

article i nfo This paper contrasts alternate methodological approaches of investigating public preferences, the random parameter logit (RPL) where tastes and preferences of respondents are assumed to be heterogeneous and the conditional logit (CL) approach where tastes and preferences remain fixed for individuals. We conducted a choice experiment to assess preferences for woody biomass based electricity in Arkansas, Florida, and Virginia. Reduction of CO2 emissions and improvement of forest habitat by decreasing risk of wildfires and pest outbreaks were presented to respondents as attributes of using green electricity. The results indicate that heterogeneous preferences might be a better fit for assessing preferences for green electricity. All levels of both attributes were positive contributors to welfare but they were no statistically significant. Respondents expressed a positive mean marginal willingness to pay (WTP) for each attribute level. The total WTP for green electricity per kilowatt hour was $0.049 kWh or $40.5 per capita year −1 when converted into future total annual expenditures.
Aqueous formation of hydroxyapatite

The kinetics of stoichiometric (Ca/P = 1.67) and calcium-deficient (Ca/P = 1.5) hydroxyapatite formed in aqueous solution by acid-base reactions involving CaHPO4 and Ca4(PO4)2O were determined. Complete reaction occurs within 6 h at 37.4 degrees C regardless of composition with stoichiometric hydroxyapatite forming more rapidly. Stoichiometric hydroxyapatite formed more rapidly because the particle sizes of its precursors were smaller. Hydroxyapatite formation is characterized by an initial period of surface hydration of the precursors, an induction period, and a period during which the bulk of the conversion to hydroxyapatite occurs. During the first 3 h of reaction at 37.4 degrees C, the pH is about 8.25 and 7.6, respectively, as the stoichiometric and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite are being formed. Subsequently the pH values move toward those of the related invariant points: Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2-Ca(OH)2 solution, and CaHPO4-Ca9HPO4(PO4)5OH solution. The concentrations of calcium and phosphate in solution never exceed those in serum. Seeding with 5 wt% hydroxyapatite eliminates induction regardless of composition. The kinetics are first-order and follow the Arrhenius relationship regardless of composition. The total heats of reaction (delta Hr) were determined at constant temperatures between 25 degrees C and 70 degrees C. delta Hr values of 261.3 and 320 kJ/mol were determined for the formation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite and stoichiometric hydroxyapatite, respectively. Activation energies of 84.5 and 87.4 kJ/mol were calculated for the formation of calcium-deficient and stoichiometric hydroxyapatite, respectively. Heats of formation for Ca4(PO4)2O and Ca9HPO4(PO4)5OH were calculated to be -4764.1 and -12707.7 kJ/mol, respectively.
Outage and throughput bounds for stochastic wireless networks

We derive outage expressions and throughput bounds for wireless networks subject to different sources of nondeterminism. The degree of uncertainty is characterized by the location of the network in the uncertainty cube whose three axes represent the three main sources of uncertainty in interference-limited networks: the node distribution, the channel gains, and the channel access. The range for the coordinates is [0,1], where 0 indicates complete determinism, and 1 a maximum degree of randomness (nodes distributed in a Poisson point process, fading with fading figure 1, and ALOHA channel access, respectively)
Guidelines for Graphing Data with Microsoft[R] PowerPoint[TM].

Graphs are vital components for analyzing data in the experimental analysis of behavior using single subject research methods. This paper extends the previous literature on the construction of sing...
Promoting relational competencies in counselor education through creativity and relational-cultural theory

Abstract This article addresses the need to identify requisite relational competencies that professionals providing creative and innovative counseling services must hold when facilitating responsible, growth-fostering connections between service providers and others. This article also includes a discussion on how the relationally responsible use of power must be included in any forum that examines relational dynamics and competencies. Although subsequent writings will discuss creativity-related competencies in greater depth, the focus of this paper rests on some relational challenges that students and professionals in the counseling and related fields face and on the need to identify relational competencies that can facilitate successful resolution of these challenges.
Boric Acid Catalyzed Amidation in the Synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Application of a boric acid catalyzed process for the synthesis of the carboxamides, key reaction intermediates in the preparation of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), has been explored.
Preferred Habitat For Liquidity In International Short-term Interest Rates

Abstract Risk-shifting window dressing and a preferred habitat for liquidity have been offered as possible explanations as to why US money market rates are higher before the year-end than afterwards. The two hypotheses differ in the timing of the rate decline at the year-end and the evidence on the timing of the decline supports the preferred habitat hypothesis in US money markets. This paper extends this line of research to the behavior of international short-term interest rates at year-ends and quarter-ends using London interbank offer rates (LIBOR) for 11 different currencies. The results suggest that the behavior of LIBOR for five currencies: the US Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, and German Mark is consistent with year-end or quarter-end preferred habitats for liquidity. Other currencies do not demonstrate consistently distinct patterns in turn-of-the-year and turn-of-the-quarter yields. None of the results provides any support for risk-shifting window dressing.
The Branch Davidian Symposium and Twentieth Anniversary Memorial, 18–19 April 2013

2013 marks the twentieth anniversary of the Branch Davidian tragedy in Waco, Texas. On 18 April 2013 an academic symposium was held at Baylor University featuring more than half a dozen speakers who explored topics related to the Branch Davidian religious community, the raid and siege, the fire, and the aftermath. On 19 April 2013 a memorial service was held in Waco that included speakers, a reading of the names of the dead, and the unveiling of a new museum exhibit about the Branch Davidians. The two events, recounted here, provided public forums for acknowledging and reflecting on the events that took place in Waco in 1993.
SEPARATION MAINTENANCE IN HIGH-STRESS FREE FLIGHT USING A TIME-TO-CONTACT-BASED COCKPIT DISPLAY OF TRAFFIC INFORMATION

We evaluated the navigational performance of commercial airline pilots in simulated free flight conditions using two cockpit displays of traffic information (CDTI). One display presented minimal essential navigation information. The other added color-based time-to-contact (Tc), minimum-range, and altitude intent information. New metrics of separation maintenance were developed. Results indicated performance gains for the CDTI that automatically calculates and displays conflict-alerting information. Recommendations are made for advanced avionics for use in free flight.
Leaf sesquiterpenes and phenolics in Copaifera multijuga on contrasting soil types in a central amazonian rain forest

Abstract Insignificant differences were found in leaf sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds in Copaifera multijuga (Leguminosae) occurring on soils with contrasting physical and chemical characteristics in a central Amazonian rain forest. The results support earlier studies of Copaifera and the related genus Hymenaea indicating little phenotypic plasticity in leaf sesquiterpene composition with regard to physical environmental factors. Although studies by others of leaf phenolics in numerous species of trees in an African forest on contrasting soils supported the hypothesis that tropical plants occurring on nutrient-poor soils are richer in secondary compounds than those in more fertile ones, this study of a single species indicates that nutrients directly from the soils may not be as significant a factor as that from the phytomass. Soil nutrients in these two Amazonian soils were generally significantly different, yet most leaf nutrients in C. multijuga trees on these soils were quantitatively similar. These data are consistent with ‘closed’ nutrient cycling, indicating perhaps little dependence upon soil minerals for nutrients. This possibility adds another perspective in assessing the hypothesis that secondary compounds will be higher on nutrient-poor than more nutrient-rich tropical soils.
Thermal relaxation rates of magnetic nanoparticles in the presence of magnetic fields and spin-transfer effects

We have measured the relaxation time of a thermally unstable ferromagnetic nanoparticle incorporated into a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) as a function of applied magnetic field, voltage $V$ (\ensuremath{-}0.38 V $V$ $+$ 0.26 V), and temperature (283 K $T$ 363 K). By analyzing the results within the framework of a modified N\'eel-Brown formalism, we determine the effective attempt time of the nanoparticle and also the bias dependences of the in-plane and out-of-plane spin-transfer torques. There is a significant linear modification of the effective temperature with voltage due to the in-plane torque and a significant contribution of a ``field-like'' torque that is quadratic with voltage. The methods presented here do not require complicated models for device heating or calibration procedures but instead directly measure how temperature, field, and voltage influence the energy landscape and thermal fluctuations of a two-state system. These results should have significant implications for designs of future nanometer-scale magnetic random access memory elements and provide a straightforward methodology to determine these parameters in other MTJ device structures.
An alternative patellar fracture fixation: a biomechanical study.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to compare open reduction and internal fixation of the patella with a locking plate and tension-band construct (PF) versus cannulated screws and tension-band fixation (SF). The hypothesis is that both constructs will have similar failure loads with simulated extension loading. Methods Transverse patellar fractures were created in 10 cadaveric pairs of legs and were fixed with either PF or SF. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans of all calcanei measured bone mineral density (BMD). Using an MTS 810 servohydraulic testing machine, each leg cycled to full extension 10 times before loading to failure. A differential variable reluctance transducer measured the distraction of the patella. Data were analyzed using paired t test analysis and bivariate analysis for Pearson correlation coefficients. Results There was no difference in the BMD between the PF and the SF groups (P = 0.367). No measurable differences occurred during the 10 cycles, and load at clinical failure was not significantly different between the 2 fixation groups (P = 0.38). Stiffness during the final loading cycle was significantly higher for the SF group (P = 0.008). Ultimate strength of fixation was significantly higher in PF group (P = 0.048). BMD was not correlated to the ultimate strength of SF (P = 0.112), but was correlated for PF (P = 0.025). Conclusions Based on our results, PF provides comparable strength to SF, and it seems to be a safe and effective alternative to the current gold standard.
Alterations in α1-Adrenergic Receptor-mediated Phosphatidylinositol Turnover in Hypoxic Cardiac Myocytes

Abstract The purpose of these studies was to examine the effects of hypoxia on α1-adrenergic receptor (α1AR) mediated phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Cells were pre-labeled with [3H]-inositol and incubated for 1 h in either normoxia or hypoxia. Phenylephrine, an α1AR agonist, was added at various time intervals (0-60 min) before termination of the incubation. There was a time-dependent release of radioactivity from the lipid fraction to the aqueous fraction with α1AR stimulation. α1AR-mediated PI turnover was biphasic in normoxic cells and monophasic in hypoxic cells. Using ion-exchange chromatography, radioactivity in the inositol trisphosphate (IP3) peak was increased with acute phenylephrine stimulation (5 min) in the normoxic cells, while inositol phosphate (IP) and inositol bisphosphate (IP2) were increased with chronic stimulation (60 min). After 5 min of α1AR stimulation, hypoxia did not alter total aqueous radioactivity when compared to normoxia, but there was a significant increase in IP2. However, there was decreased PI turnover in chronically stimulated (30-60 min) hypoxic cells when compared to normoxic cells. Hypoxia had no effect on radioactivity in the IP3 fraction with either 0, 5, or 60 min of α1AR stimulation, but there was a significant increase in [1,4,5,]-IP3 in hypoxic cells with 30 s α1AR stimulation. With hypoxia, there was no difference in radioactivity in the phosphatidylinositols with either 0 or 5 min stimulation when compared to normoxia. However, after 60 min of α1AR stimulation, hypoxia resulted in increased PI and PIP, when compared to normoxic cells, but PIP2 radioactivity was unchanged. There was no effect of pertussis toxin on either the acute or chronic phase of PI turnover, negating involvement of Gi or Go. These data suggest that α1AR stimulation in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes is biphasic, and that hypoxia produces a slower monophasic response during extended α1-agonist exposure as would be found with ischemia.
Reverse engineering the evolution of protein interaction networks.

Protein interaction network analyses have moved beyond simple topological observations to functional and evolutionary inferences based on the construction of putative ancestral networks. Evolutionary studies of protein interaction networks are generally derived from network comparisons, are limited in scope, or are theoretic dynamic models that aren’t contextualized to an organism’s specific genes. A biologically faithful network evolution reconstruction which ties evolution of the network itself to the actual genes of an organism would help fill in the evolutionary gaps between the gene network “snapshots” of evolution we have from dierent species today. Here we present a novel framework for reverse engineering the evolution of protein interaction networks of extant species using phylogenetic gene trees and protein interaction data. We applied the framework to Saccharomyces cerevisiae data and present topological trends in the evolutionary lineage of yeast.
Landscape rose response to low moisture levels and a hydrophilic gel

Abstract Containerized plants of five low-maintenance rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cultivars were irrigated at intervals which limited moisture availability for plant growth and development. The cultivars were grown both in a medium amended with a hydrophilic gel and in a control medium. Of the five cultivars, ‘Pink Meidiland’ had the highest leaf water potential (ψL) and lowest transpiration (E), while ‘Ferdy’ maintained the highest E. The smaller leaf surface area of ‘Pink Meidiland’ and larger root to shoot ( R S ) ratio and lower leaf area ratio (LAR) of ‘Ferdy’ contributed to a more favorable water status despite limited moisture availability. When hydrophilic gel was utilized as a medium amendment, ψL was generally higher. Gel had little effect on plant biomass and tended to decrease tissue nutrient content.
A Four-year Study of Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, Social Support, and Perceived Mistreatment in Medical Students:

The goal of this study was to examine anxiety, depression, loneliness, social support, and perceived mistreatment at 4 time points over the course of the 4 years of undergraduate medical education, beginning in 1991. Representative samples of medical students completed a battery of questionnaires at freshman orientation (111 of 189 students = 59 percent), end of the first year (114 of 182 students = 63 percent), end of the second year (96 of 189 students = 51 percent), and end of the fourth year (85 of 192 students = 44 percent). Depression and anxiety were highest at the end of the first year and lowest at the end of the fourth year. Perceived mistreatment, particularly of a psychological nature, was pervasive over the course of 4 years of medical education. Perceived mistreatment was significantly positively correlated with depression and anxiety at freshman orientation and at the end of the first year. The implications of these findings are discussed with a view to making reforms in medical education d...
Magnetic nanoparticle-based solder composites for electronic packaging applications

Abstract Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) alloys are regarded as the most promising alternative for traditional Pb–Sn solders used in electronic packaging applications. However, the higher reflow temperature requirement, possible intermetallic formation, and reliability issues of SAC alloys generate several key challenges for successful adoption of Pb-free solder for next generation electronic packaging needs. Localized heating in interconnects can alleviate thermal stresses by preventing subjection of entire package to the higher reflow temperatures associated with the SAC solders. It had been demonstrated that SAC solder–FeCo magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) composite paste can be reflowed locally with AC magnetic fields, enabling interconnect formation in area array packages while minimizing eddy current heating in the printed circuit board. Solder/magnetic nanocomposite pastes with varying MNP concentration were reflowed using AC magnetic fields. Differential scanning calorimetry results show a reduced undercooling of the composite pastes with the addition of MNPs. TEM results show that the FeCo MNPs are distributed in Sn matrix of the reflowed solder composites. Optical and SEM micrographs show a decrease in Sn dendrite regions as well as smaller and more homogeneous dispersed Ag3Sn with the addition of MNPs. The MNPs promote Sn solidification by providing more heterogeneous nucleation sites at relatively low undercoolings. The mechanical properties were measured by nanoindentation. The modulus, hardness, and creep resistance, increase with the MNP concentration. The enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to grain boundary and dispersion strengthening. The reflow of solder composites have been modeled based on eddy current power loss in the substrate and magnetic power losses in the solder bumps. Induction reflow of pure solder bumps ( In this article we review lead-containing and lead-free solder systems, and the electronic packaging technologies pertinent to soldering process. Recent research on the effects of MNPs on localized heating, microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and thermomechanical reliability are summarized.
Morphometry of rat heart mitochondrial subcompartments and membranes: application to myocardial cell atrophy after hypophysectomy.

Improved stereological methods were developed for measuring volumes of mitochondrial subcompartments and areas of mitochondrial membranes in left ventricular myocardial cells of rats and rabbits whose hearts were fixed by isosmolar perfusion with buffered OsO4. Characteristic morphometric indices for normal rat heart mitochondria were: equivalent cross-sectional diameter, 0.61 μm; area of cristae + inner membrane per unit mitochondrial volume, 57 (μm)−1; area of cristae + inner membrane per unit myofibrillar volume, 43 (μm)−1; approximate fractions of mitochondrial volume contributed by matrix 0.47, by cristae + inner membrane 0.42, and by intercristal space 0.11. Indices for rabbit left ventricles were similar, except that areas of cristae + inner membrane per unit mitochondrial volume and per unit myofibrillar volume were lower. Myocardial cell atrophy after hypophysectomy was associated with a lower cellular concentration of structurally normal mitochondria and a reduced area of cristae + inner membrane per unit myofibrillar volume.
Metallicity and Ionization in High-Velocity Cloud Complex C

We analyze HST and FUSE ultraviolet spectroscopic data for 11 sight lines passing through the infalling high-velocity cloud (HVC) Complex C. These sight lines pass through regions with H I column densities in the range N = 1018.1-1020.1 cm-2. From [O I/H I] abundances, we find that Complex C metallicities range from 0.09 to 0.29 Z☉, with a column density weighted mean of 0.13 Z☉. Nitrogen (N I) is underabundant by factors of (0.01-0.07)(N/H)☉, significantly less than oxygen relative to solar abundances. This pattern suggests nucleosynthetic enrichment by Type II SNe, consistent with an origin in the Galactic fountain or infalling gas produced in winds from Local Group galaxies. The range of metallicity and its possible (2 σ) dependence on N could indicate some mixing of primordial material with enriched gas from the Milky Way, but the mixing mechanism is unclear. We also investigate the significant highly ionized component of Complex C, detected in C IV, Si IV, and O VI, but not in N V. High-ion column density ratios show little variance and are consistent with shock ionization or ionization at interfaces between Complex C and a hotter surrounding medium. Evidence for the former mechanism is seen in the Mrk 876 line profiles, where the offset in line centroids between low and high ions suggests a decelerating bow shock.
INTERSTELLAR MATTER NEAR THE PLEIADES. VI. EVIDENCE FOR AN INTERSTELLAR THREE-BODY ENCOUNTER

This paper seeks a comprehensive interpretation of new data on Na I absorption toward stars in and near the Pleiades, together with existing visible and infrared data on the distribution of dust and with radio data on H I and CO in the cluster vicinity. The use of dust and gas morphology to constrain tangential motions in connection with the measured radial velocities yields estimates for the space motion of gas near the Pleiades. Much of the kinematic complexity in the interstellar absorption toward the Pleiades, including the presence of strongly blueshifted components that arise in shocked gas, finds explanation in the interaction between the cluster and foreground gas with Vr(LSR) ≈ 7 km s-1 associated with the Taurus dust clouds. Taurus gas, however, cannot readily account for an absorption component having Vr(LSR) ≈ 10 km s-1 with a wide, but not continuous distribution and 21 cm emission from gas in the cluster having Vr(LSR) ≈ 0 km s-1 associated with east-west dust filaments. Successive hypotheses for the origin of these additional features include Taurus gas at a higher velocity than the pervasive foreground component, additional gas at a radial velocity intermediate between that of the Taurus component and the cluster, and a cloud having Vr(LSR) ≈ 10 km s-1 approaching the Pleiades from the west. A satisfactory account of the full complexity of the interstellar medium near the Pleiades requires the last feature and the Taurus gas, both interacting with the Pleiades and also with each other.
Preparation of primary cultures of embryonic chick chondrocytes in agarose

A simple method is described for the culturing of chondrocytes in a three dimensional matrix of agarose that is overlaid with growth media. Procedures for the examination of the embedded cells at the electron microscopic level are given.
Rapid, Catalytic Hydrolysis of Methionine-Containing Dipeptides by a Dinuclear Palladium(II) Complex Having Thiolate Bridging Ligands

The dinuclear complex (Me4N)2[Pd2(μ-SPh)2Cl4] is solvolyzed upon reaction with AgClO4·H2O in acetone. The X-ray crystal structure of (Ph4As)2[Pd2(μ-SPh)2Cl4] showed that this dinuclear complex is b...