cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Intramolecular CAr-H•••O=C Hydrogen Bond and the Configuration of Rotenoids

Over the past half a century, the structure and configuration of the rotenoids, a group of natural products showing multiple promising bioactivities, have been established by interpretation of their NMR and electronic circular dichroism spectra and confirmed by analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The chemical shift of the H-6' 1H NMR resonance has been found to be an indicator of either a cis or trans C/D ring system. In the present study, four structures representing the central rings of a cis-, a trans-, a dehydro-, and an oxadehydro-rotenoid have been plotted using the Mercury program based on X-ray crystal structures reported previously, with the conformations of the C/D ring system, the local bond lengths or interatomic distances, hydrogen bond angles, and the H-6' chemical shift of these compounds presented. It is shown for the first time that a trans-fused C/D ring system of rotenoids is preferred for the formation of a potential intramolecular C6'-H6'•••O=C4 H-bond, and that such H-bonding results in the 1H NMR resonance for H-6' being shifted downfield.
Immunotherapy in Gynecologic Cancers: Are We There Yet?

Immune-targeted therapies have demonstrated durable responses in many tumor types with limited treatment options and poor overall prognosis. This has led to enthusiasm for expanding such therapies to other tumor types including gynecologic malignancies. The use of immunotherapy in gynecologic malignancies is in the early stages and is an active area of ongoing clinical research. Both cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy continue to be extensively studied in gynecologic malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, in particular, hold promising potential in specific subsets of endometrial cancer that express microsatellite instability. The key to successful treatment with immunotherapy involves identification of the subgroup of patients that will derive benefit. The number of ongoing trials in cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer will help to recognize these patients and make treatment more directed. Additionally, a number of studies are combining immunotherapy with standard treatment options and will help to determine combinations that will enhance responses to standard therapy. Overall, there is much enthusiasm for immunotherapy approaches in gynecologic malignancies. However, the emerging data shows that with the exception of microsatellite unstable tumors, the use of single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with response rates of 10–15%. More effective and likely combinatorial approaches are needed and will be informed by the findings of ongoing trials.
On the synergy of SMAP, AMSR2 AND SENTINEL-1 for retrieving soil moisture

Abstract An algorithm for retrieving soil moisture content (SMC) from synergic use of both active and passive microwave acquisitions is presented. The algorithm takes advantage of the integration of microwave data from SMAP, Sentinel-1 and AMSR2 for overcoming the SMAP radar failure and obtaining a SMC product at enhanced resolution (0.1° × 0.1°) and improved accuracy with respect to the original SMAP radiometric SMC product. A disaggregation technique based on the Smoothing filter based intensity modulation (SFIM) allows combining the radiometric and SAR data. Disaggregated microwave data are used as inputs of an Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) based algorithm, which is able to exploit the synergy between active and passive acquisitions. The algorithm is defined, trained and tested using the SMEX02 experimental dataset and data simulated by forward electromagnetic models based on the Radiative Transfer Theory. Then the algorithm is adapted to satellite data and tested using one year of SMAP, AMSR2 and Sentinel-1 co-located data on a flat agricultural area located in the Po Valley, in northern Italy. Spatially distributed SMC values at 0.1° × 0.1° resolution generated by the Soil Water Balance Model (SWBM) are considered as reference for this purpose. The synergy of SMAP, Sentinel-1 and AMSR2 allowed increasing the correlation between estimated and reference SMC from R ≅ 0.68 of the SMAP based retrieval up to R ≅ 0.86 of the combination SMAP + Sentinel–1 + AMSR2. The corresponding Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) decreased from RMSE ≅ 0.04 m3/m3 to RMSE ≅ 0.024 m3/m3.
Numerical Simulations of Traveling and Stationary Wave Solutions Arising from Reaction-Diffusion Population Models with Delay and Nonlocality

The present work aims to provide sufficient background and rationale required for a deeper understanding of wave solutions of reaction-diffusion (RD) population models with delay and nonlocality. Using a two-age-class modeling approach, a delayed nonlocal RD model is extended from a one-dimensional to n-dimensional unbounded domain. The extended model and its reduced forms are employed to investigate the wave dynamics of invasive species. The analytical methods for investigating the existence, uniqueness, stability and monotonicity of wave solutions of the model and its reduced forms are briefly surveyed. The accompanying examples and the numerical simulations of delayed nonlocal RD models provide the reader with a grasp of the possible impacts of delay and diffusion on the behavior of traveling and stationary waves solutions. Moreover, formation of traveling wavefronts and the convergence of model solutions to stationary fronts and pulses are numerically explored.
Statewide dissemination and implementation of physical activity standards in afterschool programs: two-year results.

In 2015, YMCA afterschool programs (ASPs) across South Carolina, USA pledged to achieve the YMCA physical activity standard calling for all children to accumulate 30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while attending their ASPs. This study presents the final two-year outcomes from the dissemination and implementation efforts associated with achieving this MVPA standard. Twenty ASPs were sampled from all South Carolina YMCA-operated ASPs (N = 97) and visited at baseline (2015) and first (2016) and second year (2017) follow-up. All ASPs were provided training to increase MVPA during the program by extending the scheduled time for activity opportunities and modifying commonly played games to increase MVPA. The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate the statewide intervention. Accelerometer-derived MVPA was the primary outcome. Intent-to-treat (ITT) models were conducted summer 2017. Programs were also classified, based on changes in MVPA from 2015 to 2016 and 2016–2017, into one of three categories: gain, maintain, or lost. Implementation, within the three groups, was evaluated via direct observation and document review. Adoption during the first year was 45% of staff attending training, with this increasing to 67% of staff during the second year. ITT models indicated no increase in the odds of accumulating 30 min of MVPA after the first year for either boys (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95CI 0.86–1.31) or girls (OR 1.14, 95CI 0.87–1.50), whereas an increase in the odds was observed during the second year for boys (OR 1.31, 95CI 1.04–1.64) and girls (OR 1.50 95CI 1.01–1.80). Programs that lost MVPA (avg. − 5 to − 7.5 min/d MVPA) elected to modify their program in a greater number of non-supportive ways (e.g., reduce time for activity opportunities, less time spent outdoors), whereas ASPs that gained MVPA (avg. + 5.5 to + 10.1 min MVPA) elected to modify their program in more supportive ways. The statewide study demonstrated minimal improvements in overall MVPA. However, child MVPA was dramatically influenced by ASPs who elected to modify their daily program in more supportive than non-supportive ways, with no one program modifying their program consistently across the multi-year initiative. These findings have important implications for organizations seeking to achieve the MVPA standard. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02394717 .
Ectopic expression of the Aspergillus nidulans mitotic inducer, nimA kinase, in megakaryocytes: Effect on polyploidization

Aspergillus nidulans nimA gene encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase (NIMA) whose activity is essential for mitotic entry and chromatin condensation. Both the activity and the abundance of NIMA protein increase at the G2/M transition of the fungal cell cycle. In this study, we report the effects elicited by ectopic expression of nimA on polyploidization in a mouse megakaryocytic line, Y10, which is undergoing an endomitotic cell cycle. A pool of Y10 stable transfectants that have been induced to express nimA displayed a decrease in cell number and an elevated DNA content per cell. NIMA also dramatically enhanced the activity of phorbal 12-myristate 13-acetate toward polyploidization. Analysis of individual nimA transfectants revealed that the DNA content per cell rose in cells expressing high levels of nimA and that the level of cyclin B was reduced as compared to the mock-transfected cells. These effects observed in polyploidizing megakaryocytes are in contrast to those found in A. nidulans and HeLa cells, in which induced nimA expression caused abnormal chromatin condensation and cell cycle arrest. We conclude that high-level expression of nimA in cells programmed to undergo endomitosis could potentiate polyploidization. The challenge now resides in the isolation of the authentic megakaryocyte counterpart of the fungal nimA.
Antecedents of eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia in a non-clinical sample

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) has recently been conceptualized as the male form of Eating Disorders (ED); although, it is not currently classified as an ED. The current study compares etiological models of MD symptomatology and ED symptomatology. It was hypothesized that sociocultural influences on appearance (SIA) would predict body dissatisfaction (BD), and that this relationship would be mediated by self-esteem (SE) and perfectionism (P); that BD would predict negative affect (NA); and that NA would predict MD and ED symptomatology. Two-hundred-forty-seven female and 101 male college students at a midsouth university completed the study. All participants completed measures assessing each of the constructs, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test each model’s fit. In both models, most predictor paths were significant. These results suggest similarity in symptomatology and etiological models between ED and MD.
Nd:YAG Adhesiolysis: A Novel Approach to Tractional Retinal Detachment From Beyond-the-Edge Proliferation After Retinectomy:

Retinectomy can be complicated by recurrent retinal elevation and subretinal fluid (SRF) accumulation secondary to tractional chorioretinal adhesion band formation and contraction. Classically, thi...
Millimeter-Wave Beam-Steering Focal Plane Arrays With Microfluidically Switched Feed Networks

Microfluidically switched feed networks are introduced to realize millimeter-wave beam-steering focal plane arrays (FPAs). Switching functionality is achieved by a selectively metallized plate (SMP) repositionable within a microfluidic channel that is brought in close proximity to the microstrip line feed network of an FPA. The feed network is strategically designed to exhibit gap discontinuities that are sequentially overlapped by the SMP metallizations. The capacitive couplings between the SMP metallizations and the gap discontinuities are designed to achieve wideband (~20 GHz) switching functionality with low insertion loss (IL $10\times $ lower than that of the prior work. This allows to achieve a faster beam-steering speed (0.27 s versus 5.25 s of previous designs). An integrated sensing approach for detecting the SMP position is also presented for the first time to facilitate the use of presented MFPAs with closed-loop position control.
Temporal Structure of Support Surface Translations Drive the Temporal Structure of Postural Control During Standing

A healthy biological system is characterized by a temporal structure that exhibits fractal properties and is highly complex. Unhealthy systems demonstrate lowered complexity and either greater or less predictability in the temporal structure of a time series. The purpose of this research was to determine if support surface translations with different temporal structures would affect the temporal structure of the center of pressure (COP) signal. Eight healthy young participants stood on a force platform that was translated in the anteroposterior direction for input conditions of varying complexity: white noise, pink noise, brown noise, and sine wave. Detrended fluctuation analysis was used to characterize the long-range correlations of the COP time series in the AP direction. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed differences among conditions (p < 0.001). The less complex support surface translations resulted in a less complex COP compared to normal standing. A quadratic trend analysis demonstrated an inverted-u shape across an increasing order of predictability of the conditions (p < 0.001). The ability to influence the complexity of postural control through support surface translations can have important implications for rehabilitation.
Conductive Bicomponent Fibers Containing Polyaniline Produced via Side-by-Side Electrospinning

In this study, using a barbed Y-connector as the spinneret, camphoric acid (CSA) doped polyaniline (PANI) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were electrospun into side-by-side bicomponent fibers. Fiber mats obtained from this side-by-side spinneret were compared with those mats electrospun from blended PEO and PANI in terms of fiber morphology, electrical conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and relative resistivity under tensile strain. The influence of different content ratio of insulating PEO (3/4/5 w/v% to solvent) and conductive PANI-CSA (1.5/2.5/3.5 w/v% to solvent) on the abovementioned properties was studied as well. Results showed that this side-by-side spinning was capable of overcoming the poor spinnability of PANI to produce fibers with PEO carrying PANI on the surface of the bicomponent fibers, which demonstrated higher electrical conductivity than blends. Although the addition of PANI deteriorated mechanical properties for both side-by-side and blended fibers when compared to the pure PEO fibers, the side-by-side fibers showed much better fiber strength and elongation than blends. In addition, the superior ductility and decent relative electrical resistivity of the side-by-side fibers imparted them great potential for flexible sensor applications.
End-of-Life Attitudes and Experiences Compared among LVAD Recipients with and with-out Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background Over the last 10 years, the number of patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), has increased exponentially. Despite the increase in use of these devices to treat advanced end-stage heart failure (HF), the one-year mortality rate remains high at around 20%. In patients with advanced HF, it is common to experience cognitive impairment. Up to 75% of the HF population is thought to have mild cognitive impairment, which is related to increased readmission rates and higher mortality. Guidelines provided by professional organizations urge providers to discuss end-of-life scenarios with LVAD patients and their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and experiences of patients with an LVAD related to end-of-life scenarios and pump exchange, and to identify if mild cognitive impairment affected end-of-life decision-making. Hypothesis We hypothesized that those with mild-cognitive impairment may have had more end-of-life discussions due to their higher risks of readmission and mortality associated with mild cognitive impairment. Methods A cross-sectional, correlational study design was used, with 30 LVAD patients completing an end-of-life questionnaire and a validated cognitive assessment instrument. Patients were studied during a clinic visit for LVAD care. Results Of the 29 patients who were able to complete the cognitive assessment, 79% met criteria for mild cognitive impairment. There were no differences in the experiences and attitudes regarding end-of-life between those with mild cognitive impairment, and those with normal cognition. A total of 58% of the cohort had discussed end-of-life scenarios with a provider, and over 60% had discussed what a pump exchange involved, while 44% of the total cohort said they never wanted to have a conversation about end-of-life with their provider. A total of 73% of participants said they would want to have a pump exchange even if they were seriously ill and suffering from a terminal illness other than HF. Conclusions Despite having higher mortality rates in the HF population, those with mild cognitive impairment had similar experiences and attitudes regarding end-of-life. There are still many misconceptions regarding decision-making related to the end-of-life and pump exchange for patients with an LVAD, and moving forward it is important to identify factors that may influence these decision-making processes.
Optimal closed-loop wake steering – Part 1: Conventionally neutral atmospheric boundary layer conditions

Abstract. Strategies for wake loss mitigation through the use of dynamic closed-loop wake steering are investigated using large eddy simulations of conventionally neutral atmospheric boundary layer conditions in which the neutral boundary layer is capped by an inversion and a stable free atmosphere. The closed-loop controller synthesized in this study consists of a physics-based lifting line wake model combined with a data-driven ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) state estimation technique to calibrate the wake model as a function of time in a generalized transient atmospheric flow environment. Computationally efficient gradient ascent yaw misalignment selection along with efficient state estimation enables the dynamic yaw calculation for real-time wind farm control. The wake steering controller is tested in a six-turbine array embedded in a statistically quasi-stationary, conventionally neutral flow with geostrophic forcing and Coriolis effects included. The controller statistically significantly increases power production compared to the baseline, greedy, yaw-aligned control provided that the EnKF estimation is constrained and informed with a physics-based prior belief of the wake model parameters. The influence of the model for the coefficient of power Cp as a function of the yaw misalignment is characterized. Errors in estimation of the power reduction as a function of yaw misalignment are shown to result in yaw steering configurations that underperform the baseline yaw-aligned configuration. Overestimating the power reduction due to yaw misalignment leads to increased power over the greedy operation, while underestimating the power reduction leads to decreased power; therefore, in an application where the influence of yaw misalignment on Cp is unknown, a conservative estimate should be taken. The EnKF-augmented wake model predicts the power production in yaw misalignment with a mean absolute error over the turbines in the farm of 0.02P1 , with P1 as the power of the leading turbine at the farm. A standard wake model with wake spreading based on an empirical turbulence intensity relationship leads to a mean absolute error of 0.11P1 , demonstrating that state estimation improves the predictive capabilities of simplified wake models.
Reputation based Routing in MANET using Blockchain

One of the core issues in routing packets within Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) is the lack of trust and reputation of the participating nodes, which often leads to unreliable packet delivery. We use a fraction of nodes to validate routing actions taken by other nodes and leverage the distributed consensus mechanism in Blockchain networks to accrue the reputation of each node. Specifically, we employ heterogeneous difficulty for Proof of Work to represent the credibility of validation and design a scoring system to isolate malicious nodes via distributed consensus. The reputation of a node is then based on the combination of the difficulty level and the score. This reputation is incorporated in a novel routing metric to calculate the shortest, most reputed path between a source and destination node. The goal is to discourage malicious nodes by excluding those from participating in routing packets. A joint simulation of the Blockchain and routing algorithm reveal ≈12% improvement in overall packet delivery in the presence of routing attacks, compared to conventional routing algorithms in MANETs.
The BB0345 Hypothetical Protein of Borrelia burgdorferi Is Essential for Mammalian Infection.

ABSTRACT During the natural enzootic life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi (also known as Borreliella burgdorferi), the bacteria must sense conditions within the vertebrate and arthropod and appropriately regulate expression of genes necessary to persist within these distinct environments. bb0345 of B. burgdorferi encodes a hypothetical protein of unknown function that is predicted to contain an N-terminal helix-turn-helix (HTH) domain. Because HTH domains can mediate protein-DNA interactions, we hypothesized that BB0345 might represent a previously unidentified borrelial transcriptional regulator with the ability to regulate events critical for the B. burgdorferi enzootic cycle. To study the role of BB0345 within mammals, we generated a bb0345 mutant and assessed its virulence potential in immunocompetent mice. The bb0345 mutant was able to initiate localized infection and disseminate to distal tissues but was cleared from all sites by 14 days postinfection. In vitro growth curve analyses revealed that the bb0345 mutant grew similar to wild-type bacteria in standard Barbour-Stoenner-Kelley II (BSK-II) medium; however, the mutant was not able to grow in dilute BSK-II medium or dialysis membrane chambers (DMCs) implanted in rats. Proteinase K accessibility assays and whole-cell partitioning indicated that BB0345 was intracellular and partially membrane associated. Comparison of protein production profiles between the wild-type parent and the bb0345 mutant revealed no major differences, suggesting BB0345 may not be a global transcriptional regulator. Taken together, these data show that BB0345 is essential for B. burgdorferi survival in the mammalian host, potentially by aiding the spirochete with a physiological function that is required by the bacterium during infection.
A Computational Model for Latent Learning based on Hippocampal Replay

We show how hippocampal replay could explain latent learning, a phenomenon observed in animals where unrewarded pre-exposure to an environment, i.e. habituation, improves task learning rates once rewarded trials begin. We first describe a computational model for spatial navigation inspired by rat studies. The model exploits offline replay of trajectories previously learned by applying reinforcement learning. Then, to assess our hypothesis, the model is evaluated in a "multiple T-maze" environment where rats need to learn a path from the start of the maze to the goal. Simulation results support our hypothesis that pre-exposed or habituated rats learn the task significantly faster than non-pre-exposed rats. Results also show that this effect increases with the number of pre-exposed trials.
How Does Foreign Entry Affect Domestic Banking Markets

Banking markets are becoming increasingly international through financial liberalization and general economic integration. Using bank-level data for 80 countries for 1988-95, the authors examine the extent of foreign ownership in national banking markets. They compare net interest margins, overhead, taxes paid, and profitability of foreign and domestic banks. The comparative functions of foreign banks and domestic banks is very different in developing and industrial countries, possibly because of a different customer base, different bank procedures, and different regulatory and tax regimes. In developing countries foreign banks tend to have greater profits, higher interest margins, and higher tax payments than do domestic banks. In industrial countries it is the domestic banks that have greater profits, higher interest margins, and higher tax payments. It is common to read, in the literature on foreign banking, that the entry of foreign banks can make national banking markets more competitive, thereby forcing domestic banks to operate more efficiently. The authors show that increasing the foreign share of bank ownership does indeed reduce profitability and overhead expenses in domestically owned banks - so the general effect of foreign bank entry may be positive. Interestingly, the number of foreign entrants matters more than their market share, suggesting that they affect local bank competition more on entry rather than after gaining a substantial market share. These effects hold even when controlling for the fact that foreign banks may be attracted to markets with certain characteristics, such as low banking costs.
Antenatal and neonatal factors contributing to extra uterine growth failure (EUGR) among preterm infants in Boston Birth Cohort (BBC).

Objective Identify antenatal and neonatal factors associated with primary outcome of EUGR. Methods 1063 preterm infants from a subset of the BBC were included in this prospective cohort study. Regression analysis was carried out to evaluate associations of EUGR with antenatal factors and neonatal factors. Results 6.1% of the infants had in-utero growth restriction (IUGR) at birth and 21.7% of infants had EUGR. The adjusted odds ratio for EUGR status were significant for birth weight (OR 0.99, p = 0.00, CI 0.99-0.99), for GA at birth (OR 4.58, p = 0.00, CI 3.25-6.44), for PDA (OR 2.9, p = 0.02, CI 1.17-7.1), for NEC (OR 5.14, p = 0.012, CI 1.44-18.3) and for day of life of reaching full feeds (OR 1.04, p = 0.001, CI 1.01-1.06). Conclusion This study highlights important factors associated with EUGR. Additional studies are needed to gain further insight.
Who Benefits and How? A Capabilities Perspective on Solar Micro-grids in India

Off-grids such as solar micro-grids offer a sustainable solution in providing universal energy access. However, the literature points out that services gained rather than energy access through any ...
The Landmark Series: Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is a rare and highly aggressive biliary tract neoplasm. As such, the data driving the management of this disease generally are not based on prospective clinical trial data but rather consist of retrospective experiences and limited level 1 data. Surgical resection offers the best chance of a long-term survival, but local and distant recurrences are common. This report presents landmark articles that form the basis of preoperative, operative, and adjuvant strategies for HC.
The Occurrence of Glycosylated Aroma Precursors in Vitis vinifera Fruit and Humulus lupulus Hop Cones and Their Roles in Wine and Beer Volatile Aroma Production

Volatile aroma compounds found in grapes and hops may be present as both free volatiles and bound glycosides. Glycosides found in the raw materials are transferred to their respective fermented beverages during production where the odorless compounds may act as a reservoir of free volatiles that may be perceived by the consumer if hydrolyzed. A review of the literature on grape and wine glycosides and the emerging literature for glycosides in hops is presented in order to demonstrate the depth of history in grape glycoside research and may help direct new research on hop glycosides. Focus is brought to the presence of glycosides in the raw materials, the effect that winemaking and brewing have on glycoside levels, and current methods for the analysis of glycosidically linked aroma compounds.
Initial steps in solving herd mastitis problems

Most mastitis problems are a repeat of similar mastitis problems which continue to happen over and over. As the problems are repeats, so are the solutions in many instances. Solutions to mastitis problem usually involved short term and long corrections or changes. With this pattern of recurrence in mind, there is a base of information which should be gathered whenever it is necessary to attempt to solve a mastitis problem. This presentation will attempt to focus on the initial evaluation and immediate short term corrections made on the initial visit to the farm. Presented at the 3rd Annual Georgia Veterinary Food Animal Conference, Hilton Hotel, Macon, Georgia on January 7, 1990
What can influence a county’s resilience and susceptibility to coronavirus in Nebraska?

This study sought to classify and assign the 93 counties in Nebraska into distinctive spatial-temporal clusters based on their trends in the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths. A seconda...
Results of an experimental therapy of caroinoma of the cervix

Abstract 1. 1. Carcinoma of the cervix has been treated at the University of Minnesota Hospitals since the beginning of 1939 by means of daily x-ray therapy followed immediately by intravaginal and intrauterine radium. X-ray is given over as close to 28 days as possible and the details of this therapy are arranged so as to supply 3,000 tissue roentgens diffusely to the pelvis in this time. This is followed on the day of the last x-ray treatment by the insertion of radium which is left in place for 100 hours. Under ideal anatomical circumstances, two intrauterine portals in tandem and three vaginal portals in the Kaplan colpostat are used. Each contains 10 milligrams of raduim for a total dosage of 5,000 milligram hours. This is decreased as the availability of space for these portals is decreased. 2. 2. Every single patient has been followed to death or to Jan. 1, 1949. Every single patient has satisfactory biopsy control. There is no questionable carcinoma in the material. 3. 3. The following results have been obtained on reportable material. The League of Nations classification is used. Absolute five-year cure rate, 53.6 per cent (S.D. ± 2.8 per cent) Stage I, five-year cure rate, 80.2 per cent (S.D. ± 4.0 per cent) Stage II, five-year cure rate, 54.1 per cent (S.D. ± 4.8 per cent) Stage III, five-year cure rate, 29.5 per cent (S.D. ± 5.2 per cent) Stage IV, only 1 patient of 16 cured. 4. 4. Adenocarcinomas, carcinomas of the cervical stump, and a few cases which were treated with surgery as well as x-ray are included. Because of their small number and the surprising similarity of the results with them to those of the general group of squamous-cell carcinomas, they do not influence the expression of results. 5. 5. The techniques described have significantly improved the results previously obtained and are recommended.
Cationic Polar Cycloaddition

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses cationic polar cycloaddition. The existence of an actual positive charge on the electrophilic species in cationic polar cycloaddition distinguishes it from other types of cycloaddition, and makes it a limiting case of the “Diels–Alder with inverse electron demand.” In cycloaddition reactions involving the acridizinium and isoquinolinium ions, the presence of a positive charge leads with great stereoselectivity to products which could not be predicted by the rule of Alder and Stein. The chapter also describes a mechanism for polar cycloaddition. This mechanism is a nonsynchronous or two-step mechanism that involves attack of the electrophilic cation on the nucleophile to produce a new cation, which undergoes cyclization by attack on suitably located π-electrons or an unshared electron pair.
Laboratory for a First Course in Modeling and Automatic Control

This paper describes laboratory experiments to support mechanical engineering courses in modeling and automatic control theory. The paper begines with discussions of the goals for the experiments and the constraints under which the experiments must be designed. The course objectives which are supported by the laboratory are teaching of modeling, parameter identification, classical control methods, and digital implementation of control strategies. In addition, the laboratory demonstrates to mechanical engineering students how they can use micro processors in design. The main constraints which influenced the design of experiments to meet these objectives are cost, the large number of students who will use the lab, and the need to vary the experiments regularly. The decision on whether to purchase "canned" experiments or to design and construct personalized systems is considered based on these objectives and constraints. The experiments used at Texas A&M are reviewed and relative success with each is discussed. The experiments include: 1. A compound pendulum which is used to introduce the students to digital data acquisition and parameter identification. 2. A motor driven rotary table which is used for experiments on parameter identification, simulation, and both analog and digital control. 3. A coupled tanks system which is used for experiments on parameter identification and simulation. and a control project. 4. A motorized cart which is very versatile and is used for a variety of modeling, parameter identification, and control experiments on projects.
Watching Atoms Move

The X-ray free-electron laser has made possible a direct test of potential energy surface models for highly excited states of bismuth.
A Probability Interpretation of Neural Population Coding for Movement

Abstract Although theoretical neural network models frequently assume that the firing rates of individual neurons carry the analog signals used for computations, it is becoming clear that in many sensory and motor systems, information is encoded as patterns of activity over large populations of cells. This type of distributed encoding has many useful computational and representational properties. Under certain conditions, information can be extracted from such a cell population by forming a “population vector” defined to be a linear combination of the cell firing rates weighted by the “preferred” stimulus for each cell (Georgopoulos et al. 1988). However, it can be shown that the population vector is not unique and that any population of cells can be taken to represent many different possible input variables, depending on how the component cells are labelled (Mussa-lvaldi 1988, Sanger 1994). This leads naturally to the question of whether there is a “best” variable represented by a given cell population. By identifying a cell’s receptive field profile with the posterior distribution of the input data or motor response given that the cell has fired, it is possible to interpret the average firing rates of the cells in a population as providing samples from the probability distribution of the represented data (Anderson 1995, Sanger 1996). I derive the maximum a posteriori estimate of the input variable given the population firing pattern, and I show the existence of a simple method for extracting its conditional distribution given the population data. This probabilistic interpretation of population codes allows us to use maximum entropy arguments to determine both the optimal population code for representing a given variable, as well as the variable that is represented best by a given population code
Engine Cylinder Blocks and Heads NVH Improvements: Bolt Accelerations Computation Methodology

The need for engine system CAE radiated noise analysis to confirm results obtained from component - only analysis are expensive and time consuming. This is because engine system analysis requires finite element modeling of most engine components (large modeling time) and extensive CPU time and cost to run the full FE system model. The objective of this paper is to introduce a new CAE methodology that makes use of component - only analysis to predict the NVH systems effect of the engine block and head, without the need of analyzing the full engine system model. This new CAE methodology evaluates the bolted joint accelerations at the engine block and head flange connections to the: front cover; cam covers; oil pan; intake; exhausts; and transmission. This new method is called BAG (Bolt Accelerations Computation). BAG, in conjunction with SVL (Surface Velocity Level) acoustic response, has been used to optimize the Ford 5.4L cylinder block and cylinder heads for NVH. BAG results have shown excellent correlation to data from CAE engine system analysis and experimental engine testing. Any NVH improvements obtained from the engine block or cylinder head should not only focus on its acoustic response, but also and more importantly on the excitation transmitted to its attached components. Bolt Accelerations Computation improves the capability to analytically evaluate engine components (blocks and heads) as a system with respect to radiated noise without performing a full engine system analysis. Recommendations for the best design should be based on SVL and BAC analyses.
Differential equations in literature, poetry and film

This paper investigates how differential equations models have been used to study works in literature, poetry and film. We present applications to works by William Shakespeare, Francis Petrarch, Ra...
Gulf of Alaska atmosphere-ocean variability over recent centuries inferred from coastal tree-ring records

Eight tree-ring chronologies from coastal sites along the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) are used to develop a 227-year (1762–1988) reconstruction of spring/summer (March–September) coastal land temperatures for the region. This reconstruction explains 35% of the variance in the instrumental temperature data. The tree-ring records and reconstruction reflect the documented 1976 transition from cold to warm conditions in the North Pacific and are consistent with regional temperature compilations. Three of the eight ring-width series, from elevational timberline sites where trees are particularly stressed by temperature, extend back to A.D. 1600 and are used to identify additional occurrences of such transitions. The first principal component (PC) scores of these three longer records are positively correlated with spring (March–May) land and sea surface temperatures for the GOA region and are used to reconstruct land surface temperatures. Decadal-scale fluctuations in the reconstructions show agreement with decade-long changes in the intensity of the Aleutian Low pressure cell over the past century, suggesting that the tree-ring data may provide an index of past circulation changes for the northeast Pacific. Blackman-Tukey spectral analyses of both reconstructions indicate significant power at 7–11 years, with additional peaks at 3 years for the spring/summer reconstruction and 19 years for the longer spring temperature series. The modes of variation at about 3 and 7 years may correspond to those associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation bandwidth, whereas the 19-year term may relate to a proposed 20-year cycle of North Pacific circulation. The spring temperature series shows generally increased growth over the past century, coinciding with warmer spring temperatures in south coastal Alaska over this interval. Comparison with the entire spring series suggests that the recent warming exceeds temperature levels of prior centuries, extending back to A.D. 1600.
The Unique Social Ecology of Groups: Findings from Groups for African Americans Affected by Sickle Cell Disease

Ecological theory has been embraced by many professionals in social work, psychology, and other human service disciplines. Researchers have found the social ecological paradigm useful in understanding the process of group development. Using data from a research project on 123 groups across the United States organized for persons affected by sickle cell disease, this paper will show how ecological theory can be used to study group differences and similarities. This study will form the basis for demonstrating that each group is unique within a community, as diversity among individual members and the social ecology of groups vary. A discussion will follow showing how practitioners or resource persons for groups must respond to the diversity between and within groups.
Warnings and Expert Opinions An Evaluation Methodology based on Fuzzy Probabilities

A number of mandated and voluntary standards and guidelines expressed as good practice have been set out for the design of warnings. However, the question always arises as to whether or not a given warning will accomplish (or would have accomplished) its purpose of preventing injury whether or not it follows such guidelines. The answer to this question must be phrased in probabilities and sometimes only in qualitative form such as “low probability”, “high probability”, “more probable than not”, etc. In order to obtain such answers, experts are often consulted for their opinions. A methodology is presented which can be used as a basis for checking the consistency of the final conclusions or opinions using the concept of “fuzzy probabilities” and conceptually simple computations. The methodology is also of use to the expert in formulating his opinion rationally and deducing its implications clearly. This methodology is presented here in the context of the opined probability of effectiveness of warnings and ...
Automatic robust background modeling using multivariate non-parametric kernel density estimation for visual surveillance

The final goal for many visual surveillance systems is automatic understanding of events in a site. Higher level processing on video data requires certain lower level vision tasks to be performed. One of these tasks is the segmentation of video data into regions that correspond to objects in the scene. Issues such as automation, noise robustness, adaptation, and accuracy of the model must be addressed. Current background modeling techniques use heuristics to build a representation of the background, while it would be desirable to obtain the background model automatically. In order to increase the accuracy of modeling it needs to adapt to different parts of the same scene and finally the model has to be robust to noise. The building block of the model representation used in this paper is multivariate non-parametric kernel density estimation which builds a statistical model for the background of the video scene based on the probability density function of its pixels. A post processing step is applied to the background model to achieve the spatial consistency of the foreground objects.
Causality is undefinable - toward a theory of hierarchical definability

Attempts to formulate mathematically precise definitions of basic concepts such as causality, randomness, and probability have a long history. The concept of generalized definability suggests that such definitions may not exist. Furthermore, it suggests that existing definitions of many basic concepts, among them those of stability, statistical independence and Pareto-optimality, may need to be redefined. The point of departure in our approach to definability is the assumption that definability has a hierarchical structure. Furthermore, it is understood that a definition must be unambiguous, precise, operational, general, and coextensive with the concept it defines.
Turfgrass Pesticides: Management and Environmental Issues

The lawn and turf industry in the United States, including private and commercial lawn care, generates approximately $25 billion annually. The United States golf industry generates approximately $64 billion. A variety of pests are capable of damaging turf, and a number of fungicide, insecticide, nematicide, and herbicide products, respectively, are applied to promote turf health. Currently, pesticide application is the major control factor in lawn and turf management. Keywords: turfgrass pesticides; lawn care; golf industry; pesticide application; turf pest management; nematicide; insecticide; fungicide; herbicide
The Collapse of Composite Cylindrical Panels with Various Thickness using Finite Element Analysis.

This study compared numerical collapse results of graphite/epoxy cylindrical panels with free vertical edges undergoing axial compression for three different shell theories. Symmetric quasi-isotropic laminates were investigated using solid panels and panels with five different centralized cutouts with three thicknesses. The theories compared in the study were the simplified large displacement moderate rotation (SLR) theory, the Donnell cylindrical shell (modified Donnell) theory, and the classical Donnell theory. The purpose of the study was to determine when large rotations and through-the-thickness shear start to become important in the numerical collapse analysis of cylindrical composite shells. By observing cases where the numerical collapse results for each of the three theories differed noticeably (> 3%), it could be determined when large rotations and through-the-thickness shear were important. The effects of large rotations were noticed in nearly all of the panels with large cutouts (>3% panel area). Large rotations were also found to be important for thicker panels with either no cutout or a small cutout. The effects of through-the-thickness shear were only noticed in the thickest panels with large cutouts.
The effects of topical saline and isoproterenol on nasal airway resistance

Abstract Following determination of baseline nasal airway resistance (NAR) in human subjects, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was aerosolized into each nostril and NAR measurements repeated 8 times in 15 minutes. The mean maximal NAR increase in 102 subjects was 22.5% (SD ± 24.5%) with no significant difference between atopic and nonatopic persons. Hay fever patients did not show significantly increased responsiveness to PBS while symptomatic. During 242 repeat challenges with PBS in 67 asymptomatic subjects, NAR increased over 50% in 24 tests. Following a series of 6 PBS challenges at 15-minute intervals, 10 of 71 subjects had more than a 100% increase in NAR over initial baseline values. Administration of PBS on cotton pledgets, pipetting PBS into the nose, or even just inserting a nasal speculum produced greater increases in NAR than the usual aerosol method. Intranasal atropine effectively blocked PBS-induced increases in NAR, suggesting parasympathetic stimulation as a mechanism. Isoproterenol increased NAR over 100% in 27 of 53 subjects, with no significant difference among rhinitic, asthmatic, and nonatopic individuals. This effect was inhibited by propranolol. Isoproterenol administration to 12 ragweed-sensitive subjects 15 minutes prior to ragweed challenge produced a variable inhibition in NAR responses or no protection at all. Thus the direct effects of isoproterenol on the nasal vasculature tend to outweigh those expected from inhibition of mediator release under the conditions of this study.
Formation of Malonaldehyde, Formaldehyde, and Acetaldehyde in Apple Juice Induced by Ionizing Radiation

ABSTRACT: We investigated the effects of ionizing radiation on the formation of malonaldehyde (MA), formaldehyde (FA), and acetaldehyde (ACT) in apple juice. The formation of MA, FA, and ACT in both pasteurized and fresh juice increased with radiation dose. The G values (number of species formed per 100 eV absorbed) for MA, FA, and ACT in pasteurized juice were 0.0056, 0.061, and 0.044, respectively. MA concentration decreased rapidly during storage at 5°C, while ACT and FA did not. Irradiation-induced formation of MA, FA, and ACT decreased with decreasing irradiation temperature. Exclusion of oxygen during irradiation reduced formation of ACT and FA, but not MA. Adding 1000 ppm of ascorbate, sorbate, or sulfite to juice before irradiation also decreased MA formation.
Stresses in cantilever plates

Abstract A numerical method is presented for determining the bending stresses in elastic cantilever plates. Southwell's formulation of the classical small deflection plate theory is employed. The method is applied to obtain numerical solutions for rectangular and swept back plates subjected to a variety of surface and edge loads. Boundary layer effects are observed for the uniformly loaded rectangular plates as the length of the plate decreases. The effects of a load concentration and sweep back are observed and summarized in the form of stress concentration factors.