cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Quantitative Disintegration Method for Polymeric Films

Current in vitro disintegration methods for polymeric films are qualitative and introduce significant user bias. The goal of these studies is to develop a novel, quantitative disintegration technique which can be used to characterize polymeric films in vitro. A method was developed using a Texture Analyzer instrument to evaluate film disintegration. Solvent-casted, clinically advanced, anti-HIV, vaginal films as well as marketed vaginal films were used throughout these studies. Method development followed a quality by design (QbD) process and was used to evaluate film products. The current method developed provided reproducible, quantitative disintegration times for the commercially available vaginal contraceptive film (57.88 ± 5.98 s). It distinguished between two clinically advanced antiretroviral containing films based on disintegration time (p value < 0.001): the tenofovir film (41.28 ± 3.35 s) and the dapivirine film (88.36 ± 10.61 s). This method could also distinguish between tenofovir and dapivirine films which had been altered in terms of volume (p < 0.0001) and formulation (p < 0.0001) based on disintegration time. This method can be applied for pharmaceutical films for ranging indications as part of vigorous in vitro characterization. Parameters of the test can be altered based on site of application or indication.
Mindful Eating: Connecting With the Wise Self, the Spiritual Self

In the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training program (MB-EAT) (Kristeller and Wolever, 2014; Kristeller and Wolever, in press), mindfulness practice is taught, mindful eating is cultivated, and self-acceptance and spiritual well-being are enhanced. An integrative concept is the value of cultivating 'wisdom' in regard to creating a new and sustainable relationship to eating and food. 'Wisdom' refers to drawing on personal experience and understanding in a flexible, insightful manner, rather than strictly following external rules and guidelines. Several clinical trials involving variations of MB-EAT have documented substantive improvement in how people relate to their eating, including individuals with both binge eating disorder (BED) and subclinical eating issues. Based on the traditional value of contemplative practices for cultivating spiritual engagement, and on evidence from related research showing that spiritual well-being increases in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and is related to other effects, we hypothesized that the MB-EAT program would also engage this aspect of experience, as assessed by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-Being subscale (FACIT-Sp), and that increases in spiritual well-being would relate to other measures of adjustment such as emotional balance and improvement in disordered eating. Participants (N = 117) with moderate to morbid obesity, including 25.6% with BED, were randomly assigned to MB-EAT or a wait-list control, and assessed on the FACIT-Sp and other measures at baseline, immediate post (IP), and 2-month followup (F/Up). Both FACIT-Sp factors [Meaning/Peace (M/P) and Faith] increased significantly in the MB-EAT group and were stable/decreased in the control group. Increases in these factors related to improvement in emotional adjustment and eating regulation at IP and at F/Up, and to increases in aspects of mindfulness measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Increases in M/P during treatment mediated effects of the FFMQ Observe factor on eating regulation and depression at IP. Results are discussed in terms of the role that mindfulness practice plays in cultivating 'wise mind' and the related value of spirituality. It is argued that the core elements of the MB-EAT program lead to meaningful spiritual engagement, which plays a role in people's ability to improve and maintain overall self-regulation.
Hydrogen Peroxide Generation of Copper/Ascorbate Formulations on Cotton: Effect on Antibacterial and Fibroblast Activity for Wound Healing Application.

Greige cotton (unbleached cotton) is an intact plant fiber that retains much of the outer cotton fiber layers. These layers contain pectin, peroxidases, and trace metals that are associated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation during cotton fiber development. When greige cotton is subjected to a nonwoven hydroentanglement process, components of the outer cotton fiber layers are retained. When hydrated, this fabric can generate H2O2 (5–50 micromolar). This range has been characterized as inducing accelerated wound healing associated with enhanced cell signaling and the proliferation of cells vital to wound restoration. On the other hand, H2O2 levels above 50 micromolar have been associated with bacteriostatic activity. Here, we report the preparation and hydrogen peroxide activity of copper/ascorbate formulations, both as adsorbed and in situ synthesized analogs on cotton. The cooper/ascorbate-cotton formulations were designed with the goal of modulating hydrogen peroxide levels within functional ranges beneficial to wound healing. The cotton/copper formulation analogs were prepared on nonwoven unbleached cotton and characterized with cotton impregnation titers of 3–14 mg copper per gram of cotton. The copper/ascorbate cotton analog formulations were characterized spectroscopically, and the copper titer was quantified with ICP analysis and probed for peroxide production through assessment with Amplex Red. All analogs demonstrated antibacterial activity. Notably, the treatment of unbleached cotton with low levels of ascorbate (~2 mg/g cotton) resulted in a 99 percent reduction in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. In situ synthesized copper/ascorbate nanoparticles retained activity and did not leach out upon prolonged suspension in an aqueous environment. An assessment of H2O2 effects on fibroblast proliferation are discussed in light of the copper/cotton analogs and wound healing.
Künstliche Intelligenz im Gesundheitswesen

Es ist offensichtlich, dass kunstliche Intelligenz einen positiven Einfluss auf die Gesundheitsversorgung der Patienten und Burger haben wird. Jedoch stellt sie auch grose Herausforderungen dar: Der Gesundheitssektor wie auch die Gesellschaft hinken anderen Industrien hinterher, wenn es sich um die Verarbeitung und den Nutzen von „Big Data“ handelt. Unermessliche Datenquellen bleiben unangetastet und ihr Potential wird nicht fur die Gesundheitsversorgung genutzt. Ein technischer Losungsansatz ist die kunstliche Intelligenz (KI), um Daten zu verarbeiten, Informationen, Erkenntnisse und Zusammenhange herstellen zu konnen, damit die medizinische Versorgung nachhaltig gestaltet werden kann. Jedoch besteht viel Unsicherheit in der Bevolkerung und in den medizinischen Fachdisziplinen, was KI ist, was sie kann und wo die wirklichen Risiken der KI liegen. In diesem Kapitel soll Transparenz geschaffen werden, um KI zu definieren, aufzuzeigen, auf welcher Datenbasis gearbeitet werden kann und wo KI wirklich Nutzen in der Medizin bringen kann und wird. Am Ende sind jedoch Gesellschaft und Politik gefragt, um die Rahmenbedingungen fur Big Data und KI-Plattformen zu schaffen. Standardisierung und Qualitatssicherung sind notwendig, um ein Okosystem zu etablieren und nicht zuletzt muss sich die Gesellschaft auch ethischen Fragen stellen.
From Interest to Applause to Despair.

My first instinct was to attempt to write an interesting—perhaps even a controversial—peer commentary to this excellent and thoughtful target article by Dubov and Fraenkel (2018). For example, I th...
How Does Preexisting Hypertension Affect Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Abstract Background and Purpose: Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) frequently present with hypertension, but it is unclear if this is due to pre-existing hypertension (prHTN) or to the bleed itself or associated pain. We sought to assess the relationship between prHTN and admission systolic blood pressure (aBP) and bleed severity. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the relationship between prHTN and aBP and NIHSS in patients with ICH at 3 institutions. Results: Of 251 patients, 170 (68%) had prHTN based on history of hypertension/antihypertensive use. Median aBP was significantly higher in those with prHTN (155 mm Hg (IQR 135-181) versus 139 mm Hg (IQR 124-158), P
A case study of transitions in farming and farm labor in southwestern Idaho

Farm labor in the U.S. is undergoing significant transitions. First, fewer farmworkers are migrating in the traditional sense, and more are settling in to rural American communities. Second, more women are working in agriculture—a process referred to as the feminization of agriculture. Third, there has been an increase in so-called “recreational” crops” like marijuana and hops grown for craft microbrew beers. This paper discusses these three transitions in Southwestern Idaho. These transitions were observed during pilot research conducted in Idaho during 2017–2018. We present this paper as a case study of current transitions in American agriculture. See the press release for this article.
The Growth of Spiritual Awareness through AA Participation: A Phenomenological Study

ABSTRACTThis phenomenological study focused on the question: What is the lived-experience of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Fellowship in relation to spiritual awakening for members of AA with long-...
Perioperative Hypoxia Secondary to Phenazopyridine-induced Methemoglobinemia in an Adolescent Patient Without Renal Insufficiency or Overdose: An Unusual Case.

Abstract Phenazopyridine is a common, well-tolerated medication with minimal side effects. Severe side effects are rare and include methemoglobinemia in setting of overdose, elderly patients, renal insufficiency, and chronic use. Here, we report a case of methemoglobinemia-induced perioperative hypoxia in an adolescent patient without renal insufficiency or overdose which has not been reported previously. This case underscores the importance of judicious use of this medication in all patients but notably in pediatric patients and those with chronic lung disease.
Wireless head impact monitoring system utilizing eye movement as a surrogate for brain movement

Abstract A wireless system designed to sense brain trauma in athletes through eye movements during impacts is presented alongside a low-cost, flexible antenna design that can be integrated into existing helmet structures with little effort or cost. The impact-sensing system is described in detail, and special attention is given to the design and characterization of a flexible, printed dipole antenna. Test results for the full system are shown that validate both the sensing strategy and antenna design at ranges that exceed what would be reasonable for a typical sporting event.
Abstract 713: BBI-608 modulates DNA repair pathways, induces apoptosis and impacts response to 5-Fluorouracil and ionizing radiation in pancreatic cancer cells

Background: BBI-608 has been shown to modulate multiple oncogenic cellular pathways which are often constitutively active in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Among these are key mediators of DNA repair and cellular survival pathways. We hypothesized that BBI-608 would sensitize PDAC cells to chemoradiotherapy. Methods: The combined effects of BBI-608 and chemoradiotherapy (5-FU + IR) were evaluated in human (MIA PaCa-2) and murine (PANC-02) PDAC cell lines using a Br-dU cell proliferation assay. To elucidate the mechanism of action, effects on the expression of DNA damage and repair (pATM, γ-H2AX, p53; pATR, and Rad51) molecules were examined by Western blot. Apoptosis was assessed via Annexin V staining and flow cytometric analysis to evaluate mechanism of cell death following treatment of MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-02 cell lines. The in vivo activity of BBI-608, 5-FU + IR, alone and in combination, were evaluated in C57BL/6 mice bearing subcutaneous PANC-02 tumors. Results: The combination of BBI-608 and chemoradiotherapy significantly decreased (p Conclusion: These data identify a role for BBI-608 as a modulator of DNA damage and apoptosis. These effects enhanced the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in cell lines and in vivo models of PDAC and provide rationale for continued investigation in the pre-clinical and clinical setting. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Batoul Farran, Ganji P. Nagaraju, Sneha G. Shipra, Shipra R. Bethi, Gregory B. Lesinski, Bassel El-Rayes. BBI-608 modulates DNA repair pathways, induces apoptosis and impacts response to 5-Fluorouracil and ionizing radiation in pancreatic cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 713.
Application of Sapphire-Fiber-Bragg-Grating-Based Multi-Point Temperature Sensor in Boilers at a Commercial Power Plant

Readily available temperature sensing in boilers is necessary to improve efficiencies, minimize downtime, and reduce toxic emissions for a power plant. The current techniques are typically deployed as a single-point measurement and are primarily used for detection and prevention of catastrophic events due to the harsh environment. In this work, a multi-point temperature sensor based on wavelength-multiplexed sapphire fiber Bragg gratings (SFBGs) were fabricated via the point-by-point method with a femtosecond laser. The sensor was packaged and calibrated in the lab, including thermally equilibrating at 1200 °C, followed by a 110-h, 1000 °C stability test. After laboratory testing, the sensor system was deployed in both a commercial coal-fired and a gas-fired boiler for 42 days and 48 days, respectively. The performance of the sensor was consistent during the entire test duration, over the course of which it measured temperatures up to 950 °C (with some excursions over 1000 °C), showing the survivability of the sensor in a field environment. The sensor has a demonstrated measurement range from room temperature to 1200 °C, but the maximum temperature limit is expected to be up to 1900 °C, based on previous work with other sapphire based temperature sensors.
Ni-Catalyzed enantioselective reductive aryl-alkenylation of alkenes: application to the synthesis of (+)-physovenine and (+)-physostigmine

A Ni-catalyzed enantioselective reductive aryl-alkenylation of alkenes by cyclizative coupling of an aryl bromide and a vinyl bromide is developed, providing efficient access to functionalized 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles under mild conditions, without requiring the use of preformed vinylmetallic reagents. With this method, a concise formal synthesis of (+)-physovenine and (+)-physostigmine has been completed.
Androgen receptor dependent and independent signal transduction pathways leading to proliferation in androgen-independent prostate cancer

934 Prostate cancer is initially dependent on androgens for growth and thus responsive to androgen ablation. However, many patients treated with hormonal therapy ultimately progress to an androgen independent (AI) state. The LNCaP cell line has been widely used as a model for androgen-dependent (AD) prostate cancer. This cell line can be induced to progress to androgen independence by prolonged androgen deprvation and two AI prostate tumor cell lines cloned from LNCaP cells, LNCaP-AI (developed in vitro) and C4-2 (developed in vivo), are often used as models to study androgen independence. Both these LNCaP clones express the androgen receptor (AR), and hence, in this study, we evaluate the role of the AR in their proliferation. Proliferation was determined by MTT assay and by flow cytometry in propidium iodide stained ethanol fixed cells. Protein expression was determined by immunoblotting while AR transcriptional activity was determined by luciferase assay in cells transfected with a human prostate specific antigen (PSA) promoter tagged to a luciferase construct (hPSA-luc). We used siRNA technology and a pharmacological inhibitor to downregulate the expression and activation of the AR, respectively. Both LNCaP-AI and C4-2 cells showed increased proliferation rates compared to LNCaP cells. LNCaP cells were growth arrested by 10 μM Casodex, a competitive inhibitor of androgen binding to the AR, whereas LNCaP-AI and C4-2 cells were not, reflecting their AI nature. C4-2 cells exhibited lower AR expression and higher endogenous express of the AR target gene PSA compared to LNCaP. In contrast, LNCaP-AI cells showed higher AR expression compared to LNCaP but did not express endogenous PSA. Despite this, in LNCaP-AI cells, AR transcriptional activity on hPSA-luc was increased compared to LNCaP and C4-2 cells and was androgen-sensitive, showing that the AR in these cells remained active. Next, we determined whether AR expression mediated AI cell proliferation. Transfection with AR-specific siRNA duplexes downregulated the AR and inhibited proliferation in LNCaP and LNCaP-AI, but not in C4-2 cells. These results indicated that the AR mediated the growth of LNCaP-AI but not C4-2 cells. Despite AR-independent proliferation in C4-2 cells, the AR in this cell line was capable of regulating cell cycle proteins. However, we provide evidence that proliferation in C4-2 cells exhibited increased dependence on an alternate signaling pathway involving Akt, a serine/threonine kinase downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Our data suggest that LNCaP-AI and C4-2 cells represent two different forms of AI prostate cancer - while the LNCaP-AI cells are AR-dependent, the C4-2 cells are AR-independent.
Diogenes: looking for an honest CPU/GPU performance measurement tool

GPU accelerators have become common on today's leadership-class computing platforms. Exploiting the additional parallelism offered by GPUs is fraught with challenges. A key performance challenge faced by developers is how to limit the time consumed by synchronization and memory transfers between the CPU and GPU. We introduce the feed-forward measurement (FFM) performance tool model that automates the identification of unnecessary or inefficient synchronization and memory transfer, providing an estimate of potential benefit if the problem were fixed. FFM uses a new multi-stage/multi-run instrumentation model that adjusts instrumentation based application behavior on prior runs, guiding FFM to problematic GPU operations that were previously unknown. The collected data feeds a new analysis model that gives an accurate estimate of potential benefit of fixing the problem. We created an implementation of FFM called Diogenes that we have used to identify problems in four real-world scientific applications.
Nanopore Guided Assembly of Segmental Duplications Near Telomeres

Human subtelomere regions are highly enriched in large segmental duplications and structural variants, leading to many gaps and misassemblies in these regions. We develop a novel method, NPGREAT (NanoPore Guided REgional Assembly Tool), which combines Nanopore ultralong read datasets and short-read assemblies derived from 10x linkedreads to efficiently assemble these subtelomere regions into a single continuous sequence. We show that with the use of ultralong Nanopore reads as a guide, the highly accurate shorter linked-read sequence contigs are correctly oriented, ordered, spaced and extended. In the rare cases where a linked-read sequence contig contains inaccurately assembled segments, the use of Nanopore reads allows for detection and correction of this error. We tested NPGREAT on four representative subtelomeres of the NA12878 human genome (10p, 16p, 19q and 20p). The results demonstrate that the final computed assembly of each subtelomere is accurate and complete.
Post-truth claims and the wishing away of brute facts:

Post-truth claims making has, since 2016, emerged as a defining cultural and political phenomenon. It involves an assertion, made from a position of power, based on an inaccurate description of obj...
Anomaly and Cobordism Constraints Beyond the Standard Model: Topological Force

Standard lore uses local anomalies to check the kinematic consistency of gauge theories coupled to chiral fermions, e.g. Standard Models (SM). Based on a systematic cobordism classification [1812.11967, 1910.14668], we examine constraints from invertible quantum anomalies (including all perturbative local and nonperturbative global anomalies) for gauge theories. We also clarify the different uses of these anomalies: including (1) anomaly cancellations of dynamical gauge fields, (2) 't Hooft anomaly matching conditions of background fields of global symmetries, and others. We find several 4d $\mathbb{Z}_{n}$ anomaly constraints of $n=16,4,2$, beyond the familiar $\mathbb{Z}$ class local anomalies of Feynman graphs, and also beyond Witten SU(2) and the new SU(2) global anomalies. As an application, for (SU(3)$\times$SU(2)$\times$U(1))/$\mathbb{Z}_6$ SM with 15n chiral Weyl fermions (e.g. SU(5) Grand Unification) and a discrete $X=5(B-L)-4Y$ preserved, we discover a new hidden sector previously unknown to Georgi-Glashow model -- by appending to the known SM nearly gapless sector, we propose a new strongly-correlated gapped sector with a new Topological Mass mechanism: either (1) 4d non-invertible non-abelian topological quantum field theory (TQFT) at low energy but with heavy anyon excitations from 1d particle worldline and 2d string worldsheet coupled to gravity (accessible from neither Dirac nor Majorana mass gap for the 16th Weyl fermions: 3 generations of right-handed neutrinos, but from the dual fermionic vortex zero mode bound state condensation via topological quantum phase transition or 4d duality/"mirror symmetry") or (2) 5d TQFT in extra dimensions. Above a higher energy scale, the discrete $X$ becomes gauged, the entangled Universe in 4d and 5d is mediated by Topological Force. Our model resolves puzzles, surmounting sterile neutrinos and dark matter, in fundamental physics.
Functional Assessment in Elite Basketball Players

Functional movement testing is commonly used in elite basketball in effort to identify subtle and gross movement deviations. Depending on resources available, the testing process may vary from clinical observation, possibly using a standard 2D camera, to a comprehensive laboratory-based biomechanical analysis utilizing force plates and 3D motion capture analysis. Regardless of the level of technology used, it is best practice to select functional movements to be tested that replicate the physical demands athletes endure during high-level basketball competition. While the most recent evidence in the literature does not support the use of functional movement testing as an injury prediction tool, corrective and performance interventions following testing have been found to be useful in reducing the risk of injury optimizing quality of movement on the court.
Light Bullets by Design

we examine an integrated laser architecture offering adaptive spatio-temporal field distribution and topology, including control over its amplitude, and linear, spin angular, and orbital angular momenta to exploit its topology.
Reply to “Comment on ‘Coulomb-nuclear interference effects in proton-proton scattering: A simple new eikonal approach’”

We clarify the connection between the results of Petrov in the preceding Comment and those in our previous paper on Coulomb-nuclear interference in proton-proton scattering in the region of very small momentum transfers. We calculate the correction to the approximation we used in that region, but not elsewhere, and show that it agrees with corresponding terms in Petrov's expression. The corrections are negligible in either form, and do not affect our previous results.
The transmembrane amyloid precursor C99 protein exhibits non-specific interaction with tau.

Abstract Historically, the two most prominent proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research have been the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the microtubule assembly protein tau. In the classical model for the etiology of AD, amyloid-β (Aβ)—an APP derivative and hyperphosphorylated tau form aggregates in the brain that underlie the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the connection between Aβ and tau pathologies remains unclear. Several studies have provided evidence that the presence of Aβ can induce or enhance neurofibrillary tangle formation by tau. Others have reported a direct interaction between tau and short fragments of the APP transmembrane domain, C99. Structural studies of C99 show that these in vitro tau-binding fragments of C99 are buried in the lipid bilayer and are likely unavailable to bind tau in vivo. Given the importance of APP and tau in AD, we sought to characterize the potential interaction of the Aβ precursor, full length C99, and tau in vitro using NMR spectroscopy. We found that C99 and soluble tau interact only weakly and, most likely, non-specifically.
Pursuit of precision medicine: Systems biology approaches in Alzheimer's disease mouse models.

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease that is mediated by numerous factors and manifests in various forms. A systems biology approach to studying AD involves analyses of various body systems, biological scales, environmental elements, and clinical outcomes to understand the genotype to phenotype relationship that potentially drives AD development. Currently, there are many research investigations probing how modifiable and nonmodifiable factors impact AD symptom presentation. This review specifically focuses on how imaging modalities can be integrated into systems biology approaches using model mouse populations to link brain level functional and structural changes to disease onset and progression. Combining imaging and omics data promotes the classification of AD into subtypes and paves the way for precision medicine solutions to prevent and treat AD.
An Investigation of Decentralized Networks Based Upon Wireless Mobile Technologies

The Internet is a highly centralized and hierarchical structure that leaves users with a number of potential barriers to connectivity. As wireless networking becomes more common and mobile devices grow in popularity, a variety of decentralized networks have emerged to break down or create alternatives for connectivity barriers. These mesh-like networking options work either as extensions of traditional Internet infrastructure or simply as inward-facing user networks. This paper will explore the various impediments that these networks seek to circumvent; namely, economic barriers to connectivity, unintentionally destroyed infrastructure, intentionally blocked infrastructure, and government surveillance. After a careful analysis of the goals these networks aim to achieve, it is clear that networks that attempt to solve problems caused by centralization often succeed, while users seeking other functionalities are often disappointed.
New Mouse Model for Dengue Virus Vaccine Testing

Several dengue (DEN) virus vaccines are in development; however, the lack of a reliable small animal model in which to test them is a major obstacle. Because evidence suggests that interferon (IFN) is involved in the human anti-DEN virus response, we tested mice deficient in their IFN functions as potential models. Intraperitoneally administered mouse-adapted DEN 2 virus was uniformly lethal in AG129 mice (which lack alpha/beta IFN and gamma IFN receptor genes), regardless of age. Immunized mice were protected from virus challenge, and survival times increased following passive transfer of anti-DEN polyclonal antibody. These results demonstrate that AG129 mice are a promising small animal model for DEN virus vaccine trials.
Multimedia courseware for teaching dynamic concepts: assessment of student learning

The rise of multimedia has spurred the development of innovative packages for educational use. But what are students learning? To make the best use of this technology, we need to examine how it can enhance student learning. This makes issues of assessment very important. Multimedia is particularly powerful in engineering education for allowing students to visualize various dynamic physical phenomena, such as vibrations. We discuss the assessment of learning for those students who use the GT-VIBS multimedia package and case study to learn about engineering vibrations. We also performed evaluation of the software. We accomplished this by conducting an experiment in which students who use a multimedia tutorial module or an engineering case study were compared to students who read text. We present some of our preliminary results.
Simulating activities of daily living with finite element analysis improves fracture prediction for patients with metastatic femoral lesions

Predicting fracture risk for patients with metastatic femoral lesions remains an important clinical problem. Mirels' criterion remains the most formalized radiographic scoring system with good sensitivity (correctly identifying clinical fractures) but relatively poor specificity (correctly identify cases that do not fracture). A series of patients with metastatic femoral lesions had Computed Tomography (CT) scans, were followed prospectively for 4 months, and categorized into fracture (n = 5), non-fracture (n = 28), or stabilized (n = 11) groups. CT based-Finite Element (FE) modeling was used to predict fracture for these cases using axial compression (AC), level walking (LW), and aggressive stair ascent (ASA) loading conditions. The FE predicted fracture force was greater for the non-fracture compared to the fracture group for all loading cases. The ability of the FE models to predict fracture cases (sensitivity) was similar for the groups (Mirels, AC, LW: 80%, ASA: 100%). The ability of the models to correctly predict the non-fracture cases (specificity) was improved for AC (71%) and LW (86%) loading conditions, when compared to Mirels specificity (43%), but poorer for the ASA (21%) conditions. The results suggest that FE models that assess fracture risk using LW conditions can improve fracture prediction over Mirels scoring in a clinical population. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1226–1234, 2015.
Multicomponent plasma distributions in the tail current sheet associated with substorms

The 3D plasma instrument on the Wind spacecraft has obtained new features of plasma distributions in the region of the geomagnetic tail current sheet (CS) that have not been previously reported. In addition to the isotropic plasma sheet component, ion beams of energy 1–3 keV are observed. The beams are generally counter streaming but unidirectional beams are also observed streaming parallel and antiparallel to the direction of the magnetic field. In addition, a low energy (a few hundred eV) ion component appears in close association with Bz increases. The electron distributions have bidirectional anisotropy with T∥/T⟂ ≈1.5, and they are often accompanied by counter streaming beams. However, a few keV unidirectional electron beam is also observed with bidirectional anisotropic distributions. These keV electrons are streaming away from the CS, suggesting they have been accelerated in the CS and subsequently ejected. The plasma distribution in the CS is multicomponent and thus requires a kinetic description of the dynamics.
Ethnic identity among second‐generation Iranians in the United States

FOR SECOND-GENERATION IRANIANS IN THE UNITED STATES THE question of identity is not as easily settled as it is for their parents. Their parents claim they are genuine Iranians because they were born and raised in Iran, they relate to Iranian culture more than to American culture, they were active members of the Iranian society for decades, they might still have immediate family members in Iran, and they still hope to go back there someday. Are second-generation Iranian youths able to make these claims? Do they think of themselves as Iranians? Apart from the fact that some were born in Iran, might still know the Persian language, and are familiar with some aspects of Iranian culture, what else about these young people makes them distinctly Iranian? Sociological studies of immigrants indicate that the first generation's pattern of adaptation is quite different from that of the second and third.' In general, while first-generation immigrants make a concerted effort to retain some elements of their native culture, the second generation tries only halfheartedly to adopt its parental culture. The third generation's efforts are minimal and often symbolic. An exception to this pattern is the case of those immigrants who have maintained steady contacts with the homeland or have a steady flow of their conationals coming to the host society. The pattern of adaptation of Iranians in the United States seems to be closer to the rule than to the exception. Second-generation Iranians, raised by one or two Iranian parents, living among Americans in urban environments, going to schools with predominantly white middle-class Americans, and increasingly adopting American lifestyles and cultural norms, are developing a unique identity quite different from their parents. Many of these youths were born in the United States and have never seen Iran. Many others have a very vague notion of Iran and the Iranian culture from their early childhood in Iran. Still others can count on their fingers the number of Iranians they know. Given the emphasis that older generation Iranians place on Persian culture and traditions, what is the identity of these youths? To what extent are they responding to parental expectations for maintaining their national heritage?
Identification and partial purification of the major aspirin hydrolyzing enzyme in human blood

In normal whole human blood in vitro, the source of the enzyme controlling the hydrolysis of aspirin (ASA) was found to be the erythrocyte (RBC). Experiments were carried out to determine whether this enzyme was membrane-bound or free in the lysate. The mean rates of ASA hydrolysis in comparable concentrations of intact RBC (1.61 +/- 0.20 mumole/liter/minute, n = 12 and 1.23 +/- 01.7 mumole/liter/minute, n = 5) were much faster than that measured in isolated RBC membranes (0.23 +/- 0.08 mumole/liter/minute, n = 6, P = less than 0.001). Detailed study showed that the RBC-related ASA esterase is located intracellularly and is not related to membrane acetylcholinesterase. The ASA esterase from crude lysate was purified 900-fold by means of DEAE Sephacel chromatography of active enzyme recovered from a 50% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction. Non-SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (pH 8.3 and 9.0) resulted in one major band and one or more small minor protein bands. When esterase activity was assayed in a non-stained gel, ASA depletion and salicylate production corresponded exactly to the major stained band. This band was eluted from another unstained gel, concentrated, and applied to an SDS gel. This yielded a single band with a molecular weight of approximately 95,000. The partially purified enzyme had a mean Km of 66.6 +/- 3.5 microM and a mean Vmax of 4.0 +/- 0.9 mumole/liter/minute/mg under the assay conditions. The results of inhibition studies suggested that this enzyme's activity is sulfhydryl group dependent, does not require divalent cations for activity, and is different from the RBC type D "nonspecific" esterases.
Subpicosecond photoinduced absorption in poly[2,5-thienylene vinylene] and poly[3-methoxy-6-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy) phenylene vinylene]

Abstract The photoinduced absorption spectra of the conjugated polymers poly[3-methoxy-6-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy) phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and poly[2,5-thienylene vinylene] (PTV) have been measured using 100 fs laser pulses and white-light continuum generation. For MEH-PPV, a broad sub-gap absorption, peaking at ∼ 1.45 eV, appears within 1 ps of photoexcitation by a 2.05 eV pulse. With increasing time, the induced sub-gap absorption decays and sharpens slightly. These features are tentatively assigned to the photoproduction of triplet excitons. For PTV, excitation at 2.05 eV results in a sub-gap absorption whose maximum is somewhere below the low-energy cut-off of our experimental apparatus (1.3 eV). At early times, induced absorption and bleaching peaks are observed in the vicinity of the principal absorption edge. These features evolve with increasing time, and, by 100 ps, closely resemble the thermal modulation spectrum expected for complete transfer of the pump energy to the lattice due to the nonradiative recombination of the photoexcitations.
Trap catches of codling moth in commercial Washington sweet cherry orchards.

Abstract In 1999 and 2002, pheromone traps were used to survey adult male codling moths, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in commercial cherry (Prunus avium L.) orchards as well as adjoining pome orchards containing apple (Malus Xdomestica Borkh.) or pear (Pyrus communis L.). In 2002, sites containing isolated cherry trees and areas with no codling moth host trees were also sampled. Most codling moths were collected from pome orchards, whereas the lowest numbers were from the commercial cherry orchards. Fruit phenology data indicated that maximum codling moth flight was at a time when fruits were very immature. Cherries make a good candidate for the systems approach to quarantine security because few moths occur in commercial cherry orchards and, if fruit are infested, they would be too damaged to be harvested.
Degranulation and other changes of molluscan granulocytes associated with phagocytosis.

The loss of cytoplasmic granules, which have been shown to be lysosomes, from granulocytes of Mercenaria mercenaria during the in vitro phagocytosis of Bacillus megaterium has been demonstrated semiquantitatively. This process, designated as degranulation, represents the morphological basis of the release of lysosomal enzymes from granulocytes into serum as- sociated with phagocytosis. In addition to degranulation associated with phagocytosis, there is rearrangement of lysosomes, the appearance of large vacuolated areas in the cytoplasm, con- traction of cell margins, and the appearance of atypically large granules in granulocytes of M. mercenaria.
Individual and Familial Correlates of Body Satisfaction in Male and Female College Students.

Abstract Objective: This study investigates the relative contributions of global self-esteem, body mass index (BMI), dieting behaviors, and perceived parental control and care on body satisfaction among a nonclinical sample of college students. Participants and Methods: Participants (49 males and 299 females) reported weight and height (to calculate BMI) and completed the EAT 26 test. Perceived parental care and control, global self-esteem, and body satisfaction were measured and examined in relation to BMI and dieting behavior. Results: High BMIs were associated with lower body satisfaction for both genders; dieting behavior, self-esteem, and perceived parental care and control demonstrated a unique gender-specific association among variables in prediction of body satisfaction and dieting behavior for each gender. Conclusions: Body satisfaction as a part of global self-esteem is constructed differently by males and females. Various aspects of parenting (care and control) are associated with self-esteem a...
Structural sensitivity of grazing formulations in nutrient controlled plankton models

Stability and persistence properties of a family of non-spatial plankton models, each differentiated by its herbivore grazing term, are analytically compared. The dynamic persistence function in the model is shown to operate uniformly even though stability configuration characteristics of the model may be topologically distinct. The persistence threshold for each model indicates that total nutrient is a fundamental biological control. In the parameter space, all of the models studied are structurally unstable; however, an important bifurcation mechanism associated with this instability governs persistence. While, topologically, model transfigurement through parameter modulation is non-continuous, the biological populations evolve in a continuous or a lower semicontinuous manner. A basic conclusion of the paper is that fundamental problems for these marine ecological models remain unresolved since each of the models is a structurally unstable system for a fixed dynamically persistent ecology.
Posterior ligamentous complex healing following disruption in thoracolumbar fractures

Classification schemes for thoracolumbar fractures attempt to categorize them as either stable or unstable. Stable fractures heal with conservative treatment strategies such as bracing, while unstable fractures require operative internal fixation. Until recently, most classification schemes recognized the importance of the pattern and location of bony disruption in segregating stable and unstable fractures. Recently, the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex was found to influence the degree of the stability of thoracolumbar fractures. Disruption of the intervertebral disc and ligaments increases spinal instability. Unlike bone, it is thought that these ligaments do not have the capacity to heal. However, this notion is not founded by substantial evidence. It is, hence, important to determine the extent of ligamentous healing in the spine as this will influence directing therapy towards not only bony fusion, but also ligamentous union.
Allergens of honey bee venom

Abstract The allergenic activities of four purified components of honeybee venom were studied by using histamine release from leukocytes of bee sting-allergic patients. The components studied were hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, melittin and apamin with molecular weights, respectively, of about 50,000, 15,800, 2840 and 2038 d. In six of the seven patients studied, hyaluronidase and phospholipase were, respectively, on the average about two and eight times more active by weight than the venom. The situation was reversed in one patient in that hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2 were, respectively, 90 and 0.5 times more active than the venom. With this single exception, hyaluronidase and phospholipase were about equally active on a molar basis as allergens. Melittin was on the average about one-tenth as active as the venom, and apamin was inactive as an allergen. Chemical modifications of phospholipase A2 were carried out. Succinylation of eight of its eleven amino groups yielded a derivative that retained 4% of the enzymic activity of the native enzyme. Reduction and carboxymethylation of its four disulfide bonds or cyanogen bromide cleavage of its three methionyl bonds yielded enzymatically inactive derivatives. These derivatives showed varying decreases of allergenic activities when compared to the native enzyme. The results indicate that the antigenic determinants of phospholipase depend on the charge, the amino acid sequence and the conformation of the molecule.
Ethanol and lactic acid production as affected by sorghum genotype and location

Genotype, environment, location, and their interactions have a significant effect on end-use quality characteristics of grain sorghum (Sorghum biocolor (L.) Moench ). The objective of this research was to study the effect of sorghum genotype and production environment on ethanol and lactic acid production. Eight sorghum varieties from two locations were used. Whole sorghum grain was ground, liquefied, saccharified, and fermented to ethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisae , ATCC 24860). For lactic acid fermentation, whole ground sorghum grain was liquefied and fermented to lactic acid with Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395; saccharification depended upon native gluco- amylase. Results with this limited number of sorghum varieties and locations showed that both sorghum genotype and location had a significant effect on ethanol and lactic acid yields. Variations of 5 and 15% in ethanol and lactic acid yields were observed among the 16 sorghum samples. The effect of location on the fermentation yields was as much as 5% for ethanol and 10% for lactic acid. The effects of variety and location on ethanol and lactic acid production are strongly related to chemical composition and physical properties of grain sorghum samples. Ethanol and lactic acid production increased as starch content increased, whereas the ethanol and lactic acid production decreased as protein content increased. Chemical composition had a greater effect on the ethanol and lactic acid yields than physical properties of the sorghum kernels. The effect of physical properties on ethanol and lactic acid yields was not significant (P /0.05).
Properties of Cu-flux-grown UCu2Si2

Single crystals of UCu2Si2 grown from Cu flux have a 50 K antiferromagnetic transition below the 100 K ferromagnetic transition, this not being seen in polycrystalline material. We speculate on the possible reason for this.
Solution-precipitation enhanced creep in solid-liquid aggregates which display a non-zero dihedral angle

Abstract Experimental results and a corresponding model for solution-precipitation enhanced diffusional creep in solid-liquid aggregates which display a dihedral angle in the range 0°
POPULATION TIME SERIES: PROCESS VARIABILITY, OBSERVATION ERRORS, MISSING VALUES, LAGS, AND HIDDEN STATES

Population sample data are complex; inference and prediction require proper accommodation of not only the nonlinear interactions that determine the expected future abundance, but also the stochasticity inherent in data and variable (often unobserved) environmental factors. Moreover, censuses may occur sporadically, and observation errors change with sample methods and effort. The state variable (usually density or abundance) may be hidden from view and known only through highly indirect observational schemes (such as public health records, hunting reports, or fossil/archeological surveys). We extend the basic state-space model for time-series analysis to accommodate these dominant sources of variability that influence population data. Using examples, we show how different types of process error and observation error, unequal sample intervals, and missing values can be accounted for within the flexible framework of Bayesian state-space models. We provide algorithms based on Gibbs sampling that can be used to obtain posterior estimates of population states and of model parameters. For models that can be linearized, results can be used for direct sampling of the posterior, including those with missing values and unequal sample intervals. For nonlinear models, we make use of Metropolis-Hastings within the Gibbs sampling framework. Examples derive from long-term census and population data. We illustrate the extension to discrete state variables with multiple stages using a Time- series Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (TSIR) model for mid 20th-century measles infec- tion in London, where birth rates are assumed known, but susceptibles and infected indi- viduals arise from imperfect reporting.
Automated PET/CT brain registration for accurate attenuation correction

Computed Tomography (CT) is used for the attenuation correction of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to enhance the efficiency of data acquisition process and to improve the quality of the reconstructed PET data in the brain. Due to the use of two different modalities, chances of misalignment between PET and CT images are quite significant. The main cause of this misregistration is the motion of the patient during the PET scan and between the PET and CT scans. This misalignment produces an erroneous CT attenuation map that can project the bone and water attenuation parameters onto the brain, thereby under- or over-estimating the attenuation. To avoid the misregistration artifact and potential diagnostic misinterpretation, automated software for PET/CT brain registration has been developed. This software extracts the brain surface information from the CT and PET images and compensates for the translational and rotational misalignment between the two scans. This procedure has been applied to the dataset of a patient with visible perfusion defect in the brain, and the results show that the CTAC produced after the image registration eliminates that hypoperfusion artifact caused by the erroneous attenuation of the PET images.