cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Development of Catalytic Trifluoromethoxylation Reactions.

Abstract Trifluoromethoxy (OCF3) group exhibits unique properties, which render it a highly desirable structural motif in life and materials sciences. The numbers of newly synthesized trifluoromethyl ethers are booming as new synthetic methods are constantly being developed to access these valuable compounds. This Review summarizes recent catalytic approaches towards preparation of trifluoromethyl ethers. Alkene, allylic, benzylic, and aryl trifluoromethoxylation reactions are discussed herein.
Indoor UAV Localization Using a Tether

This paper presents an approach to localize a UAV in indoor environments using only a quasi-taut tether. In indoor GPS-denied environments, UAV localization usually depends on vision-based methods combined with inertial sensing, such as visual odometry or SLAM using 2D/3D cameras or laser range finders. This necessitates either heavy and sophisticated sensor payload mounted onto the UAV platform or computationally expensive algorithms running online. In this work, we investigate another indoor localization possibility for a tethered UAV: using the tether's sensory feedback, which is fed into a catenary-based mechanics model, to localize the UAV in an indoor global frame defined by the tether reel center. Our localization method is tested on a physical robot, Fotokite Pro. Our approach could reduce the error of the state-of-the-art tether-based indoor aerial vehicle localization by 31.12%. Since the UAV is localized with respect to the tether reel center, our method could be used to localize the UAV in a moving frame. So it is particularly suitable for inter-localization within marsupial heterogeneous robotic teams for urban search and rescue purposes.
Bi‐directional modulation of food habit expression by the endocannabinoid system

The compulsive, habitual behaviors that have been observed in individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders may be due to disruptions in the neural circuits that mediate goal-directed actions. The endocannabinoid system has been shown to play a critical role in habit learning, but the role of this neuromodulatory system in habit expression is unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in established habitual actions using contingency degradation in male C57BL/6 mice. We found that administration of the endocannabinoid transport inhibitor AM404 reduced habitual responding for food and that antagonism of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), but not transient receptor potential cation subfamily V (TRPV1), receptors produced a similar reduction in habitual responding. Moreover, pharmacological stimulation of CB1 receptors increased habitual responding for food. Co-administration of an enzyme inhibitor that selectively increases the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) with AM404 partially restored habitual responding for food. Together, these findings demonstrate an important role for the endocannabinoid system in the expression of habits and provide novel insights into potential pharmacological strategies for reducing habitual behaviors in mental disorders.
Interactions between the invasive Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper tree) with six plant species commonly found in Southern California nature reserves.

Abstract Since Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper tree) was brought to Southern California, the dioecious tree has been widely adopted in urban forests and has become invasive. Prior to our study, it was unknown whether S. molle influences plant species in its understory through allelopathy as it does in other geographic areas. The present study sought to determine if S. molle has negative effects on three native and three non-native, invasive understory species. For two separate experiments seeds of six plant species were sowed in mulch (leaf litter) and soil collected from both genders of S. molle. Because a prior study showed that native succulents were most inhibited by males, we expected male mulch and soil would affect native and invasive species more than that of females; however, this prediction was not supported. Male leaf litter of S. molle stimulated the shoot biomass for Amsinckia intermedia, Bromus madritensis, Brassica nigra, and Stipa pulchra. Male soils reduced the shoot emergence of B. madritensis by 34%, however, both genders of soil did not influence the root and shoot biomass of any species. Additionally, field observations in three urban nature reserves recorded 20 native and 10 invasive plant species beneath S. molle canopies. The present study showed S. molle did not have the same influence on species as previously reported for native succulents.
One-point hyperbolic-type metrics

We study basic properties of one-parametric families of the j -metric, the scale-invariant Cassinian metric and the half-Apollonian metric on locally compact, noncomplete metric spaces. We first establish basic properties of these metrics on once-punctured general metric spaces and obtain sharp estimates between these metrics, and then we show that all these properties, except for δ -hyperbolicity, extend to the settings of locally compact noncomplete metric spaces. We also show that these metrics are δ -hyperbolic only if the underlying space is a once-punctured metric space.
Genetic diversity of the spinach downy mildew pathogen based on hierarchical sampling

Downy mildew, caused by the obligate oomycete pathogen Peronospora effusa, is the most economically important disease of spinach. In the past 30 years, 14 new races and 13 strains with novel virulence have been identified. However, the mechanism(s) driving the rapid evolution of virulence remains unknown. To understand reproductive strategies potentially driving the emergence of new races in P. effusa, 67 composite isolates (a collection of symptomatic leaves from a single cultivar grown in a defined area) of P. effusa obtained from 13 states between 2010 and 2018 were used to analyze the population genetic diversity hierarchically. Genotypes at 33 SNP loci of 719 lesions from these 67 isolates were determined by targeted sequencing. Diversity was then evaluated among individual lesions within the composite isolates, between isolates, host cultivars, geographic locations, and years of isolates collected. A total of 380 genotypes were identified from 719 individual lesions. Of the 380 genotypes, 350 (92%) were unique while the most common genotype was identified in 110 lesions of 16 isolates collected from 13 cultivars from CA and AZ in 2016. Variation within composite isolates ranged from none (a single genotype among lesions from a composite isolate) to 38 unique genotypes recovered from 39 lesions of a composite isolate. An index of association analysis suggested asexual (clonal) and sexual reproduction play important roles in population structure. Based on discriminant analysis of principal components, four distinct subpopulations were identified. Host cultivar, origin, and time of collection had an effect on population differentiation, and genotypes specific to a certain location or collection period were identified. Some subpopulations were unique to certain areas, and were only detected after 2014-2016. The co-existence of sexual and asexual reproduction strategies may partially explain the rapid emergence and spread of new races and novel strains of P. effusa.
LONG TERM EFFICACY FOR CRYOBALLOON PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATION IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) has emerged as an alternative to radiofrequency PVI for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The long term efficacy of Cryoballoon PVI is unknown as data are limited. We analyzed a prospective registry of consecutive patients (pts) with AF from 2013-
Analysis of surveillance results of tuberculosis situation in Shiyan from 2001 to 2010

Objective To understand the epidemic situation of tuberculosis in Shiyan from 2001 to 2010,and provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control measures.Methods The annual and quarter report of tuberculosis and related data in Shiyan from 2001 to 2010 were analyzed.Results From 2001 to 2010,25 357 active tuberculosis cases were found in Shiyan,and the annual prevalence rate was 73.59/100 000.There were 16 062 new found sputum smear positive cases,the average prevalence rate was 46.61/100 000.There were 6853 cases sputum smear negative cases,and the annual prevalence was 19.89/100 000.During the 10 years from 2001 to 2010,the prevalence rates of active tuberculosis fluctuated from 55.27/100 000 to 90.36/100 000,and began to increase from 2004; the rates of new found smear positive tuberculosis fluctuated from 40.68/100 000 to 57.50/100 000.The rate of smear negative tuberculosis fluetuated from 5.64/100 000 to 35.93 /100 000,and began to grow from 2006.The epidemic was seen in all the five counties and one city in Shiyan.In new found smear positive cases,12 628 cases (78.62％) aged between 15 and 45; 7791 cases (48.50％) were farmers,and the male to female ratio was 2.31∶1.Conclusions The significant increasing of sputum smear negative tuberculosis reported is the main factor for the growth of active tuberculosis prevalence rate in Shiyan city since 2006.The young farmers are the main group,and the prevalence rate in male is higher than female. Key words: Tuberculosis; Prevention; Control; Epidemic situation
Full-Scale Evaluation of Concrete-Asphalt Interphase in Thin Bonded Concrete Overlay on Asphalt Pavements:

Thin bonded concrete overlay on asphalt (BCOA) pavements rely on concrete-asphalt bonding to resist traffic loading. To investigate variables affecting bonding, experimental data were used from 15 ...
Initial clinical experience of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for liver metastases, primary liver malignancy, and pancreatic cancer with 4D-MRI based online adaptation and real-time MRI monitoring using a 1.5 Tesla MR-Linac

Purpose/objectives Recently a 1.5 Tesla MR Linac has been FDA approved and is commercially available. Clinical series describing treatment methods and outcomes for upper abdominal tumors using a 1.5 Tesla MR Linac are lacking. We present the first clinical series of upper abdominal tumors treated using a 1.5 Tesla MR Linac along with the acquisition of intra-treatment quantitative imaging. Materials/methods 10 patients with abdominal tumors were treated at our institution. Each patient enrolled in an IRB approved advanced imaging protocol. Both daily real-time adaptive and non-adaptive methods were used, and selection criteria are described. Adaptive plans were based on pre-beam motion-averaged or mid-position images derived from respiratory-correlated 4D-MRI. Quantitative intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging and T2 mapping were acquired during plan adaptation. Real-time motion monitoring using cine MRI was performed during beam-on. Results Median patient age was 68.2, five patients were female. Tumor types included liver metastatic lesions from melanoma and sarcoma, primary liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and regional abdominal tumors included pancreatic metastatic lesions from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) along with two cases of recurrent pancreatic cancer. Doses included 30 Gy in 6 fractions, 33 Gy in 5 fractions, 50 Gy in 5 fractions, 45 Gy in 3 fractions, and 60 Gy in 3 fractions, depending on the location and clinical circumstances. Treatments were feasible and were successfully completed in all patients without significant acute toxicity, technical complications, or need for back up CT based treatment plans. Conclusions We present a first clinical series of patients treated for pancreatic tumors, primary liver tumors, and secondary liver tumors with a 1.5 Tesla MR Linear accelerator using adapt-to-position and adapt-to-shape strategies. Treatments were well tolerated by all patients. Acquisition of fully quantitative MR imaging was feasible during the course of the treatment delivery workflow without extending overall treatment times.
An Infrared Multiplicity Survey of Class I/Flat-Spectrum Systems in the Rho Ophiuchi and Serpens Molecular Clouds

We present new near- and mid-infrared observations of 19 Class I/flat-spectrum young stellar objects in the nearby Rho Oph (d=125pc) and Serpens (d=310pc) dark clouds. These observations are part of a larger systematic infrared multiplicity survey of Class I/flat-spectrum objects in the nearest dark clouds. We find 7/19 (37% +/- 14%) of the sources surveyed to be multiple systems over a separation range of ~150 - 1800 AU. This is consistent with the fraction of multiple systems found among older pre-main-sequence stars in each of the Taurus, Rho Oph, Chamaeleon, Lupus, and Corona Australis star-forming regions over a similar separation range. However, solar-type main-sequence stars in the solar neighborhood have a fraction approximately one-third that of our Class I/flat- spectrum sample (11% +/- 3%). This may be attributed to evolutionary effects or environmental differences. An examination of the spectral energy distributions of the SVS 20 and WL 1 binaries reveals that the individual components of each source exhibit the same SED classifications, similar to what one typically finds for binary T Tauri star (TTS) systems, where the companion of a classical TTS also tends to be of the same SED type.
Traffic of pairs of drops in microfluidic ladder networks with fore-aft structural asymmetry

We investigate the dynamics of pairs of drops in microfluidic ladder networks with slanted bypasses, which break the fore-aft structural symmetry of the network. Our analytical results indicate that unlike symmetric ladder networks, structural asymmetry introduced by a single slanted bypass can be used to modulate the relative drop spacing, enabling them to contract, synchronize, expand, or even flip at the ladder exit. Our experiments confirm all these behaviors predicted by theory. Numerical analysis further shows that while ladder networks containing several identical bypasses are limited to nearly linear transformation of input delay between drops, combination of forward and backward slanted bypasses can cause significant nonlinear transformation enabling coding and decoding of input delays.
22FDX ® Embracing IoT, 5G, and Automotive Applications - A Perspective through Global Research

22FDX®, the most advanced FD-SOI technology in volume production, is enabling highly integrated SoCs across IoT, cellular IoT, 5G, and automotive applications. This paper surveys the latest publications on this planar technology by academic and industry research groups. Insights are provided on how its ultra-low voltage, ultra-low leakage, superior mmWave, and robust embedded magneto-resistive RAM (MRAM) features make it the technology of choice for aforementioned applications.
Examining the associations between self-care practices and psychological distress among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is limited research regarding the impact of self-care practices on psychological distress, specifically on nursing students during a pandemic, such as COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease- 2019). A 10-minute electronic survey was sent to nursing students at a large academic-medical center, and data from 285 student respondents were analyzed to assess psychological status, attitudes and behaviors in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant differences were found when comparing self-care practice scores by school grade for total scores (F = 4.48 [df = 4,250], p = .002), emotional subscale (F = 4.78 [df = 4,250], p = .001), and relationship subscale (F = 3.44 [df = 4,250], p = .009). While there were no significant differences in psychological distress by school grade, graduate students had the lowest self-care practice score compared to all the other grades. Finally, the subscale and total self-care practice scores were significantly and negatively associated with psychological distress. These findings suggest that utilization of self-care practices is associated with lower psychological distress, and should therefore be promoted among nursing student populations and integrated into curricula. Future studies should assess specific needs geared towards populations that may have poor self-care practices, such as graduate students, and understand ways to improve sleep quality to mitigate rates of psychological distress during a pandemic.
Next-day Electricity Demand Forecast: A New Ensemble Recommendation System Using Peak and Valley

Electricity demand forecast plays a major role in the planning and resource allocation phase of utility companies. In particular, predicted peak and valley (PaV) demand points seems critical, as they determine the maximum required generation capacity and baseload to meet the minimum underlying demand, respectively. In this paper, we propose multiple techniques to enhance day-ahead forecasting models by leveraging independent daily PaV predictors to ensemble short-term electricity demand forecasters. These ensemble techniques are then incorporated into a novel ensemble recommendation system (ERS). The ERS suggests the most appropriate ensemble technique to enhance the day-ahead predictor's performance while minimizing the computation required for testing multiple ensemble algorithms, relative to a single ensemble algorithm. This approach aims to improve the PaV forecasting and to enhance the overall accuracy of the day-ahead forecaster and it can be used with any combination of forecasting models. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through a case study using a time-series prediction database model (tspDB) and a deep neural network (DNN) model for predicting the demand of the next day. The results show an improvement of 33% and 12% in the mean absolute percentage error of the forecasted PaV points using the tspDB and DNN models, respectively, as well as, enhancement in the overall day-ahead forecast.
Coordinated 5G Network Slicing: How Constructive Interference Can Boost Network Throughput

Radio access network (RAN) slicing is a virtualization technology that partitions radio resources into multiple autonomous virtual networks. Since RAN slicing can be tailored to provide diverse performance requirements, it will be pivotal to achieve the high-throughput and low-latency communications that next-generation (5G) systems have long yearned for. To this end, effective RAN slicing algorithms must (i) partition radio resources so as to leverage coordination among multiple base stations and thus boost network throughput; and (ii) reduce interference across different slices to guarantee slice isolation and avoid performance degradation. The ultimate goal of this paper is to design RAN slicing algorithms that address the above two requirements. First, we show that the RAN slicing problem can be formulated as a 0–1 Quadratic Programming problem, and we prove its NP-hardness. Second, we propose an optimal solution for small-scale 5G network deployments, and we present three approximation algorithms to make the optimization problem tractable when the network size increases. We first analyze the performance of our algorithms through simulations, and then demonstrate their performance through experiments on a standard-compliant LTE testbed with 2 base stations and 6 smartphones. Our results show that not only do our algorithms efficiently partition RAN resources, but also improve network throughput by 27% and increase by $2\times $ the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio.
A finite volume method for the calculation of compressible chemically reacting flows

Several efficient pseudo time techniques have been developed for calculating steady state chemically reacting flows. The techniques include the implicit treatment of the chemical source term, point implicit multiple grid accelerator and a constant CFL condition. It turns out that these methods can be viewed as ways of rescaling the equations in time such that all chemical and convective phenomena evolve at comparable pseudo time scales. Consequently the number of iterations needed to solve reacting problems is approximately the same as for non-reacting problems. The techniques are demonstrated for a simple dissociation model and a nontrivial H2 - Air combustion model.
Adolescent Primary Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection with Sepsis Secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes Bacteremia.

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults are responsible for most new genital herpes virus infections. Historically, primary genital herpes infections were thought to be caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2, however, recent studies suggest that up to 50% of incident episodes of genital herpes are caused by HSV type 1. Case In this case report we present an 18-year-old G1P0010 female who presented with a primary genital HSV type 1 outbreak that resulted in sepsis secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes bacteremia. Summary and Conclusion Complications that might arise from HSV include encephalitis, Bell's palsy, aseptic meningitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, sacral radiculitis, viremia, and superimposed bacterial infections. HSV infections are rarely associated with these complications; however, physicians should be aware of sepsis secondary to bacteremia as a possible complication of primary genital HSV infections when treating immunocompetent adolescents.
Nonhuman IAPP Variants Inhibit Human IAPP Aggregation.

AIM To identify naturally occurring variants of IAPP capable of inhibiting the aggregation of human IAPP and protecting living cells from the toxic effects of human IAPP. BACKGROUND The loss of insulin-producing β-cells and the overall progression of type 2 diabetes appears to be linked to the formation of toxic human IAPP (hIAPP, Islet Amyloid Polypeptide, amylin) amyloid in the pancreas. Inhibiting the initial aggregation of hIAPP has the potential to slow, if not stop entirely, the loss of β-cells and halt the progression of the disease. OBJECTIVE To identify and characterize naturally occurring variants of IAPP capable of inhibiting human IAPP aggregation. METHODS Synthetic human IAPP was incubated with synthetic IAPP variants identified from natural sources under conditions known to promote amyloid-based aggregation. To identify IAPP variants capable of inhibiting human IAPP aggregation, Thioflavin T-binding fluorescence, atomic force microscopy, and cell-rescue assays were performed. RESULTS While most IAPP variants showed little to no ability to inhibit human IAPP aggregation, several variants showed some ability to inhibit aggregation, with two variants showing substantial inhibitory potential. CONCLUSION Several naturally occurring IAPP variants capable of inhibiting human IAPP aggregation were identified and characterized.
Implementation Issues of Partnership (Musharka) and Diminishing Partnership (Muntiqa Musharaka)

Aim: This research aims to understand the concept and implementation issues of partnership and diminishing partnership and confirms its existence and presents solutions/recommendation in context of Pakistan. Analysis: Content analysis is used to derive implementation issues which restrict the growth of partnership/diminishing partnership then through quantitative analysis (structured and open ended questionnaire) and interviews its existence is confirmed in context of Pakistan. Population: The population of the study is all earlier studies pertaining to partnership (Musharakah) and Diminishing Partnership (Musharakah Mutanaqisah) and middle level management of Islamic banking working in Lahore including Meezan Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Bank Islami, and Habib Islamic Bank. Technique: Convenience sampling is used for both research designs (quantitative and qualitative) for collecting date from literatures and bankers working in Islamic banks. Convenience sampling technique is a non-probability sampling technique where the subjects are selected based on their accessibility to the researcher (Cooper and Schindler, 2013). Sample size: Almost 25 articles are studied and 60 bankers responded by rating (1= Strongly Agree to 5= Strongly Disagree) on hurdles derived from literatures and also interview was conducted on said issues/hurdles from seniors’ bank officers. Findings/Results: Results confirmed the following hurdles in partnership: high risk, selection of right partner, capital security, lack of interest from the side of management of bank, availability of legal and govt. support, risk of loss, taxation issue, role of govt. and society, regulations, and accounting framework. However, result confirmed the following hurdles in diminishing partnership: KIBOR is being used as benchmark for calculating rent on property, tax regulation, dishonesty and moral hazard, risk of loss legal framework. Solutions are recommended in recommendations.
Absorption and emission spectroscopy revealing astrophysical plasma properties in at-parameter laboratory experimental simulations

The Z-pinch generator at Sandia National Laboratories provides a near-thermal, MJ-class x-ray source that emits at a power up to 0.3 PW with which to precisely benchmark models of high-resolution absorption and emission atomic spectra at the natural values of dimensional parameters associated with the stellar interior (opacity of iron), the white dwarf photosphere (H-Balmer line shape), the active galactic nucleus (photoionization cross-section), and the black-hole accretion disk (resonant Auger destruction efficiency). Multiple experimental samples that span volumes up to 100 cm3 are uniformly radiatively heated to achieve conditions that span temperatures from 1–200 e V, and electron densities from 1E16 cm-3 to 1E23 cm-3 are diagnosed in a single shot. The Z Astrophysical Plasma Properties (ZAPP) collaboration includes four national laboratories (SNL, LANL, LLNL, and CEA) and four universities (UT-Austin, UN-Reno, Ohio State, and WVU). We present the challenges, opportunities, and initial results from ZAPP experiments on Z, with a focus on understanding the importance of the resonant Auger destruction process in spectral line formation predicted in an x-ray black-hole binary system for improving the physical picture of black-hole accretion-disk structure. Support from DOE-SC-FES is gratefully acknowledged.
Studies on cyclic polyols: Part IX. Directive effects in the reactions of polysubstituted cyclopentanes

Abstract Earlier conclusions that an electronegative substituent exerts a strong influence on the direction of opening of an unhindered, adjacent epoxide by a nucleophilic reagent have been substantiated; the nucleophile attacks stereoselectively at the end of the oxirane ring farthest from the vicinal, electronegative substituent (OH or Br). cis -1,2:3,4-Diepoxycyclopentane 7 has been prepared, and, unlike the substituted monoepoxides of cyclopentane, this compound shows no stereoselectivity for the attack of a nucleophile (Br − or H 2 O). When the anhydro- O -isopropylidene cyclopentanetetrols are subjected to acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, the first products are anhydrotetrols, because of the greater lability of the O -isopropylidene residue. The corresponding O -isopropylidenetetrols are not detected in partial hydrolyzates, which contain tetrols, anhydrotetrols, and starting material. When a hindered halocyclopentane, 3,5-dibromo-1,2- O -isopropylidene-(1,2/3,5)-1,2-cyclopentane-diol ( 14 ), reacts with tetraethylammonium acetate, the expected nucleophilic displacement of halogen by acetate is not observed; instead a 1,2-elimination of hydrogen bromide occurs. Favored conformations of several derivatives of cyclopentane cyclitols are assigned, on the basis of the presence of strong, intramolecular, hydrogen bonds and the need to minimize nonbonded repulsion. Improved methods of synthesis, and several new derivatives of cyclopentane cyclitols, are described. The strong band near 840 cm −1 in the infrared spectra of epoxides is assigned to a CO stretching, rather than to a CH rocking mode.
Sensory Receptors and Peripheral Nerves

Peripheral nerves are composed of the axons of somatic and visceral sensory neurons and of somatic and autonomic motor neurons, along with the investing connective-tissue sheaths (epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium; see Landon, 1976; Ross et al., 1995). The axons may be myelinated or unmyelinated (Fig. 2.1; Peters et al., 1976; Willis and Grossman, 1981). Since the emphasis will be on sensory mechanisms, the characteristics of motor axons will not be considered.
The Gangstas in Our Midst

While conducting this ethnography on 50 male African-American gang members, I sought to create a picture of the culture in which these young men existed. Over a two-year period, I observed and interviewed members from such groups as the Bloods, the Crips, and the Blackstone Rangers in order to uncover the values, language, and rituals that defined membership in a gang, as well as the reasons why these males joined these groups in the first place. For the majority of these males, an education was not something that they thought would help them survive in their neighborhoods. One unexpected element that emerged during this project centered on the factors that helped 11 of these gang members begin the process of escaping gang life. What they received from their families, teachers, and peers to help them succeed mirrored the same factors that were often missing in the lives of the other 39 informants.
Creation of a System Engineering minor to support an electrical engineering program

The importance of the field of systems engineering is rapidly emerging across the academic engineering environment. In order to strengthen student understanding of system engineering theory, a new Systems Engineering minor has been created in the Department of Engineering at Western Kentucky University. This minor was created to support the efforts of the faculty in the delivery of a project based program.
Reciprocal transport between ramets increases growth of Fragaria chiloensis when light and nitrogen occur in separate patches but only if patches are rich

Fragaria chiloensis is a stoloniferous perennial herb that grows on coastal sand dunes where scattered shrubs create small patches of lower photon flux density (PFD) but higher soil nitrogen availability. The potential effects of resource transport between ramets when PFD and soil nitrogen are negatively associated in space were tested by comparing the growth of pairs of ramets in which the vascular connection between ramets was either severed or left intact. One ramet in each pair was given high PFD but a low level of soil nitrogen and the other ramet was given low PFD but high N. The analogous effects of resource transport likely to be realized in nature were tested by substituting a more realistic medium soil nitrogen level in place of the high level. Results suggested that connected ramets exchanged carbon and nitrogen under both regimes of soil nitrogen heterogeneity. In the low versus high nitrogen regime, connected ramets had higher combined dry biomass and different patterns of dry mass partitioning from those of severed ramets; effect of connection was greater on ramets given low PFD and high N and on younger ramets. In the low versus medium nitrogen regime, connected ramets had different patterns of partitioning only. Apparent reciprocal resource transport between ramets can enhance the growth of ramets with complementary resource deficiencies, but may affect growth in dry mass only when maximum resource levels are high.
A comparison of implicit and explicit methods of process quality assurance for blunt trauma patients

We compared explicit (objective) and implicit (subjective) methods of process quality assurance to understand how the findings of each method are related. The charts of 100 blunt trauma patients who were admitted to the ICU, underwent surgery, or died in the emergency department were reviewed for compliance with six explicit process-of-care criteria previously established by the ED faculty. The results of this explicit review were compared with the results of an ongoing quality assurance program that uses implicit review. In the implicit review, a faculty member reviewed patients' charts and responded to three questions regarding the process of care. All blunt trauma patients who met the admission criteria were to be included in this review. Only 44 of the 100 charts were subjected to implicit review. Of these, 26 were judged satisfactory by both methods, two were judged unsatisfactory by both methods, two failed only the implicit review, and 14 failed only the explicit review. The null hypothesis, that the two methods were equivalent, was rejected (McNemar's test, P
Longitudinal data analysis using sufficient dimension reduction method

There have been an increasing number of applications where the number of predictors is large, meanwhile data are repeatedly measured at a sequence of time points. In this article we investigate how dimension reduction method can be employed for analyzing such high-dimensional longitudinal data. Predictor dimension can be effectively reduced while full regression means information can be retained during dimension reduction. Simultaneous variable selection along with dimension reduction is studied, and graphical diagnosis and model fitting after dimension reduction are investigated. The method is flexible enough to encompass a variety of commonly used longitudinal models.
Acinic cell tumors of minor salivary gland origin.

Abstract Acinic cell tumors of minor salivary glands are most uncommon. Search of the English language literature revealed twenty previously reported cases. Nine additional cases are newly described. Most patients presented with asymptomatic swellings, but pain and tenderness were experienced by some. Sites of involvement were variable, with the palate, tongue, and floor of the mouth being the most commonly afflicted. One new case occurred centrally within the mandible. There was no sex predominance. A spectrum of histomorphologic characteristics included solid, microcystic, papillary cystic, and follicular patterns composed of acinic, intercalated duct, vacuolated, and nonspecific glandular cells. Follow-up data on ten cases from the literature and the nine new cases revealed that one patient died of tumor, one was alive with distant metastases, and one had been successfully treated for local recurrence. The patient representing the single fatality was treated by irradiation only. Surgical excision with a border of normal tissue seems to be effective treatment. The use of “carcinoma” as an appropriate designation for this neoplasm is questioned.
The synthesis and biology of fluorinated prostacyclins.

(1984). The Synthesis and Biology of Fluorinated Prostacyclins. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 201-235.
Non-linear transient analysis of rotor-casing rub events

The problem of the non-linear dynamics of rotor/casing rub interactions in rotating equipment is investigated. Specifically, a non-linear analytical rotor casing rub interaction simulation is solved. This yields insights as to the interrelationship between rub force histories, energy levels, rub duration, incidence separation angles, and backward whirl initiation, as well as the overall rotor orbit during successive rubs. Special attention is also given to determine the effects of casing stiffness, friction coefficient, imbalance load and system damping characteristics.
Novel structural features of xylanase A1 from Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2.

Abstract The Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2 (PbJDR2) has been shown to have novel properties in the utilization of the abundant but chemically complex hemicellulosic sugar glucuronoxylan. Xylanase A1 of PbJDR2 (PbXynA1) has been implicated in an efficient process in which extracellular depolymerization of this polysaccharide is coupled to assimilation and intracellular metabolism. PbXynA1is a 154 kDa cell wall anchored multimodular glycosyl hydrolase family 10 (GH10) xylanase. In this work, the 38 kDa catalytic module of PbXynA1 has been structurally characterized revealing several new features not previously observed in structures of GH10 xylanases. These features are thought to facilitate hydrolysis of highly substituted, chemically complex xylans that may be the form found in close proximity to the cell wall of PbJDR2, an organism shown to have a preference for growth on polymeric glucuronoxylan.
Verification, validation and uncertainty quantification in multi-physics modeling for nuclear reactor design and safety analysis

Abstract The qualification procedure of coupled multi-physics code systems is based on the qualification framework (verification and validation) of separate physics models/codes, and includes in addition Verification and Validation (V&V) of the coupling methodologies of the different physics models. The extended verification procedure involves testing the functionality, the data exchange between different physics models, and their coupling, which is designed to model combined effects determined by the interaction of models. The extended validation procedure compares the predictions from coupled multi-physics code systems to available measured data and reference results. It is important to emphasize that such validation should be based on a multi-level approach similar to the one utilized in validating coupled neutronics/thermal–hydraulics codes in international standard problems. Appropriate benchmarks have been developed in international co-operation led by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that permits testing the neutronics/thermal–hydraulics coupling, and verifying the capability of the coupled codes to analyze complex transients with coupled core/plant interactions. This paper describes the above-mentioned multi-level V&V approach along with examples of the OECD benchmarks. In recent years there has been an increasing demand from nuclear research, industry, safety, and regulation for best estimate predictions to be provided with their confidence bounds. The ongoing OECD Light Water Reactor (LWR) Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling (UAM) benchmark activities contribute to establishing an unified framework to estimate safety margins supplemented by Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), which would provide more realistic, complete and logical measure of reactor safety. The paper describes the progress of the OECD LWR UAM benchmark. This activity is designed to address current regulation needs and issues related to practical implementation of risk informed regulation. Establishing such internationally accepted LWR UAM benchmark framework offers the possibility to accelerate the licensing process when using best estimate methods.
NH4F Pre-Cleaning of Silicon (100) for UHV-CVD Epitaxy

NH4F etching of Si(100) surfaces has been evaluated as a pre-clean for UHV-CVD low temperature epitaxy of silicon. A combination of surface science and epitaxial growth experiments have found that while the NH4F treatment provides surfaces which have less carbon, oxygen and fluorine impurities than a standard dilute HF pre-clean, there is a significant density of crystallographic defects in the epitaxial films which limits the usefulness of this approach.
New Jersey's Transitional Housing Demonstration Program: the relationship of service delivery structure and process to the attainment of more permanent forms of housing

Abstract In this article we examine the impact of New Jersey's Transitional Housing Demonstration Program (THDP) on families receiving public assistance in need of some form of permanent housing. We test the demonstration's overall program logic that posits a causal linkage between organizational structure, participation in life skills activities, successful graduation from the program, and positive housing outcomes. Using a sample of 777 AFDC recipients who participated in transitional housing for some spell over a 3.5 year period and a subsample survey of 149 participants, we find some evidence that THDP does help participant's secure more permanent forms of housing. We find that demographic characteristics of the participants and features of the programs themselves are linked with more successful outcomes. Programs which require higher levels of activity participation and which limit residents' personal freedom produce graduates who are more likely to find permanent housing. Implications for best practices in construction of transitional housing programs are discussed.
Elimination of REM sleep rebound in rats by α-adrenoceptor blockers, phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine

Two α-adrenoceptor blocking agents, phentolamine (5 mg/kg, IP) and phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg IP) were administered to rats deprived of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep for 24 hours to test the hypothesis that reduced noradrenergic transmission may abolish REM sleep rebound. The hypothesis was based on results from our previous studies which showed that administration to rats of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), a dopamine beta hydroxylase inhibitor, decreased the concentration of brain norepinephrine and reduced REM sleep permanently without the subsequent appearance of REM sleep rebound. Present results show that administration of both α-adrenoceptor blockers abolished REM sleep rebound. At the time of maximum reduction of REM sleep, the concentration of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyl-eneglycol sulfate (MOPEGSO4), a final product of norepinephrine metabolism in the brain, was found increased in the whole brains of rats suggesting that the selected doses of the drugs were sufficient to produce effective central α-adrenergic receptor blockade. These data indicate that the action of both α-adrenoceptor blocking agents in noradrenergic system was paralleled by the permanent loss of REM sleep and support the hypothesis implicating reduced noradrenergic transmission in elimination of REM sleep rebound.
Insights into the (superoxo)Fe(III)Fe(III) intermediate and reaction mechanism of myo-inositol oxygenase: DFT and ONIOM(DFT:MM) study.

The (superoxo)Fe(III)Fe(III) reactive species and the catalytic reaction mechanism of a diiron enzyme, myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX), were theoretically investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) and ONIOM quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approaches. The ground state of the (superoxo)Fe(III)Fe(III) intermediate was shown to have a side-on coordination geometry and an S = 1/2 spin state, wherein the two iron sites are antiferromagnetically coupled while the superoxide site and the nearest iron are ferromagnetically coupled. A full reaction pathway leading to a d-glucuronate product from myo-inositol was proposed based on ONIOM computational results. Two major roles of the enzyme surrounding during the catalytic reaction were identified. One is to facilitate the initial H-abstraction step, and the other is to restrict the movement of the substrate via H-bonding interactions in order to avoid unwanted side reactions. In our proposed mechanism, O−O bond cleavage has the highest ba...
Thermal Degradation of Soybean and Sunflower Oils

Although the chemical composition of vegetable oils is responsible for their enhanced lubricity at ambient conditions, it is also the main reason for their degradation at elevated temperatures. Therefore, this study focuses on the friction and wear of soybean and sunflower oils at elevated temperatures in comparison to a base mineral oil. It was found that the wear and friction are less severe for the vegetable-based lubricants up to temperatures around 100°C. The observed performance of the vegetable-based lubricants is verified using a kinetic reaction mechanism model of the lubricant degradation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Automatic registration of multi-projector domes using a single uncalibrated camera

In this paper we present a novel technique for easily calibrating multiple casually aligned projectors on spherical domes using a single uncalibrated camera. Using the prior knowledge of the display surface being a dome, we can estimate the camera intrinsic and extrinsic parameters and the projector to display surface correspondences automatically using a set of images. These images include the image of the dome itself and a projected pattern from each projector. Using these correspondences we can register images from the multiple projectors on the dome. Further, we can register displays which are not entirely visible in a single camera view using multiple pan and tilted views of an uncalibrated camera making our method suitable for displays of different size and resolution. We can register images from any arbitrary viewpoint making it appropriate for a single head-tracked user in a 3D visualization system. Also, we can use several cartographic mapping techniques to register images in a manner that is appropriate for multi-user visualization. Domes are known to produce a tremendous sense of immersion and presence in visualization systems. Yet, till date, there exists no easy way to register multiple projectors on a dome to create a high-resolution realistic visualizations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method that can achieve accurate geometric registration of multiple projectors on a dome simply and automatically using a single uncalibrated camera.
Evaluation of a pathoplastic relationship between anxiety sensitivity and panic disorder

A growing body of research suggests that anxiety sensitivity (AS) acts as a specific vulnerability factor in the development of anxiety pathology. More recently, attention has turned to other relationships between AS and anxiety pathology. The present study explores a patholplasty model of AS. A pathoplasty model posits that a dispositional factor (e.g., AS) will affect the expression and/or course of the clinical condition (e.g., panic disorder). In other words, individual differences in AS among patients with panic disorder may be relevant to how the disorder is expressed or how it progresses over time regardless of the role of AS in the genesis of the disorder. The relationships among AS and the clinical facets of a sample of patients with panic disorder ( N = 147) were evaluated. Findings were consistent with the pathoplasty model and suggested: (1) significant variability in AS among patients, (2) AS variation was related to variability in symptom domains, co-occurring diagnoses, and medication use, ...
Dual bounds on the equilibrium distribution of a finite Markov chain

Abstract Sharp variational expressions are given for the equilibrium state probabilities of a finite Markov chain, along with an iterative scheme that drives the upper and lower bounds inward and converging geometrically.
MentalSquares: A generic bipolar Support Vector Machine for psychiatric disorder classification, diagnostic analysis and neurobiological data mining

MentalSquares (MSQs) â an equilibrium-based dimensional approach is presented for the classification and diagnostic analysis of psychological conditions with Bipolar Disorders (BPDs) as an example. While a Support Vector Machine (SVM) is defined in Hilbert space. A MSQ can be considered as a generic SVM for improved classification. Different from the traditional categorical model of BPDs, the generic approach focuses on the balance of two poles of mental equilibrium. Preliminary results show that this new approach has a number of advantages over existing models. The generic model is analytically illustrated with public domain clinical examples and well-known empirical clinical knowledge. Its clinical and computerised operability is illustrated. Its potential of being a practical method for the classification and analysis of neurobiological patterns and drug effects is discussed.