cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Reactions of Soybean Isolines With Combinations of Aphid Resistance Genes Rag1, Rag2, and Rag3 to Four Soybean Aphid Biotypes

With the discovery of the soybean aphid ( Aphis glycines Matsumura) as a devastating insect pest of soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in the United States, host resistance was recognized as an important management option. However, the identification of soybean aphid isolates exhibiting strong virulence against aphid resistance genes ( Rag genes) has highlighted the need for pyramiding genes to help ensure the durability of host resistance as a control strategy. In this study, soybean isolines with all possible combinations of the resistance and susceptibility alleles at Rag1 , Rag2 , and Rag3 were evaluated for their effectiveness against the four characterized soybean aphid biotypes. All soybean isolines, including the susceptible check carrying none of the resistance alleles (S1/S2/S3), were infested with each biotype in no-choice greenhouse tests, and the aphid populations developed on each isoline were enumerated 14 d after infestation. All gene combinations, with the exception of Rag3 alone, provided excellent protection against biotype 1. Isolines with Rag2 alone or in combination with Rag1 and Rag3 had greater levels of resistance to biotype 2 than those with either Rag1 alone, Rag3 alone, or the Rag1/3 pyramid. For biotype 3, the Rag1/3 and Rag1/2/3 pyramided lines significantly reduced aphid populations compared with all other gene combinations, while the Rag1/2/3 pyramid provided the greatest protection against biotype 4. Overall, the Rag1/2/3 pyramided line conferred the greatest protection against all four biotypes.
A Synopsis of the Genus Apsida with Description of a New Species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

A key to the 9 known species of the Neotropical genus Apsida Lacordaire is presented. A. lustrans , a new species from Costa Rica, is described, and A. aencomicans Bates is reduced to synonymy under A. purpurcomicans Bates.
The effects of a wisdom intervention in a Christian congregation

Psychological research on the topic of wisdom is limited in its incorporation of religion and spirituality. This gap in psychological literature may serve to limit a thorough understanding of wisdom. Positive psychology may allow for some rapprochement in wisdom and spirituality. In collaboration with leaders of a local Friends (Quaker) congregation, two studies investigated the effects of a spiritually informed wisdom intervention delivered in the context of a faith community. Participants for Study 1 consisted of 27 young adults (24 completed both the pre and post questionnaire) and a comparison group consisting of 32 young adults. The intervention was designed to increase participants’ abilities in cognitive, affective and moral domains. Significant group by time interaction effects were found among measurements of practical wisdom, post-formal thinking and subjective well-being, with those in the experimental group showing changes in the expected direction. Study 2 involved qualitative analyse...
“AULINHAS DE SEDUÇÃO” [SMALL LESSONS IN SEDUCTION]: clarice lispector on how (not) to be a woman

AbstractThis article examines Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector’s contributions to the women’s pages of the newspapers Correio da Manha and Diario da Noite between 1959 and 1961. While Lispector’s fictional output has spawned a steady flow of scholarly and academic studies from a wide array of disciplines and fields of study, her journalistic production, in particular the women’s pages she crafted under a pseudonym, has hardly received any critical attention. The “women’s page” is a fixed section in magazines and newspapers entirely dedicated to women, addressed specifically to a female readership, and generally authored by a woman or a female persona. The purpose of this article is to redress this critical oversight and complement the only study so far of this corpus – Aparecida Maria Nunes’s Clarice Lispector Jornalista – by arguing that, in Lispector’s hands, these pages become spaces of potential cultural and political intervention. Through their nuanced parody of other comparable discursive spaces a...
Collateral Advantages of a Gel Electrolyte for MnO2 Nanowire Capacitors: Higher Voltage and Reduced Volume

Recently we demonstrated that symmetric, all Au@δ-MnO2 core@shell nanowire capacitors can achieve cycle stability to 100 000 cycles and beyond in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) gel electrolyte. Here we examine the limits of the PMMA gel to confer this extraordinary stability, in terms of the accessible maximum voltage, Vmax, and the thickness of the PMMA gel electrolyte layer. Two conclusions are (1) the PMMA gel permits the Vmax to be increased by 50% from 1.2 V to 1.8 V, allowing the specific energy to be increased 5–6 fold, and (2) the PMMA gel layer thickness can be reduced from 180 μm (previously) to 2 μm while simultaneously utilizing two layers of nanowires and patterning nanowires in each layer at 5× higher density. For this nanowire “sandwich” architecture, a net increase in volumetric capacity of 600× up to 500 mF/cm3 can be achieved while retaining cycle stability to 100 000 cycles.
Sum of outer products dictionary learning for inverse problems

The data-driven adaptation of synthesis dictionaries has been exploited in many applications in signal processing and imaging. This paper exploits efficient methods for aggregate sparsity penalized dictionary learning by first approximating the matrix of image patches with a sum of sparse rank-one matrices (outer products) and then using a block coordinate descent approach to estimate the unknowns, and applies such sum of outer products methodologies for the problem of dictionary-blind image reconstruction. We propose efficient algorithms for adaptive image reconstruction and provide a convergence analysis for our methods. Our numerical experiments show the promising performance provided by the proposed schemes over recent methods in compressed sensing-based image reconstruction.
Effects of Reinforcement Contingencies on Performance of Children with Mental Retardation and Attention Problems

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that children with ADHD respond differently to schedules of reinforcement than children without ADHD. Nine control subjects and 11 ADHD children (all with mental retardation or borderline IQ) were tested on a cancellation task with no reinforcement and with continuous and partial reinforcement. Magnitude of reinforcement was held constant by giving equal numbers of reinforcers during continuous and partial reinforcement. Both schedules of reinforcement produced significant improvements over baseline, which demonstrates once again the positive effect of reinforcement in shaping and maintaining adaptive behavior. However, there were no appreciable differences between groups in their responses to reinforcement schedules. This challenges the validity of a common explanation of the cause of ADHD.
No mere tautology: the division of labour is limited by the division of labour

We explore the intersection of growth theory and the theory of the firm with an experiment. Economic growth is possible in our experiment when agents specialize to exploit increasing returns. We find that low opportunity costs are sufficient for Marshallian internal economies, but that Marshallian external economies are slow to emerge in four probing treatment conditions. Transaction costs do not hamper external economies as we anticipated prior to collecting data. When external economies falter, it is because new ideas of more extensive specialization fail to emerge. Ideas make further divisions of the division of labour—and thus economic growth—possible. Conversely, a lack of ideas make further divisions of labour and economic growth impossible. Our data reveal how the likelihood of new ideas is inseparably tied to the existing extent of specialization.
Flexible Experiment Introducing Factorial Experimental Design

Although experimental design is important in many fields and industries, most undergraduate students do not get exposure to this in a standard lab curriculum. This work describes a student-designed, multiple-week, flexible chemistry experiment with environmental applications that include factorial experimental design and analysis of variance statistical analysis. Through the experiment, students attempt to gain a better understanding of activated carbon adsorption of dyes under a set of factors, which could include type of dye, type of carbon, pH, salinity, hardness, and time of contact, each at multiple levels. The experiment is easily adaptable for a range of student enrollments and uses only common laboratory glassware and any visible spectrometer.
Physical and Biological Studies of Coal Fly Ash

In our initial studies of the potential health impact of energy technologies, we have performed physical, chemical, and mutagenic studies with coal fly ash. Although the vast majority (95–99%) of the fly ash produced in coal combustion for electric power generation is retained in the power plant, we (5) have estimated that 2.4 million metric tons of fly ash were emitted in the atmosphere from U. S. coal-fired electric plants in 1974. Because the principal particulate emission control technologies, electrostatic precipitators (ESP) or wet scrubbers, have low collection efficiency for smaller particles (34), much of the released fly ash is in the “respirable” size range (aerodynamic diameters <10 m) (11). This fine particle fraction presents the greatest potential health hazard because fine particles have the longest atmospheric residence times, and thus the greatest potential for ultimate human inhalation (21), and are generally most efficiently deposited in deep lung and least efficiently removed by mucociliary transport (35).
Microfluidic and computational study of structural properties and resistance to flow of blood clots under arterial shear

The ability of a blood clot to modulate blood flow is determined by the clot’s resistance, which depends on its structural features. For a flow with arterial shear, we investigated the characteristic patterns relating to clot shape, size, and composition on the one hand, and its viscous resistance, intraclot axial flow velocity, and shear distributions on the other. We used microfluidic technology to measure the kinetics of platelet, thrombin, and fibrin accumulation at a thrombogenic surface coated with collagen and tissue factor (TF), the key clot-formation trigger. We subsequently utilized the obtained data to perform additional calibration and validation of a detailed computational fluid dynamics model of spatial clot growth under flow. We then ran model simulations to gain insights into the resistance of clots formed under our experimental conditions. We found that increased thrombogenic surface length and TF surface density enhanced the bulk thrombin and fibrin generation in a nonadditive, synergistic way. The height of the platelet deposition domain—and, therefore, clot occlusivity—was rather robust to thrombogenic surface length and TF density variations, but consistently increased with time. Clot viscous resistance was non-uniform and tended to be higher in the fibrin-rich, inner “core” region of the clot. Interestingly, despite intraclot structure and viscous resistance variations, intraclot flow velocity variations were minor compared to the abrupt decrease in flow velocity around the platelet deposition region. Our results shed new light on the connection between the structure of clots under arterial shear and spatiotemporal variations in their resistance to flow.
The concept of time in Bion's "A Theory of Thinking".

ABSTRACTA complex and subtle theory of time is at the heart of Bion’s 1962 text “A Theory of Thinking.” The central point is the differentiation of “conception” and “thought,” psychic elements that in the infant are born respectively from experiences of satisfaction and frustration. These mnestic inscriptions should be understood as in dialectic relation with each other. From this matrix, within which originary temporality is established, lived time derives, but only when it is inserted in the symbolic order through the function of language, which gives access to the “concept.” Our feeling of time is therefore based on the rhythm of presentation of the breast and thus on the primary relationship with the object, as well as on a broader symbolic network. The meeting of a preconception of the breast with the mere absence of the breast is not able to generate a “thought” and establish time. That is why Bion distinguishes between absence of breast or non-breast and nothing (noughtness), a state of nameless dr...
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Attenuates Acute Lung Allograft Injury in a Rat Lung Transplant Model.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) after lung transplantation triggers a cascade of inflammatory changes that can contribute to acute allograft injury. This influences both the short- and long-term survival of the lung allograft. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protease inhibitor with known anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory properties that mitigate tissue damage. This study explores the protective effects of AAT in the setting of IRI utilizing a rat lung transplant model. Methods Orthotopic left single lung transplantation was performed from Lewis to Sprague-Dawley rats; recipients did not receive systemic immunosuppression. Before transplantation, the donor lungs were primed with either albumin (control) or AAT. Starting the day of transplantation, recipient rats also received either albumin (control) or AAT with subsequent doses administered over the next 7 days. On the eighth postoperative day, lung allografts were recovered and analyzed. Results Degree of inflammatory infiltrate, as quantified by the allograft weight (g)/body weight (kg) ratio, was significantly reduced in the AAT-treated group compared with controls (3.5 vs 7.7, respectively, P < 0.05). Treatment with AAT also significantly decreased allograft necrosis in treated animals, as measured by a semiquantitative score that ranged from 0 to 4 (1.25 vs 4, P < 0.05). In addition, lymphocytes isolated from recipients treatment group showed significant proliferative inhibition via a mixed lymphocyte response assay in response to donor antigens. Conclusions AAT attenuates acute allograft injury and necrosis in a rat model of lung transplantation, suggesting that AAT may play a role in reducing IRI-induced inflammation.
DNA Purification Cell Lysis and Wash Step Modifications for Low‐Template DNA Sample Processing,

As DNA technology becomes increasingly sensitive, forensic laboratories are receiving more low-template DNA samples. These samples, already low in DNA content, become even more challenging to process as the available DNA becomes further reduced during the extraction step. In this study, two extraction modifications were tested to determine if the cause of DNA loss could be identified and mitigated. A double lysis technique was used to test for DNA loss in the sample collection substrate, and lysate eluates were re-extracted to determine DNA loss from inefficient binding to the silica column. Both modifications showed DNA was lost at these steps. However, resulting STR profiles from these samples had fewer peaks and lower peak heights when compared to samples processed with no extraction modifications. Overall, the potential benefits of adding these extraction modifications for low-template DNA sample processing are not enough to justify the risk associated with additional manipulation.
Comparison of Phased-Array and Parabolic Antenna Polarimetric Weather Radar Variables at X-Band

The University of Massachusetts is implementing a testbed to evaluate phased-array weather radar polarimetry at X-band. The project seeks to determine the impacts of electronic scanning and associated polarization errors on weather radar measurables to analyze methods for polarimetric bias correction. The testbed consists of a planar dual-polarization X-band phased-array radar operated in tandem with a mechanically scanned polarimetric reference radar. The projection of tilted phased-array aperture polarizations to world coordinates are outlined, and direct comparisons of simultaneous weather observations by both radar systems are made along with quasi-vertical measurements of light precipitation which should reveal the array response to precipitation in the absence of differential reflectivity or differential phase.
Francis Abiola irele: a bibliography

Lectures Africaines: A Prose Anthology of African Writing in French. London and Ibadan: Heinemann Educational, 1969. Selected Poems of Leopold Sedar Senghor. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge UP, 1977. Thea...
ROLE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH FOR EXTRACTIONS OF IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATORS

Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead extraction (TVLE) carries significant risks. A case of complex and aborted TVLE is presented highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approach for these cases. A 37-year-old-female with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had a primary
Accurate Numerical Modeling of Complex Thermal Processes: Impact of Professor Spalding’s Work

Practical thermal processes and systems, in application areas such as energy, manufacturing, environmental control, heating/cooling, thermal management of electronics, and transportation, generally involve combined transport mechanisms and many different complex phenomena. The materials of interest are also frequently difficult to characterize, and their properties could involve large changes with temperature, concentration, and pressure. The boundary conditions are often unknown or not well defined. The configuration and the geometry are frequently quite complicated. However, in order to study, predict, design, and optimize most practical thermal processes, it is important to obtain accurate and realistic numerical results from the simulation. The mathematical and numerical models must be verified and validated to establish the accuracy and reliability of the simulation results if these are to be used for improving existing systems and developing new ones. This paper focuses on the main considerations that arise and approaches that may be adopted to obtain accurate numerical simulation results on practical thermal processes and systems. A wide range of systems is considered, including those involved in materials processing, energy, heat removal, and safety. Verification and validation, imposition of realistic boundary conditions, modeling of complex, multimode, transport phenomena, multiscale modeling, and time dependence of the processes are discussed. Additional aspects such as viscous dissipation, surface tension, buoyancy, and rarefaction that arise in several systems are also considered. Uncertainties that arise in material properties and in boundary conditions are also important in design and optimization. The methodology to treat these is outlined. Large variations in the geometry and coupled multiple regions are also of interest. The methods that may be used to address these issues are discussed, along with typical results for a range of important processes. Future needs in this interesting and important area are also presented. In many of these studies, the work done by Professor Spalding and his research group has been particularly valuable, since it has guided many of the simplifications and approaches that have been adopted. This paper is a brief tribute to the extraordinary contributions of Professor Spalding to the field of computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
High-speed digital in-line holography for in-situ dust cloud characterization in a minimum ignition energy device

Abstract Precise measurement of the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of combustible dust is crucial to safety in the process industries. The development of comprehensive methods for MIE dust cloud characterization is therefore highly desirable. The objective of this study is to investigate the application of high-speed digital in-line holography (DIH) for volumetric and in-situ characterization of dust clouds near the ignition zone of a Kuhner MIKE3 MIE device. The dispersion behavior of borosilicate glass and soda-lime glass dust clouds are studied at 20 kHz. Size measurements, with successful detection down to 13 μm, are compared with Beckman Coulter particle size analyzer results. The 5-ms hologram videos also yield new transient particle volume, concentration, and velocity measurements. Sample sizes of 15–150 mg of dust powder are sufficient for each high-speed run. This work showcases new diagnostic capabilities that are accessible to dust explosion research and identifies areas for future research.
Matching phrase-frames to rhetorical moves in social science research article introductions

Abstract This study contributes to the emerging line of research on the linguistic realizations of rhetorical functions in disciplinary writing by presenting a list of phrase-frames identified from the Corpus of Social Science Research Article Introductions (COSSRAI) aligned with the rhetorical move-steps that they occurred in. COSSRAI contains the introduction sections of 600 research articles published in leading journals in six social science disciplines. The corpus was manually annotated for rhetorical move-steps using an extensively adapted version of Swales’ (2004) Create a Research Space model. A list of phrase-frames was extracted from the corpus using a combination of corpus statistics and manual filtering. The phrase-frames were then systematically mapped to the rhetorical move-steps they occurred in. Three types of phrase-frames emerged from our analysis: specialized phrase-frames that occurred in one move-step only, semi-specialized phrase-frames that occurred primarily in one move-step but also in others, and non-specialized phrase-frames that occurred in multiple move-steps with no clear association with any of them. We conclude with a discussion of the pedagogical implications of the list of phrase-frames aligned with rhetorical move-steps and the findings of our analysis.
Improving Eyewitness-Identification Evidence Through Double-Blind Lineup Administration:

Lineups and photo arrays are often presented to witnesses by police officers who know which lineup member is the suspect (single-blind lineup administration) rather than by officers who do not know...
Using BEES to select cost-effective green products

The BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software brings to your fingertips a powerful technique for balancing the environmental and economic performance of building products. The tool is based on consensus standards and designed to be practical, flexible, and transparent. Version 2.0 of the Windows™-based decision support software, aimed at designers, builders, and product manufacturers, includes actual environmental and economic performance data for 65 building products. The purpose is to support purchasing decisions by providing key science-based information often lacking in ‘green’ product selection. The intended result is a cost-effective reduction in building-related contributions to environmental problems.
Chinese Students' Experiences Transitioning from an Intensive English Program to a U.S. University.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of former intensive English program (IEP) Chinese students by concurrently examining national origin, language problems, forms of capital, culture shock, and institutional programming using qualitative case study methods. The findings give us insights into the students’ sociocultural and academic transitions, which have implications for intensive English program and university recruitment, admissions, instruction, student support, and programming.
30 Years of Heart Transplant: Outcomes After Mechanical Circulatory Support From a Single Center.

Abstract Background Survival after bridge to transplantation with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has yielded varying outcomes on the basis of device type and baseline characteristics. Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) have significantly improved waitlist mortality, but recent changes to the transplantation listing criteria have dramatically altered the use of MCS for bridge to transplantation. Methods Orthotopic heart transplantations from 1988 to 2019 at our institution (Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO) were retrospectively reviewed and stratified by pretransplantation MCS status into CF-LVAD (n = 224), pulsatile LVAD (n = 49), temporary MCS (n = 71), and primary transplantation (n = 463) groups. Patients who underwent heart transplantation after the approval of CF-LVAD for bridge to transplantation and before the 2018 allocation policy changes underwent subgroup analysis to evaluate predictors of survival and complications in a contemporary cohort. Results Rates of primary transplantation declined from 88% to 14% over the course of the study. No significant difference in survival was detected in the cohort stratified by MCS status (P = .18). In the modern era, survival of patients treated with CF-LVADs and temporary MCS was noninferior to that seen with primary transplantation (P = .22). Notable predictors of long-term mortality included lower body mass index, peripheral vascular disease, previous coronary artery bypass graft, ABO nonidentical transplant, and increased donor age (all P ≤ .02). There were no differences in major postoperative complications. Conclusions CF-LVAD has grown to account for the majority of transplantations at our center in the last decade, with no adverse effect on survival or postoperative complications. Temporary MCS increased after the 2018 listing criteria change, with acceptable early outcomes.
Corticosteroid therapy in post-covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis

Introduction:Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components and destruction of the pulmonary parenchyma. Studies have shown severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to PF with residual lung function abnormalities and fibrotic remodeling. As of today, there is no consensus on treatment for PF caused by COVID-19. We are reporting a case series of three post-COVID-19 PF patients treated with tapering prednisone. Case Series:Patient 1 is 52-year-old male presented to the clinic after a 3-month hospital course of COVID-19 requiring hyperbaric hood. He was discharged with 2L of home oxygen. The patient saturated at 95% at rest but desaturated to 70% on exertion. Chest X-ray (CXR) and CT thorax showed diffuse ground glass opacity with pulmonary fibrosis and scarring. Tapering prednisone from 40mg over 1 month was initiated. Follow-up visit after one month confirmed reduce home oxygen requirement. CXR also revealed mild improvement in interstitial infiltrates. Patient 2 is a 56-year-old male hospitalized 2 months ago for COVID-19 where he required non-rebreather mask for oxygen supply. In the office, he complained of shortness of breath on exertion. CXR showed diffuse bilateral airspace opacities and thickened interstitial lung markings. Pulmonary function test (PFT) revealed moderate restrictive pattern with reduced lung volumes. He was sent home with a course of tapering prednisone over 1 month and weekly office follow up. His symptoms improved. Repeat CXR showed improving bilateral diffuse reticular markings. Repeat PFT improved to mild restrictive lung pattern. Patient 3 is a 70-year-old male hospitalized for 1 moth for COVID-19 requiring face mask with recent discharge on 4L home oxygen. After 2 weeks of hospital discharge, the patient still required 2L of oxygen at home. CXR showed streaky lung opacities predominantly in the left lower lung field. The patient was started on tapering prednisone. At 2-month follow-up, he admitted clinical improvement of symptoms and was able to titrate off home oxygen at rest. Repeat CXR also showed improvement of streaky opacity in the left mid/lower lung. Discussion:No evidence-based treatment is available for post-COVID-19 PF. Corticosteroid is used for treatment of acute exacerbation of other forms of PF by decreasing inflammation in the lungs, and therefore may improve symptoms of post-COVID-19 PF. Our patients received 1-month course of tapering prednisone treatment showed mild clinical improvement with no major adverse effect. Further clinical trials should address the utility and risks of corticosteroid in post-COVID-19 PF.
On the Global Existence of a Class of Strongly Coupled Parabolic Systems

We establish the global existence of a class of strongly coupled parabolic systems. The necessary apriori estimates will be obtained via our new approach to the regularity theory of parabolic scalar equations with integrable data and new $W^{1,p}$ estimates of their solutions. The key assumption here is that the $L^p$ norms of solutions are uniformly bounded for some sufficiently large $p\in (1,\infty)$, an assumption can be easily affirmed for systems with polynomial growth data. This replaces the usual condition that the solutions are uniformly bounded which is very hard to be verified because maximum principles for systems are generally unavailable.
Interfacial characteristics of P91 steel - Inconel 740H bimetallic structure fabricated using wire-arc additive manufacturing

Abstract Although bimetallic structures can offer unique solutions to engineering problems with varying functionality, joining two dissimilar alloys using additive manufacturing involves challenges such as cracking and segregation. In this work, bimetallic structures of Inconel 740H superalloy and P91 steel are processed using wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) for the first time. P91 steel is directly deposited over 740H with a cooling time of 20 minutes in between the two depositions. During microstructure characterization, a large gradient zone with coarse grains spanning for ∼2200 μm is observed. Moreover, the microhardness of the gradient zone is the least in comparison with the P91 and 740H deposits. No deleterious phase formation is found; however, intergranular cracks are observed along the gradient zone. In order to deduce the reason for cracking, non-equilibrium solidification simulations are performed for the mixed compositions of P91 and 740H in the gradient zone. The reasons for crack formation in the gradient zone are the sudden change in the volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion due to the formation of MC carbides as well as the development of local strains from the thermal residual stresses. Therefore, altering the deposition sequence and introducing gradient layers with mixed composition between the P91 and 740H deposits will be beneficial in achieving defect-free builds. Through the integration of experiments and simulation, this work gains valuable insights into the processability of dissimilar alloy manufacturing using the WAAM technique.
Effect of temperature and strain rate on the tensile properties of boron-aluminum and boron-epoxy composites

The effects of strain rates from 8 X 10 - 5 to 0.4 s - 1 on tensile strengths and moduli of 6-ply 6061 aluminum-46.5 percent boron at temperatures up to 1000°F (537°C) and of 10-ply unidirectional and cross-ply epoxy-50 percent boron composites at temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) have been measured. Longitudinal properties were reduced moderately at high temperatures, and were only slightly higher at high strain rates than at low strain rates. Transverse properties decreased rapidly with temperature, and were either unaffected by high strain rates, particularly at low temperatures, or were substantially increased, especially at high temperatures, in both aluminum and epoxy systems.
Carbohydrate Synthesis in Maize

Publisher Summary This chapter covers some of the gene mutations associated with carbohydrate changes in maize endosperm and presents some of the current evidence on the nature of carbohydrate metabolism, especially starch synthesis, in maize endosperm. The genetic control of polysaccharide and starch synthesis in maize endosperm is amply evident from the discussions presented in the chapter. The advantages of using mutant organisms for the clarification of metabolic pathways have been demonstrated repeatedly since the early pioneering work of Beadle and Tatum. The large collection and quantities of singular and multiple mutant maize plants and endosperm cultures currently available and the interest of many researchers offer excellent prospects for significant and relatively large contributions to the detailed knowledge of the genetic control and biochemistry of starch and carbohydrate synthesis and the differentiation of maize endosperm within the very near future. The interactions of multiple mutations on pathways of starch synthesis offer a promising refinement for analyzing the actual pathways involved. Physical studies of the starch granules of the various strains underway provide an additional tool for evaluating the influence of particular mutations on the synthesis and deposition of starch. These studies have led the research on carbohydrates in maize endosperm into the areas of enzyme characterization, localization of activity, and aspects of enzyme synthesis of polysaccharides in plants, including enzyme repression and activation.
Biodegradable dissolving microneedle arrays effectively deliver antigens and adjuvants to skin DCs for the induction of antigen specific immune responses.

The skin contains a high density of antigen presenting cells making it an attractive target for vaccine delivery. However, the remarkable barrier function of the skin continues to present a formidable obstacle to topical vaccine delivery. To overcome this barrier we designed carboxy-methyl cellulose microneedle arrays (MNAs) to topically deliver antigens and adjuvants into the skin. MNAs were designed and fabricated to enable advantages in penetration, delivery, and diversity of biocompatibility over existing skin delivery technologies. Initially we fabricated MNAs with integrated tracer antigens. Following MNA immunization labeled antigens were identified in dendritic cells in human and murine skin, and in the draining lymph nodes of immunized animals. To evaluate immunogenicity, we incorporated the model antigen OVA in combination with various adjuvants into MNAs. MNA-mediated delivery of low dose antigen/adjuvant induced potent and durable CTL responses compared to those generated by traditional intradermal immunization. Further, MNA immunization utilizing B16 tumor cell lysates as a source of antigen induced B16 specific DTH reactions and inhibited tumor growth in a B16 tumor model. Taken together, these results demonstrate the feasibility of the use of CMC microneedle arrays for cutaneous immunization and suggest potentially broad applicability for the co-delivery of structurally diverse antigens and adjuvants.
Asset Securitization Sukuk and Islamic Capital Markets: Structural Issues in These Formative Years

After introducing some fundamental concepts of relevance to Islamic finance, this article describes investment funds used to make investments in the United States, lease (ijara) investment structures used for real estate investments in different jurisdictions (including the early development of those structures), and the equity investment paradigm (including applicable tests) for making Shari`ah-compliant equity investments as set forth in the leading fatwa on the topic. The article next turns to asset securitizations, summarizing the primary considerations in effecting conventional asset securitizations. Thereafter, the article discusses asset-backed sukuk (Shari`ah compliant securitizations), including parameters set forth by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions in its original sukuk standard and those discussed in its 2008 clarification of that standard. As that 2008 clarification primarily addressed musharaka (profit sharing partnership) sukuk, the article discusses certain critical elements of valid musharaka structures. Next, the articles turns to a discussion of the capital markets initiative of the Islamic Financial Services Board. An overview is then provided of the primary sukuk structures, in particular those utilizing an underlying ijara (lease). Two 2007 securitizations are considered as abbreviated case studies: the Tamweel sukuk al-ijara of residential villas in Dubai; and a conventional commercial mortgage-baked security relating to the TECOM Free Zone in Dubai. The second sukuk structure discussed in the article is the sukuk al-mudaraba, pertaining to profit sharing service-capital partnerships. After discussing Shari`ah principles applicable to mudaraba arrangements, the sukuk al-mudaraba structure is considered. The third and final sukuk structure considered in this section is the sukuk al-musharaka. The sukuk structure is discussed after a review of the relevant Shari`ah principles applicable to musharaka arrangements.
HIV / AIDS knowledge attitudes and opinions among adolescents in the River States of Nigeria.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Nigeria is one of the most afflicted sub-Saharan nations. Rivers State a major industrial area of Nigeria and the nerve center of the oil industry represents a cross-section of Nigeria. The median sero-prevalence of HIV in the state has been estimated at 8 percent (Rivers State HIV/AIDS Control Program 2002). The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data on HIV/AIDS knowledge attitudes and opinions among young people in the state. A 28 item English-language questionnaire was pilot-tested and administered to secondary school students in the state. There were fairly equal numbers of male and female respondents with a median age of 19. Although 93 percent of respondents had heard of HIV/AIDS it did not appear to improve their knowledge and perceptions about the disease. One-third to one-half of respondents believe that a person can get infected with HIV through mosquito bites; believe that an infected teacher or student should not be allowed to continue teaching or attending school and have not talked about HIV/AIDS with their boy friend or girl friend or their parents. About 60 percent of respondents admitted that none or few of their friends used condoms in sexual encounters. The results of the study are consistent with similar studies in sub-Saharan Africa. Several sociocultural and religious constraints are inferred. Among other strategies the need for sustained culturally sensitive educational intervention to decrease the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the region is stressed. (authors)
Kappa opioids inhibit induction of long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus of the guinea pig hippocampus

NMDA receptor-mediated long-term potentiation (LTP) of dentate granule cell responses to perforant path stimulation was inhibited by the kappa 1 opioid receptor agonist U69,593. This inhibition was reversed stereospecifically by naloxone and blocked by the selective kappa 1 antagonist norbinaltorphimine (NBNI). NBNI, by itself, had no effect on LTP induced by threshold stimulation but significantly enhanced LTP from more prolonged stimulation. This effect of NBNI suggests that endogenous opioids can regulate LTP in the dentate gyrus. In support of this hypothesis, stimulation of dynorphin-containing fibers also blocked LTP production in an NBNI-sensitive manner. Finally, dynorphin-mediated inhibition of LTP acts primarily on mechanisms of induction rather than maintenance or expression, since dynorphin released immediately before, but not immediately after, perforant path stimulation blocked LTP. Thus, exogenous and endogenous kappa opioids can inhibit induction of long-term potentiation at the perforant path-granule cell synapse and may therefore regulate plastic changes in synaptic transmission in a brain region thought to play an important role in processes of both learning and memory and epileptogenesis.
Computer Graphics and the Eigenfunctions for the Koch Snowflake Drum

Using techniques from numerical analysis, we have approximated — jointly with J. W. Neuberger and R. J. Renka — the smallest 50 eigenvalues, along with their associated eigenfunctions, of the Dirichlet Laplacian on the Koch snowflake domain. Physically, these correspond to the frequencies, and the associated normal modes, of the Koch snowflake drum. Several graphical representations of these eigenfunctions, as well as the magnitudes of their gradients, have been produced using Cray supercomputers and Silicon Graphics machines. We briefly describe here the numerical methods used in the computations and present pictures of a selected set of the eigenfunctions. We also compare the graphical images of the boundary behavior (of the magnitude) of the gradient with the known mathematical results (of Lapidus and Pang). This work is partly motivated by the physical experiments of Sapoval et al. related to the formation of fractal structures.
TH-EF-BRD-05: A New Intensity Modulation Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Optimizer Solution with Robust Fluence Maps for MLC Segmentation

Purpose: Converting theoretical fluence maps to deliverable MLC segments while maintaining plan quality has posed a significant challenge for highly complex IMRT plans involving many fields. Rather than simplifying individual fluence maps, we have formulated the problem as a global dose domain fluence map optimization with anisotropic total variation regularization (FMOATVR) problem and then solve the large scale optimization problem. Methods: The 4π planning platform was used to select and optimize 20 non-coplanar beams for 2 GBM, 2 head & neck, and 2 lung patients with varying prescription doses, including H&N case #2 that had 3 prescription dose levels of 54 Gy, 59.4 Gy, and 69.96 Gy. The plans were re-run using FMOATVR and the same 20 4π beams. The L2 norm of dose deviation from the ideal prescription with zero dose to OARs was used as the objective function, which was subjected to anisotropic total variation regularization to encourage piecewise smoothness in the fluence maps. The fluences were stratified into equal step sizes to create 300 MLC segments. The dose distributions were normalized so the prescription dose covered cover 95% of the PTV. H&N case #2 was normalized to cover the 59.4 Gy PTV, which was included in the statistics. Results: Compared to the directly stratified 4π plans (4π DS), the 4π FMOATVR method reduced the average mean and max dose to the OARs by 3.54% and 4.15%, respectively, of the prescription dose. Dose coverage was also improved, evidenced by an average D98 and D99 increase of 1.63% and 2.74% of the prescription dose, respectively. The average PTV homogeneity was increased from 0.833 to 0.905. Conclusion: The global dose domain fluence map optimization formula and its solver provides a straightforward yet potent method to attain high quality while remaining robust to MLC segmentation for complex IMRT. This work is supported in part by Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
A password-protected power controller

The author describes the functional definition, design, construction, and operation of a password-protected power controller (PPC) for accessing data in a PC by telephone. The computer system includes a hard disk and remote control software (such as EasyLAN or CARBON COPY). The PPC connects serially between the external modem and the computer, plugs into wall power, and provides switched power to the computer system. Operationally, the PPC queries the caller for the password and, if a proper password is received from the caller, powers up the computer system. The remote-control software is loaded (by autoexec), and the PPC transparently passes all two-way serial communications. Monitoring of incoming data allows the PPC to power down the computer when the appropriate string is received. In local operation, the PPC provides manually controlled power and can be reprogrammed for different passwords and query strings. EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) is used for query and password storage. Techniques for reading from and writing to the 2816 2KX8 EEPROM are described, and the differences between EEPROM and NOVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) are discussed. >
Thermodynamic analysis to assist in the design of recombinant antibodies.

This critical review examines the thermodynamics of binding of bivalent antibodies (IgG and IgE) to soluble ligands with two or more binding moieties joined covalently (multivalent ligands) and to surfaces functionalized with multiple identical ligands. Given the prevalence of antibodies in nature, the goal of this paper is to begin to understand what aspects of bivalent antibodies are important relative to their monovalent counterparts (Fab). We provide a brief introduction to the thermodynamic parameters of importance to bivalent binding, guidance as to which of these parameters are most useful for the comparison of disparate systems, and a re-examination of binding studies of bivalent antibodies from the literature. For all of the cases we examined, the intramolecular free energy of binding (ΔG°_(intra)) was less favorable than the intermolecular free energy (ΔG°_(inter)). The effective molarity (EM) and the ratio of the free energies of intramolecular and intermolecular binding (ΔG°_(intra)/ΔG°_(inter)) are tools to assess the particular contribution of intramolecular binding to the thermodynamics of bivalent association. The paper concludes with guidance to the reader on what to consider when designing experiments to study bivalent systems.
Why should surgeons care about clinical research methodology

Background A low prevalence of high-level clinical studies in the surgical literature has been reported previously. We reviewed a recent sample of surgical publications to assess the current status of clinical research. Study design A 3-month sample of journal articles in Archives of Surgery, Surgery, and Annals of Surgery in 2005 was evaluated by two independent reviewers to determine the distribution of articles in established evidence classes. Results A total of 133 publications were identified in the three journals during the time periods reviewed, including 101 clinical articles and 30 basic science articles. Among the clinical papers, there were 8 class I studies (7.9%), 34 class II studies (33.7%), and more than half were class III studies (59 of 101, or 58.4%). Conclusions The low prevalence of high-level evidence to guide surgical management of patients persists in major general surgery journals. We believe that education about proper research methodology is not only important for researchers, but is also important for practicing surgeons, and can have important health policy implications as well.
WEB‐MAKING: AN EASY BUT CRITICAL FIRST STEP TO BETTER WRITING

(1997). WEB‐MAKING: AN EASY BUT CRITICAL FIRST STEP TO BETTER WRITING. Reading & Writing Quarterly: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 391-395.
Patterned germanium tunnel junctions for multijunction monolithic cascade solar cells

Abstract The growth and characterization of germanium interconnects is described in this paper. Resistivity measurements indicate that n+-GaAs/p+-Ge/p+-GaAs structures may be the most viable interconnect yet reported for monolithic cascade cells. Specific interface resistivities as low as 1 × 10 −4 Ω cm 2 have been measured. This value surpasses the goal of 1.7 × 10 −4 Ω cm 2 for a cascade cell with a patterned interconnect operating at 1000 Suns under air mass 1.5 conditions. To pattern germanium layers, both wet chemical etching and selective epitaxial growth have been used. Excellent germanium interconnecting patterns have been reproducibly achieved using selective epitaxy. Using the patterned germanium interconnects, cascade action has been unambiguously observed in the AlGaAs/GaAs multijunction cascade solar cells.