cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Which Patients Should Be Treated by Breast Conservation Surgery and Which by Modified Radical Mastectomy

Conservative surgery and primary radiation therapy is the preferred method of treatment for clinical stage I and II breast cancer. This therapy may be defined as lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, segmental mastectomy, or quadrantectomy; it is usually performed in combination with surgical staging of the axilla followed by primary radiation therapy to the entire breast with an implant or boost of radiation to the area of the tumor. In some cases, additional radiation may be administered to the draining nodal tissues. Patients treated with breast-conserving therapy have a more positive body image and less fear of recurrence of cancer than do patients who are treated with radical mastectomy (Schain et al. 1983; Bartelink et a!. 1985). The goal of breast-conserving treatment is to provide highly satisfactory cosmesis without com 119 promise of local tumor control or survival when compared with more radical surgery such as mastectomy.
∑II∑ threshold formulas

A ∑II∑ formula has the form , where eachL is either a variable or a negated variable. In this paper we study the computation of threshold functions by ∑II∑ formulas. By combining the proof of the Fredman-Komlos bound [5, 10] and a counting argument, we show that fork andn large andk≤n/2, every ∑II∑ formula computing the threshold functionT k n has size at least exp $$(\Omega (\sqrt {k/\ln k} ))nlogn$$ . Fork andn large andk≤n 2/3, we show that there exist ∑II∑ formulas for computingT k n with size at most exp $$(2(\sqrt {k/\ln k} ))nlogn$$ .
Design, Fabrication, and Critical Current Testing of No-Insulation Superconducting Rotor Coils for NASA's 1.4 MW High-Efficiency Megawatt Motor

NASA Glenn Research Center is developing a 1.4 MW high-efficiency electric machine for future electrified aircraft to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and noise. This wound-field, synchronous machine employs a self-cooled, superconducting rotor to achieve excellent specific power and efficiency. This paper discusses the design and fabrication of the no-insulation high temperature superconducting (HTS) rotor coils and compares them to conventionally insulated HTS coils. Two sub-scale test coils with epoxy on only one axial face were fabricated. Critical current testing of the coils at 77 K and self field was conducted to study the influence of thermal cycling on their critical current and n-value. After two or four aggressive thermal cycles between 77 K and about 278 K (5°C), the critical current and n-value were nearly unchanged, indicating very little to no degradation.
On the use in economic theory of some central results of mathematical analysis

Four instances of fundamental theorems of economics established by means of central results in various branches of mathematical analysis are listed.
Factors Modifying the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Associated With Atrial Premature Complexes in Patients With Hypertension.

Patients with hypertension who develop atrial premature complexes (APCs) are at a particularly high risk for atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to identify medications and modifiable risk factors that could reduce the risk of AF imposed by presence of APCs in such a high risk group. This analysis included 4,331 participants with treated hypertension from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study who were free of AF and cardiovascular disease at the time of enrollment (2003-2007). APCs were detected in 8.2% (n = 356) of the participants at baseline. During a median follow-up of 9.4 years, 9.9% (n = 429) of the participants developed AF. Participants with APCs, compared with those without, were more than twice as likely to develop AF (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.36[1.75, 3.19]). This association was significantly weaker in statin users than nonusers (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]:1.42[0.81,2.48] vs 3.01[2.11,4.32], respectively; interaction p-value = 0.02), and in angiotensin-II receptor blocker users than nonusers (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]:1.31[0.66,2.61] vs 2.78[1.99,3.89], respectively; interaction p-value = 0.05). Borderline weaker associations between APCs and AF were also observed in alpha-blocker users than nonusers, nondiabetics than diabetics, and in those with systolic blood pressure level 130 to 139 mm Hg compared with those with other systolic blood pressure levels. No significant effect modifications were observed by use of other medications or by presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. In conclusion, the significant AF risk associated with APCs in patients with hypertension could potentially be reduced by treatment with angiotensin-II receptor blockers and statins along with lowering blood pressure and management of diabetes.
Do People in Conservative States Really Watch More Porn? A Hierarchical Analysis:

Recent studies have found that state-level religious and political conservatism is positively associated with various aggregate indicators of interest in pornography. Such studies have been limited...
Chapter 11 – Raymond Cattell

Raymond Cattell insisted that the more intelligent people would leave traditional religions and create spiritual religions that were more appreciative of the Universal Reality. He created Beyondism, his religion based on science. His belief in eugenics and some of his advocated welfare practices (e.g., the financially rich would be allocated more children, and the creation of a weakened charitable welfare system so the poor would leave the country, resulting in the United States being a step closer to a future super race) had an explicit ring of Fascism. Cattell was a trait theorist. Instead of reviewing the sparse research on his 16 PF measure, I reviewed the research on the similarly factor-analysis created Five Factor Model. There is overwhelming support for the idea that religion and spirituality should be considered as two distinct concepts. Some of the historically confusing results of the studies can be partially attributed to researchers confounding these two distinct practices and beliefs.
Promising Directions for the Use of Land Resources of Russia in Agricultural Production

In Russia, there is a significant problem of abandoned agricultural land—a quarter of old arable land is not used. If compared to 1990, the area of fodder land, together with an almost twofold reduction in the number of cattle, has underwent the most significant reduction. The authors of the paper raise the question of the causes of this phenomenon, discuss the possibilities of returning lands to circulation, and define the priority areas for using these lands. This negative process is most evident in those areas with adverse agro-climatic conditions. In the south of the country, in the Central Black Earth Zone, there was no noticeable decline in production. In contrast, there is a stable growth in the agro-industrial sector nowdats. Considering the issue of demand for agricultural products (one of the primary sources of demand for agricultural land), we can establish that the population’s need for crop production is satisfied. The expansion of sown areas makes sense only for the production of a fodder base for the development of meat and dairy farming, where Russia has not yet provided the level of production necessary to fully meet the needs of the population. From the point of view of supply and demand on the land directly, there are also several problems impeding the involvement of land in circulation. The lack of a developed civilized land market and the predominance of shared ownership of land artificially reduce the supply of land. The solution of the described problems, taking into account the significant land potential of Russia, will make it possible to adequately fill the demand for meat and dairy cattle breeding to ensure the growth of the exports of crop production and the development of the agricultural sector as a whole.
Effectiveness of imidacloprid, spirotetramat, and flupyradifurone to prevent spread of GLRaV-3 by grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Pseudococcus maritimus status as an economic pest increased substantially after it was identified as a key vector of most grape vine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs). Of these viruses, GLRaV-3 is the most economically destructive. Current control recommendations for slowing the spread of GLRaVs include one to two applications of insecticides to reduce vector populations. Systemic insecticides require the insect to feed before death or paralysis occurs. It was unknown if systemic insecticides could paralyze or kill P. maritimus quickly enough to reduce their ability to vector GLRaVs. Hence, we tested imidacloprid, spirotetramat, and flupyradifurone to see if these insecticides would have any effect on P. maritimus’ efficiency to vector GLRaV-3 on treated grapevines. We conclude that these systemic insecticides do not convey any additional protection to grapevines. However, these insecticides are still useful for reducing vector populations and indirectly reduce the potential spread of GLRaVs among vines in vineyards.
Forced vibration analysis of non-local strain gradient rod subjected to harmonic excitations

In this technical paper, forced longitudinal vibration response of non-local strain gradient (NLSG) rods is obtained and compared with that of non-local (NL), strain gradient (SG), and classical (CL) rods. To this end, size-dependent kinematics along with extended Hamilton’s principle are used to derive governing equations of motion. Classical clamped-free and non-classical clamped-forcing free-strained boundary conditions are adopted. For the first time, forced longitudinal vibratory behavior of non-classical and classical rods subjected to harmonic external loading is presented. In investigation process, effects of non-classical parameters over mechanical impedance, resonance frequency, mechanical frequency response function (FRF) (transmissibility), time period, and time-domain response are determined. Effect of non-classical parameters over time-domain response of the system is analyzed in details. Results are compared with benchmark approving good level of accuracy, disclosing the intensifying effects of material length scale parameter over natural frequency as well as mechanical impedance and resonance frequency. Meanwhile, non-local parameter leads to decrement of natural frequency, mechanical impedance and resonance frequency. Furthermore, it is realized that crest value of transmissibility is not predictable based on frequency and/or impedance variations with respect to non-classical parameters; and requires separate analysis for individual cases. In other words, a pattern referring to gradations of natural and resonance frequencies, mechanical impedance and non-classical parameters and rod models is detectable; however, such patterns do not hold for estimation of mechanical frequency response function (transmissibility peak value). Moreover, stiffness-softening and stiffness-hardening effects are the most impressive and influential factors over transmissibility peak values which can be highly important for energy harvesting rod analysis. Findings of this research point to the importance of proper non-classical theorems along with corresponding non-classical parameters to predict the response of small-scaled rods for wide range of applications in control of robotics, musical instruments, navigating equipment, space wheels, fly wheels, gyroscopes, sensors, actuators, resonators, vibration isolators and energy harvesters.
Vowel prothesis before /r/ revisited: acoustics and typology

Vowel prothesis is a phonological process by which a vowel is inserted at the beginning of a word. Vowel prothesis before a rhotic is attested in a number of languages of the world and has been discussed by Hall (2011), where the instantiation of this phenomenon in the Walliser dialect of Swiss German received a theoretical treatment couched in the framework of Optimality Theory (OT). In this paper, I revisit that process of vowel prothesis and discuss vowel prothesis before /r/ in light of the phonetics of such a development as well as the typology of such a change. It will be argued that vowel prothesis before a rhotic only comes about when that rhotic is a trill. This is because trilled rhotics in the world’s languages are known to involve a brief vocalic period (roughly 50 ms) prior to the onset of vibration. Furthermore, all languages with an attested change of #rV- → #VrV- e.g. Walliser German, Campidanian Sardinian, Basque, Gascon and Sakha (Yakut) have an alveolar trilled /r/. In terms of OT, I analyze this as due to a high-ranking constraint against trills in the prosodic-word initial position, formulated as *ω[Trill.
Measurements of All-Dielectric Compound Metaoptics for Wavefront Transformation

Reflectionless and lossless metasurfaces can manipulate the propagation of electromagnetic waves by applying a phase discontinuity to a wavefront. While phase-only control is sufficient to perform simple refractive functions, more advanced applications such as establishing custom antenna apertures, forming custom optical beam-splitters, and projecting complex-valued holograms require manipulation of both the phase and amplitude of a wave. Here, we show that a pair of lossless metasurfaces arranged along a common axis (forming a compound metaoptic) can implement phase and amplitude control without loss. We report measurements of compound metaoptics at near-infrared wavelengths, demonstrating a beam-splitter with a custom 4:1 intensity ratio between two output beams.
Evolving case of emphysematous pyelonephritis in a second renal allograft

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is an acute necrotizing infection with gas in the kidney that portends a poor prognosis. Patients present with sepsis, requiring fluid resuscitation, glucose control, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surgical intervention ranges from relief of urinary obstruction (nephrostomy tube or stent), percutaneous drainage or nephrectomy. We present a 51-year-old second kidney transplant recipient diabetic male, suffering from sepsis of unknown etiology which was subsequently revealed to be due to emphysematous pyelonephritis. Percutaneous drainage was performed initially followed by renal transplant nephrectomy after no improvement of his clinical status. Herein, we describe the clinical course and escalation in management.
Time-restricted eating and concurrent exercise training reduces fat mass and increases lean mass in overweight and obese adults.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether time-restricted eating (TRE), also known as time-restricted feeding, was an effective dietary strategy for reducing fat mass and preserving fat-free mass while evaluating changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers, hormones, muscle performance, energy intake, and macronutrient intake after aerobic and resistance exercise training in physically inactive and overweight or obese adults. This study was a randomized, controlled trial. Overweight and obese adults (mean ± SD; age: 44 ± 7 years; body mass index [BMI]: 29.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2 ; female: 85.7%) were randomly assigned to a TRE or normal eating (NE) dietary strategy group. The TRE participants consumed all calories between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., whereas NE participants maintained their dietary habits. Both groups completed 8 weeks of aerobic exercise and supervised resistance training. Body composition, muscle performance, energy intake, macronutrient intake, physical activity, and physiological variables were assessed. A total of 21 participants completed the study (NE: n = 10; TRE: n = 11). A mild energy restriction was observed for TRE (~300 kcal/day, 14.5%) and NE (~250 kcal/day, 11.4%). Losses of total body mass were significantly greater for TRE (3.3%) relative to NE (0.2%) pre- to post-intervention, of which TRE had significantly greater losses of fat mass (9.0%) compared to NE (3.3%). Lean mass increased during the intervention for both TRE (0.6%) and NE (1.9%), with no group differences. These data support the use of TRE and concurrent exercise training as a short-term dietary strategy for reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass in overweight and obese adults.
Prescribing Patterns of Hydroxychloroquine and Corticosteroids Among Lupus Patients After New-onset End-stage Renal Disease.

Background Optimal strategies for managing lupus medications after end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have not been addressed. This study identifies the current United States-wide prescribing patterns of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and oral corticosteroids (CS), among SLE patients with incident ESRD enrolled in the US Renal Disease Systems (USRDS) registry. Methods We identified incident ESRD patients ≥18 years with SLE as a primary cause of ESRD between January 2006 and June 2013. Patients who were started on dialysis at ESRD onset and enrolled in Medicare Part D within 93 days as required by Medicare were included. Results Among the 2654 new-onset ESRD patients with Part D, the median (IQR) duration of follow-up was 761 (374, 1375) days. At baseline, 1076 (41%) were not on HCQ or CS, 220 (8%) were prescribed HCQ alone, 509 (19%) were prescribed both HCQ and CS, and 849 (32%) were prescribed CS alone. Of the 1983 patients who either never received or discontinued HCQ after ESRD onset, 667 (34%) continued CS to the end of the follow-up period. The median (IQR) CS dose was lower for patients on HCQ (14 [9, 21] mg), compared to patients who were never prescribed HCQ (15 [9, 27] mg), or patients who discontinued HCQ after ESRD (17 [10, 27] mg), p=0.001. Conclusions About one third of patients with lupus nephritis and new onset ESRD received CS monotherapy at high doses. As CS-related complications contribute to hospitalizations and deaths in SLE ESRD, changing these prescribing practices may improve morbidity and mortality outcomes.
Effects of low molecular weight B-cell growth factor on proliferation of leukemic cells from children with B-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Recently, low-molecular-weight B-cell growth factor (LMW-BCGF) has been reported to stimulate growth of leukemic cells from B-cell precursor- acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). We further investigated the effects of LMW-BCGF on proliferation of leukemic clonogenic (progenitor) and nonclonogenic (progeny) cells from children with BCP- ALL (28 patients) and B-cell ALL (two patients). Patients were either at diagnosis (n = 18) or in relapse (n = 12). Response of leukemic progenitor cells was determined by culturing cells (10(5) cells/mL) in methylcellulose with 0.1 U/mL LMW-BCGF. Colonies (greater than 20 cells) were counted at day 7. The response of the leukemic progeny population was determined by DNA synthesis studies using tritiated- thymidine and by DNA quantitation with propidiumiodide for determination of cell-cycle status. LMW-BCGF supported growth of leukemic progenitor cells from 20 of 28 (71%) BCP-ALL and two of two B- cell ALL patients. Colony numbers ranged from 7 to 2,400 (mean 145, median 45). A dose-response effect in colony growth was noted, with an apparent plateau at approximately 2.0 U/mL LMW-BCGF. Colony cells were primarily of leukemic phenotype (CD19+/CD10+/-). LMW-BCGF also induced significant increases in leukemic progeny cell proliferation as measured by both thymidine incorporation (stimulation indexes of 1.6 to 34) and by cell-cycle assay (percentage S+ G2/M stimulation indexes of 1.6 to 6). LMW-BCGF was more effective in stimulating leukemic proliferation than three recombinant interleukins (rIL-2, rIL-3, rIL- 4), although rIL-3 was able to support colony growth in 4 of 11 patients. These results indicate that LMW-BCGF and, to a lesser degree rIL-3, are able to stimulate proliferation of BCP-ALL progenitor and progeny cells, whereas rIL-2 and rIL-4 do not support progenitor cell proliferation and have only marginal effects on leukemic progeny cell proliferation.
Managing Disagreement to Avoid Confrontation in Sports Talk Radio

In this paper the nature of disagreement in sports talk radio is examined. It is a widely held notion that talk radio in general is an argumentative and disputatious, if not hostile, forum in which people exchange ideas. Using the research methods of conversation analysis, an initial study of disagreement in sports talk radio appears to support that idea—meaning that disagreements are made without the mollifying techniques ordinarily used in face-to-face talk. However, looking at those disagreements more closely reveals that they tend not to devolve into confrontation on sports talk radio programs. This paper focuses on the methods employed by both callers and hosts to achieve this feat and thus demonstrates that the stereotype of talk radio being confrontational and hostile does not apply to the specific genre of sports talk radio.
Solar energetic particles - From the corona to the magnetotail

Some new results concerning coronal and interplanetary propagation of energetic particles are discussed in the context of previous and current observations and interpretations. Evidence is presented that the bulk of protons of approximately 1 MeV can be preferentially injected onto interplanetary field lines at coronal longitudes and latitudes well-removed (approximately 60 deg) from the site of the associated active region. For these protons, interplanetary propagation parallel and transverse to the interplanetary field evidently involves little scattering near 1 AU, so that parallel propagation is approximately 'scatter free' and transverse propagation is primarily that due to the E x B drift. Upstream of the earth's bow shock, both intensities and anisotropies of approximately 1-MeV protons and electrons are significantly modified by the magnetosphere, and these effects may provide a probe of the structure of the bow shock and magnetosheath in regions not readily accessible to spacecraft.
Transfer Learning by Mapping and Revising Relational Knowledge

Traditional machine learning algorithms operate under the assumption that learning for each new task starts from scratch, thus disregarding knowledge acquired in previous domains. Naturally, if the domains encountered during learning are related, this tabula rasaapproach wastes both data and computational resources in developing hypotheses that could have potentially been recovered by simply slightly modifying previously acquired knowledge. The field of transfer learning(TL), which has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, develops methods that attempt to utilize previously acquired knowledge in a sourcedomain in order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of learning in a new, but related, targetdomain [7,6,1].
Effect of media on algae growth for bio-fuel production.

Bio-fuels are commonly produced from oleaginous crops, such as rapeseed, soybean, sunflower and oil palm. However, microalgae can be an attractive alternative feedstock for future biofuels because some of the species contain very high amounts of oil, which can be used to extract and be processed into transportation fuels. Their growth rate is very high and faster, can be cultivated in non-agricultural land and waste water. In addition, production of microalgae is not seasonal and they can be harvested routinely as needed. Two strains of Scenedesmus dimorphus (fresh water microalgae) were tested for their growth in proteose medium and Modified Bold 3N medium with different levels of nitrogen and glycerol and growth rates were measured using cell count, fresh and dry weight. The growth of S. dimorphus was better in proteose medium with half of the nitrogen source recommended by the UTEX) than other media tested. ANOVA table showed significant differences between days, between media, and day × media interaction. When compared to dry weight of S. dimorphus in all media, the growth was better in proteose medium with 10 mL/L glycerol.
Image-Based Brachytherapy for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease that requires considerable multidisciplinary coordination of care and labor in order to maximize tumor control and survival while minimizing treatment-related toxicity. As with external beam radiation therapy, the use of advanced imaging and 3-dimensional treatment planning has generated a paradigm shift in the delivery of brachytherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer. The use of image-based brachytherapy, most commonly with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), requires additional attention and effort by the treating physician to prescribe dose to the proper volume and account for adjacent organs at risk. This represents a dramatic change from the classic Manchester approach of orthogonal radiographic images and prescribing dose to point A. We reviewed the history and currently evolving data and recommendations for the clinical use of image-based brachytherapy with an emphasis on MRI-based brachytherapy.
Reading against the Grain: Examining the Status of the Categories of Class and Tradition in the Scholarship of British Cultural Studies in Light of Contemporary Popular Culture and Literature:

This article addresses the turbulent relationship that British cultural studies scholars have with the concepts of ‘class' and ‘tradition’ and the problematic status of these key terms within the c...
Some anion reactions in dimethyl sulfoxide medium

Styrene polymerizations initiated by butyl lithium have been performed in dimethylsulfoxide medium. The reaction products were recovered by evaporation as oils. The major product contained one sulfinyl group and three styrene units. The color and spectral changes observed are discussed and a tentative mechanism leading to the major product is proposed Die Polymerisation von Styrol wurde mit Butyllithium als Initiator in Dimethylsulfoxid als Losungsmittel durchgefuhrt. Die Reaktionsprodukte wurden nach Verdampfen des Losungsmittels als ole erhalten. Das Hauptprodukt enthalt eine Sulfinylgruppe und drei Styrolgruppen. Es werden die Farbe und die beobachteten Veranderungen des Spektrums erortert; ein vorlaufiger Mechanismus fur die zu dem Hauptprodukt fuhrenderu Reaktion wird vorgeschlagen.
Comparison of three options for geologic sequestration of CO2 - a case study for California

Options for sequestration of CO{sub 2} are best viewed in light of the regional distribution of CO{sub 2} sources and potential sequestration sites. This study examines the distribution of carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants in California and their proximity to three types of reservoirs that may be suitable for sequestration: (1) active or depleted oil fields, (2) active or depleted gas fields, and (3) brine formations. This paper also presents a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of sequestering CO{sub 2} generated from large fossil-fuel fired power plants in California and discusses the comparative advantages of three different types of reservoirs for this purpose. Based on a volumetric analysis of sequestration capacity and current CO{sub 2} emission rates from oil/gas fired power plants, this analysis suggests that oil reservoirs, gas fields and brine formations can all contribute significantly to sequestration in California. Together they could offer the opportunity to meet both short and long term needs. In the near term, oil and gas reservoirs are the most promising because the trapping structures have already stood the test of time and opportunities for offsetting the cost of sequestration with revenues from enhanced oil and gas production. In the long term, if the trapping mechanisms are adequately understood and deemed adequate, brine formations may provide an even larger capacity for geologic sequestration over much of California.
On S-shaped bifurcation curves for multiparameter positone problems

Abstract We study the existence of multiple positive solutions to the two point boundary value problem -u″(x) = ⋋f(u(x)); O u(0) = 0 = u(1) + αu′(1), where ⋋ > 0, α > 0 . Here f is a smooth function such that f > 0 on [0, r ) for some 0 r ≤ ∞. In particular, we consider the case when f is initially convex and then concave. We discuss sufficient conditions for the existence of at least three positive solutions for a certain range (independent of α) of λ. We apply our results to the nonlinearity f(u) = exp [ cu (c+u) ]; c > 4 which arises in combustion theory and to the nonlinearity f(u) = (σ−u) exp { -c (1+u) }; σ > 0 (fixed), c > 4+4 σ , which arises in chemical reactor theory.
Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive jaundice secondary to liver metastases

Metastatic disease to the liver and adjacent lymph nodes and may cause jaundice by compression upon the major biliary ducts. Small field relatively high dose radiotherapy after accurate localization can result in effective palliation of jaundice in selected patients.
Interactions between MHC molecules and co-receptors of the TCR.

Genetic experiments indicate similarity between binding sites on MHC class I (MHCI) for CD8 and on MHCII for CD4, but the crystal structures of CD8/MHCI and CD4/MHCII complexes suggest critical differences between the interfaces in the two complexes. Biophysical analyses using ectodomains of co-receptors and MHC molecules demonstrate extremely fast kinetics and low-affinity interactions. Experiments with soluble multimeric MHC ligands suggest that CD4 and CD8 may differ in the mechanisms by which they promote the formation of ternary TCR/MHC/co-receptor complexes. Co-receptor-influenced duration of TCR signaling controls thymocyte selection. In naive T cells, CD4/MHCII interactions may promote T-cell survival. Temporal and spatial analysis of TCR and CD4 co-clustering in the immunological synapse suggests that CD4 recruitment is regulated by the half-life of the initial TCR/MHCII complex. Diverse experimental systems have yielded conflicting data that have helped to formulate revised mechanistic models of co-receptor function.
Photonic crystals: a versatile platform for optics-based biological detection

Photonic crystal surfaces that can be fabricated inexpensively over large surface areas can be designed to produce optical resonances for any desired wavelength in the optical spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared. Label-free biosensing is obtained by measuring shifts in the resonant wavelength as biomaterial deposits on the photonic crystal, while the intensified electric fields that occur due to coupling of illumination at the resonant wavelength may be used to more effectively excite fluorescence or Raman scattering. Photon emitters, such as quantum dots, fluorescent dye molecules, and Raman scatters can efficiently couple their energy to detection instruments when they are in close proximity to a photonic crystal with a resonance that matches the emission wavelength. Finally, the narrowband optical filtering capability of photonic crystals can be effectively applied for infrared absorption imaging of biological specimens at discrete wavelengths. This talk will summarize recent activities in the Nano Sensors Group at the University of Illinois in which photonic crystals are used to address a variety of problems in biological sensing.
Modeling and analysis of multicolored anti-reflection coatings with high transmittance for different solar cell materials

In this work solar cell anti-reflection coatings tuned to give a specific hue under solar illumination are investigated. We demonstrate that it is possible to form patterned coatings with large color contrast and high transmittance. We use colorimetric and thin film optics models to explore the relationship between the color and performance of bilayer anti-reflection coatings on crystalline Si, amorphous Si and GaAs. The colorimetric predictions were verified by measuring a series of coatings deposited on Si substrates. Finally, a patterned Si sample was produced using a simple, low-cost photolithography procedure to selectively etch only the top layer of a bilayer coating to demonstrate a high-performance anti-reflection coating with strong color contrast.
A generalized stefan condition

In this paper we apply the theory of surface thermodynamics to find the jump condition on heat flux across a melting-surface. We distinguish between the effects of surface tension and of surface energy and describe relations between the two which may ensure enhancement or diminution of the curvature of the surface.
Comparison of Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians on Pet Attitude and Empathy

Past research found that positive attitudes toward animals are positively correlated with human-directed empathy. One of the most common reasons for becoming a vegetarian is to avoid cruelty toward animals. Based on the above literature, we hypothesized that vegetarians, especially moral vegetarians, would show higher human-directed empathy and more positive attitudes toward pets and other animals than non-vegetarians. Seventy-two vegetarians and 67 non-vegetarians participated in the study. Pet attitudes were measured using the modified Pet Attitude Scale (PAS-M), and human-directed empathy was measured with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), which has four subscales. Vegetarian males had significantly higher empathy and significantly more positive attitudes toward pets compared with non-vegetarian males; however, there was no differences among females. There were no differences between moral vegetarians and non-moral vegetarians on human-directed empathy and attitude toward pets. Empathy toward humans and attitudes toward pets were positively correlated for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. We conceptualized the dietary choice of a vegetarian as a lifestyle that can be explained by their political thinking, personality, and personal value systems.
Iterative registration of SAR imagery

Results of registering synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images are presented. A set of reference (tie) points are specified in a target image and an iterative search performed to obtain the corresponding tie points in a source image. Registration error is computed for each tie point by estimating its translational misalignment. The set of tie point error vectors are subsequently used to update the registration transformation. This processing sequence is repeated until convergence. The registration algorithm converges to the correct transformation in all cases tried so far. Tests on SAR imagery with known misalignment indicate that the algorithm can achieve simultaneously rms errors of 0. 01 0. 03 pixel and 0. 01 iii rotation translation and scale respectively.
The ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus of the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus): organization of connections with the cochlear nucleus and the inferior colliculus.

The spatial organization of projections from the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) to the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL) and from the VNLL to the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC) was investigated by using neuroanatomical tracing methods in the gerbil. In order to label cells in the VNLL that project to the CNIC, focal injections of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) were made into different CNIC regions. Retrogradely labeled cells were distributed throughout the dorsal-to-ventral axis of the VNLL in all cases. In contrast, the distribution of labeled cells across the lateral-to-medial dimension of the VNLL was related to the location of the injection site along the dorsolateral to ventromedial (frequency) axis of the CNIC. Cells projecting to dorsolateral (low-frequency) regions of the CNIC were located peripherally in the VNLL, mainly laterally and caudally, whereas those projecting to ventromedial (high-frequency) regions of the CNIC tended to be clustered centrally. Projections to the VNLL were labeled anterogradely following injections of BDA in the VCN. The distribution of terminal fields in the VNLL closely paralleled the topographic arrangement of cells projecting to the CNIC; projections from ventrolateral (low-frequency) areas of the VCN terminated mainly along the lateral and caudal borders of the VNLL, whereas projections from dorsomedial (high-frequency) areas terminated in more central regions. The results demonstrate a topographic organization of the major afferent and efferent connections of the gerbil VNLL. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:673–690, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multi-Direction Bridge Model Updating Using Static and Dynamic Measurement

This research present a multi-direction bridge finite element model updating method based on the static and dynamic test. A fiber optics structural health monitoring system was installed on the bridge site and 73 fiber optic sensors captured the static and dynamic data in local-level. A portable accelerometer system was used to record the ambient loading test and 15 force-balanced accelerometers were placed along bridge center to record the bridge global behavior. The original model was built according to the construction draw. The bridge model was updating by using multi-level test data. A new multi-direction model updating approach was established to separate the model updating into several stages based on the member’s direction. In each stage, the uni-direction members were updating in local-global level. This study found the multi-direction model updating can reduce the number of objective functions and variables in each stage and bridge model updating in the uni-direction has limited influence on the other directions. It is necessary to update steel girder bridge’s finite element model in the multi-direction in order to ensure the model’s accuracy.
Brain waves following remembered faces index conscious recollection

At a glance, one can often determine whether a face belongs to a known individual. To investigate brain mechanisms underlying this memory feat, we recorded EEG signals time-locked to face presentations. In the study phase, 40 unknown faces were presented, 20 of which were accompanied by a voice simulating that person speaking. Instructions were to remember the faces with spoken biographical information (R-faces) and to forget the others (F-faces). In the test phase, famous and non-famous faces were presented in a visually degraded manner. Subjects made two-choice fame judgments and priming was observed in the form of faster and more accurate responses for old than for new non-famous faces. Priming did not differ between R-faces and F-faces. In a second experiment, faces were not degraded at test and behavioral responses were made only when faces were presented twice in immediate succession. Brain potentials elicited 300 to 900 ms after stimulus onset from frontal and parieto-occipital scalp regions were larger for R-faces than for F-faces. Recognition tested later was more accurate for R-faces than for F-faces. Because the study-phase manipulation influenced recognition but not priming, we conclude that this procedure succeeded in isolating neural correlates of recollective processing from more automatic uses of face memory as indexed by priming.
Experimental Observations of the Microlayer in Vapor Bubble Growth on a Heated Solid

Experimental measurements of microlayer formation and of the time history of microlayer thickness change have been obtained for nucleate boiling of water and ethanol. These detailed measurements were obtained using laser interometry combined with high-speed cinematography. The measurement technique is discussed in detail with emphasis on the difficulties encountered in interpretation of the fringe patterns. The measurements for water can be reasonably applied to the data of Gunther and Kreith, in which case it is concluded that microlayer evaporate alone cannot account for the increased heat transfer rates observed in highly subcooled nucleate boiling. It appears that microconvection must play at least an equal role.
An Exploratory Shockwave Approach to Estimating Queue Length Using Probe Trajectories

In this article, the authors present an innovative approach for signalized intersection performance measurement using probe vehicle trajectory data, focusing on queue length estimation. Critical points, defined as the data points representing the changes in vehicle dynamics, are the keystone of the methodology. The author then present a threshold-based critical point extraction algorithm, which has the potential to reduce the communication cost in future real-time probe data collection application. A shockwave-based method using the critical points to detect the signal timing provides the basis for cycle-by-cycle performance measurement. The authors propose a queue length estimation method as a case study for signalized intersections. This approach was tested by simulation and Next Generation Simulation Project data. Results indicate promising outcome of the trajectory-based method.
Calculation of polarization and anisotropy of resonant and fluorescent scattering

Formulas are derived for the swift calculation of the angular intensity distribution and the degree of polarization associated with the resonant and fluorescent scattering of radiation by atoms which occurs in the rarefied upper atmospheres of planets during sunlit airglow phenomena. Attention is given to spectral lines with hyperfine structure, which are indicative of nuclear spin processes. The method employed involves summations over Zeeman components, allowing an evaluation of polarization through the addition of underlying simple resonant and fluorescent scattering channels.
Exploring Correlation Coefficients with Golf Statistics

Summary This article explores the relationships between several pairs of statistics kept on professional golfers on the PGA tour. Specifically, two measures related to the player's ability to drive the ball are compared as are two measures related to the player's ability to putt. An additional analysis is made between one statistic related to putting and another that measures how effectively the player tends to reach the green. An analysis of which statistic has the most impact on a player's score is also included. The article concludes with an interesting extension relating the statistics of professionals to the performance of an amateur golfer.
Protein–protein interactions: Making drug design second nature

Identifying inhibitors of protein–protein interactions is an ongoing challenge in the field of drug design, but the use of peptide fragments based on a known binding interface is showing promise.
Modeling and dynamic analysis of a magnetically actuated butterfly valve

In this work, a magnetically actuated butterfly valve is considered and a novel and accurate mathematical model is derived. The equilibrium of the system is investigated and the effects of the inlet velocity and direct current voltage (DC) on the stable rotation angle of the valve are presented. Considering a time periodic perturbation arising from electric circuit, the effects of the operating angle, inlet velocity, and driving parameters on the periodic and chaotic dynamics of the system are investigated. It is observed that, for an opening angle less than the cut-off angle, there exists a unique DC voltage for a stable equilibrium. The stability of this equilibrium depends nonlinearly on the inlet velocity and the seating torque. An expression is derived for the threshold value for the stability of the valve. Under periodic voltage, the inlet velocity and stable angle induce a backward shift on the resonant frequency, and jump phenomena and subharmonics are observed for some values of the driving amplitude. The highest amplitudes of vibration are detected for a fully open valve, for an almost closed valve, and for a valve with large inlet velocity. Using bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents, it is shown that the system exhibits a route to chaos with windows of period doubling and unbounded motion. Some guidance for design of magnetically actuated butterfly valves is proposed as well as recommendations for future work.
Status of the major epicardial coronary arteries at necropsy in paraplegia and quadriplegia

Abstract To study the possible effects of physical inactivity on the extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis, we examined at necropsy the hearts of 10 patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia. Such a study has not been reported previously.
Decrease in reflectance of porcelains treated with APF gels.

Abstract Surface changes in commercial porcelains when treated with APF gels were quantified by monitoring decreases in reflectance. Two APF gels were characterized by viscosity, pH and fluoride concentration. Changes in specular reflectance (gloss) were measured after each treatment by means of a singlebeam spectrophotofluorometer with a modified sample chamber that permits the measurement of reflectance at 45°. Changes in surface morphology were also monitored by scanning electron microscopy. The specular reflectance demonstrated a relatively uniform decrease with increasing treatment time and was only slightly dependent upon wavelength.
Role of Government in an Era of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities

This article addresses the changing role of government in the rapidly changing environment of globalization, a process through which worldwide integration is pursued by forces of global capitalism. Government is challenged by conflicting and contradictory forces of globalization of corporate capitalism seeking absolute profit, while at the same pressures for quality services and quality assurance are mounting worldwide. As a result, an impossibility theorem develops, with new challenges and opportunities facing governments. Alternative theories of government are presented, and suggestions are offered on what government should do to promote quality assurance and TQM in the age of globalization.
Purification, identification and subcellular distribution of three predominant protein-tyrosine phosphatase enzymes in skeletal muscle tissue

Abstract Protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) play a key role in the regulation of insulin action. In order to identify PTPases in skeletal muscle, the major site of insulin-mediated glucose disposal in vivo, we purified PTPases from rat muscle tissue fractions by a series of column chromatographic techniques. PTPase activities were assayed by measuring the dephosphorylation of a rat insulin receptor kinase domain, derivatized lysozyme and p -nitrophenylphosphate, and the enzymes were further characterized by immunoblotting. Of the total PTPase activity in muscle homogenates, 51–64% was localized to the solubilized particulate fraction, with the specific PTPase activity 3.3-fold and 5.6-fold higher in the particulate fraction towards RCM-lysozyme or the insulin receptor, respectively. The major peak (> 75%) of PTPase activity in the particulate fraction was purified further to 700-fold; 75% of this activity passed through a Blue-3GA column and revealed immunoreactivity for both LAR and SH-PTP2. PTPase activity retained on the Blue-3GA column contained PTPase1B. The major peak (> 70%) from muscle cytosol was further purified to 1500-fold. After the Blue-3GA step, immunoblotting revealed both SH-PTP2 and PTPase1B in the cytosol fraction, but LAR was absent from this fraction. LRP (RPTP-α) was not detected by blotting the PTPase activities from the purified particulate or cytosol fractions. Immunodepletion studies demonstrated that LAR, SH-PTP2 and PTPase1B were quantitatively major PTPase activities in the initial muscle homogenate, together accounting for over 70% of the total activity towards RCM-lysozyme. These studies provide insight into the relative abundance and subcellular distribution of specific PTPases in muscle tissue that are involved in the regulation of reversible tyrosine phosphorylation in this tissue.
Early Development of Drilling Practices in Kanawha County, West Virginia

The art of well drilling had been perfected long years before the drilling of the Drake well near Titusville. Definite oil markets and definite oil-price quotations were already in existence and on file. Natural gas was actively in industrial use. All this does not detract in the slightest from the accomplishment of Colonel Drake, who sold petroleum to an eagerly awaiting public at the opportune moment, thereby practically revolutionizing first the lighting problem and later the transportation problem.