cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partitioned weight loss and body composition changes during a mountaineering expedition: a field study.

Weight loss and changes in body composition are recognized phenomena associated with high-altitude mountaineering expeditions. Attempts to partition the weight loss between fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) have been inconclusive. Therefore, five male subjects, average age 40.0±5.5 years, were studied prior to, during, and following a 21-day expedition between 2200 m and 4300 m on Mt. McKinley, Alaska. Pre- to postexpedition body composition changes were determined by densitometry, skinfold thickness (12 sites), body girth measurements (14 sites), and cross-sectional area from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (three sites). Data analysis by Student's t-test (p 1 tail ) indicated decreases in body weight (4.2±2.8kg, 220g/day, 5.4% of initial weight), total skinfold thickness (10.8%), total body girth (2.8%), and percentage of fat by densitometry (15%). Total cross-sectional area of the three MRI slices (upper arm + thigh + calf) decreased 4.7%, muscle area decreased 9.1%, and fat area decreased 3.9%. The three methods used to partition the weight loss between FM and FFM did not agree: 77% FM vs 23% FFM by densitometry, 25% FM vs 75% FFM by skinfolds, and 38% FM vs 62% FFM by MRI. Energy intake (3640±1250 kcal/day) was negatively correlated (Pearson r >0.88 2 tail ) with losses in weight (r = –0.89), skinfolds (r = –0.93), and girths (r = –0.88), ie the greater the intake the less the decline. Therefore, insufficient energy intake appeared primarily responsible for the weight loss and changes in body composition during the expedition.
Inhibition of radiostrontium absorption in man

Abstract The ingestion of aluminum phosphate gel with breakfast caused an average 87 per cent decrease of the intestinal absorption of radiostrontium in man as judged by two different criteria: the marked decrease in the Sr85 plasma levels and the increase in the fecal Sr85 excretions after administration of an oral tracer dose.
Performance analysis for collaborative decoding with least-reliable-bits exchange on AWGN channels

Collaborative decoding is an approach that can achieve diversity and combining gain by exchanging decoding information among a cluster of physically separated receivers. On AWGN channels, the least-reliable-bits (LRB) exchange scheme can achieve performance close to equal-gain combining (EGC) of all received symbols from all receivers, while reducing the amount of information that must be exchanged. In this paper, we analyze the error performance of collaborative decoding with the LRB exchange scheme when nonrecursive convolutional codes are used. The analysis is based on the observation that the extrinsic information generated in the collaborative decoding of these convolutional codes can be approximated by Gaussian random variables. A density-evolution model based on a single maximum a posteriori decoder is used to obtain the statistical characteristics of the extrinsic information. With the statistical knowledge of the extrinsic information, we develop an approximate upper bound for the error performance of the collaborative decoding process. Numerical results show that our analysis gives very good predictions of the bit error rate for collaborative decoding with LRB exchange. At high signal-to-noise ratios collaborative decoding with properly chosen parameters can achieve the same error performance as EGC of all received symbols from all receiving nodes.
Phagocytosis of Collagen by Human Gingival Fibroblasts in Vitro

Human gingival fibroblasts cultivated on collagen-coated cover slips had collagen fibrils in deep folds of the cell membranes after one hour and fully interiorized fibrils by 24 hours. In 5-day sections, fibrils were within dense bodies, some containing multiple dense granules (40 to 50 nm) aligned along the surface of the interiorized collagen fibrils.
Assessment of Kavalactones in Kava Beverage Products and Aqueous Infusions

Kava (Piper methysticum Forst. f. ) is traditionally used as a beverage for relaxation in social occasions in South Pacific islands. This study was conducted to develop analytical methods for assessing kavalactone content in functional beverage products containing kava, as well as beverages prepared from kava roots by a traditional method involving infusion (mild extraction) with water. Samples of fruit-flavored beverages were prepared by solid-phase or liquid–liquid extraction to remove interfering substances and the major kavalactones (methysticin, dihydromethysticin, kavain, dihydrokavain, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin) were separated and identified by GC-FID and GC/EI-MS. A difference in kavalactone content was observed between the 2 commercial beverage products (37.03 compared with 0.044 mg per serving in 240 mL). Kava beverages prepared fresh by water infusion contained much higher levels of kavalactones than the commercial products as determined by a high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure. The results also demonstrated the isomerization of yangonin (Y) in an acidic aqueous solution with exposure to light, with the presence of cis-Y in a fruit-flavored beverage containing kava. The implications of the isomerization of Y on quality and safety aspects have yet to be evaluated. The analytical methods developed in this study are potentially applicable to kavalactone analysis in various nonalcoholic, noncarbonated beverages.
Ophthalmologic findings in infants after an apparent life-threatening event.

PURPOSE. An apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) refers to the sudden occurrence in an infant of a breathing abnormality, color change, or alteration in muscle tone or mental status. The finding of retinal hemorrhage in an infant who has experienced an ALTE strongly suggests the possibility of shaken baby syndrome. Previous ALTE studies have reported the frequency of this specific ocular abnormality but have not reported other ocular findings and their possible diagnostic significance. M ETHODS. This study reviews ophthalmologic findings from a series of 120 patients with ALTE who underwent eye examinations as part of their inpatient evaluation. Details of the history, physical examination, diagnostic testing, and discharge diagnosis were abstracted from the medical record while the patient was in the hospital. RESULTS. Ten patients (8.3%) had positive findings, including retinal hemorrhages in four of the six patients with shaken baby syndrome, the only ophthalmologic finding that helped establish the cause of an ALTE. CONCLUSIONS. Since the funduscopic examination can help identify child abuse as the cause of an apparent life-threatening event, ophthalmologists play a critical role in the early evaluation of infants who have experienced such an event. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2007; 17: 648-53)
Efficient synthesis of networks on chip

We propose an efficient heuristic for the constraint-driven communication synthesis (CDCS) of on-chip communication networks. The complexity of the synthesis problems comes from the number of constraints that have to be considered. We propose to cluster constraints to reduce the number that needs to be considered by the optimization algorithm. Then a quadratic programming approach is used to solve the communication synthesis problem with the clustered constraints. We provide an analytical model that justifies our choice of the clustering cost function and we discuss a set of experiments showing the effectiveness of the overall approach with respect to the exact algorithm.
The effectiveness of battery-conserving protocols in wireless LANs

The idea that wireless LAN protocols can be customized so as to extend battery life in mobile devices has received considerable attention. We have previously reported experimentation and analysis of various methods for extending the lifetime of batteries in wireless devices. One area of our investigation has focused on the recovery effect and on a second battery effect, the rate capacity effect, and on their relative impact on the lifetime of Li-ion battery cells. Our experimental results support earlier non-experimental work that casts doubt on the efficacy of modifying protocols to take advantage of the recovery effect. In the work summarized here, we have augmented the previous work by comparing battery switching techniques, designed to exploit the recovery effect, to more conventional parallel cell connections which exploit the rate capacity effect. We show that the latter approach gives as good or better lifetime extension with simpler circuitry.
Cardiac applications of 123I-mIBG imaging

Cardiac autonomic innervation plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic and electrophysiologic harmony. Cardiac sympathetic function is adversely altered in many disease states, such as congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and diabetes. 123 I- m IBG, a sympathetic neurotransmitter radionuclide analog, aids in the detection of sympathetic innervation abnormalities and can be imaged with planar and single-photon emission computed tomographic techniques. Cardiac 123 I- m IBG uptake can be assessed by the heart mediastinal ratio (H/M), tracer washout rate, and focal uptake defects. These parameters have been widely studied and shown to correlate strongly and independently with congestive heart failure progression, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac death, and all-cause mortality. There is accumulating evidence that 123 I- m IBG imaging can help to monitor a patient's clinical course and response to therapy. The ability to predict potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias promises to help more accurately select patients for implantable cardioverter defibrillators, limiting unnecessary devices and identifying additional patients at risk who do not meet current guidelines. 123 I- m IBG shows potential to help determine whether greater risk and usually more expensive ventricular assist device therapies or cardiac transplantation might be needed. Although more investigation in larger populations is needed to strengthen previous findings, cardiac 123 I- m IBG imaging shows promise as a new technique for recognizing and following potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions.
CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF AMORPHOUS ALUMINUM OXIDE FILMS

Films of amorphous aluminum oxide were deposited from vaporized alkylaluminum alkoxide compounds and oxygen. For example, a gaseous mixture of triethyldialuminum tri-sec-butoxide vapor and dry air deposits amorphous aluminum oxide films on substrates heated to temperatures around 400 °C. Transparent, smooth, adherent films of aluminum oxide were formed on silicon, glass and metal substrates. The new precursors display a number of advantages over previously used sources for aluminum oxide. They are non-pyrophoric, low-viscosity, low-cost liquids. High deposition rates, over 0.2 μm/min, were observed. The coatings have high purity, high electrical resistivity and high transparency to light. They are excellent barriers to diffusion of water and of ions, such as sodium. These films are useful in optical coatings, as wear-resistant hard coatings, and as diffusion barriers that protect flat panel displays, computer microcircuits, solar cells and metals from corrosion and degradation by impurities.
Analyzing the Bending Response of Aramid/Epoxy Beams and Rings

Aramid/epoxy laminates often exhibit substantial material nonlinearity when subjected to bending. This is a consequence of the yield-like behavior of a Kevlar 49/epoxy lamina in fiber-directed comp...
Successful MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Uterine Fibroid Treatment Despite an Ostomy and Significant Abdominal Wall Scarring

We present a case of successful magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) of a uterine fibroid in a patient with extensive anterior abdominal wall surgical scars from two longitudinal laparotomies, a total colectomy and ileostomy. This case demonstrates that MRgFUS can be safely used in patients with an ostomy and significant abdominal wall scarring, but careful pretreatment planning and positioning during treatment is needed.
Antinociceptive and cardiovascular properties of esmolol following formalin injection in rats.

Purpose: To assess the role of esmolol, a β1 receptor blocker, in the modulation of pain in the absence of anesthesia.
HERPES SIMPLEX‐MEDIATED GENE TRANSFER OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR PROTECTS AGAINST PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN STREPTOZOTOCIN‐INDUCED DIABETES IN THE MOUSE

Peripheral neuropathy is a common and debilitating complication of diabetes. In animal models, neurotrophic factors can prevent progression of the neuropathy, but adverse effects prevent systemic administration in adequate doses to treat human disease. We examined whether gene transfer with replication-defective genomic herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors modified to express nerve growth factor (NGF) could be used to prevent progression of neuropathy in mice. Diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) resulted in a sensory neuropathy manifest by a decrease in the foot sensory nerve amplitude (FSA; control = 20 +/− 0.1 muV, treated = 14 +/− 0.1 muV). Transduction of dorsal root ganglia in vivo with an HSV-based vector expressing NGF under the control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter (vector SHN) or the HSV latency active promoter 2 (vector SLN) by footpad inoculation 2 weeks after STZ administration protected against the decrease in FSA (22 +/− 1.4 muV and 21 +/− 1.7 muV, respectively) measured 4 weeks later. Injection of SHN into inguinal adipose tissue 2 weeks after onset of diabetes also prevented the decrease in FSA (20 +/− 3.3 muV). These results suggest that gene transfer with an NGF-producing herpes-based vector may prove useful in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Minimum Cost Replacement Under Markovian Deterioration

Conditions are derived under which optimal replacement rules for systems subject to Markovian deterioration and failure are given by control limit replacement rules. An efficient method of deriving such rules is given which is based on the simplex algorithm.
A lifecycle assessment of façade BIPV in New York

The actual performance of the first BIPV building in New York City is assessed and its environmental footprint is extrapolated to other facade systems by means of performance ratio (PR), and avoided building materials. Engineering diagrams and bill of materials sourced directly from the building's architects, engineers and supply chain offer insights into current BIPV construction and performance. The drawback of facade-BIPV is its vertical orientation, receiving lower incident irradiation than rooftop and ground installations. Nevertheless, BIPV offers a distinct advantage when it replaces structural units, thus avoiding the cost, embodied energy and corresponding emissions related to those.
Linear and nonlinear processes in two-dimensional mixing layer dynamics and sound radiation

In this study, we consider the effects of linear and nonlinear instability waves on the near-field dynamics and aeroacoustics of two-dimensional laminar compressible mixing layers. Through a combination of direct computations, linear and nonlinear stability calculations, we demonstrate the significant role of nonlinear mechanisms in accurately describing the behaviour of instability waves. In turn, these processes have a major impact on sound generation mechanisms such as Mach wave radiation and vortex pairing sound. Our simulations show that the mean flow correction, which is required in order to accurately describe the dynamics of large-scale vortical structures, is intrinsically tied to the nonlinear modal interactions and accurate prediction of saturation amplitudes of instability waves. In addition, nonlinear interactions are largely responsible for the excitation and development of higher harmonics in the flow which contribute to the acoustic radiation. Two flow regimes are considered: In supersonic shear layers, where the far-field sound is determined by the instability wave solution at sufficiently high Mach numbers, it is shown that these nonlinear effects directly impact the Mach wave radiation. In subsonic shear layers, correctly capturing the near-field vortical structures and the interactions of the subharmonic and fundamental modes become critical due to the vortex pairing sound generation process. In this regime, a method is proposed to combine the instability wave solution with the Lilley–Goldstein acoustic analogy in order to predict far-field sound.
Row-finite Matrices and Power Series Near-rings

We define and investigate (structural) row-finite matrices, lower triangular matrices, and power series in near-rings by using inverse limits of some special classes of matrices. Our approach is different from that described in [8]. We show that polynomials can be embedded in power series and power series can be embedded in lower triangular matrices as in rings. We extend the concept of order of a polynomial (or a power series) from rings to near-rings. A natural topology is defined on lower triangular matrices by generalizing the concept of order of power series. We also obtain some results concerning prime and completely prime ideals in lower triangular matrix near-rings.
Thermosonic gold-ball bond accelerated life test

Accelerated aging tests on gold-ball bonds in hermetic packages have been conducted at 350 degrees C, 300 degrees C, 250 degrees C, and 200 degrees C to determine time to failure, activation energy of failure, and the electrical/mechanical degradation at failure. Four different aluminium/1% silicon metallizations were tested: evaporated metal with P-glass (passivation-glass) contamination, evaporated metal with no P-glass contamination, sputtered metal with P-glass contamination, and sputtered metal with no P-glass contamination. The measured activation energies were from 0.4 to 1.1 eV. Two failure modes were encountered; one was an electrical open with good mechanical strength, and the second was an electrical open that resulted from a premature ball lift caused by voiding under the ball bond. The projected time to failure using an Arrhenius plot indicated that the functional life of gold-ball bonds can exceed 20 yr at ambient temperature if the wire-bonder setup is optimized and the contamination level is low. >
Approximate Reliability and Availability Models for High Availability and Fault‐tolerant Systems with Repair

Systems designed for high availability and fault tolerance are often configured as a series combination of redundant subsystems. When a unit of a subsystem fails, the system remains operational while the failed unit is repaired; however, if too many units in a subsystem fail concurrently, the system fails. Under conditions usually met in practical situations, we show that the reliability and availability of such systems can be accurately modeled by representing each redundant subsystem with a constant, ‘effective’ failure rate equal to the inverse of the subsystem mean-time-to-failure (MTTF). The approximation model is surprisingly accurate, with an error on the order of the square of the ratio mean-time-to-repair to mean-time-to-failure (MTTR/MTTF), and it has wide applicability for commercial, high-availability and fault-tolerant computer systems. The effective subsystem failure rates can be used to: (1) evaluate the system and subsystem reliability and availability; (2) estimate the system MTTF; and (3) provide a basis for the iterative analysis of large complex systems. Some observations from renewal theory suggest that the approximate models can be used even when the unit failure rates are not constant and when the redundant units are not homogeneous. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output beam propagation and beam quality from a multimode stable-cavity laser

The authors present experimental data for a high-power CO/sub 2/ laser which confirm the validity of a simple analysis for the beam divergence and beam quality of the output beam from a large-bore multimode stable-cavity laser oscillator. The multimode beam parameters can be accurately predicted from a simple theory using only the geometrical parameters of the stable resonator. The data also suggest that a laser of this type with a uniform gain profile across the tube bore oscillates preferentially in the highest order modes allowed by the laser cavity rather than, for example, equipartitioning the output power among all the allowed cavity modes. >
Assessing Active Alternatives for Teaching Programming

Active learning and cooperative learning are two alternatives to the traditional lecture/lab approach to teaching software development. Evidence supporting use of these learning strategies in Computer Information Systems (CIS) began to emerge in the mid-1990s as faculty sought ways to improve student understanding of programming concepts, reduce the level of frustration, and better prepare students for jobs based on teamwork. Shifts in the competencies of incoming students have influenced the type of material covered in the sta ndard class period. Though a higher percentage of students may enter knowing the basic mechanics of the computer, it remains difficult for them to effectively apply that skill beyond their personal interests of music, games, and surfing. Used to an advantage, these changes in student competencies can provide more time for “why” topics in place of “how to” topics. Technology integration enables the shift to occur more efficiently, but alternatives to a pure lecture mode of course delivery may be worthwhile. A study with active and peer learning strategies that was conducted at this mid-west USA institution involving software development is reported here. The results of this study indicate that some lecture is necessary, structure is critical, and careful attention to group processes and facilitation is needed. The rewards are that active exercises shorten the learning cycle and improve problem-solving abilities, attitude is significantly improved, and interpersonal skills are gained. Using literature and empirical research this paper assesses the value of active and peer learning environments in programming courses.
Fluids and Combustion Facility: Fluids Integrated Rack

The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) is a modular, multi-user facility to accommodate a wide variety of microgravity fluid physics science experiments on-board the US Laboratory Module of the International Space Station (ISS). The FIR is one of three racks comprising the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF). The FCF is being designed to increase the amount and quality of scientific data and decrease the development cost of an individual experiment relative to the era of Space Shuttle experiments. The unique, long-term, microgravity environment and long operational times on the ISS will offer experimenters the opportunity to modify experiment parameters based on their findings similar to what can be accomplished in ground laboratories. The FIR concept has evolved over time to provide a flexible, 'optics bench' approach to meet the wide variety of anticipated research needs. The FIR's system architecture presented is designed to meet the needs of the fluid physics community while operating within the constraints of the available ISS resources.
Promoting Identity Development in Marginalized Youth

This studytested a school-based intervention developed for use with urban minority youth vulnerable to multiple negative developmental outcomes. A quasi-experimental design (pre-and post-follow-up with matched comparison condition) was used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on promoting positive change in four developmental domains (skills/knowledge, attitudes, orientations, exploration/commitment) related to identitydevelopment. The final set of participants comprised a matched sample of 92 youngsters, 46 in the intervention and 46 in the comparison condition. Quantitative results indicated that the intervention condition showed positive and significant gains from pre-to posttest on multiple indices, with a tendencytoward the “leveling off” of intervention gains at follow-up. A qualitative assessment of the impact of the intervention illustrated positive effects of the intervention as well as the possible obstacles to intervention efficacy.
Engineering cell motility via substrate incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol)

This study examined the modulation of cell migratory responsiveness to protein-adsorbed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) variant copolymers. To this end, fibronectin was adsorbed to equivalent levels on copolymers based on a family of tyrosine/PEG derived polycarbonates. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed unique protein distributions for each copolymer system, indicating that although equal amounts of ligand are presented, the concentration of PEG in the underlying substrate can effect the adsorbed ligand. Consequently, quantitation of fibronectin RGD-binding sites on the protein-adsorbed copolymers revealed that cell-binding sites were maximized at intermediate concentrations of PEG. Our migration studies demonstrated that increasing PEG in the copolymer increased cell speed monotonically up to an intermediate PEG level where a maximum speed was reached. After incubating cells on ligand adsorbed copolymers, higher PEG levels elicited equivalent number of cell-binding sites relative to those on intermediate levels of PEG. Integrin inhibition studies showed that /spl alpha//sub 5//spl beta//sub 1/ was critical in modulating the number of RGD sites. Our AFM data suggests that rearrangement at higher PEG levels was facilitated by electrostatic repulsion, effecting fibronectin slippage at the polymer surface as well as conformational rearrangement revealing addition al RGD binding sites. Overall, we report on the finding that cell migratory responsiveness to a given ligand concentration can be further manipulated via systematic ligand changes due to the substrate PEG composition.
Social-Emotional Competence in Young Children With Developmental Delays: Our Reflection and Vision for the Future

The authors provide a brief historical reflection on social-emotional competence intervention research along with their vision for future directions of intervention investigations for young children with developmental delays and difficulties. Specifically, they summarize “what we know” and “what we need to know” in the area of social-emotional development for young children with and without developmental difficulties. Finally, with respect to social-emotional interventions, the authors recommend careful investigation of service implementation in community-based programs.
Graph theoretic properties of networks formed by the Delaunay tessellation of protein structures.

The Delaunay tessellation of several sets of real and simplified model protein structures has been used to explore graph theoretic properties of residue contact networks. The system of contacts defined by residues joined by edges in the Delaunay simplices can be thought of as a graph or network and analyzed using techniques from elementary graph theory and the theory of complex networks. Such analysis indicates that protein contact networks have small world character, but technically are not small world networks. This approach also indicates that networks formed by native structures and by most misfolded decoys can be differentiated by their respective graph properties. The characteristic features of residue contact networks can be used for the detection of structural elements in proteins, such as the ubiquitous closed loops consisting of 22--32 consecutive residues, where terminal residues are Delaunay neighbors.
Carrier-Removal Comparison (n/p) and Functional Testing of Si and SiC Power Diodes

Commercial Si and 4H-SiC Schottky barrier power diodes were irradiated in the mixed neutron and gamma-ray radiation field of The Ohio State University research reactor (OSURR). The forward I-V characteristics were measured before and immediately after each successive irradiation, and the carrier-removal rates were compared, on the basis of NIEL, to a previous study, for which the same diode models were irradiated with a 203 MeV proton beam. In addition, a number of SiC Schottky barrier diodes were also irradiated in the OSURR and subsequently functionally tested in half-wave rectifier circuits, for which the voltage and current waveforms in the circuit were recorded. The results from the functional testing of these half-wave rectifier circuits were analyzed using results from I-V characterization, PSpice simulations, and an analytical formulation.
Efficient and Robust Feature Selection via Joint ℓ2,1-Norms Minimization

Feature selection is an important component of many machine learning applications. Especially in many bioinformatics tasks, efficient and robust feature selection methods are desired to extract meaningful features and eliminate noisy ones. In this paper, we propose a new robust feature selection method with emphasizing joint l2,1-norm minimization on both loss function and regularization. The l2,1-norm based loss function is robust to outliers in data points and the l2,1-norm regularization selects features across all data points with joint sparsity. An efficient algorithm is introduced with proved convergence. Our regression based objective makes the feature selection process more efficient. Our method has been applied into both genomic and proteomic biomarkers discovery. Extensive empirical studies are performed on six data sets to demonstrate the performance of our feature selection method.
Physiologic Response to Traumatic Shock

Traumatic injury results in major physiologic alterations that begin at the time of injury and persist until recovery is complete. The response of the body is divided into two phases--the acute phase and the flow phase. The acute phase is characterized by shock with changes in hormone concentration. These hormones, either alone or in combination, result in lipolysis, amino acid release, gluconeogenesis,, and glycolysis. The flow phase of injury is a catabolic process that is characterized by an increased protein metabolism. Hypermetabolism and increased nitrogen losses are seen. The magnitude of these alterations is directly related to the severity of injury. Tissues with the highest oxygen consumption are more susceptible to injury and death. Cellular function does not depend on oxygen alone but also on the ability of the cells to use available oxygen. If the body is unable to compensate through biochemical, hormonal, and metabolic activities, an irreversible state results unless appropriate interventions are instituted promptly.
Motivic structures on higher homotopy groups of hyperplane arrangements

In this note, we show the existence of motivic structures on certain objects arising from the higher (rational) homotopy groups of non-nilpotent spaces. Examples of such spaces include several families of hyperplane arrangements. In particular, we construct an object in Nori’s category of motives whose realization is a certain completion of \(\pi _{n}({\mathbb P}^{n} {\setminus } \{L_{1}, \ldots , L_{n+2}\})\) where the \(L_{i}\) are hyperplanes in general position. Similar results are shown to hold in Vovoedsky’s setting of mixed motives.
Adjusted multidisciplinary treatment against multiple colorectal liver metastasis may expand indication of intensive treatment to previously excluded elderly patients

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortalities, and liver metastases comprise the most frequently encountered distant metastases, which generally occur synchronously and metachronously with the rate of 10% and 15%, respectively. Recent development of various less invasive therapeutic approach against CRC, including laparoscopic operative procedures, radiofrequency ablation, and modified chemotherapy regimen not only improve the patients’ quality of life and survival, but also expand indication of intensive treatment to previously excluded elderly patients with reduced performance status. We focused on the feasibility and current status of adjusted multidisciplinary approach to multiple CRC liver metastases through a successfully treated elderly case with reduced performance status.
Mary Lyon’s X-inactivation studies in the mouse laid the foundation for the field of mammalian dosage compensation

Mary Frances Lyon was born in 1925 in Norwich, England. In 1943 she entered Girton College, a part of Cambridge for women and graduated in 1946. She started graduate school, with R. A. Fisher at Cambridge and then moved to the Institute of Animal Genetics at Edinburgh where C. H. Waddington had developed good facilities for mouse work. Lyon earned her Ph.D. in 1950 and remained at Edinburgh to work on the mutagenic effects of radiation. The project moved to Harwell in England because of the need for more space. Lyon moved with the project and became head of the genetics division in 1962. There she remained for the rest of her career. She received a number of honours for her work, including being made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1973; election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1979; receiving the Royal medal of the Royal Society in 1984 and the Wolf Prize in Medicine in 1997. She died on Christmas Day, 2014. In the first 10 years of her postdoctoral work she published several papers on mouse and radiation genetics and one in 1960 on the murine sex-linked mottled gene. This paper, entitled, ‘A further mutation of the mottled type in the house mouse’ was published in the Journal of Heredity (Lyon 1960). Though rarely quoted, is highly significant. In it, she concludes ‘This prompts the suggestion that in heterozygotes some event occurs at an early embryonic stage which determines whether the mutant or normal gene shall be active in each cell present at that time, and that the subsequent pattern depends on movement of the descendant cells. It is not possible to suggest what is the nature of this early event’. This ‘early event’ was specified a year later in a much quoted one page paper in Nature (1961). Lyon proposed that the mosaic phenotype of female mice heterozygous for some sex-linked
Experimental Investigation on a Two-Phase Pulse Detonation Rocket Engine With Solenoid Valves

In order to increase the operation frequency of a pulse detonation rocket engine (PDRE), a PDRE mockup with solenoid valve was designed whose diameter and length are 30mm and 1000mm respectively. The mockup was performed with liquid C10H21 as fuel, compressed oxygen as oxidizer and nitrogen as purge gas. The PDRE mockup can steadily operate at the frequency of 20~30Hz after taking such measures as selecting high-speed large flow solenoids, heating the fuel and assembling Shchelkin spiral. While the operation frequency is 30Hz, the peak value of detonation wave pressure is 2.2 MPa. The time-averaged thrust of PDRE increases almost linearly with the operation frequency. Nomenclature PDE = Pulse detonation engine PDRE = Pulse detonation rocket engine DDT = Deflagration-to-detonation transition P1 = Pressure at position 1 along the PDRE mockup Pi = Pressure at position i along the PDRE mockup det V = detonation wave speed x Δ = the distance of two adjacent pressure transducers t Δ = the time interval of the same pressure peaks arrived to two adjacent pressure transducers
Effects of cyanide anoxia on adrenal gland of the rat.

SummarySodium cyanide was administered in small repeated sublethal doses to rats. The resulting changes in the adrenal gland were hypertrophy and marked depletion of lipids in the inner zones of the cortex. This effect is identical with that of anoxic anoxia and occurs while the arterial oxygen tension is normal.
Abstract LB-41: Raising awareness of ovarian cancer: a rare disease with no screening test

Approximately 21,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually. Although a relatively rare disease, it is extremely difficult to detect as there is no screening test available. There are symptoms even in early stages which are dismissed by patients as not being serious and often initially being attributed to benign causes by health professional not aware of the symptom complex associated with ovarian cancer. Awareness is the only tool currently available to help improve detection. Lilies of the Valley, an ovarian cancer support and awareness group in Huntsville, Alabama, has as its mission to educate, raise awareness and disseminate information about ovarian cancer to ovarian cancer patients and survivors, the general public and the medical community in the Tennessee Valley region. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has its mission to remain objective in providing information to the ovarian cancer community; it does not endorse any particular treatment, therapy, clinical trial or product. These two organizations raise awareness through two very unique and innovative programs, TEAL Talks and the Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women9s Lives. This poster examines the roles of these organizations and these programs in improving early detection of ovarian cancer through patient and health professional awareness. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-41. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-41
Three Open Problems in Functional Equations

In this department the MONTHLY presents easiffiy stated unsolved problems dealing with notions ordinarEhy encountered in undergraduate mathematics. Each problem should be accompanied by relevant references (if any are known to the author) and by a brief descraption of known partial or related results. Typescrapts should be sent to Richard Guy, Department of Mathematacs & Statistacs, The Universaty of Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4.
Porous TiNi Synthesis from Elemental Powders

The shape memory alloy TiNi is produced by either Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) or by Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) of pure metal ingots for actuator applications. Powder metallurgy techniques provide an alternative fabrication route for their use in passive damping applications where porosity and deviations in chemical homogeneity can be tolerated. In this study TiNi compacts were cold pressed from the blended elemental powders and sintered in vacuum for varying times at temperatures from 800°C to 1000°C. Two heating rates were used, 5 K/min. and 10 K/min. A TiNi microstructure could be produced after annealing at 1000°C for 6 h., although some TiNi3 was still observed. Sintering above 900°C produced porous microstructures with green densities approaching 3.5 gm/cm3.
Political Efficacy and Familiarity as Predictors of Attitudes Towards Electric Transmission Lines in the United States

Abstract Public opposition to the construction (i.e., siting) of new high voltage overhead transmission lines is not a new or isolated phenomenon. Past research has posited a variety of reasons, applied general theories, and has provided empirical evidence to explain public opposition. The existing literature, while clarifying many elements of the issue, does not yet fully explain the complexities underlying this public opposition phenomenon. The current study demonstrated how two overlooked factors, people’s sense of political efficacy and their familiarity (i.e., prior exposure) with transmission lines, explained attitudes of support and opposition to siting new power lines.
Is automated weaning superior to manual spontaneous breathing trials

Weaning from mechanical ventilation involves the reduction or withdrawal of ventilatory support in proportion to the patient's ability to sustain spontaneous ventilation. Protocolized weaning has been shown to reduce weaning duration; however, its weakness lies in the reliance on human intervention. Automated weaning is theoretically superior to manual weaning because of its ability to rapidly recognize deviations from desired behavior and enforce compliance with a standardized weaning strategy unencumbered by external influences. Whether currently available methods for automated weaning fulfill that potential to achieve superiority depends on patient type, care environment, and cause of ventilator dependence.
Transforming the future of medicine.

Construction began this summer on a new School of Medicine research building that will be dedicated to interdisciplinary research into some of the most complex problems in human biology. The six-story building, which will house 138,000 square feet of highly flexible, open laboratories, has a June 2015 target date for completion.
Recent advances in breast cancer imaging

Mammography is the best technique currently available for early detection of breast cancer, but it has limitations. Several new techniques are under investigation that may provide valuable complementary images. This article discusses some of the most promising adjuncts to film-screen mammography, including digital mammography, ultrasound of the breast, breast MR, scintimammography and sentinel node lymphoscintigraphy.
Bent Bragg–Laue monochromator for high-energy X-rays

A bent Bragg–Laue monochromator (BLM) is proposed for high-energy X-ray (∼25–60 keV) beamlines. The BLM has the unique feature of bi-directional focusing. A sagittally bent Laue crystal can focus the large horizontal fan of a bending magnet or wiggler source. A meridionally bent Bragg crystal focuses the beam vertically and corrects for the anticlastic bending effects of the Laue crystal. This monochromator geometry relies on the crystal orientations being optimized. It is shown that the focusing condition and Rowland condition can be simultaneously satisfied at a given energy. Detailed ray tracings indicate that a BLM can provide similar energy resolution and higher flux density compared to a sagittally bent double-Laue monochromator configuration. A prototype BLM with a symmetric Bragg crystal and an asymmetric Laue crystal was tested. Matching of the bend radii of the two crystals in the meridional direction was demonstrated. In general, the horizontal acceptance of the sagittally bent Laue crystal is limited by the large curvature. This horizontal BLM acceptance could be increased by translating the Laue crystal along its sagittal bending axis.
Structural Insights into the Free-Standing Condensation Enzyme SgcC5 Catalyzing Ester-Bond Formation in the Biosynthesis of the Enediyne Antitumor Antibiotic C-1027.

C-1027 is a chromoprotein enediyne antitumor antibiotic, consisting of the CagA apoprotein and the C-1027 chromophore. The C-1027 chromophore features a nine-membered enediyne core appended with three peripheral moieties, including an (S)-3-chloro-5-hydroxy-β-tyrosine. In a convergent biosynthesis of the C-1027 chromophore, the (S)-3-chloro-5-hydroxy-β-tyrosine moiety is appended to the enediyne core by the free-standing condensation enzyme SgcC5. Unlike canonical condensation domains from the modular nonribosomal peptide synthetases that catalyze amide-bond formation, SgcC5 catalyzes ester-bond formation, as demonstrated in vitro, between SgcC2-tethered (S)-3-chloro-5-hydroxy-β-tyrosine and (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol, a mimic of the enediyne core as an acceptor substrate. Here, we report that (i) genes encoding SgcC5 homologues are widespread among both experimentally confirmed and bioinformatically predicted enediyne biosynthetic gene clusters, forming a new clade of condensation enzymes, (ii) SgcC5 sh...
Silica hermetic packages based on laser patterning and localized fusion bonding

We develop a hermetic package process based on laser machining that simultaneously achieves dicing and localized fusion bonding of stacked, patterned bulk silica wafers; this process enables rapid hermetic encapsulation of foundry CMOS/MEMS. Because of the extremely low thermal diffusivity of fused silica, as well as the localized and controllable nature of the laser spot illumination, the interwafer molten bond line penetrates less than 200 microns laterally into the device, sparing the CMOS chip the extreme heat of fusion bonding. Metallic feedthroughs can be incorporated without compromising the hermeticity of the package. Furthermore, excimer laser patterning of fused silica prior to bonding had 100x shorter processing time than patterned wet etching. Such fused silica hermetic packages have many favorable attributes; for example, the excellent chemical inertness enables biocompatibility, and the transparency at radio and optical frequencies enables wireless transmission through the package.
Unraveling the Complexity of Wildland Urban Interface Fires

Recent wildland urban interface fires have demonstrated the unrelenting destructive nature of these events and have called for an urgent need to address the problem. The Wildfire paradox reinforces the ideology that forest fires are inevitable and are actually beneficial; therefore focus should to be shifted towards minimizing potential losses to communities. This requires the development of vulnerability-based frameworks that can be used to provide holistic understanding of risk. In this study, we devise a probabilistic approach for quantifying community vulnerability to wildfires by applying concepts of graph theory. A directed graph for community in question is developed to model wildfire inside a community by incorporating different fire propagation modes. The model accounts for relevant community-specific characteristics including wind conditions, community layout, individual structural features, and the surrounding wildland vegetation. We calibrate the framework to study the infamous 1991 Oakland fire in an attempt to unravel the complexity of community fires. We use traditional centrality measures to identify critical behavior patterns and to evaluate the effect of fire mitigation strategies. Unlike current practice, the results are shown to be community-specific with substantial dependency of risk on meteorological conditions, environmental factors, and community characteristics and layout.
Aero-sol-gel reactor for nano-powder synthesis

This paper discusses a new approach to the synthesis of nano-structured oxides where sol-gel reactions are carried out in aerosol droplets. This aero-sol-gel (ASG) reactor allows for manipulation of the structure, chemical composition and surface area of silica powders through variation of process parameters. ASG powders differ in nanostructure from other continuous process powders such as pyrolytic and solution-route powders. ASG powders contain mesopores (>2-nm) and micropores (<2-nm), the mesopores being responsible for high surface areas measured by nitrogen adsorption using BET theory. Primary particles of close to molecular scale are believed to lead to exceedingly large specific surface areas on the order of 600-m2/g. These primary particles aggregate into nanometer scale mass-fractal aggregates that cluster in micron scale agglomerates. Under controlled reaction conditions the powder structure is reproducible as measured by small-angle X-ray scattering, SAXS, analysis. The ASG reactor displays transport effects similar to those previously seen in laminar flame reactors as evidenced by the effect of reactor geometry and reactant concentration on product structure.
Free-Stream Turbulence Effects on the Flow around an S809 Wind Turbine Airfoil

Two-dimensional Particle Image Velocimetry (2-D PIV) measurements were performed to study the effect of free-stream turbulence on the flow around a smooth and rough surface airfoil, specifically under stall conditions. A 0.25-m chord model with an S809 profile, common for horizontal-axis wind turbine applications, was tested at a wind tunnel speed of 10 m/s, resulting in Reynolds numbers based on the chord of Re c ≈ 182,000 and turbulence intensity levels of up to 6.14%. Results indicate that when the flow is fully attached, turbulence significantly decreases aerodynamic efficiency (from L/D ≈ 4.894 to L/D ≈ 0.908). On the contrary, when the flow is mostly stalled, the effect is reversed and aerodynamic performance is slightly improved (from L/D ≈ 1.696 to L/D ≈ 1.787). Analysis of the mean flow over the suction surface shows that, contrary to what is expected, free-stream turbulence is actually advancing separation, particularly when the turbulent scales in the free-stream are of the same order as the chord. This is a result of the complex dynamics between the boundary layer scales and the free-stream turbulence length scales when relatively high levels of active-grid generated turbulence are present.