cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instrumented Spinal Stabilization without Fusion for Spinal Metastatic Disease.

Objectives Spinal stabilization surgery is an integral part of the treatment of spinal metastatic disease. Bony fusion is the hallmark of spinal stabilization in non-oncology patients. Spinal oncology patients are unlikely to achieve bony fusion because of their overall prognosis and concurrent therapies. Stabilization surgery without fusion may be a reasonable approach for these patients. Literature evaluating the effectiveness of this approach is limited. The object of this study was to investigate the rate of instrumentation failure in patients undergoing posterior spinal instrumented stabilization without fusion for spinal metastatic disease. Methods Data from consecutive cases of spinal surgery at our institution during an 81-month period were reviewed. Demographics, clinical notes, and computed tomography findings were recorded and used to evaluate instrumentation failures. Patients who underwent separation surgery that included laminectomy and posterior spinal instrumentation without fusion for spinal metastatic disease and had follow-up computed tomography scans >3 months postoperatively were selected for the study. Results Twenty-seven patients were included in the study. Mean age was 64.85 ± 6.53 years. Nine patients were women. A mean of 1.61 ± 0.96 laminectomy levels was performed. A mean of 8.26 ± 1.48 screws was inserted. The mean postoperative discharge date was 5.07 ± 1.47 days. Mean follow-up duration was 12.17 ± 11.73 months. None of the patients had a change in instrumentation position, pedicle screw pullout, change in spinal alignment, or progressive deformity. No patient required reoperation or instrumentation revision or replacement. Conclusions Our experience suggests that instrumented spinal stabilization without fusion is an acceptable approach for patients with spinal metastatic disease.
Enforcement of Non-Compete Agreements, Outside Employment Opportunities, and Insider Trading

Companies often use non-compete agreements to restrict employees from joining or forming a rival company. However, enforcement of non-compete agreements could also affect executive and director incentives to trade on their inside ownership because excessive trading profits could result in termination, which would trigger the restrictions imposed by the non-compete agreements. We find that executives’ and directors’ insider trading profits are lower for companies headquartered in states with greater enforcement of non-compete agreements. This result is stronger for companies with greater product market competition and insiders with more trading. We also find associations between the enforcement of non-compete agreements and lower insider trading volume and lower future earnings surprises. Together, these findings suggest that enforcement of non-compete agreements reduce the trading incentives for executives and directors by imposing costs associated with executives’ and directors’ future outside employment opportunities.
Single- to Few-Layered, Graphene-Based Separation Membranes.

Two-dimensional, graphene-based materials have attracted great attention as a new membrane building block, primarily owing to their potential to make the thinnest possible membranes and thus provide the highest permeance for effective sieving, assuming comparable porosity to conventional membranes and uniform molecular-sized pores. However, a great challenge exists to fabricate large-area, single-layered graphene or graphene oxide (GO) membranes that have negligible undesired transport pathways, such as grain boundaries, tears, and cracks. Therefore, model systems, such as a single flake or nanochannels between graphene or GO flakes, have been studied via both simulations and experiments to explore the transport mechanisms and separation potential of graphene-based membranes. This article critically reviews literature related to single- to few-layered graphene and GO membranes, from material synthesis and characteristics, fundamental membrane structures, and transport mechanisms to potential separation ap...
Field Trial of Long-reach TWDM PON for Fixed-Line Wireless Convergence

We present a TWDM super-PON network with 768 users per-fibre and 50-km transmission distance; including a successful field trial of 606 production users. The proposed architecture also supports eight point-to-point users, enabling support of wireless sites and high-bandwidth applications.
The white gene in Nilaparvata lugens and its expression pattern under two different survival stresses.

Abstract The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal), is a serious pest of rice. Chemical control and pest-resistant rice breeding are always two major management strategies of BPH. In order to keep effective control, understanding the detoxification mechanism of this insect pest appears to be high important. In addition to be an eye pigment transporter, White protein is also important for its non-eye roles, such as a potential target for insecticides and Bt toxin. In this study, we characterized the full-length white orthologues gene in N. lugens (Nlwhite). NlWhite, the deduced protein of Nlwhite, has feature motifs of the eye pigment transporter. Knocking down Nlwhite transcript, the compound eye color partially changed to white. Nlwhite can be detected in all developmental stages and body parts, indicating that it is not a developmental or tissue-specific expression gene. The expression levels of Nlwhite were all significantly upregulated in both pymetrozine-selection and Mudgo-selection BPH strains, which were selected for several generations. These results indicated that NlWhite participated in the detoxification not only for the exogenous insecticides but also for the endogenous toxic substance.
Tests from Proofs

Test generation has recently become the largest application of SMT solvers as measured by computational usage. At Microsoft, the Z3 SMT solver has solved more than 200 million constraints over the last two years as a component of the whitebox fuzzer SAGE. Whitebox fuzzing extends dynamic test generation based on symbolic execution and constraint solving from unit testing to whole-application security testing. Since 2009, SAGE has been running non-stop on (average) 100+ machines automatically “fuzzing” hundreds of applications in a dedicated lab owned by the Microsoft Windows security test team. In the process, SAGE found many new security vulnerabilities (missed by blackbox fuzzing and static program analysis) and was credited to have found roughly one third of all the bugs discovered by file fuzzing during the development of Microsoft’s Windows 7, saving millions of dollars by avoiding expensive security patches to nearly a billion PCs.
Electro-Anesthesia: By a New Portable Battery Powered Device

Electro-anesthesia, being a growing field, has created a need for improved instrumentation. Most instruments on the market cannot be considered truly portable. Therefore, a new portable battery powered device was designed to meet, as closely as possible, the electrical requirements which are known to cause anesthesia. That is, a sine wave oscillation of approximately 700 Hz, and having an output of at least 12 volts and 12 milliampres.
A Bioinformatics Method for Identifying Q/N-Rich Prion-Like Domains in Proteins

Numerous proteins contain domains that are enriched in glutamine and asparagine residues, and aggregation of some of these proteins has been linked to both prion formation in yeast and a number of human diseases. Unfortunately, predicting whether a given glutamine/asparagine-rich protein will aggregate has proven difficult. Here we describe a recently developed algorithm designed to predict the aggregation propensity of glutamine/asparagine-rich proteins. We discuss the basis for the algorithm, its limitations, and usage of recently developed online and downloadable versions of the algorithm.
Plasticity of Dentate Granule Cell Mossy Fiber Synapses: A Putative Mechanism of Limbic Epileptogenesis

The epilepsies constitute the third most common serious neurological disorder. Among the more than 40 different types of epilepsy, limbic epilepsy is the single most common and devastating form. Antiseizure drugs provide symptomatic relief, in that they suppress seizures, yet limbic seizures persist in 30–40% of patients and unwanted effects of drugs are common. No disease modifying therapies are available. Insight into the underlying mechanisms in cellular and molecular terms may provide novel molecular targets for developing preventive or curative therapies. The availability of animal models of limbic epilepsy has provided an opportunity to elucidate the mechanisms. Plasticity of excitatory synapses of principal neurons has been advanced as one cellular mechanism underlying the hyperexcitability of the epileptic brain (14). Among the diverse populations of neurons within the limbic system, the dentate granule cells of the hippocampal formation have emerged as a rate limiting step in limbic seizure propagation. Moreover, this “gatekeeper” function of the granule cells is compromised in some models of limbic epilepsy. This chapter reviews evidence implicating the granule cells as gatekeepers in a normal brain, as well as, evidence of compromise of the gatekeeper function in an epilepsy model. We further discuss the functional connectivity of the granule cells with their principal cell targets in CA3, the seizure prone CA3 pyramidal cells. We propose that plasticity of dentate granule cell mossy fiber synapses is a putative mechanism of limbic epileptogenesis.
Correlation of NTD-Silicon Rod and Slice Resistivity

One of the most important parameters of electronic materials is resistivity. Silicon suppliers are interested in controlling dopant incorporation and characterizing the electronic behavior of ingots and slices. Customers of electronic-grade silicon are interested in understanding how resistivity level and uniformity affect device yields. Resistivity and sheet resistance are used as standards for quality control by both suppliers and customers.
A genetic programming framework for error recovery in robotic assembly systems

The advantages and performance of genetic programming in the use of error recovery planning in robotic assembly systems are presented. A framework is developed and coupled with a 3D robotic simulation software for the generation of error recovery logic in assembly systems to generate robust recovery porgrams in robot language itself. Performance of the system is evaluated with the simulations made on a three dimensionally modeled automated assembly line. The obtained results showed that the system is efficient of generating robust recovery plans for different error states.
Neural Mechanisms of Emotion Regulation Moderate the Predictive Value of Affective and Value-Related Brain Responses to Persuasive Messages

Emotionally evocative messages can be an effective way to change behavior, but the neural pathways that translate messages into effects on individuals and populations are not fully understood. We used a human functional neuroimaging approach to ask how affect-, value-, and regulation-related brain systems interact to predict effects of graphic anti-smoking messages for individual smokers (both males and females) and within a population-level messaging campaign. Results indicated that increased activity in the amygdala, a region involved in affective reactivity, predicted both personal quit intentions and population-level information-seeking and this was mediated by activity in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a region involved in computing an integrative value signal. Further, the predictive value of these regions was moderated by expression of a meta-analytically defined brain pattern indexing emotion regulation. That is, amygdala and vmPFC activity strongly tracked with population behavior only when participants showed low recruitment of this brain pattern, which consists of regions involved in goal-driven regulation of affective responses. Overall, these findings suggest that affective and value-related brain responses can predict the success of persuasive messages and that neural mechanisms of emotion regulation can shape these responses, moderating the extent to which they track with population-level message impact. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT People and organizations often appeal to our emotions to persuade us, but how these appeals engage the brain to drive behavior is not fully understood. We present an fMRI-based model that integrates affect-, control-, and value-related brain responses to predict the impact of graphic anti-smoking stimuli within a small group of smokers and a larger-scale public messaging campaign. This model indicated that amygdala activity predicted the impact of the anti-smoking messages, but that this relationship was mediated by ventromedial prefrontal cortex and moderated by expression of a distributed brain pattern associated with regulating emotion. These results suggest that neural mechanisms of emotion regulation can shape the extent to which affect and value-related brain responses track with population behavioral effects.
How Patient Complexity and Surgical Approach Influence Episode-Based Payment Models for Colectomy.

BACKGROUND:Bundled payment programs broaden hospitals’ responsibility for spending to entire episodes of care. After demonstration programs in cardiac surgery and joint replacement, these payment reforms could soon extend to major operations like colectomy under Medicare’s Bundled Payments for Care
Tourism and the irony of colonial underdevelopment in Nhất Linh’s “Going to the West”

ABSTRACTThis essay proposes a reading of Nhất Linh’s “Going to the West” (Đi Tây, 1935). The travelogue presents a critique of colonialism that was prevalent among the interwar Vietnamese elite. In...
Teacher Collaboration: 30 Years of Research on Its Nature, Forms, Limitations and Effects.

ABSTRACTThis article reprises and reflects on 30 years of the author’s work on teacher collaboration. The distinctive nature of this work has not been in making a case for teacher collaboration in ...
Vaginal cuff dehiscence - A potential surgical emergency.

Abstract Vaginal cuff dehiscence is a rare, but potentially morbid, complication of a total hysterectomy. Bowel evisceration can lead to serious sequelae and is considered a surgical emergency however there is a paucity of information on it in the Emergency Medicine literature. We present the case of a 40 year old female with a chief complaint of vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain after sexual intercourse. She was s/p total laparoscopic hysterectomy 3 months earlier. The history and physical exam were concerning for vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD). The patient underwent an Exam Under Anesthesia (EUA) and subsequent laparoscopic repair of the vaginal cuff defect and fully recovered.
The Vacuum-Assisted Closure Device Increases Value in the Treatment of Gustilo Grade IIIb Open Tibia Fractures in Children

Background Wound management associated with Gustilo grade IIIb open tibia fractures in children often requires muscle flaps, skin grafts, and amputations. The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes and complications of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) treatment, as well as discuss its role in optimizing value when treating these injuries. Methods A retrospective review of medical records and imaging studies was performed from 2008-2015. Six pediatric patients with Gustilo grade IIIb fractures managed with the VAC were identified. The time to treatment, frequency of VAC changes, VAC size, and closure attempts, including muscle flaps and skin grafts, were documented. Fracture fixation methods, the incidence of delayed union or nonunion, as well as the occurrence of deep tissue infection and compartment syndrome were detailed. Results Five patients were male and one was female with an average age of 12 years (range 8-15 years). All patients sustained a Gustilo IIIb open tibia fracture and were treated with irrigation, debridement, intravenous (IV) antibiotics, fixation, and a VAC as a wound care adjunct. Three patients required both a muscle flap and a skin graft. One patient required a skin graft. There was one case of deep tissue infection. Three patients were treated successfully with the VAC alone and did not require any flap procedures. Conclusions Wound care for Gustilo grade IIIb open tibia fractures in children traditionally involved potentially painful twice-daily dressing changes with solutions such as dilute bleach or iodine. The implementation of VAC markedly reduced the frequency of dressing changes every three days. In the current study, the open wound gradually closed with only a VAC in 50% of Gustilo grade IIIb open pediatric tibia fractures. In summary, the VAC is an adjunct that increases value in the care of pediatric patients with Gustilo grade IIIb open tibia fractures (Value = Outcomes/Cost). Level of evidence Therapeutic level IV.
Large-Bore Aspiration Thrombectomy versus Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison.

Abstract Purpose To compare effectiveness and safety of large-bore aspiration thrombectomy (LBAT) with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for treatment of acute massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and Methods This retrospective review included patients with acute PE treated with LBAT or CDT using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) between December 2009 and May 2020. A propensity score based on Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index class and PE severity (massive vs submassive) was calculated, and 26 LBAT cases (age 60.2 y ± 17.1, 14/26 women) were matched with 26 CDT cases (age 59.7 y ± 14.2, 14/26 women). Results The CDT group had 22.1 mg ± 8.1 tPA infused over 21.2 h ± 6.6. Both groups demonstrated similar initial and final systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (LBAT: 54.5 mm Hg ± 12.9 vs CDT: 54.5 mm Hg ± 16.3, P = .8, and LBAT: 42.5 mm Hg ± 14.1 vs CDT: 42.6 mm Hg ± 12.1, P = .8, respectively) and similar reductions in heart rate (LBAT: −5.4 beats/min ± 19.2 vs CDT: −9.6 beats/min ± 15.8, P = .4). CDT demonstrated a higher reduction in Miller score (−10.1 ± 3.9 vs −7.5 ± 3.8, P = .02). LBAT resulted in 1 minor hemorrhagic complication and 2 procedure-related mortalities, and CDT resulted in 1 minor and 1 major hemorrhagic complication. Conclusions LBAT and CDT resulted in similar reductions of PAP and heart rate when used to treat acute PE. CDT reduced thrombus burden to a greater degree. Although hemorrhagic complications rates were not significantly different, the LBAT group demonstrated a higher rate of procedure-related mortality. Larger studies are needed to compare the safety of these techniques.
RACER: a data visualization strategy for exploring the comparison between regional association from multiple datasets

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified thousands of loci associated with risk of various diseases; however, the genes responsible for the majority of loci have not been identified. One means of uncovering potential causal genes is the identification of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) that colocalize with disease loci. Statistical methods have been developed to assess the likelihood that two associations (e.g. disease locus and eQTL) share a common causal variant, however, visualization of the two loci is often a crucial step in determining if a locus is pleiotropic. While the current convention is to plot two associations side-by-side, it is difficult to compare across two x-axes, even if they are identical. Thus, we have developed the Regional Association ComparER (RACER) package, which creates mirror plots, in which the two associations are plotted on a shared x-axis. Mirror plots provide an effective tool for the visual exploration and presentation of the relationship between two genetic associations.
Tree-Based Clock Distribution of Multiple-Stage Pipelined Architecture in Rapid Single-Flux-Quantum Circuits

It is known that rapid single-flux-quantum (RSFQ) circuit technology and its energy-efficient derivatives are considered as one promising technology in superconducting digital applications. In this paper, given the placement result of a multiple-stage pipelined architecture with n gate columns and m gate components in an RSFQ circuit inside a rectangular layout, it is assumed that signals can be propagated from the primary inputs on the left boundary to the primary outputs on the right boundary. Firstly, a lower bound on the routed width of one PTL region can be defined as the estimated width of one PTL region. Furthermore, the sum of the estimated widths of all the PTL regions in an RSFQ circuit can be defined as the estimated region width in an RSFQ circuit and the estimated width can be used as the objective function for the design of the clock distribution in an RSFQ circuit. Based on the flexibility of using the clock splitters (SPLs) inside the gate components for the propagation of clock signals, an iterative assignment algorithm can be proposed to complete the assignment of the tree-based clock connections with minimizing the estimated width of an RSFQ circuit. From viewpoint of numerical experiments, the experimental results show that the reduction of the estimated region width can lead to the reduction of the final width of the PTL regions in an RSFQ circuit. Compared with the design of Kito’s tree-based clock distribution for 5 tested RSFQ circuits, the experimental results show that the design of our proposed tree-based clock distribution with two capability parameters, 2 and 3, on a clock SPL can use reasonable CPU time to reduce 47.03% and 54.33% of the estimated region width and 44.83% and 45.25% of the final width for 5 tested RSFQ circuits on the average, respectively.
Androgen receptor splice variant-7 in breast cancer: clinical and pathologic correlations

Androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor therapy is a developing treatment for AR-positive breast cancer (BC) with ongoing clinical trials. AR splice variant-7 (AR-V7) is a truncated variant of AR that leads to AR inhibitor therapy resistance in prostate cancer; recent studies have identified AR-V7 in BC and theorized that AR-V7 can have a similar impact. This study assessed the prevalence and clinicopathologic features associated with AR-V7 in a large BC cohort. BC samples were evaluated by MSK-Fusion targeted RNAseq for AR-V7 detection and MSK-IMPACT targeted DNAseq, including triple-negative tumors with no driver alteration and estrogen receptor-positive/ESR1 wildtype tumors progressing on therapy. Among 196 primary and metastatic/recurrent cases (196 RNAseq, 194DNAseq), 9.7% (19/196) were AR-V7 positive and 90.3% (177/196) AR-V7 negative. All AR-V7 positive BC were AR-positive by immunohistochemistry (19/19). The prevalence of AR-V7 by receptor subtype (N = 189) was: 18% (12/67) in ER-/PgR-/HER2-negative BC, 3.7% (4/109) in ER-positive/HER2-negative BC, and 15.4% (2/13) in HER2-positive BC; AR-V7 was detected in one ER-positive/HER2-unknown BC. Apocrine morphology was observed in 42.1% (8/19) of AR-V7 positive BC and 3.4% (6/177) AR-V7 negative BC (P < 0.00001). Notably, AR-V7 was detected in 2 primary BC and 7 metastatic/recurrent BC patients with no prior endocrine therapy. We conclude that positive AR IHC and apocrine morphology are pathologic features that may indicate testing for AR-V7 is warranted in both primary and metastatic BC in the appropriate clinical context. The study findings further encourage the assessment of AR-V7 as a predictive biomarker for AR antagonist benefit in ongoing clinical BC trials.
Darwin and Microbiology

Charles Darwin spent a few weeks during September and October of 1835 exploring the Galapagos Islands. His observations during that time reverberate deeply in the history of science because the features of the plants and animals that Darwin saw there contributed greatly to the development of his ideas of evolution by natural selection. Of these islands he remarked in The Voyage of the Beagle (1939), “The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable: it seems to be a little world within itself….” But compared to the myriad microscopic worlds present in every handful of Galapagos soil that Darwin set foot on, the archipelago would not be a “little world within itself” but a vast universe containing countless worlds of unimaginable diversity. For every grain of soil, every drop of water of our planet is rich with microbial life that lies there, waiting to be discovered.
Triostatistics: The Application of Innovative In-Depth Advanced Post Hoc Statistical Metrics for the Assessment and Analysis of Statistically Significant Tri-Squared Test Outcomes

This monograph provides an epistemological rational for the design of an advanced and novel parametric statistical analysis metrics. Triostatistics (or more simply “Triostat”) is the application of Post Hoc measures to the statistically significant outcomes of the Trichotomous Squared Test. Triostatistics involves a variety of robust and rigorouscalculations and computations to provide further insight on the inner workings of statistically significant Tri-Squared Test results. Each of the Triostatistics Tests are introduced and defined in a summative form. The Tri-Squared Testwas first introduced in the Journal on Mathematics as an innovative and in-depth statistical qualitative and quantitativedata analysis procedure.
A Prototype Based Symbolic Concept Learning System

This paper describes PROTO-TO, a cognitively based symbolic concept learning system. PROTO-TO represents concepts by learning prototypes. These prototypes are manipulated to form augmented prototypes which, when combined with a distance metric, can classify unseen instances. PROTO-TO is compared to two other concept learning systems, C4 and NTGrowth, and is shown to exhibit a performance accuracy that is comparable to C4's and superior to NTGrowth's. Unlike C4 and NTGrowth, PROTO-TO learns salient features instead of discriminant features. Furthermore, PROTO-TO does not memorize instances and then generalize its representation like C4 and NTGrowth. Rather, the mapping from instances to prototypes provides the appropriate level of generalization.
Cyanogen bromide activation of polysaccharides. Effects of reaction conditions on cationic charge and ligand content.

Abstract Affinity chromatography ligands containing amino groups are commonly linked to cyanogen bromide-activated insoluble polysaccharides. This method introduces cationic charge into the insoluble products which may be sufficient to interfere with the use of these materials for affinity chromatography. The present studies were designed to measure and minimize this potential artifact. The cationic charge of the products was determined simply and rapidly by measuring the quantity of labeled orthophosphate bound by the beads. The pH used during activation was critical in determining the extent of ligand incorporation and the cationic charge of the product; high pH gave increasing cationic charge. However, the extent of ligand or charge incorporation varied with the ligand used in the coupling reaction. The pH and the concentration of the ligand in the coupling step also had marked but different effects on the results, depending on the ligand used. It was possible to select conditions for maximizing incorporation while minimizing cationic charge of the products for a given ligand.
On measurements of small ice particles in clouds

[1] For many years it has been recognized that some aircraft cloud microphysical measurements may be contaminated by ice hydrometeors shattering on probe inlets. Small ice particle concentrations measured by the forward scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP) have been commonly accepted but are especially liable to overestimates. This study investigates this result for two additional airborne microphysical sensors, the cloud and aerosol spectrometer (CAS) and the cloud integrating nephelometer (CIN). The results indicate that conclusions from previous studies of the radiative effects of small ice particles need to be reevaluated. A model has been developed describing probe responses to different combinations of ice water content (IWC) and large ice particle concentrations that may be useful in identifying areas where contributions from small particles are significant.
Supporting and activating clinical governance development in Ireland: sharing our learning.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a description of the Irish national clinical governance development initiative and an evaluation of the initiative with the purpose of sharing the learning and proposing actions to activate structures and processes for quality and safety. The Quality and Patient Safety Division of the Health Service Executive established the initiative to counterbalance a possible focus on finances during the economic crisis in Ireland and bring attention to the quality of clinical care. Design/methodology/approach – A clinical governance framework for quality in healthcare in Ireland was developed to clearly articulate the fundamentals of clinical governance. The project plan involved three overlapping phases. The first was designing resources for practice; the second testing the implementation of the national resources in practice; and the third phase focused on gathering feedback and learning. Findings – Staff responded positively to the clinical governance framework. A...
HONEYBEE COLONY POPULATIONS AND FORAGING RATES ON ONION SEED-FIELDS IN ARIZONA

SummaryData collected during 2 years showed that the frequency with which honeybee (Apis mellifera) foragers were caught on onion flowers (Allium cepa) and tagged was proportional to colony population. In each year, 3 sizes of population were studied by using hives with single, double or triple brood chambers. Nearly 3000 metal tags were recovered each year from foragers returning to the test colonies after having been tagged at stations within each of the onion fields. The number of tags recovered per colony was proportional to colony population in one year and almost proportional in the other. Colony weight gains and bees/min flying from hive entrances were also proportional to colony populations. Thus, it is concluded that the rate of remuneration for beekeepers providing honeybee colonies for onion pollination in Arizona should be directly proportional to the strength of the colony.
Stresses in Piles

Factors controlling the static, long-term, and dynamic structural strength of pile sections are delineated and discussed for timber, concrete, and steel piles. It is shown that current design stresses for steel and concrete are reasonable, but that timber design stresses equal or exceed long-term constant load ultimate stresses. Reasonable limits to dynamic driving stresses are recommended. Other sources of load and stress in piles are discussed along with pile strength reducing factors; many of these factors are not now considered in design. It is concluded that the normal current pile-to-soil factor of safety of 2.0 is reasonable, and that pile structural factors of safety should always exceed the pile-to-soil factor of safety. It is also concluded that normal factors of safety should not be lowered until the profession attains a higher level of competence in inspection of pile installation.
Synthesis and DNA Cleavage Activity of a Novel Bleomycin A5 Glycoconjugate

To explore the possibility of modifying bleomycin in a fashion that could alter its physiological distribution in a therapeutic setting, a new analogue of bleomycin has been prepared. This analogue is intended to target the asialoglycoprotein receptor on liver cells. Critically, despite the large C-substituent, the bleomycin conjugate was found to degrade DNA in the same fashion as bleomycin A5 itself, and with only modestly decreased efficiency.
Direct-reaction and isospin symmetries in d-->+d reactions

We have measured angular distributions of the analyzing powers A/sub y/, A/sub x/x, A/sub y/y, and A/sub x/z for the /sup 2/H(d,p)/sup 3/H reaction at deuteron lab energies E/sub d/ of 13.39 and 17.00 MeV. These distributions do not show the symmetry or antisymmetry about 90/sup 0/ (c.m.) expected on the basis of a simple direct-neutron-transfer reaction mechanism. In a companion experiment, we have measured the same four analyzing powers for both the /sup 2/H(d,p)/sup 3/H reaction and its charge-symmetric partner /sup 2/H(d,n)/sup 3/He at E/sub d/ = 15.50 and 17.00 MeV in a restricted angular range. These latter data were obtained by simultaneously detecting the tritons and helions. Only small differences were observed in the respective analyzing powers for the two reactions, which suggests a weakening of the mechanism responsible for the larger differences found by others at lower energies.
Myobloc: An answer to 25-years battle with tics?

Objective : To discuss the safety and efficacy of Myobloc in tics. Introduction : Tics are voluntary movements in response to an urge. Although seen rarely, complain of a “horrible” sensation, like an “itch”, which always preceded the tic movements had been described. Method : Case report. Discussion : The patient has had annoying left shoulder itch for more than 25 years. She described the itch irresistible. Scratching does not alleviate the itch, but she reports transient relief whenever she pulls her left shoulder and mouth. Attempts to suppress the movements usually result in a stronger feeling of itch. History and examination were consistent with tics. Myobloc was injected to the left scapularis, platysma, and trapezius. She reported >50% improvement of symptoms for 3 months without adverse effect. Conclusion : Myobloc and other tetanus toxins have been used with success in cosmetics dermatology, hyperhidrosis, involuntary movements and pain. This case report suggests that myobloc may have antipruritic property as well.
Controllability and motion planning for noncatastatic nonholonomic control systems

A motion planning problem for a class of noncatastatic nonholonomic control systems is considered. Under appropriate controllability assumptions we determine an open loop control function which steers the system from a specified initial state to a specified final state over a specified time interval. The method is based on combining second order averaging technique and a finite-dimensional root finding technique.
Design of a cyber security framework for ADS-B based surveillance systems

The need for increased surveillance due to increase in flight volume in remote or oceanic regions outside the range of traditional radar coverage has been fulfilled by the advent of space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance — Broadcast (ADS-B) Surveillance systems. ADS-B systems have the capability of providing air traffic controllers with highly accurate real-time flight data. ADS-B is dependent on digital communications between aircraft and ground stations of the air route traffic control center (ARTCC); however these communications are not secured. Anyone with the appropriate capabilities and equipment can interrogate the signal and transmit their own false data; this is known as spoofing. The possibility of this type of attacks decreases the situational awareness of United States airspace. The purpose of this project is to design a secure transmission framework that prevents ADS-B signals from being spoofed. Three alternative methods of securing ADS-B signals are evaluated: hashing, symmetric encryption, and asymmetric encryption. Security strength of the design alternatives is determined from research. Feasibility criteria are determined by comparative analysis of alternatives. Economic implications and possible collision risk is determined from simulations that model the United State airspace over the Gulf of Mexico and part of the airspace under attack respectively. The ultimate goal of the project is to show that if ADS-B signals can be secured, the situational awareness can improve and the ARTCC can use information from this surveillance system to decrease the separation between aircraft and ultimately maximize the use of the United States airspace.
Osmotic concentration and dilution of the urine

I T is now generally accepted that urine is osmotically concentrated in the mammalian kidney through the operation of the countercurrent mechanism in the renal medulla. Although the over-all course of events seems clear, i.e., initial concentration in the descending, and dilution in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, and final concentration in the collecting ducts, the details of how this system operates remain obscure. The purpose of this review is to consider the data pertinent to this problem.
Bureaucratization and Organizational Effectiveness: A Double-Dip Hypothesis

This article develops a hypothesis concerning one particular aspect of the organizational change process. Various interpretations of the linkage between bureaucratization and organizational effectiveness are laid out and then synthesized into a more comprehensive interpretation.
Membrane-Anchored Serine Proteases in Vertebrate Cell and Developmental Biology*

Analysis of vertebrate genome sequences at the turn of the millennium revealed that a vastly larger repertoire of enzymes execute proteolytic cleavage reactions within the pericellular and extracellular environments than was anticipated from biochemical and molecular analysis. Most unexpected was the unveiling of an entire new family of structurally unique multidomain serine proteases that are anchored directly to the plasma membrane. Unlike secreted serine proteases, which function primarily in tissue repair, immunity, and nutrient uptake, these membrane-anchored serine proteases regulate fundamental cellular and developmental processes, including tissue morphogenesis, epithelial barrier function, ion and water transport, cellular iron export, and fertilization. Here the cellular and developmental biology of this fascinating new group of proteases is reviewed. Particularly highlighted is how the study of membrane-anchored serine proteases has expanded our knowledge of the range of physiological processes that require regulated proteolysis at the cell surface.
Effects of aerosol and horizontal inhomogeneity on the broadband albedo of marine stratus: Numerical simulations

Abstract Recent estimates of the effect of increasing amounts of anthropogenic sulfate aerosol on the radiative forcing of the atmosphere have indicated that its impact may be comparable in magnitude to the effect from increases in CO2. Much of this impact is expected from the effects of the aerosol on cloud microphysics and the subsequent impact on cloud albedo. However, internal horizontal variations in cloud optical properties are also known to affect cloud albedo. A solar broadband version of a 2D radiative transfer model was used to quantify the impact of enhanced aerosol concentrations and horizontal inhomogeneity on the solar broadband albedo of marine stratus. The 2D cross sections of cloud physics data taken from a set of 3D RAMS/LES simulations of marine stratus provided realistic optical property data for radiative transfer simulations. A control run using typical marine CCN concentrations and a sensitivity study using enhanced concentrations of CCN were examined. The results of the radiative t...
Asymptotic analysis of Gaussian integrals. II. Manifold of minimum points

This paper derives the asymptotic expansions of a wide class of Gaussian function space integrals under the assumption that the minimum points of the action form a nondegenerate manifold. Such integrals play an important role in recent physics. This paper also proves limit theorems for related probability measures, analogous to the classical law of large numbers and central limit theorem.
Reaction variables and a proposed mechanism of open‐pore urea/formaldehyde structure formation

Formation of open-pore urea/formaldehyde structures from nonetherified urea/formaldehyde resins involves reaction of one or more methylol groups with other methylol or amino groups. The structure formation proceeds through particle formation and growth until all the resin is consumed. A strong acid is preferred for achieving a porous structure in urea/formaldehyde resins; weakly ionized acids produce structures with low yield. Colloidal instability is an asset in porous structure formation. An 80:20 polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide block copolymer of approximate molecular weight 8500 has been found to be an entropic-type destabilizer in the formation of porous structures.
The Lattice Boltzmann Equation Method for Complex Flows

The lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) method is a promising technique for simulating fluid flows and modeling complex physics. Because the LBE model is based on microscopic models and mesoscopic kinetic equations, it offers many advantages for the study of multi-component or multiphase flows. However, there are still challenges encountered when dealing with thermal effects and multiphase flows, particularly at small scales or in varying geometries. In this paper, we discuss some techniques to overcome these challenges. First, we present an overview of the LBE method, and show how it can be extended to model multiple phases and thermal effects. Next, we describe our multi-component and multiphase (MCMP) LBE method for high density ratios. While the original formulation of Shan and Chen’s (SC) model can incorporate some multiphase and component scenarios, the density ratio of the different components is restricted (less than approximately 2.0), which limits the applications. Hence, based on the SC model and improvements in the single-component multiphase (SCMP) flow model reported by Yuan and Schaefer, we have developed a new model that can simulate a MCMP system with a high density ratio. An example of that system is shown. Finally, we have developed a parallel computation LBE method based on the Compute Unified Device Architecture for NVIDIA GPUs. Using this method, we are able to efficiently model a number of phases and length scales, examples of which are presented.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Recovering the shape of polyhedra using line-drawing analysis and complex reflectance models

Following Sugihara, we represent the geometric constraints imposed by the line-drawing of a polyhedron as a set of linear equalities and inequalities. Unlike him, we explicitly take into account the uncertainty in vertex position. This allows us to circumvent the superstrictness of the constraints without deleting any of them. For a given error bound, deciding whether a line-drawing is the correct projection of a polyhedron is reduced to linear programming, and 3D shape recovery is reduced to optimization under linear constraints. Our method can be used for recovering the shape of polyhedral objects whose reflectance can be modelled accurately. We have implemented if for the Lambertian model and the Lambertian model with interreflections. We present results obtained using real images. >
Hysteresis Temperature Dependence in Filled Rubbers. II. Mechanical Mixing, Filler Microdispersion, and Polymer-Filler Interactions

The effects of mechanical mixing and filler–filler (F–F) and polymer–filler (P–F) interactions on the normalized state of a filler microdispersion [d(x)] and the viscoelastic properties of silica-filled rubbers were studied. The rubbers were prepared with or without the addition of n-octyl-triethoxysilane (OTES) to modify F–F interactions or coupling agents such as 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane and 3-mercaptopropyl-triethoxysilane (MPTES) to increase P–F interactions. Increased mixing improved d(x) and enhanced the hysteresis temperature dependence (HTD) by giving a higher tan δ value near the compound glass-transition temperature (Tg) but lowered tan δ at elevated temperatures for stocks containing a coupling agent. The changes in P–F and F–F interactions in rubbers with mixing and subsequent thermal treatment were shown to be responsible for the property differences observed among stocks containing different silanes. Attempts were made to quantify the efficiency for improving d(x) with various silanes. The increased P–F interactions in compounds containing MPTES showed better efficiency for improving d(x) and enhancing HTD in comparison with OTES. It was also demonstrated that the change in hysteresis near Tg was mainly governed by the degree of filler networking, whereas elevated-temperature hysteresis was strongly influenced by the P–F interactions in compounds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Science Enrichment Programs for Gifted High School Girls and Boys: Predictors of Program Impact on Science Confidence and Motivation.

The impact of two science enrichment programs on the science attitudes of 330 gifted high school students was evaluated using a multimethod, multiperspective approach that provided a more comprehensive evaluation of program impact on science attitudes than did previous assessments of science programs. Although pre-post comparisons did not indicate positive impact on science attitudes, other measures provided strong evidence of program effectiveness. Program benefits were greater among girls, those who had more supportive families and teachers, and those who entered the programs with greater general confidence in their abilities. Implications for science enrichment programs and their evaluation are discussed. fl 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 1065-1088, 2001
Controlled Drug Release through Polymeric Films

The drug-permeability properties of several water-insoluble films were studied with respect to their potential application for the control of drug release from solid pharmaceutical dosage forms. Films composed of poly(methylvinylether)–maleic anhydride copolymer, crosslinked with polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), appeared as the most promising of the systems studied for the film-controlled drug-release applications. The permeability of the films can be controlled by appropriate adjustment of their polysorbate 20 content, molecular weight of the polymer, and humidity pretreatment. The permeability of the films was, however, found to be affected also by the pH of the diffusion medium.
Radiobots: The autonomous, self-learning future cognitive radios

A futuristic autonomous self-learning cognitive radio (CR), also called as a Radiobot, is proposed. The Radiobot is defined to be a radio device that is capable of self-managing and self-reconfiguring in real-time to match its RF environment while continuously self-learning from its past experience to achieve: 1) autonomous communication and awareness of experienced RF environment, 2) spectrum coexistence/efficiency including dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), 3) inter-operability in heterogeneous RF network environments, 4) multi-mode operability (simultaneous operation over multiple modes/networks), and 5) power efficient green communications. In this paper, we present a system level architecture of the Radiobot and our current work on self-learning guided wide-band spectrum-sensing. We also discuss future research directions in order to make the concept a reality, including necessary cognitive algorithms critical for its operation and the need for real-time reconfigurable hardware and RF antennas.
Experiments in charge control at geosynchronous orbit - ATS-5 and ATS-6

In connection with existing theoretical concepts, it was difficult to explain the negative potentials found in sunlight, first on Applied Technology Satellite-5 (ATS-5) and then on ATS-6. The problem became important when an association between spacecraft charging and anomalies in spacecraft behavior was observed. A study of daylight charging phenomena on ATS-6 was conducted, and an investigation was performed with the objective to determine effective methods of charge control, taking into account the feasibility to utilize the ATS-5 and ATS-6 ion engines as current sources. In the present paper, data and analysis for the ion engine experiments on ATS-5 and ATS-6 are presented. It is shown that electron emission from a satellite with insulating surfaces is not an effective method of charge control because the increase in differential charging which results limits the effectiveness of electron emitters and increases the possibility of electrostatic discharges between surfaces at different potentials.