cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin‐transfer in High Magnetic Fields and Single Magnetic Layer Nanopillars

This chapter reviews studies of the physics of spin transfer in high magnetic fields in bilayer and single magnetic layer nanopillars. The focus is on phenomena associated with the action of spin currents on the background magnetization of thin nanometer-scale ferromagnetic layers, known as nanomagnets. Spin currents are shown to lead to magnetic hysteresis in large fields perpendicular to the layers in bilayer nanopillars. This is consistent with the standard model of spin transfer within a macrospin approximation. Spin-transfer-induced excitations also occur in single magnetic layer nanopillars. This shows that the most elementary samples that exhibit spin transfer consist of just a single thin magnetic layer, not two magnetic layers. Physics beyond the macrospin and one-dimensional transport models is necessary to understand such excitations. Nonuniform spin-wave excitations are also seen in the traditional bilayer structures, which experiments reveal to have a rich phase diagram of current-induced magnetic excitations. Keywords: spin-transfer; spin-momentum-transfer; spin-torque; spin polarized transport; spin polarized current; giant magnetoresistance; current driven; spin-wave; magnetization dynamics; magnetization reversal; magnetic excitation; magnetic hysteresis; nanomagnet; nanopillar; current perpendicular to plane, CPP; magnetic nanostructure; magnetic multilayer
Relative Efficiency And Quality Of Global Automobile Companies

We investigate global automobile companies to determine whether quality and productivity are associated with profitability and increased market share. From multiple tests, evidence suggests that 1) the firms fall into three groups: Toyota and Honda excel in all categories and are in the high performing group; Audi, GM, Mazda, BMW, and Nissan are in a moderate performing group while Daimler/Chrysler, Ford, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen are in a relatively low performing group; 2) that firms with high (low) quality, on average, have higher (lower) profitability and higher (lower) increases in market share for the sample period. Implications for managers of manufacturing firms with a consumer market presence is that firms that pursue product quality and value to their customers should benefit by improved financial performance.
Oxidative Turnover of Soybean Root Glutamine Synthetase. In Vitro and in Vivo Studies

Glutamine synthetase (GS) is the key enzyme in ammonia assimilation and catalyzes the ATP-dependent condensation of NH3 with glutamate to produce glutamine. GS in plants is an octameric enzyme. Recent work from our laboratory suggests that GS activity in plants may be regulated at the level of protein turnover (S.J. Temple, T.J. Knight, P.J. Unkefer, C. Sengupta-Gopalan [1993] Mol Gen Genet 236: 315–325; S.J. Temple, S. Kunjibettu, D. Roche, C. Sengupta-Gopalan [1996] Plant Physiol 112: 1723–1733; S.J. Temple, C. Sengupta-Gopalan [1997] In C.H. Foyer, W.P. Quick, eds, A Molecular Approach to Primary Metabolism in Higher Plants. Taylor & Francis, London, pp 155–177). Oxidative modification of GS has been implicated as the first step in the turnover of GS in bacteria. By incubating soybean (Glycine max) root extract enriched in GS in a metal-catalyzed oxidation system to produce the ·OH radical, we have shown that GS is oxidized and that oxidized GS is inactive and more susceptible to degradation than nonoxidized GS. Histidine and cysteine protect GS from metal-catalyzed inactivation, indicating that oxidation modifies the GS active site and that cysteine and histidine residues are the site of modification. Similarly, ATP and particularly ATP/glutamate give the enzyme the greatest protection against oxidative inactivation. The roots of plants fed ammonium nitrate showed a 3-fold increase in the level of GS polypeptides and activity compared with plants not fed ammonium nitrate but without a corresponding increase in the GS transcript level. This would suggest either translational or posttranslational control of GS levels.
Early high expression of IP-10 in F344 rats resistant to Sendai virus-induced airway injury.

Weanling F344 and BN rats differ markedly in their susceptibility to Sendai virus-induced airway injury. Early gene expression that controls their differences in susceptibility remains poorly under...
Mating and Parental Care in Captive Pygmy Rabbits

As part of a captive-breeding program to restore extirpated Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) to their native habitat in Washington, we documented mating and parental care behavior of these lagomorphs, which was previously unknown. Pygmy rabbits bred from late February through early June, and mating behavior consisted of chasing and brief copulations. Although presented with 1–4 mating partners and 1–6 mating opportunities annually, only 74% of females became pregnant each year. Unlike other lagomorphs, females dug a 16- to 35-cm natal burrow, usually separate from the residential burrow system, an average of 13 days after a successful copulation. Twenty-four days after copulation, females gave birth to 2–7 young at the entrance of the natal burrow and then covered the entrance. Females returned to nurse 1 or 2 times per day, until young emerged from burrows about 15 days after birth. Females averaged 1.3 litters per year, rarely (2%) producing 4 litters. Except for digging a natal burrow, mating and parental care in pygmy rabbits is similar to that of other lagomorphs. Understanding reproductive behavior is critical for captive breeding and reintroduction of pygmy rabbits, and efforts to reduce the consequences of genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding in captivity.
Detecting avian malaria: an improved polymerase chain reaction diagnostic

We describe a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that detects avian malarial infection across divergent host species and parasite lineages representing both Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. The assay is based on nucleotide primers designed to amplify a 286-bp fragment of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) coding sequence within the 6-kb mitochondrial DNA malaria genome. The rRNA malarial assay outperformed other published PCR diagnostic methods for detecting avian infections. Our data demonstrate that the assay is sensitive to as few as 10−5 infected erythrocytes in peripheral blood. Results of avian population surveys conducted with the rRNA assay suggest that prevalences of malarial infection are higher than previously documented, and that studies based on microscopic examination of blood smears may substantially underestimate the extent of parasitism by these apicomplexans. Nonetheless, because these and other published primers miss small numbers of infections detected by other methods, including inspection ...
Knowledge of Aging in an Elderly Population

A total of 164 older people were given a facts on aging quiz to determine level of knowledge, common misconceptions, and aging bias. Results were compared with university undergraduates' scores. Fi...
Asymmetric cooperativity in a symmetric tetramer: human hemoglobin.

A longstanding challenge in macromolecular biochemistry has been the question of how the four "active site" hemes of human hemoglobin (Hb) interact cooperatively over widely separated intramolecular distances (i.e. 24 -37 A) to regulate the O 2 affinity of the molecule. In the modern era of Hb research, beginning with the availability of crystal structures for both the deoxy and fully ligated tetramers by the late 1960s, the problem of subunit-subunit communication has been addressed by extensive static and dynamic structural characterization of the end-state tetramers and of the equilibrium and kinetic ligand binding reactions for numerous mutant and chemically modified Hbs. Throughout this period, the approach to characterizing Hb structure-function relationships has been dominated by the structural symmetry of the α 2 β 2 tetramer, in that structural symmetry has been assumed to dictate functional symmetry. For this reason, Hb research has, by default, been based on the perturbation of both αβ dimers in the tetramer equally and simultaneously, i.e. by mutations and chemical modifications, the binding of numerous small molecules, and the wide variation of solution conditions.
MiniBox: a two-way sandbox for ×86 native code

This paper presents MiniBox, the first two-way sandbox for x86 native code, that not only protects a benign OS from a misbehaving application, but also protects an application from a malicious OS. MiniBox can be applied in Platform-as-a-Service cloud computing to provide two-way protection between a customer's application and the cloud platform OS. We implement a Mini-Box prototype running on recent x86 multi-core systems from Intel or AMD, and we port several applications to MiniBox. Evaluation results show that MiniBox is efficient and practical.
Characterization of Die Stresses in Plastic Packages Subjected to Moisture and Thermal Exposures

Stress sensing test chips are a powerful tool for measuring in-situ stresses in electronic packages. In this study, we have applied (111) silicon test chips to perform a variety of measurements of die stresses in plastic packages. In particular, stresses were characterized in 240 pin Quad Flat Packs (QFPs) subjected to various thermal and moisture loadings. The utilized 10 × 10 mm sensor chips incorporated optimized eight-element piezoresistive rosettes that were capable of measuring the complete state of stress at the die surface (including the interfacial shear stresses).The fabricated test chips were initially used to measure die stresses in the QFPs after molding and post mold bake. Measurement results were correlated with finite element simulations of the molding process. Subsequently, the effects of thermal cycling on the measured die stress distributions for selected packages were investigated. After these initial measurements, the samples were stored at room temperature and ambient humidity for 17 years. The samples were then re-measured after this long term storage to evaluate the degree of die stress relaxation that had occurred. Several packages were then exposed to a harsh high temperature and high humidity environment (85 C, 85% RH) for various time durations, and allowed to absorb moisture. The die stresses at several locations were characterized as a function of time during the hygrothermal exposure. The weight variations in each sample were also measured during the 85/85 exposure to gauge the moisture uptake, and reversibility tests were conducted to see whether the effects of moisture uptake were permanent. Using these measurements and numerical simulations, valuable insight has been gained on moisture induced failure phenomena in plastic packages.Good agreement was found between the predicted and measured die normal stress distributions occurring after molding of the QFP. The magnitudes of the in-plane normal and shear stresses were found to have decreased by up to 30% after moderate levels of thermal cycling. After long term storage, the experimental measurements showed that the die normal stresses in the QFPs relaxed significantly (up to 40%), while the die shear stresses exhibited only small variations. In addition, the 85/85 hygrothermal exposures had strong effects, generating tensile die normal stress changes of up to 130 MPa. Upon fully redrying in reversibility tests, it was observed that the moisture-induced normal stress changes were not recovered. Good correlations were observed between the variations of sample weight (increases in moisture content) and the variations of the die normal and shear stress changes.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Monte Carlo variance comparison for expected value versus sampled splitting

Splitting techniques are among the most common and successful variance reduction techniques used in Monte Carlo calculations. The simplest type of splitting occurs when the splitting ratio, v, is an integer. In this case, one particle of weight w is replaced by v particles of weight wv/sup -1/. Often, v is specified as a ratio of two numbers. In these cases, v need not be an integer. Two alternative splitting techniques for noninteger v, sampled splitting and expected-value splitting, are compared. Formulas are reported that indicate when each type of splitting is preferred.
Timing of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) Oviposition and arval Activity in Southern New York

Timing of oviposition and larval eclosion for fall-and spring-fed female blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, and effect of temperature on those events in southern New York state, where Lyme disease is endemic, were determined in the field. We also examined seasonal pattern of larval host-seeking activity, as well as rate of survival for overwintering, unfed larvae. Totals of 9 and 8 replete female I. scapularis were released in fall 1988 and spring 1989, respectively. For the 10 females that oviposited, egg laying began in mid-to-late May, regardless of when ticks had fed. Likewise, larval eclosion was synchronized in July for all egg masses. Microhabitat temperatures experienced by females were not reliable indicators of female reproductive success, in terms of either presence or absence of eggs, or numbers of larvae recovered. However, average body size was significantly greater for females that oviposited successfully than for those that did not. The percentage of unfed larvae surviving the 8-mo overwintering period from late August to early May ranged from 1.9 to 31.4, with a mean survival rate of 10.4%. Concurrent drag sampling through the year indicated a bimodal pattern of larval abundance marked by a relatively small early peak of activity in late May that extended into early July. Because the first peak of larval activity occurred during the period of oviposition, 8 wk before onset of larval eclosion, it appears that bimodality represents activity of 2 consecutive cohorts, with the early peak composed of overwintering survivors. These data imply variation in timing of reproduction and larval activity from 1 geographic area to another. Efforts to devise a comprehensive scheme for the life cycle of I. scapularis must consider that population differences may exist.
Inheritance and Linkage of Malathion Resistance in the Red Flour Beetle

A strain of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) from Georgia was 73-fold resistant to malathion and was highly cross-resistant to phenthoate (× 53), but not to structurally dissimilar carboxylate esters; cross-resistance to any of a variety of other organophosphates, carbamates, chlorinated hydrocarbons or pyrethroids (≤ × 2.7) was not detected. Malathion resistance ( Rmal ) was inherited as a simple autosomal semidominant trait. Linkage analysis showed Rmal to be located on group VI, 24.6 ± 1.0 map units from Microphthalmic.
Research priorities for improving infant and young child feeding in humanitarian emergencies

There are many challenges during emergencies to ensure that optimal infant and young child feeding is protected, promoted and supported, but there is a dearth of evidence on strategies and programmes to improve Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) and a need to determine research priorities. Based on interviews with key informants who are experts in the subject, we developed a list of 48 research questions on IYCF-E. A framework, following the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method to set priorities in child health research, was developed to rank the research questions. Four criteria were applied to create a ranking based on answerability, operational relevance, disease burden reduction and prevention, and originality. Using an on-line survey, prioritisation of research questions was done by 27 people from 14 NGOs, universities and research institutions, and UN organisations. The top-ten research questions identified focused on the following: • Use of cash-transfer to buy breast-milk substitutes; • Effectiveness of complementary feeding strategies; • Long-term effect of IYCF-E interventions; • Design of IYCF-E programmes in a context where breastfeeding rates are low and breast milk substitutes use is high; • Design of effective re-lactation interventions; • Provision of psychological support to young children’s care-takers; • Determination of number of beneficiaries and coverage of IYCF-E programmes; • Pros and cons of distributing ready-to-use infant formula compared with distributing powdered infant formula plus kit for safer use of BMS, when use of infant formula is necessary; • Assessment of the impact of specific IYCF-E programmes on nutritional status, morbidity and mortality; • Linking and mainstreaming IYCF-E interventions with other sectors such as health, WASH, food security and child protection. The questions found by this study could form the basis of future research on IYCF-E and could be integrated into the agenda of relevant stakeholders. Results of studies based on these questions will be fundamental to fill the evidence gap in IYCF-E, improve IYCF-E programming and ultimately contribute to the reduction in morbidity and mortality among infants and young children in humanitarian emergencies.
Effects of lanthanides on muscarinic acetylcholine receptor function

Incubation of mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115) with the lanthanides terbium, europium, neodymium, and lanthanum resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in the maximal cyclic GMP response to full agonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, and an increase in the response to partial agonists. At 1 mM concentration these lanthanides also caused a significant decrease in the EC50 of the agonists, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in the binding affinity of the 3H-labeled antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), as determined for both mouse neuroblastoma cells and rat brain homogenates. However, this concentration of the lanthanides did not cause a significant change in the agonist equilibrium dissociation constant. The rank order of potency of the lanthanides for their effects on the EC50 for agonists and on the affinity of the antagonist was Tb3+ > Eu3+ > Nd3+ > La3+. Calcium ions mimicked the effects of lanthanides on the EC50 but had opposite effects on maximal responses. In addition, high calcium concentrations decreased the effects of Tb3+ on the EC50 and on [3H]QNB binding with no change in their effect on maximal cyclic GMP responses. We conclude that these lanthanides increase the efficacy of agonists, probably by interacting with Ca2+ binding sites on a factor which couples the receptor to the calcium channels; and that the lanthanides reduce maximal cyclic GMP responses to agonists by interacting with the calcium channels.
A new look atParmotrema madagascariaceumandP. xanthinumin North America1

Abstract Species delimitation in foliose macrolichens has long been dominated by chemotaxonomy, resulting in many examples of seemingly morphologically identical species that differ only in the secondary metabolites they produce. This study examines two such species that are widespread in southeastern North America: Parmotrema madagascariaceum (Hue) Hale and Parmotrema xanthinum (Mull. Arg.) Hale. Drawing on data from biogeography, chemistry, morphology, and molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequence data, the two species are treated as conspecific. A taxonomic treatment is presented along with a discussion of previous studies that have examined the delimitation of species that differ only in the presence or absence of compounds that are accessories in addition to a primary set of substances present in both species.
Clays and Clay Minerals in Jordan

This book on Clays and Clay Minerals is the first in a series of books that presents an objective view of the type and nature of industrial rocks and minerals in Jordan. The chapters in this book examine the diversity of clays in Jordan and summarize their origin and their mineralogical, chemical and industrial properties. None of the clay deposits described in Jordan is of world class quality, but many can be utilized locally and regionally. Chapter 1 briefly summarizes clay formation, the structure and properties of the clay minerals and their applications, and shows the location of the important clay deposits in Jordan. Chapter 2 discusses …
Role of T-Cells in Rejection of Corneal Endothelium: a Study of the Intraocular Graft-versus-Host Reaction

These observations demonstrate that T-lymphocytes play an important role in the local graft-versus-host reaction of corneal endothelium, and that intraocular proliferation of donor lymphocytes is also necessary for target cell destruction. The results contribute to our understanding of the mechanism of corneal graft rejection.
The Role of Children's Adaptability in Classrooms Characterized by Low or High Teacher Emotional Support Consistency.

Abstract Teachers' social interactions with children are a salient aspect of the classroom environment. An emerging line of research suggests teachers' emotional support consistency is an important...
A review of The Cut and the Building of Psychoanalysis, Volume I: Sigmund Freud and Emma Eckstein

With this volume, Carlo Bonomi makes a significant contribution to the history of psychoanalysis. Highlighting medical practices categorized as circumcision and castration in girls and women, Bonom...
Millennials, built form, and travel insights from a nationwide typology of U.S. neighborhoods

Abstract We examine the relationship between the built environment and the travel of Millennials in the United States. We develop a neighborhood typology to characterize the built environment and transportation networks in almost every U.S. census tract, allowing us to identify possible synergistic and/or threshold effects on travel. We measure travel behavior in two ways: (1) using a multi-faceted traveler typology created using latent class analysis, and (2) by measuring the vehicle miles of travel among people in each of these traveler types. This dual approach allows us to distinguish between the built environment changes needed to encourage travel by modes other than driving, and those needed to reduce vehicle miles traveled among drivers. Using a multinomial logistic regression, we find that travel patterns are relatively stable along much of the urban-rural continuum, everything else equal. Driving was substantially lower only in “Old Urban” neighborhoods, where densities, job access, and transit service are dramatically higher than in all other neighborhood types. This finding implies that dramatic changes in the built environment—doubling or even tripling development density or transit service—may do little to get young people out of their cars when initial densities or transit services are low, as they are in most of the U.S. Conversely, reducing vehicle miles traveled among drivers appears to require more modest built form changes, a finding that offers some room for optimism among those concerned with auto dependence.
The Age-Related Macular Degeneration Complex: Linking Epidemiology and Histopathology Using the Minnesota Grading System (The Inaugural Frederick C. Blodi Lecture).

PURPOSE To describe the histopathologic findings of the four stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as defined by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) using the Minnesota grading system (MGS). CLINICAL RELEVANCE There are no animal models for AMD. Eye banks enable access to human tissue with AMD. The level of AMD (grades 1 through 4) as defined by AREDS is determined ex vivo using the MGS. The AREDS has the largest collection to date of prospectively gathered data on the natural history of AMD. Since the MGS uses the same clinical criteria as AREDS, the addition of histopathologic findings of graded tissue confirms important pathophysiology at each stage of AMD. METHODS Four eye bank eyes were graded according to the MGS. Only the right eyes were dissected for phenotype grading. The fellow (left) eyes were fixed for histopathologic study. The eyes were serially sectioned (7 μm) through the macula. Individual slides were examined, and a two-dimensional reconstruction of the topography of the macula was created for each donor. Selected, unstained slides were used for immunohistochemical staining. In one donor, portions of tissue were obtained for transmission electron microscopic (TEM) processing. RESULTS Donor 1 had a rare hard, nodular druse (MGS1). Donor 2 had intermediate confluent drusen (MGS2). Donor 3 had numerous intermediate drusen (MGS3) in the right eye. Histopathology of the fellow left showed basal laminar deposits (BLamD), soft drusen, and an area of occult choroidal neovascularization underlying the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with endothelial cells (CD31-positive). Donor 4 also had MGS 3 along with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD). Histologic and TEM examination demonstrated diffuse BLamD, thickening of Bruch's membrane, hard drusen, and focal nodules underlying the RPE that corresponded to the RPD. EM examination demonstrated both BLamD and electron-dense material located just external to the elastic layer of Bruch's membrane. CONCLUSION Eye bank eyes graded using the MGS serve as an important link to the phenotypic and epidemiologic data from the AREDS. Thus, the MGS serves as a system to study the histopathology at each stage of AMD to better understand the relevant pathophysiologic changes in disease progression.
A rapid quantitative protocol for measuring carbon nanotube degree of dispersion in a waterborne epoxy–amine matrix material

The available literature makes it very clear that accurate measurements of carbon nanotube dispersion quality are very complicated and the typical characterization is neither simple nor reliable. Most methods to quantify carbon nanotube dispersion reported in the literature require investigator-chosen assumptions or software interpretations that are impractical at best and misleading at worst for facile application. Herein, we report on the use of visible light absorption-based method(s) and validate that these were quantitative for discerning dispersibility differences for MWCNTs with three distinct surface chemistry modifications and concentration levels blended with polymeric materials. Ultimately, the dispersion quality was quantified via the trendline slope of the thickness-normalized absorbance values as a function of MWCNT concentration. Extremely poor dispersions were represented by statistically insignificant slope trendlines. Our data revealed that hydroxyl surface modification increased MWCNT dispersibility by a factor of ~2.8 and ~2.6 compared to the as-received MWCNT formulations via the absorption and the blackness methods, respectively. These results support and quantifiably validate that simple optical blackness values directly measured the degree of dispersion for MWCNTs in coatings applied to substrates, and our data support that this is a simple and effective quality control metric.
Independent Validation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th Edition Prostate Cancer Staging Classification

Purpose: We sought to independently validate the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) 8th edition prostate cancer staging classification, which includes the elimination of pT2 subcategories and the reclassification of patients with prostate specific antigen 20 ng/ml or greater and Gleason Grade Group 5 as stage groups III-A and III-C, respectively.Materials and Methods: We identified 13,839 men who underwent radical prostatectomy at Mayo Clinic between 1987 and 2011 from our institutional registry. Outcomes included biochemical recurrence-free, metastasis-free and cancer specific survival. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox regression models with the c-index were used.Results: Median followup was 10.5 years (IQR 7.1–15.3). Among patients with pT2 prostate cancer the subclassification demonstrated limited discrimination for biochemical recurrence-free, metastasis-free and cancer specific survival (c-index 0.531, 0.545 and 0.525, respectively). At the same time patients with 7th edition stage group II prost...
Numerical evaluation of the performance of a Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil-Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS) under different loading conditions

Abstract This paper presents the results of a finite element (FE) numerical analysis that was developed to simulate the fully-instrumented Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS) at the Maree Michel Bridge in Louisiana. Four different loading conditions were considered in this paper to evaluate the performance of GRS-IBS abutment due to dead loading, tandem axle truck loading, service loading, and abnormal loading. The two-dimensional FE computer program PLAXIS 2D 2016 was selected to model the GRS-IBS abutment. The hardening soil model proposed by Schanz et al., (1999) that was initially introduced by Duncan and Chang (1970) was used to simulate the granular backfill materials; a linear-elastic model with Mohr-Coulomb frictional criterion was used to simulate the interface between the geosynthetic and backfill material. Both the geosynthetic and the facing block were modeled using linear elastic model. The Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model was used to simulate the foundation soil. The FE numerical results were compared with the field measurements of monitoring program, in which a good agreement was obtained between the FE numerical results and the field measurements. The range of maximum reinforcement strain was between 0.4% and 1.5%, depending on the location of the reinforcement layer and the loading condition. The maximum lateral deformation at the face was between 2 and 9 mm (0.08%–0.4% lateral strain), depending on the loading condition. The maximum settlement of the GRS-IBS under service loading was 10 mm (0.3% vertical strain), which is about two times the field measurements (∼5 mm). This is most probably due to the behavior of over consolidated soil caused by the old bridge. The axial reinforcement force predicted by FHWA (Adams et al., 2011b) design methods were 1.5–2.5 times higher than those predicted by the FE analysis and the field measurements, depending on the loading condition and reinforcement location. However, the interface shear strength between the reinforcement and the backfill materials predicted by Mohr-Coulomb method was very close to those predicted by the FE.
Link available time prediction based GPSR for vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicle mobile ad-hoc networks (VANETs) are becoming the mainstream of network research in these days. Researches have been carried out from many aspects. However, due to the limitation of the characteristics of VANETs, the implementation in real-world still requires much effort to overcome the shortcomings to guarantee a reliable link and efficient data delivery. In the paper, we present an improved scheme based on the well-known position-based routing protocol greedy perimeter stateless routing (GPSR). Taking the advantages of GPSR, we preserve the core algorithm of GPSR, and then introduce the link available time (LAT) prediction into the next hop selection of GPSR, instead of simply using a greedy forwarding algorithm. LAT prediction is only decided by the measurable variables within a predefined time interval. Next, we establish a matrix based on the LAT and geographic progress to the next hop to decide which node should be the next hop for relaying. Finally, the simulation results are given to demonstrate the improvement in aspects of delay time, package delivery ratio, hop-count, etc.
Benefit of Albumin Infusion in Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis and Hyponatremia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

AIM: To investigate the optimal intravenous fluid for resuscitation of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and hyponatremia and analyze their outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients with hyponatremia and cirrhosis, portal hypertension, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy receiving resuscitative fluids and hospitalized between 1/2011 and 12/2014 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, quantity and type of fluid administered, change in serum sodium, and 6-month mortality were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 146 eligible patients were identified, of which 62% (91/146) received primarily crystalloid and 38% (55/146) primarily albumin resuscitative fluid. Those within the albumin cohort were more likely to receive diuretics (82% vs 56%, p = 0.001), have a history of refractory ascites (56% vs 21%, p < 0.001), ascites on admission (96% vs 60%, p < 0.001), higher admission body mass (81.6 kg vs 75.5 kg, p = 0.04), higher creatinine (152.9 µmol/L vs 130.8 µmol/L, p = 0.03), and higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (23.0 vs 18.9, p = 0.002) compared to those in the crystalloid cohort. Fluid selection did not impact sodium correction (p = 0.67). In multivariate analysis, receiving albumin and having higher baseline serum albumin were both associated with reduced 6-month mortality, odds ratio of 0.06 (p = 0.013) and 0.13 (p = 0.035), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fluid selection in patients with cirrhosis and hyponatremia insignificantly impacted sodium correction. Albumin infusion was associated with reduced 6-month mortality. Larger prospective trials are required to investigate this relationship.
Technical capability level 2 unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) flight demonstration: Description and analysis

NASA's UAS Traffic Management (UTM) project concluded its second flight demonstration activity in late October 2016. This activity demonstrated the capabilities and functionality incorporated into its Technical Capability Level 2 (TCL 2) concept, which envisions future operations that are low density, capable of being performed over sparsely populated areas, and allow for a concurrent mix of longer duration, beyond visual-line-of-sight flights and shorter flights within visual-line-of-sight (VLOS). To incorporate these features into a flight demonstration, a scenario-based approach was taken to address different aspects of the TCL 2 environment and to meet defined objectives. This paper will describe elements of how the flight activity was conducted and present analyses regarding UTM operations, system messages, and alerting as they pertained to meeting the demonstration objectives and shedding light on research questions and lessons learned.
Visualizing the Consistency of Thickened Liquids With Simple Tools: Implications for Clinical Practice

Purpose Accurate texture modifications to thin liquids are a critical aspect of patients' nutritional health and well-being. This study explored the use of 3 tools (2 distance- and 1 time-measuring...
A new combination in Ardeuma (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta)

A correct combination in Ardeuma R.H. Zander & Hedd., A. annotinum (Mitt. ex Dixon) R.H. Zander & Brinda, is provided for the species A. insigne (Dixon) R.H. Zander & Hedd., which is not the first name available at the species level. Distinctions between the genera Ardeuma and Hymenostylium are tabulated.
The Role of Pheromones in Reproductive Isolation and Speciation of Insects

Reproductive isolation is a benchmark of the biological species concept and, as the term was coined by Dobzhansky (1937), it was designed to embrace the mechanisms that hinder or prevent the interbreeding of species. The concept of reproductive isolation is, of course, relevant only to sexually reproducing species and typically excludes geographical isolation from the behavioral, ecological, morphological or genetic devices that can serve as barriers to interspecific mating (Littlejohn 1981). Among insects, the diverse behavioral mechanisms that prevent hybridization typically are the same mechanisms that function in pair formation, that is the communication systems that result in the recognition and spatial convergence of potential mates. The principal communication channels emphasized vary among insect groups; for example, acoustical cues predominate in many Orthoptera, visual cues are emphasized in firefly beetles (Lampyridae) and butterflies, and chemical cues (pheromones) are a nearly generic solution in moths. But it is perhaps misleading to characterize these systems so simply. The communication system employed by moths, as an example, involves more than the chemical communication modality; to locate the conspecific chemical emitter, the responders use visual and wind cues to navigate a course upwind (Carde 1984) and, often, visual and tactile (and in a few species, auditory inputs) for recognition of the “calling” (pheromone-emitting) conspecific.
Heart failure in adult congenital heart disease: tetralogy of Fallot

The number of rTOF patients who survive into adulthood is steadily rising, with currently more than 90% reaching the third decade of life. However, rTOF patients are not cured, but rather have a lifelong increased risk for cardiac and non-cardiac complications. Heart failure is recognized as a significant complication. Its occurrence is strongly associated with adverse outcome. Unfortunately, conventional concepts of heart failure may not be directly applicable in this patient group. This article presents a review of the current knowledge on HF in rTOF patients, including incidence and prevalence, the most common mechanisms of heart failure, i.e., valvular pathologies, shunt lesions, left atrial hypertension, primary left heart and right heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease. In addition, we will review information regarding extracardiac complications, risk factors for the development of heart failure, clinical impact and prognosis, and assessment possibilities, particularly of the right ventricle, as well as management strategies. We explore potential future concepts that may stimulate further research into this field.
Designing a NISQ reservoir with maximal memory capacity for volatility forecasting

Forecasting the CBOE volatility index (VIX) is a highly non-linear and memory-intensive task. In this paper, we use quantum reservoir computing to forecast the VIX using S&P500 (SPX) time-series. Our reservoir is a hybrid quantum-classical system executed on IBM's 53-qubit Rochester chip. We encode the SPX values in the rotation angles and linearly combine the average spin of the six-qubit register to predict the value of VIX at the next time step. Our results demonstrate a potential application of noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ) devices to complex, real world applications.
Study bystanders and ethical treatment of study participants-A proof of concept

The ethics of research on human subjects is often construed as a fine balance between the interests of patients in need of novel health interventions, and those of study participants who should remain safe in the process. But there is a third group in the mix. Some people belong to neither category, yet research can affect or jeopardize them. Call such people "bystanders." This article shows that thinking about bystander protection can question whether there is an upper limit on the risks that studies may legitimately visit upon their participants. Thus, thinking about appropriate bystander protection can shed light on the appropriate protection of study participants. Core research ethics, which focuses on the latter, must consider the former as well.
‘From fat and frazzled to fit and happy’: governing the unhealthy employee through quantification and wearable technologies

Fitbits are one of an increasing number of wearable devices that are being used in workplace wellness programmes to track steps taken, stairs climbed, distance walked, calories burned, hours slept,...
Multi-Stage Decision Processes: The Impact of Attribute-Order on How Consumers Mentally Represent Their Choice

With the ever-increasing number of options from which consumers can choose, many decisions are done in stages. Whether using decision tools to sort, screen, and eliminate options, or intuitively trying to reduce the complexity of a choice, consumers often reach a decision by making sequential, attribute-level choices. The current paper explores how the order in which attribute-level choices are made in such multi-stage decisions affects how consumers mentally represent and categorize their chosen option. The authors find that attribute choices made in the initial stage play a dominant role in how the ultimately chosen option is mentally represented, while later attribute choices serve only to update and refine the representation of that option. Across thirteen studies (six of which are reported in the supplemental online materials), the authors find that merely changing the order of attribute choices in multi-stage decision processes alters how consumers (i) describe the chosen option, (ii) perceive its similarity to other available options, (iii) categorize it, (iv) intend to use it, and (v) replace it (if necessary). Thus, while the extant decision-making literature has mainly explored how mental representations and categorization impact choice, the current paper demonstrates the reverse: the choice process itself can impact mental representations.
Rhabdomyolysis Secondary to COVID-19 Vaccination

Rhabdomyolysis has been described as a complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, but few cases of rhabdomyolysis associated with COVID-19 vaccination have been reported. We described a case of an 80-year-old male who developed rhabdomyolysis two days after receiving his second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. He presented with severe weakness, myalgias, and an initial creatinine kinase (CK) of 6,546 IU/L that improved with intravenous fluids. Common causes of rhabdomyolysis were excluded including statin use, strenuous exercise, and trauma. With the increasing immunization efforts against COVID-19, physicians should consider the possibility of rhabdomyolysis when a patient presents with neuromuscular complaints following vaccination.
Does Calfbood Infection with Cryptosporidium Impact Future Performance of Dairy Heifers

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic, parasitic protozoa that is of interest to livestock producers, veterinarians, and public health officials. It is the most prevalent pathogen isolated from diarrheic calves according to published reports. The financial impact of cryptosporidium on the performance of dairy herds is unknown. This study sought to determine whether calfhood cryptosporidiosis has an effect on future performance of dairy heifers.
The Polyoma Virus Section B

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses polyoma virus, which has characteristics that are typical of many of the well-known viruses. It can be freed from other viruses by the plaque technique, concentrated, and at least partially purified by methods that have been useful for other viruses—namely, adsorption and elution on erythrocytes, centrifugation, alcohol precipitation in the cold, and by a combination of drying and dialysis. Virus or its specific antibody can be measured by in vitro tests, such as cytopathogenic changes in roller tube tissue cultures, hemagglutination, complement fixation, or mouse antibody production. Virus production in mouse embryo tissue cells with nucleic acids derived from the SE poIyoina virus or nucleic acid treated with the enzyme ribonuclease has been demonstrated. No virus production has been detected in preliminary experiments with viral nucleic acid treated with deoxyribonuclease. The virus is resistant to many physical and chemical agents that are deleterious to other microorganisms. The virus can be recovered from tumor tissue from animals such as mice, hamsters, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in mouse embryo tissue cultures.
Multi—Mode Coupling of Protein Motion to Electron Transfer in the Photosynthetic Reaction Center: Spin — Boson Theory Based on a Classical Molecular Dynamics Simulation

We present a quantum mechanical description (spin-boson model) for electron transfer rates in the photosynthetic reaction center of Rh. viridis which assumes for the protein nuclear motion a broad distribution of vibrational modes rather than a few discrete modes. We demonstrate that linear coupling of electron transfer to such modes is in agreement with molecular dynamics simulations. We establish that the multi-mode coupling between electron transfer and protein motion can be described in surprisingly simple terms and requires as input only that one monitors the fluctuations of the so-called energy gap function ΔE(t), i.e., the energy required for a virtual transfer of the electron. The amplitude and the relaxation time of the associated correlation function are the essential parameters which determine electron transfer rates in the framework of the spin-boson model. We present the temperature and redox energy dependence of these rates which are found in agreement with observations and also with Marcus theory at high temperature, even though the latter assumes coupling to a single mode.
Quality of care for patients with acute coronary syndromes as a function of hospital revascularization capability: Insights from get with the guidelines-CAD.

Background Revascularization availability at US hospitals varies and may impact care quality for acute coronary syndrome patients. Hypothesis The hypothesis of this study was that there would be differences in care quality at Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CAD) hospitals based on revascularization capability. Methods For acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to GWTG-CAD hospitals between 2000 and 2010, care quality at hospitals with or without revascularization capability was examined by assessing conformity with performance and quality measures. Results This study included 95 999 acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to 310 GWTG-CAD hospitals. There were 89 000 patients admitted to 226 revascularization-capable hospitals and 6999 patients admitted to 84 hospitals without revascularization capability included. Adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated that 8 of the 19 measures were more frequently performed in the revascularization cohort: aspirin (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.92), clopidogrel (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.78-3.00), lipid-lowering therapies at discharge (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-1.87), lipid-lowering therapies for low-density lipoprotein >100 mg/dL (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.23-2.77), achievement of blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03-1.40), LDL recorded (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05-2.06), and recommendations offered for physical activity (OR: 3.82, 95% CI: 2.23-6.55) or weight management (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.12-2.69). Conclusions The GWTG-CAD revascularization hospitals were associated with better performance in some, but not all, measures assessed. Although the difference in conformity between hospital types was modest for performance measures but more variable for quality measures, room for improvement exists in key aspects of care.