cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation Studies Of Gas Collision Effects In Inverse Cherenkov Accelerators

In Inverse Cherenkov laser accelerators, a passive gas is used to match the phase velocity of a suitably shaped laser field pattern to the electron velocity. Electron collisions with the gas molecules cause energy loss and have also a beam scattering effect. The former is small at high energies (multi Gev), even for pressures in the one atmosphere range, if the proper gas is used. Elastic collision scattering, however, is important because it can displace the electrons to less favorable positions within the field pattern. Computer simulation trajectory studies were carried out using the average of many electrons started at the same initial conditions and moving through the scattering medium while interacting with the laser fields. Both longitudinal and transverse forces were modelled, and the increase in electron mass with energy was included. The results show there is a transverse focusing force due to the laser fields, very effective for confinement over a wide range of laser phase angles within the acceleration region, so a small electron beam cross-section can be maintained even near the maximum acceleration condition and over extended distances. Individual electron trajectories display the transverse oscillation behavior expected from an approximately linear restoring force combined with random angular perturbations. The acceleration gradient differential caused by the transverse field variation is thus smoothed over the oscillation period. The above data confirm the suitability of this method of acceleration for the production of high-energy electron beams and give quantitative expression to the resulting beam properties.
3-Cyano-N-methylpyridinium bromide

The title compound, C7H7N2+·Br−, forms a layered solid with each cation forming three strong and one weaker C—H⋯Br hydrogen bonds within the layer. All atoms except two of the methyl H atoms lie on a mirror plane.
Selected applications of planar permanent magnet multipoles in FEL insertion device design

In recent work, a new class of magnetic multipoles based on planar configurations of permanent magnet (PM) material has been developed. These structures, in particular the quadrupole and sextupole, feature fully open horizontal apertures, and are comparable in effectiveness to conventional iron multipole structures. In this paper results of recent measurements of planar PM quadrupoles and sextupoles are reported and selected applications to FEL insertion device design are considered.
Virtual implantation evaluation of the total artificial heart and compatibility: Beyond standard fit criteria

evaluated allosensitization much later after the NorwoodAG procedure and found that 56% were sensitized at median follow-up of 10.1 years. More importantly, almost all our sensitized Norwood-AG patients had very high PRA (HLA Class I or II antibody 450%) as compared with none in the Norwood-nonAG and hybrid groups. Mahle et al showed that patients with very high PRA has the highest risk of death after HTx. Although mortality was not significantly different between our study groups, this may become apparent in larger studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of alternative strategies in a group of patients with the highest risk of allosensitization and post-transplant mortality. Our results show that avoidance of allograft use at surgical palliation can lead to less allosensitization, less rejection and favorable posttransplant outcomes in infants with HLHS. Therefore, highrisk patients with HLHS, who are likely to require HTx early in life, may benefit from palliation with a hybrid procedure instead of a Norwood procedure as a bridge to transplant. Moreover, because many HLHS patients will eventually require HTx, aortic arch reconstruction with non-allograft material at time of Norwood palliation should be considered for standard risk patients as well.
Reintroduction of the rare damselfly Ischnura gemina (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) into an urban California park

Habitat degradation led to local extinction of the San Francisco forktail damselfly (Ischnura gemina) in Glen Canyon Park, San Francisco, California. In this study, we reintroduced I. gemina into Glen Canyon after the damselfly’s habitat was restored. Upon release, we carried out a mark- release-recapture study to monitor the damselfly’s population dynamics. Our data were compared to two “baseline” studies on I. gemina, conducted in the park prior to the damselfly’s demise. Our recapture rates were significantly lower than the prior studies due to a large initial decline in marked individuals upon release. Despite a lower recapture rate, the reintroduction was initially successful since the damselflies reproduced throughout the summer and the following year. However, the population failed to persist during the second year when the habitat became degraded with excess vegetation. Future success is contingent on the continual management and upkeep of the habitat.
#3 Parity, age at first birth, and risk of invasive cervical cancer

Abstract PURPOSE: The roles of parity and age at first birth as risk factors for cervical cancer remain unclear, although several studies in different populations have examined this question. We performed meta-analyses to predict relative risk of invasive cervical cancer as functions of parity and of age at first birth by fitting a variety of models. METHODS: We fit models relating the logarithm of relative risk for cervical cancer to parity and to age at first birth. Parity models were based on parity-specific relative risk estimates from 21 studies published between 1985 and 2001. Age at first birth models were based on corresponding data from 11 studies published during the same time period. Some models included covariates indicating whether individual studies adjusted for human papilloma virus (HPV) status, number of sex partners, age at first birth (parity models only), and/or parity (age at first birth models only). RESULTS: Relative risk for cervical cancer was found to increase with parity, at a declining rate (i.e., the greatest increase in risk was between parity 0–1, with consistently smaller increases thereafter). Relative risk for first birth at ages ⩾17 was significantly lower than relative risk for first birth at age 13, but no significant relationship was found between relative risk and age at first birth for first birth at ages ⩾17. Overall, indicators of whether studies adjusted for covariates were unable to explain the large variations among study results. CONCLUSION: Risk of invasive cervical cancer was associated with increasing parity, with the greatest increase in risk with the first birth. Risk was decreased for first birth at age 17 compared to 13; for first birth at ages ⩾17, we were unable to derive a quantitative relationship between age at first birth and relative risk for cervical cancer.
Bystander apathy in animal abuse cases: exploring barriers to child and adolescent intervention

ABSTRACTThe present study examines how children and adolescents respond when witnessing animal abuse and why many do not intervene to help animal victims. Ethnographic interviews were conducted with 25 late adolescents who witnessed animal abuse months or years earlier. Results were generally consistent with, but not identical to, findings from previous research on bystander intervention with human victims. On the one hand, the response of bystanders to animal abuse was similar to that of bystanders witnessing violence against humans. Both kinds of bystanders are very troubled by what they witness but often appear to be indifferent to the distress of victims, saying or doing little if anything to stop victims from being harmed or to prevent perpetrators from repeating their violence. On the other hand, while both types of bystanders faced the same general barriers to helping, the nature and salience of these barriers differed when comparing the two groups. Child and adolescent bystanders of animal abuse, ...
Quantitation of a guanine nucleotide binding regulatory protein by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent competition assay.

Abstract We have developed a new method using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA, for the determination of levels of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding protein, G s , in membrane extracts. The method is based on the use of antipeptide antibodies generated in rabbits directed against amino acids 28–42 in the α-subunit, α s , of G s . The peptide is utilized as the stationary phase in the ELISA and anti- α s antibody bound to the microtiter plate is assessed by a peroxidase-coupled anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G antibody that yields detectable color development at 490 nm. G s purified from rabbit liver is utilized as the standard to assess the ability of G s present in cholate extracts of membrane samples to compete with bound peptides for primary antibody. This assay provides a direct means to quantify changes in levels of native G s in membranes and cells.
A TYPE 2 POLYNOMIAL INVARIANT OF LINKS DERIVED FROM THE CASSON-WALKER INVARIANT

Simple formulas involving only linking numbers and surgery coefficients are presented for computing how the Casson-Walker invariant changes under crossing changes in a framed link presenting a 3-manifold. These formulas greatly simplify computations of the Casson-Walker invariant and can be used to define a type two polynomial invariant of unframed links.
Continuous and discontinuous time-domain modeling and simulation for DC-DC switching converters

This paper introduces a simple and fast method of time domain simulation for switching converters. Different discrete time modeling like Forward, Backward and Trapezoid rules are used. It is shown that the discrete time equations can be derived using dual or oversampling techniques. The methods can be implemented using any computer language programs or mathematical tools. These methods are particularly useful for IC controller designers, application engineers and the end-users. Simulation results are shown for a synchronous and a dual phase buck converter. It is shown that the proposed method can successfully model a switching converter in the time domain.
Non-B DNA structure: preferential target for the chemical carcinogen glycidaldehyde.

The effect of DNA conformation on the reaction specificities of the chemical carcinogen glycidaldehyde (GDA) was examined. Supercoiled plasma DNA harboring a poly(dG)-poly(dC) tract, which folds sharply into halves from the center of the tract to form a tetra-stranded structure containing either a dG.dG.dC triplex structure in the presence of Mg2+ or a dC+.dC.dC triplex structure in the absence of Mg2+ was chosen as the reaction substrate. The reactive sites alkylated by GDA were determined at a single base resolution after these sites were specifically cleaved with a combination of either the hydrazine and piperidine or formic acid and piperidine reactions. The results show that at pH 5-7, GDA reacts preferentially with DNA bases that are involved in the altered DNA conformations. Interestingly, in addition to the known reaction of GDA with guanine residues, it was also found to be highly reactive with specific cytosine residues that reside in the altered DNA conformations. These GDA-reactive cytosine residues were unpaired as judged by their reactivity with the unpaired DNA base specific probe, chloroacetaldehyde. Therefore, it appears that DNA conformation plays a major role in determining the reaction specificities of GDA.
Robust economic order quantity models

Abstract In this paper, we study the classical economic order quantity (EOQ) model under significant. In particular, the problem under consideration is the economic order quantity model with the input data of the demand rate, the order cost, and the holding cost rate being uncertain. A robustness approach based on scenario characterization of the input data is adopted to describe the uncertainties. The aim of the approach is to find an inventory policy that performs well under all realizable input data scenarios. An efficient linear time algorithm is devised to find the robust decisions. Analytical results are obtained for the case where input data are defined in continuous intervals. Comparisons on performances between the robust decisions and the stochastic optimization decisions are conducted. The results demonstrate the advantages of robustness approach.
Occurrence of an unknown radioactive substance after short-time photosynthesis in C14O2.

Abstract Uptake of CO2 in photosynthesis was stopped by adding high concentrations of cyanide to Chlorella suspensions after short-time exposure to C14O2. If illumination is continued for several seconds before the algae are extracted with alcohol, there is a strong change in the distribution of radioactivity between the different substances analyzed by paper chromatography. The relative activity of PGA drops to about 10%, whereas other monophosphates and especially diphosphates rise strongly. After dephosphorylation of the diphosphate area two new radioactive spots were noticed. Preliminary experiments have shown that it is probably the acid and lactone form of a polyhydroxy acid.
High Finesse Ring Resonators-Fabrication And Analysis

Single tap ring resonators fabricated by silver ion-exchange in glass yielded finesse of 55 with an efficiency of 33%. Ring structures generated by ruby-lith show a decrease in propogation loss of 2.5 dB/cm compared to e-beam generated masks.
Effect of a graphitic structure on the stability of FCC iron

In this study, oxidized iron particles on an amorphous carbon film were irradiated by an intensive and convergent electron beam in situ inside a transmission electron microscope. It was found that some iron particles could be fractured into several particles and also could form a graphitic film on the outer surface in a very short time by the electron beam. By the electron beam the iron particles were found to be reduced to α-Fe, γ-Fe, or Fe3C. The high temperature phase of iron (γ-Fe) was observed to be stable only when it was tightly encapsulated in a graphitic film formed during the beam irradiation. This result indicates that the high elastic modulus of graphite on the surface holds the γ-Fe phase from expanding and transforming to α-Fe (the stable phase of iron at room temperature).
Arthroscopic Suture Material and Knot Type: An Updated Biomechanical Analysis

BackgroundSeveral new arthroscopic suture materials are available. It is important for surgeons to know which suture-knot combination provides the strongest construct.HypothesisThe newer, polyblend sutures have dissimilar load-to-failure characteristics.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsThe load to failure of 4 knots was evaluated (surgeon's, Duncan loop, Samsung Medical Center [SMC], and Roeder) using 5 No. 2 suture materials (Ethibond, Ticron, FiberWire, ForceFiber, MaxBraid). One surgeon tied all knots. Fifteen samples were tested for each suture-knot configuration. Knots were pretensioned to 10 N, then loaded to failure at a rate of 1.0 mm/s. Failure load recorded was the maximum load applied between 0 and 3 mm of displacement. Cyclic loading of suture-knot samples was performed on 3 knots (surgeon's, Duncan loop, and SMC) using 4 suture materials (Ethibond, FiberWire, ForceFiber, MaxBraid). Six samples were tested for each suture-knot configuration. Knots were cyclically loaded from 5 to...
Distributed computation under bit constraints

A network of nodes communicate via noisy channels. Each node has some real-valued initial measurement or message. The goal of each of the nodes is to acquire an estimate of a given function of all the initial measurements in the network. We survey our recent results that relate limitations imposed by the communication constraints to the nodes? performance in computing the desired function. In particular, we determine a lower bound on computation time that must be satisfied by any algorithm used by the nodes to communicate and compute, so that the mean square error in the nodes? estimates is within a given interval around zero. We apply the lower bound to a specific scenario where we find the bound to be asymptotically tight. Specifically, we consider a scenario where nodes are required to learn a linear combination of the initial values in the network while communicating over erasure channels. Our results suggest that in this scenario, the computation time depends reciprocally on ?conductance.? Conductance is a property of the network which captures the information-flow bottle-neck that arises due to topology and channel capacities.
Global and Local Concerns: What Attitudes and Beliefs Motivate Farmers to Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change?

In response to agriculture's vulnerability and contribution to climate change, many governments are developing initiatives that promote the adoption of mitigation and adaptation practices among farmers. Since most climate policies affecting agriculture rely on voluntary efforts by individual farmers, success requires a sound understanding of the factors that motivate farmers to change practices. Recent evidence suggests that past experience with the effects of climate change and the psychological distance associated with people's concern for global and local impacts can influence environmental behavior. Here we surveyed farmers in a representative rural county in California's Central Valley to examine how their intention to adopt mitigation and adaptation practices is influenced by previous climate experiences and their global and local concerns about climate change. Perceived changes in water availability had significant effects on farmers' intention to adopt mitigation and adaptation strategies, which were mediated through global and local concerns respectively. This suggests that mitigation is largely motivated by psychologically distant concerns and beliefs about climate change, while adaptation is driven by psychologically proximate concerns for local impacts. This match between attitudes and behaviors according to the psychological distance at which they are cognitively construed indicates that policy and outreach initiatives may benefit by framing climate impacts and behavioral goals concordantly; either in a global context for mitigation or a local context for adaptation.
The photochemical production of HONO during the heterogeneous hydrolysis of NO2

The heterogeneous hydrolysis of NO2 in thin water films, a major source of HONO and hence OH radicals in polluted urban atmospheres, has been previously reported to be photoenhanced (H. Akimoto, H. Takagi and F. Sakamaki, Int. J. Chem. Kinet., 1987, 19, 539, ) which has important implications for OH production both in environmental chambers and in the lower atmosphere. We report here studies of the impact of 320–400 nm radiation on HONO formation during the heterogeneous NO2 hydrolysis at 296 K. The experiments were carried out in a borosilicate glass cell using long path Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with three initial NO2 concentrations (20, 46, and 54 ppm) at relative humidities of 33, 39, and 57%, respectively. Nitrous acid was first allowed to accumulate from NO2 hydrolysis in the dark, and then the mixture of reactants and products was irradiated. The measured concentration–time profiles of the gases were compared to the predictions of a kinetics model developed for this system. The initial loss of HONO upon irradiation was consistent with its photolysis and known secondary gas phase chemistry without any photoenhancement. While the fundamental NO2 heterogeneous hydrolysis is not itself photoenhanced, there is clear evidence in these experiments for the generation of gas phase HONO by photolysis of adsorbed HNO3 formed during the heterogeneous hydrolysis. The mechanisms and atmospheric implications of HONO as well as NO2 formation by the photolysis of surface-adsorbed HNO3 are discussed.
A simulation study of a CSMA/CD with connected data links

Since local area networks (LANs) have become a vital part of the modern computing, a great deal of effort has been devoted to their design, standardization, and implementation. Most of this work has been based on a simple linear bus or ring topology (Ethernet, Token Bus, and Token Ring). However, the linear bus and ring topology networks have significant disadvantages in certain applications. Recently, the authors proposed a new hybrid architecture local area network, Hybrid-Meshnet. The Hybrid-Meshnet allows an insertion and/or deletion of data links into/from existing local area networks: Ethernet or Token Ring. The earlier works have concentrated on a token ring with connected data links. In this paper, the authors investigate another Hybrid-Meshnet network architecture, CSMA/CD, with connected data links. A simulation model is designed for the purpose of performance measure of the proposed network. Simulation results indicate that, even with small increase in link cost by addition of direct data links, performance can be improved significantly over a pure Ethernet. >
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus MicroRNAs Target IRAK1 and MYD88, Two Components of the Toll-Like Receptor/Interleukin-1R Signaling Cascade, To Reduce Inflammatory-Cytokine Expression

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of KS, an important AIDS-associated malignancy. KSHV expresses at least 18 different mature microRNAs (miRNAs). We identified interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) as a potential target of miR-K12-9 (miR-K9) in an array data set examining changes in cellular gene expression levels in the presence of KSHV miRNAs. Using 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) luciferase reporter assays, we confirmed that miR-K9 and other miRNAs inhibit IRAK1 expression. In addition, IRAK1 expression is downregulated in cells transfected with miR-K9 and during de novo KSHV infection. IRAK1 is an important component of the Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL-1R signaling cascade. The downregulation of IRAK1 by miR-K9 resulted in the decreased stimulation of NF-κB activity in endothelial cells treated with IL-1α and in B cells treated with a TLR7/8 agonist. Interestingly, miR-K9 had a greater effect on NF-κB activity than did a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting IRAK1 despite the more efficient downregulation of IRAK1 expression with the siRNA. We hypothesized that KSHV miRNAs may also be regulating a second component of the TLR/IL-1R signaling cascade, resulting in a stronger phenotype. Reanalysis of the array data set identified myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MYD88) as an additional potential target. 3′UTR luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analysis confirmed the targeting of MYD88 by miR-K5. The presence of miR-K9 and miR-K5 inhibited the production of IL-6 and IL-8 upon the IL-1α stimulation of endothelial cells. These results demonstrate KSHV-encoded miRNAs regulating the TLR/IL-1R signaling cascade at two distinct points and suggest the importance of these pathways during viral infection.
What professors need to know about technology to assess on‐line student learning

Universities around the world are offering classes on the Internet. This chapter answers questions about the nature of on-line courses and how assessment is done in these courses to help faculty understand how on-line learning can enhance student learning.
Nano-fibers produced by viral infection of amoeba visualized by atomic force microscopy.

In the course of an atomic force microscopy investigation of mimivirus, we observed that disrupted virions released masses of fibers that were several hundreds of nanometers in length and that could not be explained as nucleic acid or polysaccharide. The fibers exhibited a strong 7 nm periodicity along their lengths. They existed singly, and also as ribbons, cables, and in multi stranded coils. In the aggregate structures, the periodic bands of the individual fibers aligned laterally to produce ribbons and other superstructures having a corresponding pattern of 7 nm periodic transverse bands. We have not observed such fibers in studies of other virus and cellular systems. The fibers are mechanically flexible and resistant to breakage. Occasionally fibers were associated with toroidal protein complexes, assumed to be processive enzyme complexes, apparently in the act of modifying the fibers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 234–239, 2011.
Preliminary evidence for mediation of the association between acculturation and sun-safe behaviors

Objectives To identify and test mediators of the relationship between acculturation and sun-safe behaviors among Latinos in the United States. We hypothesized that the effect of acculturation on use of sunscreen, shade, and sun-protective clothing would be mediated by perceived health status, educational level, access to health care, and contact with social networks regarding health matters. Design The 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey, implemented by the National Cancer Institute. Setting Nationwide survey. Participants A probability-based sample of the US civilian, noninstitutionalized adult population, comprising 496 Latino respondents. Main Outcome Measures Use of sunscreen, shade, and sun-protective clothing when outdoors on sunny days, assessed by self-report on frequency scales. Results The positive association between acculturation and sunscreen use and the negative association between acculturation and use of sun-protective clothing were mediated by educational level (P Conclusions Structural equation models revealed distinct direct and indirect paths between acculturation and each sun-safe practice. Our findings emphasize behavior-specific mediated associations and could inform sun safety programming for Latinos with low and high levels of acculturation. The models support educational level, contact with social networks regarding health matters, and perceived health status as mediators primarily for sunscreen use. Future research should test different mediators for use of shade or sun-protective clothing.
Is the Regulation of Insulin Signaling Multi-Organismal?

The sustained health of an individual animal depends on the composition and activities of its resident microbiota. A major challenge is to identify the processes by which the microbiota and animal interact, recognizing that this research should lead ultimately to novel strategies to promote human health. Drosophila is emerging as a tractable model system to investigate these interactions. New evidence reveals that the gut microbiota promotes insulin signaling in Drosophila , leading to increased growth and development rates. Different gut bacteria and mechanisms were implicated: acetic acid produced by Acetobacter pomorum and the promotion of amino acid nutrition by Lactobacillus plantarum . These findings raise the possibility that multiple bacterial effectors may interact with signaling networks to shape animal health.
Speed-versus-accuracy trade-offs during nest relocation in Argentine ants ( Linepithema humile ) and odorous house ants ( Tapinoma sessile )

Animals are often forced to accommodate disturbance to their territories or nests. When nest relocation becomes necessary, it is important to efficiently evaluate alternative nest sites to choose the one most suitable under current conditions. However, if time is limiting, species may experience a speed-versus-accuracy trade-off when searching for a new home. We examined nest site selection under duress (in the form of flooding) in two species of ants: Linepithema humile and Tapinoma sessile. We predicted that if ants are able to assess and evacuate to the most suitable location, colonies should move to higher elevation, relative to their current nest site, in response to flooding. To test for a speed-versus-accuracy trade-off, we presented colonies with new nest chambers that were either higher, lower, or at the same height as their current nest and examined if their ability to efficiently choose a new site was influenced by the rate of flooding. When flooding rates were slow, both species favored the highest nest site and nearly always moved their entire nest to the same chamber. However, when the rate of flooding was doubled, colonies of T. sessile less often chose the highest nest site and were also more likely to split their nests between two of the available chambers. These results demonstrate a trade-off between speed and accuracy in nest site selection for odorous house ants, while L. humile retained their ability to adequately assess new nest sites under the conditions we presented. These patterns may arise from differences in exploratory behavior and activity between the two species. Despite having identical colony sizes, L. humile had approximately ten times more workers exploring the alternate nest sites 30 min into the experiment than did T. sessile.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders: clinical research advances

Cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety is based upon both sound theoretical and empirical underpinnings. This article reviews the empirical support for the efficacy of this treatment as well as its adaptability and transportability to diverse population of children, to treatment type (e.g. group, individual or family) and treatment setting (academia, office practice, schools and communities). A description of the Coping Cat programme provides an example of how manualized cognitive behavioural therapy programmes can meet the needs of anxious youth.
On Norms: A Typology with Discussion

There is a lack of consensus in the literature, spanning multiple fields, on what exactly a norm is and furthermore on the characteristics differentiating types of norms. This paper provides definitions and a simple typology of norms with a focus on useful, objective distinctions. It is hoped that such a typology will add to the scientific rigor of communication, modeling, and clarity of thought on norms within economics and possibly other disciplines. The viability of "more complete" typologies, which often suffer from a lack of clear criteria for differentiating types of norms, is questioned. Two main properties of a norm are emphasized: (1) whether or not the behavior is simply what is done or whether it is what one should do, and (2) the source of sanctions for violating a norm, whether oneself, others, both or neither.
A Moving Robotic Hand System for Whole-Glove Permeation and Penetration: Captan and Nitrile Gloves

The aim of this study was to develop a robotic hand to test the influence of hand movement on the permeation/penetration of captan through disposable nitrile rubber gloves. An available robotic hand was modified to within one standard deviation of the anthropometric 50th percentile male hand. Permeation tests used a nylon inspection glove interposed between medium-size outer and inner nitrile gloves, the latter protected the hand. Permeation of an aqueous emulsion (217 mg/mL) of captan was conducted at 35°C ± 0.7°C. A new surface wipe technique facilitated collection of captan from the inner surface of the exposed nitrile gloves, a technique favored above rinse methods that extracted captan from within the glove. With hand movement, the permeated mass of captan collected after 8 hr ranged from 1.6 to 970 μ g (Brand A) and 8.6 ± 1.2 μ g (Brand B). Without hand movement, the corresponding masses ranged from 1.4 to 8.4 μ g (Brand A) and 11 ± 3 μ g (Brand B). These results were not significantly different at ...
Methods and Metrics for Evaluation of an Automated Real-Time Driver Warning System:

There is significant interest among traffic management personnel in the use of automated warning systems to provide drivers with real-time information on hazardous conditions related to traffic, limited visibility, or roadway obstructions. However, the effectiveness of such systems in achieving desired traffic safety improvements has not yet been well quantified. Relative influences on traffic safety can be assessed in many ways, and overall conclusions must be based on an appropriate set of metrics and methodologies for a particular implementation. This work, supported by the California Office of Traffic Safety and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), builds on prior research to develop, deploy, and test various metrics and methods to evaluate a large-scale real-time driver warning system, the Caltrans automated warning system, installed on Interstate 5 and State Route 120 near Stockton, California. Methods include the analysis of historical accident data over an 11-year period, a direct assessment of the operational behavior of the system correlated with accident data, and a study of the direct effects of real-time warning messages on driver behavior. Instrumentation deployed to facilitate these detailed analyses is described. The resultant body of data supports the correlation of measurable traffic flow parameters with relative traffic safety.
A tool for teaching principles of image metadata generation

We developed a simple web-based prototype to familiarize students with digital library tools. To assist the students with the indexing task, the prototype provided basic functionalities, including metadata input form, photo search interface. The students generally expressed a positive feedback toward the use of digital library tools in their image indexing project.
Rhinitis as an independent risk factor for adult-onset asthma

Abstract Background: For many years, the association between asthma and rhinitis has primarily been attributed to a common allergic background. Recently, it has been suggested that asthma and rhinitis are associated in the absence of atopy. The nature of this association is not well known. Objective: The purpose of this study, which was performed in a large, longitudinal community population, was to determine the extent to which rhinitis is an independent risk factor for adult-onset asthma. Methods: We carried out a nested case-control study from the longitudinal cohort of the Tucson Epidemiologic Study of Obstructive Lung Diseases. One hundred seventy-three incident patients with physician-confirmed asthma were compared with 2177 subjects who reported no asthma or shortness of breath with wheezing. Potential risk factors, including the presence of rhinitis, were assessed before the onset of asthma (patients) or before the last completed survey (control subjects). Results: Rhinitis was a significant risk factor for asthma (crude odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 2.88-5.92). After adjustment for years of follow-up, age, sex, atopic status, smoking status, and presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the magnitude of the association was reduced but still highly significant (adjusted odds ratio, 3.21; 95% confidence interval, 2.19-4.71). After stratification, rhinitis increased the risk of development of asthma by about 3 times both among atopic and nonatopic patients and by more than 5 times among patients in the highest IgE tertile. Patients with rhinitis with persistent and severe nasal symptoms and a personal history of physician-confirmed sinusitis had an additional increased risk of asthma development. Conclusion: We conclude that rhinitis is a significant risk factor for adult-onset asthma in both atopic and nonatopic subjects. The nature of the association between rhinitis and asthma is open to interpretation. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:419-25.)
Biotic resistance in marine environments

Biological invasions depend in part on the resistance of native communities. Meta-analyses of terrestrial experiments demonstrate that native primary producers and herbivores generally resist invasions of primary producers, and that resistance through competition strengthens with native producer diversity. To test the generality of these findings, we conducted a meta-analysis of marine experiments. We found that native marine producers generally failed to resist producer invasions through competition unless the native community was diverse, and this diversity effect was weaker in marine than in terrestrial systems. In contrast, native consumers equally resisted invasive producers in both ecosystems. Most marine experiments, however, tested invasive consumers and these invasions were resisted more strongly than were producer invasions. Given these differences between ecosystems and between marine trophic levels, we used a model-selection approach to assess if factors other than the resistance mechanism (i.e. competition vs. consumption) are more important for predicting marine biotic resistance. These results suggest that understanding marine biotic resistance depends on latitude, habitat and invader taxon, in addition to distinguishing between competition with and consumption by native species. By examining biotic resistance within and across ecosystems, our work provides a more complete understanding of the factors that underlie biological invasions.
Decision Support Using Deterministic Equivalents of Probabilistic Game Trees

We have developed a game-theory driven decision-support tool that builds probabilistic game trees automatically from user-defined actions, rules, and states. The result of evaluating the paths in the game tree is a series of decisions which forms a decision-path representing an epsilon-Nash-Equilibrium. The algorithm uses certainty-equivalents to handle trade-offs between expected rewards and risks, effectively modeling the probabilistic game tree as deterministic. The resulting decision-paths correspond to player actions in the scenario. These sets of actions can be used as search patterns against a real-world database. A match to one of these patterns indicates an instance of novel behavior patterns generated by the game-theory driven decision support tool. This particular paradigm could be applied in any domain that requires anticipating and responding to adversarial agents with uncertainty, from mission planning to emergency responders to systems configuration.
Linear and nonlinear elasticity imaging of soft tissue in vivo: demonstration of feasibility

We establish the feasibility of imaging the linear and nonlinear elastic properties of soft tissue using ultrasound. We report results for breast tissue where it is conjectured that these properties may be used to discern malignant tumors from benign tumors. We consider and compare three different quantities that describe nonlinear behavior, including the variation of strain distribution with overall strain, the variation of the secant modulus with overall applied strain and finally the distribution of the nonlinear parameter in a fully nonlinear hyperelastic model of the breast tissue.
The wide spectrum of myofibrillar myopathy suggests a multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis

Background: Myofibrillar myopathy (MFM) is characterized by nonhyaline lesions (foci of myofibrillar destruction) and hyaline lesions (cytoplasmic inclusions composed of compacted myofibrillar residues) on light and electron microscopy. Immunocytochemistry demonstrates the abnormal expression of desmin and numerous other proteins. The clinical, laboratory, and histologic features of MFM are heterogeneous, making a diagnosis difficult. Results: We diagnosed eight patients with MFM over the preceding 3 years. MFM was inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern in one patient, developed sporadically in five patients, and was induced by an experimental chemotherapy, Elinafide (Knoll, Parsippany, NJ), in two patients. Age at onset ranged from 14 to 64 years. The pattern of weakness was variable but involved proximal and distal muscles. Five patients had evidence of a cardiomyopathy. Electromyography demonstrated muscle membrane instability and small, polyphasic motor unit potentials. Serum creatine kinase levels were normal to moderately elevated ( Conclusions: Patients demonstrate a wide spectrum of clinical, laboratory, and histologic abnormalities. Chemotherapy-induced MFM has abnormalities on immunocytochemistry similar to the those of hereditary and sporadic cases. The pathogenesis of MFM is likely heterogeneous. However, MFM is distinctive in that it can preferentially affect distal muscles and has a frequent association with cardiomyopathy. The cardiomyopathy may be amenable to treatment with pacemaker insertion or cardiac transplantation.
Trastuzumab emtansine: a novel antibody-drug conjugate for HER2-positive breast cancer

Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a novel HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate. T-DM1 consists of the potent antimicrotubule agent DM1, linked via a noncleavable linker to the HER2-specific monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. Preclinical studies demonstrate that T-DM1 has dual mechanisms of action: selective delivery of DM1 to the HER2-positive (HER2(+)) tumor cell combined with trastuzumab's activation of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and inhibition of HER2-mediated signal transduction. In phase II studies, T-DM1 was active in patients with trastuzumab- and lapatinib-refractory metastatic breast cancer and led to improved progression-free survival compared with the combination of trastuzumab and docetaxel in the first-line setting. In a recent phase III trial in patients with metastatic breast cancer who previously received trastuzumab and a taxane, T-DM1 resulted in improved progression-free and overall survival compared with capecitabine and lapatinib. T-DM1 is associated with a favorable toxicity profile; reversible thrombocytopenia and hepatic transaminase elevations are the only grade ≥3 adverse event present in 5% or more of patients. Alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, and neutropenia are distinctly uncommon. On the basis of its improved efficacy and toxicity compared with capecitabine/lapatinib, T-DM1 should be considered the standard for patients with HER2(+) metastatic breast cancer who have previously progressed on trastuzumab and a taxane. Results from additional randomized studies in metastatic breast cancer are pending, and trials in the (neo)adjuvant setting are being initiated.
The Assurance Of Learning Process Components And The Effects Of Engaging Students In The Learning

Assurance of learning process plays a major role in higher education and has increased the accountability on the part of instructors at all levels. This paper will discuss the role of assurance processes in teaching and the ways to measure these processes of student learning. The research focus will be to determine if student engagement in problem solving and hands on experiences during the learning assist the learning process?
Production of ethanol from lignocellulosic materials using thermophilic bacteria: Critical evaluation of potential and review

Resource and technological aspects of ethanol production are considered. Conversion of lignocellulosic substrates to ethanol via thermophilic bacteria is then addressed, with particular emphasis on evaluation from an engineering perspective.
The Clause Structure of Wolof: Insights into the Left Periphery

This volume investigates the clausal syntax of Wolof, an understudied Atlantic language of Senegal. The goals of the work are descriptive, analytical, and comparative, with a focus on the structure of the left periphery and left peripheral phenomena. The book includes detailed examination of the morpho‑syntax of wh‑questions, successive cyclicity, subject marking, relative clauses, topic/focus articulation, and complementizer agreement. Novel data from Wolof is used to evaluate and extend theoretical proposals concerning the structure of the Complementizer Phrase (CP) and Tense Phrase (TP). It is argued that Wolof provides evidence for the promotion analysis of relative clauses, an “exploded” CP and TP, and for analyses that treat relative clauses as composed of a determiner with a CP complement. It is further argued that Wolof has a set of silent wh‑expressions and these are compared to superficially similar constructions in colloquial German, Bavarian, Dutch, and Norwegian. The book also presents a comparison of complementizer agreement across a number of related and unrelated languages. Data from Indo‑European (Germanic varieties, French, Irish), Niger‑Congo (Atlantic, Bantu, Gur), and Semitic (Arabic) languages put the Wolof phenomena in a larger typological context by showing the range of variation in complementizer agreement systems.
Soft-Bottom Succession and the Fossil Record

It is perhaps ironic that the editors of this book would emphasize in their own contribution that certain patterns of biotic interactions found in modern soft-bottom communities are not likely to be preserved in the fossil record and that the interpretation of some preserved patterns is problematical. But this is our conclusion with respect to successions on soft bottoms. After examining both live and dead shelled faunas of nearshore clastic facies, we also conclude that the areal distribution of fossil species cannot be used to establish with certainty the dominant controls of the distribution of living fauna. But these conclusions are provisional, and more subtle and clever analysis may eventually vitiate our pessimism and better explain the causes for some distributional patterns.
Use of Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers in a Hospital-based Disaster Exercise.

Introduction The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of community-based volunteer groups created in 2002 by the Office of the United States Surgeon General (Rockville, Maryland USA) to augment the nation’s ability to respond to medical and public health emergencies. However, there is little evidence-based literature available to guide hospitals on the optimal use of medical volunteers and hesitancy on the part of hospitals to use them. Hypothesis/Problem This study sought to determine how MRC volunteers can be used in hospital-based disasters through their participation in a full-scale exercise. Methods A full-scale exercise was designed as a “Disaster Olympics,” in which the Emergency Medicine residents were divided into teams tasked with completing one of the following five challenges: victim decontamination, mass casualty/decontamination tent assembly, patient triage and registration during a disaster, point of distribution (POD) site set-up and operation, and infection control management. A surge of patients potentially exposed to avian influenza was the scenario created for the latter three challenges. Some MRC volunteers were assigned clinical roles. These roles included serving as members of the suit support team for victim decontamination, distributing medications at the POD, and managing infection control. Other MRC volunteers functioned as “victim evaluators,” who portrayed the potential avian influenza victims while simultaneously evaluating various aspects of the disaster response. The MRC volunteers provided feedback on their experience and evaluators provided feedback on the performance of the MRC volunteers using evaluation tools. Results Twenty-eight (90%) MRC volunteers reported that they worked well with the residents and hospital staff, felt the exercise was useful, and were assigned clearly defined roles. However, only 21 (67%) reported that their qualifications were assessed prior to role assignment. For those MRC members who functioned as “victim evaluators,” nine identified errors in aspects of the care they received and the disaster response. Of those who evaluated the MRC, nine (90%) felt that the MRC worked well with the residents and hospital staff. Ten (100%) of these evaluators recommended that MRC volunteers participate in future disaster exercises. Conclusion Through use of a full-scale exercise, this study was able to identify roles for MRC volunteers in a hospital-based disaster. This study also found MRC volunteers to be uniquely qualified to serve as “victim evaluators” in a hospital-based disaster exercise. Gist R , Daniel P , Grock A , Lin C , Bryant C , Kohlhoff S , Roblin P , Arquilla B . Use of Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers in a Hospital-based Disaster Exercise. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(3):259–262.