cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct Microscopic Observation of Human Neutrophil-Staphylococcus aureus Interaction In Vitro Suggests a Potential Mechanism for Initiation of Biofilm Infection on an Implanted Medical Device.

The ability of human neutrophils to clear newly attached Staphylococcus aureus bacteria from a serum-coated glass surface was examined in vitro using time-lapse confocal scanning laser microscopy. Quantitative image analysis was used to measure the temporal change in bacterial biomass, neutrophil motility, and fraction of the surface area policed by neutrophils. In control experiments in which the surface was inoculated with bacteria but no neutrophils were added, prolific bacterial growth was observed. Neutrophils were able to control bacterial growth but only consistently when the neutrophil:bacteria number ratio exceeded approximately one. When pre-attached bacteria were given a head start and allowed to grow for three hours prior to neutrophil addition, neutrophils were unable to maintain control of the nascent biofilm. In these head start experiments, aggregates of bacterial biofilm with areas of 50 μm2 or larger formed and the growth of such aggregates continued even when multiple neutrophils attacked a cluster. These results suggest a model for the initiation of a biofilm infection in which a delay in neutrophil recruitment to an abiotic surface allows surface-attached bacteria time to grow and form aggregates that become protected from neutrophil clearance. Results from a computational model of the neutrophil-biofilm surface contest supported this conceptual model and highlighted the stochastic nature of the interaction. Additionally, we observed that both neutrophil motility and clearance of bacteria were impaired when oxygen tension was reduced to 0% or 2% O2. SIGNIFICANCE Bacteria or yeast that form biofilms on implanted medical devices such as artificial hip joints cause troublesome infections. These device-associated infections are persistent because biofilm-embedded microorganisms are protected from antibiotics and host defenses. Three decades of research in antimicrobial coatings and non-stick surfaces have not yet solved the biofilm infection problem. Here we show in a model system that neutrophils can effectively clear contaminating Staphylococcus aureus bacteria from an abiotic surface, but they must be delivered quickly and in sufficient numbers. If neutrophil recruitment is delayed, undiscovered bacteria grow and form aggregates that evade engulfment and killing by white blood cells. This work opens a pathway to preventing infections on implanted medical devices by transiently boosting innate immune defenses.
Flexible organization of grip force control during movement frequency scaling

Grip force (GF) is synchronously coupled to changing load forces (LF) during object manipulation when LF levels are high or unpredictable, but only intermittently coupled to LF during less challeng...
Abnormal Eating Patterns Cause Circadian Disruption and Promote Alcohol-Associated Colon Carcinogenesis

Background & Aims Alcohol intake with circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) increases colon cancer risk. We hypothesized that eating during or around physiologic rest time, a common habit in modern society, causes CRD and investigated the mechanisms by which it promotes alcohol-associated colon carcinogenesis. Methods The effect of feeding time on CRD was assessed using B6 mice expressing a fusion protein of PERIOD2 and LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) were used to model colon polyposis and to assess the effects of feeding schedules, alcohol consumption, and prebiotic treatment on microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid levels, colon inflammation, and cancer risk. The relationship between butyrate signaling and a proinflammatory profile was assessed by inactivating the butyrate receptor GPR109A. Results Eating at rest (wrong-time eating [WTE]) shifted the phase of the colon rhythm in PER2::LUC mice. In TS4Cre × APClox468 mice, a combination of WTE and alcohol exposure (WTE + alcohol) decreased the levels of short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria and of butyrate, reduced colonic densities of regulatory T cells, induced a proinflammatory profile characterized by hyperpermeability and an increased mucosal T-helper cell 17/regulatory T cell ratio, and promoted colorectal cancer. Prebiotic treatment improved the mucosal inflammatory profile and attenuated inflammation and cancer. WTE + alcohol–induced polyposis was associated with increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression. Decreased butyrate signaling activated the epithelial signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in vitro. The relationship between butyrate signaling and a proinflammatory profile was confirmed in human colorectal cancers using The Cancer Genome Atlas. Conclusions Abnormal timing of food intake caused CRD and interacts with alcohol consumption to promote colon carcinogenesis by inducing a protumorigenic inflammatory profile driven by changes in the colon microbiota and butyrate signaling. Accession number of repository for microbiota sequence data: raw FASTQ data were deposited in the NCBI Sequence Read Archive under project PRJNA523141.
Differentiating keratoacanthoma from squamous cell carcinoma-In quest of the holy grail

To distinguish keratoacanthomas from squamous cell carcinomas remains a diagnostic challenge in dermatopathology. Several immunohistochemical and cytogenetic markers have been evaluated; however, so far there has been no unequivocal evidence supporting practical application of any of these markers. Recent studies have evaluated the composition of tumor-associated immune infiltrate, in particular the number and distribution of CD123-positive plasmacytoid dendritic cells in making this distinction; but these cells also do not appear to be a consistent biomarker in distinguishing keratoacanthoma from squamous cell carcinoma.
Modulation of plant Acetyl CoA Synthetase activity by acetylation

Background: A combination of fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate (FLUT/FORM; flutiform®) in a single aerosol inhaler has been developed. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of the combination compared to its individual components administered concurrently (FLUT+FORM). Methods: Patients aged 12 years or over (N=210) with mild to moderate-severe persistent, reversible asthma were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 12 weeks of twice daily treatment with one of two doses of FLUT/FORM or FLUT+FORM in an open-label, parallel group, multicentre study in Europe. Total daily doses were FLUT/FORM: 200/20μg or 500/20μg; FLUT+FORM: 200/24μg or 500/24μg. The primary objective was to show non-inferiority of FLUT/FORM compared to FLUT+FORM based on post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) on Day 84. Results: FLUT/FORM had comparable efficacy to FLUT+FORM in the treatment of asthma with mean FEV1 30 to 60 minutes post-dose on Day 84 of 2.6L in both groups (per protocol groups; least squares mean difference: -0.03 L; 95%CI: -0.148, 0.081; p=0.004). The lower limit of the 95% CI was above the pre-defined non-inferiority threshold of ≥-0.2L. Analysis of other pulmonary function tests, patient reported outcomes, rescue medication use, asthma exacerbations and quality of life questionnaires were also comparable. The safety profiles of the two study groups were similar overall. Conclusions: Fluticasone/formoterol combination therapy has comparable efficacy to its individual components administered concurrently. The safety and tolerability profile of fluticasone/formoterol combination therapy is similar to that of its individual components.
Comparison of PID Shunting in Polycrystalline and Single-Crystal Silicon Modules via Multi-Scale, Multi-Technique Characterization

We used the methods we reported last year to investigate potential-induced degradation (PID). We have now applied these methods to single-crystalline silicon modules that have degraded during field deployment, as well as in minimodules stressed in the laboratory. We will compare these results to the polycrystalline results presented last year. Small cores have been removed from the modules and subjected to analysis. We use a combination of photoluminescence and dark lock-in thermography imaging, laser marking, electron-beam induced current measurements, and subsequent focused ion-beam marking to allow analysis of individual defects via time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) to investigate the root-cause mechanism for PID shunting. We see a direct correlation between recombination active shunts and sodium content. The sodium content in shunted areas peaks at the SiN/Si interface and is consistently observed at a concentration of 0.1%–1% in shunted areas. TOF-SIMS data taken on degraded and non-degraded single-crystalline sample areas show a similar trend as in the polycrystalline samples: more sodium is seen in the degraded areas.
Non-Destructive Investigation of Dispersion, Bonding, and Thermal Properties of Emerging Polymer Nanocomposites Using Close-Up Lens Assisted Infrared Thermography

Polymer nanocomposites possess unique sets of properties that make them suitable for different applications, including structural and flame-retardant material, electromagnetic wave reflector, sensors, thin film transistor, flexible display, and many more. The properties of these nanocomposite are dependent on nanofiller dispersion and bonding with polymer matrix (i.e. particle-matrix interaction). Thermography is a non-destructive method that may be used to gain insight into dispersion and particle-matrix interaction. Infrared (IR) radiation emitted from these nanomaterial polymer composite depends on the emissivity of the individual components. In addition, during flash heating and cooling, different thermal conductivity of components in the nanocomposite can influence pixel intensity differently in the IR image or video being captured. We have used an economical mid wavelength IR camera Fluke RSE600 equipped with a close-up macro lens and algorithm based on MATLAB image processing toolbox to analyse dispersion, voids and thermal diffusivity of patented graphene polymer nanocomposite materials (G-PMC) in micro-scale. These G-PMCs can act as a standard material to determine the potential of our IR thermography technique due to their homogeneity and lack of impurity due to unique fabrication process. Thermal diffusivity and dispersion of nanoparticles in our G-PMCs was estimated after irradiation with a xenon flash lamp by spatially mapping transient IR radiations from different G-PMCs using the Fluke RSE600 thermal imager. Results from thermography experiments were compared with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy results. Micro-scale thermography was able to detect millimetre scale thermal diffusivity variation in the injection molded G-PMC samples and relate it to change in dispersion of nanofillers, unlike SEM and Raman, where micro-scale measurements could not determine the reason behind millimetre scale property variation. We believe this low cost, fast, micro-scale, non-destructive technique will provide valuable insight into functional polymer nanocomposite fabrication and corresponding electrical and thermal properties.
RF Metasurface Array Design Using Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks

In recent years, metasurface (MTS) arrays have shown promising abilities to control and manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves through modified surface boundary conditions. The constituent unit elements of a MTS have become increasingly complex with rise of anisotropic radio-frequency (RF) applications such as beam scanning through anomalous reflection/refraction, beam focusing, and polarization conversion in an extremely low-profile. Designing these meta-atoms or metagratings is a challenging and time-consuming procedure. Each new MTS design typically requires numerous iterations of manual tuning and full-wave simulations. In this paper, we employ deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (DC-GANs) to generate anisotropic RF metamaterial unit cell designs for MTS arrays. Using a small set of simulated meta-atom spectra, these networks learn the relationship between the physical structure of meta-atoms and their reflection spectra for vertical and horizontal polarizations. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that DC-GANs are able to generate meta-atom structures that resemble design features in the training data. Numerical experiments with design test case showed 90% accurate reflection responses with errors within 0.2 (1.3) dB in magnitude and 3.0° (4.4°) in phase for the co-polar (cross- polar) component.
Target sites: liver

Abstract Due to its anatomical location and physiological functions, the liver is a common target organ of toxicity for many xenobiotics. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a nonexhaustive resource for toxicologists interested in xenobiotic-induced liver injury.
Communication Strategies for Discussing PrEP with Men Who Have Sex with Men.

HIV continues to be a pressing problem, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective means of preventing HIV infection, but adoption of it...
Trends in the healthiness of U.S. fast food meals, 2008-2017.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine trends in the healthiness of U.S. fast food restaurant meals from 2008 to 2017, using the American Heart Association's Heart-Check meal certification criteria. METHODS Data were obtained from MenuStat, an online database of the leading 100 U.S. restaurant chains menu items, for the years 2008 and 2012 through 2017. All possible meal combinations (entrees + sides) were created at the 20 fast food restaurants that reported entree and side calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, protein, and fiber. Chi-square tests compared the percent of meals meeting each American Heart Association (AHA) nutrient criterion; and the number of AHA criteria met for each year, by menu focus type. RESULTS Compared with 2008, significantly fewer fast food meals met the AHA calorie criterion in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and significantly fewer met the AHA total fat criterion in 2015 and 2016. Significantly more meals met the AHA trans fat criterion from 2012 to 2017, compared to 2008. There were no significant changes over time in the percent of meals meeting AHA criteria for saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to improve the healthiness of fast food meals should focus on reducing calories, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium.
Publication of oral and video presentations from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology annual meeting over 11 years - What characteristics were important?

Abstract The goal of this study was to determine the characteristics associated with publication of oral and video presentations presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology annual meetings. Abstracts were reviewed using publication booklets from 2006 to 2016. PubMed and internet searches were used to determine publication status. Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Of 585 oral plenary sessions, 502 (85.8%) led to publications in peer-reviewed journals. The majority (75.7%) of presentations were clinical rather than translational (24.3%). Compared to single institution studies, multicenter presentations led to a higher publication rate (89.9% 80.5%; p = 0.001). Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies had publication rates of over 90%, while chart reviews and translational research were published at a rate of 87.1% and 80%, respectively (p = 0.004). 41.4% of all publications were in the specialty journal Gynecologic Oncology. Of 56 surgical videos, 23 (41.1%) advanced to publication in either peer-reviewed journals or as online videos: 32.1% were in print media, 5.4% were posted as accessible online videos (YouTube, Google Video, university websites). On multivariate analysis of oral presentations, multicenter studies (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.15–3.31; p = 0.01), cohort studies (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.30–7.58; p = 0.01), and international studies (OR: 4.02; 95% CI: 1.20–13.40; p = 0.02) were most likely to be published. Over 11 Society of Gynecologic Oncology annual meetings, >85% of oral plenary sessions led to peer-reviewed publication and 41% of surgical videos were published or accessible online. Multicenter, international, and cohort studies were more likely to be published.
On some theory of monostable and bistable pure birth-jump integro-differential equations

Abstract We study an integral-differential equation that models a pure birth-jump process, where birth and dispersal cannot be decoupled. A case has been made that these processes are more suitable for phenomena such as plant dynamics, fire propagation, and cancer cell dynamics. We contrast the dynamics of this equation with those of the classical reaction-diffusion equation, where the reaction term models either logistic growth or a strong Allee effect. Recent evidence of an Allee effect has been found in plant dynamics during the germination process (due to seed predation) but not in the generation of seeds. This motivates where the Allee effect is included in our model. We prove the global existence and uniqueness of solutions with bounded initial data and analyze some properties of the solutions. Additionally, we prove results related to the persistence or extinction of a species, which are analogous to those of the classical reaction-diffusion equation. A key finding is that in some cases a population which is initially below the Allee threshold in some area, even if small, will actually survive. This is in contrast to solutions of the classical reaction-diffusion with the same initial data. Another difference of note is the lack of regularization and an infinite number of discontinuous equilibrium solutions to the birth-jump model.
Achievements and beyond: Scientific trajectory of Professor Mohammad A. Rafi

This biography highlights the scientific trajectory of Professor Mohammad A. Rafi, Ph.D., who, in particular, has greatly advanced the field of neurodegenerative disorders during his long and successful tenure at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. This Editorial recognizes, above all, Professor Rafi's significant contributions to the study of lysosomal storage disorders as they relate to Krabbe Disease.
Beetroot supplementation in women enjoying exercise together (BEE SWEET): Rationale, design and methods

Abstract Background Postmenopausal women exhibit higher rates of disability and cardiovascular disease (CVD) with aging compared to men. Whereas habitual exercise training is a known strategy to enhance physiologic function in men and premenopausal women, exercise-related adaptations are often modest in postmenopausal women. We propose dietary nitrate (beetroot juice) administered prior to exercise training may be a feasible approach to improve mobility and cardio-metabolic health outcomes in postmenopausal women. Methods Our randomized, placebo-controlled study aims to determine preliminary effects sizes for changes in functional mobility and endothelium-dependent vasodilation across three study arms: exercise only (EX), exercise + placebo (EX + PL), and exercise + beetroot (EX + BR). Thirty-six postmenopausal women are recruited in small cohorts wherein group exercise is implemented to facilitate social support and adherence to an 8-week training progression. Participants are randomized to one of three study arms (n = 12 per group) following baseline assessments. Post-intervention assessments are used to determine pre-post changes in outcome measures including distance covered during a 6 min walk test, walking economy, muscle speed and power, and endothelial-dependent vasodilation as determined by flow-mediated dilation. Measures of feasibility include recruitment, retention, adherence to exercise prescription, perceived exercise session difficulty, and adverse event rates. Discussion Evidence-based, translational strategies are needed to optimize exercise training-related adaptations in postmenopausal women. Findings will inform larger randomized clinical trials to determine if pre-exercise consumption of beetroot juice is an efficacious strategy to promote mobility and attenuate CVD disease risk.
Climate-related migration and population health: social science-oriented dynamic simulation model

Social science models find the ecological impacts of climate change (EICC) contribute to internal migration in developing countries and, less so, international migration. Projections expect massive climate-related migration in this century. Nascent research calls to study health, migration, population, and armed conflict potential together, accounting for EICC and other factors. System science offers a way: develop a dynamic simulation model (DSM). We aim to validate the feasibility and usefulness of a pilot DSM intended to serve as a proof-of-concept and a basis for identifying model extensions to make it less simplified and more realistic. Studies have separately examined essential parts. Our DSM integrates their results and computes composites of health problems (HP), health care (HC), non-EICC environmental health problems (EP), and environmental health services (ES) by origin site and by immigrants and natives in a destination site, and conflict risk and intensity per area. The exogenous variables include composites of EICC, sociopolitical, economic, and other factors. We simulate the model for synthetic input values and conduct sensitivity analyses. The simulation results refer to generic origin and destination sites anywhere on Earth. The effects’ sizes are likely inaccurate from a real-world view, as our input values are synthetic. Their signs and dynamics are plausible, internally consistent, and, like the sizes, respond logically in sensitivity analyses. Climate migration may harm public health in a host area even with perfect HC/ES qualities and full access; and no HP spillovers across groups, conflict, EICC, and EP. Deviations from these conditions may worsen everyone’s health. We consider adaptation options. This work shows we can start developing DSMs to understand climate migration and public health by examining each case with its own inputs. Validation of our pilot model suggests we can use it as intended. We lay a path to making it more realistic for policy analysis.
Prevalence and Predictors of Hepatic Steatosis Among Adult Population With Prediabetes: Data From NHANES 2017–2018

Previous studies have examined the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in patients with diabetes but few studies examined the relationship between hepatic steatosis and prediabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hepatic steatosis and prediabetes in a representative sample of the U.S. adult 20 years and older. Data from 5,492 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 were analyzed. Participants were considered normal if they have hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 6.5. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed using fibroscan. We analyzed the data using descriptive, bivariate Chi square, and multiple logistic regression to determine the association between diabetes status, prediabetes status and hepatic steatosis, adjusting for confounding variables and considering the design and sample weights. Of the 5,492 participants, 8.5% had diabetes and 22.6% had prediabetes. The prevalence of hepatic steatosis was 70% among population with diabetes, 46% among the prediabetes group, and 21% in the normal group (p =200 mg/dL) (AOR=4.2, 95% CI=2.6–6.6, p<0.05) versus normal (<=150 mg/dL). Blacks with prediabetes were 40% less likely to have hepatic steatosis relative to Whites (AOR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4–0.9, p<0.05). Our study indicates that the prevalence of hepatic steatosis is higher in diabetic and prediabetes groups compared to normal group. In addition, those with prediabetes had more than two times higher chance of having hepatic steatosis relative to the normal group. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the causal relation between prediabetes and hepatic steatosis among the adult population. Grant numbers: R01MD012579, R24DA017298, U54MD007598, S21MD000103, UL1TR001881
Slow and Steady Wins the Race: The Impact of Chasing Returns on Quartile Rankings

This paper explores whether passive fund managers who aim to be in the 1st quartile by chasing higher returns (i.e. higher risk) are more likely to achieve their goal compared with those that chase somewhat lesser returns (i.e. lower risk). Using monthly historical returns from 01/01/1979 to 01/01/2018, we show that if a fund’s goal is to achieve higher assets under management (AUM), it should aim to be in the 1st quartile every year. However, if a fund’s long-term goal is to stay in the 1st quartile, it should aim to be in the 2nd quartile every year.
Studies on permeability in relation to nerve function II. ionic movements across axonal membranes

Abstract 1. 1. Studies on the permeability of the surface membranes of the giant axon of Squid to K indicate that a dynamic rather than a static equilibrium exists at rest. Approximately 10% of the total K in the fibre is replaced by K42 from the bathing medium within one hour. When the nerve is bathed in twice the normal K concentration (0.026 M) the K content of the axoplasm reaches a maximum twice that obtained with the normal K concentration outside. 2. 2. Exposure of nerves to sea water containing Na24 results in a total exchange of all of the Na in the axoplasm for its radioactive isotope within 20 to 30 minutes. 3. 3. Studies with Ca45 in the outer bathing fluid indicate an uptake of Ca45 to the extent of 0.85 millimoles per 100 g within 45 minutes and then a decrease to 0.45 millimoles per 100 g at 100 minutes of exposure. 4. 4. The temperature coefficient (Q10) obtained from the rates of exchange of Na and K does not indicate that there are important energy yielding chemical reactions involved in the exchange of ions across the membrane at rest. The values obtained (1.22 for K and 1.33 for Na) are in good agreement with the theoretical value (1.25) calculated from ionic conductivity measurements. 5. 5. Electrical activity causes an increased rate of Na penetration into the fibre 4.5 · 10−12 mole of Na enter per cm2 per impulse. 6. 6. Inhibitors of cholinesterase, e.g., eserine and DFP, seem to produce an increase in membrane permeability. The rate of K42 penetration is decreased, that of Na24 increased. 7. 7. Exposure to cocaine (0.005 M) does not affect markedly the rate of Na24 penetration. 8. 8. X-ray irradiation with 125000 R produces a large and immediate increase in membrane permeability to Na24 whereas 50 000 R produces a smaller effect but in the same direction.
Graduate Accounting Students' Perception of IT Forensics: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Forensics and information technology (IT) have become increasingly important to accountants and auditors. Undergraduate accounting students are introduced to general IT topics but discussion of forensic knowledge is limited. A few schools have introduced an undergraduate major in forensic accounting. Some graduate schools offer accounting students an emphasis in forensic or fraud accounting that includes instruction in forensics and information technology. When students do not view the IT topics as being equally important to their careers as traditional accounting topics, these attitudes may reduce the quality of the course. In an effort to assess student attitudes, a survey of 46 graduate accounting students was conducted to measure two dimensions − knowledge and skills and interest and enjoyment − along nine common topics found in a forensics IT course. The association of the two dimensions was then measured. Also, the relationship between IT attitudes and the nine topics was measured along both dimensions. Fifteen hypotheses are presented and tested. Results are discussed to posit what instructors can do in order to increase the quality of the class and the positive perception of IT for accounting students.
Hegemony and Voice in Papua New Guinea

Constructing Inequality: The Fabrication of a Hierarchy of Virtue Among the Etoro. Raymond C. Kelly. Voices of Conflict. Andrew Strathern.
Focus: Music of South Africa

Focus on South African Music provides an in-depth look at the full spectrum of South African music, a musical culture that epitomizes the enormous ethnic, religious, linguistic, class, and gender diversity of the nation itself.
New {\it Chandra} Results on Seyfert I galaxies: Fe-K lines

We present measurements of the Fe-K line for nine Seyfert I galaxies using Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) data. The centroid energies are narrowly dispersed (6.403 +/- 0.062 keV) and indicate an origin of the line cores in cold matter. If {\it all} the lines in this sample were the peaks of a relativistically broadened disk line, it would require unrealistically fine tuning. However, at least three of the nine AGN clearly show a complex Fe-K line with an underlying broad component, possibly from a disk. In the others, an apparently narrow Fe-K line (even if it is resolved by Chandra) may still be due to the peak of a disk line. To distinguish this scenario from an origin in distant matter requires variability information.
Filament Disappearances During the Period of September 1991 through September 1994

Continuous full-disk Hα images recorded by the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) from 1 September 1991 to 19 September 1994 (the first three years of Yohkoh mission) were digitized and analyzed. The data set consists of nearly 10000 Hα images, one every half hour for the period when the BBSO was observing. Two statistical studies of the disappearing solar filaments based on this set of data are made: (1) The disk latitude distribution of all larger disappearing filaments with a minimum length of 70 arc sec, including the time of their disappearance. Of the 1095 such filaments, 439 disappeared during our continuous observations, 314 disappeared during the BBSO night gap, 162 disappeared during data gap (more than 94 hours) and 180 rotated beyond the west limb. If we plot latitudes as a function of time for all these disappeared filaments, it shows a uniform distribution in latitude. However, if we plot the distribution of larger disappeared filaments (200 arc sec or above), then the butterfly trend appears – position of filaments tends to drift to lower latitude as solar activity decreases. (2) The disk distribution of all detectable disappearing filaments, large and small, for the 9-months period, January 1994 to September 1994. We find that the size distribution of 351 collected disappeared filaments follows a power law with a power index of −1.40.
TRANSPARENT ARCPROOF PROTECTIVE COATINGS: PERFORMANCE AND MANUFACTURABILITY ISSUES

Highly transparent thin films with moderately high sheet resistivity approximately 10 8 ohms·square −1 (� · −1 ) are needed for protection of photo- voltaic arrays and other spacecraft surfaces from static charging in space. They may also be useful for dust control on Mars and the Moon. Indium tin oxide (ITO) codeposited with the transparent insulator MgF2 is promising for these applica- tions, but it is difficult to deposit films with reproducible sheet resistivity. We report experiments on a small dual RF magnetron sputter coater, using plasma emission monitoring (PEM) to improve control of film composition. Results show that PEM is useful for composition control but must be supplemented by periodic in situ measurements of coatings' optical or electrical properties. We have successfully coated both rigid (glass, quartz) and flexible substrates.
Quantization effects for a wideband beamformer (sonar arrays)

The authors present the results of analysis of quantization effects on a wideband FFT (fast Fourier transform) beamformer using two different approaches: a simulation of the quantization errors and a statistical analysis of the quantization errors. First, a brief description of the FFT beamformer is presented. Next, the statistical analysis of the quantization error effects is presented. Finally, analysis of the FFT beamformer performance by simulation is compared with the beamformer performance predicted by the statistical analysis technique. The theoretical results, which were derived as worst-case analysis, were shown to be consistent with the simulation results. A design based on the results of these analyses demonstrated that satisfactory performance was achieved with a 12 bit wordlength with 6 bits to the right of the radix for the scenario presented. >
Precipitation Measurement and the Advancement Toward Global Observations

Precipitation is an important variable in the global hydrologic cycle that helps to sustain life, influences a variety of daily activities, and plays a critical role in the Earth’s energy balance. Our understanding of precipitation, especially in forecast applications, hazards mitigation, and water resources are among the leading challenges in the scientific community. Over the last 50 years, the science of precipitation observation and measurement, particularly at fglobal scales, has advanced quite rapidly since the age of basic precipitation collection at the surface. Scientists have developed numerous techniques to estimate precipitation at the surface and from space, but not without their drawbacks. This article presents an overview of the advantages and limitations of some of the more mainstream techniques of precipitation measurement, and the march toward a relatively high quality, full global precipitation observation network.
Determining the predictors of innovation implementation in healthcare: a quantitative analysis of implementation effectiveness

The failure rates for implementing complex innovations in healthcare organizations are high. Estimates range from 30% to 90% depending on the scope of the organizational change involved, the definition of failure, and the criteria to judge it. The innovation implementation framework offers a promising approach to examine the organizational factors that determine effective implementation. To date, the utility of this framework in a healthcare setting has been limited to qualitative studies and/or group level analyses. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantitatively examine this framework among individual participants in the National Cancer Institute’s Community Clinical Oncology Program using structural equation modeling. We examined the innovation implementation framework using structural equation modeling (SEM) among 481 physician participants in the National Cancer Institute’s Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP). The data sources included the CCOP Annual Progress Reports, surveys of CCOP physician participants and administrators, and the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. Overall the final model fit well. Our results demonstrated that not only did perceptions of implementation climate have a statistically significant direct effect on implementation effectiveness, but physicians’ perceptions of implementation climate also mediated the relationship between organizational implementation policies and practices (IPP) and enrollment (p <0.05). In addition, physician factors such as CCOP PI status, age, radiological oncologists, and non-oncologist specialists significantly influenced enrollment as well as CCOP organizational size and structure, which had indirect effects on implementation effectiveness through IPP and implementation climate. Overall, our results quantitatively confirmed the main relationship postulated in the innovation implementation framework between IPP, implementation climate, and implementation effectiveness among individual physicians. This finding is important, as although the model has been discussed within healthcare organizations before, the studies have been predominately qualitative in nature and/or at the organizational level. In addition, our findings have practical applications. Managers looking to increase implementation effectiveness of an innovation should focus on creating an environment that physicians perceive as encouraging implementation. In addition, managers should consider instituting specific organizational IPP aimed at increasing positive perceptions of implementation climate. For example, IPP should include specific expectations, support, and rewards for innovation use.
Effects of sibutramine plus orlistat in obese women following 1 year of treatment by sibutramine alone: a placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: This study assessed whether adding orlistat to sibutramine would induce further weight loss in patients who previously had lost weight while taking sibutramine alone. Research Methods and Procedures: Patients were 34 women with a mean age of 44.1 ± 10.4 years, weight of 89.4 ± 13.8 kg, and body mass index (BMI) of 33.9 ± 4.9 kg/m2 who had lost an average of 11.6 ± 9.2% of initial weight during the prior 1 year of treatment by sibutramine combined with lifestyle modification. Patients were randomly assigned, in double-blind fashion, to sibutramine plus orlistat or sibutramine plus placebo. In addition to medication, participants were provided five brief lifestyle modification visits during the 16-week continuation trial. Results: Mean body weight did not change significantly in either treatment condition during the 16 weeks. The addition of orlistat to sibutramine did not induce further weight loss as compared with treatment by sibutramine alone (mean changes = +0.1 ± 4.1 kg vs. +0.5 ± 2.1 kg, respectively). Discussion: These results must be interpreted with caution because of the study's small sample size. The findings, however, suggest that the combination of sibutramine and orlistat is unlikely to have additive effects that will yield mean losses ≥15% of initial weight, as desired by many obese individuals.
A proton dose calculation algorithm for conformal therapy simulations based on Molière's theory of lateral deflections.

An algorithm is developed for computing proton dose distributions in the therapeutic energy range (100–250 MeV). The goal is to provide accurate pencil beam dose distributions for two-dimensional or three-dimensional simulations of possible intensity-modulated proton therapydelivery schemes. The algorithm is based on Moliere’s theory of lateral deflections, which accurately describes the distribution of lateral deflections suffered by incident charged particles. The theory is applied to nonuniform targets through the usual pencil beam approximation which assumes that all protons from a given pencil beam pass through the same material at each depth. Fluence-to-dose conversion is made via Monte Carlo calculated broad-field central-axis depth-dose curves, which accounts for attenuation due to nuclear collisions and range straggling. Calculation speed is enhanced by using a best-fit Gaussian approximation of the radial distribution function at depth. Representative pencil beam and spread-out Bragg-peak computations are presented at 250 MeV and 160 MeV in water. Computed lateral full-widths-at-half-maximum’s in water, at the Bragg peak, agree with the expected theoretical lateral values to within 1% at 160 MeV and to within 3% at 250 MeV. This algorithm differs from convolution methods in that the effect of the depth of any inhomogeneities in density or atomic composition are accounted for in a rigorous fashion. The algorithm differs from Fermi–Eyges based methods by accounting in a rigorous way for the effect of nonsmall-angle scattering and screening due to atomic electrons. The computational burden is only slightly greater than that expected using the less-rigorous Fermi–Eyges theory.
Emergency department echocardiography improves outcome in penetrating cardiac injury

Study objectives: To determine the effect of immediate two-dimensional echocardiography on the time to diagnosis, survival rate, and neurologic outcome of patients with penetrating cardiac injury. Design: A ten-year retrospective review. Setting: Regional trauma center serving a population base of 1.25 million with 85,000 visits yearly. Type of participants: All patients presenting to the emergency department with penetrating cardiac injury. Measurements and main results: The records of 49 patients with penetrating cardiac injury were reviewed. Of these, 28 received immediate two-dimensional echocardiography in the ED (echo group) and 21 did not (nonecho group). The probability of survival was derived using TRISS methodology. Differences between groups were determined using either the two sample t -test for parametric data or the Mann-Whitney test for nonparametric data. The overall probability of survival was 33.2%, and the actual survival rate was 81.6%. The probability of survival was 34.2% and 31.8% for the echo group and nonecho group, respectively. The actual survival was 100% in the echo group and 57.1% in the nonecho group. The average time to diagnosis and disposition for surgical intervention was 15.5 ± 11.4 minutes for the echo group and 42.4 ± 21.7 minutes for the nonecho group ( P P = .007). Conclusion: Since the introduction of immediate ED two-dimensional echocardiography, the time to diagnosis of penetrating cardiac injury has decreased and both the survival rate and neurologic outcome of survivors has improved.
Patterns in the production of antiherbivore chemical defenses in plant communities

Abstract The diversity of chemical identity and mode of action of toxic substances present in plants is suggested to be partially the result of generalist herbivore grazing pressure, while convergence in digestibility-reducing substances and their method of function is due primarily to specialist herbivore. Analysis of alkaloid patterns from herbaceous and woody perennials show that most species differ in their alkaloid composition and many sympatric species and subspecies show unique patterns. The high degree of functional convergence in digestibility-reducing substances is supported by convergent patterns in tannins among woody perennials.
Periderm morphology of mature ‘Golden Delicious’ apple with special reference to russeting

Abstract Periderm morphology of ‘Golden Delicious’ in relation to russet development revealed that injury occurring at anthesis persisted at fruit maturation. Uninjured fruit had uniformity in cuticle, epidermal and cortical cell development in contrast to injured fruit which had a broken disrupted cuticle with extensive phellem development. Sloughing of phellem continued until outer hypodermal tissues were exposed.
Nonlinear Panel Response by a Monte Carlo Approach

The vibration of clamped and simply supported elastic panels due to subsonic and supersonic turbulent boundary-layer flows is investigated by a Monte Carlo technique. The resulting generalized random forces are simulated numerically from boundary-layer turbulence spectra, and the response analysis is performed in the time domain. The mutual interaction between panel motion and external and/or internal airflow is included. Response studies are performed with respect to rms response, probability structure, peak distribution, threshold crossing and spectral density. The effect on the response statistics of in-plane loading, static pressure differential, and cavity pressure is investigated.
The Clinical Characteristics of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD): An Update of the North American Experience

The Clinical Characteristics of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD): An Update of the North American Experience
In Situ Measurement of Stress and Whisker/Hillock Density During Thermal Cycling of Sn Layers

Compressive stress is believed to be the primary driving force that makes Sn whiskers/hillocks grow, but the mechanisms that create the stress (e.g., intermetallic compound growth) are difficult to control. As an alternative, the thermal expansion mismatch between the Sn layer and the substrate can be used to induce stress in a controlled way via heating and cooling. In this work, we describe real-time experiments which quantify the whiskering behavior and stress evolution during cyclic heating. The density of whiskers/hillocks is measured with an optical microscope, while the stress is measured simultaneously with a wafer-curvature-based multi-beam optical stress sensor. Results from three thermal cycles are described in which the samples are heated from room temperature to 65 °C at rates of 10, 30, and 240 °C/h. In each case, we find that the whisker/hillock formation is the primary source of stress relaxation. At fast heating rates, the relaxation is proportional to the number of hillocks, indicating that the stress is relaxed by the nucleation of many small surface features. At slower heating rates, the whisker/hillock density is lower, and continual growth of the features is suggested after nucleation. Long whiskers are found to be more likely to form in the slow heating cycle.
Amino acid derivatives that stabilized secondary structures of polypeptides—III. β-Enaminonitriles as analogs of secondary amides. The MCC group—1-acylamino-2-aminoalkyl-3-cyano-2-cyclopentenes as amino acid analogs.

Abstract The properties of β-cyanoenamines as analogs of amides are studied with derivatives of a rigid amino acid equivalent—Mcc = 1,2-diamino-3-cyanocyclopentene, prepared in two steps from methyl 2-(N-Boc-amino)-5-cyanopentanoate. Racemation of Mcc and incorporation into a cyclic pentapeptide are described.
Robust Stability of the Lorentz-type Self Bearing Servomotor

Robust stability and closed loop performance of a Lorentz-type self bearing servomotor test rig are presented. Previous work has identified the existence of multiple destabilizing terms in the servomotor force-torque characteristic. These terms are treated as modeling errors and accounted for using structured uncertainty. A set of decoupled PD controllers is designed and the stability robustness of the system is evaluated via µ-analysis. Experimental results confirm that the resulting controllers provide stable levitation and angular pointing of the rotor over all uncertainties. The closed loop bearing stiffness for the servomotor was measured as 502N/mm and the closed loop angular position stiffness was measured as 17.7N-m/rad. The angular pointing accuracy of the servomotor was also measured and found to be <30µrad.
Growing tissues in microgravity

The possibility of creating three-dimensional differentiated tissue-like assemblies by culturing cells in microgravity, either in space or on the ground, offers research opportunities that may lead to the generation of replacement organs for transplantation, and for studying multicellular responses in toxicology, radiation biology, tumorigenesis, and embryogenesis. Here, Brian Unsworth and Peter Lelkes review these opportunities, considering the practical and theoretical challenges of the microgravity environment.
Interband and Intraband Optical Studies of PbSe Colloidal Quantum Dots

PbSe nanocrystal colloids exhibit a well-defined excitonic structure with the lowest energy exciton tuning from 0.5 to 1 eV, as a function of size. Band-edge fluorescence is observed from 1.2 to 2 μm with a small Stokes shift, sub-μs lifetime, and near-unity quantum yield. Upon pumping at 1.064 μm, the first exciton decay is consistent with radiative relaxation at low pump intensity and with Auger recombination at higher pump intensities. Optically induced absorption is observed at approximately midgap. These transitions exhibit strengths similar to the interband exciton and are size-tunable. They are assigned to the 1Se,h−1Pe,h and 1Pe,h−1De,h intraband excitations. Intraband pump−probe measurements of the 1Se,h−1Pe,h transition reveal a short lifetime and the absence of the phonon bottleneck.