cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian logistic mixed-effects modelling of transect data: relating red tree coral presence to habitat characteristics

The collection of continuous data on transects is a commonpractice in habitat and fishery stock assessments; however, the application of standard regressionmodels that assume independence to serially correlateddata is problematic.Weshow that generalized linearmixedmodels (GLMMs), i.e. generalized linear models for longitudinal data, that are normally used for studies performed over time can also be applied to other types of clustered or serially correlated data.We apply a specific GLMM for longitudinal data, a hierarchical Bayesian logisticmixed-effectsmodel (BLMM), to a marine ecology dataset obtained from submersible video recordings of the seabed on transects at two sites in the Gulf of Alaska. The BLMMwas effective in relating the presence of red tree corals (Primnoa pacifica; i.e. binary data) to habitat characteristics: the presence of red tree corals is highly associated with bedrock as the primary substrate (estimated odds ratio 9–19), high to very high seabed roughness (estimated odds ratio 3–5), and medium to high slope (estimated odds ratio 2–3). The covariate depth was less important at the sites. We also demonstrate and compare twomethods ofmodel checking: full andmixed posterior predictive assessments, the latter ofwhich provided amore realistic assessment, and we calculate the variance partition coefficient for reporting the variation explained by multiple levels of the hierarchical model.
Experimental Comparisons of Methods for Reducing Deliberate Distortions to Self-Report Measures of Sensitive Constructs

Sensitive constructs, such as counterproductive workplace behavior (CWB), are of interest to both basic and applied researchers; however, deliberate response distortions—active attempts on the part...
Surveys on the level of indoor air particles of PM_(2.5) in work places and public places in Guangzhou

Objective To study the PM2.5 level and its influencing factors in work places and public places in Guangzhou, so as to provide basic data for establishing the policy and hygienic standard. Methods Based on the stratified sampling method, 10 kinds of indoor sites in workplaces and public places were sampled. AM510 artificial intelligence anti explosion dust detectors were used to test indoor PM2.5 of all selected sites in 30 minutes. Analysis of single factor and correspondence analysis(CA) were applied to analysis associated factors for air indoor PM2.5. Results The average indoor PM2.5 level in all selected places was 61.17 g/m3. The average indoor PM2.5 concentration in bus and train stations, restaurants or hotels were higher(98.80 and 76.59 g/m3) than those in other places. The average indoor PM2.5 concentration of places in the suburbs were lower than that in downtowns(Dunnett t=-0.19,P=0.003). The average indoor PM2.5 concentration of places where there were cooking oil fume or smoking behaviors were higher than that of the places without (t=3.03,P=0.003;t=2.19,P=0.031). Through correspondence analysis, stations, restaurants or hotels, none no smoking ban, smoking behaviors, and cooking oil fume were associated to high indoor PM2.5 concentration. Conclusions The indoor PM2.5 concentration were high in main working places and public places in Guangzhou, especially in stations, restaurants or hotels. Policy making and supervising should be enhanced to protect public health.
Revisions for aseptic glenoid component loosening after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty

Background Glenoid component loosening is a common indication for revision shoulder arthroplasty. The objective of this study is to assess the longer-term outcomes of patients undergoing revision specifically for aseptic loosening. Materials and methods Between 1985 and 2005, 34 revision shoulder arthroplasties were performed for aseptic glenoid loosening. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Treatment included component reimplantation in 20 shoulders (group I) or component removal with bone grafting in 11 shoulders (group II). We identified 9 cases of instability with or without rotator cuff tearing prior to revision. The mean follow-up period was 8.3 years. Results The rate of survival free of reoperation at 10 years was 78.9% in group I and 83.9% in group II ( P = .5). Pain relief occurred in 26 of 31 shoulders, with no difference between groups ( P > .99). Active elevation and external rotation improved in both groups ( P = .8). Five shoulders in group I had radiographically loose glenoids, with two requiring reoperation. Nine shoulders in group II had medial glenoid erosion, with two requiring reoperation for pain. There was a trend toward reoperation in those with preoperative instability (5 of 8 re-revisions). Discussion and conclusion Glenoid revision surgery in the absence of infection provides satisfactory results, especially when instability is not coexisting. When glenoid bone stock permits, reimplantation of a new glenoid component in an active patient with an intact rotator cuff and no instability is reasonable. When the remaining glenoid bone will not support a new component, conversion to a hemiarthroplasty is also reasonable.
Textile materials and structures for wound care products

Abstract: A thorough understanding of the healing mechanism and dressing requirements for different types of wound repair is necessary before optimum products based on textiles could be engineered. In this chapter, first a general overview of the wounds and their healing, and of the available dressings and bandages, is presented. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the polymer and fiber materials of which the dressings are composed and of the textile processes that are used in forming the wound care products.
Droplet Microfluidic Flow Cytometer For Sorting On Transient Cellular Responses Of Genetically-Encoded Sensors

Fluorescent biosensors are important measurement tools for in vivo quantification of pH, concentrations of metal ions and other analytes, and physical parameters such as membrane potential. Both the development of these sensors and their implementation in examining cellular heterogeneity requires technology for measuring and sorting cells based on the fluorescence levels before and after chemical or physical perturbations. We developed a droplet microfluidic platform for the screening and separation of cell populations on the basis of the in vivo response of expressed fluorescence-based biosensors after addition of an exogenous analyte. We demonstrate the capability to resolve the responses of two genetically encoded Zn2+ sensors at a range of time points spanning several seconds and subsequently sort a mixed-cell population of varying ratios with high accuracy.
Risk Assessment for Estimating the Economic Costs of Foodborne Disease Caused by Microorganisms

No data source exists which comprehensively estimates the number of acute illnesses caused by foodborne microorganisms or the distribution of disease severities. This chapter identifies sources of partial estimates, evaluates their reliability, and suggests plausible ranges of estimates as well as a “best estimate” for the number of cases of acute illness caused by specific foodborne microorganisms. The fragmentary literature on costs associated with acute foodborne illnesses also is discussed and the possibility of large costs associated with chronic sequelae is explored.
Time-Accurate Coupling of Three-Degree-of-Freedom Parachute System with Navier–Stokes Equations

A parachute with payload is modeled as a three-degree-of-freedom system suitable for time-accurate coupling with the Navier–Stokes flow equations. The coupled equations of motion are formulated fol...
Surgical Considerations in Interrupted Aortic Arch

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital anomaly with several anatomical variants and is often associated with other intracardiac and/or extracardiac congenital anomalies. Historically, associated with high early mortality, outcomes for this anomaly have improved in recent eras with advances in perioperative and anesthesia management and refinements in surgical technique. This review provides a description of surgical anatomy, anatomical classifications, and associated congenital lesions as well as an examination of the perioperative and surgical management of IAA in the contemporary surgical era.
Changing Patterns in the Epidemiology of Coronary Artery Disease: Trends in Survival After Myocardial Infarction

Patterns in the epidemiology of coronary artery disease (or coronary heart disease, CHD) are doubtless changing continually in many ways, only some of which are recognized at any given time. In the entire history of the epidemiology of CHD, perhaps no such change has been more prominent than the striking decrease in mortality observed in the United States as a whole over the past two decades and in several other countries at roughly the same time.
Update on Atopic Eczema with Special Focus on Dryness and the Impact of Moisturizers

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease of childhood and is characterized by erythematous papules and papulovesicles during its initial presentation, followed by subacute lesions that are crusted, weeping, scaling, and excoriated. Chronic lesions show skin thickening, xerosis, and exaggerated skin markings (lichenification) that are the skin’s response to rubbing (Fig. 16.1). Sites of predilection are the face and extensor extremities in infancy, with more frequent involvement of the flexural areas after age 1 [27]. Skin lesions are accompanied by intractable pruritus, the primary symptom leading to the reduced quality of life observed in these children.
Chapter 17 – Case Histories

In the final chapter of the book, we present several case histories representing different applications of electromagnetic methods, from a regional scale to deposit scale. The first case history is related to a large-scale application of the magnetotelluric method in the framework of the EarthScope project. The second case history presents a crustal study based on the use of a powerful source of electromagnetic energy – a pulsed magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) generator. The third and forth case histories illustrate the application of both land and airborne electromagnetic surveys for studying mineral deposits. The fifth case study provides an example of off-shore hydrocarbon exploration using a marine towed streamer EM system. Finally, we consider an example of a marine MT survey conducted in the Gulf of Mexico for mapping the salt structures.
Sleep Duration and Blood Pressure: Recent Advances and Future Directions

This review discusses the recent literature on subjectively and objectively assessed sleep duration in relation to hypertension risk and out-of-clinic blood pressure (BP) measures and highlights critical areas for future research. Sleep duration, particularly short sleep, may influence BP through disturbed autonomic balance, hormonal imbalances, increased adiposity and metabolic dysfunction, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Observational studies indicate that short and long sleep are associated with hypertension risk, reduced nocturnal dipping, and elevated morning BP, but evidence is stronger for short sleep. Experimental sleep restriction increases BP, while sleep extension may lower BP in prehypertensive individuals. Women and racial/ethnic minorities are more prone to the detrimental effects of short sleep on BP. Additional studies are warranted to clarify the association of objectively assessed sleep with BP level and diurnal pattern and to determine the sex- and race-specific effects of sleep restriction and extension on BP.
Use of electrospun threads in immobilized cell reactors for continuous ethanol production.

Abstract Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized in electrospun Pluronic F127 dimethacrylate (FDMA) was successfully employed for the production of ethanol in an immobilized cell reactor. Yeast cells were immobilized into fibers formed through the process of electrospinning and cross-linking. The threads had an average diameter of 0.88 μm and were used in continuous-flow immobilized cell reactors. The immobilized cell reactors were able to maintain a high ethanol yield of >90% from day 4 through to the end of the time course at day 14. The reactor was able to achieve a maximum ethanol yield of 94.3%. This study shows that the use of electrospinning is a promising method for continuous ethanol production through immobilized cell-based continuous flow reactors.
ACCOUNTING FOR IDLE CAPACITY: ITS PLACE IN THE HISTORICAL COST LITERATURE AND CONJECTURE ABOUT ITS DISAPPEARANCE

How best to provide management with useful information about the underutilization of factory and machinery are old cost accounting questions. The literature from the turn of the century up through the 1950s reveals that the topic interested many. This paper resurrects those historical discussions. The objective is twofold, to demonstrate the sophistication and innovation of early writers emphasizing why they thought the topic important, and, to explore some theories about why this interest dissipated within the accounting literature. The possibilities include the effect of the great depression, wartime regulations, the withdrawal of the industrial engineer from costing and the growing importance of income measurement. This research ends in the 1960s, by which time idle capacity as an independent topic has largely disappeared.
Synthesis of a spin-labeled photoaffinity ATP analogue, and its use to specifically photolabel myosin cross-bridges in skeletal muscle fibers.

A spin-labeled photoaffinity ATP analogue 3′(2′)-O-{4-[4-oxo-(4-amido-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidino-1-oxyl)]-benzoyl}benzoyl adenosine 5′-triphosphate (SL-Bz2ATP) was synthesized and used to photolabel myosin in muscle fibers. Previous work has shown that 3′(2′)-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl adenosine 5′-triphosphate (Bz2ATP) photolabeled Ser-324 of the 50 kDa tryptic fragment of skeletal S1 heavy chain. In this work, [α-32P]SL-Bz2ATP was hydrolyzed and trapped as the diphosphate analogue with Co2+ and orthovanadate at the active site of myosin in rabbit psoas muscle fibers. After UV irradiation, the myosin heavy chain was the only protein band found to be significantly photolabeled as assayed by gel electrophoresis and radioactivity counting. The labeling was localized after brief trypsin digestion by SDS-PAGE to be on the 50 kDa tryptic fragment of the S1 heavy chain. Ca. 35% of the myosin in fibers was covalently photolabeled. The fibers photolabeled with SL-Bz2ATP had the same active tension and maximum shortening velocity as the control fibers. The resulting spin label on myosin was too mobile to report the orientation of the heads in fibers. Nonetheless, this is the first work to show the feasibility of utilizing active site binding and photoaffinity labeling to place covalent spectroscopic probes at the myosin active site in fibers with high specificity and yield without affecting mechanical function.
Empirically Based Social Skill Intervention: A Case for Quality-of-Life Improvement.

This article offers a personalized review of research conducted over a 27-year period to enhance the peer-related social skills of young children with behavioral disorders or autism. The argument i...
A Novel Permutational Sampling Technique for Cooperative Network Scanning

Random IP address scanning is a seminal network reconnaissance technique in discovering machines by port-scanners and for target or peer discovery by malwares. Among various random sampling techniques for scanning, cooperative or permutational scanning achieves the highest efficiency by allowing scanning agents to collaboratively ensure that every address in the target range is scanned only once, thus minimizing the overall scanning time and footprint (number of scans). Yet, no practical distributed mechanism for no-repetition sampling has been proposed in the literature, and existing approaches only strive for minimizing the repetition. In this paper, by relying on a unique property of primitive roots of prime numbers, we propose a practical distributed permutational sampling method that enables a group of agents to cooperatively scan an IPv4 address space without even a single repetition and very low execution time. Through analytical modeling and simulation, we show that our approach significantly outperforms existing scanning techniques, in reducing the scanning time and especially the scanning footprint. We also show that our approach achieves high pseudo-randomness (entropy) and robustness against brute-force guessing attacks. We also discuss potential defensive countermeasures against this approach for both fast high-rate and stealthy low-rate scanning.
Mullein and red clover extracts are effective antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and four skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI)-associated bacteria

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are becoming increasingly prevalent in the healthcare field. Certain traditional medicines have been shown to have antibacterial properties. This study aims to identify medicinal plants with antibacterial properties against SSTI-associated bacteria and MRSA, and identify the specific antibacterial compounds within each extract. Five plant extracts were examined: burdock (Arctium minus), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), red clover (Trifolium pretense), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillas). The extracts were examined for antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus saccharolyticus, and MRSA. Mullein and red clover extracts were the most effective, inhibiting five of seven bacteria, including MRSA. Growth of the highly resistant bacterium was inhibited by mullein extract and red clover extract. The compounds identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) within red clover and mullein with antibacterial properties were ethyl linolenate and ethyl-α-d-glucopyranoside, respectively. This is the first initial screening study to identify mullein and red clover extract as potential topical antibacterial agents against MRSA, which suggests that further study is needed.
Agreeing to Surveillance: Digital News Privacy Policies:

The shift toward digital distribution has led newspapers to adopt data collection and sharing practices with unexplored ethical consequences. Analysis of the privacy policies of the 15 largest U.S....
Ablation of Stromal Cells with a Targeted Proapoptotic Peptide Suppresses Cancer Chemotherapy Resistance and Metastasis

Adipose stromal cells (ASCs) recruited by tumors contribute to the population of cancer-associated fibroblasts. ASCs have been reported to induce tumor growth and chemotherapy resistance. The effect of ASCs on metastasis has not been explored. Here, we investigated the role of ASCs in cancer aggressiveness and tested them as a therapy target. We show that ASCs promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasiveness of triple-negative breast cancer cells. In human cell lines derived from various types of breast tumors, ASCs suppressed cytotoxicity of cisplatin and paclitaxel. D-CAN, a proapoptotic peptide targeting ASC, suppressed spontaneous breast cancer lung metastases in a mouse allograft model when combined with cisplatin. Moreover, in a human breast cancer xenograft model, treatment with D-CAN alone was sufficient to suppress lung metastases. This study improves our understanding of how tumor stromal cells recruited from fat tissue stimulate carcinoma progression to chemotherapy resistance/metastasis and outlines a new approach to combination cancer treatment.
The Intersection of Design Thinking and Website Creation: Findings from Two Case Studies

This extended abstract presents the results of an empirical study that details how two web design companies use design thinking (DT) as a user-centered, collaborative, and recursive process to design websites for clients and users. The study finds that DT works as an effective process for designing websites and is particularly effective at uncovering user pain points and generating innovative solutions to address those problems.
Semiotics in a New Key

Lawyers read and write texts, interpret and give priority to what others wrote and decided before. Awareness of the dynamics of these semiotic activities would improve the humane character of law and enrich its notion of justice. A dynamic semiotics with understanding meaning as an issue of constant flow will become visible so that the task of a lawyer’s meaning making is in creating markers responsibly. Language embraces articulations that approach law and semiotics whilst including the relevant notions of law’s process character. These challenge the autonomous speaker-models of self-understanding and self-reference. They contest a fictitious freedom belonging to contractual relations. Signs are challenged not to become fixated; once this is understood, meanings will function beyond determination.
Unexpected Role of a TCP Transcription Factor in Seed Oil Biosynthesis

Plant seed oils (such as canola [ Brassica napus ] oil, sunflower [ Helianthus annuus ] oil, and soybean [ Glycine max ] oil) are important for the human diet and store energy vital to support seedling development. Therefore, there is tremendous interest in understanding the regulation of seed oil
Modulation of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activity by Bulbine natalensis and its constituents: An assessment of HDI risk of B. natalensis containing supplements

Abstract Background Bulbine natalensis is an African-folk medicinal plant used as a dietary supplement for enhancing sexual function and muscle strength in males by presumably boosting testosterone levels, but no scientific information is available about the possible herb-drug interaction (HDI) risk when bulbine-containing supplements are concomitantly taken with prescription drugs. Purpose This study was aimed to investigate the HDI potential of B. natalensis in terms of the pregnane X receptor (PXR)-mediated induction of major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzyme isoforms (i.e., CYP3A4 and CYP2C9) as well as inhibition of their catalytic activity. Results We found that a methanolic extract of B. natalensis activated PXR (EC50 6.2 ± 0.6 µg/ml) in HepG2 cells resulting in increased mRNA expression of CYP3A4 (2.40 ± 0.01 fold) and CYP2C9 (3.37 ± 0.3 fold) at 30 µg/ml which was reflected in increased activites of the two enzymes. Among the constituents of B. natalensis, knipholone was the most potent PXR activator (EC50 0.3 ± 0.1 µM) followed by bulbine-knipholone (EC50 2.0 ± 0.5 µM), and 6′-methylknipholone (EC50 4.0 ± 0.5 µM). Knipholone was also the most effective in increasing the expression of CYP3A4 (8.47 ± 2.5 fold) and CYP2C9 (2.64 ± 0.3 fold) at 10 µM. Docking studies further confirmed the unique structural features associated with knipholones for their superior inductive potentials in the activation of PXR compared to other anthraquinones. In a CYP inhibition assay, the methanolic extract as well as the anthraquinones strongly inhibited the catalytic activity of CYP2C9 while, inhibition of CYP3A4 was weak. Conclusions These results suggest that consumption of B. natalensis may pose a potential risk for HDI if taken with conventional medications that are substrates of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 and may contribute to unanticipated adverse reactions or therapeutic failures. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish their clinical relevancy.
HIF-1α as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Tuberculosis Treatment

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) represent a family of master regulators that respond to hypoxia in the cellular microenvironment. At the molecular level, HIFs are heterodimers comprising oxygen-sensitive α and -stable β subunits. In mammals, each subunit has three isoforms (HIF-1α, -2α, and -3α or -1β, -2β, and -3β). Among them, HIF-1α has been intensively investigated due to its diverse functions in cellular and tissue stress responses [8]. However, the mechanisms by which HIF-1α regulates cell immune responses and metabolism, and their implications for therapeutic intervention in various disease settings remain to be fully understood.
A veteran with CPAP intolerance.

Citation:Dholakia S, Balderas C, Fields B. A veteran with CPAP intolerance. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(5):1129–1131.
Analysis and Optimization of a Multi-Layer Integrated Organic Substrate for High Current GaN HEMT-Based Power Module

In this paper, analysis and optimization of a multi-layer organic substrate for high current GaN HEMT based power module are discussed. The organic multi-layer substrates can provide high electrical performance in terms of low parasitic inductance in the power loop by providing vertical layout, and shielding for reduction of common-mode noise, a common problem in fast switching power converters. Furthermore, high performance cooling solutions, such as micro-channel heat sinks, can be directly bonded to the substrate for optimum thermal management. The structure of the proposed architecture, thermal analysis and optimization of layer thickness, thermo-mechanical stress analysis of the GaN HEMT and development of a high-performance heat sink are discussed.
Short-term fluctuations in incidental happiness and economic decision-making: experimental evidence from a sports bar

We develop a new experimental paradigm to study how emotions affect decision-making. We use it to investigate the impact of short-term fluctuations in incidental happiness on economic decisions. Experimental subjects watch an NFL football game in a sports bar. At various commercial breaks, we measure subjects’ happiness and observe their decisions regarding charitable giving, willingness to pay for a consumer good, risk taking, and trust. We find that events in the game impact the incidental happiness of our subjects, and these changes lead to predictable changes in choices. We provide a simple model that rationalizes how subjects’ behavior varies with incidental happiness and provides insight into how mood can be tractably included in economics models. Our experimental paradigm can be leveraged by other researchers interested in exploring the impact of emotions on behavior.
Refashioning collaborations: Crossing borders during the pandemic

Responding to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when news of quarantines, shutdowns, and sheltering-in-place mandates abounded, the organizers of the tenth fashion congress of Ixel Moda in Cartagena, Colombia, decided collectively to develop the content for an unprecedented five-day, 3-dimensional virtual gathering that brought together artisans, designers, chefs, scholars, and other creators from throughout the globe. The event would provide the scenario for exchanges on many facets of Latin American culture—food, music, film, fashion, politics, museum exhibits, performance, decorative arts, sustainability, tourism, and advertising—in the midst of a difficult period. This essay explores Ixel Online 2020 as a showcasing of the creative arts, includes the voices of the cultural organizers, and proposes this event as a model for increased international dialog during a global crisis. Como respuesta a la pandemia de COVID-19 de 2020, cuando abundaron las noticias de cuarentenas, cierres y mandatos de refugiarse en casa, los organizadores del decimo congreso de Ixel Moda en Cartagena, Colombia, decidieron colectivamente desarrollar el programa de un encuentro virtual sin precedentes de cinco dias y a 3 dimensiones que reunio a artesanos, disenadores, chefs, academicos y otros creadores de todo el mundo. El evento proporcionaria el escenario para intercambios sobre muchas facetas de la cultura latinoamericana —comida, musica, cine, moda, politica, exposiciones de museos, performance, artes decorativas, turismo y publicidad— en medio de un periodo dificil. Este ensayo explora Ixel Online 2020 como una muestra de las artes creativas, incluye las voces de los organizadores culturales y propone este evento como un modelo para un mayor dialogo internacional durante una crisis global.
Minimum Bladder Reference Contour to Guide Bladder Filling for Prostate Radiotherapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a minimum bladder reference contour could help reduce treatment delays and imaging needed for pre-treatment setup in patients undergoing prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). MATERIALS/METHODS 20 patients undergoing 5-fraction SBRT to the prostate and seminal vesicles were included in this pilot study. Patients were simulated with a full bladder (1 cup, 45min prior). The simulated bladder was contoured and then a script automatically generated four possible "min reference contours as a contraction by 1, 2, 3, and 4 cm from the superior bladder border. The smallest reference contour that still met our bladder dose constraints was selected as the min_bladder to be used to guide pre-treatment setup. Radiation therapists and treating physicians were instructed to consider bladder filling sufficient if the volume on the cone-beam CT (CBCT) upon visual inspection appeared larger than the min_bladder reference even if smaller than the simulated bladder. Approved CBCTs were used to evaluate bladder and bowel dosimetry. Treatment time (first kV image to beam-off) and number of CBCTs were compared to 66 consecutive patients treated prior to introducing the min-bladder reference contour. RESULTS The average simulated bladder, min_bladder, and treated bladder sizes were 398 ± 139cc, 157 ± 54cc and 300 ± 150cc, respectively. There was 1 of 100 total fractions where bladder constraints were exceeded, however the approved CBCT bladder volume was less than the min_bladder reference and the total cumulative bladder dose for this patient was within constraints. Average cumulative max bowel dose was 14.5 Gy in 5 fractions with a maximum cumulative max bowel dose 32.5 Gy in 5 fractions. Compared to our historical average treatment time of 31.5 ± 20 min/fraction, the pilot study average was 26 ± 15 min/fraction (P = 0.003). Average number of CBCTs/fraction also decreased from 1.38 ± 0.69 to 1.24 ± 0.60 (P = 0.048). Based on our annual SBRT treatment volume, we estimate that use of this reference contour will save > 150 hours and > 260 CBCTs per year in our department. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the reference contour accurately predicted the minimum bladder volume needed to avoid exceeding bladder constraints, did not inadvertently overexpose bowel, and significantly reduced treatment time and number of pre-treatment CBCTs. A similar reference contour is now being developed for other prostate definitive and post-op regimens at our institution.
Compassion through Asceticism: Contemplating the Caveats and Socio-Environmental Values Related to a Backcountry Fast

Given the socio-environmental crises we face, educators might advisably look for means to address them. Within US outdoor adventure education (OAE), the moral educational potential of the “backcountry fast” is one such curricular area. However, little is written on this field-based tradition. This absence is concerning since fasts raise questions of risk and social-ethical appropriateness (e.g. food-scarcity). After acknowledging these social-ethical caveats, this paper, which draws from philosophical and monastic sources, provides a moral rationale for the backcountry fast. An act of asceticism, fasting practices can cultivate discipline, promote self-revelation, and awaken empathetic compassion (a-suffering-with) through identification with the involuntary suffering of others (human, more-than-human, and the planet itself). Although fasting’s full value is realized in a justice-seeking practice, highlighting the limits of one-off OAE programming, the article affirms its continued use within OAE, and counsels that fasts be educationally framed regarding their purpose(s) and potential as a post-program discipline.
Hybrid Soft Soil Tire Model (HSSTM). Part 1: Tire Material and Structure Modeling

Abstract This paper is the first of three papers describing a study focused on developing a lumped-mass discretized tire model using Kelvin-Voigt material elements. The main motivation was to develop a tire model able to capture the dynamic behavior on tire-soft soil interaction, while also being able to run on rigid (flat and rough) surfaces. This paper presents underlying mathematical formulations for characterizing the tire material properties and the kinetics and kinematics of the tire structure; the second paper focuses on the modelling of the tire-terrain interaction. The interface for connecting the tire model developed with the vehicle modeling software CarSim, in order to perform full vehicle simulations is provided. To minimize the computational time of the code, different techniques were used in stiffness matrix partitioning, parameter initialization, and multi-processing. This resulted in significant improvements for efficiency of the code making it suitable for use by commercially-available vehicle simulation packages.
Natural language query vs. keyword search: effects of task complexity on search performance, participant perceptions, and preferences

A 2x2 mixed design experiment (N=52) was conducted to examine the effects of search interface and task complexity on participants’ information-seeking performance and affective experience. Keyword vs. natural language search was the within-participants factor; simple vs. complex tasks was the between-participants factor. There were cross-over interactions such that complex-task participants were more successful and thought the tasks were less difficult and reported more enjoyment and confidence when they used keyword search vs. natural language queries, while the opposite was found for simple-task participants. The findings suggest that natural language search is not the panacea for all information retrieval tasks: task complexity is a critical mediator. Implications for interface design and directions for future research are discussed.
Smoothness and Function Spaces

We embark on the study of smoothness with a quick examination of differentiability properties of functions. There are several ways to measure differentiability and numerous ways to quantify smoothness. In this chapter we measure smoothness using the Laplacian, which is easily related to the Fourier transform. This relation becomes the foundation of a very crucial and deep connection between smoothness and Littlewood–Paley theory.
Our Once and Future Fate

One with Nineveh Politics, Consumption, and the Human Future. by Paul R. Ehrlich and Anne H. Ehrlich. Island Press, Washington, DC, 2004. 459 pp. $27. ISBN 1-55963-879-6. Paying particular attention to three crucial factors--increasing human population, rising consumption, and accelerating political and economic inequity--that threaten Earth's ability to sustain us, the authors explore some avenues that hold hopes for reversing current trends.
Random Walks and Market Efficiency Tests: Evidence from Emerging Equity Markets

We use the multiple variance-ratio test of Chow and Denning (1993) to examine the stochastic properties of local currency- and US dollar-based equity returns in 15 emerging capital markets. The technique is based on the Studentized Maximum Modulus distribution and provides a multiple statistical comparison of variance-ratios, with control of the joint-test's size. We find that the random walk model is consistent with the dynamics of returns in most of the emerging markets analyzed, which contrasts many random walk test results documented with the use of single variance-ratio techniques. Further, a runs test suggests that most of the emerging markets are weak-form efficient. Overall, our results suggest that investors are unlikely to make systematic nonzero profit by using past information in many of the examined markets, thus, investors should predicate their investment strategies on the assumption of random walks. Additionally, our results suggest exchange rate matters in returns' dynamics determination for some of the emerging equity markets we analyzed.
Diagnosing Chaos Using Four-Point Functions in Two-Dimensional Conformal Field Theory

We study chaotic dynamics in two-dimensional conformal field theory through out-of-time-order thermal correlators of the form ⟨W(t)VW(t)V⟩. We reproduce holographic calculations similar to those of Shenker and Stanford, by studying the large c Virasoro identity conformal block. The contribution of this block to the above correlation function begins to decrease exponentially after a delay of ~t_{*}-(β/2π)logβ^{2}E_{w}E_{v}, where t_{*} is the fast scrambling time (β/2π)logc and E_{w},E_{v} are the energy scales of the W,V operators.
Magnetization of the oxidized and reduced three-iron cluster of Desulfovibrio gigas ferredoxin II.

The saturation magnetizations of the three iron cluster of ferredoxin II of Desulfovibrio gigas in both the oxidized and reduced states have been studied at fixed magnetic fields up to 4.5 tesla over the temperature range from 1.8 to 200 K. The low field (0.3 tesla) susceptibility of oxidized ferredoxin II obeys the Curie law over this entire temperature range. This establishes -2Jox greater than 200 cm-1 as the lower limit for the antiferromagnetic exchange coupling of oxidized ferredoxin II. The saturation magnetizations of reduced ferredoxin II at several fixed fields yield a nested family of curves which can be fit with spin S = 2 and D = -2.7(4) cm-1 (with E/D assigned the value 0.23 as determined by Mossbauer and EPR spectra). The low field susceptibility of reduced ferredoxin II also obeys the Curie law from approximately 4 up to 200 K. This establishes -2Jred greater than 40 cm-1 as the lower limit for the antiferromagnetic coupling of reduced ferredoxin II.
Cutting Edge: Differential Sequestration of Plasma Membrane-Associated B Cell Antigen Receptor in Mature and Immature B Cells into Glycosphingolipid-Enriched Domains

Glycosphingolipid-enriched domains (GEDs) are believed to act as platforms for transduction of B cell Ag receptor (BCR)-induced signals from the cell surface. We sought to study whether differential sequestration of BCR into GEDs may contribute to the described intrinsic signaling differences between mature and immature B cells. In this study we found that mature B cells copolarize the BCR with GEDs following BCR aggregation, whereas transitional immature B cells do not. Although anti-BCR treatment leads to receptor aggregation by immature stage B cells, the aggregated complexes do not colocalize with GEDs. We found this difference to be independent of the isotype of the receptor, thereby associating this difference in BCR-GED colocalization to the developmental stage of the B cell. These findings suggest a structural basis for the developmentally regulated differences observed in Ag receptor-mediated signal transduction.
Oxygen Consumption and Thyroid Hormones in Germfree Mice Fed Glucose-Amino Acid Liquid Diet

Germfree rats and mice fed solid diets have previously been shown to consume less oxygen than their conventional counterparts. Young adult germfree C3H/He mice how serum T3 concentrations comparable to those of conventional mice, but their serum T4 values are 10-15% lower. Fed chemically defined liquid glucose-amino acid diets, germfree C3H mice use 27% more oxygen than comparable germfree mice fed a solid natural ingredient diet, and 12% more than conventional mice fed the solid diet. Like germfree rats, the germfree mice fed natural ingredient diet had smaller hearts and livers than those of conventional mice. However, the chemically defined diet-fed germfree C3H mice showed larger hearts than conventional C3H mice fed solid diets, and livers of comparable size. Serum T3 levels were similar in the two germfree groups at both 3 and 8 months of age, while serum T4 levels were again slightly but significantly higher in the germfree chemically defined diet group at both ages. Both T3 and T4 decline with age in conventional mice, but not in either germfree group, similar to findings in germfree rats. The data suggest that germfree mice fed chemically-defined diet require additional energy expenditure to effectively utilize its major dietary components.
Classroom Management Considerations

The issue of classroom management in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Project-Based Learning (PBL) classroom is really two distinct issues; the first issue is how to design a PBL activity to maximize learning and the positive behavior of the learner; the second issue lies in a variety of topics related to the management of a classroom with groups of students working together. There is a mistaken perspective that STEM PBL simply involves creating an open-ended question and letting the students do all of the work, but this could not be further from the truth.
A new eigenfilter based method for optimal design of channel shortening equalizers

Recently much attention has been given to the design of time-domain equalizers or TEQs for discrete multitone modulation (DMT) systems. We present a new method for the design of such equalizers which minimizes both the intersymbol interference (ISI) and noise power observed in a DMT system. Furthermore, we show how this method can be used for the design of fractionally spaced equalizers or FSEs. Experimental results are presented showing that our design method performs better than other known techniques in terms of achievable bit rate.
A mathematical model of synchronized periodic growth of cell populations.

Abstract It is shown that the periodic change of growth rate in an externally synchronized cell population growing in a chemostat can be fully accounted for by the properties of the renewal equation. The amplitude of the oscillations depends only on the strength of the synchronizing stimulus, the mean generation time, and its standard deviation.
E-Learning Takes the Lead: An Empirical Investigation of Learner Differences in Online and Classroom Delivery

Outcomes and mediators of differences in online and traditional course delivery were tested with a sample of 112 graduate students who completed an introductory course in training and development. Specifically, the individual learner characteristics of self-efficacy, motivation, goal orientation, and meta-cognition and their effects on success through online delivery were examined. The study also addressed three outcomes: trainees' reactions to that program, their learning, and subsequent planned changes in job behavior. The findings indicate that online learners have significantly more positive reaction levels of enjoyment and utility and significantly stronger intent to transfer their learning. Online students find the coursework more difficult, but there was no significant difference in learning based on delivery mode. Implications for both managers and educators involved in online learning are discussed.
Gene Expression Profiling of Human Pancreatic Islets Undergoing a Simulated Process of Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction

Abstract Objective Islet cell transplantation, as a treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus, has historically required islet infusions from more than one donor organ to achieve insulin independence. Significant islet mass may be destroyed upon infusion due to a yet undefined process known as instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR). Our objective was to identify gene expression changes in islets undergoing a simulated process of IBMIR. Materials and Methods Human pancreatic islets were isolated from 2 cadaveric donors and divided into 3 groups each for a total of 18 samples. Group one (n = 3) was treated with autologous sera, group two (n = 3) with allogeneic sera, and group three (n = 3) with type 1 diabetic sera (T1DM). Each group was treated for 3 hours at 37°C. Islets were washed, lysed using TRI reagent, and mRNA was isolated using the Total Prep mRNA isolation kit. Isolated cRNA was used for microarray analysis using Illumina Gene Chips Hu6_v2. GeneSpring GX software was used for statistical analysis. Results were significant at P Results One-way ANOVA statistical analysis of the microarray data revealed that interleukin-11 (IL-11), interleukin-12A (IL-12A), and Ras related associated with diabetes (RRAD) were overexpressed in islets exposed to diabetic sera when normalized to autologous control (P Conclusion These findings suggested that T1DM serum elicited an adaptive and innate immune response to the transplanted islet mass making them more susceptible to cytokine-mediated destruction.
Relationships Between Characteristics of Herd of Bull-Dams and Predicting Transmitting Ability of Young Bulls

Young bulls selected from Michigan herds for sampling by Select Sires Incorporated from 1975 to 1982 were identified. Data for herds from which young bulls were selected for year of young bull's birth were acquired from the Michigan DHIA. Herd average milk production, intraherd standard deviation for milk production, coefficient of variation for milk production, average sire transmitting ability of cows in the herd, and intraherd standard deviation of sire transmitting ability were computed for each herd. These herd characteristics were used in prediction of young bull transmitting ability. When considered along with a pedigree index predictor, intraherd standard deviation for milk production was significant in prediction of young bull transmitting ability, but other herd characteristics were not. Young bulls were grouped by the intraherd milk variance of the herd from which they were selected. Evaluations based on progeny tests showed young bulls selected from herds with low intraherd milk variance were genetically superior to those selected from herds with high intraherd milk variance. Predicted transmitting abilities for young bulls selected from low variance herds were less biased, but predicted transmitting abilities for those selected from high variance herds were inflated. However, the variance of biasedness was slightly lower in higher variance herds.
Clinical signs and morphologic abnormalities in Gunn rats treated with sulfadimethoxine

Gunn rats treated with sulfadimethoxine between 18 hours after birth and 33 days of age developed acute neurologic signs and increased yellow staining of their brains. In animals treated between the ages of 4 and 22 days, the neurologic abnormalities were proportional to the serum bilirubin levels. Animals treated from 18 to 48 hours after birth develop more severe signs than older animals with similar bilirubin levels, and those older than 22 days develop mild but definite neurologic signs. This study confirms the importance of the albumin binding of bilirubin as a protective factor in hyperbilirubinemia. We conclude that it is superfluous to postulate a blood-brain barrier to bilirubin to explain kernicterus, and that anoxia is not essential for its development. Bilirubin has access to the central nervous system beyond the newborn period. The reasons for the extreme toxicity of sulfonamides to Gunn rats in the first 2 days of life and the relatively mild effects in animals treated at 28 and 33 days are discussed. It is suggested that the characteristic pattern of yellow discoloration of the brain in kernicterus could be largely accounted for by differences in regional cerebral blood flow.
On computing per-session performance bounds in high-speed multi-hop computer networks

We present a technique for computing upper bounds on the distribution of individual per-session performance measures such as delay and buffer occupancy for networks in which sessions may be routed over several “hops.” Our approach is based on first stochastically bounding the distribution of the number of packets (or cells) which can be generated by each traffic source over various lengths of time and then “pushing” these bounds (which are then shown to hold over new time interval lengths at various network queues) through the network on a per-session basis. Session performance bounds can then be computed once the stochastic bounds on the arrival process have been characterized for each session at all network nodes. A numerical example is presented and the resulting distributional bounds compared with simulation as well as with a point-valued worst-case performance bound.